Maryleah Fleener

Maryleah Fleener age 78, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026.

She is survived by 9 nieces and nephews; Carol (Larry) Watler, Tom (Dottie) Lain, Nancy Fleener, Tammie (Chuck) Rabura, Tessie Fleener, Nate (Hillary) Fleener, Kevin (Ann) Stevenson, Kent (Jennifer) Stevenson, and Kathy (Kerry) Thomas; numerous great-nieces and nephews and dear friends and feline pals, Binx and Callie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fritch and Naomi Fleener, her brother, Wendell Fleener, and her sisters, Maxine Lain, and Judy Stevenson.

Maryleah was born February 21, 1948 in Shelby County, Indiana and spent her post high school education at several universities including Purdue, Johnson Bible College, IUPUI, and IU eventually earning her degree in Education. Following graduation she spent time in Zimbabwe where she worked as a missionary.  She treasured her time there and continued to support that mission work in later years.  After she returned home from Zimbabwe, she began working for Munster Schools while also attending Purdue Calumet where she received her masters degree in Special Education.  She worked in the Munster School System for more than 29 years.  At the time of her retirement she was working in Lake Central High School.  During retirement she dedicated her time to her church and to her former students who looked forward to Friday Fun Night each week at her home.

She enjoyed crafting and spending time with her family and friends.  She spoiled her nieces and nephews and later on continued that tradition by spoiling her great-nieces and great-nephews.  She loved her cats, and she often joked that she was becoming a “crazy cat lady”.  She travelled with friends and family all over the United States to visit other friends and family.

Maryleah was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend and will be truly missed by all whose lives she touched.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 at Hillside Funeral Home 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 following the gathering at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Harrison officiating.

Interment will be at a later date in Flat Rock Cemetery, Flat Rock, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Maryleah to the following charity groups that do work in areas dear to her heart:  Downs Syndrome Association of North West Indiana, UNICEF, and Save the Children.

For further information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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