Jean Maddox Weinheimer

92, of Indianapolis, departed this life Saturday, May 28, 2022. Jean was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on July 10, 1929, to the late Warren B. and Vira (Austin) Maddox. She spent her childhood there, until her family moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where she graduated from West Lafayette High School, and enrolled at Purdue University, earning her degree in 1952. While she was at Purdue, Jean was active in the Purdue Playshop located in Fowler Hall, a piece of which is still present in Jean’s home. At Purdue Playshop, she met Al Weinheimer. They were married in 1951 and settled in Indianapolis.

A strong, determined, and independent person, Jean was a lifelong knitter, who also loved swimming and reading. She was a member of PEO and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In 1995, Jean was awarded the School of Social Work Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jean was a longtime member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church. She served the church in numerous capacities, including President of the United Methodist Women, Chair of the Williamsburg dinner in the 1970’s, and member of the Administrative Board. She was a longtime member of her Sunday School class, her Saturday circle group, and several Bible study and book groups.

At age 51, Jean began graduate study in social work at IUPUI in Indianapolis. Upon earning her MSW from Indiana University in 1982, she began work at Indianapolis Children’s Bureau as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in therapeutic foster care.

Jean and Al and their children lived in Ankara, Turkey, from 1964-1966, while Al served as a Mathematics consultant with the Ford Foundation. In Turkey, Jean and her family took advantage of the many opportunities to travel, experience the beauty of the country, and explore the history of the region.

One of Jean’s favorite places was the family cottage on Glen Lake in northern Michigan, where she spent many summers, enjoying the lake, the view, the sunsets, and the swimming.

During retirement, Jean and Al loved to travel and had several Elderhostel experiences. Their favorite winter retreat became Disney World, where they went in January for a number of years. Jean loved all things Disney and had the stuffed animal collection to prove it!

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and Al, her husband of more than 60 years.

She is survived by her children, Anne Weinheimer (Jeff Hunter) and Rick Weinheimer (Amy); brother, Jerry Maddox (Mary D. Watson); sister-in-law Helen “Sis” Hall; grandchildren. Peter Hunter (Heather Mims), Abby Hunter (Kyle Mele), David Weinheimer (Katie Gonzalez), Megan McGriff (Ian), Kate Powell (Stevie Tardiff), Claire Powell, and David Powell; great-grandchildren, Grace and Cecelia McGriff; several nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.

A brief graveside service and interment will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery on June 3, 2022 at 11 am. A memorial Celebration of Life service is being planned for 1:00 pm August 6, 2022 at Meridian Street United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution are suggested in Jean’s name to Meridian Street United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), or The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com.