Irma Lee Crist

Irma Lee (Prather) Crist of Zionsville, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord December 28,2023 at the age of 98. Irma Lee was born to Dewey and Mabel (Wilcoxen) Prather on November 15, 1925, and grew up in the small town of Rileysburg, Indiana. She graduated from Perrysville High School in 1943. After graduating from Indiana Teachers College, she worked in the Dean of Women’s office. She married her husband Charles William “Bill” Crist, in 1948, eventually moving to Mishawaka, Indiana to assume a position in the school system, before returning to her home.  

The country life was treasured by Irma Lee and Bill as they made a loving home in Rileysburg for their children. She instilled Christian values that would last a lifetime. The family was taught to be respectful, to be kind to those around you, to be steadfast in your convictions, and to be helpful in times of need. She enjoyed working in her church and sharing her love for Jesus as a Sunday school teacher with many of the young children in the community.  She was a member of the Rileysburg Church and later attended Christian Union Church.

As Irma Lee’s children grew, she began her teaching career in the North Vermilion Consolidated School Corporation. An avid seamstress and baker, she found time to pass these skills to her daughters and the Victory Winners 4-H Club Members. She was honored as Grand Marshall of the Vermillion County Fair Parade.

Irma Lee was a member of Parke Vermillion Retired Teachers Association, Indiana State Retired Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, and O.E.S. 302. She served on the board for Hopewell Cemetery.

Irma Lee’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She leaves behind her daughters, Joyce (Kenneth) Olsen of Avon, IN and Lynn Crist of Indianapolis, IN, and grandsons   Kevin (Adrianne) Olsen and Keith (Suzanne) Olsen as well as great granddaughters Avery, Audrey, Evelyn, and Emery. She also adored her nephews, niece, and their families, along with her companion Barbara Foster. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, son Jim and sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and Jene Hicks.

A celebration of Irma Lee’s life will be held at 1 pm. Wednesday January 3, 2023at Sunset’s Covington Funeral Home and Cremation Center 420 3rd street Covington, Indiana, with burial to follow at Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the funeral home prior to the service 11am – 1pm. In lieu of flowers family requests that donations be made in Irma Lee’s name to Christian Union Church, Western Indiana Community Foundation or the donor’s choice. Please join IrmaLee’s family in sharing memories on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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