Mary E. Bauman

Mary Elizabeth Bauman, 92, of Berne, Indiana passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at Swiss Village in Berne, Indiana.

She was born on November 28, 1929, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to George B. and Elizabeth (Albright) Gallagher. Mary was united in marriage to Rev. Kenneth Bauman on September 7, 1950, in Pennsylvania and he preceded her in death on December 21, 1986.

She graduated from Hatfield High School class of 1947 and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Bluffton University. Mary served with her husband and family as a missionary in India for 19 years where she taught classes at Union Biblical Seminary in Yeotmal. She taught several courses at the seminary including wives ministry, Conversational English, inductive Bible studies, along with other seminary classes. Mary worked alongside her husband ministering to the Indian people.

In 1973, Kenneth and Mary moved their family to Berne so Kenneth could serve as Pastor of the First Mennonite Church, which he did until his death in 1986. During their time at First Mennonite she found great joy in using her gifts in many capacities in Women in Mission, Chancel Choir, sang in “The Messiah” each year, taught Sunday school, and graciously hosted countless families in their home. Mary worked at Amishville for many years following the death of her husband. She gave guided tours of the Amish house and worked in the gift shop. Mary was very energetic and was known to ride her bike to and from Amishville when weather permitted.

Later in life, she stayed involved by visiting and helping others at Swiss Village, playing in pool tournaments, and putting puzzles together. Mary was also very artistic, painting many beautiful pictures.

Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca Ruth Swygart of Berne, Indiana; three sons, David L. (Kathy) Bauman of Berne, Indiana, Daniel K. (Arlene) Bauman of Gap, Pennsylvania and Stephen D. (Cheryl) Bauman of Orlando, Florida; daughter-in-law, Karen Bauman of Bluffton, Indiana; 16 grandchildren, Heather Harris, Ian Bauman, Bryn Bauman, Shanti Miller, Sunita Winchester, Shane Swygart, Shad Swygart, Brandon Bauman, Karlyn Bauman, Brent Bauman, Blake Bauman, Scott Bauman, Michael Bauman, Joel Bauman, Caleb Bauman, Jonathon Bauman; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rev. Kenneth Bauman; son, Tim Bauman in 2018; and one brother, John Gallagher.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Jim Schwartz and Pastor Eldon Claassen officiating. Burial will follow in the M.R.E. Cemetery.

A visitation for Swiss Village Residents will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at the Swiss Village Chapel and from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at First Mennonite Church.

Preferred memorials can be given to First Mennonite Church – Missions.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel, Berne