Winnifred 'Winnie' E. Kotschwar

Oct. 27, 1922--Aug. 27, 2005

KETTERING, Ohio -- Winnifred "Winnie" E. Kotschwar, 82, passed away Saturday (Aug. 27, 2005) at the Kettering Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 27, 1922, to Lawrence M. and Auretta I. Welborn at the family farm in Red Willow County. She graduated from Lebanon High School and McCook Junior College. Winnie obtained her teaching certificate and taught grades three and four from 1942 until 1946.

She married Paul L. Kotschwar on Dec. 1, 1946. After residing in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, they moved to Ohio in 1956.

Winnie was a longtime member of the Sugar Creek Presbyterian church and was active in its programs, including volunteering at the Dayton Mental Health Center for more than 30 years, teaching Sunday school, teaching Vacation Bible School, and supporting various youth programs and participating in Presbyterian Women's Association circles. Winnie was also a girl scout leader.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul in 1996; sisters, Virena "Rene" Creasman, Arlene Elmer, Lucile Gragg and Joyce Welborn; brothers, Russel Welborn, James "Gib" Welborn and Carl Welborn; and son-in-law, Chuck Maue.

Winnie is survived by her children, James Kotschwar and wife, Toni of Oak Harbor, Wash., Jeanine Kotschwar of Grand Forks, N.D., Jo-Ellen and husband, Rick Fannin of Spring Valley, Ohio, and Paula Maue of Bellbrook, Ohio; grandchildren, Brooke and Joe Stout of Seattle, Wash., Brett Kotschwar of San Diego, Calif., Mary Wynne Kotschwar of Seattle, Jordan and Jesse Lindholm of Grand Forks, Ben and Caroline of Los Angeles, Calif., Lea Fannin of Spring Valley, Laura and Emily Maue of Bellbrook; sisters, Leah Warner of Tampa, Fla., and Auretta Parker of Littleton, Colo.; brother, Rex Welborn and wife, Marilyn of Faribault, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Jo Welborn of Norton, Mary Helen Quick of Alliance and Jennie Lou (Eldon) Cook of Federal Way, Wash.; and numerous loving relatives and friends.

Winnie was a loving, generous woman who touched all who knew her.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, 5-8 p.m., at Routsong Funeral Home (2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering). Memorial services will take place Thursday, 11 a.m., at the Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church. Private family burial will be at Mount Zion Park Cemetery in Bevercreek, Ohio.

In memory of Winnie, contributions may be made to the Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (4417 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH 45440).

Condolences and/or flowers may be sent to the family via the web site at www.routsong.com.

Routsong Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.