In loving memory of

Rosalie Hurd
May 6, 1927 - July 17, 2019

Rosalie E. Hurd, 92, of Columbia City passed away at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, where she was admitted on Tuesday after suffering a fall at her home. Mrs. Hurd was born at home on West Keiser Road, Columbia City on May 6, 1927, the daughter of Clarence E. and Ellen E. (Kourt) Hively. As a young girl she and her family moved to Huntington County, where she graduated from Huntington High School with the Class of 1944.

On October 11, 1945 she married James M. Hurd at the parsonage of Pastor Marion Shroyer. Rosie met and fell in love with Jim before he went off to serve in WWII and shortly after his return they married on October 11, 1945 and drove off to Chicago to celebrate their honeymoon. Until her death, she saved every love letter Jim wrote to her while away fighting for his country.

Since 1955, along with her husband Jim, was the owner of Hurd's Auto Repair, Inc., repairing and maintaining school busses and automobiles. For the past 31 years she was also well known as the Whitley County Morel Mushroom Lady providing Spring orders to numerous folks. She was a member Oak Grove Church of God, former member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5582 and Fraternal Order of Eagles #1906, both of Columbia City. She was also a member of Whitley Extension Homemakers Club. She and her daughter Janet served as cemetery sextons and cared for Oak Grove Cemetery for many years maintaining, keeping records and selling plots. For over 40 years she and her husband Jim spent their winters in Astor, Florida and summers in Whitley County.

Survivors include her two daughters, Sharon (Ora) Simmons and Janet Hurd, both of Columbia City; four foster children, Cindy Thompson, Columbia City, Ginger (Dan) Ford, Warsaw, Ginny (mike) Rowland, Columbia City and Randy Hively, Claypool; 3 grandchildren, Brent (Sarah) Simmons, Columbia City, Darren (Denise) Simmons, Columbia City and Cammie (Greg) Casey, Albion and 11 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, James M. Hurd, sister, Marceil Mills and brother Charles B. Hively.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 22, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Hurd's memory to Oak Grove Special Needs Children Playground, Columbia Township Fire Department or Whitley County 4H Fair. To share family condolences, please log onto www.demoneygrimes.com

Tributes

Jack & Jane Helton wrote on Jul 23, 2019:

"Our sympathy to the family. Rosie always seemed to know what was wrong with our vehicle before the mechanic looked at it. God Bless! Jack & Jane Helton"

Phil Gross wrote on Jul 23, 2019:

"Dear Sharon and Janet: I?m so sorry and lost for words what would explain your Mothers life as I got to first meet you rMoms in 1954. Sharon and I was in the 1st grade together and that?s where I got to meet her. On Sharons birthday and parties at school your mother would bring treats for the class. In 1959 my parents built a home close to Sharon and Janet Grandmothers home and that really started a family friendship that I will remember forever. As our family?s got older and we did our own things in life we went everywhere on the map. Your mother and both you girls stayed close to home and played a big part in watching over our parents and there home. I and my late brother (Dick) will always be thankful. Your mother would call my mother almost daily to check on her. I know my mother would be so sad of you loss. With all the years of your mother bringing corn, mushrooms and everything in between to my family I can only say thank you to your family for being the nicest neighbors anyone could ever want or hope to have. Your Mother will surely be missed. Whit deepest sympathy, Phil,Terri,kelly. And the late George, Anita and Richard Gross."

Jake Schrader wrote on Jul 23, 2019:

"Many memories as a kid while riding in my Mom's bus to the shop to get repairs or switching into a spare bus. Remember sitting in the office chatting with Rosie and Janet. My condolences to the family, thinking of you all. Jake Schrader"

Thomas myers wrote on Jul 22, 2019:

"Was so saddened to read of Rosie?s passing. Since Mom drove bus for Columbia Township going to Jim and Rosie?s for servicing or bus inspection was a chance for us kids to ride along with Mom. Of course I will never forget Dad?s IH red and white truck. Later after moving to Indy if my timing was right I would stop in for mushrooms. I send my condolences to her family but what a great run she had! Tom Myers Indianapolis "

Randy Grimes wrote on Jul 22, 2019:

"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, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "

Earlene Alexander wrote on Jul 21, 2019:

"I have many warm memories of Aunt Rose from a child growing up into adulthood. Some of my favorite were talking to her and Janet in the office and of course naptime with Duchess on the front room floor. It's been a long time since I have seen the family but I live in Fort Wayne now. I'll miss her warm smile and hug when she greeted you. Aunt Rose, give Uncle Jim a hug from me. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God strengthen you and comfort you during your sorrow. "

Clint Ile wrote on Jul 20, 2019:

"Had Many good Mushrooms from Rosie and had many great laughs. Clint Ile"

Karen Howe wrote on Jul 20, 2019:

"Sharon, Janet and the extended families...i am so deeply saddened that Aunt Rose has passed away. An amazing lady, she always opened her heart to others...especially those In need. Mom loved to garden with her 'sister'! Will always remember her special chuckle! Our thoughts and prayers to all....Love you?????? Karen and Tim Howe Flower Mound, TX"

Dianna Smith wrote on Jul 19, 2019:

"We were saddened by the passing of Rosie, she was such a special lady! Our heartfelt sympathy to the whole family, she will be missed. Brian & Dianna Smith and the entire staff of Jerry's Tire Service"

Kathy Orr wrote on Jul 19, 2019:

"Sharon, Janet and family. Your mother will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers to your family. The family of John and Kathy Orr"

Dennis and Diann Krider wrote on Jul 19, 2019:

"Janet, Sharon and families. Sorry to hear about Aunt Rose. You are in our prayers. God bless you all Dennis and Diann Krider"

Meg Kovacs wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"Janet and family, So sorry for your loss. Please know that you?re in my thoughts and prayers ."

Barry Truman wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"What a Great Lady She was The wife of my bus driver Jim Hurd Janet we will miss her and the mushrooms she got for the community"

Carrie Nicodemus wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"Thinking of all you and your families. Prayers and Many Blessings during this time. Robert, Jerry, Kevin, Kathy, Carrie and Holly Nicodemus "