Mary Louise Ulrich

Mary Louise Ulrich, age 94, of Francesville, IN, formerly of Rensselaer, IN, passed away early March 11, 2017 at Parkview Haven in Francesville, IN. Mary was born on March 22, 1922, in Newton County to Abner and Lydia (Miller) Miller. Mary was raised in Newton County and attended Mt. Ayr School. On June 4, 1939, she married Milo (Mike) Vernon Ulrich, son of Andy J. and Ella E. (Unzicker) Ulrich, at the home of her parents in Jackson Township. They lived on and operated a farm north and west of Mt. Ayr, retiring after about 50 years. In 1989, they moved to Rensselaer. Mary helped with everything from plowing to harvesting and she also worked at Per Pac for about 25 years, retiring October 1, 1991. Mike and Mary were not blessed with biological children, however, God did bless them with spiritual children whom they nurtured and parented through the years. These children include Paul and Matilda Edet, Calabar, Nigeria, Africa and Lynn Hurst who preceded them in death. Surviving are David Leichty, Grabill, Indiana; Andy and Carol Elsen, Missoula, Montana; Mary Ann Hurst, Bryan, Ohio; Mary Bess Hayward, Rensselaer, Indiana; Philip and Virginia Leichty, Rensselaer, Indiana and Kim (Greg) Walden, Monticello, Indiana. From these spiritual children are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary also enjoyed spoiling her 7 nephews and 3 nieces as well as their children. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters Ruby Good and Marceline Leichty; brother, Marvin Miller; brothers-in-law Ralph Good and Jacob Leichty, sister-in-law Mary Lou Miller and great-nephew, Christopher Dennis. She is survived by the spiritual children and grandchildren and her youngest sister, Lavonna (Duane) Miller of Taylorsville, Kentucky. Also surviving are her nephews: Jacob (Grace) Leichty, Jr; Gerald (Juli) Leichty; Michael (Jeanette) Leichty; Darrell Good; Tim (Renee) Good; Randy (Lee) Miller; and Eric (Shayne) Miller, nieces: Joyce (Byron) Mcgruder; Colleen (Greg) Dennis and Lynette (Ken) Ferrante, several great-nephews and nieces and great-great nephews and nieces. Mary served faithfully at Burr Oak Mennonite Church where she became a member January 20, 1935. She served as chorister for both Worship and Sunday School services as well as supporting her husband on the Board of Elders. Friends may visit with the family at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer from 3:00 to 6:00 CST on Sunday, March 19, 2017. Private family burial in Memory Garden Cemetery will precede the 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2017 Memorial Service at Burr Oak Mennonite Church with Pastor Debbie Voss officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Haven, Francesville, IN or Burr Oak Mennonite Church, Rensselaer, IN.

Mary Louise Ulrich

March 22, 1922 - March 11, 2017