Esther Rolene Popp

Esther Rolene Popp, was born on March 31,1932 in Goshen, Indiana, to Maurice and Catherine Woodward. She stepped into the glorious arms of Jesus Christ on May 15, 2026. She lived a long and meaningful life marked by curiosity, conviction, and a deep love of learning.

Rolene grew up in Greenfield, Indiana, where she attended and graduated from Mt. Comfort High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Butler University in 1954, beginning a career devoted to teaching and inspiring young minds. She taught English at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, where she was admired for her clarity, warmth, and genuine care for her students.

In 1960, Rolene married John Franke Popp, and together they made their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She raised two boys in a very loving home. Rolene was a gracious person with an infectious smile and charm. She was very gifted at planning and entertaining guests for social gatherings, and she was wonderfully talented at gift wrapping. Her enthusiasm for the nation’s past and passion for speaking made her an engaging speaker on historical subjects, including antiques to the Heritage Club, where she was a board member. Along with the Heritage Club, Rolene was also a board member of the Historical Society, a board member of Lutheran Social Services, and a strong supporter of the Euell Wilson Center.

Rolene was also active in civic life. A strong supporter of President Ronald Reagan, she served as an alternate delegate at the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan; an experience she remembered with pride and fondness. Most importantly, Rolene was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of the Fort Wayne Chapel. She was enthusiastically a participant and teacher at Bible Study Fellowship.

Rolene is survived by her husband, John F. Popp; her sons, Bohn (Lubna) and Chris (Carol); grandchildren, Thomas (Megan), Mark, and Daniel Popp; sister, Linda Baird (Donn). She is also survived by four nieces and a nephew; and eight great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Catherine Woodward; and her brother, Joe Woodward.

She will be deeply missed for her sense of humor, her warm and friendly personality, and the way she effortlessly connected with everyone she met.

Calling will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes, Covington Knolls, on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate a life lived with purpose, kindness, and an enduring love of history.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Euell A. Wilson Center in memory of Rolene Popp, 1512 Oxford Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46806.