KENDALLVILLE - Teola Joy Trowbridge, age 81, of Kendallville, Indiana, and formerly of Champaign, Illinois, passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at her residence.

Teola was born on Dec. 27, 1943, in Ligonier, Indiana, daughter of the late James Willis and Ruth nee Mault Franklin.

Teola studied two years at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and two years at IUPUI in Fort Wayne, Indiana International Business.

She worked for Kraft Foods in Logistics in Kendallville, for five years; Wausau, Wisconsin, for 17 years; in Chapaign Urbana, Illinois, from 1993 until her retirement on April 1, 1999.

After her retirement, Teola enjoyed taking cruises and volunteering for the Champaign Food Bank.

Teola and Lowell Eli "Stub" Trowbridge were married for more than 20 years, until his passing on June 15, 1992.

Teola is survived by one son, Kevin Thompson, of Kendallville; two stepchildren, Jeffrey Trowbridge, of Auburn, Indiana, and Debra Kay Trowbridge; four step-grandchildren, Father Jeremy Trowbridge, of Cary, Illinois, Amethyst Trowbridge, of Wilmer, Texas, and two more; three brothers, Earle Franklin, of Ligonier, Indiana, Gary (Tana) Franklin, of Wickenburg, Arizona, and David (Barb), of South Bend, Indiana.

Teola was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lowell Eli "Stub" Trowbridge; parents, James and Ruth Franklin; and one sister-in-law, Sue Franklin.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Yeager Funeral Home 1589 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767.

Funeral services for Teola will be held at 2:30 p.m., at the graveside at Oak Park Cemetery, 860 W. U.S. 6, Ligonier, IN 46767, with Father Jeremy Trowbridge officiating.

Memorials in loving memory of Teola, may be made to your local food bank.

Please visit www.yeagerfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook and/or to leave condolences for the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by KPCNews on Nov. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Teola Trowbridge

Sponsored by Yeager Funeral Home - Ligonier.

2 Entries

Kashemma Epps

November 13, 2025

I just love you Teola! I met Teola after having a life altering experience that traumatized me. I started working with her as her home care aid and it was a lovely experience. She was so full of life and always had a smile on her face when she saw me. Teola made me feel like family and she was a part of mine. Over the years I became more than just a caregiver our relationship became much more. She supported me and I supported her. We had talks and my being there made her feel good. She always made me feel better and for that I will be eternally grateful. She told me she loved me and I told her I love her. I will miss her more than I can say. She will always hold a place in my heart. For the family I thank you all for sharing this wonderful beautiful woman with me and allowing me to feel loved and welcomed. It was not a job for me. It was family. Thank you T!! You will forever be missed.

Barbara Britton

November 12, 2025

I worked with Teola at Kraft in Champaign until she retired. She was a very special lady who truly cared about everyone. She was kind,thoughtful and always willing to help someone out. I have a tremendous respect for her. I will miss her and remember her always. I was fortunate that I could call her a friend. Rest in peace lovely lady.

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Memorial Events
for Teola Trowbridge

Nov

14

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Yeager Funeral Home

1589 Lincoln Way S, Ligonier, IN 46767

Nov

14

Graveside service

2:30 p.m.

Oak Park Cemetery

860 W. US Highway 6, Ligonier, IN 46767

Funeral services provided by:

Yeager Funeral Home - Ligonier

1589 Lincoln Way South, Ligonier, IN 46767

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