Dec. 19, 1926 - Jan. 27, 2013

ELKHART - Vivian Jean Vetter, 86, of Elkhart, died at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at her residence, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Vivian was born Dec. 19, 1926, in Goshen to Carlyle and Bertha (Ranard) Pickering.

On May 16, 1953, she married Charles Vetter (who shared her birthday) in Goshen.

He survives along with a son, Rick (Cheryl) Vetter of Garner, N.C.; four daughters, Penny (Jon) Pejka of O'Fallon, Ill., Kathy Vetter of South Bend, Chris Vetter of McCall, Idaho, and Susie (Kevin) Fox of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren; two brothers, twin Richard (Peggy) Pickering of Charlottesville, Va., and Ranard J. Pickering of Arlington, Va.; and a sister, Carolyn Garman of Cincinnati.

Vivian was a 1945 graduate of Goshen High School and a 1952 graduate of Indiana University School of Nursing.

In addition to caring for her family, she filled her life with gardening, music, outdoor activities, sewing and lots of volunteer work. She was honored for her volunteer activities by the Mental Health Association of Elkhart County, Lions Clubs International and Elkhart General Hospital. She volunteered for many organizations over the years, including Girl Scouts, Church Community Services, Meals on Wheels and Mennonite Disaster Service.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and an elder, was very active with the Presbyterian Women and sang in the chancel choir. She was also a member of Psi Iota Xi sorority, Elkhart County Symphony Association and Lions Club.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation with family will precede the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Cremation has taken place, and burial will be in First Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Church Community Services or First Presbyterian Church.

Helen Ulaszek (Blanken), Chicago, IL Dear Vetter family, I send my condolences on the loss of Vivian. She was an unforgettable person. I remember her heading up the Auxiliary at FPC for refreshments at my wedding. Chris was in my high school year, and I remember Kathy and Penny as well. Vivian and Chuck are part of my fond memories of FPC youth activities. Pizza, anyone? Sing it!

Mickey White, Elkhart in, IN Dear Mr.Vetter & family, I regret the loss of your wife and mother of your children.I remember her being a loving and caring woman and proud of her children.She will be missed but remembered by all who knew her.

Carol Strauss-Weaver, Elkhart, IN Dear Mr. Vetter and family, I am sorry to hear of your wife (mothers) passing. I remember her to be a lovely, Godly woman. Growing up at Simonton Lake, babysitting the kids, and attending the Presbyterian Church together, we shared a common bond. My condolences to all.