Jul 4, 1925 - Jan 27, 2010

Mary Ellen Schenkel, 84, a former resident of Huntington, IN, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at 10:40 p.m. at the Peabody Retirement Home in North Manchester, IN.

Mrs. Schenkel graduated from Lagro High School in 1943 and attended Ball State Teachers College in Muncie. She retired from Schenkel Dairy as secretary. She had also taught piano for many years and was an organist for Trinity United Methodist Church.

She was a member of the First Mothers Club, Order of Eastern Star Floral Chapter 75 and Psi Iota Xi Sorority in Huntington. She was past president of P.E.O. Sisterhood and was a member of The Chapel in Fort Wayne.

She was born July 4, 1925, in Lagro to Raymond H. and Mamie A. Sharp Schmalzried. She married Richard L. Schenkel on Aug. 4, 1946, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntington. Her husband preceded her in death on Feb. 19, 2009.

Survivors include a son, Jonathan A. (Shelly Snyder) Schenkel, of Huntington; a daughter, Barbara S. (J.P.) Carver, of Sandpoint, ID; and two grandchildren, Preston Schenkel and Brady Schenkel, both of Huntington.

A private graveside service was held Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Riverside Cemetery, Andrews, with Rev. J.P. Carver officiating.

Pallbearers were Evan Schenkel, Kent Schenkel, Tom Schenkel, John Schenkel and Preston Schenkel. Honorary pallbearers were Dick Mann, Jim Bonifas, Lewis Johnston and Marion Schenkel.

Preferred memorials are gifts to the Historic Forks of the Wabash or Youth Services Bureau in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 W. Park Drive, Huntington, IN 46750.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.baileylove.com.