Velma L. Wineland

Velma L. Wineland, age 102 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Evergreen Healthcare in Montpelier, Ohio. 
  
She was born in Williams County on August 15, 1923 to the late Clarence and Dora (Funk) Stantz and was a graduate of Ney High School. On November 11, 1944 she married Donald Wineland who preceded her in death on October 8, 2000. 
  
Velma was a faithful member of Ney United Methodist Church and Ney American Legion Auxiliary. She loved her involvement with the Ney United Methodist Women's Group. Velma worked for several years as a teller for Ney Banking Company. She enjoyed crocheting, plastic canvas projects, fishing and playing the piano. She loved her family and will be sadly missed by many.
  
Velma is survived by her children, Dean (Margie) Wineland of Ney, and Kay (Jim Hanrahan) Rife of Fort Dodge, Iowa, her grandchildren, Sara (Erik) Moening of Indiana, Seth (Anette) Wineland of Arizona, Amber Rife of Columbus, OH, and Julie Rife of Iowa, three great-grandchildren, Luc and Catherine Moening and Levi Wineland, and many nieces and nephews. 
  
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Lawrence "Bud" Stantz and great-granddaughter Lilly Moening.
  
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Pastor Brianna Geiger officiating. Velma will be laid to rest in Ney Cemetery. 
  
Memorials are suggested to the Ney United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  

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