Imogene Clements Needler,103, died peacefully at Miller's Merry Manor on March 11, 2021. She lived a long, rich, fulfilling life. Imogene was born on a farm in Huntington County on December 9, 1917, to Alva E. and Nellie Watkins Clements.
She married the love of her life, Arthur A. Needler, on November 24, 1940, and he preceded her in death on January 22, 1988. Together they had three wonderful sons who gave her seven (7) grandchildren and they in turn gave Imogene eighteen (18) great grandchildren. She is survived by her son: Michael Scott Needler (Kathy); daughter-in law Joyce Needler; sister-in-law, Madonna (Roger) Clements, Sarasota, FL; brother-in-law, Hank Yencer, Grand Island, NE; nieces Judy Bowman, Tracy (Tim) Shada, Holly (Tom) Rathman, Chris(David) Dirmeyer, Beth(Rob)Couch, Candace Clements; Nephews; Robert (Jill) Clements, MD, Randall (Megan) Clements; 7 Grandchildren, Julie (Eric) Anderson, Findlay Ohio; Allyson (Todd) Perry, Lake Bluff, Il; Lindsay Needler (Shawn) Turner, Denver, CO; Michael (Bethany) Needler, Jr., Findlay, Ohio; Amy (Scott) Lorch, Fishers, Indiana, David Needler, Hartford City, Indiana; Kent (Susan) Needler, St. Louis, MO; 18 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alva and Nellie Clements, sister, Carol Ann Yencer, Grand Island, NE; brothers, Lloyd (Francis) Clements, Roger Clements, and Robert (Geri) Clements; her sons, Arthur David and Montelle Alan and her daughter-in-law Susan Cheek (Michael) Needler, Findlay, Ohio.
After marrying Arthur in 1940 they had started their family when WW II caused Arthur to enlist in the Army. Imogene raised her two young sons for the nearly four years that Arthur was in service. After Arthur returned in 1946, Arthur and Imogene dedicated themselves to the First Presbyterian Church of Hartford City. Imogene helped at nearly every function held by the church. She served many years as a Deacon and an Elder. She especially enjoyed helping in the church kitchen preparing a variety of foods. Her number one favorite item was preparing noodles. Her love for cooking made for many wonderful family gatherings at their homes on Kickapoo Street, the Oaks and 30 Club View Drive. Imogene adored the family and loved to have many family get-togethers, hosting Thanksgiving every year.
She and Arthur wintered in St. Petersburg, Florida for many years. She enjoyed very much being with friends at The Trace.
Imogene was blessed with three sons that helped her in many ways. Her oldest, Michael (Susan-deceased), had four children, Julie, Allyson, Lindsay and Michael Jr. Her second son, Arthur-deceased (Joyce), had two children, Amy and David. The youngest, Montelle,deceased, (Dawna), gave her Kent.
Imogene graduated from Montpelier High School in 1935. Following graduation she went to work in Fort Wayne. Through the years, she faithfully attended the Montpelier reunions. Imogene was a Tri Kappa and a former member of the Research Club of Hartford City and Business and Professional Women of Hartford City. She worked with Arthur for many years in the family business, Hoover-Needler Furniture. She was a former member of the Blackford Country Club. An avid reader, she volunteered to help the Friends of the Library. Her reading was very important to her during her later years and friends at the library were so kind to bring her books on a regular basis. She loved to quilt and made baby quilts for each grandchild and for each great-grandchild; Lily, Ben, Charlie, Annie, Kay, Wright, Margaret, Violet, Madeline, Hazel, Tula and Michael III.
For several years Imogene loved to meet with her cousins for lunch once a month. She enjoyed driving her car around Harford City and often ventured to Montpelier, Muncie, and Marion. Over the years, she so loved staying in touch with all of her family, especially her younger sister, Carol Ann Yencer.
During her final years Imogene loved to make jewel trees and gift them to friends and family. Many in Hartford City have these keepsakes by Imogene, her classic "jewel tree".
The family thanks the many friends for the thoughts and prayers, cards and flowers during the past several years. Thanks also to the wonderful care provided by the nurses and staff of Crown Pointe of Hartford City and of Miller's Merry Manor, a special friend and caregiver, Cathy Evens and to Dr. Helen Borjenheimer, M.D. for all the care she provided to Imogene.
Arrangements and cremation are being made by Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City, Indiana www.watersfuneralhomes.com
Due to COVID19 there will be no visitation at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined later at First Presbyterian Church of Hartford City and interment will follow in the Garden of Memory Cemetery, 10703 N State Route 3, Muncie, Indiana 47303
Memorial contributions may be made to: The First Presbyterian Church of Hartford City, 117 W Franklin, Hartford City, Indiana 47348.