Vivian Huff

Vivian J. Huff, 94, Bremen, passed away following a short illness on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Vivian was born on April 14, 1929, in South Bend, to the late Charles and Effie (Ransbottom) Hammaker. On Dec. 31, 1946, she married Everett L. Huff in North Liberty. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before his passing on July 23, 2006. Also preceding her in death are three children, Jan (Huff) Thornton and Tom Huff, of Bremen, and Steve Huff, of North Liberty; and son-in-law, Steve Muffley, also of Bremen.

She is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Huff) Slusser, of Savannah, Ga., and Sandy (Huff) Muffley, of Bremen; daughters-in-law, Mel Huff, of Bremen, and Shelley Huff, of North Liberty; and son-in-law, Sam (Jill) Johnson, of Bremen. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Scott (Jamie) Slusser, Corey (Rose) Slusser, Tami (Eric) Hudson, Todd (Vicki) Muffley, Amber (Matt) Reed, Eric (Kelly) Thornton, Brad (Tara) Thornton, Jerami (Lori) Huff and Angie (Pat) Luecke; 18 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Although Vivian was born in South Bend, she moved to North Liberty with her family at the age of six months and lived there until she married. She graduated from North Liberty High School and worked for several restaurants before taking a secretarial position in 1967 at Laville High School, where she worked until she retired in 1982.

Vivian and Everett lived in Lakeville for 41 years before moving to Bremen. They attended the former Lakeville Christian Church (now Faith Christian Chapel) in Lakeville for many years. Vivian taught Sunday school and Bible school, was a deaconess, and she and Everett participated in several mission trips.

They enjoyed traveling and camping, and they were fortunate to visit nearly every state in the U.S. They hosted four exchange students whom they remained close to and were able to travel several times to visit them and their families. Vivian and Everett also owned several lake cottages throughout their marriage, the last being a cottage on Riddle’s Lake in Lakeville, where they were able to spend 15 years enjoying time with family and friends.

Vivian never knew a stranger, and everyone was welcome in her home. It was never a problem to set one more place at the table or invite someone to a family gathering; she loved to have a house full of family and friends. She loved Jesus and her faith was very important to her. Vivian enjoyed being involved in bunco club over the years, was a member of the Red Hat Society, loved to dance, loved visiting the casino, playing cards and bingo at the Bremen VFW, eating out with family and friends, and very seldom missed a TOPS meeting — and she was very happy that her last “weigh-in” at the hospital was a loss.

In 2014, Vivian met Gene R. Watkins, whom she loved until his death on May 1, 2020.

A memorial service for Vivian will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Pine Creek Church of the Brethren, North Liberty. Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the service at the church.

Contributions in memory of Vivian may be made to the Bremen VFW, 1750 W. Plymouth St., Bremen, IN 46506.

Online condolences may be left for the family at elkhartcremation.com.