Mae Ruth Michell, age 100, of Fort Wayne, IN. passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at The Terrace at Fort Wayne. She was born June 26, 1924 in Fort Wayne to the late Waldo and Fern (née Burgoon) Vanselow. Central High School held a special place in her heart, she was crowned Jr. Prom Queen and graduated Class of '41. Following graduation, she would attend Ball State Teacher's College, where her love of music and theatre was fostered through the Spotlight Club. She would marry her beloved, Donald Jeffery “Jeff” Michell, on November 11, 1944 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne.
Mae Ruth was truly one of a kind. Whether swing dancing with her husband, Jeff, performing with the Alley Kats tap dance troupe, swimming at Glenaqua Swim Club or doing the back dive at 81 years young, Mae Ruth had an appetite for adventure and lived life to the fullest! She enjoyed writing music, with over a half-dozen published songs to her credit, photography (especially family), genealogy, travel, antiquing, garage saling, curating her ever expanding Santa Claus collection, and doing crossword puzzles. With all of her accomplishments and adventures, Mae Ruth cherished her role as a doting mother and grandmother; she treasured the time spent with friends and family the most.
Mae Ruth is survived by her children, Donald Jeffery (Susan) Michell II of Arlington, TX, David Bruce Michell of Terre Haute, IN, Claudia (Ron) Wasvick, and Laurie Michell, both of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and sister, Joy Teeters. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Jeff; and brother, Robert Sonnenberg.
Graveside Service is 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6600 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne. Friends and family will be received on Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd., Fort Wayne.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, American Heart Association, or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana.
