Mary Ann Feller, 97, of Valparaiso, IN was peacefully taken to be with her Lord on May 29, 2026, with her daughters by her side. She was born on May 4, 1929, in Kouts, IN, the daughter of Joe and Martha (Luthi) Heinold. She was the youngest child of six, with all her brothers, Raymond (Marie), Arthur, Orie (Louise), Harold (Sis) and Kenny (Janie) preceding her in death. She married Lynn E. Feller on Thanksgiving Day during a blizzard in 1950. He was the love of her life, and they had 49 wonderful years together. Soon after their marriage, they lived near Fort Sam in Texas as Lynn served his country; then they farmed the Heinold family farm in Kouts until 1958, when they moved to Morgan Township to a lovely home in the woods. Also in 1958, Lynn and Mary Ann founded Heinold & Feller Tire Company along with brother Ray and his wife, Marie Heinold, which became a flourishing family business that continues to this day. Mary Ann and Lynn were always a team, an incredible example to their children and grandchildren. Lynn and Mary Ann loved to travel together and visited many different countries, but they especially loved the USA and did everything they could to make their community stronger.
Mary Ann is survived by her five children: Mary Lynn Massner (Randy) of Valparaiso with whom she lived from 2017 until her death; Lu Ann Troxel (Tom) of Hanna, IN; Joe Feller (Jackie) of Valparaiso; Robert Feller (Monica) of North Wales, PA and William Feller (Stacey) of Nappanee, IN. They had 20 grandchildren: Jenny, Kristi and David, Rudy, Ned, Josh and Jackson, Jessica, Ross, Hannah and Rachel, Natasha, Austin, Celise, Laine, Phoenix and Morena, Michael, Olivia and Ashlyn. They have 25 great grandchildren so far. Also surviving are her brothers- and sisters-in-law Al Neukomm, Don and Judy Feller, Todd and Karen Feller, Kathy Feller and Fritz and Joan Waldbeser. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Kenny and Loretta Bauer, Bob and Elna Grimm, Geri Neukomm, Roy and Dona Grimm and Dale Feller, and her precious husband who died in August of 2000 just shy of their 50th anniversary.
Growing up with five older brothers, she had no choice but to join them as a supporter of the Chicago Cubs, holding out as a lifelong fan all the way through the long-awaited World Series title in 2016. Mary Ann graduated from Kouts High School as valedictorian around the same time as she was named runner up in the state's Miss Indiana contest. After graduation, she stayed home from college to care for her ailing mother and worked as the secretary at Kouts School.
Mary Ann was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of LaCrosse, IN since the age of 18 when she gave her heart to Jesus. She did not just attend church, she lived church. She loved every person who passed through the doors, including at her winter church home in Fort Myers, FL. She had a servant’s heart giving many years of service to working in the kitchen every Sunday, helping at Parkview Haven (a retirement and nursing home) with organizing activities, family potlucks and playing piano for rhythm band. She taught Sunday School for several years and helped wherever and whenever there was a need. She always loved the hymn singing the most and sang with all her heart in her beautiful strong alto. Mary Ann was very hospitable and loved to entertain in her home.
She served the community on the Board of Review and the Extension Board for many years. She was a 50+ year member of the Extension Homemakers, including being the Porter County President, and helped with 4-H and the Open Class booths at the fair. She was very active at the school her children attended. She was a room parent every year rotating her children’s classrooms, the very first female PTO president the school ever had and headed up fundraisers for the music department each year. Everyone at school knew Mary Ann and her beautiful smile, and would call out “Hi, Mrs. Feller” when they saw her.
Mary Ann was an optimistic friendly woman, who rarely had a bad day, and had a hug for everyone. She was grateful for all her life experiences and all the people in her life that made it so full. Her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, meant everything to her and now she is spending eternity in Heaven with Him. She spent her last eleven days in the care of Dunes Hospice in her home.
Arrangements include a visitation at Kosanke Funeral Home in Kouts, IN on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 3-7 PM CST with the funeral being held at the Apostolic Christian Church in LaCrosse, IN on Tuesday, June 9th beginning at 10 AM CST. There will be time for meeting with the family from 9 -9:45 AM before the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvest Call Haiti Dairy Program https://www.harvestcall.org/support-the-dairy , or Chariots for Hope http://www.chariotsforhope.org/
GUESTBOOK
Mary Ann was an inspiration every time she entered Parkview Haven while my husband, Ben Metz, was the administrator! She was loved by everyone and all appreciated her enthusiasm to make their day happier. -Ben and Miriam Metz
What a beautiful tribute to a beauty lady, inside and out. It’s hard to put Mary Ann into words—but this was an amazing tribute. I haven’t been a part of Mary Ann’s life for many years now, but I have so many wonderful memories of her and her family from my younger days. There was and is no one like the beautiful family she and Lynn created. I will always cherish my memories with the Lynn and Mary Ann Feller family. Love always….. -Wendy Miller Burns
My prayers are with the family at this time of loss. I loved talking with Mary Ann whenever I would see her. She is a beautiful person inside and out. The last few years I was able to exercise with her and was amazed at her strength even for being on a walker. Mary Ann will be missed dearly. -Mary Girouard
What a wonderful, Godly mother you had! What a legacy she has left! When I think of your mom, I think of her smiles, always joyful, and full of the love of God. Our love, prayers, and sympathy are with you. -Dave and Arlene Metzger
What a wonderful person, truly a blessing to have known her! -Jerry Blum
What an amazing women!! She was always the kindest to Dave and I. Im sure she will be very much missed. God definitely blessed her and her wonderful life. Now she's resting in peace. Loved you Maryann! Lori K Bales
