Martha “Jerri” Jerrldeane (Holloway) Lehman, 73, of Craigville, Indiana passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, following a short illness.
Born on April 17, 1953, in Bluffton, to Joe Deane Holloway and Martha Ferne (Starr) Holloway, who proceeded her in death. She was a lifelong resident of the area. She graduated in 1971 from Southern Wells High School and went on to work for over thirty-five years at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. She was appointed Wells County Emergency Management director. She was a school bus driver for several area schools. She was owner/operator of Lehman Hair Care, LLC as a licensed barber. She was also a licensed auctioneer. She also was a supporter and awarded volunteer for 4-H, Girl Scouts, and FFA and Wells of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Club. She was currently serving as president of the Wells County Cemetery Board.
On Oct. 9, 1976, Jerri married Don A. Lehman at Blanche Chapel. Together they built a wonderful life, and would shortly be celebrating their 50-year wedding anniversary.
Jerri is survived by husband Don; step-daughter Lachelle (Scott) Clifton; daughter, April (Jon) Webber; grandchildren, Mekale (Jeremy) Tribolet, Colby (Sofia) Clifton and Bristol Smith; and great-grandchildren, Mavery, Marlow and Dean Tribolet. Also surviving are brothers Danny (Rose) Anderson, Jon (Carla) Holloway, Jody (Jodi) Holloway and Jay (Marie) Holloway; along with many other beloved nieces and nephews. Also surviving are brother-in-laws, Steve (Nicki) Lehman, Terry (Sue) Lehman, Michael (Sara) Lehman and Rick Jarrett.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and parent-in-laws Leroy and Ellen Lehman; and siblings, Sally Jo Tinkel, Stanley Jack Holloway, Sara Jane Jarrett, Steven James “Jim” (Jesse Hall) Holloway, LeAnna Jill (Kenny) Ellenberger and Jeffrey Holloway. Also preceded her in death was son-in-law, Scott Smith.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.
Friends can gather to remember Jerri’s life from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the grandchildren’s college education, in lieu of floral tributes, with memorials payable to April Webber.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.
Friends can share memories or condolences with the Jerri’s family at www.thomarich.com.