October 19, 1923 – October 28, 2022
Madonna Ruth Schamber, 99, Westfield, originally of Sheridan, passed away on Friday morning, October 28, 2022, at Riverwalk Village in Noblesville. Born October 19, 1923, in Sheridan, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Glenia (Spear) Brandenburg.
After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1941, Madonna earned a degree from Indiana Business College.
Early in her career Madonna hired on with Eli Lilly, working in the corporate center as an office assistant. She later served as the Secretary to the Liberal Arts Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tri State University (later becoming Trine University), in Angola, Ind., and retired in June of 1986. Madonna also worked part-time for Moffett Water Systems and Miller and Associates, Inc., as well as an Avon representative for several years. She had fond memories of her time with Avon and the customers she met along the way.
Madonna was a woman of strong faith. Shortly after getting married, she joined the Lutheran Church, a decision that would impact her life in numerous ways. She faithfully served many congregations during her lifetime, in various capacities. She began her journey as a classroom teacher at her church in California, and later moved to Indiana, where she joined the congregation in Noblesville. It was there that she became active in the LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). A few years later she started attending Pilgrim Lutheran Church, as it was closer to where she and her family lived. She later served as church secretary and took an active role in the work center the church had started in partnership with Lutheran Braille in California. Madonna and Herbert were both active at their church in Angola during their years in Northern Indiana, but Pilgrim was always home.
After her return to Central Indiana, she intended to take a less active role in the church; however, the church was coming up on its 50th anniversary, and Madonna was approached to write the history of the church. She was the perfect choice for such an undertaking. Her labor of love was published in October of 2005. She was currently a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Westfield.
Madonna is survived by her sons, Ernest R. Schamber (Kimberly) of Noblesville, and Thomas D. Schamber of Oklahoma City, Okla.; grandson, Andrew Schamber of Portland, Ore.; and her sister, Oleta Nay of Carmel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Glenia (Spear) Brandenburg; her brother-in-law, Fred Nay; and by her loving husband, Herbert Schamber on January 21, 1995. Herbert and Madonna were married on August 8, 1948.
Services will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Ethan Spira will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com