Ethel Eugenia (Ray) Kanzler

Ethel Eugenia (Ray) Kanzler, 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025. She was born in Vincennes, Indiana on June 8, 1938, to Charles Edwin Ray and Eleanor Louise (Jackson) Ray.

Ethel was a dedicated registered nurse and proud graduate of Methodist Hospital. Ethel’s love of science guided her life’s work. She found her calling in critical care, where her skills and knowledge shone through. During her career at St. Francis Hospital, she not only trained paramedics but also developed emergency management protocol for factories to aid in providing structure in emergency situations. Her passion for science extended beyond her lifetime, as she chose to donate her body to scientific study.

Ethel married John Henry Kanzler April 23, 1960. They raised three children together and enjoyed traveling together and cross-country road trips to visit family in Washington State, until John’s death in 1988.

Ethel’s adventurous spirit took her to many places, and she cherished the joy of travel. She also took great pride in her talent for quilting, creating beautiful works that reflected her creativity and precision. Her quilts, gifted to family and friends are treasured works of her love for them.

Ethel is survived by her loving daughter and best friend, Susanne Kanzler, son, John Daniel (Toni) Kanzler, daughter-in-law Beth Kanzler, sister Edwina Rohlman, niece Tracey (Tee)Rohlman Teague, nephew Jay (Janet) Rohlman; grandchildren Elizabeth (James) Smith, Angela (Justin) Everett, Adam (Hayleigh) Kanzler, Drew (Whitney) Kanzler, Austin Kanzler, Max (Nina) Kanzler, Ethan (Cassidy) Kanzler; and great-grandchildren Zachary Smith, Isabella Smith and Jasmyne Evans; as well as great-great-grandchildren Cal Kanzler, and Rylo Evans, great nieces Delaney Rohlman, Devan (Gil) Leija, and great nephew Scott (Natalie) Rohlman.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents Charles Edwin Ray, Eleanor Louise (Jackson) Ray, husband John Henry Kanzler, and son Charles Andrew (Beth) Kanzler.