RITA M. ARMEL

Rita M. Armel, age 85, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 1:55 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012 at Covington Manor Nursing Center, Fort Wayne. Born October 3, 1926 in Fort Wayne, IN, she was the daughter of Loren B. and Rosella J. (Arens) Sanders.

She attended Precious Blood School, graduated from Central Catholic High School and continued her education at the University of Oregon. On February 14, 1946 she married Elmer Dewitt Armel in Fort Wayne. She lived in Fort Wayne most of her lifetime except for the years she resided in Columbia City from 1973-2004. Prior to her retirement in 1973, she was employed for 14 years by the accounts receivable department of the Fort Wayne Crosby Group, American Hoist and Derrick Manufacturers chain. Since 1973, she has been a member of First Church of God, Columbia City.

Survivors include her daughter, Sandra K. Armel of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Geraldine Sanders of Sacramento, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer Dewitt Armel; and brothers, Larry and Gerald Sanders.

Visitation is Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Hershel Aumsbaugh and Pastor Jim Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Armel to First Church of God Mission Outreach. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.