Marlene F. Leininger, 77, of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center in Defiance.  
  
She was born on December 18, 1938 to Herbert and Mary (Miller) Leininger in Pulaski Township, Ohio. Marlene was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Defiance. She was a 1957 graduate of Ayersville High School.  Marlene worked at the Defiance Hospital and held many different positions, and retired after 47 years of service. She enjoyed word search puzzles and going out for coffee with fellow retirees.
  
Marlene will be sadly missed by her family; son Jeff Leininger, and daughter Michelle Leininger, both of Defiance,  brothers Jay (Rita) Leininger of Defiance, and Allen Leininger of Florida, sisters, Jean (Lee) Hall of Fitzgerald, Georgia, Rose (Bill) Waxler of Defiance, and Vikki (Marvin) Mast of Archbold.
  
She was preceded in death by parents Mary and Herbert Leininger, brother Chuck Leininger, and sister Sharon Haines.
  
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. A Memorial services will follow at 3:00 pm on Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. William Stottlemyer officiating.
  
Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.