Lois Jean Bridegam, 84, of Columbia City, passed away at 8:56 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at her home. Born Nov. 21, 1930 in Thorncreek Township, she was the daughter of Timothy Monroe and Bessie Bell (King) Bair.

She has lived her entire life in Whitley County area, graduating from Columbia City High School with the class of 1948. On Oct. 29, 1948 she married Harold Eugene Bridegam. She worked 10 years at Blue Bell before having her five children. As her children grew older, she was a cook and kitchen helper for Thorncreek School from 1973 until 2001.

Survivors include her children, Dennis Bridegam, Apache Junction, AZ, Carlene (Ralph) Thompson, Tim (Angie) Bridegam, Jeff (Lora) Bridegam, all of Columbia City and Diana Lynn (Rick) Hobbs of Larwill; eleven grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Bridegam; 2 brothers, Robert and Donald Bair; seven sisters, Ruby Cramer, Opal Cox, Edith Bair, Mildred Herron, Pearl Cox, Jo-Ann Kelley and Mary Garrard; and grandson, Pacqstan Bridegam.

Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Penny Mosher officiating. Burial will follow at St. Matthew’s Cemetery.