ANNETTA RUTH SOUDER

Annetta Ruth Souder, age 88, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, Columbia City. Born April 6, 1922 in Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, IN she was the daughter of John Benjamin and Ada Florence (Trimmer) Herr. When she was a small child, her parents moved from Thornceek Township to Etna-Troy Township. She later moved to Columbia City, moving to Fort Wayne in 1987. In 1992, she returned to Columbia City. She graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1940 and International Business College with a 2 year degree. She and her family were always proud of the fact, that out of 9 children, she was the only one that earned a college degree. She was first employed as a secretary at Whitley County Memorial Hospital from 1950-1952; she worked for Dr. Otto Lehmberg from 1952-1956; and she returned to work at the hospital from 1956-1970. From 1971-1987, she was employed by Essex Corporation, Columbia City, retiring in 1987. She was a charter member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, along with her brother, Benny Herr, the oldest living member of the church.Survivors include her, daughter, Carolyn J. Hile of Columbia City; son, Gary Souder of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; brother, John Benjamin "Benny" Herr of Columbia City; sister, Fern Heidenreich of Fort Myers, FL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Paul Edward Souder who died August, 1981, sisters, Esther Herr (infant), Verna "Sally" Keener, Stella Sheckler, Vivian Cramer, Ella Margaret Merriman, and Naomi L. Shaw.Visitation is 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with the funeral service immediately following calling at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Pastor Paul Arnold and Pastor David Herr will officiate. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Souder to Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send condolences.