Winifred C. Staley, 91, of Bluffton, died at 11:22 a.m. Aug. 26, 2012, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. She was born May 3, 1921 in Bath Township, Allen County to Charles L. and Mollie Johnson Mason.
On July 3, 1941 she married Russell D. Staley and he survives. Mrs. Staley was a homemaker. Winifred and Russell celebrated their 71st anniversary with their annual family picnic and softball game. She attended County Line Church of the Brethren, Harrod, was a member of the Lafayette Eastern Star and served on the Republican Central Committee more than 50 years. She was a 1939 graduate of Lafayette-Jackson High School.
Survivors also include three sons, Thad (JoAnn) Staley of Bluffton, Dana (Pamela) Staley of Lafayette, Matt (Jill) Staley of Lima, three daughters, Rita (Robert) Holman of Lafayette, Jane (Bill Ellerbrock) Rayl of Lafayette, Gina (Todd) Burley of Bluffton, 18 grandchildren, Pam (Dennis) Lange, Lucinda (Kurt) Krendl, Randy (Amy) Staley, Ryan (Kimberly) Staley, Mason Staley, Hannah Staley, Cale (Debra) Holman, Ron (Kimberly) Holman, Colleen (John) Bodin, Mollie (Scott) Gonder, Samantha (Dan) Reminger, Amanda (Aaron) Markley, Skyler Rayl, Cameron (Rachael) Staley, Rachel (Kenny) Foust, Dylan Burley, Abigail Burley, Madilyn Burley, 33 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.
She was preceded in death by a great grandchild and four siblings, Lawrence Mason, Helen Baldwin, Richard Mason and Marjorie Wildermuth.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at the County Line Church of the Brethren, Harrod. Rev. Tom Dearth will officiate. Burial will be in Lafayette Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the County Line Church of the Brethren. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
