Joella Hiatt

Joella Hiatt, Passed away in the spring of 2022 in Community Hospital North, Indianapolis, due to advanced age. She was born before the Great Depression on a farm outside Seymour, Indiana, to Walter and Edith Able. Her siblings are Peggy and Winifred, both deceased; and Walter, Jr. and Mary Ermadene. Joella was married to her husband, Raymond Samuel Hiatt, Jr., for over 50 years. They resided in Indianapolis. Joella was a kind, loving and gentle person who welcomed visits from family and friends to their home. She had been an elementary school teacher so with school being out in the summer, she and Sam took road trips throughout the United States. Lucky visitors to their house, if they requested, were treated to an educational tour of their latest trip with photos and details. She read the National Geographic Magazines cover to cover for many years. Joella could discuss interesting foreign places to the extent you would think she had traveled there. Downey Avenue Christian Church was important in her and Sam’s lives. It was Sam’s family church before their marriage there. They were active in the church donating countless hours to help the church and its efforts to benefit the public. Joella enjoyed working with the church’s religious education program and the Food Pantry. Joella’s parents instilled in their children the importance of going to church every Sunday, doing their best at school, and helping others. She along with her sisters in summers were active in 4-H. After Joella graduated from high school, she attended Hanover College followed by Ball State University, Muncie. She obtained an elementary school teaching license. Joella taught at an elementary school in Indianapolis her entire adult career. During her and Sam’s summer travels, she found interesting materials to bring back to her students for classroom enrichment. Joella’s interests were diverse and included gardening, cooking, and Meals on Wheels. She supported Sam in his interest in various music activities and work with investment clubs. She kept up with what was going on in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Joella was conscientious and hard-working in all her interests. She was optimistic and supportive of her family, friends, and church. She is sorely missed. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in her memory to the Downey Avenue Christian Church, 111 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219. Final arrangements and care are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel.

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Joella Hiatt

May 19, 2022