Vera Hatch Christie Neal

VERA CHRISTIE NEAL, 91, of Fort Wayne, died on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at Heritage Park, after a long illness. Born in Huntertown, Ind. she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Loretta (Zuber) Hatch. She lived on the family farm on Hatch Road, and attended Huntertown Elementary and High School. In 1937, she married Bernard C. Christie, he preceded her in death in 1968. She married James Neal in 1977, he also preceded her in death. She retired from the Payroll Department at Fort Wayne State Developmental Center. She was a member of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and the Ladies Auxillary at the former American Legion Post 82. Surviving are her daughters, Sandra (Joseph) Rager and Judith (Jerome) Kearns; James (Linda) Christie and Edward (Shirley) Christie; daughter-in-law, Patricia Christie Marsh; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her son, Richard Christie; her granddaughter, Cheryl Rager Teetsel; sister, Marie Archer; and brother, George Robert Hatch. "The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Park for their care and support." Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Thursday at Most Precious Blood Catholic church, 1515 Barthold St., with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Father Joseph Gaughan officiating. Visitation also from 4 to8 p.m. Wednesday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road with vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or the Preservation Fund at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com