Eloise McDonald

CENTERVILLE, Ind. – The sweet and gentle spirit of Eloise McDonald, age 88, of Centerville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 8, 2013, at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Born in 1924, in Westfield, Indiana, to Perry and Mary Harvey, she lived in Centerville since 1961. Eloise earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Butler University in 1948. She was a member of Centerville United Methodist Church where she was the organist for over 40 years and was the choir director. Eloise had a music ministry at Ambassador Health Care for many years. She was very involved in Archway Days and had been crowned “Queen of Archway Days.” Eloise wrote many songs, including “My Mother’s Hands” and “Walking Through the Archways of Centerville.” The Centerville United Methodist Church congregation concludes their services each Sunday with Eloise’s song, “Reach Out and Touch Someone.” She was active in the Centerville Senior Center and in her church, was a member of the DQ Crowd, and was involved with the Hobo Band. Survivors include her sons, Joseph H. (Susan) McDonald of Terre Haute, Indiana, Michael A. (Kathy) McDonald of Carmel, Indiana, and Kevin L. (Debbie) McDonald of Richmond; daughters, Teresa Ann (Ted) Thornton of Allen, Texas, and Mary Ellen (Robert) Schroeder of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; grandchildren, Alicia, Beth, Carly, Luke, and Jacob McDonald, Jason Haun, Kristin Dixon, Hayley, Diana, and Peyton Thornton, and Quinton, Donavon, Colton, and Dawson Schroeder; great-grandchildren, Hunter and KyLee Dixon; nieces; nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph C. McDonald who died in 2000; parents; and sisters, Jean Babb and Jeanette Myers. Visitation for Eloise McDonald will be from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2013, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Centerville United Methodist Church, 112 South Morton Avenue, Centerville, with Rev. Kathy Miller officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Centerville United Methodist Church, 112 South Morton Avenue, Centerville, IN 47330 or Centerville Abington Senior Center, 111 South 2nd Street, Centerville, IN 47330. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.