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Hilda L. Gaerte

Hilda L. Gaerte, 94, of Columbia City, IN, and having family in Warren, IN, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at 12:10 a.m. at Miller’s at Oak Pointe, in Columbia City.

Mrs. Gaerte was a 1943 graduate of Larwill High School. She worked at Etna Troy School for six years and was an Avon representative for 33 years, in addition to being a homemaker. She was a member of Etna United Methodist Church.

She was born Nov. 19, 1924, in Etna Troy Township to Delbert and Irene Wright Martin. She married Junior E. Gaerte on May 8, 1953, in Columbia City. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters, Pam (Rick) Martz, of Fort Wayne, and Lori Busche, of Kendallville; a brother, Gail (Carol) Martin, of Columbia City; a sister, Esther (Arden) Rider, of Warren; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Calling is Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, at 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Scott Keister Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Etna United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice, in care of DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, at 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN 46725.

The online guestbook may be signed at www.demoneygrimes.com.