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BORN
1916
DIED
2020
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Erlabell Petry Obituary
Richmond - Erlabell Petry, age 104, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, November 15, 2020, at The Springs of Richmond.
Born March 31, 1916, in Richmond, Indiana, to Marion E. and Jennie E. Heller Murphy, Erlabell lived in this community most of her life. She retired from Reid Hospital, where she served as a surgical technician. Erlabell was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church since 1945 and was formerly active with Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, where she was honored as the oldest, living Girl Scout. Erlabell was a gifted writer of poetry, artist, organist, pianist, and photographer. She enjoyed flower gardening and astrology.
Survivors include her daughters, Barbara Lee Mullin of Richmond, JoAnne Lawson of Farmersville, Ohio, and La Verne Smith of Richmond; sons, Ronald E. (Connie) Wicks and David A. Wicks, both of Richmond; stepdaughter, Madonna of Florida; 24 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Merrill M. Petry, who died in 1985 and Fred Rusterholz, who died in 1966; daughters, Blossom Wicks, who died in 1945, Christine Matheny, who died in 2005, and Shirley J. Osborne and Jennie L. Baker, both who died in 2016; stepchildren, Jacqueline Aernie, Bernona Waugh, and John Petry; father; mother, Jennie E. Hough; sister, Elizabeth Cann, who died in 2006; and brothers, Bob Murphy, who died in 1994, Norval Murphy, who died in 1967, and William Murphy, who died in 2002.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, a private service for Erlabell Petry will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Blaine Fults officiating. The service will be recorded and available to view on YouTube. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4356 U.S. Highway 35 North, Richmond, IN 47374.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erlabell Petry
Sponsored by Doan & Mills Funeral Home.
susan dreaden
April 24, 2023
she was such a special woman who served the Lord wih all her heart
Susan Shepard Sreaden
Mr & Mrs Clair & Linda Awong
November 12, 2021
Erlabelle Petry was my Mothers best friend. As children we played with Erlabelle´s kids. We always thought she was our Aunt because she looked so much like our Mom. My Mother, Wyvonna Michael wrote a poem about she & Erlabelle taking all 15 of us to play at Glenn Miller park. We took up all the swings as there were so many of us! I will always remember her being so sweet & loving & a perfect "best friend" for my Mom who was also sweet & loving. She & my Mom we´re truly God´s angels on earth!
We are all blessed for having them!
Linda Awong
Madonna Moore
December 4, 2020
She was a very special person and was loved by all who knew her. My father and her were so much in love and helped to make my father’s loss of my mother easier for him. I know she will be in the ressurection when Jesus comes back to take the faithful ones home to heaven And she prayed that all her family would be with her in Heaven.
Betty J Murphy
November 21, 2020
My Dad’s sister, Erlabell, was a dear Aunt to me from the day I was born.
Aunt Erlabell’s life, a gift from God, will always be treasured. We now come together to celebrate her life, her sparkle, her laughter, smile, many talents, and wisdom. Was she not also a good listener? She touched the hearts of everyone, and was cherished by family and all who knew her.
Aunt Erlabell anchored her life in the love of Jesus.
Our days and lives are brighter for just having known her. I know that she knows just how much she is loved because love never dies.
Her painting of Jesus is included here.
Betty Murphy, Niece
Betty J Murphy
November 21, 2020
Denise
November 20, 2020
She was the sweetest woman she loved everyone she will be missed
Dustin
November 20, 2020
She was one of the wisest people I've ever known. She always had a nugget of wisdom to offer any time I saw her. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Linda Awong
November 19, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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