Westport
Mary E. Friedersdorf, 96, of Westport, passed away at 8:10 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2016, at the Morning Breeze Health Care Center in Greensburg. She was born on July 19, 1920, in Rush County, the daughter of Otto Herman and Myrtle (Rohlfing) Bokelman.
Mary had been a resident of Decatur County since she was 14 years old. She graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1937 and from Indiana Business College in 1945. She began working with the family farming operations in 1949. She also worked at Arvin Industries, Cummins Engine Company and Production Credit Company. Mary was a member of the Sardinia Baptist Church and the Edna Martin Mission Circle. In 1972, she became a Red Cross Volunteer at Decatur County Memorial Hospital and volunteered there for many years. She was a member of the North Vernon Order of Eastern Star #183. She entered the Eastern Star in 1942 and had served as a former district and state officer. Other memberships include: the Hi-Nabor Home Extension Club, Rural Couples Club of Decatur County and the Literary Club. She enjoyed volunteering at events for her church and community. She also enjoyed reading and playing board games.
She married Robert R. Friedersdorf in Greensburg on May 1, 1949. He preceded her in death on June 2, 1988.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Karen Friedersdorf of Westport and Joyce (Eric) Menchinger of Elkart; her sons, David (Jill) Friedersdorf of Scipio and Roy Dale (Pamela) Friedersdorf of Westport; her sister, Marjory (Fred) Cooper of Westport; her 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Robert Bokelman; and sisters, Lucille Robinson, Martha Drennen and May Richter. The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the Sardinia Baptist Church with the Rev. Tom Rust officiating. Burial will follow at the Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus. The family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.
An Eastern Star Memorial service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Robert Friedersdorf Scholarship Fund or the Sardinia Baptist Church. The Bass & Gasper Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the funeral arrangements.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.
