Mrs. Merle G. Kelly Schroeder

passed away on October 6, 2010. She was born on October 22, 1911 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Arthur J. and Kathryn (Townsend) Kelly. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Brothers Arthur J. and Robert G. Kelly and a sister, Marguerite (Providence nun Sister Alberta Marie), preceded her in death. Her husband, Judson Schroeder, also preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Marion Kelly; nieces Karen Gath, Susan Kelly, Patty Merrills, Mary Maloney, Nancy McCreary; nephews, Steve Kelly and Art Kelly; cousins and friends.

Merle graduated from St. Patrick Grade School and St. John’s Academy High School in Indianapolis. She worked at Block’s Department Store, Indianapolis, in the 1940s. During WWII, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps 9WAC) and advanced to the rank of Sergeant. She later became a WAC recruiter and was stationed on the East Coast.

After discharge from the Army, she worked as a physical therapy assistant at Chicago Edgewater Hospital, where she met her future husband, Jud. They married in Chicago on October 6, 1946 and moved to Memphis, TN, where they lived for many years. Upon her husband’s retirement from Kennedy Veteran’s Hospital in 1978, they moved to Indianapolis to be closer to family.

Merle and her husband belonged to the American Legion for over 60 years. They also enjoyed dancing and belonged to various ballroom and square dancing clubs.

Merle was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. Calling will be at the Church one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 N. Crittenden Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220. Arrangements under the care of Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN.