Obituaries

January 5, 1955 to April 20, 2022

WINAMAC - Raye Anne Absher, 67, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, April 20.

She was born Jan. 5, 1955 in Owensboro, KY to the late William B. and Verna J. Schertzinger Miller. She graduated from South Spencer High School in Rockport, Ind. in 1973. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, and a master’s degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette. She married David L. Absher on Oct. 1, 1977 in Rockport. In 1986, they welcomed a baby boy into the world, John, to whom she was a loving and devoted mother.

Raye Anne Absher

She is survived by:
John Absher, DeKalb, IL, Son
Susan (Ken) Wallach, Indianapolis, Sister
Beverly Miller, Rockport, Sister
Charlie (Margaret) Schertzinger, Owensboro, KY, Uncle
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Extended Family

Preceded in death by:
David L. Absher, Husband

In the fall of 1977, Mrs. Absher began her celebrated 37-year career in education at Winamac Community High School teaching home economics (later known as family and consumer science). She taught many years alongside her good friend and colleague, Pam Burger. Together, they encouraged and inspired students both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. Mrs. Absher was a proud co-sponsor of Sunshine Society and volunteer scorekeeper at track meets. She was a beloved educator and was known to teach from the heart; not just from the book. She cherished befriending her former students when they returned to the community as young adults.

After retiring in 2014, she chose to remain in Winamac and spend time enjoying life. Her newly remodeled home, beautiful gardens, and the “Abshack” were a source of great pride to her. She was active with numerous hobbies and interests including gardening, cycling, hiking, and line dancing, as well as volunteering for numerous community events. She was a member of the Iris Elm Garden Club (current vice president), Friends of the Panhandle Pathway (current secretary), Tri-County Kickers and Winamac Rock N Country Rebels, and Pulaski County Retired Teachers’ Association. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, former students, and colleagues, as well as the entire Winamac community. Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. 

A celebration of life event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 15, at the Winamac VFW.

The family recommends that in lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations be made to the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway for the purchase of a bench in Raye Anne’s memory and to further the efforts of trail expansion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.