Oleta Mae Bollman

Our dear mother, Oleta Mae Bollman, 90, sadly passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. Born on July 2, 1933 in Riverside, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Barbara C. Miller. She was a wonderful mother who loved unconditionally and was a beautiful example of God’s love. She was married to Kenneth Wade Bollman on July 1, 1951 in Nappanee, Indiana.

She was a member of Maplewood Mennonite Church in Fort Wayne. She was very involved in church life all throughout her lifetime. She served in a variety of roles – writer and editor of the church newsletter, member of various committees including a denomination wide Mennonite women’s group, Sunday school teacher and Bible school superintendent. Music was important in her life – especially on her spiritual journey.

She was actively involved in singing at church and loved listening to gospel quartet music and attending gospel singings. She was the alto singer for the Burden Lifters southern gospel quartet. She ministered with this group for 16 years singing in 13 different states and Canada. The Burden Lifters made 6 albums.

Oleta had many hobbies including making and selling crafts, sewing for herself and her children, bowling in women’s leagues and with her husband in a couples’ league, playing cards with friends, watching Purdue basketball and she was an avid reader. She volunteered at Parkview Hospital and eventually was employed at the information desk there. She also was the manager at The Dove’s Nest Thrift Shop for over 30 years.

One of her biggest joys was her family. Being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother brought her many, many blessings. She loved being with family - playing games, singing and sharing stories. She often traveled to visit family and loved her yearly vacations with friends at Little Eden Camp. She was quick to smile and handed out hugs to all she encountered.

She is survived by her children, Myron (Josie) Bollman, Rick (Marj) Bollman and Michele Bollman; daughter-in-law, Pam Bollman; grandchildren, Emily (Joe) Buller, Jill (Dan) Cassidy, Andrew (Erin) Bollman, Brad (Jessica) Bollman, Erika (Luke) Switzer, Amy (William) McQuillen and Sara Bollman; great-grandchildren, Kathryn (Bryant) Kelley, Madelyn Cassidy, Ella, Amelia, Jackson, Annabelle, Lila Bollman, Liam McQuillen, MaddiLyn, Everett, Elaine Switzer and Reese Campbell; half-siblings Willis (Sandy) Miller, Donald (Ellen) Hochstedler, Marlene (Dale) Schrock, Jim (Pam) Hochstedler, Loren (Elvesta) Hochstedler and Twila (Don) Swartzentruber.

Oleta is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth (d. April 29, 2017) and her son, Gerry Bollman (d. November 7, 2021). She was also preceded in death by her mother, Barbara C. and step-father, Joe E. Miller and her half-siblings, Robert Hochstedler, Wayne Hochstedler, Carol Glick and Laura Hochstedler.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Monday, September 25, at Maplewood Mennonite Church, 4129 Maplecrest Drive, Fort Wayne, officiated by Pastor Russell Jensen, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 24, at D.O. McCombs & Sons Funeral Home - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Drive, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Bowers Cemetery, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers and plants, please direct memorial donations to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) by check or online at https://mcc.org/donate MCC is a worldwide relief agency of the Mennonite Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Bollman family.