Josephine Ruth Ader DeWeese
89, a longtime resident of Speedway, recently of Avon, died early Saturday morning, March 2, 2013, at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville. She was the youngest of three daughters of Emery Vincent Ader (1880-1939) and Zemora Ella (Kersey) Ader (1885-1967), and was born November 4, 1923 at her parents' farm near Fillmore, Indiana (in Putnam County). When she was 15, her father died, and she and her mother moved from the farm to Greencastle, where she graduated from high school in 1942; she entered the three-year nurses' training program at City (later General, still later Wishard) Hospital in Indianapolis, and formed lifelong friendships with many of her classmates.
After graduation with a Registered Nurse diploma in 1945, she began working at City Hospital. Josephine married Ralph A. DeWeese, also of Fillmore, on April 7, 1946, and settled in Speedway, where their sons were born. She continued her work at General Hospital but soon moved to Methodist Hospital, where she worked for 32 years until her retirement in 1985. Through much of her career at Methodist, she was emergency department supervisor and night shift nursing supervisor; she later served as nursing coordinator of Radiation Oncology, until her retirement. She also worked part time at L. S. Ayres, Fairbanks Rehabilitation Hospital, and Gennesaret Free Clinic; in retirement, she worked part time at Ask-A-Nurse and did volunteer work at WFYI and Methodist Hospital. Josephine enjoyed the new circles of friends and coworkers she met through her work and volunteer activity; she loved music and theatre and traveling and staying in touch with friends old and new; she admired hard work and frugality, and balanced a keen appreciation for a bargain with unstinting generosity to her sons and their families and to a wide range of causes and charities. She willingly provided guidance when family and friends looked to her for their health care needs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lois Coffman; and her husband (in 1997). She is survived by her two sons, Eric (Avon) and Devin (Bloomington); her daughters-in-law, Pam (Avon) and Sandy (Bloomington); her three granddaughters, Adrienne Pfaffenberger (and husband Will of Avon), Stephanie DeWeese (of Avon), and Kate DeWeese (of Bloomington); one sister, Imogene Kiger; and a niece and three nephews.
Funeral services will be held in Flanner and Buchanan - Speedway , 2950 N. High School Rd. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be Monday evening from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. also in the funeral home. Entombment will take place in West Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to WFYI or the Putnam County Museum. Friends are invited to leave online condolences for the family at: http://www.flannerbuchanan.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Eric DeWeese and to his loved ones.
Susan Rasmussen, RN, HRH
March 9, 2013
Jo Deweese was my night supervisor when I started at Methodist Hospital straight out of nursing school 42 years ago. She was always kind and understanding, willing to share her knowledge and experience with a young nurse. I have never forgotten her many kindnesses. My thoughts and prayers are with the Deweese family.
Debra Hampton
March 7, 2013
Jo had become a huge part of our family over the last decade. She grew up with my grandfather but came back in to our lives by chance. She will be forever with us in our hearts and in our memories. She was like a grandmother to me and to my kids. To her family, my deepest sympathies.
Natalee Long
March 6, 2013
Sad to learn of Jo's passing. Many fond remembrances of the various kids, families and school activities along the Speedway Drive corridor in the '60 s. Best wishes from my siblings Nancy and Kathy (Pat has passed) and my Mom.
Tim Casady
March 6, 2013
You know we are thinking of you and wish we could be there for you all. We will miss talking to her.
With Love Tim & Pat DeWeese
March 4, 2013
Josephine was my husband's right hand for many years in Radiation Therapy at Methodist HOSPITAL. She was not only intelligent but had a sense of humor that brightened everyones day. She was missed when she retired and will be remembered fondly always . Marie Pugh
March 4, 2013
You know we are thinking of you during this difficult time of transition.
All our love--
Mike, Patti, Zach and Jessi Smith
March 3, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Flanner Buchanan Funeral Center – Speedway2950 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46224
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