Thora Lefever

A wife, mom, grandma, aunt, friend, storyteller and maker of the best broccoli casserole on Earth, she was born on Aug. 15, 1921, in Whitley County, a daughter of the late Ancel and Elma (Wagner) Mullet. She was brought up in Washington Township with her sisters, Dorotha Sheets and Marguerite Yohe, and her baby brother, Harrold Jack Mullett, graduating from Washington Center High School in 1939.

She married the exceptionally handsome Henry Lefever on April 15, 1944. They had three ornery boys whom Thora was never too shy to tell people about when she would meet them out and about, Max (Jean) Lefever, John (Laura) Lefever and Dale Lefever. She also had nine grandchildren, Amy, Gannon, Todd, Shelby, Megan, David, Brad, Nathan and Alicia; 17 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews galore, who were all her pride and joy! Thora loved her family and her Laud Christian Church family with steadfast devotion. Her beloved husband, Henry, died on Dec. 7, 2002.

When she wasn’t keeping track of Max, John, and Dale, Thora was busy supporting her family while her husband Henry served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. She was a Boy Scout den mother and a member of the Whitley County 4-H and the Home Economics clubs while working at Heine’s turkey farm and Producers Marketing Association. Thora was a member of the Rebekah Lodge (the ladies auxiliary of the IOOF) as well as the Laud Christian Church choir and a Sunday School teacher for more than 40 years.

Thora will be remembered not only for her devotion to her family and church, but for her incredible storytelling, her quick wit and a mischievous glimmer in her eye that shone at just the right moment to make you giggle (even when you shouldn’t). She was the calm strength and amazing back-scratcher that made everything better, as well as a barn cat and baby-chick catcher that every child and grandchild in Indiana should be lucky enough to have – with a side of snark and seriousness to boot.

Thora lived a beautiful and quiet life, never judging, always listening and caring. She had a kind word and a smile for everyone she met and will be sorely missed by those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a familiar face and a source of joy to many.

Special thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Miller’s Merry Manor in Columbia City who provided care to her during the past months, often keeping her company when family was unable to be with her due to restrictions.

A small, private family service will be held at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, followed by burial at Jefferson Chapel beside Henry.

Memorials in Thora’s honor are to the Whitley County Community Foundation.