Molly Sue Wantz

Molly Sue Wantz, 82, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023. She was born on April 7, 1941, in Muncie to the late Charles and Virginia Ingram.

Molly was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to Woody D. Wantz for 60 wonderful years. Molly is survived by her husband, Woody; her brother, Monte E. Ingram (Alberta); her children, Gina Voelz and Ryan Wantz (Ann); her grandchildren, Emily Herendeen (AJ), Jackson Wantz, Katie Voelz, and Patrick Wantz; and her great-granddaughter; sister-in-law, Joyanne Pinegar (Phil); brothers-in-law, David (Carolyn) and Daniel Wantz (Ann); and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents; and her father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Marjorie Wantz of Muncie, preceded Molly in death.

Molly was a 1959 graduate of Muncie Central High School and continued her education at Ball State University where she earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and Ed.S. Degrees in Health and Safety Education.

Combining her education and professional life, Molly had a 41-year association with Ball State University, with an emphasis on teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and teacher training. Molly also served as the Growing Healthy teacher training workshop coordinator for the State of Indiana for 13 years. She received numerous awards for her work in education, including the Distinguished Service Award as a Growing Healthy teacher training facilitator from the National Center for Health Education in 1989 and the Dairy and Nutrition Council Award in 1987. She was also recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the American School Health Association and was elected a Fellow. After reorganizing Ball State’s Health Science internship program in 1980, Molly served as the program’s only director until her retirement. During that period, she expanded the program from a handful of sites to more than 200. She retired from Ball State University in 2003 as Professor Emerita.

Molly was a faithful member of Hazelwood Christian Church, where she volunteered in the front office, served on the board of the preschool, and spent many joyful years as a classroom assistant.

In retirement, in addition to her activities at Hazelwood Christian Church, Molly sang with The Distaffs, a chorus group within the Ball State University Women's Club. She enjoyed traveling with Woody, attending her grandchildren’s activities, and culinary exploration. Molly stayed in touch with friends and family members with handwritten notes and cards, never missing a birthday, anniversary, or other special event. More than anything else, Molly loved having her family all together for various holidays and celebrations.

Molly will be deeply missed by her husband, Woody, her family, and the numerous friends she made throughout her life. Her warm smile, kind heart, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral service to celebrate Molly's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304.

Family and friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Elm Ridge Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations be made in Molly's memory to Hazelwood Christian Church Preschool, the American Lung Association or First Choice for Women.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Molly Wantz and keeping her family in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at elmridgefuneralhome.com for the family.