Dorothy Nitz

Dorothy M. Nitz, formally of Fort Wayne, passed away on June 12, 2024, Miller's at Oak Point in Columbia City. She was born on July 16, 1940, in New Haven, to the late Raymond and Sophie (Wiese) Busche. Dorothy spent her formative years in rural Allen County and graduated from Woodburn High School in 1958. Dorothy was married to James Nitz, on July 26, 1958, in Fort Wayne. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2005. Dorothy worked at Dana Corp. Busco for seven years, and at Azars at Glenbrook for many years. She retired from her final position at Parkview Hospital, on July 1, 2005, after 22 years of providing nursing support. In retirement, Dorothy cultivated her love for gardening, and her dedication to the craft led her to become a Master Gardener on January 16, 2008. She was also a devout member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Dorothy's faith began as a child at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, where she was baptized in August of 1940 and confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1954. Dorothy is survived by her son, William (Gail) Nitz; her sisters, Loretta Auer and Darlene Smith; her brother, Roger Busche; four grandchildren, Holly, Kyle, Stephanie, and Danielle; numerous great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Peggie Coburn; a brother, Ray Herbert Busche; three sisters, Ruthann Busche, Judy Lefevra, and Shirley Lyons. Funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m., on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 W California Rd, Fort Wayne, with calling beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorials may be directed to Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran School. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.