Emma Jean Whetsel

Emma Jean Whetsel, 88, Lapel, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at Harbour Manor Health and Living Community in Noblesville following an extended illness.
She was born on July 5, 1922, in Lapel, Indiana to Volney and Emma (Green) Rich.
She graduated from Lapel High School in 1940.
Emma Jean clerked at Rich's Regal Store in Lapel in the 1940's. She and her husband, Trevor, were married in May, 1942. They collected, sold, and traded various types of antiques for several decades and were active fundraisers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for over 20 years. Emma Jean was a master upholsterer, drapery maker, and an interior decorator; she worked at Fisher Brothers Funiture Store and the Pendleton Furniture Mart for many years.
Emma Jean attended the Ford Street United Methodist Church and had taught Sunday school classes there for over 30 years. She was a member of the Lapel American War Mothers and had been a Girl Scout troop leader. Emma Jean worked tirelessly for many years with other ladies obtaining and providing clothing and food for needy families throughout the year and especially through the holiday season.
She is survived by two children, Pam (husband, Robert) Crozier of Noblesville, and Tom (wife, Carol) Whetsel of Pendleton; two sisters, Belle (husband, Bob) Johnson of Worthington, OH, and Carolyn (husband, Bob) Wilson of Lapel; three grandchildren, Brigette (husband, Tony) Mauck of Anderson, Holly (husband, Chris) Elliott of Lapel, and Heather (husband, Shawn) O'Connor of Lapel; two sisters-in-law, Jackie (husband, Jack) Howell, and Patty Corn both of Lapel; two step-grandchildren, Rolf (wife, Ann) Crozier of Indianapolis, and Sally (husband, Vince) Howard of Athens, IL; and several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 66 years; and two brothers, Rex and Garland Dean Rich.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home in Lapel with Shawn O'Connor officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Lapel.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, October 8, 2010, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1261 West 86th Street, Suite E2, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 or Seasons Hospice, 8350 South Emerson Avenue, Suite 140, Indianapolis, Indiana 46237.

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