Marie Dean Whisler

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Marie Dean Whisler, 101, died on Jan. 1, 2013, at Garden Villa in Bloomington, where she was a resident since Nov. 2011. Before that, she lived independently in Greenfield and moved to Redbud Hills Retirement Community in Bloomington in early 2009.

She was born in Topnish, Wash., on Aug. 21, 1911. Her parents were the late Myrna (Tweedy) Dean and Joseph E. Dean. Marie's mother, Marie, and younger brother, Mel, traveled from Washington State by train to Jennings County, Indiana to live with Myrna's family when Joseph Dean went to fight in WWI. The family stayed in Indiana after the war.

She was married to the late John (Ted) H. Whisler (1909-1998) of Wilkinson, Ind., who was a farmer and machinist. 

Marie was a golf caddie with her brother when she was a teenager. She worked at Mauzy's, Indiana's premiere department store at that time, in Rushville, where she worked in ladies fine clothing, and did modeling for the store.

Marie worked as a bookkeeper at a Shirley, Indiana food packing and canning facility. Later she worked as a teller at Hancock Bank and Trust, was promoted to internal auditor and then to a vice president position before retiring. She later worked for Hooks Drugs in Indianapolis as an auditor.

She and John (Ted) enjoyed traveling in Europe and fishing trips to Canada. During their retirement, they lived in Fort Myers, Fla. for a few years before returning to Greenfield. Marie was a landscape and still-life painter, and later enjoyed china painting. She also was an avid bridge player and a member of several bridge clubs and taught bridge classes for many years. She loved to read and was a member of several book and reading clubs.

She was a member of the Women's Professional Business Organization, a member of Tri Kappa and a member of Greenfield Christian Church and volunteered in the Women's Guild. She was also a volunteer in other organizations including The Hancock Regional Hospital Guild, and a contributor to the public library.

Marie is survived by their three children, Larry D. Whisler of Indianapolis, Maryann W. Cusack of Bloomington, and John D. Whisler of Greenfield. Marie is also survived by seven grandchildren, Carey Scott Whisler of Hiram, Ga., Mark Whisler of Concordia, Kan., Tracy Cusack Gatlin of Charlotte, N.C., Brian Cusack of Boston, Mass., Samuel Cusack of Bloomington, Kelly Whisler Paige of Middletown, and John D Whisler, II of Greenfield; fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was a very strong and spunky person and will be greatly missed by all those who loved her. She will be in our hearts forever.

Burial service is private. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 at Brandywine Community Church, located at 1551 E. New Rd., Greenfield, IN 46140.

Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel in New Palestine.

Online condolences can be made @ bellmortuary.com.