ELKHART — Jewel E. (Mahar) Axsom, 95, of Elkhart, passed away Monday, April 17, 2017, at the Elkhart Hospice House with family at her side.

She was born Dec. 5, 1921, in North Liberty, to James and Wilma (Witter) Mahar.  She married David S. Axsom Sr. on March 21, 1942.

Together they formerly owned the By-Pass Motel and A&B Transportation of Elkhart.  He passed on May 5, 1982.

Jewel is survived by her longtime companion and caregiver Ed Peters of Trail Creek; her children, Ruby J. "Susie" Sawyer, Thomas L. Axsom and Peter D. Axsom; a brother Donald W. Hogue; as well as 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, David S. Axsom Jr., daughter Wilmella Jo Axsom, five brothers and four sisters.

She was a member of the VFW in Michigan City and the American Legion Auxiliary in Bristol.

Jewel was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and aunt whose love knew no bounds.

A celebration of life service for Jewel E. Axsom will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where friends may call from 1 p.m. until service time.

Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Rice Cemetery.

The family requests that donations may be made to The Center for Hospice Care of Elkhart in lieu of flowers.