Regenia Chelf

Regenia Moorehead Chelf was born in Michigantown, Indiana on August 13, 1922 to Eugene and Lela Moorehead and died on April 10, 2014. Regenia is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Elmer [Tuggle] Chelf, parents, sister Evelyn Corwin, and brothers Sherman Wall and Terry Moorehead. One brother, Pat Moorehead, survives. In 1940 Regenia met Joseph Elmer [Tuggle] Chelf of Lizton, Indiana and they married in Mansfield, Kentucky on August 10, 1940. Tuggle and Regenia had three girls, Judith Essex [Richard] of Indianapolis, Indiana, Barbara Farley of Joplin, Missouri, and Jane Link [Greg] of Chesterton, Indiana. There are seven grandchildren: Richard Essex [Connie], Heather Essex Gallagher [Joe], Ann Catherine Essex Cox [Tommy], Joshua Farley [Jill], Luke Farley [Stephanie], Laurie Link Politano [Tony] and Travis Link [Lori Ann]. There are fifteen great grandchildren, Nyle and Lily Essex, Lela, William, Michael, and Ivy Jane Gallagher, Thomas, Robert and Shalyn Cox, Zeke and Zoey Farley, Collin and Mariano Vincent Farley, Brandon Swann and Hannah Grace Link. Regenia grew up in Frankfort, Indiana. She developed a love for music, sang with a trio, and played the bass in the Frankfort High School orchestra. Regenia's talent for home- decorating led her to a rewarding career with the Marc T. Nielsen Studio, where she created beautiful home decorating items. Later she began her own business and worked from her home. Even after retirement, Regenia continued this type of work when she lived in Joplin, Missouri. Her love of the arts continued when she began painting in the late 1970s. She immersed herself in this new interest, joining the Chesterton Art League, Michigan City Art League, and the Valparaiso Art League. She had a one-woman art show in Valparaiso in April 1983. Following the death of her husband Tuggle, Regenia's life took a career turn when she began working as a tour guide at the State House in Indianapolis. During the General Assembly she would move to her daughter Judith's in Zionsville and work for the few months that the Legislature would be in session. Her love of people made her a natural for all of the groups that visited the State House. Later, when she moved to Joplin she continued this type of work as a tour guide at Precious Moments. Regenia loved to travel and for a number of years, Tuggle and Regenia traveled to Florida every winter. After Tuggle's death, Regenia continued this tradition and had a home in Sebring, Florida where she would stay three to four months each year. In 1981 she traveled to Europe with daughter Barbara Farley. They also made a trip with friends to California. In October 1998, Regenia returned from Joplin, Missouri to live in Zionsville, Indiana. She enjoyed her front porch and became a familiar figure on Main Street and was interviewed by a local newspaper about small town living. Zionsville's Main Street became one of her favorite scenes to paint. Following surgery in October 2008 Regenia decided to return to Valparaiso in March 2009. Visitation will be 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Flanner and Buchanan in Zionsville, Indiana. The Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00 pm, with Reverend Becki Nunnally officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Chesterton Art League, 115 S. 4th St. Chesterton, IN 46304. Final resting place will be next to her husband Joseph Elmer Chelf at the Lizton K.O.P. Cemetery. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan