Cathy Rupley

Cathy Rupley, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away on May 22, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born on July 17, 1956, in Grundy, Virginia, to Lawrence and Okie (Bailey) Lester, Cathy’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to family and the deep love she consistently extended to those around her.

A graduate of Manchester High School in the class of 1975, later the same year on August 30, 1975 she married Jack Rupley. Her early career journey began at Bryan Manufacturing, Manchester Electronics, and then Warner Brooders. With the arrival of their three sons, Cathy chose to devote her full attention to raising her family, embodying the role of a loving and supportive mother at home.

As her children grew older, Cathy returned to the workforce, building a distinguished twenty-four-year career as a bank teller at Indiana Lawrence Bank, now known as First Financial. She then began a new chapter by serving as a cook for Manchester Community Schools for more than fifteen years, retiring on May 27, 2022.

Cathy’s personality was the cornerstone of her family’s unity. She was affectionately known as the glue that held her family together, always orchestrating family events and ensuring siblings remained close. Her love was most tangibly expressed through her enduring support at her children’s sporting events—a devotion that carried on as she cheered on her grandchildren in various sports. Friday afternoons in the fall found Cathy in her kitchen preparing meals for her boys and their teammates before the Friday night games, exemplifying her nurturing spirit and hospitality. She took great pride in maintaining a warm and immaculate home, a reflection of the care and love she poured into every aspect of her life.

A faithful member of the Congregational Christian Church, now known as Walnut Street Church, Cathy’s life was steeped in faith and community involvement. Her legacy of love, dedication, and service will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The loving memory of Cathy Rupley will be forever cherished by her husband of fifty years, Jack Rupley, North Manchester; sons, Keith (Muana) Rupley, Fort Wayne, Kory (Amy) Rupley, Rochester, and Klint (Brittany) Rupley, Angleton, Texas; grandchildren, Carson, Luke, Maddie, Claire, Landon, Logan, and Lachlan Rupley; brothers, Jerry (Martha) Lester, North Manchester, Ray (Debra) Lester, Bremen, and Randy (Carrie) Lester, North Manchester; sisters, Pauline Cordill, North Manchester, Janie (Jim) Combs, Silver Lake, and Nadine (Rick) Cripe, Laketon; and several nieces and nephews. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Reece Rupley; brothers, Andrew and Fred Lester; and sister, Patsy Lambert, Irene Lester, and Mary Lester.

Family and friends may call Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Walnut Street Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester, Indiana. A celebration of Cathy’s life will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Sebrene Cline officiating.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honor the memory of Cathy Rupley, memorial contributions may be made to Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814 or Walnut Street Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Cathy Rupley has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.