D. Eloise Freeman, 85, of rural Columbia City, died at 3:25 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

She was born June 5, 1931 in Columbia City a daughter of Herschel “Joe” and Clara Belle (Reider) Jones. A lifelong Columbia City resident, she graduated from Columbia City High School in 1949. She also graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1953 and was honored by her classmates by being chosen “Ideal Nurse.”

On June 27, 1954 she was united in marriage to Alvin Frederick Freeman. They made their home in Columbia City until 1981 when they moved to their farm in Columbia Township. Following Mr. Freeman’s death on Nov. 19, 2014, Eloise made their Loon Lake summer home her residence.

She worked for Drs. Warren Niccum, Jules Heritier, John Vogel and John Wilson. She retired from the Whitley County Health Department and volunteered at the Whitley County Senior Center.

She enjoyed reading, making baby blankets, knitting and people. Eloise was a member of Delta Theta Tau for over 60 years and Old Bats in Red Hats.

Surviving relatives include four children, Susan Lawless of Fort Wayne, Sharon (Randy) Zumbrun, Scott (Rhonda) Freeman and Sheila Freeman, all of Columbia City; six grandchildren, Marah Trimmer, Ty Gamble, Alexandra (Sean) Yorko, Ryan Zumbrun, Katie Grimble and Brad (Stephanie) Zumbrun; ten great grandchildren, Madalon Zumbrun, Aiden Grimble, Teegan Trimmer, Sutton Yorko, Grayson Trimmer, Kale Grimble, Henry Zumbrun, Sam Zumbrun, Natalie Zumbrun and Vallyn Yorko; two step grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; a brother, Larry (Pat) Jones of Columbia City; and multiple nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Lewis, Harold and Lee Jones; and a sister, Carroll Dean Reimer.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a Delt twilight service at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Preferred memorials are to Hospice Home.