Ball State Credit Union Founder Dies

Pittenger (center) with her family and Mario Andretti after taking a two-seater ride at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2014. (photo courtesy IMS)

One of the founders of the Ball State Federal Credit Union has died. Edith Pittenger helped start the credit union in 1956 while working for Ball State University’s then-business manager J.C. Wagner. She passed away Sunday, just 19 days shy of her 105th birthday.

Pittenger served as secretary/treasurer for the credit union until 1988 and served on its board of directors until 2004. 

"Many of us at the Credit Union spent so many years working for Edith, working with her while she was a member of the board of directors, and simply cherishing the time we have been blessed to have with such a special lady over the years," the credit union said in a news release. "Edith devoted decades of time and energy toward the long term success many members have enjoyed. She loved life, and she was blessed with nearly 105 years of it!"

Pittenger was born in Pendleton in 1912 and graduated from Ball State Teachers College in 1933. She began her career at Ball State in 1948 as secretary to the business manager and served in a variety of roles, including assistant director of personnel. She retired with emeritus status in 1978.

Funeral services are set for Friday morning.