Nellie Diffendarfer

Irene Diffendarfer, 90, a native of Noble County and formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away at 5:59 a. m. on Friday, April 5, 2013 in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Mrs. Diffendarfer was born on February 17, 1923 in Noble County, a daughter of James and Chloe (Owen) Herron. She spent her formative years near Churubusco, and was married in Churubusco on May 4, 1940 to Ronald L. Diffendarfer. The couple moved to Fort Wayne in 1957, where she was employed at W. T. Grant, G. C. Murphy, and retired as a department manager in 1981 with Montgomery Ward. She attended the Waxhaw Bible Church in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and in her leisure time enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting, and playing the organ. Mr. Diffendarfer preceded her in death on January 15, 1984. The surviving relatives include her children Beverly (Dean) Brubaker of Waxham, NC and Roger (Kathy) Diffendarfer of Denver, NC; six grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister Carnie Mae Pippenger on June 17, 2001; and a great-granddaughter Allie Neff on May 30, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. on Monday, April 8, 2013, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Phil Harris, offiating.The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 1 p. m. on Monday until the time of the service. Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Memorials may be directed to "Allie & Friends" c/o Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation. ***************************