Elaine Maurer, age 98, of Celina, a former long-time Mendon resident, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Trustwell Living at Miller Place, in Celina.

Elaine was born November 8, 1926, in Fort Wayne, to Joseph S. and Hilda R. (Hunziker) Pumphrey.

Elaine and John Frederick Maurer were married June 10, 1951. John preceded her in death on February 27, 2007. Their son, J. Gregory "Greg" Maurer passed away July 31, 2025, and grandson, Barton G. "Bart" Maurer, on November 30, 2024.

Surviving are their daughters: Heather (Jim) Dedyne of St. Johns, MI and Heidi (Dale) Moorman of Celina, Greg's wife, Cathy Maurer, of New Bremen, 8 grandchildren: Brett (Maylani) Maurer, Cassie Maurer, Mitchell Pero, Grant Pero, Meg (Jason) Murphy, Kelsey (Adam) Johns, Katelyn (Jacob) Frysinger, and Mackenzie Moorman, and 10 great grandchildren: Emmitt, Liam, Lynnae, Naomie, Carson, Clayton, Reece, Rory, Mila, and Finn.

Preceding her in death were John's parents: Frederick W. and Zua Murlin Maurer, and his sisters: Vivian Schnarre, Amy Downey, and Betty Mann Reynolds.

A 1945 graduate of Celina High School, Elaine attended Ithaca College, then graduated from Ohio University in 1949 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Elaine's 42-year career in education began at Franklin High School. Next, she taught for 1 year at Rockford High School, then spent 39 years teaching English and Spanish at Mendon-Union High School. She served many roles at Mendon-Union, and focused on expanding her students' horizons. She particularly enjoyed taking students on trips to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario.

Elaine had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Mendon, then later the Celina chapter. She served for 22 years on the Mercer County District Library Board and many years on the board of the Mercer County Council on Aging (Senior Citizens). She was also active with the Mendon Lions Club, and assisted her husband operating Maurer's Hardware Store in Mendon. An avid traveler, Elaine enjoyed trips across the United States and many countries - including China, Egypt, and Greece, and many European countries, as well as family trips to Hilton Head. Elaine also enjoyed reading and knitting - she made many sweaters and afghans for family members. Attending Mendon-Union Alumni events and reconnecting with her ormer students was important to Elaine over the years.

Visitation Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, on Saturday, September 13, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Celebration of Life Services will follow at 11:30 AM, with Pastor Matt Overman, officiating.

Burial will take place at Mendon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer County District Library or EverHeart Hospice.

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