Stephen Gharst Wirts (Steve), 82, passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 8, 2018. Born in 1936 in Washington, Indiana to Ruby Everett and Adeline Mae (Gharst) Wirts. He graduated from Washington High School (Class of 1954) and Indiana University (Class of 1958) with a BA in Business. He served in the US Army reaching the rank of Captain. He worked in three department stores before moving back to Washington to open The Wardrobe, which was a significant part of Washington’s Main Street for 20 years. He retired as an insurance agent serving the Washington community with health and life insurance.
Steve enjoyed spending time on his horse farm, riding, showing and judging Tennessee Walking horses and working on projects in his woodworking shop. He was fond of vintage cars and antiques. He loved to read about history, especially the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. He was an avid fan of Indiana University basketball and the Indianapolis Colts.
Steve was preceded in death by his brother Tom Wirts and is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Musgrave) Wirts; children, Sarah (Yancy) Gill, Nancy (Doug) Miller, Andrew (Julayne) Wirts; sister Gretchen Brittain; 12 grandchildren, Caroline Smith Reynolds, Hannah Smith Scharlau, Reid Smith, Matthew Gill, Taylor Miller, Jacob Miller, Madison Wirts, Garrett Wirts, Mitchell Wirts, Samuel Wirts, Rachel Wirts, Lauren Wirts; and 5 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 110 NE 2nd Street, Washington, IN 47501. Memorial donations may be given to Purposeful Design, a non-profit mission whose purpose is to teach woodworking skills to create employment opportunities that help rebuild lives of individuals broken by addiction or homelessness. 1710 Jenkins Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218 or the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Linda Hostetter says
Sending love, hugs & prayers to the family at this time. 😢❤️🙏
Scott Schnarr says
To our wonderful neighbors of twenty years, our Love and prayers to Mary Jane and your entire family. We pray for the peace only our Lord can bestow upon you at a time like this. May He comfort and keep you in His loving arms. -Scott, Melissa, Ashley & Kylee Schnarr
Bronwyn Rains says
Mary Jane and family
We are so very sorry about Steve. A wonderful person indeed. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. May the love of family comfort you at this very difficult time
Bronwyn E Rains, Tim Mapes, Jamie and Brenda Rains, Kathleen Bradley
Sue Garrett says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family! Sue and Vaughn Garrett
Molly & Mike Mitchell says
Mrs Wirts and family, we are so sorry for your loss! Steve was such an interesting & wonderful man! I loved seeing and talking with him at the YMCA! May your family be strengthened by the prayers and love of others during trhis difficult time. And may God give you the strength and comfort to get through each day from now until you see him again in our heavenly home. Our prayers are with you!
Samara Goodwin says
Mary Jane so sorry for your loss of Steve. May God be at your side and strengthen you when you need it. You guys were the greatest neighbors. I miss seeing the horses and the great dogs too. Always will remain friends. Love you. Samara
Vicki Bubalo says
Mary Jane, I’ll always remember Steve as my first real employer when at 16 he chose me as his token junior/senior employee at The Wardrobe. Steve always extended so much grace to me – willing to work around my extracurricular schedule at school. Not many employers would have done that. It was so much fun to wear some of the more progressive items while at work that hadn’t caught on yet in our area. That was a brilliant idea, in my opinion. Through the years Steve has always been a supportive person of the arts – your influence, I’m sure. The two of you have definitely made an impact on my life and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you both. Please accept my sincere condolences on his passing.
Shelly Williams says
Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family Mary Jane . It was such a joy to get to know Steve while you were great clients at the beauty shop
So blessed to have hadvthat time ..
prayers for comfort .
Dena Kingsley says
So sorry for your family’s loss Sarah. Your Dad seems like quite a guy! I’m sure he will be as missed as he was loved. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Rene Bean says
Mary Jane, Sarah, Nancy and Andy, So sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed. I loved seeing Steve out and about and getting to talk to him and Mary Jane. I remember all the fun times growing up with Nancy and spending time at your home. It was such a welcoming and loving home. My prayers are with you all. Love, Rene