Dorothy Wayman Pfenninger, 93, of New Castle, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at her residence.
She was born in Henry County on March 12, 1921, a daughter of the late Fred C. and Mary (Straub) Wayman.
Dorothy was a 1939 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School and continued her studies at Earlham College and Ball State University, where she studied organ and piano. Well known in this community, Dorothy shared her musical artistry for over 75 years performing and teaching music, playing for scores of local weddings, special occasions, and funerals, as well as serving as Organist for the St. Anne Catholic Church for 4 years, the First United Methodist Church for 15 years, and the First Christian Church for 37 years, where she retired in 2002.
Upon her retirement, church friends, family and neighbors established the Dorothy Wayman Pfenninger Music Scholarship through the Henry County Community Foundation, in her honor. She was named “Outstanding Art Citizen of the Year” in 1986 and served on the New Castle Community School Board for over 15 years. She was a member of several organizations including Chapter AD, PEO Sisterhood, American Guild of Organists, Muncie Chapter, Indianapolis Matinee Musicale, Mu Phi Epsilon, International Music Fraternity, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sarah Winston Henry County Chapter, Kappa, Kappa Sorority and Alpha Tau Chapter and Altruistic Literary Club. She shared a special interest, with her husband, of collecting and showing antique automobiles.
She is preceded in death by, her husband, Alvis H. Pfenninger and sister, Miriam A. Wayman.
She is survived by, her son, Dr. David P. (Astrid) Pfenninger of Union City, Indiana; four grandchildren, Scott Pfenninger of New Castle, Indiana, Dr. David T. (Suzanne) Pfenninger of Carmel, Indiana, Christa Pfenninger Isaacs of Noblesville, Indiana, and Brian Pfenninger of Livingston, Tennessee; eight great-grandchildren, Kelsey Pfenninger, Kerry Pfenninger McCormick (husband R.J.), Karli Pfenninger, Ali Pfenninger, Austin Pfenninger, Zachary Isaacs, Mitchell Isaacs, and Dylan Pfenninger; one great-grandchild, Eleanor “Ellie”; Special friends and care givers, Betty Poe, Laverne Pogmore, and great-granddaughter, Karli Pfenninger; and several cousins.
Calling will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014, at the First Christian Church (2000 Bundy Avenue, New Castle, Indiana 47362). Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the church. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery in New Castle. Arrangements are being handled by Macer-Hall Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Online condolences may be made at www.macerhall.com
Memorial contributions may be directed to: Dorothy Wayman Pfenninger Music Scholarship.
Courtesy of Courier Times.