Jan. 20, 1932 - Jan. 9, 2013

ELKHART - Mary Ellen Ihnken, 80, of Elkhart passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Jan. 20, 1932, in Elkhart to Earl Eugene and Kathryn Lucille (Barton) Kreighbaum.

She married Gene Ihnken Oct. 14, 1950.

He survives along with two daughters, Jean (Brian) Yerger of Elkhart and Lynn (Dennis) Wise of Goshen; four grandchildren, Casey (Alysha) Yerger, Cody (Amber) Yerger, Season (Tim) Price and Cory (Krissy) Wise; six great-grandchildren, Hunter and Holden Price, Emilee and Reese Wise, and Grayson and Adeline Yerger; and one sister, Earlene Wollam of Baton Rouge, La.

Mary Ellen graduated from Elkhart High School in 1949 and attended IUSB for one year. She retired in 2000 from Crown Industries in the purchasing department, where she was a secretary. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church and was involved in many church activities. She enjoyed oil painting, flowers and her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart, and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. service Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at Northside Baptist Church. Pastor Carl Henry will officiate.

Burial will follow at Olive West Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Northside Baptist Church or Humane Society of Elkhart County. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

Judy Frey, Nairobi Kenya, IN Jean, I am sorry to read of the loss of your mom. From what I read, she is likely enjoying her complete body in the presence of her Lord. May the Lord Almighty comfort you and strengthen you during as you journey through this time of grief. May His strength fill you and His peace surround you. Blessings

Sandi Crisman, Cadiz, KY I am so sorry to read of Mary Ellen's passing Gene. Please tell your family I pray for them and you at this most sad time. You and Mary Ellen and Bob and I had many good times together. May God Bless all of you.

Larry & Leslie Brumbaugh, Ruskin, FL We are so sorry for your loss. May God grant you comfort during this time.

Charles & Jaxie Miller, Indianapolis, IN Our thoughts and condolences to you, Gene, Jean, Lynn, and families. We will remember Mary as a wonderful lady and friend. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; And he knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7) May the Lord be your comfort.

Paul Petgen, Osceola, IN I am so sorry for your loss. God be with you and your family during this time of loss.

Doug & Dusty Earnhart, Elkhart, IN So sorry to hear about Mary Ellen. May God bless you and your family and comfort you at this time.

Richard Kidder, Elkhart, IN How Beautiful Heaven Must Be! Blessings on you and the kids, today and always. What wonderful memories we have. Keep the faith. Dick Kidder

Nina Myers, Venice, FL Mary was a wonderful, kind woman. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Doug Erickson, Honokaa, HI My dear brother Gene. Just read about Mary Ellen tonight. Blessings on you my brother Heaven is sweeter today. Doug