Erma Lee (Wilcox) Winegardner, 78, died on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 at 8:47 a.m. at St. Ritas Medical Center, Lima, Ohio.

She was born on June 16, 1938, in Allen County, Ohio to Earl and Hazel Wilcox who preceded her in death. On Jan. 27, 1957, Erma married Wallace A. Winegardner and he survives in rural Harrod, Ohio.

Erma was a homemaker. For several years she owned and operated The Apple Basket Country Market and also worked for several years for Clyde Evans and Dave Evans. She worked at Macy's Department Store in Lima.

She was a member of the Harrod Christian Church and the Women’s Fellowship of the church. She was also a member of the Heartland Christian Church in Sebring, Florida. Erma was a life member of the Farm Bureau Council. She was a member of the Friends Club, and a 4-H Sewing Advisor, and a member and past president of the Ohio Cattle Womens Association.

She is survived by three sons: Brent Winegardner of Harrod, Brad (Melanie) Winegardner of Lima, and Brian (Brenda) Winegardner of Harrod; 1 daughter: Elizabeth (Dean) Paulus of St. Marys; eight grandchildren: Tyler (Natalie) Winegardner, Drew Paulus, Ashlie (Shane) Werk, Trent (Sarah) Paulus, Morgan (Levi) Hoy, Hannah (Kurtis) Klingaman, Will Paulus and Madison Winegardner; and 4 great grandchildren: Beckett, Ryker, Evelyn and McCoy.

She was preceded in death by a sister: Martha Burden.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, at Harrod Christian Church with Pastor Gary Rummel officiating. Burial will be in Auglaize Cemetery, Harrod.

Friends may call from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: St. Rita's Hospice and/or Harrod Christian Church, 273 S. Main St., Harrod, Ohio 45850.