Lorna Mary Eldridge

Lorna Mary Eldridge, 93, of Brookston, passed away at 8:45 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2018 at her home.

She was born February 26, 1925 in Sheldon, Illinois to the late William and Mary (Plunkett) Nelson. As a young girl, Lorna attended a one room school house just West of Chalmers and was a Chalmers Cardinal, graduating in 1943.

Her marriage was to James W. Eldridge Jr. on June 6, 1947 in Wolcott, Indiana; he preceded her in death on August 3, 1972.

Lorna was a member of the Badger Grove Community Baptist Church and was active in the ladies church missions group. She was also a former member of the Brookston American Legion Auxiliary.

Throughout life she worked for Purdue University as a housekeeper at the grad house, for Jessup Paper Box and Dunkers Dairy Aisle, both of Brookston, and for the Brookston Town Hall until retiring at the age of 85.

Lorna was an avid Chicago Cubs, Purdue University and Indiana Pacers fan. She loved anything that had to do with her grandkids and great-grandkids and their sports. Affectionately known as the “Mayor of Brookston” she was often seen riding her bike, walking and in later years riding in a golf cart around the town. She was a young 93, following everything Brookston and Frontier related in the newspaper and on social media, even on Facebook.

Surviving are two sons, Max (Lou) Eldridge of Brookston and Bill (Gwen) Eldridge of Kokomo and her grandchildren, Chad (Ashlee) Eldridge of Lafayette, Jamie (Sarah) Sailors of Brookston, Chad Sailors of Brookston, Alison (Nick) Brantley of Kokomo, Amanda (Phillip) Sullivan of St. Petersburg, FL, Kurt (Taryn) Bendes of Anderson and Jay (Kaylah) Bendes of Daleville, IN. Lorna loved spending time with her family especially her great-grandchildren, Madie, Brooks, Ryne, Makenzie, Lauren, Olivia, Sophia, Coltyn, Colby and Trey.

Preceding her in death with her parents and husband are two brothers, George and Francis “Fritz” Nelson.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral service 10 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2018 also at the funeral home; Pastor Roger Strunk to officiate. Interment to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Badger Grove Community Baptist Church.