Deloris Klotz
Deloris F. Klotz, of Nappanee, entered into eternal life on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at the age of 98.
She was born to Henry and Catherine (Miller) Watkins, of Marshall County, in July of 1926 and graduated from Bourbon High School in 1944. In March of 1945, Deloris married Willard Klotz, of Nappanee. They had celebrated 75 years of marriage prior to Willard’s passing in 2020.
Mrs. Klotz was a homemaker and worked alongside her husband on their farm. She loved working in her yard and garden as she was able to admire the beauty of the trees, songs of the birds and the endless blessings of God’s creation there. She often said she could hear God’s voice best when she was working in her garden.
Quilting was one of Deloris’ favorite hobbies. She lovingly hand-stitched many quilts for personal use as well as for the church auctions. Mrs. Klotz was a faithful member of Camp Creek Church of the Brethren in Etna Green for over 70 years. She served on the Women’s Fellowship team, taught Sunday school and baked countless cookies for VBS and MOPS programs. Deloris was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed by all.
She is survived by her sons, Randy, Kent and daughter-in-law, Dana Klotz; seven grandchildren, Conrad (Melissa) Klotz, Katrina (Pete) MacDonald, Jacob Klotz, Jason Klotz, Bethany (Jeremy) Riffle, LoriDawn (Jerami) Huff and Ryan (Lindsey) Klotz; 10 great-grandchildren, Brady (Paige) Klotz, Natalie (Adam) Sidler, Cole and Jace Huff, Gavin, Gage and Grace Riffle, and Parker, Dalton and Josie Klotz. Also surviving is her sister, June Ganshorn, and sister-in-law, Eleanor Watkins. Deloris was preceded in death by her husband, Willard; daughter-in-law, Jeannine Klotz; and 12 siblings, including brothers Ted, Ernest, Dale, Max, Robert and Harvey Watkins, and sisters Jessie Danner, Gladys Border, Hilda Strang, Cleo Brown, Glee McDonald and Phyllis Blosser.
Family and friends may call from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at Camp Creek Church of the Brethren in Etna Green. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with burial services immediately after at Union Center Cemetery in Nappanee.
Memorial donations can be made to Camp Creek Church.
Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, is handling arrangements.