Imogene J. Crowder

After spending only a few moments with Imogene Crowder, it was easy to see that her life was rooted in something different, something deeper, and that something was her unwavering faith. She loved deeply and without condition, and she could always find the silver lining in any situation. A devoted family woman, Imogene treasured her roles as a wife and mother, but she just may have argued that nothing was better than being a grandmother. She was mild mannered, accepting of anyone, and lived her life according to the Golden Rule. Although life will never be the same without Imogene here, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

The Roaring Twenties were a time unlike any other in American history as innovation gave way to new technology that was transforming every day life. Radios, washing machines, and refrigerators were among the many advancements, and this also marked the end of the silent film era. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1925 when William and Altha (Melton) Myers were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held Falling Rock, West Virginia, firmly in its grip that July. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Imogene J. made her grand entrance into the world on the 31st. She was one of eight children to be raised in their home in Falling Rock, joined in her family by her brothers, Ronald, Emery, Darrell, Lawrence, and Clarence, and her sisters, Janet and Julia. She was a typical young girl of her generation who enjoyed many of the things that young girls so often did during that time. Imogene was a student at local schools in West Virginia as well.

New and exciting changes were in store for Imogene when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Grover Clayton Crowder, and sparks flew nearly right away. They began dating, and it wasnt long before Imogene and Grover found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together the sweethearts were married on November 8, 1947, in Charleston, West Virginia. Together they welcomed four children including Barbara, Walter, Gary, and Ilene into their hearts and home. When Grover was in the Navy, she lived in Florida with her three children. She always took everything in stride as a mother including the time that one of her children ran away on their tricycle and rode it a half mile to the candy store when they were only four! In 1955 the Crowder family moved to Ligonier, Indiana. They later moved to Kimmell and finally settled in Columbia City in 1970. Imogene was a fantastic mom whose children and home were her primary focus. Her family appreciated her cooking, and it has been said that she made the worlds best biscuits.

There was never anything of greater significance in Imogenes life than her family. She was thrilled that her family grew to include grandchildren, and she savored every moment she had to spend with them. Imogene also loved being with her brothers and sisters as often as she could. It was quite something to remember when she and her family went to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in celebration of her 50th anniversary. There was also the memorablefamily festival hostedin the fall at her home on S. R. 205. Imogene loved watching professional golf, especially Tiger Woods, in addition to watching her children and grandchildren in allof their sports.She affectionately called her granddaughter, Traci, a fairy diddle.

In addition to caring for her family, Imogene kept busy with other things she enjoyed. Her church, Columbia City Church of Christ, was important to her, and she also loved reading her favorite book, the Bible. Imogene also attended the Nazarene Church. Imogene worked for Viking Company, Cromwell Products, and Indiana Knitware until retiring in 1988. She enjoyed camping and fishing, going on picnics with her family and church, and dancing as well. Around home, Imogene kept busy writing in her diary, doing puzzles, and crocheting afghans and numerous scarves while living at the Oaks. On television, Imogene liked watching The Bachelor, and when it came to music she loved classic country like Conway Twitty as well as country gospel. Having lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s, Imogene learned to be thrifty and resourceful and could also find the good in everything. She always used to say, I cant never did anything, and, Lord willing, and the creek dont rise.

With unending love and respect for all who were within her reach, Imogene Crowder was a blessing to everyone she met. She was often seen as someone who was meek and mild, however, she could be a bit strong willed when it came to something she felt passionately about. Even when she didnt approve of someones choices, she was never one to criticize, and Imogenes faith never wavered including when the storms of life came her way. Described as the best mom anyone could ever ask for, she will never be forgotten.

Imogene J. Crowder, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Millers Merry Manor at Oak Pointe. Imogenes family includes her sons, Walter (Joy) Crowder of Columbia City and Gary (Karen) Crowder of Myrtle Beach, SC; daughter, Ilene (Ron) Swank of White Pigeon, MI; 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Imogene was preceded in death by her parents, William and Altha Myers; husband, Grover Clayton Crowder in 2002; brothers, Ronald, Emery, Darrell, Lawrence, and Clarence Myers; sisters, Janet Woodrum and Julia Pauley; granddaughter, Sara Kay Caskey; and daughter, Barbara Caskey in 2015. Friends may call on Sunday April 3, 2016, from 2-5 p.m. at DeMoney- Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Imogene will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2016, at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell. Memorial contributions in memory of Imogene may be made to Heartland Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign the online guest register or send a condolence.