Marcella M. Laughlin

Marcella “Sally” Martha Laughlin passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, surrounded by family members. At 99 years old, she was just four months shy of her centennial birthday, a milestone that reflected a century of grace, resilience, and devotion.

Born on May 14, 1926, in Hayesville, Indiana, to Jacob and Mary (Thimling) Hemmerlein, Marcella was the last surviving of 12 siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Margaret Zehr, Helen Mann, Viola Pride, and Elizabeth Ledbetter; brothers Willis, Alfred, Eugene, Harold, and Amos; and two siblings, Edward and Leola, who passed at birth.

A devoted matriarch, Marcella shared nearly 70 beautiful years of marriage with her late husband, James, who passed in 2019. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and service for their children and community. Marcella’s home was defined by her warmth and her many passions, including cooking, gardening, and quilting. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, from "babysitting duties" for her many grandchildren, attending her church functions particularly the pot-luck dinners, to the lively camaraderie of Bunko nights with her neighborhood friends.

Her faith was her cornerstone. A long-time member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Marcella lived her values through action, volunteering for many years alongside James to deliver for the Meals-on-Wheels organization.

Her legacy lives on through her five sons and their wives: Dewayne (Donna), Edward (Gwenn), Paul (Beth), Steve (Lisa), and Andrew (Lisa). She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN, with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park, 1800 St. George Rd. Evansville, IN. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Alexander East Chapel. Following the services at the cemetery, a Celebration Meal for Marcella's life will be held at 1:15 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3600 Oak Hill Rd., Evansville, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either of the following causes, which Marcella held dear to her heart: Meals on Wheels of Evansville, Inc, https://www.justgiving.com/charity/mealsonwheelsofevansvilleinc, or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.