Elonda J. Pethtel

HARTFORD CITY, IN--

Elonda J. Pethtel of Hartford City ascended to Heaven on Sunday, December 25 at age 92.

Her passing allowed her to join the love of her life, husband Charles Pethtel, who preceded her in death in 2012.

The couple met in first grade at Millgrove School, graduated from 8th grade together and continued their education at Montpelier High School when they began dating. They were married March 17, 1951.  Elonda commented to family members in recent years, “It was practically my whole life. People told Charlie he never had a chance. I had my eye on him from first grade”. 

Elonda began a life full of blessings on January 19, 1930.  Her life’s work included the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company before becoming a fulltime wife and mother to daughter Linette, in 1955, and son Evan, in 1960.  For years, she was known for her meticulous ironing of clothing for customers throughout the Hartford City area.  Much of the money she earned was saved for Christmas gifts for family.  She enjoyed making delicious meals at family gatherings, including family favorites chicken and noodles and light bread biscuits. 

Family was always the center of Elonda’s attention.  She learned the value of love, family, and hard work from her mother, Vardella, and by growing up on a Blackford County farm with three brothers and a sister.

Elonda is survived by daughter Linette (Brian) Trauring of Toledo, Ohio; son Evan Pethtel of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Brittany) Trauring, Elizabeth (Mike) Trauring Hoerner, Megan Trauring and Dru Alex Pethtel.  Survivors also include great-grandchildren Laura, Noelle, and Hannah Trauring and Avry and Dakota Morse.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored the woman they knew as “Mamaw”.  

Elonda was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Hartford City. 

In addition to Charles, she was preceded in death by brothers James and Clifford Rinker and sister RedaBelle Nottingham.  Survivors include her brother, Gwen Rinker, who recently enjoyed a visit with Elonda at her assisted living center near Toledo, Ohio.  Also surviving are brother-in-law Merrill Nottingham and sisters-in-law Sue and Betty Rinker. 

The family wishes to extend special thanks to all those who helped care for Elonda in recent months. 

Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 308 S. Monroe Street, Hartford City on Friday, December 30 at 1:30pm. Pastor Sharilyn Wendt will be the officiating clergy.  Visitation for family will take place at 11:00am at the church.  Friends will be received at the church during calling hours from 11:30am until 1:30pm. 

Following the service, the committal will be held at the Gardens of Memory Chapel at 10703 N. State Road 3, Muncie Indiana, where burial will follow. 

Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church.  Online condolences may be sent to www.watersfuneralhomes.com

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