Ellen Berdean Gerhart

On July 7, 2025, Heaven welcomed home a most loving woman, Ellen Berdean (Rody) Gerhart. Berdean was born in Kokomo, Indiana on November 1, 1925, to the late Ora Glen Sr. and Mary Frances "Marie" (Dean) Rody.

After graduating from Kokomo High School and working in administrative positions for Delco, she married the love of her life, Floyd Henry Gerhart, on August 16, 1947, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kokomo. Berdean and Floyd regularly attended St. Pat’s. Berdean devoted her life to being supportive of her family, and when Berdean and Floyd would spend winters at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida, their children and grandchildren were always welcome to visit. When they were in Kokomo, they regularly attended their grandchildrens' school and sporting events. Berdean was a remarkable seamstress and a great cook, with butter and salt as mainstays.

Berdean lived a full life and is survived by her children, Hank (Robin) Gerhart, Jill Arvin, Chris Gerhart, and Matthew (Sherri) Gerhart; grandchildren, Karly, Sara, Patrick (Kim), Abby (Glen), Ashley (William), Monty (Christy), Nicole, and Rachelle; and many great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Berdean was preceded in passing by her husband, Floyd; son, Michael Kent; brother, Ora Glen Rody; sister, Mary Frances "Sadie" McClure; and grandson, Cory Gerhart.

There will be a visitation for Berdean held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home on Monday, July 14 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, followed immediately by a funeral service. Berdean will then be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.