Delores Mina (Grieger) Brooks

       Delores Mina Brooks (née Grieger), age 100, of Monticello, Indiana passed away peacefully Monday night, March 25, 2024 with her daughter Bonnie holding one hand and her granddaughter Cindy holding the other hand.  Delores was an active, vibrant centenarian who was living independently up until an unfortunate fall and hip fracture on March 7.

       Delores was born at home in Chesterton, Indiana on November 21, 1923, to the late Henry and Minnie (Lidke) Grieger. She had two brothers, Willis (Myrtle) Grieger and Edgar Grieger who both preceded her in death.  She attended the one room Carver School for her elementary years and was proud to have graduated from high school in Michigan City, Indiana in 1942.

       Delores married the love of her life Ralph H. Brooks on April 15, 1944. They met at the local roller-skating rink, and she was instantly smitten. She was a devoted wife and mother to their only child, Bonnie. She created a childhood for Bonnie that may only be replicated in fairy tales. A life of ponies and farm animals, beautifully hand sewn clothes and dance costumes, grand parties planned for Halloween and birthdays, and tours of their family farm for Bonnie’s elementary school class. She was the best grandmother to her only grandchild Cindy.  Cindy spent countless days and weeks on the farm with her grandparents, often crying the entire drive home as she so loved being with her grandmother. Delores was an avid photographer who captured memories on film and amassed more than seventy-five albums filled with precious photos. She was prepared for any situation and had ample “supplies” readily available. Her son-in-law Dave jokingly referred to the trunk of her car as “D-Mart” as you could find anything and everything in there! Delores was a natural gardener and accomplished horticulturist. She became well known for the phrase “She could even make a rock bloom” and gifted many with the memento of dried flowers glued to a polished rock! The beauty of her flower and vegetable gardens earned her the “Garden of the Week” award in Monticello and she was immensely proud of the array of pictures presented in the local paper. Her skills in the garden were only outdone by her culinary prowess. Her candied parsnips, chicken salad, and lemon meringue pie could have been served at the finest of restaurants! At Christmastime she made beautiful fried rosettes. Her much sought after handmade caramels were also a special holiday treat for the family as well as in the community where she was known to hand them out to the delight of those who knew her.

       Delores was the dedicated manager of the Chesterton Cemetery for countless years and worked alongside her husband Ralph as they meticulously cared for many cemeteries in the Porter County area. Ralph was Fire Chief in Chesterton and Delores was very active in the ladies auxiliary providing support to the brave men in uniform. After moving to Monticello years ago, Delores enjoyed attending the First Presbyterian Church. She would contribute her flowers and homemade goodies to after church fellowship hour and made many friendships participating in the Presbyterian women’s programs.

       Delores was fortunate to participate in her own “Celebration of Life” at the party hosted by her family for her 100th birthday in November. Friends, family and many community members were able to share their fond memories and good wishes with Delores as she celebrated this birthday milestone that few are able to achieve.  What a day of celebration it was!

        Delores was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family, animals, and friends.

       She is survived by her loving daughter Bonnie Kelly, granddaughter Cindy Moore (spouse Steve Moore), great-grandchildren Grayson Lambert (Carley Sulken), Katie Lambert (JC Mautino), Audrey Moore, Lydia Moore, and Daniel Moore.

       In addition to her parents and siblings, Delores was preceded in death by her husband Ralph H. Brooks and son-in-law David L. Kelly.

       A private family service will be held at White-Love Funeral Home in Chesterton, Indiana, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

       In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Happy Tails Animal Rescue or to the organization of the donors choosing in memory of Delores Brooks.

White-Love Funeral Home in Chesterton, Indiana, is assisting with the funeral arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delores Mina (Grieger) Brooks, please visit our floral store.