Mona Workman

Mona Jean Rumbaugh Workman ran into the arms of Jesus early Friday morning, April 27, 2018. She was a glorious and well-earned 89 years old.

Her greatest legacy was believing in people when no one else would. She was a big cheerleader for the down-and-out, the poor, addicts, the ones no one would believe in. Her passion for "the least of these" inspired her children and grandchildren to minister to anyone and everyone--right where they are.

She was a truth-seeker, truth-teller, prayer warrior, savvy reader, and great conversationalist about faith, politics, current events...you name it. She persevered when many would've given up. She loved her family and her flower gardens, especially pink and lavender blooms.

She was an excellent cook. Whether whipping up fabulous food in Greece for missionaries on furlough or thousands of church campers or patrons of Columbia City's Warehouse, her culinary skills were legendary. She had notorious hot fudge and caramel recipes which she refused to share. Well played, Mona Jean.

She was a famous letter-writer, begun when her beau was on a Navy ship in the Pacific. She wrote a regular letter to her prayer team, encouraging future ministries and those struggling with life challenges. If you have one of her thoughtful letters, cherish it.

She is survived by sons Pastor Danny (Debbie) and Pastor Hank Workman, and daughters Lucy (Chuck) Harter, Connie (Pastor Jim) Conn, and Debbie (Pastor Paul) Dreger, 24 grandchildren and 31 great-children.

Instead of sending flowers, call your mom and tell her you love her. Play SkipBo or Suduko. Get ahold of your sister/brother/niece/nephew/grandchild and remind them of the time you (fill in the blank)--then have a belly laugh. She liked to say, "If God is for it, no man can stop it." Words to live by.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Henry "Bud" Workman, love of her life, wonderful father and grandfather of her children, and numerous siblings, cousins and family members.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Her funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the funeral home with her family officiating the service. Mona Jean will be interred at Covington Memorial Gardens in Ft. Wayne. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to The Warehouse, a Columbia City ministry reaching those who are marginalized and forgotten. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com .