May 10, 1918 – March 30, 2022
Elizabeth Iolene Kercheval, 103, Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 30, 2022, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. Born May 10, 1918, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of the late Glen and Dorothy (Moore) Christy.
She was a 1936 graduate of Sugar Creek High School and a member of the Maple Park Wesleyan Church in Westfield. She was a woman of strong faith and even stronger conviction.
In 1938, Iolene married Roy Charles “Steve” Kercheval. She and Steve founded the Spicewood Egg Farm, which they proudly operated for over 30 years. Iolene was the backbone of the operation, breaking through the “glass ceiling” long before it was a thing. She was the company CEO – Chief Everything Officer. From bookkeeping and payroll to running the night shift operations, Iolene had it covered. She knew the entire operation like the back of her hand and was able to fill in at any position when the need would arise.
She and Steve loved to go on fishing trips to Canada, but when the bitter, cold winds of winter started to surface, Florida was their home away from home. Iolene and Steve loved to travel together, and that is one of the things that she has missed the most in recent years. During their travels, they always seemed to find one or two good places to eat along the way, but as far as Iolene was concerned, nothing topped a home cooked meal. In over a century, she never lost her fondness for good home cooking, especially if she didn’t have to cook it.
Everything Iolene did was centered around family, even more so during retirement. Slowing down in her “golden years” wasn’t in the cards, so Iolene decided to help her son Max at his family business, Kercheval Gardens. She was the asset that they never knew they needed. Iolene loved to visit with everyone who came out to the farm, and she also enjoyed the time it gave her to spend with her family.
Iolene is survived by her son, Max L. Kercheval (Kay) of Westfield; two grandchildren, Lisa Aerne (Dave) of Noblesville, and Jill Freeh (Mike) of Noblesville; six great-grandchildren, Amanda Wewetzer, Brad Freeh (Maggie), Mark Freeh, Jack Freeh, Ryan Aerne, and Davis Aerne (Wesley); three great-great grandchildren, Laban Wewetzer, Joss Kay Elizabeth Anderson, and Drake Aerne; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Christy; two sisters, Eva Mae Brown and Phyllis Buzan; and by her loving husband, Roy Charles “Steve” Kercheval on February 24, 1999.
A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Iolene will be laid to rest at Spicewood Cemetery in Sheridan. Elder Mike Jenkins will be officiating.
Iolene’s family would like to thank everyone at Sander’s Glenn, as well as Dr. Miller and the Staff at Riverview Hospital for the excellent care that you have given to her.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com