Clara Mae Leininger

Clara Mae Leininger, 91, of Jackson Center, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 21, 2023. She was born in Shelby County, Ohio on July 14, 1932, to the late Paul and Marvel P. (Pence) Smith. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Ethel “Irene” Kah and her brothers: Joe P. Smith, Paul Smith Jr., Huber R. Smith, and David E, Smith; and her son-in-law, Kevin Chudyk.

On March 29, 1953, she married James H. Leininger, and he preceded her in death after 62 years of marriage on February 18, 2016.

Clara is survived by her daughters: Denise Ruwe, Joni Leininger, Dawn Chudyk, and Ann (Scott) Doseck all of Jackson Center; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Lois L. Young of Homosassa, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Clara was a 1950 graduate of Jackson Center High School and was a member of the Jackson Center Methodist Church. She put faith and family at the center of her life and she will be missed by so many.

Rev. Randal Bratka will officiate a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Jackson Center Methodist Church, 202 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334. Visitation will be one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A meal will immediately follow the service at the church. Procession to Glen Cemetery for an inurnment will follow the meal.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Center Methodist Church, 202 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334.

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, JACKSON CENTER is honored to serve the Leininger family.

HJR