Dr. Laura Ann Schaaf

Dr. Laura A. Schaaf of Attica, Ohio passed away in the Emergency Room at Tiffin Mercy Hospital at 11:37 A.M. on Saturday December 14, 2024 with family present around her.  Laura was born on Good Friday, April 12, 1963 to the late Dr. Kenneth & Dr. Carolyn Schaaf of Attica. Laura was most recently the owner and chef at The Rustic Pearl Café in Attica.

Laura is survived by her three siblings, Dr. Gene Schaaf , Vicki Wagner (Joseph), and Dr. Gary Schaaf, all of Attica, a nephew, Riley Wagner (Grove City) and two nieces, Hannah and Adelyn Wagner (Attica).  She is also survived by her best friend, business partner, and Sister in Christ, Connie Jo Thrush, as well as her help-mate and employee at The Rustic Pearl – Austin Moncrief.  She is additionally survived by her aunts and uncles, Dolores (Howard) Bauer of Willard, Linda (Chuck) Wentz of Spicewood, Texas, Eldon Enders of Republic, Dennis (Donna) Enders of Attica, Melvin Enders of Attica, Karl (Carol) Schaaf of Willard and Karol (Bob) Kirgis of Willard.  She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, sister, Christy L. Schaaf, sister-in-law, Daphne Schaaf, uncle, Gene Enders, and aunt, Jeanette Enders.

Laura was a 1982 graduate of Seneca East High School, attended the University of Toledo, and graduated in 1991 from the Ohio College of Massotherapy. She also graduated from the Michigan School of Colon Hydrotherapy and became Nationally Board Certified (NBCHT) in 2002, continued her education as a Certified National Health Professional in 2006, and graduated from the Trinity School of Natural Health becoming a Dr. of Naturopathy in April 2011.  

Laura and Connie opened Peace at Hand, an Alternative Health Center in Attica, in 2006 offering massage, colon hydrotherapy, and other alternate modalities, with Laura as the massage therapist.  She practiced massage for nearly 30 years until giving up massage in 2021 to follow her second passion of cooking, preparing meals, and feeding her community.  Laura continued her education, becoming a Certified Raw Food, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo and Keto Chef.  In 2017, Laura and Connie purchased the former church and Mason building in Attica to renovate and open a café and small venue rental space.   After seven years of work, Laura’s pride and joy, the Rustic Pearl Café and JCrRock small venue rental was opened in April 2024 fulfilling her dream of opening a restaurant in her hometown of Attica.

Laura loved animals, especially dogs and if she didn’t have one or more of her own pets, she would find one or “adopt” yours for the day.   Laura was mom to many dogs over the years and leaves her current baby, golden-doodle – Maggie May.

Funeral Services for Laura will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at Lindsey-Shook Funeral Home, Bloomville, Ohio. Visitation will be 2:00-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 19, 2024, and also for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Seneca County Humane Society.

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