Elizabeth Piper, age 99, passed away Friday, February 25, 2022, at her home where she was cared for. A former Celina resident, Elizabeth had lived in Fort Wayne since 1980.

Born Frances Elizabeth Rhyne on July 30, 1922, in Oblong, Illinois, she was a daughter of Jesse & Emma (Deitsch) Rhyne. Elizabeth married Robert Eugene Piper on May 31, 1941, and he preceded her in death June 1, 1970.

Surviving are their daughters: Lynda Hooley of Fort Wayne and Kadene Luther of Tucson, Arizona; 5 grandchildren: Ben (Regina) Hooley, Lyndsay (Joe) Hettinger, Whitney (Ryan) Miller, John (Victoria) Luther and Kyle Luther; 13 great grandchildren: Ashley Johnson, Madison and Bailey Quinn, Ian Bowser, Sada and Chloe Hooley, Dillon, Kobe, and Cora Hettinger, and Makhaila, Beckett, and Wyatt Miller; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Rhyne Kaup.

Preceding her in death were her brothers & sisters: Dale (Emma) Rhyne, Harold (Evon) Rhyne, Helen (Russell) Beougher, Esther (Wilson) Klosterman and Elmer Rhyne; also Robert's brothers and sisters: Walter (Rosemary) Piper, Glen (Mary Ellen) Piper, Betty (Kenny) Shaw, Mabel (Paul) Beougher, and Lola Piper Burk.

During World War II, Elizabeth was a seamstress and also a hairdresser on the side. She had worked at Jack's Surplus City and the Bi-Rite Discount Store in Celina, and Petite Sophisticates at the Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne. She was a member of VFW Post #5713 and Grace Missionary Church in Celina. Elizabeth loved playing Bingo, cards, and putting puzzles together. She enjoyed reading, listening to music, and sewing. Elizabeth had a sarcastic wit, and loved life, animals, and her kids and grandkids.

Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, on Thursday, March 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow, starting at 1:00, Pastor Steve Howell, officiating. Burial will take place at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Condolences can be expressed to Elizabeth's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com