Rosina M. Harber

In as much as she gave, Rosina Harber was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. A woman of faith who lived by her convictions, life held many blessings for Rosina. She was thankful for much, and lived life completely and fully at every opportunity. Although she found pleasure in many things, the key to her heart was the love she held for family. Through her selfless, giving nature, Rosina has left an undeniable imprint and will be long remembered for her dedication and kindness.

Although the year 1934 ushered in some of the worst times of the Great Depression, it was also a turning point for many after years of struggle. The hardships endured during these days left many hopeful for brighter tomorrows. Newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt pledged to bring about recovery, and Shirley Temple lit up the movie screens. In the midst of these changing times nestled in the small, friendly community of Whitley County, Indiana, Edward J. and Luella R. (Thomas) Hinen were happy to announce the birth of their little girl, Rosina on October 9, 1934.

Raised on her family farm, Rosina was the oldest of eventually nine children. With plenty of chores, everyone pitched in, but during her youth, Rosina dreaded having to tread through the snow over the field to bring in the cows from the woods. Growing up in a large family on the farm offered Rosina many adventures and taught her valuable lessons in life. Dedication, hard work and a giving spirit were just a few of the many things she carried on throughout her life. As a youngster she was a ten year member of 4-H, and later in life even went on to become a 4-H leader with the Jefferson Jolly Workers.

Devout to their Catholic faith, Rosina was a lifelong and dedicated member of St. Patricks Catholic Church of Arcola. It was there where Rosina grew in her faith, having received each of her sacraments in the church she so loved. Her mother played the organ at church, and also taught young Rosina the skills needed to play the organ. In the sixth grade, Rosina was asked to play for the Childrens Sunday Mass, and soon began playing fulltime.

Rosina attended the local schools and after graduating from Jefferson Center High School with the Class of 1952, she took a job in Ft. Wayne. She worked for Lincoln Life for a time before moving on to work at Allen Dairy and eventually landed a position working for Pepsi. Being the caring, older sister she was, Rosina never thought twice about driving her younger siblings to Central Catholic High School before heading to work at the Pepsi plant in downtown Ft. Wayne each day.

In the spring of 1966, Rosina met the man who won her heart. Although she attended church with his older brother and wife, she had met Carl Harber earlier through a friend. But when Carl attended a chicken dinner at church one Sunday afternoon, the two became acquainted and soon began dating. Even though Carl had a nice Corvette at the time, it was his personality that she liked the most. As their relationship blossomed and an undeniable love grew between them, Rosina and Carl shared vows of marriage six months later on October 29, 1966 at St. Patricks. After settling in to married life, Rosina took a job with the Whitley County Consolidated Schools as a cook. She remained there for the next 16 years, worked for the Sears Catalog Company and eventually retired from Star Bank in downtown Columbia City as a bank teller. Beloved by all, everyone gladly waited in line just to be waited on by Rosina.

Throughout this time, near and dear to Rosinas heart was her husband and their children, Annette, Keith, and Neil. Rosina made a good home for Carl and the kids. A wonderful cook, she made everything with love, including her delicious pot roast, which Carl loved. As a family they created memorable times together on summer trips to Cedar Point and to the Toledo Zoo. Her family appreciated and loved the way she put her own special touch into everything she did. They will also miss her knack and knowledge in pursuing their family history which will always be cherished.

Rosinas kind and giving spirit was a blessing in many ways. For over 60 years, she continued to serve as the organist at church, and also sang in the church choir. Even after battling cancer and later suffered from progressive hearing loss, she pressed on to play. Her mother also passed on the skills and talent needed to play the organ on to Rosinas daughter, Annette. When Rosina stepped down in 2011, Annette became the third generation of her family to play the organ at church. Rosins was a member of the Rosary Society, and through the years also served as a religious education teacher. When she noticed many of the children were not attending the weeks evening religious classes due to school activities and sporting events, she began a Saturday class for them. As a 4-H leader, Rosina was affectionately known to the many kids, including her grandchildren, as Grandma Ro. She loved the annual county fair, and since her earliest years never missed taking in the festivities.

Well known for her gracious and caring heart, Rosina reached out to her community with unending love, too. As a 16 year breast cancer survivor, she was an avid supporter of Relay for Life, and was a member of the Second to None Home Extension Club. Birthdays were important to Rosina and she never missed sending a loving card to family or friends in recognition of their special day. When Renaissance Village opened up, Rosina took it upon herself to bring joy to the lives of those who lived there. Once a month, she baked a cake and brought ice cream, including a gift for everyone who had a birthday. She involved her family, including her grandchildren, all while teaching them the importance of putting others first. Known as the Ice Cream and Cake Lady, for many years she displayed her love in this way not only for the residents, but for the staff and nurses there, as well.

While continuing health problems plagued Rosina, her loving nature never waned. She was eventually placed into the care at Renaissance Village where she had given so much love. She remained there for three weeks until, with family by her side, Rosina sadly passed away.

Ever thoughtful and kind, Rosina Harber had a heart of gold. She easily placed the needs of others before her own, and gave selflessly from her heart. She held fast to her faith, and in all ways bestowed Gods love through her giving nature. Rosina counted her family as her greatest blessing. She loved being in the midst of the family she loved, and adored her grandchildren. The legacy she leaves behind is a treasure, and the memory of Rosina will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rosina M. Harber, 80, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Renaissance Village in rural Whitley County. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Carl T. Harber; daughter, Annette M. (Tim) Lamle of Columbia City; sons, Keith A. (Pamela) Harber of Dundee, Oregon and Neil V. (Celeste) Harber of Holycross, Iowa; sisters, Loretta (Thomas) Strack of Columbia City, Rita (Richard) Ropp of Fort Wayne and Judi Hinen of Columbia City; grandchildren: Cody Lamle, Jared Lamle, Derek Harber, Kevin Harber, Ryan Harber, Easton Harber and Whitley Harber; sisters-in-law, Kathy Hinen and Joann Hinen both of Columbia City. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Thomas, Maurice and Charles Hinen, and twin brothers, Edwin and Elwyn Hinen.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2015 from 2 to 7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Rosary prayer at 1:30 p.m. There will be visitation at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Patricks Catholic Church of Arcola, 12305 Arcola Road, Fort Wayne with Msgr. Thadeus Balinda officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Rosinas memory toward Masses to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. To share a favorite memory or photo of Rosina or to send the family condolences, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .