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Obituaries
Sep 8, 2025
Elaine Maurer
Elaine Maurer, age 98, of Celina, and former long-time Mendon resident,
passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Trustwell Living at
Miller Place, in Celina.
Elaine was born November 8, 1926, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the only child of
Joseph S. and Hilda R. (Hunziker) Pumphrey.
Elaine and John Frederick Maurer were married June 10, 1951. John preceded her
in death on February 27, 2007. Their son, J. Gregory "Greg" Maurer passed away
July 31, 2025, and grandson, Barton G. "Bart" Maurer, on November 30, 2024.
Surviving are their daughters: Heather (Jim) Dedyne of St. Johns, Michigan and
Heidi (Dale) Moorman of Celina, and Greg's wife, Cathy Maurer, of New Bremen;
8 grandchildren: Brett (Maylani) Maurer, Cassie Maurer, Mitchell Pero, Grant Pero,
Meg (Jason) Murphy, Kelsey (Adam) Johns, Katelyn (Jacob) Frysinger, and
Mackenzie Moorman, as well as 10 great grandchildren: Emmitt, Liam, Lynnae,
Naomie, Carson, Clayton, Reece, Rory, Mila, and Finn.
Preceding her in death were John's parents: Frederick W. and Zua Murlin Maurer,
and his sisters: Vivian Schnarre, Amy Downey, and Betty Mann Reynolds.
A 1945 graduate of Celina High School, Elaine attended Ithaca College, then went
on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio University in 1949.
Elaine's 42-year career in education began at Franklin High School. Next, she taught
for 1 year at Rockford High School, then spent 39 years teaching English and Spanish
at Mendon-Union High School. She served many roles at Mendon-Union, and focused
on expanding her students' horizons. She particularly enjoyed taking students on trips
to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario.
Elaine had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Mendon, then later joined
the Celina chapter. She served for 22 years on the Mercer County District Library Board,
and a number of years with the Mercer County Council on Aging (Senior Citizens) Board.
She was also active with the Mendon Lions Club, and assisted her husband in operating
Maurer's Hardware Store in Mendon.
An avid traveler, Elaine enjoyed trips across the United States and many countries -
including China, Egypt, and Greece, and many European countries, as well as family
trips to Hilton Head.
Elaine also enjoyed reading and knitting - she made many sweaters and afghans for
family members. Attending Mendon-Union Alumni events and reconnecting with her
former students was important to Elaine over the years.
Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon,
on Saturday, September 13, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Celebration of Life Services will
follow at 11:30 AM, with Pastor Matt Overman, officiating.
Burial will take place at Mendon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer County District
Library or EverHeart Hospice.
Condolences can be shared with Elaine's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.
