Winnifred “Winnie” A. Kleinknecht, 93, of Galion passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.
Born Aug. 4, 1922 in Akron, she was the third daughter of Charles “Ralph” and Clara (Blowers) Baird.
She was a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and attended Tiffin University. Winnie worked as an executive secretary at the former North Electric Company, Peabody College, CEMREL, Washington University and retired from Liebert in 1989. She was a member and volunteer at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Galion.
Winnie was a member of Crawford County Genealogical Society and received the Outstanding Officer award in 1996 and 2004. She was past treasurer, membership and obituaries chairperson, helped with their production of several publications and books and co-edited the monthly newsletter.
Winnie enjoyed gardening and wood working, loved to crochet afghans and made many quilts. Most of her projects were lovingly made to donate to Project Linus, Turning Point, Ohio Heartland Community Action and various other charitable agencies. She created several editions of the “BAIRD BOOK” to keep all family members updated with family genealogy, birthdays and contact information.
She is survived by daughter C. Christine Donnett, of Galion; granddaughter Terri L. Donnett, of Westerville; sister Roberta (Bill) Kolesar, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, sister-in-law Martha Baird, of San Diego, California, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by son-in-law Terry Donnett; brother Dean Baird, sisters and brothers-in-law Esther (Robert) Wagner, Marjorie (Donald) Keefer, Carol (Robert) Kuenzli and Marriann (Francis) Haines and brother-in-law Robert Buskirk.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2016 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Avenue West, Ontario, Ohio 44906 with Rev. Ash Welch officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church or charity of donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Winnie Kleinknecht, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
