Minerva S Nicholas

     Minerva S. Nicholas passed away on August 8, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 96. Born on September 19, 1927, in Paris, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Ora and Lucille Stevens. 

     She pursued a dedicated career in nursing, having earned her RN from Marion County General Hospital School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science from the College of St. Francis. For 33 years, she worked at Marion County General Hospital, later known as Wishard Hospital, where she compassionately served patients with mental illnesses in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Her passion for helping those affected by mental health issues extended beyond her professional life, deeply touching the lives of many families. 

     Later in life she went on to become a Kentucky Colonel and won the Celebrating Life Award. 

     Minerva has two daughters who will miss her words of advice, support, love, and laughter; Susan (Tim) Graves and Shana (Gary) Gartrell. Susan and Tim made her "Gammi" when they had Nicholas. Gary’s daughters Stacey (Steve) Schaffer and Natalie (Dan) Adams gave her five great grandchildren: Michaella, Zachary and Delaney Schaffer and Macie and Brody Adams. She is also Aunt Minerva to several nieces and honorary grandma to Stephanie Behlmer. 

     Preceding her in death were her parents, brother, sister, grandson, and many friends.

     She was a devout follower of Jesus Christ throughout her life and was a member of Ben Davis Christian Church. Susan and Shan take great comfort in knowing that their mom is celebrating in heaven and is free from this earthly world where she suffered from lung cancer at the end of her life. 

     A Celebration of Life is scheduled for August 15, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan, 2950 North High School Road, Indianapolis, IN. The day will begin with a viewing from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., followed by a Nurses Tribute and a Celebration of Life service. Interment will follow at West Ridge Park Cemetery, 9295 W. 21st St, Indianapolis, IN. Seeing how Kentucky was a special place for Minerva, please wear your Kentucky blue (or any bright colored outfits) to honor her memory. 

     The family would like to thank the incredible Indiana University Hospice Team for their care, support, and devotion to making sure that mom was comfortable in her final days. 

     The family would also like to thank Pastor Kelley Jepsen from John Knox Presbyterian Church for leading the celebration and to Flanner and Buchanan, West Ridge Park Cemetery, the Nurses’ Guild, and Eagledale Florist for helping us through the Celebration of LIfe. Also, thank you to June Brading and Bruce Mayrose for always being there to help mom with what she needed at her home and to Kristen Combes for being such an amazing heart nurse practitioner. 

     Soloist: Lucy Ponto

     Pallbearers: Tim Graves, Gary Gartrell, Tony Burke, Phil Spires, Tim Keith, Nicholas Graves, Bruce Mayrose and Brody Adams

     In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wayne Township Education Foundation, honoring Minerva's belief in the transformative power of education.