Juanita M. Laidig

Juanita M. Laidig, 80, of Goshen passed away peacefully at Goshen Hospital on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, after a fall, surgery, and then contracting COVID-19.

Born Oct. 30, 1940, in Plymouth, she was the eldest child of the late Silas and Pauline (Binkele) Laidig. Following graduation from Madison Township High School in 1958, Nita proceeded to obtain a diploma in nursing from Parkview Methodist School of Nursing, Fort Wayne in 1961, plus three degrees from Indiana University (BS in General Nursing 1965; MSN 1977 and Ed.D. 1995).

Nita began her nursing career at Parkview Memorial and Elkhart General Hospitals from 1961-62. She entered her teaching career at Marion County General Hospital School of Nursing where she taught Fundamentals of Nursing and Medical-Surgical Nursing from 1965-68. In 1968 Nita joined the I.U. School of Nursing faculty and served in teaching, mentoring, curricular and mid-level administrative roles for 30 plus years. In Dec. 2002 she retired as Associate Professor Emerita. During her educational journey and professional career, she was involved in the local levels of Sigma Theta Tau and National League for Nursing and at the local and state levels of the American Nurses Association. In her retirement she enjoyed mentoring nursing graduates in preparation for their nursing licensure examinations and assisting with the activities of the Madison Twp. Alumni Association and History Center.

Nita will be remembered for her caregiving of her dear friend, Billie F. Bond and Nita’s mother during her last three years of life; her support of her friends and neighbors; and her passion for traveling. Nita worshipped at Eighth Street Mennonite Church until limited by her mobility issues.

Survivors include four siblings: Karen (Darrel) Sommers of Goshen; Sharon (Walter) Rager of Toledo; Roger (Susan) Laidig of Mishawaka; and Linda Smith of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Barbara Laidig of Bremen; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; a great-great niece and many extended Binkele and Laidig family members, with whom she enjoyed many memorable get-togethers.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers James and Eldon and a brother-in-law, Robert Smith.

A private funeral service will be conducted 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. The livestream link will be available at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com. Pastor Velma Swartz will officiate. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

Private burial will be in Bremen Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Center for Healing and Hope, 902 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526; Youth for Christ, Northern Indiana, 6427 Oakbrook Pkwy, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 or to your favorite charity.