Marilyn J. Auer

Marilyn Jo Auer, 89, of Columbia City passed away into her Savior’s arms on Tuesday afternoon, October 26, 2021 after declining health. She was born into this world on May 10, 1932 to Ruth (Retz) and Clarrel Hoover in the small town of Montpelier, Indiana.

Known to many as “Jo Jo”, she graduated from Montpelier High school with the class of 1950. Soon after high school, she married Wilbur “Donny” Porter. They made their home in Montpelier then later relocated to Columbia City. He passed away in November of 1963. On June 24, 1967 she was united in marriage to Delmar L. Auer. Marilyn always supported her husband’s business endeavors and political aspirations. Together, they raised four children. Delmar passed away in November of 2010. When Marilyn first moved to Columbia City, she worked for the Linville Hospital. Later, she began working part-time for the Whitley County Treasurer’s Office retiring in 2006 after 37 years of service.

Always keeping busy, she also sold at the Shipshewanna Flea Market during the Summer months for over 30 years and at the Heart of the Lake North Antique Mall in North Webster. Marilyn had such a giving heart towards others. She was a member of the Columbia City Nazarene Church where until lately, she often helped with funeral dinners. In her earlier years, she enjoyed playing the piano and singing. She loved living at the lake, reading, collecting antiques, and politics. She also loved traveling to Largo, Florida with her husband Del until they were unable to do so.

Survivors include children, Richard (Mona) Porter of Colorado Springs, CO, Sheila (Donald) Jetmore of Casa Grande, AZ, Cindy (Paul) Doolittle of Churubusco, Lindy (Jim) Moule of Epping, NH; grandchildren, Ryan (Cara) Hively of Glendale, AZ, Brant (Lindsey) Hively of Calabasas, California, Stacie (Jeff) Farber of Columbia City, Cole (Kayley) Jetmore of Columbia City, Katie (Brandon) Mainz of Fort Wayne; seven step grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Sydni and Jacob Farber, Grahm and Gavin Hively, Lillian, Chandler, Ezekiel, and Kaydence Jetmore, Andrew Schoettmer; sister, Sandra Williams of Hartford City; sister-in-law, Vivian Hoover of Pendleton; brother-in-law, Jerry (Cindy) Auer of Larwill; and sister-in-law, Cathy Auer of Columbia City.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wilbur Porter and Delmar Auer; grandson, Andrew Jetmore; son-in-law, Jim Greer; brother, Richard Hoover; and brothers-in-law, Gene Williams and Thomas Auer.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, Monday, November 1, 2021 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 am Tuesday at Church of the Nazarene, 506 N Main St, Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Thomas Beers and Pastor Larry Sheets will be officiating. Burial will take place at Greenhill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in memory to Church of Nazarene for funeral dinners. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Marilyn's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.