North Vernon
Elizabeth Ann “Susie” Pelkey, 83, of North Vernon, passed away at 1:15 a.m. Friday, August 12, 2016, at Jennings Healthcare Center.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service in North Vernon. The Rev. Marvin Sweet and the Rev. Joe Wyatt will officiate. A visitation time to express condolences to the family will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016, and from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home.
Born November 4, 1932, in Terre Haute, Susie was the daughter of Jalma and Lela (Cline) Jones. She moved to North Vernon after marrying Don Pelkey on June 14, 1953. He survives.
Mrs. Pelkey spent most of her time as a mother and housewife. She spent many hours supporting her husband’s teams and other school activities as well as her son’s activities at church and school.
Mrs. Pelkey worked as a telephone operator at Muscatatuck State Hospital in the 1950s. During the 1960s and ’70s, she had part-time jobs selling Avon and selling advertising for WOCH radio station.
She was instrumental in starting the very first parent-sponsored after prom at Jennings County High School in 1976. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was heavily involved in the God’s Squad Choir and youth group at the church, organizing Sunday evening meals and helping plan many trips. She was also very active in the local Psi Iota Xi Sorority during the 1960s and ’70s.
In addition to her husband, Donald Pelkey, Mrs. Pelkey is survived by two sons, Brian (Lisa Teeter) Pelkey of Plainfield and Gary Dean (Kelly) Pelkey of Muncie; four grandchildren, Samuel Robert (Vicki), Sarah Anne, Robert Earl and Justin Donald Pelkey; two stepgrandchildren, Scott and Christina Butsch; and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Caleb Pelkey.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Virginia Schuster.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to First United Methodist Church.
Friends are invited to light a candle or leave a message of condolence in Susie’s memory at www.sawyerfuneralservice.com.
