Lavenna Marie (Carpenter) Putman

Lavenna Marie Carpenter Hill Putman, 101, passed away at Elmcroft of Muncie on Monday, February 3, 2020.

Lavenna was born on November 30, 1918 in Noblesville, IN the daughter of Esther Trietsch Carpenter and Melvin John Carpenter. Her father died in the 1920’s flu epidemic and upon her Mother’s remarriage Lavenna then became the step-daughter of Lewis Wilmer Hill of Delaware County.

Lavenna was a graduate of Cowan High School class of 1936, Ball State Teachers College, BS 1940 and Ball State MA 1967.

Lavenna married her late husband, Merritt Smith Putman on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1942 in Richville, NY, they had one son, Wayne Merritt, born July 1, 1944. They moved to Indiana and as a young family they opened their home and hearts to include children of the Village of Royerton, IN – specifically Robert and Sonny Stahl and Richard Collis. Together, they enjoyed many wonderful vacation trips to Upstate New York to visit friends and family. After retiring, Lavenna enjoyed several trips abroad and cruises with family and friends.

Lavenna worked as a stenographer for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (MA) before her husband was shipped overseas in WWII with General Patton’s Third Army. She taught High School English/Business and drama classes at many schools including; Richville, NY, Ansonia, OH, Losantville, IN, Royerton High School and Delta High School in Delaware County, IN. She retired from Delaware Community Schools after 17 years of service.

She enjoyed affiliation with many organizations including Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Delta Pi Epsilon Graduate Business Honorary Fraternity, Red Hat, singing and acting with the Third Age Theater, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Muncie #433 F.& A.M. Widows, KMOP Euchre Club, Cowan Women’s Euchre Club, RSL Club. Additionally, she volunteered at Minnetrista Center and as an Emens Usher and enjoyed singing with the Avondale United Methodist Church Choir and the Friends Memorial Church Choir.

Survivors include her son, Wayne Merritt (Linda) Putman; Grandsons, Gregory Wayne (Sanae) Putman of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Bryan Vincent (Laura) Putman of Bowling Green, KY; Four Great-grandchildren, Erina and Sean Putman and Heather and Alyssa Putman; Sister, Marilyn Ault of Muncie, IN and numerous beloved nieces and nephews, great-neices and great-nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents and step-father and husband; brother, Max (Peggy) Hill; Sister, Adrienne (Bill) Current, all of Muncie.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elmcroft of Muncie for many years of loving care and the SouthernCare Hospice for their end of life care.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 8, at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams St. Muncie, IN 47305 at from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Pastor Kevin Smigielski will officiate the services with a private burial to follow at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Ball State University Foundation (for the Discover Fund) 2800 W. Bethel Ave. Muncie, IN 47304, or the charity of their choice.

Online condolences may be made out to the family in care of www.parsonmortuary.com

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