GREENWOOD
M. Elaine Tinkle, 75, of Greenwood, passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis.
She was born Aug. 21, 1940, in Martinsville, to the late Clawson and Mary Belle (Richards) Merideth.
Elaine graduated from Center Grove High School, class of 1958, and continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business management and an associate’s degree in business administration.
Her distinguished professional career was focused to the health care industry and included being an executive secretary to the chief of obstetrics at Indiana University Hospital and Wishard Memorial Hospital. She spent her last 18 years with Community Health Network, serving as an administrative assistant to six hospital presidents at Community Hospital South.
Elaine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was also a devoted Christian and member of Mount Auburn United Methodist Church in Stones Crossing, where she volunteered regularly, knitting prayer cloths and serving her church community. She also attended Bible study at Grace and Peace Bible Church.
She served in the community as a volunteer at Midwest Food Bank, ministering to the poor and underserved populations of Indiana.
Elaine’s hobbies include attending tractor shows and participating in various parades including the Johnson County fair and the Indiana State Fair tractor parades, where she drove her antique tractor.
She was a big fan of Gaither southern gospel music.
Elaine is survived by her beloved husband, Phillip Tinkle of Greenwood; daughters, Christina Grindle of Greenwood and Cheryl (John) Holbrook of Washington; stepdaughter, Julie Riley of Bloomington; stepsons, Mark Tinkle, Chris Tinkle and Eric (Mary) Tinkle, all of Indianapolis, Dr. Brad (Lauren) Tinkle of Chicago, Kevin Tinkle of New Whiteland and Keith (Michelle) Tinkle of Greenwood; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pastors Jeff Buck and Don Kakavecos will conduct a service for Elaine at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Mount Auburn United Methodist Church, 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood. The family will receive friends from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Glenns Valley, Greenwood.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Auburn United Methodist Church 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143; Midwest Food Bank, 6450 S. Belmont St., Indianapolis, IN 46217; and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
Swartz Family Church and Chapel-Funeral and Cremation Services in Greenwood is handling arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.
Information: 881-0202
