Duretha Marie [Fogarascher] McLaughlin, 85, of Salem, Ohio, better known as “Nan” to close family and friends, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at 7:36 AM. She was born on January 27th, 1936 in Alliance. She spent her last days surrounded by her loving family, whom she cared for deeply, in the comfort of her granddaughter’s home in Minerva.
To further her memory, Duretha leaves behind her children, Sue [McLaughlin] Sowers and Pat (Janie Johnson) McLaughlin, grandchildren, Josh (Emily Lynch) Sowers, Beth (Matt) [Sowers] Blanchard, Keli (Craig Spahr) McLaughlin, and Aaron (Jenna) McLaughlin, as well as many loving great-grandchildren (Becca, Grace, Lily, Kyla, Oliver, Grayden, Griffin, and Ivory).
Duretha was preceded in death by her husband, Terry McLaughlin, her mother and father, Alberta Toledo [Angle] Fogarascher and Ernest John Fogarascher, two brothers, Robert and Curt McLaughlin, and her granddaughter, Sarah Victoria Sowers.
Those who knew Nan knew what a firecracker she could be. She could be seen at any given time doting on the grandkids and great-grandkids: rough-housing and teaching them all the funny things she would never have let her own kids do. Her family lovingly referred to her as “Ninja Nan,” as she was small but mighty, and tough as nails. What Nan said went, and the love she taught her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, will continue for many years to follow.
Duretha lived a life she considered very fulfilling. From her time as a young woman going on countless mission trips to Haiti and Guatemala with her late husband, owning a local grocery store called Famous Market in Salem, OH, managing numerous rental properties, and raising a family, to her years working at Serenity House as a caregiver, which she recalled with such love, and finally, to retirement, where she got to enjoy every day with her family, she always found a way to keep busy and enjoy each day to its fullest potential.
Duretha greatly valued her faith in God. She could often be found with a Bible in her lap and was always a consistent example of what selfless love looked like. She spent her life effortlessly caring for others in a way not many could. She also showed so much love through her passion for crocheting, as nearly everyone who knew Nan has at least one handmade item that was truly full of all her love.
Rather than memorial services, Duretha requested that her family be together and spread her ashes to be with her beloved late granddaughter, Sarah. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to EDI Client Central Council at 8330 County Home Rd., Lisbon, OH 44432 or Community Hospice located at 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. These donations will benefit clients and patients at facilities near and dear to Duretha and her family’s hearts.
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