June (Smith) Gafken

June Gafken, 92, of Auburn passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, at home peacefully surrounded by family.

Mrs. Gafken was born June 30, 1925, in DeKalb County to Jacob and Lillian Smith. She was married to Dale Gafken March 21, 1942.

She was retired from Cooper Tire of Auburn. She was also raised a farmer’s daughter, became a farmer’s wife, and a World War II Army wife.

June was a founding and active member of the Bible Baptist Church in Auburn, now Lakewood Park Christian Church.

June through the years loved being a children’s Sunday school teacher, hosting Halloween parties, hayrides and Christian music.

She enjoyed farming, gardening, travel, fishing, playing music and she never met a person she didn’t know or stop to talk with.

Survivors include a sister, Georgia Muzzillo of Auburn; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Cheryl Gafken of Spencer; daughter Karen Gafken; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Gafken Roman and Michael Roman of Vineland, New Jersey, Rebecca Gafken and Bruce Chapman of Auburn and Victoria Gafken Hill and Ryan Hill of Hamilton; six great-grandchildren, Kaila Roman, Alexander Roman, Robert Edward Hill, Lillian Hill, Magnus Dane Hill and Ace Patrick Hill; and her friend and companion, Ralph Merritt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband Dale Gafken.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with Pastor Russ Howard officiating. Burial will take place in Roselawn Cemetery in Auburn.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Autism Society of Indiana.