Oleta Mae Bollman, 90, died Sept. 18, 2023. Born July 2, 1933, in Riverside, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Barbara C. Miller.

She was a wonderful mother and a beautiful example of God’s love. She was married to Kenneth Wade Bollman on July 1, 1951, in Nappanee, Ind.

She was a member of Maplewood Mennonite Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Involved in church life throughout her lifetime, she served in a variety of roles: writer and editor of the church newsletter; a member of committees, including a denomination-wide Mennonite women’s group; Sunday school teacher and Bible school superintendent.

She was the alto singer for the Burden Lifters southern gospel quartet. She ministered with this group for 16 years, singing in 13 states and Canada. The Burden Lifters made six albums.

Oleta managed the local Mennonite Central Committee thrift store, The Dove’s Nest Thrift Shop, for 37 years. Living out her faith through her work with MCC was inspiring to those around her.

One of her biggest joys was her family. Being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother brought her many blessings. She loved being with family and often traveled to visit family and loved her yearly vacations with friends at Little Eden Camp.

She is survived by her children, Myron (Josie) Bollman, Rick (Marj) Bollman and Michele Bollman; daughter-in-law Pam Bollman; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and six siblings.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth, in 2017; her son, Gerry Bollman, in 2021; her mother, Barbara C.; her stepfather, Joe E. Miller; and four siblings.

The funeral service was at Maplewood Mennonite Church. Memorial donations may be made to MCC.