Jer’e Ann Puckett joined our Lord in Heaven on December 20, 2022. Her peaceful passing was full of love and joy as she was surrounded and held by her family on a bright sunny morning. Jer’e was born on April 18, 1929, in Lincoln, Nebraska to her adoring parents George Merritt and Cecile Belle Huffman Merritt. She loved Nebraska and truly embraced being a “Cornhusker” fan!

Jer’e was a trailblazer! She graduated from the University of Nebraska and then was awarded a scholarship to complete her Master of Social Work degree in the first year of the new program at Indiana University. Early in her career she was a Probation Officer with the Marion County Juvenile Court. Following, in her work at an adoption agency, she helped to arrange and create new families, and brought overwhelming joy to many as they welcomed new babies and children. Eventually, she retired from the Indianapolis Public School System as a Social Worker after working to support children and families for 31 years.

On a blind date in 1955, Jer’e met the love of her life! Kenneth Francis Puckett, who was from Craigmont, Idaho, was serving in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison. They were married on April 14, 1956 (her parents 33rd wedding anniversary) and lived in Woodruff Place as they finished school. Ken was a talented educator working as an administrator at Tech High School and then retiring in 1991 as an Assistant Superintendent of Perry Township Schools. They were members of the Southport Presbyterian Church.

Ken was devoted to caring for Jer’e and kept his sacred promise, “to love and to honor, in sickness and in health.” No one was more dedicated than Ken - especially during her final months. They shared 66 wonderful rich years together traveling the world and visiting family and friends.

Together, in love, they raised their family and continue to celebrate their grandchildren and their great granddaughter. Ken and Jer’e are very proud of their family who are left to carry on her legacy of love. Scott and his wife Karen A. Prater Puckett reside in Houston, Texas. Their boys are both in college. Kyle Puckett attends Washington University in St. Louis, and Brady Scott Puckett attends Wake Forrest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Ann Puckett-Harpold and her husband Michael B. Harpold reside in Martinsville, Indiana with their daughter Macy Harpold. Their son Tyler Harpold and his wife Hillary Walsh Harpold are both educators in Monroe County and live in Bloomington, Indiana with their precious daughter Maeve.

Jer’e was an avid collector and very active in philanthropic events and organizations. She was a member of the Eastern Star, PEO, the Women’s Department Club, the University of Nebraska Foundation, and the Indiana University Foundation. In 2019, Jer’e was recognized by Indiana University at an elegant dinner in Indianapolis for the work she led in her specialized field of Social Work.

Her parents George and Cecile Merritt and her older brother Jack, who passed away at birth, proceeded her in death.

Jer’e was faithful, generous, and compassionate. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was devoted to her family, friends and to all those in need. Per her wishes, there will be no service, but instead a family celebration. To honor her, we request that you reach out to someone in need. Donate a warm coat, hat, scarf, or gloves to a local community organization, donate food or buy a meal for a family in need or purchase a lunch to thank a community worker or military veteran. Finally, love and celebrate your family, not just at the holidays, but all year long as she did. A loving heart that gives, is a loving heart that gathers.

We genuinely thank her “Army of Angels” who kept her comfortable in her final days here on earth.

Arrangements entrusted to Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville, IN.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at nealandsummers.com