Nova M. Openlander, 86, Defiance, died March 4 at Twin Rivers Nursing Center in Defiance. She was born in Defiance County on May 14, 1900 to James and Emma (Place) Johnston. She married Van Openlander in 1926, and he died in 1970. Surviving are a son, Stanley of Malinta; a daughter, Ann Bauer of Defiance; a sister, Olka Maxwell of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and two grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Carrie Spiess and Grace McCormick; six brothers, Harry, Vier, Paul, Dallas and Vern Johnston. A lifelong Defiance County resident, Mrs. Openlander was a member of Defiance American Legion and United Methodist Church in Sherwood. Services were held March 7 at the church with the Rev. Jack Corn officiating. Interment was in Sherwood Cemetery.