SEYMOUR

Mary Elizabeth Vehslage, 97, of Seymour, passed away Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at Lutheran Community Home in Seymour.

Born Aug. 22, 1917, near Cortland, she was the daughter of Edward and Ethel Abel Vehslage, both of whom preceded her in death.

Mary was the caregiver to her younger brother, John D. Vehslage, who also preceded her in death.

She graduated from Cortland High School in 1935 and enrolled at Indiana University, graduating with degrees in physical education and social work. She retired from the Indianapolis Community Center in 1950, having served as director.

In 1956, Mary helped establish Happy Hollow Children’s Camp in Brown County, and she hoped the camp would provide inner-city children with opportunities to experience nature and camping.

In 1995, she received the Heart and Soul award from the American Camp Association. In 2002, she received the Sagamore of the Wabash by then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon.

After the death of her father, Mary managed the family farm north of Cortland and the Vehslage Building in Seymour. She was a member of the Jackson County Historical Society. She worked tirelessly to save and preserve several buildings in downtown Seymour. She was a longtime member of Indiana Farm Bureau, the Covered Bridge Society and the Indiana University Alumni Association. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Seymour.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Voss Funeral Service in Seymour with Pastor Scott Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or Happy Hollow Children’s Camp.