In Memory
Karen Walker was kind enough to share this sad news with us:
Sadly, I saw in the Journal Gazette about he passing of another classmate, Nina Derkach Etter.
NINA (n‚e DERKACH BORTON) ETTER, 70, of Hoagland, Ind., died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 6, 2017, in her home. She was attended lovingly by her husband, Brad Etter of Fort Wayne and Hoagland. Nina was born in a refugee camp near Hanover, Germany in 1946, after her parents fled soviet Ukraine. She came to America in 1952 and lived most of her life in Fort Wayne. Nina was a talented gardener, road trip aficionado, and life long "antique" collector. "She collected friends and loved ones just as easily, and our world was a brighter place for her having been in it. First she was here; now she is everywhere." Surviving are her husband, Brad; siblings, Lynn Baldwin of Muncie, Jacob Derkach of Fort Wayne and Lucy Latshaw of Fultondale, Ala.; adopted daughter, Eve Derkach of Nashville, Tenn.; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She joins her parents, Oksana Kryworuczko and Dmytro Derkach. Service is 5 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Come2Go Ministries, 323 W. Baker St., with visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. Burial at Lindenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home.
Nancy K. Ormsby
I am so sorry to hear that Nina passed away. I remember talking with her at the 45th reunion and she told me how much she loved gardening. She was such a sweet woman who had a gracious smile and kind words for all. I remember her in high school as being shy, but she blossomed during her life and had a positive impact on family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Carol A. Rocke
I remember Nina as always smiling and laughing and full of fun. Nina and several others from South Side were involved in the South Wayne Baptist Church youth group. I remember us as a close knit group involved in various activities during weekly gatherings at South Wayne's youth center. Nina and I reconnected after a few years when both of us lived in Atlanta and it was as if we'd just talked yesterday. We reconnected on Facebook in more recent years thanks to the South Side class website. She just had an easy, welcoming way about her. Her faith in God was present throughout her life. She was a lovely breath of fresh air and I will miss her.
Martha Dinius (Richardson)
Nina was in my homeroom. I never knew her well, but sat near her for 3 years. I am amazed to learn about her journey from Ukraine to Ft Wayne. I have found the website profiles and news sharing so interesting. There are many people I didn't know during my years at south side that I wish I had known.
Julie R. Rhinehart (Waterfield)
I always liked Nina: she was so happy, fun-loving,
and beautiful. A few years ago I ran into her at a
Fairfield Avenue Antique and Collectible
Store in which she was working: still adorable
And having fun! I am sorry she is gone.