Mayme Marie Stump

Mayme Marie Stump, 91, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully with family at Brentwood on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

Mayme was born Aug. 25, 1933, to Walter and Mina (Faris) Ewert in Vincennes, Indiana.

She studied at Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois, graduating as the class valedictorian. After, she attended Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) and graduated magna cum laude in English education in 1955. At Indiana Central, Mayme was featured in the 1954-1955 edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges." She also served as editor-in-chief of the campus yearbook, president of the English Club, president of the Philalethea Literary Society, and was nominated Campus Queen of 1954-1955.

Mayme married the love of her life, Perry Stump, on Aug. 27, 1955, who preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 2020, after celebrating 65 years together.

They are survived by all four of their children, Terri (Jeff) Hundt of La Porte, Indiana, Greg Stump (Bunny Nash) of Concord, North Carolina, Tammy Stump of La Porte, Indiana, and Wendy (Stump) McNamara of Evansville, Indiana. Also surviving are their two grandchildren, Sarah Hundt (Blake Childs) and Kevin Hundt.

After settling in La Porte with her family in 1961, Mayme taught English at Boston Junior High School, Kesling Junior High School and La Porte High School, educating thousands of students over her decades-long career. Early in her teaching tenure, Mayme attended graduate school, receiving her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Valparaiso University in 1969.

Impressed by her teaching abilities, businesses at Kingsbury Industrial Park asked Mayme to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to some of their employees. Her first class, held in 1978, was comprised of adult learners from Poland and Mexico, growing over the years to include students from 24 different countries. In a time when few ESL teaching materials were available, Mayme created her own lesson plans to ensure each of her students excelled.

Mayme was listed in the 1989-1990 edition of "Who's Who in American Education," and she retired from full-time teaching in 1991. She also received a Certificate of Achievement for outstanding contributions to English Works in Indiana, conferred by Governor Frank O'Bannon on Aug. 26, 2000. The La Porte Herald-Argus highlighted Mayme's commendable teaching experience in a feature article in 2001. She joined a prestigious international society for women educators as a member of the Gamma Kappa Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, once holding the role of secretary.

An active member of her community, Mayme belonged to the Ruth Andrew Coffeen Poetry Club and served on the board of the La Porte chapter of People to People International, planning international tours for members. Wishing to spread the joy of music, she was a board member for the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra and a member of Friends of the Symphony.

Mayme belonged to the First United Methodist Church of La Porte, teaching Sunday school for several years. She served as a chairperson of the Wesley Ann Circle and led the United Methodist Women as president. For many years, she played in the Gloria Handbell Choir with her daughter and granddaughter, helping to arrange a performance tour for the handbell choir in 1995 to churches in England, Wales and Scotland.

Mayme loved to travel with her husband and family, having visited all the continents except Antarctica. Some of her favorite trips included Australia, New Zealand, China and Sweden. She was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls, and held a lifelong passion for game shows and chocolate. Mayme especially loved spending time with her family and hosted exchange students Jan, Cecilia, and Nici, continuing these treasured relationships for more than 45 years through present day.

Mayme was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mina (Faris) Ewert; sister, Margaret Robinson; sister, Dorothy Boehner; and her husband, Perry.

A time of visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, at La Porte First United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow the visitation at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Tim Ahlemeyer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte City Band via the Director, 396 Melrose St., La Porte, IN 46350; La Porte County Symphony Orchestra at lcso.net/sponsor-us; or the La Porte First United Methodist Church at laportefumc.org.

Condolences may be shared with the family on https://www.cutlerfuneral.com.