Kathryn "Katie" Elnora Cummins  

Kathryn "Katie" Elnora Cummins, 101, of Culver passed away on May 1, 2009 at Miller's Merry Manor in Culver. Katie was born February 12, 1908 to Milton Harold and Lillian (Radabaugh) Ewald in South Bend, IN

At an early age, she and her three siblings, Robert, Horace and Agnes moved with their parents to Culver where her father opened Ewald Grocery on Main Street.

Katie attended and graduated from Culver High School in 1926. In August of that year, she married Claude "Cary" H. Cummins of Plymouth, IN. During her school years, she enjoyed musical ensembles and was an accomplished pianist, playing for the old silent movies.

Imbued with a strong work ethic, Katie worked for many local stores until World War II when she worked for the Ball Band factory in South Bend until the end of the war.

Working until she was 90 years of age with two of her favorite employers, Robert McKinnis and Ron Tusing, she retired to drive the countryside daily with her best friend Doris Yocum.

Katie lived independently until shortly before her 101st birthday.

She was a member of the Order of the Emily Jane Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Rebekah Lodge and currently is a member of Finney-Shilling VFW Auxiliary Post 6919 and the Wythougan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She had the honor of being chosen Grand Marshall of the Lake Fest Parade in 1990 and 2008.

She is survived by her two children - Kerry (Patricia) Cummins and Bobetta (Emil) Ruhnow, grandchildren - Larry Washburn, Charles (Heidi) Cummins, Michael (Susie) Cummins, Paul (Julie) Cummins and Jacqueline (Scott) Crull, 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Her parents, husband, brothers, sister, two grandchildren, and one great grand child preceded her in death.

A time of visitation with the family will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009 from 9:30 - 10:30AM EDT at the Bonine-Odom Funeral Home in Culver. Rev. Larry Saunders will officiate funeral services at 10:30AM EDT on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the Bonine-Odom Funeral Home in Culver.

Memorials may be given to the Culver-Union Township EMS or the Culver Fire Department.

Culver Citizen Thursday 7 May 2009
Plymouth Pilot
Bonine-Odum Funeral Home