Barbara J. Roethele Grimmer

BARBARA ROETHELE BALTES GRIMMER, 83, of Fort Wayne, died peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, in her Wood hurst home. "She gave generously of her love, time and talents to her family and her charities." She graduated from Most Precious Blood Grade School, Central Catholic High School and St. Mary of the Woods College, Terre Haute, Ind. Upon graduation from college, she began a career in social work for Catholic Charities in the Fort Wayne Diocese. She left the organization to raise a family with her husband, Jerome Grimmer; he died in 1995. She remained active in charity work, giving service and financial support to the Order of Saint Francis, Maryknoll Missions, the Sisters of Providence, in Terre Haute, Bishop Luers High School and St. John the Baptist Parish, in Fort Wayne. But her greatest gift was showing by example, and through her many stories, how acceptance of others, devotion to family and service to a greater good are the keys to fulfillment. "Even in failing health, Mom remained upbeat and always pleasant." Her daughter and long-time caregiver, Patricia Meek, said Thursday. She is survived by her sister, Mae Collison of Maryland; nine children, Margaret (Rolf) of Defiance, Ohio, Michael of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico, Stephen of Grosse Pointe MI, Patricia (Meek) of Fort Wayne, Rita (Kroemer) of Bethlehem, Penn., Kevin of Poway, Calif., Eileen (Thompson) of Indianapolis, Dennis of Indianapolis, and Shelia (Carmack) of Lexington, Ky.; 24 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Holy Mass is 11 a.m. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at klaehn, Fahl & Melton Home For Funerals, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to Sisters of the Providence - St Mary of the Woods College or St Jude Children's Hospital www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com