Edna H. Vencel, 90, died at 11:30 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2011, in Union Hospital with her son by her side.
She was born in Vigo County to Henry Robert (Bob) Hughes and Emma A. Hoggatt Hughes on January 22, 1921. She graduated from Honey Creek High School. Edna married Michael J. Vencel, Jr. in 1941.
Edna is survived by her son, Ron, and his wife, Mary Anne. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Pat Hughes, Reba Vencel, Mildred Vencel, Ann Vencel, Annie Montague, and Velma Newton. Also, brothers-in-law Don Vencel (Annette) and Joe Vencel (Faye). Also several nieces and nephews to whom she was affectionately known as Aunt Short.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mike in 1991, her brother Arnold Hughes, her sister Elaine Hughes Newton, brothers-in-law Frank Vencel, John Vencel Sr, Steve Vencel, Paul Newton, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Button (Jack) and Helen Lewis (Price).
When Edna’s husband was in the service in Seattle, she worked on B52 bombers for WWII. She next worked at Commercial Solvents in Terre Haute before starting at Roots Department Store (Ayres, Macy’s) in the mens department where she worked until she was 84 years young. Edna fitted shirts and suits and matched ties for hundreds of men in the Wabash Valley (and their sons and grandsons) and knew what size they were just by looking at them! She and Mike enjoyed gardening, then canning and freezing the produce, but most of all, she really enjoyed giving it away to friends and neighbors and relatives and coworkers. Edna and Mike also loved to go dancing and they cut a rug from Prairieton to the Terre Haute House! For years, they cherished Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers with her brother Arnold and his wife Pat and their family and also the Vencel Family Christmas Eve celebration. When Mike retired from Pfizer, they traveled to Europe and Russia and had the time of their lives seeing the world. After her husband passed away, Edna went on several trips to Branson, Missouri. She not only loved the entertainment, she reconnected with old friends and made new friends. Continuing a tradition, Edna accompanied Ron and Mary Anne on twice yearly trips to Florida where she was really in her element with the sun and beach! Also, Edna wouldn’t admit it, but she had a soft spot in her heart for animals. She took in strays and cared for them all. Most recently, arthritic “Kitty” laid faithfully by Edna’s side.
Of course, the light of her life was her son, Ron. Edna supported all of his activities growing up and encouraged him to try new ones. She cooked great meals for his friends and cousins who still talk about them to this day! She and Mike instilled in him their great work ethic and giving nature.
We would especially like to thank the caregivers from Hand That Serve: Tammy, Amy, Karla, Jamie, Bobbi, Sandy, and Jessica.
Ron and Mary Anne request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of your choice.
Family and close friends are invited to a service at DeBaun Funeral Home Springhill Chapel at 1:00 PM Monday. Visitation will be from noon until services. Private burial will be attended by immediate family following the services at New Harmony Cemetery.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:09 am
To Ron and Mary Anne – I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I had worked with Edna at Roots from 1967-1985 and she was one of a kind. A fantastic worker and we enjoyed having her train all the new associates that would work in the Men’s Dept. We knew she would train them the ‘Root’s Way’ and she had many pupils over her years at Roots. She was a dedicated employee and loved her job. Thank you, Edna, for making our job at Roots so much easier because you would ALWAYS take care of the customer. You and your family are in are prayers and may God’s love and peace be with you. Dan and Stanita.
December 19th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Dear Ron and Mary, We are so sorry of the passing of your Mom. She was one special lady and I do remember her so well at Roots Dept. Store. We all had such a nice time when being around her and she had that wonderful smile. I know you will miss her but you are one Special Son and daughter-in-law. She is now with God and no longer suffering.
We think so much of both of you and Ron we go way back. Take care and know how much we wanted you to know exactly how we felt your loved one.
Stay strong and know both of you are in our Prayers.
Sincerely, Joy and Mike McCrisaken JMcCrisaken@aol.com
December 20th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
My condolences to all of Edna’s family. As somebody who worked with her for years at Root’s, I’m pretty sure heaven will be straightened up a little better now.
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
I am Vernette Fulop who was the daughter-in law of Grace Vencel Fulop and Louis Fulop. I was married 61 years to their son Robert who died in June 2011. We went to many reunions in Terre Haute and perhaps met Edna in the large crowd of people. Memory fails. But we do remember the stories of the ocean trip Grace and her brother Michael made from Hungary many years ago. I was always happy to visit with the family.
I and my children, Judy Fulop and son Timothy Fulop send our regards and sympathy at the passing of Edna.