Mary Sue Eaks

Mary Sue (Smith) Eaks, 83, of Noblesville, IN, passed away on February 14, 2023. She was born on January 3, 1940, in Indianapolis, IN to the late Robert and Geneva (Layton) Smith. Mary earned her High School GED, then graduated from Licensed Practical Nursing school in June 1977. She poured herself into her work as a Nurse’s Aide, then as an LPN, for 30 years. She served at Hoosier Village Retirement Community, Methodist Hospital, Marquette Manor Senior Living Community, and St. Augustine Home for the Aged. For many years, “Grammy” devoted every Tuesday, one of her days off, to caring for two of her granddaughters. Mary retired from nursing in 2005—but not from Grammying—and eventually added three more granddaughters, two grandsons, a great‐grandson and great-granddaughter; and in recent weeks, another great-grandson to her family!

Mary had a beautiful gift for gift-giving, which was enjoyed by all her family. She had an artistic bent and enjoyed decorating with antiques, especially in the farmhouse where she raised her children and later in her Victorian–‐era house. Though imminently practical, Mary’s whimsical side showed up as an affinity for collecting teddy bears, holding tea parties, and making special summertime backyard pool times for her grandkids. She really enjoyed the music of Neil Diamond and some of the old hymns. As a young housewife she taught herself how to can the farm’s produce, and she could make the best meatloaf and carrot cake. If she were choosing, it would likely be fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and probably a “sweetie”—plus, of course, her coffee with cream. Mary cherished her family, and we all miss her. She loved Jesus and talked to Him often, and now she is with Him, and will be forever.

She is preceded in death by her parents, mentioned above; her sisters, Carol Sue Smith, Shirley “Joan” Maier, Sharon Madden, and Linda Osborne; her brother, David Smith; her daughter, Shelby Edinger.; and her grandson, Jacob Delp.

Mary is survived by her children, Karla Poer (David) and Stephen Chittenden (Monique); grandchildren Jennifer Elkins (Tony), Abbi Chittenden, Joshua Clevenger (Chloe), Anna Justus (Luke), Miranda Spees; great–‐grandchildren, Vincent Langdon, Noelle Clevenger, and Judah Justus; siblings, Robert Smith and John Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by marriage, and friends.

There will be a memorial service at 2:00pm on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services, 5215 N. Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46226, with a visitation gathering starting at 1:00pm.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Third Phase women’s shelter of Noblesville, IN.