Madeline M. Ferrell, 89, Columbia City, died at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident since Nov. 18.

She was born Nov. 13, 1927 in Kosciusko County, a daughter of Howard and Ethel (Bussard) Gross. As a young girl, her family moved to Collamer and she attended elementary school in South Whitley. As a teenager, her family moved to Jefferson Township and she attended high school and graduated from Jefferson Center High School.

On March 15, 1947 she was united in marriage to Donald C. Ferrell by Rev. J. Phillip Blake, performed at Pastor Blake’s home in Fort Wayne. They made their home in Columbia City until 1950 when they moved to their farm in Jefferson Township. In 1958 they moved to their farm in Thorncreek Township. They made their home in Bonita Springs, Fla. for 14 years until returning to Columbia City in 2001.

Madeline worked at Blue Bell after high school and later a cook at Thorncreek Township School for eight years.

Her memberships included Saturn Christian Church and Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star #65.

Surviving relatives include her husband of nearly 70 years, Donald; four children: Roger (Nora) Ferrell, Linda (Chuck) Wilcoxson, Beverly King and Douglas (Jennifer) Ferrell, all of Columbia City; six grandchildren: Kristina McIntosh, Douglas Wilcoxson, Heidi Bennett, Amy Bertolet, Andrew Ferrell and Brandon Ferrell; 13 great grandchildren; a great-great grandson; several step great grandchildren; and a sister, Deloris Lefever of Columbia City.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, David Ferrell; and two brothers, Paul Gross and Eddie Gross.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Saturn Christian Church.