Elaine B. Rich

Elaine B. Rich, 94, of Berne, Indiana passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, September 24, 2024, surrounded by her family at Swiss Village in Berne.

She was born on September 1, 1930, in Adams County, Indiana to the late Clifton and Viola (Sprunger) Gilliom. Elaine was united in marriage to Luster “Les” Rich on October 3, 1948, at Cross Reformed Church in Berne, Indiana.

Elaine was a member of Cross Community Church where she directed the Children’s Choir and was in the church choir for fifty years. Elaine and Les volunteered many hours with the Swiss Heritage Society.

She graduated from Berne High School in 1948. Elaine faithfully served her family as a homemaker and also worked part-time at Lehman Auction and Real Estate. Over the years, Elaine spent countless hours sewing clothing for her family and herself.

Elaine and Les wintered in Frostproof, Florida for over 20 years and enjoyed shuffleboarding, bicycling, and being involved in many activities within the community. While in Florida, they attended Union Congregational Church.

She is survived by her husband, Les Rich; son, Ted (Diane) Rich of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Linda (Barry) Twibell of Muncie, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Pat Rich of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother, Roy (Mary) Gilliom of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Ruth Bauman of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Marc (Vanessa) Rich, Doug (Jennifer) Rich, Jennifer (Jason) Ford, Kyle (Krista) Rinker, James (Nicole) Rinker, and Laurissa (Matt) Mueller; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Elaine was preceded in death by a son, Robert Rich; daughter, Jane Rich; and brother, Laverne (Anna Jane) Gilliom.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Cross Community Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Brad Buckley and Pastor Jon Rich officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne, Indiana.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Swiss Village Chapel in Berne, Indiana, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Preferred memorials can be given to the Cross Community Church, Swiss Village Samaritan Fund, or Heart to Heart Hospice.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana