R. Choleene Leinker, 86, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 6:10 a.m. Sunday May 25, 2014, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City.  

Born on Oct. 26, 1927, in South Whitley, Ind., she was the daughter of Harold and Marjory M. (Ramsey) Warner. 

She lived in South Whitley until 1941 then moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., for 10 years, where she attended North Side High School, before moving to St. Petersburg, Fla. She then moved to North Webster, Ind., where she lived until 2000, finally settling at her present home in Columbia City.  

Choleene married Elmer G. Leinker on May 24, 1945, in Fort Wayne. She worked many places when living in South Whitley, Fort Wayne and Florida. Her last employment was at Owens-Illinois until retirement in 1988.

She attended New Hope Wesleyan Church. Choleene’s memberships include Old Bats in Red Hats, Whitley County Homemakers Extension Club, Theo Club, Silver Striders and AARP. 

Survivors include her son: Jim (Martha) Leinker, Charlotte, N.C.; daughter: Candy (Dennis) Shively, Leesburg, Ind.; grandchildren: Tammy (Warren) Hawkins, Jackson, Mich.; Greg Teghtmeyer and Jennifer (Joshua) Boren, both of Winona Lake, Ind.; Aaron (Allison) Leinker, Charlotte, N.C.; and Julie Norris, San Francisco, Calif.; great-grandchildren: Joseph and Jeff Hawkins, Heather (Cody) Adams, Whitney, Noah, Riley and Silas Boren and Alexander and Andrew Leinker; great-great-granddaughter: Elizabeth Adams; brother: Bob (Marion) Warner, Fort Wayne; and several nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her husband: Elmer G. Leinker; and her parents: Harold and Marjory M. (Ramsey) Warner.

In following with Choleene’s wishes there will be no visitation or services.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Leinker’s memory may be given to Whitley County Senior Center.

Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.