In loving memory of

DEVONA HELEN GALLMEYER
June 14, 1936 - October 6, 2008

Devona "Dee" Helen Gallmeyer, age 72, passed away at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, IN on June 14, 1936 she was the daughter of Paul and Helen (Kroemer) Lydy.She graduated with the Class of 1954 from Elmhurst High School, Fort Wayne. On June 29, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert August Gallmeyer at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Waynedale, IN. She and her husband have resided in Noble County, IN since 1957. She retired from Parkview Whitley Hospital where she also volunteered for 2 years after retirement. She and her husband owned B & D Bait Shop, Big Lake, from 1962 to 1986. Her memberships included Zion Lutheran Church and TOPPS both of Columbia City. An avid sports fan, she was a devoted grandmother to her grandkids and she enjoyed fishing and swimming in her spare time.Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Robert A. Gallmeyer of Columbia City; sons, Ronald L. (Susan) Gallmeyer, Rex A. (Cindy) Gallmeyer, and Rick A. (Regina) Gallmeyer all of Albion, IN, Randy L. (Angie) Gallmeyer of Wolcottville, IN, and Ryan "Dino" (Kim) Gallmeyer of Kendallville, IN; a brother, Paul (Sandra) Lydy of Kendallville, IN; 12 grandchildren; and an aunt, Dorothy Weaver of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents.Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. & 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Ted Taykowski of Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, Noble County, IN. Memorials may be given in Mrs. Gallmeyer's memory to Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

Tributes

Roger & Nancy Schnepp wrote on Oct 18, 2008:

"Dear Gallmeyer family - We were saddened to learn of Dee's passing. It's been 30 years - but can vividly remember her enthusiasm for those CN Cougars - and Rex!She was blessed to have such a large family and many friends. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. May God's grace and comfort surround each of you."

Dave Lotter wrote on Oct 12, 2008:

"Bob, Ron, Rex, Randy and Ryan I am so sorry to hear that your mom has left you on this earth, I was out of town and was unable to make it to the funeral home. I don't know if you all remember or not, but it was your mom that came to the school and picked me up when my mom died. There was no one else that could have given me the support that she did durring this time. The one thing that Tootie taught me after mom died is that she didn't leave me, she was right there with me and if I was quiet I could hear her voice, Your mom is with you right now even as you read this, she is there with you and will alwasy be there with and for you.Grable and I were just talking about all of the good times that we had at the "old house" and the laughs that we had. We were talking about how Tottie made us feel at home no matter what. We talked about all of the sloppy joes and hot dogs we ate at that old house and yes Ron, we even remembered the hot dog eating contest we had. I would have loved to seen Tootie's face when she found out that Grable was a pastor, that had to be pricless. Right now Tootie is sitting at the right hand side of God seeing all of the things that we have all dreamed about. She has walked the golden streets, she has seen the buildings made out of diamonds and more so Tootie has broken bread with our Lord. Tootie is an awsome woman and a great person with the heart to take on half of Big Lake. She will truely be missed here on eath but she is welcomed into heavens that God has build for her. I can tell you one thing and that is that Tootie Gallmeyer will never be forgotten, not by me and not by a lot of other people and one day when it is HIS time, we will see her again.God Bless You,Dave "

Chris Decker wrote on Oct 10, 2008:

"Mr Gallmeyer, Rick, Dino, Family,My family's thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris Decker"

Tammy Parkison wrote on Oct 10, 2008:

"Dear Bob, "Boys" and families,I was saddened to learn of "Tootie's" passing. As with so many others, she held a special place in my heart. My family lived across the road on 109 on "the hill" next to the fire station. She welcomed us when we moved in and we grew up having Tootie as the best neighbor ever. Tootie had the best laugh... loud and full of life. Listen... you can't help but smile thinking of her. She taught me how to make "sticky buns". I still have the recipe and my own boys have enjoyed "Tootie's Sticky Buns" over the years. I learned alot from Tootie Gallmeyer. I didn't even know what she was giving me were lessons in life. I know she will be dearly missed by Bob, her sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and many others who knew her. My very best wishes to her family. Thank you Tootie Gallmeyer for being a part of my life. Bless you and yours. Tammy (Lotter) Parkison"

Josh, Joanna & Brady Johnson wrote on Oct 10, 2008:

"Gallmeyer familyWe are all sad to hear about her passing and we will keep your whole family in our prayers. She lived a long and wonderful life. Take care and God bless all of you!!!"

Christina (Weigold) Schilling wrote on Oct 9, 2008:

"There are just no words that can be put onto or into a paper that can describe Dee and others like her. Oh, I knew that Dee worked at the hospital and I also knew that she helped run the bait store. But, the thing that I knew her best for was for being a "Mom". I remember her sitting on the bleachers (baseball, basketball, football, etc.) and yelling for her boys and everyone else who was on the team. I also remember the hardy laugh she had. She always supported the kids and I'm sure she did the same with the grandkids. Yeah, Mom's don't get the gratitude they deserve, but their love and support will never be forgotten. She was one of those "Special Moms" that some of us are blessed to have in life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. "

Kim, Diane, Travis, Ginger & Taylor Barnes wrote on Oct 9, 2008:

"Our deepest sympathy to all your family.We can only imagine your grief and hope that the wonderful memories will give you comfort, bring smiles to your thoughts and ease the pain of her loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Mike Earnhart wrote on Oct 9, 2008:

"Rex and Cindy, Sorry to hear about your loss. I can always remember her smile and having a good time whenever I seen her. I'm sure that you have fond memories that you will remember forever. You and your families will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Mitzi Earnhart "

denise hershman wrote on Oct 9, 2008:

"For Jill Juday-I'm so sorry to hear of your grandma's death. I'm thinking and praying for you today."

Debbie (Lotter)Zickafoose wrote on Oct 9, 2008:

"Dear Bob and Boys,Tootie was a hoot to have as a neighbor and friend. She always had time for us, even after we grew up, to visit, and keep us up on what was going on. She loved her life, her husband and her boys. She had only praise to say of the women they married and her grandchildren. Her laugh was infectious as was her spirit. We were all truly blessed to have had her in our lives. "

Ralph & Marcia Selking wrote on Oct 9, 2008:

"Bob and family,Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Selma had told us that Dee was ill. We pray you will find strength in the assurance that Gods love for you will never fail."

Steve and Sheryl Hackett wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"Cindy and Rex and Family-I am so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing, I lost my mother 3 years ago and know what you are going thru at this time. Hold her memories close and she is watching over you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God hold you in his hands in this trying time."

Toby Bonar wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"It takes more than 30 short years to erase the fond memories I have of Mrs. Gallmeyer yelling at the top of her lungs for her sons and the many teams she supported. And to hear her laugh. . . there was none heartier, it made everyone within ear-shot at least smile if not bust out laughing with her. What a special woman, and what a great loss. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Toby Bonar"

Rose Ann Gongaware Browning wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"I can't help but think of Dee and smile. Her infectious laugh always made everything seem less serious. She was like a second mother to me when I was a teenager, and I hold a special place in my heart for her. My sincere sympathy to all of the family. I know that many fond memories will get you through difficult times. She truly was a special lady.Rosie Wysong Browning"

Steve and Anita Huff wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"Gallmeyer Family,We are truly sorry to hear about your wife/mother/grandmother. She will be remembered by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Wendy (Grable) Shisler wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"Dear Bob, Boys and family,I just received the sad news that Dee (She'll always be Tootie to me!) has passed on. Having practically lived with your family for a few years during my adolescense, I owe a part of who I am to her. She helped teach me how to laugh at so much in life and how to take most of life's trials in stride. I feel strongly that I have enjoyed life much more having had the opportunity to talk, live, learn and work with her by my side for a few years. I loved her dearly. My heart is with all of you as you move forward without her. I wish I could be there to say good-bye. Love to you all, Wendy"

Michael & Susan McCoy wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"Ron & Rex and family,I was saddened to learn of the passing of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss."

Kenneth & Portia Clem wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"Words don't seem to express the the feelings of joy and thankfullness for the privilage of just knowing Dee. I only worked with her for a short time, but it was all memorible to say the least. When I introduced her to Kenneth, he was so impressed with her bubbly spirit that he told me later that she must have been a "hoot" to work with and wished he could work with someone like her. She has always been and will continue to be an inspiration to a lot of people. God's blessings and peace to you all. I know in my heart that Dee is up there laughing at us all and holding a place for us next to her."

Vicky Lotter Tallent wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"Bob and Boys, I know that Tootie will be missed by all. She was of tremendous help to my family during the time of our Mother's (Kate Smith) passing in 1973. She was a wonderful lady and a great neighbor! I will always remember her "meeting me in the ditch" on 109 when my son, Michael stopped breathing just days after Mom died. I truly believe that she saved his life. Vicky Lotter Tallent"

Mrke & Brenda Blackburn wrote on Oct 8, 2008:

"To the entire Gallmeyer family we offer our sincere condolences. Dee is remembered as a loving mother of her children and an avid supporter of their atheltic involvements.May God provide you with His special peace and all sufficient grace. "

bill an pat niedermeyer wrote on Oct 7, 2008:

"TO BOB AN FAMILY WE SEND OUR CONIDOLENCE. DEE IS WITH JESUS NOW IN PEACE. LOVE TO ALL . BILL AN PAT NIEDERMEYER"

Lori Conrad wrote on Oct 7, 2008:

"My heart is saddened by the loss of "Aunt Tootie". I think of her as well as Uncle Bob often and I have said many prayers for them both as well as for the family. I have many happy memories of times spent with you over the years even though they were not often. God Bless you all! I will continue to keep you in my prayers!"

Doug and Dawn Schieferstein wrote on Oct 7, 2008:

"Dear family,Your wife, mother, grandmother, and my aunt will be greatly missed. She was such a wonderful person. We always looked forward to seeing her at the family Christmas. We enjoyed talking and joking with her. She was a very special lady. Even though we only saw her a few times a year she was thought of often. Just thinking of her would put a smile on our face. Our sympathy is with all of you. We will keep you all in our prayers during this time of grief. God bless you and comfort you.Doug and Dawn Schieferstein and family "

Randy Grimes wrote on Oct 7, 2008:

"To the Entire Gallmeyer Family;May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "