Mary Elizabeth (Pickard) Rector
May 31, 1930 – Dec. 11, 2021
Mary Elizabeth (Pickard) Rector, 91, Sheridan, passed away on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 11, 2021, at Homewood Health Campus in Lebanon.
She was born in Tipton County to Bernard and Grace (King) Pickard on May 31, 1930.
She grew up on a working dairy farm in Terhune, Indiana. She was the youngest of five children. She attended Terhune and Sheridan Schools, and was a member of the Sheridan High School Class of 1948. As a young child she loved her collie dog, Patsy, enjoyed helping on the farm and barrel racing on her horse. She loved being outside, and helping her mother with big family dinners. She attended Lookout Church with her family and grandmother.
After high school she married her war hero, Donald Rector, on Jan. 10, 1953. They were happily married until his death on Aug. 18, 2007.
During her younger years she worked for Wilson Milk Company, which became Kraft foods in Sheridan. Mrs. Rector then went on to work for Western Electric telephone company in Indianapolis. She earned a 32-year award for never missing a day of work!
Upon retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Rector loved to travel to Florida and out west. They enjoyed several trips with friends and family.
She was also an avid green thumb gardener, especially when it came to her flowers. She loved the sunshine, sitting by the pool, and mowing the yard. She was a wonderful cook and baker, known for her fried chicken, yeast rolls and lemon cake.
She was a member of the Pioneer’s Club and a strong supporter of the veterans. And she greatly loved her family!
Survivors include three daughters, Terry (Dennis) McVey of Noblesville, Kathy (Dave) Havens of Noblesville and Linda (Ralph) Stephenson of Sheridan; five grandchildren, Valerie (Todd) Roberts of Sheridan, Amy (Lem) Soldevilla of Carmel, Brooke (Dayn) Browning of McCordsville, Kyle McVey of Los Angeles and Ben McVey of Noblesville; five great-grandchildren, Christopher and Nick Roberts, Mackenzie and Drew Browning and Camryn Soldevilla; one sister, Mrs. Wilma Adair of Camby, Ind.; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was proceeded in death by her parents, Bernard and Grace (King) Pickard; brother and sister-in-law, Floyd V. and Helen Pickard; sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Loren Gunkel; sister and brother-in-law, Cleo and Hugh Hatton; and brother-in-law, Mick Adair.
A private family graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. The Rev. VJ Stover will preside.
The family would like to personally thank Dr. Kent Erb, Homewood Heath Care, and Paradigm Hospice. Memorial donations may be made to Sheridan Youth Assistance. http://youthassistance.org/sheridan-donation