Connie Mireley Obituary

MONGO - Connie Lou Mireley, 70, of Mongo, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Born on Oct. 8, 1954, in Angola, Indiana, Connie was the daughter of Fred and Willa Mae (Sutton) Kratz, who preceded her in death.

A lifelong resident of LaGrange County, Connie graduated from Lakeland High School in 1973.

Early in her career, Connie worked in the office at LaGrange County REMC. After starting her family, she embraced her role as a farm wife and homemaker and became known for her talent as a seamstress. Over the years, she held various roles that reflected her work ethic and dedication to her community, including positions at the Topeka Auction Barn, the LaGrange County FSA office, and as a beloved school bus driver for Prairie Heights School Corporation, driving the Milford Elementary School route.

Connie had a deep love for animals, especially horses, and was an active supporter of local youth and agriculture. A former member of the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Association, she continued to volunteer long after her term ended. She was affectionately known as the "Butterfly Lady" for her years running the Butterfly Garden at the fair - a role that brought her and others much joy.

On June 12, 1976, Connie married James "Jim" L. Mireley in LaGrange. He survives in Mongo.

Also surviving are her three children, Tammy (Mark) Kauffman, Angie (Chad) Neff and Tim (Courtney) Mireley, all of Mongo; her six grandchildren that she loved being "Mimi" to, Gavin, Carson, Vadah and Darla Neff, Abby (Riley) Lewis and Lincoln Mireley; and one precious great-granddaughter, Ruthie Lewis.

Connie is also survived by two brothers, Tom (Cindy) Kratz, of Orland and Dennis (Laura) Kratz, of LaGrange; one sister, Cindy (Mike) Reaper, of Metz; as well as many nieces and nephews, whom she dearly adored.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, from 2-8 p.m., at Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 W. Michigan St., LaGrange, Indiana.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Mongo United Methodist Church, 3255 N S.R. 3, Mongo, Indiana, with the Rev. James Bartlett officiating.

Burial will take place privately at Mongo Cemetery, Mongo, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Association, P.O. Box 207, LaGrange, IN 46761.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com.