Vera Mae (Allen) Stauffer

Vera Mae Stauffer, 101, of Indianapolis and formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Born on September 5, 1924, in Mishawaka, Indiana, Vera was the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Allen and Della Emily (Friend) Horton.

A graduate of Wolf Lake High School, Vera later attended Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), where she completed the licensing requirements needed to establish her own nursing home in Ossian, Indiana. At a time when few women owned businesses, she became one of the first women in the State of Indiana to successfully own and operate a nursing home. Her determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to compassionate care left a lasting impact on her community and reflected the quiet strength that defined her throughout her life.

Twenty-two years ago, Vera relocated from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis, where she embraced a new chapter filled with friendship, laughter, and adventure. Soon after moving, she became a member of the Columbia Club, where she formed many cherished and lasting friendships.

Vera was never one to sit still. She had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together and genuinely enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Her warmth, wit, and engaging personality drew people to her wherever she went. She seemed to know everyone along Massachusetts Avenue and quickly became a beloved friend to neighbors in the condominium communities she called home. As the years passed, her circle of friends only continued to grow. People were naturally drawn to her vibrant spirit, remarkable stories, and contagious sense of fun.

Although she lived independently until the age of 98, Vera's fierce independence never faded. With the support of devoted friends, she continued enjoying outings, social gatherings, and the active lifestyle she loved. She believed life was meant to be shared with others, and she made every gathering a memorable one.

Above all, Vera treasured her family. She especially delighted in spending time with her six great-grandchildren, whose lives brought her immeasurable joy.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Stauffer and his wife, Terri; grandsons, Morgan Stauffer and his wife, Raegen, and their daughters, Sutton and Sloane; Jesse Stauffer and his wife, Holly, and their children, Lucy, Harvey, Harrison, and Everett; as well as many devoted friends who were grateful for her companionship and friendship.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Allen Stauffer; her parents; and her siblings.

A committal service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Egolf Cemetery, 2545 N. State Road 9, Columbia City, Indiana 46725.

To share a favorite memory of Vera or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services.

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