Virginia Ellen (Lemler) Waters, 80, Nappanee, died at 6:50 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2017, exactly 17 years after her mother.
Virginia was born March 7, 1936 in Elkhart County. She married the love of her life, Robert Allen Waters on June 13, 1953 in Plymouth. He preceded her in death April 18, 2012.
Their union was blessed by God with the birth of three children: Robert A. (Jeanette D.) Waters, Jr., Wesley Chapel, Fla.; and Vivian L. (Gary D.) Hughes, Nappanee. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Paula S. Waters, South Bend; Gary D. Hughes Jr., Nappanee; Amy M. Hughes, Denver, Colo.; Elizabeth A. Waters, Nappanee; Amanda J. (Peter D.) Wells, Nappanee; and Victoria M. Hughes, Nappanee; 12 great-grandchildren: Marketa J. Waters, South Bend; Kyle N. Bradford, South Bend; Sean E. Fisher, Nappanee; Lillian Hughes, Elkhart; Leah Hughes, Elkhart; Katelyn R. Bradford, South Bend; Brianna M. Taylor, Nappanee; Makayla M. Bradford, South Bend; Ryne J. Wells, Nappanee; Mason S. Boriboune, Nappanee; Kaiden A. Bradford, South Bend; and Logan D. Wells, Nappanee; and a brother Wilber (Joyce) Lemler, Nappanee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Frederick and Gladys Fern (Swarzlander) Lemler, husband, Robert, her son Steven L. Waters and her granddaughter Christina L. Hughes.
Virginia was a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She also worked outside the home at Blue Bell, Memcor, Gin’s Pet Shop and Family Fare Bakery. Following her passion for cooking and baking she opened her own business, Country Catering and Cakes. Virginia retired in 2009. Virginia loved her family, pets, flowers, cooking, sewing, quilting, and her church family – especially the youth group. She was tough but fair, demanding and loving.
Visitation will be held at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 and one hour prior to the 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7 funeral service also at the funeral home. Pastor Stan Godfrey will officiate. Burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the New Paris Church of the Brethren or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).