Virginia Ray Fluke

Virginia Ray Fluke, 71, formerly of Elkhart, passed away July 17, 2008 at the Logansport State Hospital.

She was born November 20, 1936 in Elkhart to Leon and Louise (Norman) Stover and married Bruce E. Fluke on March 4, 1956. He died on July 21, 2002. Surviving are a sister, Shirley (Jim) Beukema of Wyoming, MI, a brother, Richard L. Stover of Davie, FL, a step-sister, Shirley (Nicholas) Russo of New Mexico, a step-brother, James Dobrowolski of Loudon, TN and longtime friends Terry Smeltzer and his son Christian. A brother, David Mount preceded in death.

Virginia was a charter member of the Elkhart Co. Genealogical Society. She and her cousin started the Elkhart City Historical Researchers Group and put on the Elkhart History Days at Pierre Moran mall in the 1990's. She also gave history programs for various organizations throughout the city.

Mrs. Fluke was instrumental in putting together information for the book, Elkhart... A Pictorial history of Elkhart, authored by George Riebs. She wrote "The Way We Were" column (100 years in Elkhart) for three years for the Elkhart Truth. She was the utmost authority on Elkhart history.

She helped found the Elkhart Doll House/Miniature Societies and the Sunshine Doll Club of Elkhart.

She was the former director of the Salvation Army Senior Citizen Lunch Program and volunteer co-coordinator at the former Fountainview Nursing Home on W. Hively Avenue in Elkhart.

Friends may call for 2 hours prior to the 12:00 pm Monday funeral service at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart. Reverend Lee Campbell of New Hope United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Memorials may be given to the Elkhart Sesquecenntenial Celebration.