Martha Jane Knisely, 82, of rural Fayette, died Sunday afternoon, June 19, 2016, at Fulton Manor in Wauseon. She was born February 22, 1934, in Wauseon to the late Theodore and Mearle (Dailey) Leininger. She married Darrel Knisely on June 14, 1952, in Fayette, and he survives.
A 1952 graduate of Gorham-Fayette High School, Jane married Darrel on the family farm soon after graduation, where they made their home throughout their married life. Jane spent 81 years of her life on that farm, primarily serving as a homemaker and seamstress, but also helping with the family dairy operations. Additionally, she worked for several years as a caterer with Marilyn Short’s Catering Service. Jane also served on the Gorham Township Election Board for nearly 50 years and was a longtime member of the Archbold Evangelical Church.
In addition to her husband of 64 years, Jane is survived by her children Denise Knisely of Defiance, OH; Dennis (Susan) Knisely of Fayette, OH; DeeAnn Simmons of Delta, OH; and David (Tracy) Knisely of Fayette, OH; five grandchildren, Tarelle (Chad) Pennington, Michelle (Beau) Chinn, Kirk (Sarah) Simmons, Kristoffer (Kelsey) Knisely, and Katie Knisely; five great-grandchildren, Emileigh, Alicen, Elizabeth, and Annabeth Pennington, Jacen Simmons, and one on-the-way.
In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy and Claire Leininger; five sisters, Florence Ziegler, Dorothy Meehan, Rita Stonebreaker, Marilyn Sarnac, and Doris Ely; and a son-in-law, Louie Simmons.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place Sunday, June 26, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., at the family farm. A celebration of life open house will follow from 2-6 p.m.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorial donations in honor of Jane to Fulton Manor. Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
