#Mary Ann (Blom) Berry

[wutbju]

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Ann (Blom) Berry. To so many, she was a skilled caregiver, a caring friend, and a loyal supporter. To us, she was mom, grandma, sister, and Aunt Hon. She peacefully went to the Lord on May 13 at the age of 81.

Her memory and legacy will live on through those who loved her, including her children, Michael (Cindi) Berry, Kristin (Brian) Kertin, and Karen (Sean) Gardner; her grandchildren, Justin Berry, Madison Kertin, Andrew Berry, Katelyn Kertin, Joseph Gardner, and Ryan Gardner; her brother, Wayne (Susan) Blom; her nephews, Jason Blom and Brian (Michelle) Blom; her great nephew and niece, Lincoln Blom and Monroe Blom; and many extended relatives, including cousins, Margaret Iles, David (Katriya) Carlson, Donald (Sherry) Blom, Doug (Jan) Blom, Richard (Martha) Blom, Daniel (Jeanne) Blom, Jerry (Lorraine) Hyatt, Becky (Johnny) Long, Laura (Troy) Fraebel. Katherine (Hans) Crump-Wiesner, Judith (Vincent) Fala, Margaret Ann Rutledge (G. Stuart Ackman), Albert Turner Rutledge (Anne Marie Carry), and Martha Holden Rutledge (Richard Young). She is preceded in death by her father, Grant Blom, and her mother, Marian Blom.

Mary Ann was born on November 25, 1941, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. She lived many places throughout the United States, but spent her retirement years in Noblesville, Indiana.

Mary Ann built a life that was centered in her faith, dedicated to service, and committed to her loved ones.

She grew up attending Bible Center Church in Terre Haute where she established friendships at a young age that continued into her adult years as they attended nursing school together at West Suburban College of Nursing in Oak Park, Illinois. These friendships remained to be some of the most valued relationships in her life up until her passing.

After graduating from nursing school in 1962 she briefly taught younger students at West Suburban before pursuing her Bachelor of Science from Bob Jones University. At Bob Jones, she met, and later married, Herbert Berry. Together, they had three children. She poured her heart into service as a nurse. Early on, she served as a missionary in South Korea, supporting an orphanage and helping to place babies into loving homes. Her nursing career spanned 40 years, including 15 years with the VA in Marion, Indiana. Even in her retirement, she continued working in the healthcare sector part-time with Sunrise Senior Living in Carmel, Indiana until she died – an experience that, in her words, was the best job she ever had.

A lifelong Christian, she regularly participated in prayer circles, bible studies, peer ministry, and as a member of the alter guild. She was an active member of Spirit of Joy Church in Indianapolis, Indiana and a regular volunteer at The Sharing Place.

She was dedicated to her family – dog sitting (even though she didn't particularly like dogs), attending her grandchildren's sporting events, and traveling many miles to help with her children's various moves and home projects.

In addition to her commitment to the church, volunteerism, work, and family – she loved spending time on her hobbies, particularly decorating her home, sewing for children and grandchildren, and tending to her garden.

When we celebrated Mary Ann's 80th birthday in 2021 or attended her Blom family reunion that was 70 years in the making last year, we certainly thought she had decades left to live. Though Mary Ann's earthly life ended earlier than we expected, we know she lived it to the fullest and is now in the heavenly home God has promised.

A Celebration of Eternal Life for Mary Ann will be held at Spirit of Joy Church (3535 Kessler Blvd E Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46220) on May 18 at 1:00pm with visitation immediately preceding, beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in her memory to one of Mary Ann's causes: The Sharing Place (through Lutheran Child and Family Services), Spirit of Joy Church, or Compassion International.