Mary Ellen Mowrey, 94, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away at 4:32 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, in Millers Merry Manor, Warsaw, Ind.

On May 6, 1920, she was born in Wabash County, Ind., to Ralph and Esther (Smuck) Hawkins. She was united in marriage to John F. Mowrey on Aug. 22, 1941, who preceded her in death.

Mary Ellen graduated in 1938 from Somerset High School and from the nurses training program at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, in 1941. She enjoyed her professional career as a registered nurse and worked at medical facilities in the area throughout her life, including the Alfran Nursing Homes, Murphy Medical Center, and Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw. She formerly attended Redeemer Lutheran Church, Warsaw, and was a member of Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church, Syracuse, Ind. Mary Ellen was an avid musician on the piano and tenor five-string banjo in her younger years, and loved to sew and tend to her garden.

She is survived by five children: David (Betty) Mowrey, Virginia, Minn.; Daniel (Irene) Mowrey, Lebanon, Ky.; Rose Harmon, Phoenix, Ariz.; Joseph (Sally) Mowrey, Fremont, Ind.; and James (Christy) Mowrey, Pierceton; 10 grandchildren: Paul, Jonathan and Charity Mowrey; Robin Armstrong, Brenda Dill and Tim Mowrey; Scott Booth; Sara Mowrey; and Danielle and Seth Mowrey; several great-grandchildren: and many extended family members in the area.

She was preceded in death by her parents: her brother: James Hawkins; husband: John; daughter: Nancy Mowrey Booth; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church, 7449 E. 1000 N., Syracuse, with Reverend Jerry Winegarden officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church, 7449 E. 1000 N. Syracuse, IN 46567 or to Kosciusko Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels website.