ELKHART -- Sallie L. Andresen, 78, of Elkhart, died Monday morning (Jan. 26, 2009) in her home after a sudden illness.

She was born March 16, 1930, in Waterloo to Kenneth C. and Wilma Ruth (Wiltrout) Fee. On June 18, 1950, she married Paul A. Andresen in Elkhart. He died Sept. 16, 1981.

Mrs. Andresen is survived by four sons, Dave (Sheri) Andresen, Doug (Rita) Andresen and Mike (Candace) Andresen, all of Elkhart, and Bruce Andresen of Jacksonville, Fla.; one daughter, Deb (Bill) Homell of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Sue (Ron) Chris of Bristol.

One brother, Richard Fee, preceded her in death.

Sallie formerly worked at Ziezel's Department Store and then started a long career in catering and running banquets for various hotels including Quality Inn, Weston Plaza and the Ramada Inn, all in Elkhart. She worked for a time at Little John's Restaurant. She was a 1948 graduate of Middlebury High School and an active and 43-year member of Grace Lutheran Church, Elkhart.

Sallie was made an honorary member of the Morning Optimist Club at the Ramada Inn because of her friendly and outgoing personality. She was a Mary Kay representative and was known for her baking skills. Her most special times were spent at the family cottage on Shipshewana Lake.

A gathering of friends and family will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church, 831 W. Marion St., Elkhart, where friends may call for one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Tim Diemer will officiate. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to the church. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolence