Elba Kiess

ANGOLA - Elba Ruth Kiess, 91, of Lake Gage, Angola, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at home.

She was born on Aug. 3, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughter of the late Amel and Chloe (Baker) Beck.

She graduated from South Side High School.

She and Richard L. Ehrman married in 1952. They purchased a lake home on Lake Gage in 1962, where they enjoyed many years with their boys.

In 1972, they built their forever home and Elba started her business, Lake Gage Canvas, where she was able to use her impressive sewing skills making boat covers.

She married Joe Kiess in September 1976. They continued living at Lake Gage in the summer and winters in Esture, Florida, along with their beloved poodle, Charlie. Elba loved spending time with her family, many friends and her caregivers, Donna Handshoe, Tina Breen, Sharon Randol and Kathy Leedy.

She was a member of Nevada Mills Community Church and also enjoyed her Bible study group there.

Elba was always up for a game of cards or working a jigsaw puzzle with friends. She also was an avid bird watcher.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Richard Ehrman; second husband, Joe Kiess; and stepson, Jeffrey Kiess.

Elba is survived by her children, David (Karen) Ehrman, Ric (Karen) Ehrman and Randy (Katy) Ehrman; daughter-in-law, Janet Kiess; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at 1 p.m., at H.E. Johnson and Sons Funeral Home, Angola, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m., until the time of service.

Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Orland, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nevada Mills Community Church.

Arrangements entrusted to H.E. Johnson and Sons Funeral Home, Angola.