Mary A. Gaerte

Mary Althea Gaerte, age 92, of Ligonier went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday October 25, 2018 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville, IN.  She was born on September 9, 1926 to the late Edward J. and Esther F. (Lehmann) Magers in Wawaka, IN. On September 27, 1944, she married Jack Gaerte in Albion, IN.  He has since preceded her in death on August 24, 2000.

Mary was a lifelong area resident of Noble County and worked for 20 years as the secretary for the Ligonier Elementary School.  She kept extremely busy with her infectious personality helping at the Ligonier Historical Society, the Ligonier Visitors Center and in her earlier years, taught ball-room dancing.  Her favorite thing was making memories with her friends and family.  In her spare time, you could find her winning at Euchre or finishing a game of solitaire. She collected music boxes, political cartoons, and bird ornaments. “Noni”, as her family affectionately called her, will be forever missed by all who knew her.  Her giggle, bubbly personality, sense of humor, and never-ending love for life is what she will be remembered for.

Mary is survived by her children, Edd (Brenda) Gaerte and Cheryl Gaerte; eight grandchildren, Tim (Deb) Rigsby, Lori (Todd) Miller, Jill (Mike) Becker, PJ (Kim) Reidenbach, Scott (Lauren) Gaerte, Jon Gaerte, Christi (Ron) Smith, Emily (Adam) Tomlinson; 16 Great-Grandchildren; four Great-Great-Grandchildren; brother, Thomas Magers; and life-long friend Dot Foster.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Gaerte; parents, Edward and Esther Magers; daughter, Carolyn Jean Gaerte; brother, Charles Magers; sister, Jane King and dear friend, Jane DuBois.

There will be a time of visitation held on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 3PM-7PM at Yeager Funeral Home , 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767 and also one hour before the funeral service on Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Crosswalk Church.

A funeral service in Mrs. Gaerte’s honor will take place on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 11AM at the Crosswalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church - 466 Townline Rd., Ligonier, IN 46767 with Pastor Jean Ness officiating.

Burial will be in Orange Cemetery in Wawaka.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ligonier Historical Society - 503 S. Main Street Ligonier, IN 46767.