Myrtle Witters

Myrtle Witters Dec. 5, 1916 - Jan. 23, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Myrtle E Witters, 98, of South Bend, IN, passed away in the presence of her family at 2:10 PM Friday, 1/23/15, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. Myrtle was born to the late Herbert and Ida Schoof on December 5, 1916. On Dec. 17, 1938, she married Thurlow D Witters. She was married 63 years to Thurlow up to the time he died in 1997. Also preceding her in death was a sister, Loretta Beatty, 99, who passed away in 2013. Serving her loving memory include children, Karen (Gerald) Smith, Mirra (Lyle) McGregor and Barry (Marsha) Witters. Also surviving are grandchildren: Aaron (Becky) Gladura, Banning (Michelle) Gladura, Heidi (Doug) Dubree, Troy Gladura, Daniel (Lisa) Witters, Damon (Alison) Witters, Melissa Haddix, Tawnia (Ted) Hemmen and Clint Farris. Great-grand-children include: Emily and Alayna Witters, Adrianna and Olivia Witters, Lindsay Makow-ski, Meghan Haddix, Lauren Grathwohl, Madeline, Grayson and Micah Gladura, Aubrey and Gabriel Dubree, Jayden, Conner, Gavin and Joseph Gladura, Casandra and Jess Hemmen, Arabella, Devin and Hayven Farris, Jessica Faulhaber; and great-great-grandchild, Avaya. Myrtle was born at home in a farming community south of LaPorte, IN, and later moved with her family to River Park in South Bend to a home built by her father. She graduated from Central High School in 1934. Myrtle loved music and the arts, and played the saxophone in the school band. She developed her artistic talents at an early age and drew and painted pictures and illustrations in various media of the world around her. She had a passion for animals and pets and they became her favorite models. She continued her art throughout her life and led a senior citizens art class for the City of South Bend for 21 years. At 90 years old her art class surprised her with a birthday party complete with a visit from the mayor. She loved nature and flowers and grew a beautiful flower garden every year. Her favorite flower was the crocus the first to bloom in the spring, heralding in a new growing season. She was an accomplished seamstress, creating clothes for her kids, dresses for her friends, and wedding gowns for the girls. But foremost in her life was a passion for God and for her family. Her life revolved around that duality. Myrtle was "the salt of the earth". She grew up and suffered through the Depression nurtured by a loving family and learned to accept little things as great gifts. She taught all of us what real happiness is all about love, and each other. The Family offers a special thanks to the Milton Home in South Bend. They worked hard to make Mom's last years as comfortable as possible, and became a part of our extended family. The family also wishes to thank the nurses and staff on the 11th floor of Memorial Hospital for their gentle and loving care of Mom in her last days. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29th, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., with Rev. Gerald Smith officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 28th, and one hour prior to services on Thursday. Myrtle was a giving person and was charitable to those in need. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to a charity of your choice. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.