Jill A. Abbott

A hardworking, lively, and compassionate woman, Jill Abbott was a blessing in the lives of her family and friends. It is true that she could be a bit ornery at times, but her heart was truly as big as they come. A devoted wife and mother Jill took these roles to heart, but she just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother to the granddaughters she adored. Life was not always easy for her, but she faced whatever came her way with a strength that was so inspiring. Deeply loved, Jill will be forever missed by those who were blessed to know and love her.

The 1960s were an exciting time in America. This was the decade when we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death a few months later. This was also the decade when civil rights came front and center, and when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon it was the United States that was victorious in the space race between our nation and the Soviet Union. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great joy in the lives of Harold E. and Pearline (Johnson) Alexander as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Jill A. on June 16, 1961, in Whitley County Memorial Hospital. The third of four children, she was raised in the family home just three miles South of Columbia City alongside her older sisters, Kathy and Donna, and her younger brother, Dave. In many ways Jill was a young girl of her generation. She enjoyed things like reading, fishing, and playing in the creek that ran beside their house. As a student at Columbia City Joint High School Jill also ran track for one year.

After graduating from high school in 1979, Jill was eager for all that life had in store. She worked hard throughout her life and spent most of her working career in the food industry as either a cook or a waitress. Over the years Jill worked at various places including Penguin Point, Whitley County Memorial Hospital, Millers Merry Manner, Renaissance Village, and SL Truck Stop. With a heart for animals, Jill also worked at the Humane Society of Whitley County. Throughout her life she never could turn a blind eye to an animal in need of help. Along with working outside the home, she also was a homemaker taking care of the home and her family.

There was nothing that Jill cherished more than her loved ones. She was blessed to be a mom to her son, Greg, and he made her so very proud. Jill was also able to share much of her life with her true love. His name was John Abbott, and they met because he was a high school friend of her brother, Daves. With a desire to spend the rest of their life together, Jill and John were married on April 10, 1999. To their marriage he also brought his two children, John Jr. and Amanda. Jill forever savored the times she spent with family and friends. Later in life she was overjoyed to become a grandmother, and she especially loved playing Old Maid and Yahtzee together. When she was able, Jill enjoyed visiting with family in North Carolina. She also had several friends, and whether she was with family or friends Jill loved having gatherings as she liked cooking and having bonfires.

Throughout her life Jill was a woman of many interests. She was a NASCAR fan who also enjoyed going to dirt track races and camping out. As a sports fan Jill loved rooting for the Chicago Cubs and Bears, as well as IU Basketball. At home she liked tending to her vegetables and also enjoyed reading to relax.

With unending love for her family and friends, Jill Abbott made the most of the days she was given. She had a special place in her heart for animals as she spent years volunteering with animals in need of some tender loving care. Jill enjoyed teasing and joking around with family and friends, and her devotion to her loved ones was unmatched. She will never be forgotten.

Jill A. Abbott, 55, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 1:04 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Jills family includes her husband, John Abbott; sons, Greg Bender, of Ft. Wayne and John (Sara) Abbott Jr., of Columbia City; daughter, Amanda (Wayne) Brown, of Columbia City; three granddaughters, Ava, Savannah and Annabelle; sisters, Kathy (John) Orr, of Columbia City and Donna (Walter) Maley; brother, Dave Alexander, of Columbia City; and her two dogs, Domino and Diesel. Jill was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Dennis Rex Alexander.

Visitation is from 2-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with her funeral services starting at 7 p.m. Pastor Jason Denniston of New Hope Wesleyan Church will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Jills memory towards her final expenses, I.C.O. DeMoney-Grimes. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.