Betty Elmira Gerken

Betty Elmira Gerken, 98, passed away November 28, 2023 at Kingston Care in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born March 30, 1925 in Wabash, IN, the daughter of George Valentine and Mildred Beamer. Betty graduated from Chippewa High School in Wabash, IN and earned her Associates Degree in Secretarial Science. She was an Administrative Assistant at General Petroleum for 15 years, and volunteered at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in the Home Companion Outreach Program. She had a heart for serving people. Betty was a devoted member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and the head of the Altar Guild for over 20 years. She was a 75 year member of The International Order of The King's Daughters and Sons. Her true passion in life was the opportunity to spend time with her loving family. Betty is survived by her children, Linda S. Parker and Janet Marie (Brian) Kosteck; step-son, Ralph (Karen) Gerken all of Fort Wayne, IN; step-daughter, Chris (Daniel) Robin of Indianapolis, IN; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Waldo H. Gerken in 1962 and her second husband, Walter Gerken in 1997. Funeral Service will be 10:00 am Monday, December 4, 2023, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 7751 East State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday, December 3, 2023 at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Burial at Concordia Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church Altar Guild. To sign the online guestbook for the Gerken family, please go to www.mccombandsons.com.