Deliah Calhoun of South Whitley, Indiana passed away surrounded by family at 1:44 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at her home at the age of 90.
She was born on April 7, 1932 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Deliah was one of 14 children born to Leander Rose and Nora (Campbell) Rose. On June 2, 1951 she married the love of her life, Dewey Calhoun. They experienced the joy of becoming parents to six wonderful sons, and celebrated many times over as their family expanded with grandchildren. Deliah and Dewey were blessed with 60 years of marriage before he passed away August 28, 2011.
After moving from Kentucky, Deliah and Dewey settled into the Sidney area with their six sons and started a sawmill at their home while she also managed to work full-time while caring for her young boys before venturing to Fort Wayne to begin Calhoun Lumber Company. Deliah was very proud of what they were able to accomplish with their hard work and their successes that allowed them to live comfortably in their later years on the farm they loved so much near South Whitley.
As busy as Deliah was, she also managed to find time to be an active member of her church and was well known for the delicious meals she helped to provide. Her lifelong friendships, that she cherished so much, were an important part of her life. There was no limit to Deliah’s generosity, she often opened her home to people who needed a place to stay whether for a night or longer and seemed to never run out of energy. Deliah loved gardening, and the size was always too large to just be called a hobby. The greatest joy for Deliah was her family, there was nothing she loved more than her boys, and nothing she would not do for them. When the grandchildren began to come along, she loved making comparisons to her ‘boys’ when they were little; they all loved their Granny very much and it was mutual.
Deliah struggled the last few years with poor health, but was still able to enjoy her family and was happiest when her house was full with all the people she loved so much. She loved her siblings dearly and they gave her great strength. Their love carried her through many difficulties throughout her life. Deliah will be greatly missed by her family, friends and church family. She lived a full life and set an example for the rest of us, with how to tirelessly and selflessly care for others. She was truly one of a kind and we were so fortunate to be a part of her life. Deliah will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.
She leaves behind four sons, Don Calhoun (Pierceton, IN); Dean (Sandy) Calhoun (Coldwater, MI); Joe Calhoun (Sidney, IN); Denver (Luann) Calhoun (Avila, IN); eight grandchildren, Nicky (Aaron) Calhoun Stankewicz; Rose (Michael) Calhoun; Thomas Calhoun; Wesley (Amanda) Calhoun; Daniel (Jessica) Calhoun; John, Christine and Kara Calhoun; eight great-grandchildren, Ella and Grady Stankewicz; Charlotte and Abram Calhoun; Haylyn, Brenna and Finley Calhoun; and Drue Calhoun.
Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Sue (Jack) Shoemaker (Oceola, IN); Katherine (Curt) Shepherd (Warsaw IN); Ted (Janice) Rose (North Manchester, IN); John (Martha) Rose (Mentone, IN); May (Talmage) Vance (Phoenix AZ); Malcomb (Mariam) Rose (Fort Wayne IN); Russel (Kathy) Rose (Claypool, IN); Bill (Karen) Rose (Silver Lake, IN); John (Martha) Rose (Mentone IN); Russell (Kathy) Rose (Claypool, IN); Bill (Karen) Rose (Silver Lake, IN); daughter-in-law: Janet Calhoun (South Whitley, IN); and her brother-in-law: Frank Hartbarger (Elkhart, IN).
She was preceded in death her parents, husband, Dewey Calhoun on August 28, 2011, two sons, Robert “Bob” Calhoun on June 25, 2015, Wayne Calhoun on November 1, 2021, brother, Leander Jr. “Bud” (wife Jackie) Rose, and her sister, Irene Hartbarger.
Deliah’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Glenn Hall. Burial will follow with a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton, Indiana. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be directed to Free United Baptist Church, 7035 State Road 13 South, Pierceton, IN 46562
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
