Patricia "Pepper" Haarer

Patricia “Pepper” Haarer, 79, died Monday, June 15, 2026, at Brentwood Assisted Living in Elkhart, where she had been for the last 3 years.

She was born on March 19, 1947, in Collins, Indiana, to Courtney and Mary (Allen) Parks.

Pepper married Richard L. Haarer in Columbia City, on May 15, 1971. He passed away on January 30, 2013.

Surviving Patricia are daughter, Anita (Ty) Palmer, Bristol; grandchildren Reece (Tiara) Palmer, and Jaxen Palmer; sisters Joyce Stephens, Sidney, Indiana, Sharon (Jim) Haarer, Goshen, and sister-in-law Mary Parks, Auburn.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, infant son Ricky Brian Haarer, and siblings Gladys Clem, Daisy Langer, Verna Greene, Audrey Berkey, Gladia Erikson, and James Parks.

Pepper worked for many years at Harter Group in Middlebury in furniture manufacturing. She was a faithful member of Calvary Assembly of God in Elkhart, where her faith played an important role in her life. Family was always her top priority, and she treasured spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling with her husband, and going to Tennessee on their Goldwing motorcycle. She was kind to everyone she met and treated others with compassion and respect.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 19, from 12-1 p.m. with a funeral service following at 1 p.m., at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Rev. Dennis Haarer, Patricia’s brother-in-law, will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Shore Cemetery in Shipshewana.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Elkhart County Humane Society.