Marcia Jean Leininger, 79, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly at 10:12 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at Majestic Care of West Allen, where she was admitted for rehabilitation on April 14, 2022.

She was born on April 5, 1943, in Fort Wayne, IN, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Mary Alice (Pritchard) Giessler. Growing up in Thorncreek Twp., she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1961.

On February 3, 1963, she was united in marriage to Marlin Donald Leininger. They have always made their home in Columbia City.

With her love of children, she owned and operated Leininger Day Care at her home for over 45 years retiring in 2020. She liked to crochet and kept her home adorned with seasonal decorations. Always on the lookout for new decorating and craft ideas, she would attend area garage sales and was a regular watcher of the QVC network. Cooking delicious meals for the family always brought joy. In her downtime, she would watch old westerns or comedy shows.

Surviving is her husband of 59 years, Marlin; children, Debora Bridegam, Michael (Carol) Leininger, David Leininger, all of Columbia City, and Lori (William) Leeuw of South Whitley; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a brother, Gordan Giessler, and a grandson, Derek Bridegam.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will take place at a later date at the South Park Annex Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Cancer Services of NE Indiana.