Denelda Jean Hively , 92, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of her daughter at 8:12 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Oak Pointe Assisting Living, Columbia City, where she was a resident for the past three years.

Born on January 23, 1932, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Vesta (Caldwell) Ewigleben.  Growing up in Fort Wayne, she graduated from South Side High School in 1950.

On September 27, 1952, she married Gerald Eugene "Gene" Hively.  They made their first home for a month in Fort Wayne, then moved to Thorncreek Twp., Whitley County, until 1958, when they moved to Smith Twp., where they raised three children.  Gene died on September 11, 2014.

A full-time homemaker raising the couple's children, she also worked for the Farmer's Loan & Trust Company, Columbia City.  Then, she became the secretary at the Grace Lutheran Church, where she had over 25 years of service.

She enjoyed the outdoors and liked to camp with her family, visiting most of the State Parks.  Through the years, she grew an annual flower garden and was fond of the birds visiting her property.  An accomplished seamstress, she sewed clothing and made quilts. In her senior years, she was an avid reader of mystery novels and continued feeding and watching the birds.

Surviving are her children, Kirk E. (Sandy Raleigh) Hively of Green Valley, AZ, Kimberly R. (Glenn Smith) Helman, and Gary W. Hively, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Kalan (Loren Dickman), Nathan Hively, Derek (Angela Porter) Hively, Emily (Patrick) Hyser, Rachel (Cameron Logan) Helman, Anna Goodman; and great-grandchildren, Christopher Logan, Abigail Hyser, Remington Logan, Kaden Hively, Everett Hyser and Micah Hively.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy Kolkman and Betty Nuttle, a foster brother, Dale Yurt, and a granddaughter, Lindsey Hively.

Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday (March 11th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with the funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will be next to her husband at the Nolt Cemetery.

Memorials in Jean's honor are to the Alzheimer's Association.