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Mary Ellen Miller Neher, 71, of Columbia City, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 12:25 p.m. at Park Place, Fort Wayne.
Born June 6, 1954, Mary was the daughter of the late Bernard and Theresa Ferraro Miller. Surviving are her husband, Lee Neher; son, Greg Neher (Melissa Knecht); daughters, Amy (Ryan) Yanagihara, Jennifer (Zach) Sommers; grandchildren: Hudson Neher, Grayson Neher, Lily Yanagihara, Kelsey Yanagihara and Stella Sommers; sisters, Rebecca Ward and Kathy (Mike) McManama; and sister-in-law, Wendy Miller; and several other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael (Mary Kim) Miller and Ed Miller; and sister-in-law, Andrea Panico.
Mary, who was both the best and the favorite, will be remembered for her kindness, courage, and determination. She married her husband Lee on Oct. 4, 1974, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. In high school, she was told that she wasn’t smart enough to go to college. She proved doubters wrong when she earned her Bachelor of Science with honors from IPFW, while raising three children and working part-time. An educator, social worker and mentor, she had a fulfilling career helping people in need. She instilled her values of servitude and generosity in her children. She also wrote a book on parenthood and discipline, All Things Possible, inspired by her faith and family.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19 with visitation one hour prior at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line St., Columbia City.
Memorial donations may be given in memory of Mary to One Community - Empower Us Mentoring Program (P.O. Box 314, South Whitley, IN, 46787) - a program which she helped create in 2010.
Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Mary's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.
