Violet "Vi" Maxine Fansler

Violet "Vi" Fansler, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Three days after quietly marking her 95th birthday, she entered the presence of the Lord she had served faithfully for nearly a century.

Vi’s life was rich in faith, family, and the written word. She authored four collections of devotional poetry, composed her family’s annual Christmas greeting, and created hundreds of birthday cards for family and friends. Her curiosity about family history led her to seriously research and document the genealogy of her Scottish/Irish and Amish/Mennonite roots, as well as the German lineage of her husband.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Reverend Bob Fansler. Together they pastored several churches in Michigan and Indiana before building a large and thriving international youth ministry within the Missionary Church. Vi embodied the definition of a godly woman as described in Proverbs 31 – a true partner in life and ministry with Bob, a nurturing mother and grandmother who created a caring home and tended to the needs of her family. She was always available with prayer, encouragement, and help for any and all who came across her path. She was serious about her faith, but full of good humor and humility.

Vi is survived by her children, Jim and Angie, Debi and Dennie (Doud), Jerry and Mary, Dave and Dawn; grandchildren, Drew and Christine, Brian and Darcy, Libby and Jake (Koch), Brennan and Cassie (Doud), Aubree and Brent (Leuthold), Josh and Lila, Jason and Michelle, Megan & Matt (Ralf), Jon and Caroline, and Rebecca; great-grandchildren, Daphne, Brayden, Owen, Eli, Henry, Jack, Harleigh, Levi, Jonah, Isaiah, Ezra, James, Natalie, and Jacob. She is also survived by one sister, Liz Lehman; nieces, Ruth, Sharon, Joy and Marie … Baird; nephew, Larry; and nieces, Bonnie and Zoe, in addition to many great-nephews and nieces.

Also preceding her in death were her parents, Walter Eugene Baird and Elizabeth Celestia (Kefarber); and siblings, Edie, Millie, Ralph and Bud.

Vi created a richness of tradition and belonging for her family. Her gift of hospitality and her true joy of being surrounded by as many loved ones as her large dining table could accommodate made her lovely home a place of love and laughter.

Her life verse from Psalm 27 guided her every day: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” She lived those words with quiet courage, deep joy, and unwavering trust.

Violet’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Foster Park, 6301 Fairfield Avenue, Fort Wayne, with calling two hours prior. Interment at Prairie Grove Cemetery following.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Samaritan's Purse.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Fansler family.