Merle Hennessee

Pendleton, Indiana – E. Merle Hennessee, 87, passed away peacefully after being comforted by her family on December 18, 2025.

Merle was born on September 27, 1938, to parents Ralph & Iva (Canady) Perkins in Lyons, Indiana. She graduated from Arsenal Tech high school and worked as an office manager for Glendale Mall for over 25 years. Most importantly, she met the love of her life, Wyndell Hennessee, and they were married on August 30, 1956. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together before his passing in 2018.

When not at work, Merle found joy traveling with Wink all over the country for bluegrass festivals. In fact, she managed to visit all 50 of the United States.

Merle, more than anything else, was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Merle is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wyndell, and her siblings Thelma Strahle, Lenore Elsass, Norma Decker, Melba Dobbs, Mary Perkins, Carol Koch, and Charles Perkins.

She is survived by her children; Lynne Gioe Golding (Steve), Ed Hennessee (Michelle), and Diane Becker; grandchildren Jeffrey Gioe (Kristen), Matthew Gioe (Kate), Erin Wonderlick (Mike), Bryan Becker, Cheyenne Kime (Gage), Katie Lamb (Jacob), and Victoria Shields; and great-grandchildren Silas Gioe, Ruby Gioe, Hannah Gioe, and Teddy Gioe.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229) from 10 – 1 pm with funeral services at 1 pm.