Mary Vandevender

Mary F. Vandevender, 92, of Dana, Indiana passed away at Clinton Gardens on January 27, 2026. She was born in Danville, Illinois to the late Lee and Ruth Evelyn (Sheffield) Ramsey on March 2, 1933. Mary was a 1951 graduate of Newport High School.

Mary began at the Illinois Bell Telephone Company before embracing the role of a devoted homemaker after marrying Charles Vandevender, on January 25, 1953. They spent 70 wonderful years of marriage together before his passing.

She poured her heart into raising her children and grandchildren, ensuring they were surrounded by love and warmth. Known for her strong sense of adventure, Mary delighted in dressing up in costumes for Halloween, teaching her granddaughter to dance to timeless music, and creating cherished memories that will be treasured for generations.

She was a remarkable woman, coming from a long line of strong women and embodying their resilience and strength. Her personality shone through her practicality and kindness, as she never met a stranger. Mary was not only a patient teacher to her children and grandchildren but also an honorary grandmother to many children in her community, sharing her boundless love and joy with all.

Mary had a zest for life that was evident in her interests. Her adventures include zip lining, riding in a hot air balloon and visiting the Grand Canyon. Mary enjoyed the thrill of fireworks, loved to read, and found joy in attending auctions. Her competitive nature brought friends and family together, as she delighted in playing board and card games.

A member of the United Society of Friends Women and the Hopewell Friends Missionary Society, Mary also enjoyed teaching Summer Bible School, sharing her faith and values with others.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; their son Tom Vandevender; and her brother Louis Ramsey.

She is survived by her children Linda Hoyt of Georgetown, Illinois; Don Vandevender of Dana, Indiana; and Carl Vandevender of Lafayette, Indiana; as well as her sisters Elaine Ramsey of New Mexico and Doris Butts of Belleville, Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren Robby Crain of Nashville, Tennessee and Robert (Angela) Lamb of Dana, Indiana; and great-grandchildren Ella, Dylan, and Willow Lamb.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at 2:00 pm EST on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home’s DeVerter Chapel, located at 215 N. Division Street in Cayuga. She will be laid to rest at Thomas Cemetery in Newport next to Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer fond memories and stories of Mary to be shared and her legacy of love to be continued. Online condolences, fond memories, and pictures can be shared with Mary’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com