Marlene Kay Hershberger

Due to the current guidelines regarding public gatherings because of the COVID-19 virus and safety concerns, please use good judgment in determining the length of your visit or if you should attend.  Six feet of social distancing should be maintained and masks are required for the visitation and service.  There will be no congregating in the parking lot.

Marlene Kay Hershberger of Warsaw, Indiana passed away at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, Indiana at the age of 76.

She was born on June 26, 1944 in Elkhart County, Indiana to Harriet L. (Hall) Martin and Cleo Martin.  On August 8, 1964 she was married to Jon Earl Hershberger.  They raised two children and shared 40 years of marriage together before he passed away on May 12, 2004. 

Marlene graduated from New Paris High School in New Paris, Indiana and was the team’s basketball captain.  She was a farm girl who could hit a mean softball.  She lived in Kosciusko County, Indiana for over 50 years.  She attended Warsaw Bible Church in the past and more recently she enjoyed going to Bethel Baptist Church in Pierceton, Indiana.  Marlene’s life revolved around her children and loved simply being “Mom” and later in life she relished becoming a grandmother!  She was a great homemaker and was proud to provide her family dinner which was always “homemade everything”.  Marlene was a very spirited lady and was known for loving butterfly’s, being a great cook, enjoyed wildlife in her backyard, helping with F.O.P., loved dancing the waltz and polka, and of course she loved to whistle.  She played the piano and taught kid’s music.  Many people knew Marlene and her husband, Jon from meeting them at J&J Surplus in Pierceton which they owned and operated for many years.  She had a servant’s heart and was always very hospitable and never hesitated to help others when needed.  Marlene was a caregiver to her husband and in-laws which she did out of love.  She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and will be forever loved and dearly missed.

She leaves behind her son:  Jon Eric (Stephanie) Hershberger (Warsaw, Indiana); daughter:  Andrea McKeand (Warsaw, Indiana); son-in-law:  Chris McKeand (Warsaw, Indiana); three grandchildren:  Erin, Sydney, Kaylyn; and her great-grandson:  Brecken.  Also surviving is her brother:  Larry (Carrie) Martin (Bristol, Indiana).  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.            

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana as well as an hour of visitation prior to the service on Tuesday from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.   Marlene’s life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Jim Baughman.  A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw. 

Memorial donations may be directed to K-21 Health Foundation, 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake, Indiana   46590; or to  Bethel Baptist Church, 1109 W. Market Street, Pierceton, Indiana  46562.

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