HENRIETTA MARIE RASMUS GOETZ

HENRIETTA MARIE RASMUS GOETZ, 94, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Christian Care Retirement Commu-nity, Bluffton, Ind. She married Edward J. Goetz 71 years ago on Oct. 8, 1943, "Henri" enjoyed a full life, enriched by the love of her husband, family and friends. Born May 11, 1920, in Spokane, Wash., she was a daughter of the late Henrietta and Oscar Rasmus, and sister of Carolyn (James) Aungst. Henri grew up in Ohio and attended Oberlin College for one year where she excelled on the archery team. She continued her studies at the University of Cincinnati, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Henri began her career as a Registered Nurse working for the Visiting Nurse Service in Cincinnati during World War II, 1943 to 1946. She later earned a Master of Science degree in education from University of St. Francis, in Fort Wayne. Henri and Ed and their four daughters lived in Cincinnati and Philadelphia before moving to Bluffton in 1964. In 1966, they moved to Ossian. After 16 years raising her family and working as a nurse part time, Henri served as the Wells County Public Health Nurse from 1964 to 1968. She was an Instructor of Practical Nursing at Fort Wayne Community Schools Vocational Program from 1968 to 1983, and earned the title of "Outstanding Teacher" at Ivy Tech while teaching nursing students from 1983 to 1985. Henri taught over 1500 nursing students before retiring at age 65. Following her retirement, Henri enjoyed many activities. As an active member of Fort Wayne Baptist Church, she served as a Deacon and volunteered in the church's soup kitchen. In 2000, Henri was awarded "Woman of the Year" by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Fort Wayne branch. Her interest groups included book discussion, stitchery, gourmet, and annual book sale scholarship fundraiser. She was honored to be a member of Pi Lamba Theta. Henri assisted in founding the Wells County Creative Arts Council and served on its board. She was a member of the Fort Wayne Scandia Club and Sons of Norway. She attended water aerobics for many years at the Fort Wayne Y.W.C.A. Henri and Ed enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. They also toured many countries throughout the world and across the United States with Elderhostel (now Roads Scholar). Henri was a loving wife, proud mother and grandmother, loyal friend, stylish dresser, and conscientious professional throughout her life. She is survived by her devoted husband, Edward J. Goetz of Ossian; daughters, Kathryn Goetz of La Jolla, Calif., Carol (Patrick) Dunn of Middleton, Wis., Marti Goetz of Tipp City, Ohio, and Deborah (Richard) Kumpf of Moultonborough, N.H.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial service is 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 W. Mill St., Ossian, IN, 46777, with calling from 2 to 3 p.m. A remembrance gathering is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Lighted Gardens, 10794 Rt. 1, Ossian. Private interment following cremation was at Covington Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Edward and Henrietta Goetz Scholarship Endowment for Students of STEM and Nursing, Wells County Foundation, 360 N. Main St., Bluffton, IN, 46714; or Good Samaritan Charitable Program, Christian Care Retirement Community, 720 Dustman Road, Bluffton, IN, 46714. To leave condolences, please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodak.com