Julia Ann "Ellsworth" Bauer

Julia Ann Ellsworth Bauer, age 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025. Born on August 13, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana, Julie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend. Her life was defined by quiet strength, deep generosity, and an unwavering love for those around her. Julie is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Marlin "Butch" Bauer; her son Eric Bauer and his wife Amy; and her treasured granddaughters, Scarlett and Eloise Bauer. She was a proud aunt to 11 nieces and nephews and a source of encouragement and grace to so many. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Greg Bauer, whose memory she carried with her every day. She was also preceded in death by her brother, David Ellsworth. Julie was born to the late Francis and Mildred Ellsworth and raised in Decatur, Indiana, and pursued her passion for education with unmatched dedication, eventually earning her Ph.D. in Education. Teaching was more than a profession to her-it was a calling. She poured her heart into shaping young minds, mentoring colleagues, and championing the power of learning to change lives. It was at Ball State University-despite what she jokingly told her kids about meeting in church-that she met Butch in a bar, sparking a love story that would span nearly six decades. Together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, faith, and shared purpose. In the final chapter of their marriage, after Julie recovered from a traumatic brain injury, their bond grew even deeper. In Butch's own words, the past three months of their life together were filled with a love stronger than ever before-tender, resilient, and true to the vows they had lived out for nearly 60 years. His devotion never wavered, and their love remained the foundation of their shared life. Julie also gave deeply to her community through years of service with the American Red Cross. She was often called to the front lines of disaster relief-moments when families had just lost everything: their homes, belongings, even loved ones. She stood with people in their darkest hours, offering not just practical support but presence, compassion, and guidance. She counseled survivors with grace and steadiness, becoming a quiet source of strength when it was needed most. A devout Christian, Julie lived her faith with humility and action. She was an avid cyclist and devoted supporter of Fort Wayne Trails, often seen on the paths she helped bring to life. She traveled the world with wonder and joy. To know Julie was to be loved by her. Like the tree in the poem The Giving Tree, she gave of herself fully and freely-her time, her energy, her wisdom, and her love-without ever asking for anything in return. She gave until the very end, always putting others first, always rooted in kindness and selflessness. Julie's legacy is not only in the lessons she taught or the places she went, but in the lives she lifted, the hands she held, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, followed by a Memorial Service from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Decatur Cemetery. In lieu of flowers-seriously, please no flowers, she was wildly allergic and felt they belonged in the ground and not in a vase-the family asks that donations be made in Julie's memory to one of the causes she held dear: American Red Cross, Fort Wayne Chapter redcross.org/donate/donation.html Fort Wayne Trails fwtrails.org/support-us Covenant United Methodist Church covenantumc.net/give Arrangements have been entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, Decatur, IN