Marie A. Diffendarfer: 1926 – 2011
Marie A. Diffendarfer, 84, a resident of Churubusco and widow of Homer A. Diffendarfer, passed away at 11:00 p. m. on Monday, January 24, 2011, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She had suffered an apparent brain hemorrhage on Thursday, and had been hospitalized since that time.
Mrs. Diffendarfer was born in Smith Township on August 16, 1926, a daughter of Roy and Florence Alice (Raypole) Gordon. She spent her formative years in the Churubusco-area, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1944.
On October 19, 1945 she was married in Columbia City to Homer A. Diffendarfer. She lived all of her adult life in Churubusco, and had lived at her current home for over 40 years.
As a young woman she was employed at General Electric in Fort Wayne, and was later employed in the town offices for the Town of Churubusco. She enjoyed playing Euchre with her card club friends, served on the Churubusco election board for several years, and most importantly loved and cherished her family and friends. She had also enjoyed spending several winters in Bradenton, Florida.
Mr. Diffendarfer preceded her in death on April 1, 1978.
The surviving relatives include her daughters Kay Lawrence of Churubusco and Sharon (Roy) Pepple of Sedalia, Col; four grandchildren Paula (Dave) Burke of Huntington, Scott (Robin) Minnick of Spencerville, Brian (Robin) Minnick of Butler and serving his fourth term in the Middle East with the USAF, and Shawn (Stacy) Pepple of Sedalia, Col; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers Gene Gordon and Tony Gordon; a sister Jane Lesh; and by a granddaughter Nicole Pepple.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Friday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
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To leave an online condolence for the family in Mrs. Diffendarfer’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
January 25th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
To Marie’s Family – Jeanine and I wish to express our sincere sympathy to all of you at the loss of your mother and grandmother. Marie was always so full of life, and will be greatly missed by the community. She leaves a legacy that will long be remembered by all. Please rest in the knowledge that we will be here for you now. . .and in the days ahead.
Greg & Jeanine Childs and Staff
January 25th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Kay -
I’m so so sorry to read about this! It seems like just yesterday you and I were sitting with her at the Turtle Days garage sale. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
Love you!
January 26th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
I was so saddened to hear of Marie’s death, and want you all to know that my thoughts are with you.
I am a cousin who met Marie when she came to the funeral calling for my mother, Evelyn Raypole Sheets. We became acquainted after that, and went to the Raypole cousins lunches that were held for awhile.
She was a lovely lady, and I’m sure that you all have many happy memories to cherish. Sincerely, Mary Zerkle
January 26th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Kay and family,
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. It is so difficult to lose a parent. Your Mom was a wonderful woman,and will be missed by many.
Sincerely, Kerry and Barb
January 27th, 2011 at 6:52 am
To Maries family,
A great lady will be missed. Marie helped us out in a lot of different ways caring for my mother. They walked every day for several years and that seemed to be good for the both of them.
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other.
Sincerely, Tom and Mary Bangs
January 27th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Kay & Family,
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She is in God’s great hands now. Our thoughts & prayers are with you always. God bless & take care.
Love,
Chuck & Becki
January 28th, 2011 at 10:41 am
Your Mom, Marie was a fun, energetic, positive person that I respected and admired. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. No matter how long we get to keep our Moms, it isn’t long enough. I wish I could be there.
Love n hugs, Lenna and Jeff
January 31st, 2011 at 11:09 am
Kay and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a sweet lady. I will keep you all in my prayers.