Marlene Kay Hershberger

Marlene Kay Hershberger, 76, Warsaw, passed away at 2:40 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayn.

She was born June 26, 1944, in Elkhart County, to Harriet L. (Hall) Martin and Cleo Martin. On Aug. 8, 1964, she was married to Jon Earl Hershberger. They raised two children and shared 40 years of marriage together before he passed away May 12, 2004.

Marlene graduated from New Paris High School in New Paris and was the team’s basketball captain. She was a farm girl who could hit a mean softball. She lived in Kosciusko County for over 50 years.

She attended Warsaw Bible Church in the past and more recently she enjoyed going to Bethel Baptist Church in Pierceton. Marlene’s life revolved around her children and loved simply being “Mom” and later in life she relished becoming a grandmother. She was a great homemaker and was proud to provide her family dinner which was always “homemade everything”.

Marlene was a very spirited lady and was known for loving butterflies, being a great cook, enjoyed wildlife in her backyard, helping with F.O.P., loved dancing the waltz and polka, and of course she loved to whistle. She played the piano and taught kid’s music. Many people knew Marlene and her husband, Jon from meeting them at J&J Surplus in Pierceton, which they owned and operated for many years.

She had a servant’s heart and was always very hospitable and never hesitated to help others when needed. Marlene was a caregiver to her husband and in-laws which she did out of love. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and will be forever loved and dearly missed.

She leaves behind her son: Jon Eric (Stephanie) Hershberger, Warsaw; daughter: Andrea McKeand, Warsaw; son-in-law: Chris McKeand, Warsaw; three grandchildren: Erin, Sydney, Kaylyn; and her great-grandson: Brecken. Also surviving is her brother: Larry (Carrie) Martin, Bristol.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, as well as an hour of visitation prior to the service from 9-10 a.m., Tuesday. Marlene’s life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Jim Baughman. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to K-21 Health Foundation, 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake, IN 46590; or to Bethel Baptist Church, 1109 W. Market Street, Pierceton, IN 46562.