BOURBON — Mary Ellen Stouder, 77, Tippecanoe, passed away Jan. 1, 2017, at home with her family at her side. She suffered with Alzheimer’s for the past 10 years. She was born Feb. 25, 1939, in Kokomo, to Fred and Irene Oakley Freeman. She grew up in Pierceton and North Webster and graduated from North Webster High School in 1957. She married Dallas Jay Stouder on June 12, 1960. He passed away Aug. 30, 2016. She worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in Tippecanoe, Bourbon and Etna Green. She owned and operated Stouder Reality and, together with her husband, owned Tall Shades Campground, where they later built their home. Most importantly, she was a stay-at-home mom that always did and wanted the best for her kids and grandchildren. She was a member of Jr. ONO club in Etna Green. She loved her home on the river and she loved to travel. She is survived by her daughter, Pam (spouse Bryan) Bidwell, Pierceton, and her son, Jeff (spouse Renee) Stouder, Bourbon. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Derek Eby, Krista Howard, Matt Eby, Matt Tracy, Emily Christoffel, Lea Stouder and Josh Pranger; five great-grandchildren: Cy, Teagan, Colton, Deegan and Troy; two sisters, Barb Holle, Etna Green, and Judy Owen, Albion; a brother, Jim Freeman, Albion, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; husband; a son, Robbe, Aug. 4, 2016; a grandson, Caden Dallas Stouder; and a stepbrother, Alvin Freeman. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Etna Green Church of Christ, 206 W. Broadway St., Etna Green, with Pastor Jordan Ickes officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon, and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Etna Green Cemetery. The family wishes to give a special thank-you to the Amazing Grace Caregivers for the care and compassion given to Mary during her illness. ***** Memorials to Etna Green Church of Christ, 206 W. Broadway St., Etna Green, IN 46524. Condolences may be left at deatonclemensfh.com.
