Mary Ann Melbert, 81, of Greenwood, IN, passed away on April 16, 2025.  The daughter of Joe Ralph Cox and Mary Elizabeth Cox (Ellison), Mary Ann was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee on May 14, 1943. Soon after, the family moved from Tennessee to Central Indiana, where Mary Ann resided for the rest of her life.

Mary Ann met the love of her life, Ron Melbert, when they were teenagers growing up on the west side of Indianapolis, IN.  They attended Westview Baptist Church together and dated throughout much of their time at Washington High School.  Mary Ann and Ron were married December 28, 1963, and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage before Ron's passing in 2022.

Mary Ann graduated from Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis) with a bachelor's degree in education and from Butler University with a master's degree in education, earning both as a stay-at-home mom to her two young sons.

Mary Ann served as a first-grade teacher for 28 years at Central Elementary Grade School in Beech Grove, Indiana.  Her inherent sweetness, creativity, and sincere passion for education made her adept at meeting each student where they were and treating each of them with remarkable love and individualized attention. She also served as President of the Beech Grove Classroom Teachers Association for several years.  Despite her gentle spirit, Mary Ann became known as a fierce negotiator and champion for Beech Grove teacher contracts.

Known for her caring nature both in and out of the classroom, Mary Ann loved with her whole heart and was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother, and friend. She was always ready and willing to help others.

Mary Ann and Ron fulfilled their dream of country living when they built a home on 13 wooded acres in Mooresville, Indiana.  It was here that Mary Ann developed her love of gardening and hosted many family gatherings, including her beloved summertime "Grandma Camp" for her grandchildren.

Mary Ann's faith was important to her throughout life, and she served her church community through Mission Plan Group at Community Church of Greenwood, as well as the Benevolence Committee at Southland Community Church.

Mary Ann is survived by her two sons, Barry (Karen) and Jon (Rhonda); her sister, JoEllen Jones; and her five grandchildren, whom she adored: Libby (Connor), Annie, Katherine, Daniel, and Charlie.

Visitation for Mary Ann will be Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 am, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:30 am at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center; located at 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN 46131and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/marymelbert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southland Community Church, at 5800 West Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46142.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information at 317-738-0202.