Mary Ellen Kress, 96, of Sylvan Lake, Rome City, Indiana, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed November 2, 2024, peacefully with family by her side.

Born May 17, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Henry and Mildred (Frecking) Black and the wife of the late James J. Kress.

Mary Ellen spent her childhood in Detroit and Battle Creek, Michigan, and attended St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN where she graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1950.

Mary Ellen lived in Fort Wayne for 30 years and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She was the loving mother of seven children, a homemaker, and an active parent in St. John and Bishop Luers school activities as well as a participant in community outreach. She enjoyed playing bridge as time allowed. When the Kress family moved to Rome City, they joined St. Gaspar Catholic Church. Mary Ellen continued her outreach at local food pantries, literacy programs and the town council.

Surviving are her three daughters, Maria (Steven) Berg of Fort Wayne, Susan Kress (Peter Phillips) of Costa Rica, and Nancy Kress of FL; her two sons, James Kress Jr. of Rome City and Chris (Terri) Kress of Sarasota, FL. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 59 years, her daughter Judy Ann Kress, her son John Kress, and her brother Chase Black.

On Sunday, November 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the family hosts a visitation at Young Family Funeral Home, State Road 9, North, Wolcottville, Indiana with rosary service at 3 pm.

On Monday, November 11, at 9 a.m., the family hosts a visitation at St. Gaspar Catholic Church, 10871 North State Road 9, Rome City, followed at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial and Rite of Committal in St. Gaspar Catholic Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are Masses in her name.

View a video tribute after Sunday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com