Mara-Le Quarles , age 89, of Carmel and formerly a longtime resident of Frankton and Fishers, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Bickford of Carmel following a brief illness. Born February 16, 1936, in Perkinsville, Indiana, she was the daughter of Lawrence H. and Virginia R. (Coy) Wilson. Mara-Le graduated from Frankton High School in 1954 and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Ball State University. She married the love of her life, Merrill C. Quarles, on November 22, 1961, and together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage. They loved family, traveling, and dancing.

One of Mara-Le's greatest joys was spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially during family vacations. She was a devoted educator who shaped the hearts and minds of countless children throughout her remarkable 54-year teaching career. She began teaching at Red Corner School and retired in 2014 as a kindergarten teacher with Frankton-Lapel Community Schools, always guiding her students with patience, kindness, and a heart for service. Two years ago, she received an award as a "Special Teacher of Influence" for an Academic Hall of Fame student, a recognition she cherished deeply.

Mara-Le was deeply committed to supporting the teaching profession. Throughout her career, she served in several leadership and representative roles within the Indiana State Teachers Association, including work on curriculum committees and advocacy for all-day kindergarten. She represented Frankton-Lapel educators at state and national assemblies and served multiple terms on ISTA councils and boards. She also served as an NEA delegate and was active on the board of the ISTA Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association.

Mara-Le was also a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. She enjoyed crafts and oil painting, often sharing her artistic talents with others. She loved visiting the library and frequently read multiple books each week. At home, she relaxed by playing Mahjong Tiles and reading Facebook on her iPad.

A survivor of the 1963 Indiana State Fair Coliseum Explosion, Mara-Le carried a remarkable resilience throughout her life. She was honored as the Frankton Heritage Days Queen in 1954 and proudly served as Parade Grand Marshal in 2014.

Mara-Le's family finds comfort knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven, reunited with her beloved husband and son, and welcomed into the arms of Jesus.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth Quarles (fiancé David Henderson) of Carmel; daughter-in-law, Sheri Quarles of Monticello; two granddaughters, Kady (Travis) Falls of Brownsburg and Karson (Ridge) Gritten of Monticello; five great-grandchildren, Haddie Falls, Sawyer Falls, Maryn Falls, Forrest Gritten, and Bridger Gritten; brother, Steven L. (Brenda) Wilson of Winchester; and many other cherished family members.

Mara-Le is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merrill C. Quarles; and her son, Thomas "Rick" Quarles.

A funeral service celebrating Mara-Le's life and faith will be conducted at 1 p.m. on December 20 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, with Pastor Alex Hershey officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Cremation will follow, and her ashes will be entombed at the St. Luke's Church Columbarium at a later date.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Frankton Elementary School, Kindergarten classrooms. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.