Fern Frances Hooley

Fern Frances Hooley, 97, of New Paris, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 24, 1926 at home, near Bancroft, Cuming County, Nebraska, to Daniel and Emma (Birky) Nitzsche.

Fern accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized at age 11 at the Plum Creek Mennonite Church, Beemer, Nebraska. On May 21, 1950, she married Mylin D. Hooley in the same church.  He died March 10, 2003.

Survivors include three daughters, Karen (Glenn) Miller of Hutchinson, Kansas, Marjorie (Dale) Martin of Harrisonburg, Virginia and Linda (Greg) Arcibal of Pahoa, Hawaii; four sons, Roger (Lois) Hooley of New Paris, Don (Carlene) Hooley of Bradenton, Florida, Jim (Elaine) Hooley of Wayland, Iowa and Bill (Sue) Hooley of New Paris; 25 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna Zook and Ruth Coffman and two brothers, William and Delmar Nitzsche.

Fern was a wonderful role model in her lifetime and was loved by many.  She enjoyed flowers, gardening, writing poetry, baking, and sewing.  She loved sitting on her back porch and watching the hummingbirds.  Many families and friends will cherish the memories made there. Fern’s mind was sharp to the very end and will be remembered for being an avid scrabble player.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, Indiana.  The 10 a.m. funeral service will be Friday, January 19, 2024, at Salem Mennonite Church, 23984 C.R. 46, New Paris.

Burial will follow in Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to her church, Milford Chapel or World Missionary Press.