Jeri Lynn Hart-Lenaburg, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

Jeri was born on April 29, 1958, in Elkhart, as the youngest of three children, the only daughter, to the late Donald L. and Jerrie (Beghtel) Hart. Jeri was a proud alumna of Rice Elementary, North Side Middle School, and Elkhart Central High School, class of 1976. Growing up she had many animals—cats, bunnies, a mini horse—she loved and cherished dearly.

On October 6, 1984, she married her best friend and true love Douglas E. Lenaburg at First Church of God in Elkhart.  Though they met at church at a young age, they would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this October. Jeri and Doug have had a beautiful life of love and laughter, with abundant trips to Michigan, a shared love of tie dye, cats, and their admiration for random car rides and adventure. To this union, they have two beautiful daughters: Molly E. (Alexander) Lenaburg-BeMiller, and Emily A. Lenaburg. Jeri was a doting Gam Gam to her three wonderful grandchildren; Julian Lenaburg, Hannah Lenaburg, and Weston Shelton; and fur grandchildren Benji, Zeus, and Ceasar. Also surviving are two brothers, Jon (Connie) Hart, Steve (Vicki) Hart; as well as several nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Jeri was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and friend. She loved her time as a volunteer at the Lerner Theatre and equally loved working at Gubi's Restaurant and Lounge, where she never met a stranger. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and flowers. Jeri shares a lifetime of memories with family and friends while at the family farm in LaGrange, IN, and her late parent's house on Gage Ave.

She will be loved and missed by her family and many close friends from childhood and life.

Services celebrating the life of Jeri Lynn Lenaburg will begin at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Visitation with her family will start at 4:00 p.m. until service time. Pastor Jeremy Sarber will officiate. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited for a meal at the Gathering Place at Centre 1231, for more sharing and fellowship. Casual attire is suggested, and if you feel so inclined bright colors or tie-dye are welcome. Cremation was chosen and entombment will be at a future date at Rice Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jeri's family kindly requests memorial donations to the Humane Society of Elkhart County or Cancer Resources for Elkhart County. To share a memory or leave a condolence to her family, kindly visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Elkhart County Humane Society
54687 County Road 19, Bristol IN 46507
Tel: 1-574-848-4225
Web: http://www.info@elkharthumanesociety.org

Cancer Resources for Elkhart County
23971 US Highway 33, Elkhart IN 46517
Tel: 1-574-875-5158
Email: info@elkhartcancer.org
Web: https://elkhartcancer.org/support-cancer-patients-donate/