Nancy King

Nancy King, 83, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023. She was born on August 5, 1940 to Evelyn McCollum and Morton Riddle in Kentucky. She was raised by her mother and Hubert McCollum, who she called her father. Nancy loved her life, her family, and her career. She loved all animals. She was very dedicated to her career as a catering manager, wedding planner, and had worn many hats in her jobs at Hall’s/Hall’s Catering Services for 30+ years. She retired in her 70’s. She loved passionately and many called her “Ma.” She loved God. She believed in equality for all, that Black Lives Matter, Love is Love, no matter your gender or preference, Women are equal, Indigenous People, of which she was a member, deserve better treatment, as we live on their land, and she believed that all life is sacred. She loved music, art, plants, and fashion. She especially loved being in nature. Her favorite place was Fox Island County Park.

She is survived by her daughters, Jameel King, Gretchen Littlefield and her husband David, the children of her heart, Diane Dikeolakis and her daughter Simone, Bill Reinking and his partner, Jon, Lisa McCuan Rutledge, Todd Yerkes, Marife Ico, and Yahuel BenYisrael. She is also survived by her beloved nephews and nieces, Jeff Riddle, Pam Garrison, Joe King and his wife Angie, Kelly Thornsberry and her husband John, Tim King and his wife, Joni, and all their children and grandchildren. She also deeply loved her sister-in-law, Karen King Milford and her 4 children, Mike Milford, Julie Milford, and Gina Milford, and their families, who are still with us. She joined her niece, Ginger Milford, who preceded her in death and she loved very much. She is also survived by her Grand-Cats, Tibby and Griffin and Grand-Dogs, Luna and Solara, and SO many loving friends and family. She was also preceded in death by Hubert and Evelyn McCollum, her parents, Morton Riddle, her father, Paul and Marie King, her parents in law, James Riddle, her beloved brother, his wife Sharon, and Bettie King, her beloved sister. Also included are all her loving animal companions over the years: most recently, her dog Leo, Grand-Dogs, Kenny, Jack, Cuddles, & Nutella, and Grand-Cats, Neo and Retto.

It meant so very much to her to support small, but mighty animal rescues. She loved the work that local writer and rescuer, Heather Leughmyer, diligently put forth, to save the unwanted exotic animals, from our area of Indiana. They were often abandoned and misunderstood. She cherished Heather’s books, which helped educate children (both young and old) on animals’ lives, from their perspective, to bring about change in their treatment. She became very close to one of Heather’s rescued rats, Snickers, of whom she talked about, time and time again, after her loving encounter. It would mean so much to Nancy, if, in honor of her life, those she loved, offered donations, to continue that support. Donations can be made to Heather Leughmyer, c/o Gretchen Littlefield, 5533 Columbine Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. Your donations will be used 100% for food, bedding, and healthcare for these animals. Heather operates this sanctuary on her own, with her young daughter, and would more than appreciate our help.

Thank you for being a part of Nancy’s life, and now, a part of celebrating our memories of her and her journey, onward. May she rest now and feel no more pain.

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