Emmalou Dinken

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Emmalou Dinken, 85, of Fort Wayne Indiana. Emmalou passed away peacefully in hospice care on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Emma was a beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, stepmother, and close friend to many.

Emmalou lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to friends, family, and church. She will be especially remembered for her love of caring for others, symbolized by her long, distinguished career championing women's healthcare as a Registered Nurse Practitioner in Plymouth, Indiana, and the Fort Wayne area.

Emmalou was born in Warren, Indiana on July 18, 1941, to the late Paul and Berniece (Hippensteel) Riggs. She was the youngest of three daughters including her older sisters, Barbara (her late husband, Philip) Souder of Warren, and the late Janet and Robert Koehlinger, formerly of Huntington, Indiana.

Emmalou’s close-knit family and her personal faith meant the world to her, and she cherished the time she spent with them. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Emmalou graduated from Warren High School in 1959, then attended Parkview School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1962. She continued her education by studying Women’s Health and obtaining her Nurse Practitioner License from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1984.

Emma was dedicated and passionate regarding women's healthcare, as exemplified by her over 40 years of service with Planned Parenthood.

Emma is survived by her beloved spouse of 31 years, Stuart Dinken of Fort Wayne; sons, JD McCray of Churubusco, Indiana and Jack McCray of Albion, Indiana; stepdaughter, Amy (Mike) Nicholas of Fishers, Indiana; stepsons, Ben Dinken and the late Nate Dinken; grandchildren, Kayla McCray and Connor McCray; step grandchildren, Sarah, Stuart and Edward Nicholas; and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. The family invites casual attire and a lighthearted celebration during the gathering.