Mary Ann Laux

Mary Ann (Puetz) Laux, 80, of Carmel, IN, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a long journey with vascular dementia. She was born on October 19, 1946, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to William and Elizabeth (Pohl) Puetz.

Mary Ann had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her warmth, compassion, and joyful spirit turned strangers into friends and made everyone around her feel special.

At the heart of her life was her beautiful love story with her husband, Bob. The two met on their first day at the University of Detroit and married three years later on January 21, 1967. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Above all, Mary Ann treasured her family. She was a loving mother and a cherished "Omi" to her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Laux, Jr.; her five children and their families: Robert J. Laux III; Jennifer Andrews and her sons, Ryan (Rachel) and Tyler, and great-granddaughter, Alice, daughter of Ryan and Rachel; Elizabeth (Mark) Rodefeld and their children, August, Henry, Lily, and William; Rebecca (Patrick) Farrell and their children, Nicholas and Tessa; and Kathryn (Steven) Brown and their son, Watson. She is also survived by her brother, William Puetz; sister, Mildred Brady; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth Puetz, and her two sisters, Belinda Puetz and Henrietta J. Elston.

Mary Ann devoted much of her life to caring for, nurturing, and educating children. Over the years, she helped raise and care for countless children, welcoming them into her heart and extending her own family in the process. She also spent 10 years with Purdue Extension, teaching youth about nutrition and healthy eating. Whether caring for little ones or helping young people learn and grow, Mary Ann touched generations of lives with her patience, kindness, and love.

Mary Ann had a special love for animals -- big and small. Whether it was a stray animal that found its way to her doorstep, a bird in the backyard, or even a little bug that needed to be rescued, Mary Ann had a soft spot for them all. Over the years, many found pets became part of the family, welcomed with the same love and kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her gentle heart and appreciation for the smallest of creatures were a beautiful reflection of who she was.

Mary Ann's greatest legacy is the love she shared, the kindness she showed, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary Ann's life on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan, 325 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, Indiana 46032. Visitation will be held from 1:00–2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors in honor of her joyful spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Mary Ann with a simple act of kindness—call someone you love, smile at a stranger, or hug your family a little tighter. That is exactly what she would have wanted.