Hyla Doyal Cartwright, 88, passed away at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at The Hearth at Windemere in Fishers.
She married Robert Norris Cartwright on Jan. 30, 1949, at Broadway Methodist Church in Indianapolis and they shared
58 years of love, friendship and service to the community. She was a former resident of Crothersville.
Surviving are her brother, Dean (Eloise) Doyal; her daughter, Patricia Kniola; son-in-law Jeff Kniola; and grandchildren, Carson Kniola, Rachel Cartwright and Robbie Cartwright.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Galen Thomas Doyal and Beatrice Bowyer Goodwin; her husband, Robert Cartwright; and her son, Michael Cartwright.
Born June 1, 1925, Hyla grew up in Indianapolis as the daughter of a pharmacist and school teacher. She graduated from Shortridge High School and then Hiram University in 1947. She furthered her education with a specialist and master's degree from Indiana University. Hyla received a doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin and a degree in reading and adult and continuing education with a hallmark dissertation on mathemagenics, the position and level of questions in prose material, in 1977.
She taught locally at Seymour, Brownstown and New Albany, as well as tutoring countless students in her home. She was also a professor at the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University and Kentucky State University.
For her many educational and community service accomplishments, she was awarded an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and Sagamore of the Wabash for Indiana. Her countless hours of work volunteering and fundraising brought her much joy and many accolades from organizations, including Humane Society of Jackson County, Phi Delta Kappa and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, where she served as a state and local chairman.
Hyla's work with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was, perhaps, her greatest gift to her local community in that she raised funds to allow all fifth-grade students of Jackson County to attend a symphony performance each year for more than 30 years.
She particularly enjoyed driving the Symphony's "Petting Zoo" around to local schools. This program allowed children to not only learn about new instruments but to touch and play these instruments, often for the first time. She and her husband, Bob, then made certain this work could continue by establishing the Cartwright Endowment for the Arts in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Jackson County. In 2000, Hyla was nominated by the staff of the symphony and was subsequently named the Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year at a gala in downtown Indianapolis.
She always had a great love for animals and used her energy and persistence to help the community care for its many "lost souls," as she called them. She helped to procure the land, find the funding for, and oversaw the completion of the Humane Society of Jackson County animal shelter.
Hyla served on the Community Development Committee of the Schneck Foundation, the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce Arts Commission, and the Community Foundation of Jackson County. She was director of the Southern Indiana Community Arts Center, founder of the local chapter of the Embroiderer's Guild of America and served as the Great Lakes regional director for that organization from 1984 to 1986.
Her husband operated the Cartwright Pharmacy in Crothersville for 48 years after the young couple purchased the store in 1954. In their 58 years together, they created a wonderful life for themselves and their two children, Mike and Pat.
The Cartwrights were members of the First Methodist Church in Seymour and also attended the United Church of Christ in Crothersville. Hyla was very touched by the many beautiful cards and letters received from the members of those congregations over the last six years when she was unable to attend their weekly church services.
Hyla was an avid reader, educator, gardener and cook. She spent endless hours on volunteer work with various organizations. One of her goals was to "make each day the best that you can" and her life certainly reflected this mantra. She was beloved by her family and her community and will be missed by many others who never met her but have benefited from her good work.
Condolences may be sent to the family through Voss and Sons Funeral Service in Seymour and memorials may be made to any of these organizations: Schneck Foundation of Seymour, which benefits hospital-related services and educational programs; The Cartwright Endowment Fund for the Arts via the Community Foundation of Jackson County, which helps to continue providing cultural and educational opportunities for the youth of Jackson County; and The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Crothersville Cemetery. Afterward, a celebration of Hyla's life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Voss and Sons Funeral Home in Seymour. All friends may attend either or both services. The family wants all to feel welcome to wear informal attire to the celebration in Seymour since Hyla would have wanted everyone to be comfortable and enjoy sharing their memories.
A complete obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website at www.vossfuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 26, 2019
Student
Courtney Wilson
I think of you often. Thank you for all your special attention. All the mini praises you gave me. Love always
October 4, 2013
Hyla was such a great lady and contributed so much of her time and talent to Jackson County. I know she wil be missed by many. Wishing your family peace and sending prayers your way! Peg
October 4, 2013
Natalie and Eli Reed
Pat,
Your mother accomplished so much in her lifetime and shaped so many lives. I see your mother in you.
Our thougths are with you and your family during this difficult time.
October 4, 2013
Natalie and Eli Reed
Pat,
Your mother accomplished so much in her lifetime and shaped so many lives. I see so much of your mother in you. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
October 3, 2013
Doug Jarvis
Let me start by passing along my condolences to her family. Mrs. Cartwright tutored me when I was a young man in middle school who was full of potential but wayward to say the least. The study habits and love of history that she instilled in me are a daily reminder to just how great of an educator Mrs. Cartwright was. She will be missed by all that knew her.
October 3, 2013
Courtney Wilson
My dear friend, i'm truly saddened you have entered eternal life. Thank you for all your help thank you for fighting for me. I was truly blessed to have you in my life. You have definitely earned your wings. Bless all that you have touched. Courtney perry
October 3, 2013
Tom & Annette Waldkoetter
I was saddened to read of Dr. Cartwright's recent passing. It was a joy to get to know her throughout the years. Pat, it was such a pleasure to have you in the classroom so many years ago.
October 3, 2013
We were certainly blessed to have Hyla give her energies & talent to raise $$ for the children of Jackson Co. to attend the ISO Discovery Concerts for more than 30 years. She was enthusiastic and a tireless worker making the monthly trip to Indianapolis for our Executive Board Meetings. We think she must have had a "lead foot" for she made the journey in record time, but never got a speeding ticket! We miss her greatly.
Karen Davis, a past President ISO Association (formerly The Women's Committee of the ISO)
October 3, 2013
Phil Vehslage
Pat, my condolences to you during this difficult time. Your mother contributed a lot to the people of Jackson County. May she rest in peace.
October 2, 2013
Deborah McCauley
Our son ,Kyle, was one of the many fortunate students that was tutored by Hyla. He was very rambunctious and there were many times we were all glad when our session was over! However, she was more stubborn (and patient) and he eventually did very well in his classes. He is currently at Purdue studying Mechanical Engineering Technology. We will always be grateful for all the help she gave us.
October 2, 2013
Michael Doyal
Our entire family passes along our condolences on the passing of Aunt Hyla. She will be missed by not only her immediate family ; but, also her community that she supported for so many years.
October 2, 2013
Pat (my dearest friend), Jeff & Carson,
I feel so blessed to have known Hyla for so many years and to have been influenced by her wit, high standards and love of animals and music. She and your dad were remarkable and I find comfort in thinking of their celestial reunion. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances!
Love & prayers of comfort,
Shirley, Perry & Michael
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