Elsie K. DePew

Elsie K. DePew, 94, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away on October 13, 2026, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born on April 29, 1932, in Monetville, Ontario, Canada.

Elsie graduated from high school in Hoxeyville, Michigan in 1950. She married her husband of 65 years, Edward H. DePew on December 16, 1950. She spent most of her life in Michigan, and went on to build a life marked by hard work, strong character, and deep love for those around her. She worked for many years as a bank teller, and retired from a refuge company, where she worked in billing and collections.

She was known as a spit-fire—stern, but fair—and above all, a very loving person. Elsie brought that same spirit to the things she enjoyed throughout her life. She had an artistic side and enjoyed drawing when she was young. She loved bowling, archery, cross-country skiing, boating, and snowmobiling. After retirement, Elsie and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. with their fifth wheel camper. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, was affiliated with Brushwood Church, and attended Brookside Church.

Elsie’s family was an important part of her life. She is survived by her son, Ricky DePew; her daughter, Barbara (Zan) Kushmaul; her step-brother, Jack (Donna) Robinson; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and one great-great grandchild on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Edward DePew; her son, Gary DePew; her daughter, Jody DePew; her father, Morgan D. Mercer; her mother, Edith (Chellew) Mercer Robinson; her step-father, Tom Robinson; her brothers, Dode Mercer, Lloyd Mercer, and Arnold Mercer; her sisters-in-law, Bonnie Jean DePew, Helen Weiser, and Maggie Ellerton; and her brother-in-law, Dick DePew. She will be remembered with love by her family and by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. CST at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m., also at Steinke Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Harris officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rensselaer Lions Club. 

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements.