Lillian J. Lemen Leonard Beavers

Lillian J. Lemen Leonard Beavers, 103, passed on May 28, 2026. Lillian was born in Indianapolis on October 2, 1922, to Charles E. and Lillian A. Lemen. She graduated in 1940 from Arsenal Technical High School where she became a skilled seamstress. Because of her expertise, she was called to mend an old flag and to stitch a new American flag to hang above the school, earning her the title of a ‘modern Betsy Ross’. She worked at Eli Lilly during World War II where she met Lilly co-worker Hiram Leonard. They married in 1949, joined Irvington Presbyterian Church, and both served on many of the church boards and committees. They began a wonderful family life with annual fishing vacations all over the USA followed by lakeside cabins in Minnesota and Indiana. Lillian retired in 1986 after a 20-year career at the General Office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, where she was Administrative Secretary to the General Minister. Lillian enjoyed travelling the world, both near and far. She played bridge and euchre several times a week. Lillian was a talented quiltmaker, won several local and national awards, and was a member of the Quilters Guild of Indianapolis. She was very proud of the quilt acquired and displayed by the Museum of American Quilters in Paducah, Kentucky. All family members are proud owners of her quilts. Recently she enjoyed communing with her Disciples acquaintances at Geist Christian Church. Lillian is survived by her two children Gerald Lee Leonard (Susan) of Prescott, Arizona, and Carolyn Leonard Terry of Indianapolis. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: David M. Leonard (Amy), Ellen C. Leonard (Michael), Jeffrey A. Terry (Rebecca), Lindsay Terry Martin (William), Bethany Terry Gray (Steven), Leah Leonard Cook, and Lora Leonard Macardian, ten great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Herbert H. Leonard and Thomas H. Beavers, son Larry R. Leonard and sisters Elizabeth Yoder, Dorothy Dreier, and Mildred Lemen. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington Street with burial to follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Irvington Presbyterian Church, Geist Christian Church, or Westminster Village North.

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Lillian J. Lemen Leonard Beavers

October 2, 1922 - May 28, 2026