Florine L. Derr

Florine L. Derr, 83, of Michiana Shores, IN, formerly of Bristol, IN, passed away August 31, 2008 at St. Anthony Memorial Health Center, Michigan City, IN.


She was born October 6, 1924 in Reeds Spring, MO to Raymond and Frieda (Grabs) Stults and married Carl B. Derr, September 14, 1946 in Bristol. He died on September 2, 1994. Surviving are a daughter, Sherry (Doug) Brandt of Michigan City, IN; a son, Larry (Margaret) Derr of Bristol; a grandson, Jayme Derr of Goshen, IN; 2 great-grandchildren, Brayton Derr and Ellie Derr of Goshen, IN; a sister, Florence Barrett of California and a brother, Leo (Charlotte) Stults of Bristol, IN; Kathy Robinson, her red-headed step-daughter of Goshen; Debbie Thompson, her adopted daughter and caregiver of Michigan City; and Roger and Diego Boike, her adopted son and dog. She was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Stults.


Florine loved gardening and took a great deal of pride in her landscaping. She loved her octagon house and her dogs, and leaves behind Maggie Mae. She loved entertaining her friends and neighbors. She was benevolent and courageous, and kept her great sense of humor.


Friends may call from 10 am Thursday until the memorial service at 11 am at the Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. Elkhart. Reverend Daniel Engber will officiate. Burial will be at Oakridge Cemetery in Bristol at a later date.


Memorials may be given to Alzheimers Association or Chihuahua Rescue U.S.A., 931 Chippewa Dr., Crown Point, IN 46305.