Obituary of Raye Anne Absher

Raye Anne Absher, 67, of Winamac, IN passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.  She was born on January 5, 1955 in Owensboro, KY to the late William B. and Verna J. [Schertzinger] Miller.  She married David L. Absher on October 1, 1977 in Rockport, IN.  In 1986, David and Raye Anne welcomed a baby boy into the world, John, to whom she was a loving and devoted mother. 

Raye Anne graduated from South Spencer High School in Rockport in 1973.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN and a Master’s Degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.  In the fall of 1977, Raye Anne began her celebrated 37-year career in education at Winamac High School teaching Home Economics (later known as Family and Consumer Science).  She taught many years alongside her good friend and colleague, Pam Burger.  Together, they encouraged and inspired students both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities.  Raye Anne was a proud co-sponsor of Sunshine Society and volunteer score keeper at track meets.  She was a beloved educator and was known to teach from the heart; not just from the book.  She cherished befriending her former students when they returned to the community as young adults.  After retiring in 2014, Raye Anne chose to remain in Winamac and spend time enjoying life.  Her newly remodeled home, beautiful gardens, and the “Abshack” were a source of great pride to her.  She was active with numerous hobbies and interests including gardening, cycling, hiking, and line dancing, as well as volunteering for numerous community events.  Raye Anne was a member of the Iris Elm Garden Club (current Vice President), Friends of the Panhandle Pathway (current Secretary), Tri-County Kickers and Winamac Rock N Country Rebels, and Pulaski County Retired Teachers’ Association.

Raye Anne will be greatly missed by her family, friends, former students, and colleagues, as well as the entire Winamac Community.

Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

She is survived by:

John Absher, DeKalb, IL Son

Susan (Ken) Wallach, Indianapolis, IN Sister

Beverly Miller, Rockport, IN Sister

Charlie (Margaret) Schertzinger, Owensboro, KY Uncle

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Extended Family

Preceded in death by:

William B. and Verna J. [Schertzinger] Miller, Parents

David L. Absher, Husband

A Celebration of Life will take place from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT Sunday, May 15, 2022 at the Winamac VFW.

The family recommends that in lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations be made to the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway for the purchase of a bench in Raye Anne’s memory and to further the efforts of trail expansion.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Donations can be made to :

Friends of the Pandhandle

Pathway, Inc.

PO Box 153

Winamac, IN 46996

Donations can also be made on the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway website:

www.panhandlepathway.org