Wava M. Kirtland, age 99, of Findlay, passed away at 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at the Heritage Nursing Home. She was born to the late Dwight and Clarabelle (Harris) Stotts in Bluffton, Ohio on March 27, 1924. She married the love of her life, Norman E. Kirtland on May 28, 1945 and he preceded her in death on April 20, 2000.

Surviving are daughter, Debra (Kirtland) Schlachter of Findlay, Ohio; and an estranged son, Kenneth Kirtland of Findlay, Ohio; five grandchildren, Joseph, Jesse, and Kelley Schlachter, Jennifer (Rob) Kirtland-Frankart and Andy Kirtland; and five great-grandchildren, Ava, Alexina, Fiona, Zachary and Ashley.

Preceding her in death is her beloved son-in-law, David "Packy" Schlacter and two very special cousins, Lois Clay of Traverse City and Treva Crawford of Bluffton, Ohio.

Wava was a graduate of the Class of 1942 at Bluffton High School. She was a homemaker and worked as a switch board operator at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company for many years.

Wava and Norm enjoyed fishing at Lake Erie, and growing and canning their prized tomatoes. 

It was Wava's desire to be cremated.  A graveside memorial service be held at Benton Ridge Cemetery, Benton Ridge, Ohio. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023 with the Rev. Benjamin Lowell officiating.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt and sincere “Thank You” to the staff at the Heritage for their special care that they provided Wava over the past eight years. 

Memorials may be made to the Heritage Nursing Home, 2820 Greenacre Drive, Findlay, Ohio 45840.

Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com/