Memorials

Nellie M. Schrader, 89, of rural Columbia City, died at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, October 4, 2009 at The Oaks Living Center where she had been a resident since April.

She was born July 1, 1920, in Whitley County, a daughter of Perry and Lillie (Browder) Shoultz. Her formative years were spent in Thorncreek Township. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1939.

On June 28, 1941, she was united in marriage to Charles R. Schrader. They made their home in Thorncreek Township, moving to Ohio for a couple years, later Noble County and then Fort Wayne for 10 years before returning to Thorncreek Township in 1971. Mr. Schrader preceded her in death on January 24, 1979.

During World War II, she was employed at Harvester and later Essex Wire for 13 years. They raised dairy cows and chickens. She enjoyed gardening, canning freezing and working with her flowers.

A lifelong member of Big Lake Church of God, she taught Sunday School and was in the church choir.

Surviving relatives include two sons, Richard Schrader and Danny Schrader, both of Columbia City; seven grandchildren, Richel Ormsby, William Whittenberger, Angel Donato, Richard Schrader Jr., Anthony Schrader, Nick Schrader and Ashley Schrader; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Paul Shoultz of South Carolina.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Gary Schrader; a brother, Scott Shoultz; and a sister, Esther Shoultz.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at  Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Big Lake Church of God or American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com