STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- Indiana Governor Mike Braun has declared a period of mourning in parts of Northwest Indiana in honor of former state lawmaker Nancy Dembowski, who died Monday at age 91.

Dembowski served as mayor of Knox for 10 years before becoming a state senator for the 5th District from 2002-2004 and a state representative for the 17th District from 2006-2012.

Outside of her political career she was a prominent local community member.

She served on the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, Community Foundation, and Coalition Against Domestic Abuse. She also helped build the Phoenix House.

Braun has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in Starke County, where Dembowski resided, and in the 5th Senate District, which includes Porter, Jasper, Pulaski, and White counties, effective immediately through sunset on Saturday.

Braun encourages residents, businesses, and organizations in Starke County and across the 5th Senate District to join in lowering their flags in Dembowski's honor.

Dembowski's funeral service will be in Knox on Oct. 12.