Crescent-News.com - Jack Palmer - That's one tough angel in heaven

JACK PALMER palmer@crescent-news.com

Becky D'Ambrosia badly wanted to attend today's benefit in her behalf at the UAW Local 211 hall in Defiance.

Everyone else said she wouldn't be in any condition to make the long trip from Arizona, but D'Ambrosia had beaten longs odds before.

She was the six-county area's first-ever female district qualifier in high school wrestling and followed that up as a four-year starter for Cumberland College, one of the top women's wrestling programs in the country.

She was even more tenacious against her latest foe -- cancer.

"I have a strong faith and that has carried me through the tough days," D'Ambrosia told me in phone interview last month from her hospice center bed. "I know I will be okay regardless of what happens."

D'Ambrosia, a 2001 graduate of Ayersville High School and daughter of Frank and Susan D'Ambrosia of Archbold, was diagnosed was cervical cancer in March. She underwent surgery in April, but the cancer spread to her entire abdominal cavity.

Her relentless determination was displayed most recently when she was married Sept. 10 to her fiancé, Stephen Freeman.

"It was the happiest day of my life," said D'Ambrosia. "The hospital went out of their way to make it happen. Steve is a special and caring guy who would do anything for me."

She wore a resplendent white gown with rhinestone, veil and tiara. Doctors and nurses took time out of their days to attend. The hospital arranged for a professional photographer, supplied flowers and decorations, and prepared a full reception buffet.

"She gleamed that day, she really lit up in that dress," said her mother.

Becky D'Ambrosia died peacefully four days ago. Today's benefit, planned for over a month, will take place as scheduled.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and includes a hog roast, bake sale, Monte Carlo night, corn hole tournament, kids games, 50/50 raffle and live music. Proceeds will be used for her medical bills and family travel expenses.

Family members always said Becky would be there today in spirit. They were right.

* * * * *

Happy 90th, Dr. Fran: Former Defiance resident Dr. Francis Lenhart celebrated his 90th birthday last week with family and friends at a Wood County restaurant.

Lenhart, who now lives in Bowling Green, was born at St. Michael's Ridge in Defiance County's Adams Township. One of 12 children, he attended St. Michael's Catholic parish and school. He went on to graduate from Jewell High School, Defiance College and Case Western Reserve Medical School.

Fran and his brother, Ben, became doctors. Ben practiced in Defiance from 1968-93. Ben's son, Dr. Peter Lenhart, has practiced medicine in Defiance since early 2000.

Seven of Fran's and Ben's sisters became nurses. The other three siblings became a farmer, lab technician and x-ray technician.

After serving as a captain in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, Dr. Fran came back to practice medicine in Defiance. He served as the county's first full-time health commissioner and dealt with the polio epidemic. Sometimes he performed 30 spinal taps a week on children in their homes.

He made hundreds of other house calls over his 56-year professional career, never turning anyone away. He delivered literally thousands of babies, many of whom may be reading this column.

In addition to his practice, he served as county coroner for 26 years and team physician for Defiance College and Defiance and Tinora High Schools. He retired on Christmas Eve, 1999.

"Francis still reads several books a week," reports Defiance resident Emilie Lenhart, wife of the late Dr. Ben Lenhart. "He stays mentally active by keeping up with medicine, religion, politics and local history."