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BORN

1940

DIED

2024

Sylvia VanAtta Obituary

Sylvia (Greer) VanAtta

Millions recently watched a total lunar eclipse. The family of Sylvia (Greer) VanAtta, 83, experienced a forever eclipse when she peacefully passed in her sleep Sunday, April 7, 2024, at home.

Sylvia was born Aug. 30, 1940, in Scarbro, West Virginia, to Ballard Greer and Linda (Meade) Greer. She was one of 15 surviving children. Sylvia was a strong and feisty woman with a ready laugh. She had been known for her red hair and bouffant hairdos. She was a true fashionista before that word existed. When younger, she liked to dance, socialize, and play euchre. She was a caring and hardworking nurse's aide at Bluffton Mennonite Home and later at Arlington Good Samaritan Center. Sylvia retired as a food sample and demonstrator from Sam's Club in Lima. She greatly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She looked forward to reunions with her large extended family. She loved greatly and was greatly loved in return.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Rita Gould and MeLinda Steele, both of Cincinnati, Keith (Kelly) Risner of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and George (Michelle) Risner of Mt. Cory; stepchildren, Diane (Dale) Nicholson of Williamstown, Linda (Art) Kloop of Tiffin, Greg VanAtta of Arcadia, and Dan (Cindy) VanAtta of Kenton; daughters-in-law, Pam Risner of Rawson and Jody VanAtta of Port St. Lucie, Florida; 34 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Gwendolyn (Paul) Crowe, Burl (Joan) Greer, Marlene Hurt, Gerelene (Ross) Draper, Alvin (Julie) Greer, and Audrey Greer; and numerous other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John VanAtta; first husband, George Risner; son, Michael Risner; stepson, Steve VanAtta; granddaughter, Danielle VanAtta; brothers, Claude, Harold, Merlin, Carl, Melvin, and Don; and sisters, Phyllis Greer and Neola Zechman.

Sylvia wished to be cremated.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, until the time of Sylvia's celebration of life at 1 p.m. at Arlington United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.browndawsonflick.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Courier on Apr. 16, 2024.

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Memorial Events
for Sylvia VanAtta

May

4

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Arlington United Methodist Church

OH

May

4

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Arlington United Methodist Church

OH

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