Ivana “Ivy” Lee Epp, 76, North Manchester, was born on March 2, 1948, in Wabash, to Robert “Bob” Henry and Dorothy Kathryn (Heeter) Gahl, passed away on January 16, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne. A devoted member of Laketon Wesleyan Church, Ivana was a woman of deep faith with an unwavering love for her Lord and Savior, which profoundly shaped her life and the lives of those around her.
Ivana dedicated her professional life as a hostess at Bertsch Vending Company, where she eventually retired. Her career was marked by her cheerful demeanor and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Ivana also volunteered at the North Manchester Thrift Store for many years, helping others was always important to her. In her spare time, Ivana had a deep passion for painting, gardening, and cake decorating. She delighted in cooking and loved to spend time gathering with her family and sharing laughter.
On June 20, 1986, Ivana married Morris Epp. Together, they blended their families and created a home filled with love and support, which became a strong foundation for their children.
The loving memory of Ivana Epp will be forever cherished by her husband, Morris Epp, North Manchester; children, David (Valerie) Boyd, Urbana, Robert Boyd, North Manchester, John (Carrie) Boyd, North Manchester, Helen (David) Tester, Laketon, James “Jamie” Boyd, Urbana, Heather (Rodney) Emerick, North Manchester, Tracy (Paul) Sponsler, Pennsylvania, and Chris (Dan) Brooks, Kansas; siblings, Eugenia Harvey, Servia, Leslie (Marie) Gahl, Fort Wayne, Rodney Gahl, Richvalley, Emery (Kathy) Gahl, Akron, and Ezra (Sue) Gahl, North Manchester; grandchildren, Kayla Boyd, Karyssa (Tony) Bolen, Jenna (Brandon) Recker, Carter Rodgers, Troy Boyd, Zachary (Barb) Boyd, Christopher Boyd, Chelsay (Kurt) Jeffers, Cody (Rileigh) Meeks, Nicholas Boyd, Brittany Boyd, Dustin (Ingrid) Boyd, Dillon (Courtnee) Boyd, Adriene (Brandon) Warren, Andrea (AJ) Thompson, Peyton Tester, Abby Boyd, Tyler (Trista) Dunahee, Carson Rigsby, Jacob Emerick, Ben (Rebekah) Burnhisel, Jason Burnhisel, Denton (Melissa) Brooks, Emily (Justin) Flora, and Eric (Shelly) Brooks; along with numerous great-grandchildren, and lifelong friend, Sharon Casper. Ivana was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert I. Gahl; sister, Mary L. Cooper; and granddaughter, Krisean “Krissy” Boyd.
Family and friends may call Monday, January 20, 2025 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with calling beginning at 12:00 noon at McKee Mortuary, with Pastor Duncan Prior officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Servia, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Ivana Epp, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Ivana Epp has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com
