Della Mae (Headford) Lutter Obituary (1930 - 2019)

Della Mae Lutter, 89, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at 1:37 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at Byron Health Center. She was born on February 27, 1930, in Chicago, IL, to parents, Arthur Goddard Headford and Oneida Koontz. A child of the depression, she spent much of her childhood at the Lake Bluff Children's home in Lake Bluff, IL, and later with the Bigelow foster family. In 1948, she graduated from South Side High School, and then served as an office assistant at International Harvester. After graduation, Della met William Lutter at a Luther League meeting in Albion. Bill was smitten by her as he listened to her sing in the church choir, and they married on August 19, 1950, in Fort Wayne. Together they raised 3 children: David, Denise, and Dawn, as well as five springer spaniels. Della was honored for over 30 years as a 4-H Leader, serving as a dog trainer, a project leader and a 4-H fair judge. She was an officer and trainer for the Fort Wayne Obedience Club. Della's artistic passion was painting, and her home was adorned with oil canvases and murals that she had created to commemorate family vacation and idyllic scenes. A charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church and Eastern Star member, Della was a devoted Christian who taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, made quilts for the homeless, and created holiday decorations for the church. Della is survived by her husband of 69 years, William Lutter; a son, David (Barbara) Lutter; two daughters, Denise Lutter and Dawn Lutter; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded by four brothers, Herb, James, Don and Bob; three sisters, Thelma, Dorothy and Eileen; a grandson, Chad Lutter. Services will take place at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home on Monday, August 19, 2019, at 10:00 AM., with Reverend Timothy Graham presiding. Family will receive friends on Sunday, August 18, 2019, from 2:00 PM, until 5:00 PM. Burial taking place at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church. Online Guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.sheetsandchilds.com.