Deloris May Clerico

Deloris May Prater Clerico, 70, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 8:13 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at her home. She was born in Dayton, Ohio on December 25, 1954, a daughter of the late Harold Prater and Nancy Marie (Henson) Prater.

Deloris was a loving devoted Christian who gave her heart to the Lord.

On August 10, 2017, Deloris married Paul Clerico in Columbus, Ohio and he survives, along with five children, Teresa (Phil) Schroeder, Stephanie Holsinger, William (Melissa) Clerico, Forrest (Jolene) Clerico, and Meadow Clerico (Jerry Gomez) ; 21 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine (George) Slusher, and Joyce Armstrong; two brothers, Ron (Marcella) Prater, and Kenneth Wayne Prater; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Deloris was preceded in death by her daughter, Chassity “Chazz” Dawn Gibson Hamilton; a great grandchild; and two sisters, Rosetta Lemons, and Virginia Lee Kaufman.

Deloris had worked as a dietary aide at a local nursing home. She was a licensed real estate agent after completing her studies at Sinclair Community College. She was a talented artist and cook who enjoyed feeding and caring for others. Deloris possessed a profound sense of humor and was passionate about her entire family.

The LORD Is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.

Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 210 W. Hayes Street in DeGraff, where Brother Nathan Price will officiate a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Cremation will follow services.

SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, DEGRAFF is honored to care for Deloris’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or kind message with the family at www.sanfordfuneralhome.com.