Mary Ellen (Toler) Henderson

She was born on July 2, 1937, in Commiskey, Indiana, to the late William R. Toler and Margaret Bridges Toler.

Mary had many skills. She was, in her own words “a darn good cook.” Her holiday meals were legendary, especially her yeast rolls, pecan pie, and yes, she made a fruit cake that would change your mind about fruit cake forever. Mary really enjoyed a competitive game of Scrabble. Don't show up without your A game. These games would stretch well into the night.

She raised a garden that filled the cupboard with goodness, crocheted a tablecloth, made clothes for the family including men's suits and elaborate dresses. She worked with Doug to build kitchen countertops and cabinets in her shop.

She managed the household while continuously challenged by the adventure of traveling around the world with Jerry.

Wherever she went, she found her place. She worked at Etown Time in the 50s where she met Marcella, who introduced Mary to her brother, Jerry, who she married and became the love of her life. She did various jobs in retail stores, made pants at a sewing factory, and most recently served as a telephone operator at Hardin Memorial Hospital where she was a valued employee that was well known and liked. She retired from Hardin and was missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Jerry L. Henderson; son, David L. Henderson; sisters, Helen Toler Bowers, Ethel Toler Mathers; and daughter-in-law, Darlene Henderson.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Toler Vowels; children, Dennis Strickland (Cindy), Donald Henderson, Douglas Henderson (Lynn); daughter-in-law, Janice Miller Henderson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 7, from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM at Brown Funeral Home, 306 College Street, Elizabethtown.

Graveside Funeral will be on Sunday, June 7, 2:00 PM, at Valley Creek Cemetery, on Valley Creek Road, Elizabethtown.