Grace Ellen Jenkins, 78, of rural South Whitley, died at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 11, 2021, at Miller's Merry Manor of Warsaw, where she was a resident for the past 15 days.

She was born March 25, 1943, in Warsaw, Indiana, a daughter of Treverse William Jessie Hull and Lela Ruth (Culp) Hull. She grew up in Columbia Twp., Whitley County, and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1961.

On January 12, 1964, she married Robert L. Jenkins. For 57 years, they made their home in Collamer.

An exceptional typist, she was known to wear out typewriters with her speed. Working primarily secretarial jobs, beginning with the Dr. Auker farm near South Whitley. She then worked for Lincoln Life, the Whitko Community School Corporation at the South Whitley Elementary School for ten years, Dale Haupert Financial Services for ten years, and completed her career with Ash Brokerage, Fort Wayne, for ten years. She then became a transport driver for the local Amish community.

A 45-year member of the Collamer Christian Church, she played the organ for many years. Using her musical and singing talents, she was a member of the Joyful Jubilees singing and entertaining at the area nursing home and care facilities. A ten-year member of the Whitley County 4H club, in her adult years, she served on the board and as board treasurer, the 4H Council, and ran the concession stand at the fair. She was a former Whitley County Extension Board member.

At home, she liked flower gardening, and her grandchildren became her joy.

Surviving is her husband of 57 years, Robert; children, Lana K. Jenkins, Troy M. (Mandy Cripe) Jenkins both of South Whitley and Sonya S. (Matt) Brindle of Evansville; grandchildren, Garet Jenkins of Columbia City and Carson Brindle of Evansville; and a brother, Harold (Marilyn) Hull of South Whitley.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Maldeney, and two brothers, Harlan and William Hull.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Collamer Christian Church Missionary Fund.