Lena Elizabeth (Ford) Platt, 99, of Greensburg, passed away on July 3, 2019 at Aspen Place Health Campus, Greensburg. She was born on August 5, 1919 in Decatur County, the daughter of Daniel Reuben and Ina Viola (Stout) Ford. She was married to Robert Denton Platt on April 21, 1946 at the Greensburg United Methodist Church by Reverend E.F. Schneider, and they enjoyed 42 years together until his death on December 22, 1986.
Lena was a 1937 graduate of Greensburg Community High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1944 and her Master’s in Education in 1964 from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
Lena began her teaching career in 1939 at Richland, IN. Other school systems were; Greensburg, IN 1941-1946; Avon, IN 1946-1947; Milroy, IN 1947-1948; she took a child rearing break from 1948-1958; Sandusky, IN 1958-1962; Sandcreek 1962-1965; Sandusky 1965-1967 and Greensburg, IN from 1967-1980, ending her 34 years of teaching in 1980. Through all the years following her teaching career, when asked about one of her students, she always recalled each one of you.
Lena was a loving Christian woman with her unwavering faith in God. She was a member, for over 90 years, of the Greensburg United Methodist Church, beginning with her early childhood. She was a member of the Fellowship Class and Martha Circle at the church, past President of Delta Kappa Gamma and Decatur County Retired Teachers Association, past Worthy Matron of Lois Chapter #147 Order of the Eastern Star in Greensburg, past Grand Representative of California in Indiana of Lois Chapter, past President of Alpha Alumni member of Delta Theta Tau. She was an avid Bridge Player in many clubs and also a member of the Greensburg Country Club. She enjoyed attending functions at the Scottish Rite and Murat Temple in Indianapolis. Shopping with her three daughters were always fun days. She enjoyed her many travel adventures with family and friends.
She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Sue (Jerry G.) White; Janice Ann (John-deceased) Denton, both of Shelbyville, IN and Rita Jane (Tom) Dale of Hamilton, IL., brother, Marlin Alvin Ford, Indianapolis, IN: grandchildren, Scott Thomas (Adeana) Dale, Veedersburg, IN.; Colin Arthur (Stacy) Johns, Greenwood, IN; Brent Mathew Dale, Payton, CO and Erin Elizabeth Johns, Indianapolis, IN: great grandchildren, Cameron James Dale, Veedersburg, IN; Vivian Reese Johns, Greenwood, IN; Camille Sophia Johns, Greenwood, IN; and Charles Dale Johns, Greenwood, IN.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mabel Rosetta (Ford) Bass, brother-in-law, George J. Bass, sister-in-law, Rose Nelle (Wolford) Ford, son-in-law, John Edward Denton.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be at the funeral home Monday, July 8, 2019 at 11:00 am with Pastor Dawn Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at the South Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Greensburg United Methodist Church, Lois Chapter #147, O.E.S., Aspen Place Health Campus, or to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
