Naomi “Elizabeth” Pontius Schubach, 99, passed into God’s kingdom Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Born June 19, 1922 to Rahla and Ruby (Rutherford) Pontius, Elizabeth was raised in an octagon house near Green Springs, graduated in 1940 from Green Springs High School and attended Bowling Green State University (her mother’s Normal School Alma Mater), before teaching in the Jackson-Amsden School District. She completed her degree in 1966, during a 31-year teaching career at Green Springs Elementary School, and one year before her own daughter continued their BG legacy.
On Christmas Eve, 1944, she married Donald Schubach and they raised two daughters. After Don’s death in 2000, Elizabeth moved closer to her daughter’s family in Grove City and began volunteering well into her 80’s as a reading specialist at Buckeye Woods Elementary School.
A member of several active and retired teachers’ organizations, Elizabeth served as President of the Sandusky County Ohio Retired Teacher’s Association in 1987-1988. She was a 75+-year member of Green Springs’ Eastern Star Icedore Chapter #299, she and Don serving several times as Worthy Matron and Patron. She served a year as their Eastern Star District’s President. She belonged to the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Ohio and was a lifelong member of the Green Springs United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir before transferring to the choir in Grove City’s United Methodist Church for several years. In Grove City Elizabeth enjoyed daily lunches at the Senior Center and traveled with the group to Italy, adding to Spain a second European destination in her lifetime, and to the many other places she and Don visited together. At 95 Elizabeth began her final four years of life at Story Point Senior Living Center enjoying good food, wonderful care, many activities in the company of the many dear friends she made there.
Preceding her in death were her parents (her mother at 98); her husband, Don; and a year ago, at 95, her brother James Pontius of Bloomfield Hills, MI; her son-in-law, Richard Calland and her grandson-in-law, Thomas Burnett.
Elizabeth leaves behind daughters, Janett Calland and Beverly (Leon) Barrick; sister-in-law, Norma Pontius; six grandchildren, Rhonda, Cheryl and Rob Driscoll, Jennifer (nee Barrick) Burnett, David Barrick and Dr. Lindsey (nee Barrick) (Mike) Groskoph; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Visitation: Sunday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 211 North Broadway St., Green Springs, OH.
Services: Monday, December 6, 2021, 11:00 am at Green Springs United Methodist Church with one hour of visitation at church prior to the service, 117 N. Broadway St, Green Springs, OH.
Burial: Saint Jacob Cemetery, Republic, OH
Memorials can be made to Operation Smile; ASPCA or Green Springs United Methodist Church.
Online Condolences may be expressed to the family below.
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Paul Rutherford
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Schubach’s passing. I fondly remember her singing in the GS Methodist church choir along with husband Don. My condolences to daughters Janett and Beverly and family.
Sincerely,
Paul Rutherford
Gahanna, OH
Sarge Garcia
So sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful lady.
Sarge Garcia
Monte Huss
So sorry for your loss. She was a great teacher and fine lady. Prayers for you all.
Barb McWilliams Steward
Years ago I got to know Elizabeth and Don when I was in Eastern Star. They were Matron and Patron in Green Springs and I was Matron in Bellevue. Elizabeth was sort of a mentor to me when I substitute taught at the Green Springs school. Many fond memories of Elizabeth. Sending love and blessings.
Peggy Heider
I knew Elizabeth as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Vice-President of the State Association when I served as President. She was a good friend to everyone and great lady. I have good memories of our friendship.
Rest in Peace.
Shelly metz
I am thinking of all you. Sending many hugs ❤️
David Stuckey
Beverly, Janet and family,
I am so sorry to hear this. What a wonderful life for a wonderful woman. She was one of my favorite teachers (first grade) and a great friend of my parents and family. Cherish the memories.
Teresa Jett
I enjoyed taking care of Elizabeth as a caregiver up on the IL side at StoryPoint. I’m so sorry for your loss, and will miss her tremendously. She was such a inspiration in how she never let her health keep her from doing what she wanted to do. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.