Nancy L. Western, 86, Columbia City, died at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne surrounded by her family.

She was born July 21, 1929 at Loon Lake, Noble County, the eldest and daughter of L. Herbert and Martha (Waugh) Wolfe. Her formative years were spent at Loon Lake where her parents operated Wolfe’s Apple Orchard. She graduated as Salutatorian from Wolf Lake High School in 1947 and graduated from Ivy Tech in 1979 with her medical assisting degree.

On Dec. 4, 1948 she was united in marriage to Paul E. Western. They owned and operated a dairy farm in Whitley County, near Columbia City. Mr. Western died Jan. 1, 1976.

A lifelong farmer, throughout her life she loved animals, flowers and gardening. She was also employed at Lutheran Hospital from 1979 until 2004.

Nancy was a member of West Point Trinity United Methodist Church, Friendly Neighbors Ladies Aid and Lakeview Club.

Surviving relatives include a son: John (Karen) Western, Columbia City; a daughter-in-law: Joan Hurley Western, Columbia City; four grandchildren: Holly (Chad) Fry, Columbia City; Ashley (Nathan) Maynard, Lafayette; Olivia Western and Ben Western, both of Columbia City; three step grandchildren: Gina (Andy) Vanderford, Kristal (Travis) Stahl, all of Columbia City; and Carly (Ryan) Smith of Atlanta, Ga.; three great grandchildren: Connor Fry, Peyton Fry and Asher Maynard; four step great grandchildren: Angel Vanderford, Drew Vanderford, Brynn Stahl and Bianca Stahl; and two brothers: Thomas Michael Wolfe, Bridgeton, N.J.; and Larry (Kathy) Wolfe, Ypsilanti, Mich.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, James Western.

The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Adams Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Humane Society of Whitley County.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements