Mary Gradeless (Summey)

Mary Ann Gradeless, 82, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 10:15 PM in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, Indiana.
Mary Ann was born November 10, 1931 in Pierceton, Indiana to Burns Hascal and Dora (Hedges) Summey. She was a 1949 graduate of Pierceton High School. She studied at Manchester College (University), North Manchester, Indiana and Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana where she received her undergraduate degree in Education. Later she earned her Masters Degree in Education from Bethel College.
In July of 1950 she married Raymond Lee Gradeless; they divorced in 1974. She later married to Ernest L. Kulwicki in 1980 until his death in July of 1999.
Mary Ann taught in the Lapaz and Lakeville Schools Systems (now known as Union-North United School Corporation).
She was very involved at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, South Bend, Indiana. She played the organ for Sunday services, was choir director and taught Sunday School. She was chairman of the church's administrative board, organized the annual mother-daughter banquet and chaired the Country Store committee. Mary Ann was a member of Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club where she sang with the Optimist Singers. She also sang with the Marshall County Melody Makers.
Mary Ann moved to Warsaw in 2012 to live close to her daughter, Mary Ellen Rudisel Jordan. Before moving to Warsaw she had lived in North Liberty, Indiana and Lakeville, Indiana.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law: Dr. Michael and Kathy Gradeless, Carmel, Indiana; 1 granddaughter: Leanna and her husband Jeff Anderson of Houston, Texas; 4 grandsons and their spouses: Robert and Caiti Gradeless, Carmel; Raymond Gradeless, Carmel; Stephen and Alixandra Rudisel of Lafayette, Indiana; and Pvt. Daniel and Amanda Rudisel serving at Fort Riley, Kansas; 3 step daughters: Patty (and Jim) Colanese of Lakeville; Mary Kelly and Barbara Kulwicki; 4 step grandsons: Joshua Colanese, Michael Kelly, David Kelly and Richard Smith; 7 step granddaughters: Jennifer Colanese, Jamie Bibler, Cindy Alexander, Lisa Kelly, Lori Daniels, Amy Grenell and Michelle Peterson.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Kulwicki, July 6, 1999 and her daughter: Mary Ellen Rudisel Jordan, July 18, 2013.
Family and friends will gather for a time of sharing in support of each other Friday, January 10th from4-6 PM in Titus funeral home and one hour prior to the service in the church Saturday, January 11th. A service celebrating the life of Mary Ann Gradeless. will take place Saturday, January 11, beginning at 11 Am with Pastor Sue Irwin of Maple Grove United Methodist Church. Burial will take place in Hillcrest cemetery in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.
The family has asked that gifts in Mary Ann's memory be directed to Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 22019 New Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614
The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the family and friends of Mary Ann Gradeless.