Naida Ellen Kirkpatrick's Obituary
Naida Ellen Kirkpatrick, 95, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne. Born in Alexandria, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Irl and Grace (Swaim) Gorden. She received her bachelor's degree in teaching from Ball State University and her associate's degree in nursing at Purdue University. She retired from Lutheran Hospital after 22 years. Naida authored twelve children's books and one novel. She was a docent at the Lincoln Museum and was a longtime ticket holder with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. She was a member of a local writers group. She enjoyed a good game of Scrabble and loved to spend time at the Outer Banks of NC. She was a bicycle enthusiast and trekked many a mile with her late husband John. Even in her later years she could be found traveling on her three-wheeled bicycle. Naida especially enjoyed spending time with her family and going to all their events. Family was everything to her. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Bic) Kirkpatrick, Deborah (James) Steller, Susan (Timothy) Galbreath, Carol Wedler, and James (Marianne) Kirkpatrick; brothers, Richard Gorden, and David (Linda) Gorden; 12 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, John Kirkpatrick; sisters, Martha Lois Scheier, and Jeannette Heppen.
Funeral service is 3 pm, Monday, July 28, 2025, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E. New Haven with visitation two hours prior (1-3 pm). Preferred memorials are to Shriners Hospital for Children at www.lovetotherescue.org To share online condolences, go to www.harperfuneralhome.com
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