Jodi Ellen Deford

She was born on January 31, 1961, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a daughter of Richard and Marcellyn (Henry) Conn. She attended Fort Wayne Community Schools and graduated from Northrop High School in 1979. She went on to obtain her Associates Degree from Indiana State University. Jodi worked in real estate for several years, worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools, and raised her three children.

Jodi is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Charles "Chuck" DeFord; her three children, Cameron (Katie) DeFord, Chelsea (Korey) Lininger, and Connor DeFord, all of whom reside in Fort Wayne; five grandsons, Theodore, Holden, Jonah, Keaton, and Kolten; one brother, James "Jim" Conn of Fort Wayne; and many caring nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents, Richard "Dick" Conn and Marcellyn (Henry) Conn; and her sister-in-law, Connie (Workman) Conn.

Jodi always placed her faith and family first. She was the glue that held her family together and everyone’s biggest supporter. Her greatest joy was raising her three children and being "Nana" to her five grandsons. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and loved ones.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at County Line Church of God, 7716 N. County Line Road E., Auburn, IN 46706, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 17, 2025 at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Committal and burial to follow at Highland Park Cemetery, 2403 E. Wallen Rd., Fort Wayne, IN.

Memorial contributions in Jodi's name may be made to County Line Church of God, 7716 N. County Line Road E., Auburn, IN.