COLUMBUS
Greta Padgett Otte of Columbus, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of October 22, 2017.
Mrs. Otte was graduated from Brook High School and then from l.U. in 1947 with a bachelor’s degree in public school music, then again in 1952 with a master’s degree in education.
She was a member of Phi Mu National sorority.
She taught in Monroe, Johnson and Bartholomew counties, and Kitzingen, Germany American Military School, and the People’s Republic of China.
Mrs. Otte was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving as adult and children’s choir director and as a member of the choir for many years.
Mrs. Otte served in many other positions there including many years on the Mission Board.
Mrs. Otte was a member of the Retirement Foundation Board where she escorted senior citizen trips for 18 years, taking area senior citizens on guided trips all over North America and Europe, serving as the first woman president of that organization.
She was also a member of the Area Xl Agency Board on Aging and the State Agency on Aging Board.
For several years, Mrs. Otte was a member of the Women’s Committee for the Indianapolis Symphony, serving as a volunteer guide for the city of Indianapolis, benefitting their symphony.
When refugee families arrived in Columbus, Mrs. Otte worked with their children at Schmitt School, and with church friends, she helped sponsor a Vietnamese family.
She also assisted in creating and teaching, the English as a Second Language (ELS) program at Grace Lutheran Church.
For 10 years, she shared leadership of a Bible Study at Four Seasons Retirement Center.
Born November 9, 1925 to Harley and Winnie Ristey Padgett in Newton County, she was baptized on April 17, 1927. She married Roy W. Otte of Columbus, on February 15, 1947 in Bloomington, at the Phi Mu House. He survives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Marjorie Houghton of Plymouth, Indiana.
Surviving are a brother, Vic Padgett of Brook, Indiana; a son, Bruce (Jeanette) Otte, one daughter, Kristina (Ricky) Fitch all of Columbus; nine grandchildren, Heather (Brandon) Bair, Luke (Katie) Otte, Benjamin Otte, Bryan Bayly, Tyler Bayly, Hailey Hennessy, Josiah (Ashley) Fitch, Alison (Jacob) Kennedy and Rachel Fitch; five great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
ln lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Grace Lutheran Church Mission Board in Columbus, or to Trinity Lutheran High School Endowment Fund, in Seymour.
Mrs. Otte completed this life summation several years ago, with the final line saying, “l had fun writing this. At least it will serve as a draft. Change anything you want. I hope it’s helpful. Hey- I love you. Mama.”
A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Friday at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. John Armstrong officiating. Friends and family may call at the church from 2 p.m. to service time. Private inurnment will be in Garland Brook Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to www.myers-reed.com.
