Darla Ann (Bender) Winnefeld passed away on October 10, 2020 but left a legacy of volunteerism in which her family and her community benefitted. It is in this spirit that the scholarship was created.
Darla began her journey as a volunteer at the age of 16 when she served as a Candy Striper at the Akron Peoples Hospital (now Cleveland Clinic/Akron General). This is where her life-long joy in volunteering developed. Darla had several jobs, before working at Kent State University where she met her husband Bill. Darla spent 25 years volunteering and working for the Rootstown School System.
In addition to her work with the school, Darla volunteered with the Rootstown Volunteer Fire Company. She also volunteered at the following medical related facilities: Altercare in Brimfield (4 years), Access to Independence (10 years), and University Hospitals (15 years). Darla was a member of the Rootstown First Congregational UCC.
Darla also enjoyed reading and traveling. Darla traveled to almost every state and many European countries. It was through these travels that inspired her writing. Darla wrote a Rootstown column for the Record-Courier.