Edith V. Gunter

Edith V. Gunter, 88, of Indianapolis went to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 10, 2025 after a short battle with lung cancer. She was born on March 3, 1937, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Hattie Mae Derrett and Virgil Derrett. She married (Alfred ‘Earl’ Gunter) in March, 1956. They had two children, their son Larry and daughter Elaine.

Edith and Earl often vacationed in the red rock of Moab, Utah; it was their favorite place on earth. For many years, they shared their love of riding motorcycles (and Earl even hillclimbed for many years).

If there is a single word that describes Edith, it is servanthood. She started serving people when only a sophomore in high school – when she quit school to care for her mother who was ill at the time, She took care of her mother-in-law when she broke her hip -- even with two little ones to raise. She remained primary caregiver for her mother until her death in 1981. Her husband had a critical hospitalization in 2005. When son-in-law Mark broke his ankle, she made daily trips to look in on him – and brought him a daily strawberry milkshake – because ice cream makes everything better, in her opinion. She’s cared for sick grandchildren, and her care-giving even extended to ailing spouses of her siblings, as well as neighbors. She has helped her kids and grandkids through various housing projects, including helping paint their houses, helping install replacement window sashes, cleaning, moving. Once again, Edith was always willing to serve others!

Edith’s heart for helping others extended further when she and two other ladies decided to start a non-denominational mission (Caring and Sharing) in 1984. None of them were experienced; they had meager pooled resources, but they had determination – and God’s blessing. The mission’s earliest beginnings were in Earl and Edith’s small house until they found a home in a church basement. They saw their dream fulfilled and in 1986 alone, they gave away more than $92,000 worth of food and clothing. They became well known in the community and always had a huge part in the successful annual Toys for Tots program. Edith continued working at this mission into her 80s when chronic back pain made her stop.

One of the greatest joys of Edith’s life was her grandkids. This began with the first two -- Donna and Jason. Then, she was more than happy to spoil the great grandkids that arrived. Even though the great great grands came in her twilight years, she always enjoyed seeing their little smiling faces! She always said, ‘I love being a Grandma.’

Edith is survived by her daughter Elaine (Mark), her grandkids Donna and Jason, 4 great grandkids (Sierra, Codey, Cheyenne, and Tristan), 6 great grandkids, and several grandpuppies.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents, and all siblings from both sides of her family. Siblings preceding her in death on her Mother’s side are: Harold, Carl, Don, and Raymond Gibson and sisters: Mabel Mulkey, Ruth Burrello, Dorothy Daubenspeck. (Detail regarding Father’s family side are unknown.)

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13 , 2025, at Flanner Buchanan-Memorial Park, 9350 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN, 46229, from 11AM-1PM. A funeral service will begin, following the visitation at 1PM. Edith will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery. If you plan to attend, feel free to wear bright colors, as she loved them!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Crosswalk Church of God, 3650 S Sherman Drive, Beech Grove, IN 46107.