Submitted by: Dan Rich
June 18, 1929 - Aug. 10, 2008
South Bend Tribune 8/13/2008
OSCEOLA - Lydia M. Alexander, 79, died at 7:05 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, in Our Lady of Peace Hospital. She was
born June 18, 1929, in South Bend, IN, to Gabriel and Mamie (Annis)
Neddo. On December 7, 1947, she married Dwight Wm. Arndt
Sr. They had six children. In 1960, Dwight and Lydia divorced. On
October 23, 1964, Lydia married William L. Alexander, who
preceded her in death. She is survived by three daughters, Marcia
L. (Bob Beaver) Alexander, Cynthia (Tom) Miller of
Mishawaka, IN, and Rebecca (Glen) Westman of Virginia
Beach, VA; two sons, Donald (Lorna) Arndt of Saginaw, MI, and
Dwight (Rhonda) Arndt Jr. of South Bend, IN. A son, Gary Leigh,
preceded her in death. She had 12 grandchildren and 20
great-grandchildren, and is also survived by three stepsons,
Donald, James and Robert Alexander, and their families. She is
survived by four brothers, Darwin (June) Neddo of Charleston,
W.Va., James (Gloria) Neddo of South Bend, IN, Larry Neddo of
Monument, CO, and Vern (Kathleen) Neddeau of Wasilla, AL. One
brother, Francis (Hazel) Neddo of Sale Creek, TN, preceded Lydia
in death. Also surviving are two sisters, (Athelene) Katie
(Lauren) Stayton and Karon (Michael) Neddo-Burns,
both of Mishawaka, IN.
Lydia loved people and was well-known
throughout the Michiana area. She never met a stranger, and was
always there for a "friend in need." Lydia loved her
Lord, and enjoyed sharing her joy in knowing Him with those she
came in contact with. It was her greatest desire that her
children and grandchildren learn to know Jesus, personally, and
looks forward to a heavenly reunion with all of them. Lydia was
lovingly known as "The Purple Peddler," as throughout
her life she sold Tupperware, Stanley, Fuller Brush, Watkins,
Miracle Maid, Bee Line and Queen's Way Clothing, Sarah Coventry
Jewelry, Forever Living, Amway, Playhouse Toys and Avon. She also
worked as a bookkeeper at King's Clothing, Sierra Motor Coach,
Kentron, and various other businesses. She served as pianist and
vocalist for several churches in the community, and was a charter
member of the Harvest Community Church in Mishawaka, IN.
The family will welcome family and friends
to share fond memories of Lydia's life from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday
in the funeral home, and one hour prior to a "Home
Going" service. The "Home Going" service will be
held at 1:00 p.m. Friday in Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 North
Main Street, Mishawaka. Burial will follow the services Friday at
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend, IN.