Rita Jane (Kunkle) Lyzen

Rita Jane Kunkle Lyzen was born in Kokomo, Indiana on January 7, 1941 to Ellis and Nancy (Hinkle) Kunkle. Following graduation from Tipton Township High School in 1959, she graduated from Indiana State University in 1963 to become a high school business teacher. Rita began her teaching career in Elkhart for 3 years, then later at Mishawaka where she taught for 33 years until her retirement in 2000.

On April 2, 1971, she married William P. Lyzen. They were married 43 years until his death in 2015. Together they enjoyed snow skiing, being at their lake property in Michigan, collecting antiques, and piloting their own plane to various places.

After retirement, Rita became an avid quilter, extending this to sewing quilts for the homeless and for the Wounded Warrior Project. She was also a Master Gardener helping plant gardens for the homeless and planting the quilt gardens along the Heritage Trail in Elkhart County.

Rita moved, in 2016, to Peru to be closer to family. She is survived by her sister, Donna (Bill) Percy of Peru and a brother, Roger (Rose) Kunkle of Galveston. She has several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janet Braden.

There will be no visitation or service with burial at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Elkhart. In Rita’s memory, donations may be made to the Onward Christian Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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