Elizabeth Piper

Elizabeth Piper, age 99, passed away Friday, February 25, 2022, at her home where she was cared for. A former resident of Celina, Elizabeth had lived in Fort Wayne since 1980.

Born Frances Elizabeth Rhyne on July 30, 1922, in Oblong, Illinois, she was a daughter of Jesse & Emma (Deitsch) Rhyne.

Elizabeth married Robert Eugene Piper on May 31, 1941, and he preceded her in death June 1, 1970.

Surviving are their daughters: Lynda Hooley of Fort Wayne and Kadene Luther of Tucson, Arizona; 5 grandchildren: Ben (Regina) Hooley, Lyndsay (Joe) Hettinger, Whitney (Ryan) Miller, John (Victoria) Luther and Kyle Luther; 13 great grandchildren: Ashley Johnson, Madison and Bailey Quinn, Ian Bowser, Sada and Chloe Hooley, Dillon, Kobe, and Cora Hettinger, and Makhaila, Beckett, and Wyatt Miller; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Rhyne Kaup.

Preceding her in death were her brothers & sisters: Dale (Emma) Rhyne, Harold (Evon) Rhyne, Helen (Russell) Beougher, Esther (Wilson) Klosterman and Elmer Rhyne; also Robert's brothers & sisters: Walter (Rosemary) Piper, Glen (Mary Ellen) Piper, Betty (Kenny) Shaw, Mabel (Paul) Beougher, and Lola Piper Burk. 

During World War II, Elizabeth was a seamstress and also a hairdresser on the side.  She had worked at Jack's Surplus City and the Bi-Rite Discount Store in Celina, and Petite Sophisticates at the Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne.

She was a member of VFW Post #5713 and Grace Missionary Church in Celina.  Elizabeth loved playing Bingo, cards, and putting puzzles together.  She enjoyed reading, listening to music, and sewing.  Elizabeth had a sarcastic wit, and loved life, animals, and her kids and grandkids.

Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, on Thursday, March 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service to follow, starting at 1:00, Pastor Steve Howell, officiating.

Burial will take place at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

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