Delores Ingraham, 85, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.

Delores was born on September 10, 1940 in South Bend, IN to the late, Robert Miller and Juanita Miller. She married the love of her life, Rodney Douglas Ingraham on June 14, 1958 in South Bend, IN.

Delores is survived by her husband of 67 years, R.D. “Doug” Ingraham of Elkhart, IN and Sebring, FL; daughters, Laura (Michael) Paden of Fort Mohave, AZ and Brenda Ingraham of Grafton, WI; son, Mike (Shari) Ingraham of Elkhart; grandchildren, Sarah Paden, Michelle Paden, Michael Paden, Jr., Chris (Rachel) Hunsberger, Tim (Marcela) Hunsberger, 8 great grandchildren; 1 great great grand daughter; sister, Debbie (David) Pietrzek; half-brother, Leon Strahla; and several nieces and nephews.

After living in South Bend for many years, Delores and R.D. moved and settled in Elkhart for the past 40 years. They were certified snowbirds, calling Sebring, Florida their winter home for 25 years.

Delores worked and retired from Ray Schuler Co for many years. She was also a long-time officer with the Noon Luncheon Optimist Club, the Blue Birds, Campfire Girls YMCA Indian Guide and room mother at school.

Delores was the matriarch of the family. She was always the life of the party. She continued to keep the family together with laughter and games.

She was selfless and always helping others especially those that were sick and vulnerable.

Her greatest joy was her family especially her children and grandchildren. Her presence in the home will never be the same and she will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Delores’s Life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at The Gathering Place at 820 at Center 1231 (located on the Billings Funeral Home property, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514) with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating.

A gathering for friends and family will be 2 hours prior to the start of the service from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Gathering Place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society or a local pet shelter of your choice.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.