Edith Mae Louden

Edith (Edie) Mae Louden, 94, passed away in the early hours of July 4, 2025. Edie was born on June 12, 1931, in Indianapolis. She was the oldest of three sisters. The girls lived in Jamestown, Indiana, until their father passed away, after which they relocated to live with their grandparents in Franklin Township. Edie was 10 years old, Dorothy was 8, and Mary was 2.

As a teenager, Edie enjoyed playing softball—often sharing that she was the catcher while her sister, Dorothy, pitched. She attended Jamestown Elementary and later graduated from Franklin Township High School in 1949.

Edie began working at Eli Lilly shortly after high school. During her time there, her strong character and integrity earned her the distinction of being one of the youngest supervisors in company history. She often reminisced about riding the Indianapolis trolley to work.

In 1953, Edie began her career with Szabo Corporation as a cashier and bookkeeper. After five years, she was hired by Chrysler in the Accounting Department as a telephone operator and accounting clerk. In 1961, she was promoted to key punch operator, a role she held until 1974, when the data program was consolidated and moved to the Mopar Plant. Edie continued her work at Chrysler as a group leader and supervisor, eventually retiring from the Indianapolis Foundry in May of 1990.

Edie loved sports. She was a season ticket holder for the Indianapolis Indians for many years during her time at Chrysler and enjoyed watching the Indiana Pacers and Fever play. Her passion extended beyond the stands—she bowled competitively while at Chrysler, often leading the ladies in high average and finishing with the winning team. At one point, she was a member of three different bowling leagues. Edie also enjoyed golf, fishing, and the occasional game of horseshoes.

In November 1953, Edie married her first husband, Bill Walker. Together they had two children, Cheryl and Mike. Bill passed away in December of 1978. Edie later met her second husband, Carl Louden, during her career at Chrysler. They were married in May of 1991. Carl and Edie loved to travel together—beginning with a pop-up camper pulled behind a pickup truck. Their adventures out West are still remembered fondly. Eventually, they upgraded to an RV and spent winters as snowbirds in Florida.

Edie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a constant and loving presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never wanted to miss a school concert, sporting event, holiday, or birthday. She was the cornerstone of her family—always stepping in wherever needed, whether it was transporting kids to games, chaperoning school trips, or offering unwavering love and support. Edie loved playing cards with her grandchildren, where games were always competitive yet full of laughter. She will be remembered for her deviled eggs, pot roast, chocolate cake, and legendary cheese balls.

Edie will be deeply missed. She was a best friend, loving parent, devoted sister, treasured grandmother, and a nurturing soul who provided unconditional love to all.

She is survived by her children: Cheryl (Gary) Everett and Michael (Karyn) Walker; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Bartlett and Mary (Jim Maple) Tucker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse Carl Louden, and her brother-in-law, Marvin Bartlett.

Services for Edith will be at Conkle Funeral Home in Speedway on Thursday July 10, 2025. Visitation from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm with the service immediately following visitation. There will be a brief graveside service at West Ridge Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to  Life's Journey Hospice or a charity of their choice in Edie's memory.