Alice Elaine Udstuen

In loving memory of Alice “Elaine” Boatwright Udstuen, 94, of Indianapolis, who passed away on July 16, 2026 after a period of declining health. Elaine was born and raised in Douglas, Georgia, the daughter of Homer and Martha Boatwright. After graduating from Valdosta State University in Georgia, she worked as a secretary for the dean and then president of Emory University Law School in Atlanta. While there, she met and married her husband, Gerry Udstuen, at Grace Methodist Church. She shared with him the joy of raising two daughters and the adventure of faith as she supported him through seminary and ministered alongside him at churches in St. Louis, Missouri and Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Their journey together as a couple from marriage to retirement took them to Georgia, Alabama, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota and North Carolina. After Gerry’s death, Elaine eventually moved to Indiana to be close to family. Everywhere she lived, she had a gift for creating a home that warmly welcomed all.

Elaine valued family, friends and faith. She was admired for her sweet disposition, inner strength, interest in others and ability to make friends wherever she went. She took great joy in being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Known as “Grammie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a favorite playmate, story-teller and companion with a knack for letting the youngsters in her life win at games. She stayed engaged in volunteer work and opportunities throughout her life even into her last years at her retirement community. Her phone was often busy as she stayed in touch with a vast network of people who loved her and were loved by her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Rev. Gerald Udstuen; daughter Amy Sharp; sister Martha Minchew and brother Jack Boatwright. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Dave) Largent; grandsons Josh Sharp, Jeff (Colleen) Largent, Jacob (Cate Parker) Sharp and Taylor Sharp; son-in-law Will (Martha Collett) Sharp; cousin Mary Brown, nieces Debi Minchew and Lynn Kozar Wilson, nephew Jim Minchew; great-grandchildren Elodie, Ben and Marina.

A private celebration of her life will be held with family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s memory to: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler Blvd E Dr, Indianapolis, IN; First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Rd, Morganton, NC; or Casting for Hope, 116 South Sterling St, Suite 204, Morganton, NC 28655.

The family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents at Wellbrooke of Westfield, Indiana and Enlight Hospice for their kindness and care.