FRANKLIN
Louise (Ford) Means Schmeler, 83 years, passed away at her home in Franklin, Indiana on May 30. 2021. She was a resident of Franklin, Indiana. She was born February 10, 1938 in St. Louis, MO. Her father was John William Ford, Sr.; he died December 18, 1948 at City Hospital in St. Louis. Louise had a half brother, John William Ford, Jr., who passed away in 1977. Her mother was Constance M. (Wagner) Ford Koehrn, she had remarried to Edward C. Koehrn I on August 08, 1953. Edward had helped the family move to Indiana the summer of 1953. Connie passed away on August 31, 2000 and Ed passed away shortly after on November 02, 2000; they had been married for forty-seven years. Edward had two children: Cynthia L. (Koehrn) Cummings Chambers and Edward C. Koehrn II (Buddy).
Louise attended Whiteland High School for four years, graduating in 1957, the last class to graduate from the “OLD” school. She was married on May 11, 1957 to Raymond L. Means. He was stationed at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Crane, Indiana, at that time. He served three more tours of duty, each 14 months, two in Okinawa, Japan and one in Vietnam. Together, Louise and Raymond had five children: Gregory D. (Jill), Douglas W. (Annette), R. Michael (Pamela), Constance L. Mull (Daniel), and Steven E. (Teri). The two had divorced January 24, 1974 and Louise was left raising five children, ages 2 1/2 months to 11 years, by herself.
Louise worked at the Garland Skirt Factory and the Post Exchange on the base of the United States Marine Corps Air Station. Both were located outside of Beaufort, SC. She worked for the Franklin Chamber of Commerce from 1972 to 1979. She was hired by the State of Indiana to the Welfare Department, and then was transferred to the State Office Building, still connected with the Welfare Department. She was promoted to the Review Board, where she worked for ten years. Her next promotion was with Workforce Development where she worked for another ten years, and then retired April 30, 2000.
Lousie met Edward J. Schmeler, Sr. March of 1990. They were married July 03, 1993. He also has five children: Cynthia A. Dahl, Edward J. Schmeler, Jr. (Debbie), Sheri L. Miller (Kevin Thompson), Kimberly Salsbery (Jeffrey), and George T. (T.G.) Schmeler (Michelle). Together, Ed and Louise have twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.
Louise was a member of Honey Creek United Methodist Church since 1953 and then moved to Indiana Masonic Home in 2004. She was received into Jubilee Chapter, No. 602 of Whiteland, Indiana September 22, 2009. Louise later joined Indiana Grand Chapter, O.E.S. No. 523 of Franklin, Indiana. She was a member of the Indiana Masonic Home Choir and Diamond Chimes. For her enjoyment, Louise loved crocheting afghans, gardening, swimming, boating and collecting bells, rocks, and shells. She and Ed owned three cruisers: the Bay Liner, Wellcraft, and the Baha. She loved traveling out of the country as well. She lived her life to the fullest.
Family will receive friends Monday, June 7 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1977 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, Indiana 46143, with service to follow at 2:00pm. To leave fond memories and condolences, please visit: www.forestlawncemetery-fh.com.
