Mary M. Moore

Mary M. Moore, 85, of Brazil, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at Cloverleaf Healthcare Facility.

She had been a resident there since May 2013. She had lived at Bethesda Gardens in Terre Haute since 2010.

Born April 21, 1928 in Clay County, she was the daughter of David Moore and Goldie Bell Moore.

Following graduation from high school, Mary worked at various jobs to earn money for college, including Eastern Express Trucking and Brazil Trust Co.

Her college career began at Indiana Central College in Indianapolis. At Indiana Central she developed a love of education and teaching. Illness forced her to leave college early, but she continued to maintain close ties to Indiana Central throughout her life. She later enrolled at Indiana State Teachers College and finished her undergraduate and later her graduate degrees.

Her teaching career began in Hammond and later she taught at Roosevelt School in Elkhart. Later she returned to Clay County to live and began a long career with Vigo County school system where she taught for many years at Deming Elementary and later Lost Creek Elementary.

Her love of reading, research, science and history continued in her personal life long after the school day had ended.

Following retirement from education, she became a motor route carrier for The Brazil Times, another job she loved as she enjoyed being outdoors, meeting people and serving the public. She held this position for approximately 10 years and became one of the longest employed motor route drivers for the Times. Her daily route covered nearly 90 miles and she rarely missed a day for any reason.

After this employment she worked another 10 years as curator of the Clay County Museum. This job was perfect for her continued love of learning and history. She was very dedicated to knowing every piece on display and proudly explaining its significance to any visitor who might stop. She also conducted tours for many school classes and civic groups over the years always happy to share the collections and history of Clay County.

She also worked with the adult reading program through the education classes at the Brazil Public Library.

She was quite active in her church, Union United Methodist Church of Brazil. She had served many years in various positions in the church, but served most proudly as church historian for several years.

Her dedication to teaching was exemplified by her funding two scholarships for those entering the teaching profession. These are held through the Putnam County Community Foundation and provide scholarships for students at Indiana State University and to Indiana Central College, now known as University of Indianapolis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother and sister-in-law, Beryl and Mary E. Moore; a brother-in-law, Rev. Brent Harden and a close friend and caregiver, Charlotte Guthrie.

Survivors include her sister, Ann Carol Harden of Center Point; nieces and nephews, John and Mary A. Moore and Kay and Dr. Gerald Henke, all of Brazil, Joetta Warthan and husband Clarence of Frankfort, Myron Harden and wife Diana of New Palestine, Paul Harden and wife Rita of Center Point, Rev. Colleen Harden of West Terre Haute, and Annetta McKaig and husband Rev. Tim McKaig of Logansport; 16 great-nieces and nephews and 14 great-great- nieces and nephews, and special caregiver, Mickey Phelps of Terre Haute.

Services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Union United Methodist Church with Rev. Andy Charnstrom officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at French Funeral Home, 421 E. National Ave., Brazil.

Visitation will be Wednesday one hour prior to services

If friends desire, donations may be made to Union United Methodist Church or to 14th and Chestnut Community Center, 1403 Chestnut St., Terre Haute. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Pallbearers include John Moore, Jerry Henke, Paul Harden, Myron Harden, Clarence Warthan and Tim McKaig.

Light at candle at www.frenchfuneralhome.com.