COLUMBUS
Virginia “Dede” Lung Abts took her final step on this earth Jan. 24, 2021, and thus engaged herself with the help of God’s waiting arms and took her first step into eternal life.
Born Virginia Alice to Dr. Bruce and Rose (Murphy) Lung (both deceased) on August 20, 1920 in Kokomo, IN. She was nicknamed “Dede” in early childhood and from then on was known to all by that name.
Ironically, Dede’s early life was punctuated by the end of the 1918 flu pandemic and now closes with the hopeful end of the COVID era. Her father, Doctor Lung, set a trajectory for Dede by dedicating his life toward treating patients and those suffering from the pandemic of 100 years ago. His daughter, Dede, continued the tradition by serving in his office during the terrible time of the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Very few people could pay for medical services during that decade. Dede and her dad accepted corn, green beans, potatoes or any other produce as payment. The seeds of the affordable health care act were thus planted long before any of us were born. This is called humanity and it further gave Dede a set of values which underscored her life forever. Dede also had two sisters who professed the same values. As a footnote, Doctor Lung lived with his three daughters, a wife, shared one bathroom and no one ever complained. Such peaceful allotment of one bathroom invites a recipe for all humans. That is, we can share, accept and live in harmony on this earth. This is just one of Dede’s concepts and demonstrations toward humanity.
Dede continued to enhance her gifts by attending Indiana University and graduated in 1942 with a degree in Spanish. Dede was also the Indiana University homecoming queen in 1941. Dede never boasted about her significant nomination but instead asked everyone to reflect on her inner qualities – humanity.
World War Two brought on more significant challenges but also faith.
During a family summer vacation to Lake Wawasee in Indiana, Dede met the love of her life, Henry “Hank” Abts. They were married on Nov. 7, 1942 during the height of WWII. Stationed in Texas as a pilot in the Army Air Corp, Hank made it back to Kokomo for the ceremony with only 7 minutes to spare. The in time arrival is attributed to Hank’s own father, Matt, who had a lifetime “drive” to become a race car driver and his skills were revealed on that wedding day via his sprint from Indianapolis to Kokomo with his son’s on time delivery.
The war years were again tough but Dede already had the mind set and value system to engage and conquer any adversity which she did. Her husband was in the Army Air Corps. She gave comfort and care to those who invested their lives in the war effort as well as giving relief to her husband who saw his friends give their lives. Again, this underscores Dede’s life – humanity.
Dede witnessed her father’s death in 1956. She had a family by then but nonetheless asked for no compassion or comfort. Her value system stood fast. The years rolled on and she never deviated from devotion to family, God, country, or values. She never gave up or lost hope.
One hundred years of life on this earth bears evidence of a life enjoyed but yet exemplifies a culture of giving and devotion to humanity. The work of our Lord continues via persons like Dede. Mother Teresa now has an equal companion who with Dede can continue to guide and help the living upon this earth that desperately needs their combined divine direction and intervention.
Dede’s life was interlaced with many accomplishments and too many to cite in one composition. Just one of her bequests to our Columbus community was her being co-founder of the Uncommon Cause. Moreover, her contributions to Riley Children’s Hospital echo her heart of charity.
The family is grateful for the care she received at Four Seasons during this past year. The pandemic restrictions were very hard for our “social” Dede. We are so thankful to all the family members and friends who did their best to visit and keep in touch with her.
Fiercely independent, Dede remained in her home for many years after becoming a widow. She enjoyed many social events & dinners out with her beloved and caring friends. She enjoyed celebrating her 100th birthday in August with an outdoor “drive-by” that was planned by her wonderful friends.
We are certainly in the tragedy of a pandemic just like when Dede was born in 1920. We pray that her entry into heaven signifies and concludes the final termination of the COVID pandemic. One hundred years of her life should certainly cement the fact that we can unite as a world and respond with a unified humanitarian strength.
Given the dreadful consequences of the COVID pandemic, Dede’s family desires only one response. There are families, individuals, persons alone, suffering and those who have lost hope. In light of the foregoing, we ask that any resources you may have please not be devoted to cards, flowers or otherwise. There are people in need who deserve your help, prayers and resources. Therefore, please divert any resources toward any charity of your choice. Also, please be intense with your prayers.
There will be no funeral, viewing or other typical tradition per Dede’s wishes. There will be a private family only celebration in the future.
Lastly, this tribute started with “Dede took her final step into eternity”. We ask that any young people and old define and conclude that Dede left a profile and template that we should all follow. God graces her into heaven, with help, justice, and warmth. So please, we the living, take a step not into eternity but into eternal help for all human souls. Dede lived her life for that and continues to do so.
There are humans in failing health, hungry, unemployed, in need of medical attention or just wanting companionship. Again, Dede’s dedication to humanity and family is the theme. Once again, celebrate Dede’s life by choosing to assist those in need.
All obituaries seem to end with a conclusion that the deceased leaves behind a daughter, son, grandchildren, and so on which is factual. However, Dede “leaves” no one. Her soul and spirit continues to watch over and guide her family and others as she did during her earthly life. And we do not leave her. She embraced the very fact that we are all angels with one wing and we need to comfort and join together so that we can all fly. Dede’s flight plan was cast in stone in 1920. It survives in 2021. We the living must grasp this grace and live it. Grab a wing, fly, and support someone in need. You will fly also.
It was a wonderful life. And it continues. Thanks Dede for the memories – and the legacy.
To live in the hearts of others is not to die.
