Mary Jane Friend

Mary Jane Friend, 87, of Howe, IN, died after a short battle with cancer at Parkview LaGrange Hospital on January 11, 2025.
Mrs. Friend was born on July 25, 1937, in Shipshewana, IN to Elva and Nona (Mishler) Nelson.
Mary Jane was a 1955 graduate of Shipshewana High School and worked for many years as both the bookkeeper and clerk for Lima Elevator in Howe, IN. She was a very active member of Lima United Methodist Church where she played the organ for more than 45 years. She was a member of the Shipshewana Area Historical Society and the RSVP Sewing group. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and reading.
On May 30, 1959, at the Shipshewana United Methodist Church she married Frank Friend; he survives in Howe, IN.
Also surviving is a daughter, Linda and Dan Lutes of Westfield, IN; two sons, John Friend of Howe, IN and his companion Debra Havens of Sturgis, MI, and David and Beth Friend of Arlington, VA; five grandchildren, Rachel Lutes, Megan Lutes, Sarah and Keegan Parkhurst, Joshua Friend and Timothy Friend; and a sister-in-law, Marianna Nelson of Shipshewana, IN.
Preceding Mary Jane in death were her parents, a sister, Rose Ann Inman, and a brother, Marion Nelson.
A memorial visitation will take place on February 15, 2025, beginning at 10:30 am and continuing until the memorial service time at 12:00 pm (noon) at Lima United Methodist Church, 6900 N 450 W, Shipshewana, IN. Pastor Kevin Brower will officiate the services.
Burial will take place privately at Riverside Cemetery in Howe, IN.
Memorials may be made to Lima Church, 6900 N 450 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565.