Carla Cress

Carla E. Cress, 61, of South Whitley, passed away on February 5, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born on September 3, 1962, in Fort Wayne, to the late Thomas and Linda (Lambert) Kuehner. She spent her formative years in Columbia City and graduated from Columbia City High School. She was a dear wife, sister, aunt, and friend, known for her kindness and her love for crafts. She married her loving husband, Jesse Cress, Jr., on September 3, 1993, and they shared more than three decades of marriage together. Carla was a dedicated team leader at General Motor, Fort Wayne Assembly for several years. She was an active member of UAW Local 2209 and before that a member of UAW Local 3055, contributing greatly to her community. Carla had a passion for creating, spending her free time sewing, crocheting, crafting and working in her garden. She especially loved Diamond Art and frequent trips to Hobby Lobby. She is survived by her husband, Jesse Cress, Jr.; her stepchildren, Tonya Marie Cress, Jesse William Cress III, and Teresa Hinrichs; her siblings, Christopher (Sherri) Kuehner, Scott Kuehner, Lisa Hunt, and William Streby, Sr.; her step-brother, Thomas Clay; grandchildren, Christopher Kuehner, Justin (Kayla) Kuehner, Dannel Kuehner, Tiffany Burton, Mersadie Wheeler, Ashtin Wheeler, Peaches (Kyle) Bullington, Jean Cress, and Rachal (Raul) Monroy; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Conner, Fayelee, Tj, David, Rose, Samuel, Jace, Oaklee, Lindon, Anthony, Leo, Mateo, and Natalya; many nephews and nieces. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Streby, Sr.; a stepsister, Marcia Carter; A Niece, Katie Kuehner; a great-grandson, Landon Kuehner. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, with calling beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at the Riverview Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorials may be directed to the Funeral Home to help with Cemetery Expenses or Riley Children's Hospital. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.