Matriarch. Eldest of ten. Mother of eight.
Servant of One. Mary L. Ethel Hanning, age 94, “made her last move” to Heaven on Monday, March 25, 2019. She had resided at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center for the past four years.
She was born August 17, 1924 in Burfield (Wayne County), KY, a daughter of the late Lee and Maggie A. (Coffey) Chriswell. She attended a one room school house in Kentucky, completing the 9th grade three times, as she loved school, but wasn’t able to attend high school. She never stopped learning.
A Henry County resident for over 70 years, she retired from the New Castle State Developmental Center in 1989 following 22 years of service. While there, she served as supervisor in nursing, and also worked in the dietary department for several years. Mary Ethel was an active member of the First Apostolic Church in New Castle for over 65 years, where she was deeply loved, desired to be in each service, and loved to testify.
She loved to sew, crochet, quilt, and cook. The eldest of ten and the mother of eight, her matriarchal tendencies led her to always stay in touch with all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; always concerned about each one of them, praying for each one of them when they faced life’s challenges. Her mind was constantly on the welfare of her entire extended family.
Always active and sometimes outspoken, she loved life and was a positive influence on many. Within the past year her eyesight had gone. In her words, “I lost my vision, but I never lost my vision of Heaven”.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Henry County Hospice and especially Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center’s Auguste’s Cottage for their wonderful care. The many caregivers there truly made her feel like family. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, John W. Hanning of New Castle; eight children, Anna Ruth (Dwain) Brown of New Castle, Mary Sue Gregory of Ocala, FL, Linda Lee Fleetwood of Ocala, FL, Rosa Mae Kendrick of Leonard, TX, Gary Dale Kendrick of Vero Beach, FL, Larry Ray (Susan) Kendrick of Indianapolis, Dee (J.L.) Sims of Leonard, TX, and Wanda J. “Jody” Hanning of New Castle.
Also, eighteen grandchildren, Steve (Jana) Gregory of Arlington, TX, Julie (Randy) Faulkner of Franklin, IN, Mark (Gina) Gregory of Ocala, FL, David (Marcella) Brown, Kevin (Cindy) Brown, and Andy Brown, all of New Castle, Nathan (Cyndee) Fleetwood, and Natalie (Shaun) Burge, both of Beaumont, TX, Stacie (Ian) Simmons of Syracuse, IN, Adam Farmer of Goshen, IN, Joshua (Samantha) Kendrick of Brownsburg, IN, Jessica Kendrick (Andy Mastin) of Rushville, Keith (Abigail) Kendrick, Kraig (Krista) Kendrick, and Kevin (Sarah) Kendrick, all of Indianapolis, Aaron Kendrick of Greenwood, Daniel Bridgeman of Indianapolis, and Sean Bridgeman of New Castle. Thirty great grandchildren, Emily Brown, Tyler (Hannah) Brown, Evan (Bethany) Brown, Olivia Brown, Caleb and Jacob Brown, Christopher (Amanda) Gregory, Cara (Scott) Robertson, Cayla Gregory, Cameron Gregory, Taylor (Seaton) Munson, Sarah (Louis) Serano, Amber (Randy) Thomason, Josh Lloyd, Kadin Gregory, Lindsey, Landry, Lexi and Levi Fleetwood, Matthew and Cody Burge, Paige and Carter Simmons, Corbin Farmer, Nathan and Addy Kendrick, Jared, Eli and Gabby Kendrick, and Katelyn Kendrick; three great-great grandchildren, Jakob Lloyd, Lucas Brown, Anna Munson, and a fourth (baby Brown) on the way. Also, a sister, Carolyn (Rev.
Don) Kitchell of Gilmer TX; two brothers, Clarence Chriswell of Wilkinson, IN, and Floyd (Brenda) Chriswell of Medway, OH; former daughter in law and exemplary caregiver, whom she called her angel, June Kendrick of New Castle; a sister in law, Ada Chriswell of New Castle; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins. Also, two that she called “her girls”, Linda Dugger of Indianapolis and Helga Conley of Seabrook, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie Doss and Jewell McBriant; four brothers, Jessie Arville, Rev.
Bobby Gene, Eddie F., and Fred Ray Chriswell. Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 31, 2019 at First Apostolic Church in New Castle with Pastor Jeff Emmitt and Rev. John D. Beck Sr. officiating.
Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Don Kitchell officiating. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Sunday.
Memorial contributions may be given to the First Apostolic Church, 418 New York Ave. , New Castle, IN 47362 or the charity of the donor’s choice. You may share a condolence or memory of Mary Ethel at www.
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