Darlene J. Fritz

Darlene J. Fritz, 85, of Winamac, went to her heavenly home on Monday, July 6, from Pulaski Healthcare Center in Winamac.

Born March 12, 1941 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Myra (Fishtorn) Nice. She was a 1959 Winamac High School graduate. On July 18, 1959 she married James D. Fritz. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 2024 after 65 years of marriage.

She was a lifelong homemaker. A devoted wife, caring mother, loving grandmother and loyal friend. Darlene was a member of the Kewanna Church of Christ and was past president of the Extension Homemaker Club and the Iris Elm Garden Club. Her many interests and skills included baking, gardening, sewing, and basket making. Her handwoven baskets were exquisite, and they were once featured in an exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She enjoyed spending time with her family, horticulture and jigsaw puzzles. Her many interests and talents were shared with others over the years through her Plain & Fancy basketmaking and catering enterprises. Darlene took great joy in the company of her dogs, in tending to her expansive and beautiful flower gardens, in singing hymns and playing the piano at church, in collecting beautiful objects both useful and whimsical, both antique and new, and in single-handedly cooking big family meals through the years. She was both a gourmet and a wonderful country cook, and was renowned for experimenting with different cuisines, and for her lamb cakes at Easter. (They were always lovely and delicious— nothing like the failed attempts you see on Facebook. :)) Her breads and pies were enjoyed by family and friends, and her flower arrangements won many a ribbon at the county fair.

Survivors include her children: Pamela Richard [Michael] of Quincy, Illinois, Donald Fritz [Stacie] of Star City, Thomas Fritz [Lynn] of Nashville, Tennessee and Richard Fritz [Shantell] of Mulberry; brothers: Bill Nice [Becky] and Robert “Bob” Nice [Janet]; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.  

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Newell; and great-grandson, Owen Abbott.

A private family remembrance will be held at a later time.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kewanna Church of Christ. Darlene’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com. 

(Pulaski County Journal — July 15, 2026)