MARY M. PHEISTER

Mary M. Pheister, age 84, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 6:10 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2009 at Miller's Merry Manor Inc., Columbia City, IN. Born on May 7, 1924 in Jonesboro, IN, she was the daughter of Elmer T. and Blanche May (Pritchett) Swafford.She was raised in Sweetzer, IN before she came to the Columbia City area in 1961. She graduated from Marion High School, Marion, IN. On April 2, 1989 she married Lester O. Pheister at Big Lake Church of God. She was formerly employed by Schultz Brother Family Store, Blue Bell, Inc. and at the Marion Mid-West Osburn, where she was a glue girl. She was a member of Big Lake Church of God and the Women of the Church of God.Survivors include her close friend Larry L. McKown of Columbia City, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Pasley Allen, second husband, Lester O. Pheister and son, Jack Lynn Starburck.Visitation is from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with funeral service to follow on the same day at 1:00 p.m, with Pastor Tim Kumfer of Big Lake Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, 4115 South U.S. 33, Merriam, IN. Memorial gifts may be given in Mary's memory to Big Lake Church of God. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.