Notes:

Lea Rose Flinn (Sondgerath), 83, of Earl Park, Indiana, passed away December 29, 2014 at Elkhart General Hospital of Elkhart, Indiana. Lea was born in Onarga, Illinois on April 6, 1931, the fourth of five daughters (Carolyn, Arlene (deceased), Jane (deceased), and Katherine) born to the late Leo and Marie Sondgerath.

Lea graduated from A.J. Kentland High School in 1949 and attended cosmetology school in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lea married John Edward Flinn on the "Blue Moon" of December 30, 1950 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Kentland, Indiana, where they have been life long members.

Lea has worked as an agricultural engineer, manager of a hair salon business, co-owner of the Kentland theatre, was a savvy investor, and formidable euchre player.

In retirement, Lea enjoyed traveling with John extensively through Europe and Central America. Lea greatly valued education, which certainly speaks to her five children with bachelors' degree at a minimum, one even with a doctoral degree.

Lea is surived by John, her husband of 64 years and her five children; Sharon Flinn of Colombus, Ohio; Joni (husband: Terry) Vale of Nashville, Tennessee; Bridget (husband: Michael) Elijah of Elkhart, Indiana; Colleen (husband: Barry) Brisben, of Golden, Colorado; and John Geoffrey (wife: Heather) Flinn, of Indianapolis, Indiana.

She is also survived by grandchildren Suzanne Burch (husband: Mark), April White, Jason Vale (wife: Rhonda), Joel Elijah (Wife: Laura), Joshua Elijah, Michaela Elijah, Macy Brisben, Haley Brisben, Austin Flinn, Alec Flinn. Great-grandchildren include Sierra Henry, Rachael White, Lacy (husband: Pablo) Numbra, Justin Vale, Vanessa Vale, and Elizabeth Rose Elijah.

A viewing and rosary will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2015 from 4-7 pm at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland. Mass will be celebrated on Friday January 2, 2015 at 11am at St. Josephs Catholic Church of Kentland. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Kentland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Kentland, Indiana.

Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com

Published in the Journal & Courier on Dec. 31, 2014

Lea — John Edward Flinn. [Group Sheet]

Joni — Terry Vale. [Group Sheet]

Bridget — Michael Elijah. [Group Sheet]

Colleen — Barry Brisben. [Group Sheet]

John — Heather. [Group Sheet]