L. Marie Meffley, 91, went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the Frieda House of Willow Ridge, Bluffton, Ohio. Marie was born in Montcoal, West Virginia on March 6, 1931 to the late Arlie and Lenora (Dravenstott) Milam.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, John Meffley; a son, Benjamin Lewis Stanley; her sisters, Joyce Faye Beasley, Viola Katherine Barry; brothers, Arlie Jr. Milam, Marvin Eugene Milam and Billy Joe Milam. She is survived by sisters, Betty Ann (Andrew) Pomeroy and Patricia Kay (James) Gonzalez both of San Antonio, Texas; a daughter, Barbara (Daniel) Steiner of Bluffton; step-children, Pamela (Larry) Preuter of Surprise, Arizona, Johanna (Larry) Chaffins of Palestine, Texas, Debra (Steve) Weygandt of Grove City, Ohio, Bruce (Diane) Meffley of Pandora; eleven grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Marie was most happy when she was working or volunteering. Her early work career began as a car hop in her hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, going on to learn to be a meat butcher at a local grocery. After moving to Elyria, Ohio, she began working at the local Kroger store, where she enjoyed talking to customers while checking out their groceries. Many times the customers would stand, waiting in her line so they could chat and catch up, while other cashiers had no customers. After moving to Bluffton, Ohio, she volunteered at the Mennonite Memorial Home in the craft room helping the residents sew/make items to be sold at the annual craft show. She volunteered at the Lima YWCA after marrying John Meffley and moving to Lima.
Marie was known for showing up with a bowl of potato salad at the door of a friend or neighbor who suffered the loss of a loved one or recently had a baby. She was generous with her time to those around her and was happiest when working or volunteering to help others. After retiring, she pursued oil painting, making baby quilts and using her sewing skills for her children and grandchildren.
Marie was a long time member of the Ebenezer Mennonite Church in Bluffton, Ohio.
A graveside memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery in Bluffton; all friends are welcome to attend. Dick Potter and Marie’s grandson, Phillip Steiner will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.be2live.org (her grandson’s ministry) or to the mission fund of Ebenezer Mennonite Church.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
