Obituary

Mary Jane Brand, 87, of Kendallville died Friday, August 28, 2009, in Kendallville Manor HealthCare Center, where she had resided the past five years. She moved to Kendallville in 1959, coming from Avilla.

Mrs. Brand graduated from Avilla High School in 1940. She had attended Charmaine Finishing School in Fort Wayne. She was co-owner, along with her husband Chuck Brand, and Treasurer of Brand's Car Wash in Kendallville for 40 years. She had also worked at the Auburn Rubber Company, General Electric in Fort Wayne, in the office of the Avilla High School, and as a proofreader for the News-Sun.

She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Avilla where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years, and was a past member of Tri Kappa.

She was born June 27, 1922, in Swan Township, Noble County, Indiana, to Fred and Hazel (Graber) Crothers. On May 18, 1941, she married Charles "Chuck" Brand. He preceded her in death in 2002.

Surviving are three sons and two daughters-in-law, Dennis and Susie Brand of Big Long Lake, Mike and Debbie Brand of Kendallville, and Joe Brand of Rome City; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Doug Davis of Kendallville; six grandchildren; five step grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Cleo Mark of Avilla, and Martha Ringler of Kendallville; and a sister-in-law, Pauline Crothers of Avilla.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Clifford Crothers, and a sister, Patty Croy.

Funeral services will be Monday, August 31, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in Calvary United Methodist Church in Avilla, with Rev. Dr. Leonard King officiaing. Private burial services will be in the Avilla Cemetery.

Calling is one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Preferred memorials are to Calvary United Methodist Church, 125 Cherry Street, Avilla, Indiana, 46710.

Arrangements are by Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

View a video tribute or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com