Hilda L. Gaerte

Hilda L. Gaerte, age 94, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 12:10 am on Friday December 14, 2018 at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City. Born on November 19, 1924 in Etna Troy Township, she was the daughter of Delbert and Irene (Wright) Martin.

Hilda attended Troy Center and graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1943. She was a lifetime resident of Whitley County and a member of Etna Methodist Church, where she was famous for her homemade noodles fundraiser at church.On May 8, 1953 she married Junior E. Gaerte in Columbia City. Hilda worked at Etna Troy School for 6 years and was an Avon representative for 33 years, in addition to being a homemaker.

Survivors include her daughters Pam (Rick) Martz of Fort Wayne and Lori Busche of Kendallville; 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Gail (Carol) Martin of Columbia City; sister Esther (Arden) Rider of Warren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Junior Gaerte.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Monday December 17, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Hilda will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday December 18, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Scott Keister Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Hilda may be made to Etna United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.