Mary E. Reahard

Mary Reahard, at age 89, joined her husband and other deceased loved ones in heaven on Tuesday, May 10, at her daughter's home with family.  She is survived by:  one sister-in-law, Carol (Thomas) Mow; three sons, Randy (and Terry) Reahard of Sea Tac, WA; Ron (and Ann) Reahard of Chattanooga, TN; C. Russell Reahard of North Manchester, IN; and one daughter, Janice (and Joseph) Chapman, also of North Manchester; several nieces and nephews; four grandchildren and two great-grandsons.  Preceding her in death were:  her husband, Richard “Rick”; brother, Thomas (and Carol) Mow; sister, Myra (and Ray) Lackey; and one grandson, Rex Robert Reahard.
Mary grew up around northern central Indiana, graduating from Chester Township High School in May of 1945 and Manchester College (now University) in May of 1949, With High Distinction.  After she and Rick married on August 27, 1948, Rick joined the Navy for a one year stint, hence graduating in 1950.  Soon after Rick's graduation, they began their lifetime of service together to others including:  Native Americans, Kiwanians, parishioners, students, family, friends and many others.  They relocated over 30 times in their 49 years of marriage to facilitate this mission, including the states of Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, and North Dakota.  Finally their journey ended in Aztec, New Mexico, where they “retired” and were able to build their dream home.
After Dad's death, for several years, Mom made annual trips to visit her children and relatives in other states, mostly Indiana.  In 2006, Mom decided to move closer to the majority of her family and kin and settled in the little house on Charlie Street, North Manchester.  She joined the North Manchester United Methodist Church and began the last part of her journey.  Mom enjoyed playing music, sewing, knitting, crocheting, planning and taking trips and doing Sudoku.  She volunteered at our local museum, helped with the United Methodist Women's organization and enjoyed The Historical Society programs.  One could tell how important family was to Mom by the efforts she put into planning and taking trips:  with her sister, Myra, to Hawaii and Alaska; and each different cross country trip she took with one of her four grandchildren, Lydia, Catherine, and Rachel Chapman and Calvin Reahard.
Mary Ellen (Mow) Reahard was a wonderful “Dorcas” sort woman and leaves behind a great legacy.  We will miss you, Mom. Please join our family as we remember our Mom at a Memorial Celebration on Friday, May 27, 2016, with Open Visitation from 3:00 – 4:00p.m. followed by a service at 4:00p.m. both at the the Peabody Chapel at Peabody Retirement Community, 400 West 7th Street, North Manchester, IN, 46962.  Preferred memorials may be given to Wabash-Miami Home Health Care & Hospice, 400 Ash Street, Suite B, Wabash, IN, 46992.

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