Ethel M Buse

September 18, 1916 - March 23, 2018

Ethel M. Buse, 101, of Bluffton passed away on Friday afternoon, March 23, 2018, at River Terrace Estates in Bluffton. She was born on September 18, 1916 in Poneto, Indiana to James & Nova (Potter) Rush. She graduated from Liberty Center High School in 1933 and worked as a Postal Clerk in Poneto, for the United State Postal Service for 22 years, retiring in 1978. Ethel was a member of the Poneto United Methodist Church, Poneto Community Club and Poneto Chit Chat Club. Most recently, Ethel attended New Beginning Church. Ethel met Loren Buse on a blind date at the Bluffton Street Fair and were married on May 1, 1941 in Columbia City, Indiana. They shared 55 years of marriage and he preceded her in death on October 8, 1996. Survivors include Ethel’s three daughters; Jean (James) Reef of Ossian, Erma (Darrel) Eichhorn of Valparaiso and Lana (Kent) Inskeep of Bluffton. Ethel is survived by 8 grandchildren; Scott Reef, Karen (Chris) Hupe, Martin Reef, Amanda Monroe, Kevin (Julie) Eichhorn, Kate Flowers, Allison (Brandon) Cochran and Natalie Inskeep and 10 great-grandchildren; Shannon Monroe, Drew Flowers, Alex Hupe, Elijah Flowers, Jack Hupe, George & Sami Eichhorn, Connor & Donovan Cochran, Aubrey Inskeep and many nieces and nephews. Ethel is preceded in death by two grandchildren; Mindy Landis & Janice Reef along with two sisters; Sylvia Leist, Alma Pulley and a brother Don Rush. Ethel enjoyed bowling well into her 80’s, sewing, word search puzzles and playing Uno with her children and grandchildren and watching her gameshows; Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Ethel never played golf but accompanied Loren as his golf cart driver and ball spotter after his vision failed. She enjoyed making the chicken noodle soup for the Poneto Fire Department and Community Club suppers. Funeral Service will take place at 2:30 EST. on Wednesday (March 28, 2018) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton with Pastor Steve Sutton officiating. Calling Hours will be from 12:30 to 2:30 on Wednesday, prior to the service. Burial will follow at Stahl Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Poneto Fire Department through the funeral home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.