Mildred M. Wagoner

Mildred Maxine Wagoner, 95, of Columbia City, entered her heavenly home on November 21, 2018, when she ran into the arms of Jesus. Mildred was born on July 31, 1923 in Adams County, Indiana the youngest daughter of Otis and Iona Shifferly. Mildred attended Pleasant Mills High School and graduated as Valedictorian in 1941. Mildred met her one true love, Delmar Wagoner, while he was a boarder at her parents' home in Decatur. After his job was finished in Decatur, Delmar moved back to Columbia City and continued to date Mildred until his father told him, "Boy, marry that girl or find one closer to home."

Then WWII happened, and Delmar left for the Army Air Corp. True love continued though and on July 26, 1943 Mildred was united in Holy Matrimony with Delmar Dean Wagoner in Laurel, Mississippi before he went overseas. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1993 surrounded by family and friends.

Mildred began her working career in Decatur at General Electric and when Delmar came home from the service, she transferred to the Fort Wayne General Electric to begin their life together in Columbia City. With the birth of their first child, Mildred left GE after 9 years. She raised three children, Joe Allen, Judy Ann and James Dean before returning to work at the Whitley County Courthouse. She worked part-time in the Treasurer's Office for 3 years and then full time at the Clerk's Office for 16 ½ years. Mildred retired in 1988 and she and Delmar spent the winter months in Sebring, Florida for the next 14 years.

Mildred served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, was a member of the Twilight Home Demonstration Club and received an Honor Certificate for being a 50-year member. Mildred was an active member of Saturn Christian Church, where she served as Deaconess, Pianist, Sunday School Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, CWF Treasurer and on many committees. She, along with Delmar, were founding members of the Little Turtle Trailseekers, a camping club of the National Campers and Hikers Association. She also volunteered with Jefferson Township Vacation Bible School many years as the pianist.

Surviving relatives include two sons, Joe (Jane) Wagoner and Jim (Dawn) Wagoner; one daughter, Judy (Kerry) Dunfee; grandchildren, Matthew Wagoner, Ben Wagoner, Kelly (Joshua) Moore, Daniel Wagoner, Tony Dunfee, Mandy(Chris) Grimm, Jack Wagoner, Amy (Russell) Anderson and Aaron (Caitlin) Wagoner; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley Ringler and Hadley Jo Anderson. Besides her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Delmar passed in 2002; two brothers, Ermil and Eldred Shifferly; and one sister, Doris McDermott.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Saturn Christian Church, 6731 E 800 S, Columbia City with visitation an hour prior. Pastor Russell Riley will be officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Chapel (Sand Bank) Cemetery. Memorials may be given in honor of Mildred to Saturn Christian Church or the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send her family condolences online.