Marie Winnestaffer

Marie Winnestaffer, 82, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after a brief illness. Born in tiny Drumm Bottoms, Ohio, on March 27, 1942, to Clyde L. and Leota M. Reincheld, Marie dedicated much of her life to her family and faith. She worked at Sears and Company for 18 years before retiring to care for her cherished grandchildren. Marie was a devoted member of Crossroads United Methodist Church, where she actively participated in the choir, the food pantry, funeral luncheons, and Bible School. She acted as Head Usher and Communion Steward through the years. She volunteered in the church office weekly, folding bulletins and mailing out those bulletins to members who could no longer attend service. She enjoyed adding stickers and a short note to cheer the recipient’s day. She led the Altar committee for many years, and trained numerous acolytes to light candles for the service. As part of the Prayer Partners group, she formed a special bond with 4-year-old Bella, continuing to be a guiding presence in Bella’s life as she grew into adulthood. Marie lived out her Christian faith daily, offering prayers for those she loved and trusting that God would care for them. Marie enjoyed family trips to Graceland, Gatlinburg, Frankenmuth, Seattle and Niagara Falls. But the spot she loved most was her backyard swing, watching the hummingbirds and the clouds, or listening to a thunderstorm. She enjoyed garage sales and thrifting, always looking to add tchotchkes to her hummingbird, windchime and snowmen collections. When her children were young, she supported them by attending numerous baseball games and band or choir concerts. She was their rock even into adulthood, always offering them a soft place to fall. Recently, she discovered she enjoyed watching golf with her son, who patiently explained the game to her. Her family will deeply miss her special Red Velvet Cake and her “naughty boxes” of carefully curated candy and treats at Christmas, personally selected for each family member. Although she could be a bit cantankerous at times, those who knew her understood that her strong opinions were part of what made her so beloved. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Winnestaffer, Jr.; her mother, Leota M. Brown; her father, Clyde L. Reincheld; and her grandson, Brandon Markus Winnestaffer. She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Christi) Clifford; son, Mark Winnestaffer; grandchildren, Amy and Lainey Griffith; brothers, Lester Reincheld and Charles Brown; and many other family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday April 3, 2025 from 10AM to 12PM with a Celebration of Life Service starting 12PM at the Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1100 S. Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crossroads UMC food pantry or the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.