Claramae Gingerich, 90 of Kouts, IN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. She was born October 11, 1934, in Ligonier, IN, to the late Elmer and Ella (Yoder) Kauffman. Claramae helped run the family business, Gingerich Petroleum, alongside her husband, Don, for over 20 years. She was a member of Hopewell Mennonite Church, where she had served as secretary for many years, and enjoyed being part of the Ladies Heart to Heart Club. Claramae and Don started the Hopewell Singers, which traveled across the Midwest and Canada, singing and spreading the gospel of Jesus. In her younger years, Claramae enjoyed traveling in the western US with her sister, Thelma, with Yellowstone being a favorite. She was also a beautiful seamstress and talented antique dealer. Claramae was a passionate gardener, who loved her flowers and always made sure her yard was filled with many different and beautiful varieties. Family was always first for Claramae, and she will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will be dearly missed.
On July 13, 1958, in Goshen, IN, Claramae married Donald Gingerich, who preceded her in death in 2021. She is survived by their children: Brent (Rhonda) Gingerich, Kendra Comstock, and Lisa (Scott Olson) Gingerich-Olson; grandchildren: Alexandra (Greg) Willibey, Jordan (Dustin) Gingerich, and Chase (Mary) Gingerich; great-grandchildren: Brooklynn, Harrison, Carson, and Camille; and sister, Arlene (Dennis) Schrock. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Elmer “Bud” Kauffman, Richard “Dean” Kauffman, Kenneth Kauffman; and sisters: Elizabeth “Betty” Stutzman, and Thelma Kauffman.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Mennonite Church, 805 N. Main St., Kouts, with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m., and lunch to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA of NWI.
GUESTBOOK
Our sincere condolences to you and your family and friends. She is flying with the angels and is watching over everyone and will be forever in your hearts. -Loretta Zacharias
My condolences to the family sorry to hear of her passing. -Barbara McKinley
Claramae was a very special and so very talented lady... Always the smile and the fun and the laughter... So glad I have some Hopewell Singer records to listen to her lovely soprano. Hugs and peace to her beloved family. -Mary Ann Claesgens
