Marian Stamper Ullrich

Marian Stamper Ullrich, 90, of Indianapolis, formerly of Greencastle, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, from COVID.

Born Nov. 7, 1930, in Terre Haute, she was the daughter of Dr. Floyd and Freida (Cromwell) Riggs.

Marian received her BA in education from Indiana State University and her masters from Drake University in Christian Education.

She owned and operated Posey Patch Flower Shop for 15 years and served six years as AOPi Sorority House Mom at DePauw University.

Marian was known throughout her life for her leadership and her passion for educating children and building Christian community. At First Christian Church she developed the youth program and served as Christian education lay minister. With a vision for combining art and faith, she created an immersive Good News event telling the story of Easter week with as many as 10,000 people a year in attendance.

As a member of the Greencastle First Baptist Church, she served on the board of directors. She was instrumental in organizing the pre-school and senior program at the church as well as in the creation of the Patch Endowment. Everywhere she found her calling as director of Christmas and Easter productions, finding and inspiring talent in those around her.

She was past president of the Putnam County American Cancer Society; Covered Bridge Greencastle Council; 50-year member of Merry Jills Home Ec Club; Delta Theta Tau Sorority as well as involved in the development of the Putnam County Learning Center. She taught three times in China with the English Language Institute.

In her 50s Marian realized that she had never followed Christ’s call to visit those in prison and decided that must be next. In 1983 she volunteered as one of the early leaders in Prison Fellowship and provide training to others around the state. For more than 30 years, she served inside Putnamville Correctional Facility, teaching, leading and encouraging both prisoners and volunteers.

Marian is survived by three children, Sharon (Donald) Thompson, Suzan Stamper and Joseph Stamper, and four grandchildren, Chris Thompson, Ivy Sarah (Marcos) Langhans, Devon (Drew) Kelsey and Piper Stamper.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles William Ullrich; son Paul Stamper; and a brother, Dr. Wendell Riggs.

Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, Dec. 31 at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Bowen officiating. Burial will follow in Sink Cemetery in Clay City.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service on Thursday.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family c/o www.BittlesandHurt.com.

Donations may be made to Greencastle First Baptist Church, Prison Fellowship or the ISU Floyd Riggs Scholarship.