Mary Lee Maltsberger , age 79 of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 at The Waters of Tipton following several health challenges.  She was born Sept. 22, 1944 in Kokomo, the daughter of Lee and Mary Helen (Davis) Wright.  Mary was a 1961 graduate of Kokomo High School before attending Indianapolis Business College.  She later received her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree from Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  Mary worked as an LPN at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for many years.  She also formerly worked as a nurse at Autumnwood in Tipton Hospital, St. John's Hospital in Anderson, and Dr. Fields Pediatric office in Kokomo where Ryan White was one of her memorable patients.  At the end of her nursing career, she worked part-time as a private caregiver and hospice nurse.  Mary also enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at Elwood High School for several years.

Mary married Larry D. Maltsberger on July 31, 1999, and they shared 25 years of life and marriage together.  Mary attended Harmony Christian Church in Leisure and formerly was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood.  She enjoyed playing in golf leagues, reading, and caring for her flowers outside.  Mary was a person who always greeted everyone with a smile and would help anyone in need.  She was truly in inspiration keeping that beautiful smile through all her surgeries and physical challenges.  Mary loved spending time with her family more than anything in the world.  She will never be forgotten.

Mary's family includes her husband, Larry Maltsberger of Elwood; 3 children, Donna Garber of Noblesville, Billy (wife Tina) Vandergriff of Shelbyville, Kentucky, and Brian Maltsberger of Fishers; 3 grandchildren, Megan Vandergriff, Melanie Nutter, and Caitlyn Michener; 2 great grandchildren, Owen Nutter and McKenzie Nutter; and several nieces and nephews.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Wright.

A funeral service celebrating Mary's life will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Josh Shoemaker of Harmony Christian Church officiating.  The service will begin with a Nurse's Honor Guard ceremony.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 6 pm on Monday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to Harmony Christian Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.