Mae Monroe

   Elva Mae (Conley) Monroe went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2021. Mae suffered complications due to her long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

   Mae was born September 18, 1940 to John and Pearl (Barker) Conley. She and surviving twin sister Sarah Duff (Brownsburg) were the youngest of John and Pearl’s five children. She is also survived by her sister Wanda “Lee” Vernon of Centerville. Brother John “Bud” Conley, sister Kate Rains, and baby sister Dixie preceded her in death. 

   Mae married her high school sweetheart, Frank Monroe, on August 23, 1959. They created a beautiful family together including four children - Susie Lewis of Richmond, Johnny Monroe (Donna) of Greensfork, Donny Monroe of Richmond and Kara Nicole Monroe of Indianapolis. Mae and Frank have six grandchildren and five great grandchildren with two more who will join the family in 2021: Amanda & Steve Stout with Lucas and Lauren; Ashley & Matt Bailey with Clifton; Aaron & Kylee Monroe; Taylor & Jessica Monroe with Carter; Andrew Lewis; and Dustin Via with Cooper. She is preceded in death by great grandson Greyson Via. She also cherished all of her wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and in laws. 

   Mae dedicated her life to her family and to the service of others. Mae served the American Cancer Society as a volunteer for many of their “Jail & Bail” and Daffodil Day events. She and Frank were active members of the Croptoppers Young Farmers group which was a fixture at Levi Coffin Days for many years serving hamburgers. 

   While she was a full-time mother and homemaker she was also an active volunteer with many organizations - particularly those in and around Williamsburg. She served in the Williamsburg and Northeastern PTO. Mae served as a part of an unofficial auxiliary for the Williamsburg Fire Department by providing meals to firefighters and those impacted by emergencies. Mae was also an active member of the Williamsburg Alumni Association - serving as secretary for more than a decade. She and Frank were also active members of the Williamsburg United Methodist church until it closed in 2000. Mae also organized the Williamsburg/Greene Township USDA food distribution for several years where she was fondly referred to by many as “the cheese lady.” When that program ended, she turned her community service to working the polls on election day. 

   As Mae’s role as full-time mother drew to a close with the growth of her children she sought elected office. She served as the elected Democrat trustee/assessor for Greene Township for several years. Mae left elected office and chased her passion for food into a role in catering and food service at Earlham College. She continued to hone her culinary skills but left catering and worked at the old Reid Hospital as a transporter as well as KMart as a cashier. 

   In addition to her passion for cooking, Mae loved to travel and was an avid reader. She was active at Central United Methodist Church, particularly with United Methodist Women. She attended the United Methodist Women School of Missions many times and served as a local officer. Beyond all else, she loved and cared for her family and those she held closest. 

   In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the youth camping programs at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or to the charity of your choosing. 

   The family will hold a private funeral service on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church. The service will be streamed live on the Facebook page for Central United Methodist Church at https://www.facebook.com/richmondcumc. The family is planning a public celebration of life on what would have been Mae’s 81st birthday, September 18, 2021, when they hope to be able to gather more easily with friends and family. More details about that will be shared as the family finalizes those plans.

   Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithmcquistonwebster.com .