Emma Warren

LAKELAND, Fla. - Emma Harriet (Bontrager) Warren, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 4, 1945, in Elkhart, Indiana, the daughter of Melvin and Olive (Troyer) Bontrager.

Harriet was the Valedictorian of the 1963 graduating class of Middlebury High School and went on to earn dual degrees in English and Home Economics Education from Bluffton College in 1967.

She began her teaching career at Standish Jr./Sr. High School before pursuing graduate studies at Western Michigan University, where she earned a master's degree in guidance counseling in 1970. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ken Warren.

They were married on June 26, 1971, at Shore Mennonite Church in Shipshewana, Indiana, and shared 54 devoted years together.

Though small in stature, Harriet lived a life that was large in love, generosity, friendship, and faith. She spent most of her years in LaGrange County, Indiana, raising her two children and pouring her time and energy into family, church, and community. She was an active volunteer and leader, serving as chairperson of the LaGrange County Extension Board, a 20-year 4-H club director (including two years on the State Advisory Committee), president of the LaGrange County Library Board, chairperson for the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana Michiana, and president of the local College Club.

In her beloved First United Methodist Church of LaGrange, she lent her talents to the choir, handbell choir, piano, and United Methodist Women at local, state, and national levels. She also touched many young lives as a regular substitute teacher in the Lakeland (IN) School District. For her tireless service, Harriet was honored by Purdue University in 2000 as a "Friend of Extension" and by LaGrange County in 2001, as "Citizen of the Year."

After retiring to Lakeland, Florida, in 2007, Harriet continued her lifelong devotion to faith and service as an active member of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, where she sang in the choir, participated in theater productions, and was involved in United Women in Faith.

Family and friendships were at the heart of Harriet's life. She cherished nurturing relationships with each person she loved and had a gift for making everyone feel valued and at home. A talented cook and baker, she hosted countless family gatherings and was especially known for her abundant Christmas treats. She delighted in adventures with her grandchildren - traveling together to Italy, Costa Rica, and Curaçao, riding bikes on Hawpatch Trail, and teaching them her lighthearted motto: "Ice cream once a day is good for you."

Harriet is survived by her husband, Ken; son, Joe Warren; daughter, Jennifer Warren Quirk (Brian); grandchildren, Braden and Cameron Quirk; brother, Joseph D. Bontrager (Gail); beloved cousin, Barb Frymier (Brook); and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, David Weaver; nephews, Kirk Weaver, Eric Weaver and James Warren; and niece, Rhonda Weaver.

She will be remembered always for her servant's heart, her joy in music and learning, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Memorial contributions may be made in Harriet's honor to Bluffton College, Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana Michiana, or the FUMC of Lakeland Organ Restoration Fund.

Those unable to attend may watch the livestream of the memorial service at https://www.firstumc.org/funerals/