Lorita J. Everest

Lorita J. Everest, age 88 of New Paris, IN, passed away at 10:05 pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at The Maples at Waterford Crossing, Goshen, IN.  Lorita was born on March 8, 1937 in Foraker, IN to Herman and Charlotte (Anglemyer) Hess.  She was a 1955 graduate of New Paris High School and lived her entire life in the New Paris area. On June 22, 1956 Lorita married Dean Everest at Union Center Church of the Brethren, where they served and attended throughout their lifetime.  Dean preceded Lorita in death on January 8, 2024. Lorita was very involved at Union Center, having served as a deacon, nursery/pre-school teacher, member of the library committee, member of the Women’s fellowship, where she helped prepare and serve many meals to the congregation, and she was a part of the Semper Fidelis Sunday School Class, whom they loved to travel with over the years.  Lorita had worked at Par More in New Paris in the Snack Shop for many years. She also worked at Alice’s Embroidery in New Paris.  She was a loving 4H mom; she helped her children with their fair projects for many years.  She enjoyed crafting and collecting and displaying her Christmas Village.  Lorita also had a love of cats.  Lorita and Dean enjoyed traveling and Lorita especially enjoyed their trips to Nashville to Fan Fair Festival. Above all else, Lorita loved the Lord and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  She especially loved her grandchildren and cherished the time she had with them and her great grandchildren. Lorita is survived by 3 children: Rick (Jill) Everest of New Paris, Shari (Gary) Searer of Nappanee, and Peggy (Jeff) Wisler of New Paris; a son-in-law, Jeff McElheny of Goshen; 4 grandchildren: Benjamin (Clairin) Wisler, Everest (Matthew) Gonzalez, Nathan Searer, and Cassy (Tanner) White; 9 great grandchildren; and 2 sisters: June Cleveland of Goshen and Nancy Hoffman of Boston, GA.  Lorita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; and daughter, Debbie McElheny.  A visitation will be held from 10 am – Noon on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Union Center Church of the Brethren, Nappanee.  A funeral service will begin at Noon with Pastor Merle Hostetler officiating.  Burial will take place in Union Center East Cemetery, Nappanee. Memorial contributions in Lorita’s name can be given to either Heartland Hospice or Union Center Church of the Brethren.