Constance May Minnick

Constance May Minnick, age 86 passed away on Friday morning, December 26, 2025. 

Connie was a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana until eight years ago when she relocated to Grass Valley, California to live with her daughter Tamra and son-in-law Kevin Smith in Grass Valley.

She was visiting her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in Truckee, California for a Christmas celebration. On Christmas Day she enjoyed the day singing carols, playing games and winning, and dining with family.

Connie was born on August 10, 1939 in Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter of Donald Dale Nicely and Alice Bernadine (Atkins) Nicely.

Connie married Wendell Minnick on April 6, 1973 in Danville, Indiana. Wendell preceded her in death on September 6, 2013.

Connie is survived by her daughters, Tamra "Tammy" (husband Kevin) Smith of Grass Valley, California, and Rhonda Lynn Williams of Indianapolis, as well as her step-son and step-daughter, Wendell Minnick Jr. of Taipei, Taiwan, and Tonya Minnick Pierce of Brazil, Indiana.

She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

Connie is preceded in death by her sisters, Donna Nicely Heiss, Marilyn Nicely Scifres, and Carolyn Nicely Richardson.

Connie grew up on the west side of Indianapolis. Her childhood home was "Old Riverside" and Cerealine Towne.

She attended Riverside Elementary School 44 and Arsenal Tech High School.

Connie used her artistic gifts to dress store windows at L. Strauss Department Store in downtown Indianapolis. She also served as a clerk at the City County Building. She especially enjoyed her nursing aide position at Methodist Hospital.

She enjoyed sketching and painting and was a formable Scrabble player.

She enjoyed traveling across the United States and was able to visit England with Wendy. She later cruised the Rhine River and Aegean Sea. The Indiana State Parks were her favorites.

She will be remembered for her delicious culinary skills. Most of the family have copies of her recipes handed down from her mother. Grandma Minnick's Chocolate Pie is a particular favorite!

Everyone remembers her sumptuous holiday parties.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Floral Park, located at 425 N. Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222.

Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. Chaplain Tom Bartley will officiate.

Burial will follow at Floral Park Cemetery where Connie will be laid to rest with her husband Wendell.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Constance Minnick asks to please consider a donation to Riley Hospital for Children, where Constance received care as a child – PO Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or RileyKids.org.

OR to the American Lung Association; Lung.org.

Flanner Buchanan - Floral Park Funeral Center has charge of arrangements.