Venita M. Nowatzke of Walkerton, formerly of Hamlet, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in her home following a brief illness. She was born on February 25, 1949, in Union City, PA to the late Denzil and Marion (Briggs) Sweeney, and was 75 years old at the time of her death.

She lived in the area most of her life and worked as a forklift driver, retiring from Rex Am in Valparaiso.

On August 21, 1999, in Pinhook, IN she married Robert Nowatzke Sr., who preceded her death in 2013. Venita was a hard-working lady who was always on the go. She was soft-spoken and kind and enjoyed doing her yardwork (especially tending to her flowers). Most of all she loved her family dearly and was truly the world’s best babysitter. Venita is survived by her daughter Stacy (Kirk) Rice of Walkerton; three grandchildren Devin (Rebecca) Rice and Skyler (Ashley) Rice all of Walkerton and Shelby Rice of Bremen; five great-grandchildren Blaze, Greyson, Ryker, Jaylan, and Eleanor; three sisters Viola (Wayne) Sullivan of Inwood, Virginia (Dale) Delap of Argos, and Valora (Bob) Palmer of Culver; and one brother Jeff (Helen) Sweeney of Grovertown.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. Funeral services will be at 1:00 CDT on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel. Visiting hours will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 CDT also on Tuesday, October 22 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fletcher Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice.