Helen Lorene Pearman Modesitt

Helen Lorene Kelley Pearman Modesitt died on May 17, 2024 at Fountain Springs in Covington.

She was born on December 16, 1930 to Leoniel and Eva Lena Kelley around Potomac, IL.

She attended Newport Grade School for the first six years and the 7th and 8th grade was taught by her mother in a one room country school where her mother taught all 8 grades. Back to Newport for her freshman year and 6 weeks of her sophomore year and then finished the rest of her school in Oakland, IL. She graduated from Oakland High School in May 1948.

She married Lora Pearman in August of 1948. To this union were born three children; Linda Lou Pearson (Cliff) Clawson, Gary Alan (Yvonne) Pearman, and David Brian Pearman. Also surviving are grandchildren Angel (Eric) Oswalt, Shelley (Shawn Crawford) Payne, Russel (Gidget) Hall, Lee, Gary (Stephanie) II, David, Jason, Michael and Katie Pearman, as well as greatgrandchildren Russell (Derek) Hall II, Wyatt (Karen) Hall, Reagan & Reese Oswalt, Kiertin Turpin, Sylis & Dallas Payne, and great-great-grandson Mason Hall. She also leaves behind her brother Dwight Kelley and nieces and nephews Sharon (Allan) Koster, Robin Mills, Bethany Burton, Olivia Burton, Toni, Teri, & Tammy, and Steve Kelley.

Lorene was a busy housewife rearing three children. She started working in the early 1960s; working at the state sanatorium in Rockville, IN for one year, Columbia records in Terre Haute for six years, 2 years at the Clinton Hospital. She then retired for several years After her husband died, she attended Indiana Business College, completing two years work in on years. She resumed working and was fortunate to be hired by Indiana State University. She retired from Indiana State University after working in the Technology Department and Cunningham Memorial Library.

She met Elmer Kelly Modesitt at a Widow-Widower Group in 1985. They were married August 20, 1987. Kelly Modesitt, after a lengthy illness, passed away September 20, 2003. Lorene's mother, Eva Lena Kelley, died at the age of 100 years, 3 months and one day on December 28, 2003. A baby brother preceded her in 1927 and granddaughters Lora M. Solomon and Penny Pearman.

She is a member of the Friends Church in Newport, IN. She was church pianist over thirty years, active in the missionary group, taught Sunday School classes, helped with the children's activities and church programs.

After moving to Terre Haute, she attended the Church of the Living Christ for several years and then the Northside Community Methodist Church on Fruitridge Avenue. She attended prayer meeting at the Eastside Church of Christ. She also attended several small study groups on the different books of the bible.

Lorene was an avid reader, enjoyed crocheting doilies and afghans and playing the piano and organ.

Dramas, westerns, musicals, documentaries and religious programs were her favorite on the TV.

Piecing quilt tops was a hobby also.

She was a member of AARP, the Eat A Bite Group, Senior Friends at the Eastside Church of Christ, Senior Citizens and the Craft Club and a Red Hat member.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 1-2pm at Sunset Funeral Homes DeVerter Chapel, located at 215 N. Division Street in Cayuga. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 2 pm. She will be laid to rest at Thomas Cemetery in Newport.

Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with her family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Visitation (Eastern Standard Time) Thursday May 23, 2024 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM DeVerter Funeral Home 215 North Division Cayuga, IN 47928 Funeral Service (Eastern Standard Time) Thursday May 23, 2024 2:00 PM DeVerter Funeral Home 215 North Division Cayuga, IN 47928