Welma E. Gearhart, age 94, of Portage, passed away Friday, June 20, 2014. She was born March 13, 1920 in Knox, Indiana to the late William and Myrtle Smith. Welma retired in 1996 after working for 30 years as a head cook for the Merrillville Community School Corporation.

Welma is survived by her sons: William (Andrea) Gearhart and Howard (Phyllis) Gearhart; daughter, Lizabeth (Joseph) Romeo; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle Smith; her husband, Alton Gearhart; son, John Paul Gearhart; brother, Neal Smith and two sisters, Evadean Kistler and Wanda Reed. Memorial contributions in Welma's name may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 1841 E Summit St, Crown Point, IN, 46307.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 10:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN with Pastor Bob Burton officiating. A graveside service will take place at 2:30 pm at Crown Hill Cemetery in Knox, IN. Visitation is Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes