Jean Kerlin
Jean Kerlin, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Parkview Wabash Hospital in Wabash, Indiana at the age of 89. She was a past resident of Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake and a current resident of Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester.
She was born on April 23, 1931, in Marion, Indiana to Edith (Deeter) Ryan and Joseph Franklin Ryan. On June 30, 1956, in Zionsville, Indiana she was married to Ed Kerlin. They shared 58 years of marriage together and raised two daughters before he passed away on May 29, 2015.
She was a 1949 graduate of Central High School in North Manchester. She graduated from Manchester College with a Bachelor’s degree in education, and later she earned her Master’s degree from Ball State University. Jean taught in schools in Laketon, Silver Lake and Akron.
She was a member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church in Warsaw. One of her favorite things to do was to sing in the church choir. She had a heart to serve and help others and for many years she drove cancer patients for their treatments. She was a proud hospice volunteer for 21 years for Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. She received the honor of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s Heart of Gold award. Norma Jean was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
She will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters: Cindy (Cliff) Zehr, Silver Lake; Lora (Ron) Ogden, Roann; four grandchildren: Melanie Zehr and spouse Erin Korreck and Sara Zehr; Brittany and Emily Ogden; and her great-grandchildren: Tripp Zehr Korreck and Kagan Joy Korreck. She also leaves behind her sister: Shirly Griffey, Wabash. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother.
Due to COVID, Norma Jean’s graveside service will be postponed. Please check back for updated service times. Her graveside service will be officiated by Pastor Lewis Wedstel Shepherd. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery of Silver Lake. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, Indiana 46581-1196 and would be appreciated by her family.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com