Mitzi Darlene Hardesty, 64, of Middlebury, IN went Home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Mitzi was born on January 9, 1962 in Huntington, WV to the late, Lee Alfred Estep and Joyce A. (Owens) Estep.

She is preceded in death by brothers, Scotty Estep, James Estep and Arlin Angola.

Mitzi was a beloved mom to Kia M. Marino of Middlebury, IN, Benjamin “Ben” I. Hardesty of Aurora, IL; and Tiana Frick of MA; beloved grandchildren, Cris Schrock, Adam Schrock, Brayon Schrock, Galen Schrock, Nova Marino, Teagan Marino and Kuecken “Kiki” Wymer; brothers and sisters, Janet Tucker Poca, Beverly Watson, Jerry Leach, Michael Estep, Teresa Thompson, Loretta McGuire, Philip Estep and Mary Hutchins.

Born and raised in Florida, Mitzi later moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, to raise her family. She was a woman of strong work ethic, serving her community as an emergency dispatcher for Elkhart County and later working at the EOCC landfill. While she took great pride in her public service, her most prized and treasured role in life was being a loving mother and grandmother to her family.

A Florida girl at heart, Mitzi always found peace and joy at the beach, where the sand and waves reminded her of her early days. She loved a competitive game of cards with family and friends as well as a good game of Solitaire. Mitzi was also a skilled gardener, famous for her green thumb and her gardening prowess. Her family fondly remembers the bountiful fruits and vegetables she lovingly grew and brought to the dinner table.

Mitzi loved the Lord and wanted others to experience His love as well. She was a faithful charter member of Middlebury Community Church of the Nazarene since it’s inception 9 years ago. She continued to serve as a caring and dedicated teacher for the youth. Mitzi had a special gift of making each teen feel seen, value and encouraged, while faithfully pointing them towards Christ. Mitzi was also a faithful prayer warrior for her congregation. The impact of her life will be felt for generations through the many young lives she influenced and the church family she loved so dearly.

Mitzi will be remembered as a kind, big-hearted woman who loved deeply, but also as someone who was fiercely authentic and never hesitated to "tell people how it is going to be." Her strength, warmth, and honesty will be missed but her family and friends find comfort in knowing that she is forever with the Lord, she served so faithfully.

A Celebration of Mitzi’s life at will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Middlebury Community Church of the Nazarene, 11435 W 025 S, Middlebury, IN 46540.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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