Winifred Rombaugh

Winifred Rombaugh, 95, of Battle Creek, passed away at home on September 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 6, 1930, in Lake Leelanau, Michigan, she was the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Flees. Winifred, also known as Winnie, attended St. Mary's Church and School and graduated in the class of 1948. After moving to Battle Creek, Michigan, to live with her sister and seek employment, she worked in the office of Grand Trunk Railroad for eight years.

Winnie met and married Paul Rombaugh, which prompted a move back to the Lake Leelanau and Cedar area before returning once more to Battle Creek. Winnie and Paul had six children together. She later secured a position at Kellogg Company, where she worked until her retirement in 1988. A devout member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Winnie participated actively in the Council of Catholic Women.

An avid quilter, Winnie crafted numerous baby quilts for her 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with queen-sized quilts for each of them. As a member of Cal-Co Quilters for many years, she earned several ribbons at quilt shows. One of her notable quilts is featured by the Alliance for American Quilts and documented in the Library of Congress under "Save Our Stories Interviews" due to her expertise in quilting, especially her renowned Celtic pattern designs. Winnie took great joy in knowing that her quilts kept her loved ones warm.

She is survived by her children: Gary Rombaugh, Steven (LouAnn) Rombaugh, Eileen (Mark) Casebeer, David Rombaugh, Kevin (Dawn) Rombaugh, Amy (Chris) Turley—all of Battle Creek—and one sister, Otilla "Tillie" Garvin of Lake Leelanau. Winnie was preceded in death by her siblings Edward Flees, Elizabeth Reed, Clarence Flees, LaVern Flees, and Robert Flees.

Winnie's dedication and love for her family were evident in the countless special occasion cards she preserved over the years, causing playful debates among her children and grandchildren over who was her favorite.

Winnie had a deep appreciation for music and played the organ. An expert puzzle solver and card game enthusiast, she frequently hosted family gatherings to play cards. She could also be found cheering on the Detroit Tigers or watching her favorite gameshows on television. An excellent baker, visitors to Winnie’s house were often offered a delicious piece of iced cake or cookie to enjoy. Despite life's challenges, Winnie demonstrated resilience, continually pushing forward and serving as an inspiration to her large, multi-generational family.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the Recitation of The Rosary at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will follow starting at 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church Mass offering or Jam for the Cure (Calhoun County Cancer Assistance). Memories and condolences may be directed for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org