Mary Lou Fruchey

Mary Lou (Smith) Fruchey passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 21,  after a brief illness at Parkview Randallia Hospice.

She is preceded in death by her husband David L Fruchey, father Richard L. Smith, mother Thelma Burk, her brother Richard L. Smith Jr and sister Phyllis (Smith) Hite.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Stanley (Kathy) Fruchey, her daughter and son-in-law Karen (George) Coppens, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mary worked at the family-owned printing business, Modern Printers, in Elkhart until its closure. She also was a Senior Tax Advisor at H & R Block for 25 years. Mary was born in Goshen but lived most of her adult life in Elkhart before moving to Palmetto, Florida for 17 years. She last resided with Karen and George in Columbia City.

Mary was an avid golfer and bowler and had the excitement of having a hole-in-one in her career. She was a lifelong member in the VFW and DAV and a member of the Palmetto Moose Lodge.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in April. She will be laid to rest with her husband at the Nashville National Veterans Cemetery in Tennessee.

Donations may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project or charity of your choice.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.