Memorials

Thelma Mary Ringler, 85, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on Sept. 4, 1923, in Fort Wayne. She was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church and St. Vincents dePaul Catholic Church.

She graduated from Central Catholic High School.

She was a charter member of Huntertown Homemakers and volunteered at Byron Health Center for over 40 years. She worked at the Willow Ridge Golf Course, Heps Dairy Store and was a well-known Avon representative in the Huntertown area.

She was an organist who played for church services during World War II at Baer Field, for Masses at the Byron Health Center and many, many weddings and funerals.

She enjoyed playing cards, board games and reading. "She never met a stranger. She never let the grass grow under her feet." She liked to travel, dine out, fish and camp in her earlier years. She spent 20 years in Canada with her husband, Ryan, every summer, always making friends and enjoying company.

"She will be sorely missed by her family and friends."

She is survived by her children, Ellen Clair of Huntertown, Suzanne (Gary) Seagers of Orlando, Florida, Margaret (Stephen) Jackson of Monroeville, Fred (Cindy) Ringler of Kendallville, Carolyn (Ron) Gephart of Decatur, Cindy (Steve) Getty of Fort Wayne and Jeanette (Clifford) Crance of Tri-Lakes; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Maxine Poinsatte, Ruth Wyss and Carolyn Lapp, all of Fort Wayne and Mary Schukel of Punta Gorda, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ryan C. Ringler; a sister, Jean Chomey; and brothers, Dale and Eldon Lapp.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church,

1502 E. Wallen Road

, with calling one hour prior. Fr. Thomas Kodakassery officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, with Vigil at 4:30 p.m. Burial in Huntertown Cemetery.

Memorials to Parkview Home Health Care & Hospice.