Ardith Lucille Shaffer (Manis Wittchen) Blessed Child of God, of La Porte and formerly of Monterey, IN, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, June 25, 2014.
She was born September 17, 1932 to Lester Manis and Ruth Manis (Gray) in Hammond, IN. Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Ardith was a member of Salem Chapel and formerly United Methodist Church of Monterey.
Ardith had many diverse talents and vocations during her life. Carpentry, Postmaster, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Artist, Server, Seamstress, Caregiver, Teaching Volunteer to name a few. Ardith held art exhibits and sales with her beautiful paintings, which benefited the homeless and hungry.
On December 22, 1952 she married Robert O. Wittchen, who preceded her in death. On January 10, 1981 she married Roy Shaffer who preceded her in death June 20, 2004.
She is survived by son, David R. Wittchen; daughter, Lynn A. (James) Boatwright both of La Porte; granddaughters, Holly (Randy) Fagan of Hartselle, AL, Carrie (Dan) Edlen of Valparaiso, Ashley Dobbin of Mishawaka; grandson, Maxfield (Kaylena) Gulab of Wanatah; great grandsons, Douglas (Haely) Shaffer, Grant (Jennifer) Froehlke, Zane Elrick, Ezra Elrick, Drake Edlen, Owen Edlen; and great great grandson, Sebastian Froehlke, as well as many nieces and nephews... and two special "boys" Mischief and Mayhem.
She was preceded in death by son, Douglas Wittchen; her parents; two brothers, John Manis, and Bud Manis; two sisters, Ruth Ann Manis, and Marian Mahler.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, June 30, 2014 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 2-6 PM on Sunday, June 29, 2014 and also from 10 AM until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made by loving thy neighbor in accordance to the commandment of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.