Marie C. MelchingMANSFIELD: Marie C. Melching, 89, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Powell, Ohio, on what would have been her 70th wedding anniversary. She was born on December 23, 1926 to Adam and Caroline (Zimmerman) Holzworth in Mansfield, Ohio.Marie retired from Ohio Eye as an Optician at age 71, and has spent the last three winters in Colorado with her daughters. She is best known for her delicious banana nut bread, but she also enjoyed making cookies and hard-crack candy every Christmas. She never showed up at a home without a gift of homemade goodies for her hostess. Marie was the oldest of her siblings, and naturally fell into the role of family matriarch and truly was the "glue" that held people together. She also visited and cared for those who couldn't leave their homes, from extended family to church members. Marie was devout in her faith and was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and was involved in social ministry. She also took seven mission trips to Central and South America, after her retirement, to offer aid in optical medicine. Marie had an amazing wit and her smile could light up an entire room. Her smile will be missed dearly. A courageous woman, her spirit remained young, and she was always willing to try something new. From yoga in her pearls, to zip-lining in Costa Rica at age 88, she remains an inspiration to all who knew her.Marie is survived by her four children, James L (Jolene) Melching of Mansfield, Susan (David Ryan) Melching of Longmont, CO, Lindsey J. (Kay) Melching of Powell, OH and Nina C. Smith of Longmont, CO; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Stiverson, Seth Melching, Stacie Moore, Jonathan (Carly) Ryan, Michael Holmes, Kyle Holmes and Seth Holmes; siblings, Evelyn Bemiller, Lena Rose Holzworth and Marjorie (Bert Davis) Roush; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by, her husband of 67 years, James H. Melching; siblings, Lawrence Holzworth and Eleanor Borsani.Friends may call from 2:00-4:00 p.m on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m, with an hour prior of visitation on Monday October 31, 2016 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2010 Park Avenue West Mansfield, officiated by Rev. Richard Beal. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com