Andrea C. Wirt

Andrea Clair Wirt (Andy) passed away on August 28, 2022 at Blanchard Valley Hospital. She was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on June 9, 1939, the only child of the late Ralph S. and Ernestine (Hadsell) Harden. She was raised in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated valedictorian from Dubuque Senior High in 1957. She attended the State University of Iowa (SUI) for one year, then when her parents moved to Cleveland, transferred to BGSU. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1961 with a BS degree in Speech Therapy. She worked for 26 years as a speech therapist/speech language pathologist in the public schools of Elyria, Findlay, Upper Sandusky and Lima, retiring in 2007 when paperwork became more important than the children she loved.

On February 2, 1970, she married David A. Wirt in the Salt Lake (Utah) Temple. He survives along with their 5 children: Shayna Wirt (Al Freno) of Findlay; Dale (Alison) Wirt, Findlay; Russell (Jodi) Wirt, Columbus; Brian (Carol) Wirt, Deshler; and Carolyn (Ronnie) Bowlin, Powell, and his children: Mark (Lisa) Wirt, Grangeville, Idaho; Krista (Terrial) Staley, Clinton, Utah; and John (Debbie) Wirt, Bend, Oregon. They have 14 well-loved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Andy served in many callings, mostly dealing with youth. For many years she was a Cub Scout leader and loved Cub Scout Day Camp where she delighted in being known as Ancient Tortoise. She was thrilled when, while volunteering in a school in Ada, a young boy called out, “Hi, Old Turtle!” After retiring from teaching, she spent much time at 50 North, the Senior Center, taking exercise classes despite increasing physical limitations and participating in crafts, coloring and choir. By far her favorite activity area was performing arts where she regularly shared her talents in interpretive reading and improv acting.

Friends and family may visit from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419-422-1500). Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 2 with visitation one hour prior (1: 00 – 2:00 p.m.) at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Andy’s name may be made to 50 North. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.