Betty J. Gfell

She attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Fort Wayne and worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph and Lutheran Hospitals. She proudly served her country as a Lieutenant in the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. She was stationed at hospitals in Memphis, Tennessee and Norman, Oklahoma. Betty volunteered at the Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory, and was active with both the National Council of Catholic Women and Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Betty was an active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, President of the Rosary Sodality, a Girl Scout Leader, school cafeteria worker, as well as respite and parish nurse.

She will be greatly missed by her dear brother, Eugene “Bud” Gildea of Rome City, who supported her through her entire life. She will also be greatly missed by her children, Mary Anne Gfell of Indianapolis, Richard (Tammy) Gfell of Fort Wayne, Kathy (Jim) Yoder of Fort Wayne, Phillip (Elizabeth) Gfell of Austin, Texas, Cheryl Gfell of Fort Wayne, Linda (Kevin) Burkhart of Indianapolis, Peggy Gfell of Fort Wayne, Nancy (Gordon) Vander Velde of St. Henry, Ohio, her grandchildren, Sarah (Dave), Jim, Julie, Phillip, Diana, Ethan, Zachary and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Gfell, and infant grandson, Jeffrey M. Yoder.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Friday May 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2213 Brooklyn Ave., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Officiated by Father Timothy Wrozek. Calling will also be held from 3 to 8 PM Thursday May 9, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Homes, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, the Rosary will be said at 4 PM, with a Vespars Service at 7:30 PM. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, the Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory, or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fort Wayne.