Ellen Louise Alkire

Ellen Louise Moore Alkire, 88, better known as “Sue” (a name given to her by a neighbor when she was a baby) passed away Saturday, December 10 at 1:20 p.m. at Mulberry Health and Retirement Community. She was married to Truman L. Alkire who preceded her in death, along with her parents, Walter L. and Fairy (Riley) Moore; sisters, Martha Malaska; Ruth Morehouse; brothers Mal and Phillip Moore; and a special cousin, Jean Marvin.
Sue was a member of Dayton Memorial Presbyterian Church and Dayton Order of Eastern Star. She worked as a bookkeeper for Sears Roebuck & Company before opening Alkire?s Hilltop Ceramics, which she operated for almost 40 years. There, she taught ceramics and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends who frequented her shop.
She was an avid gardener, ceramicist, loved crocheting and working crossword puzzles before her bout with Alzheimer?s. Sue delighted in her family and was happiest when spending time with them.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Fran) Alkire, of Lafayette; Alan (Denise) Alkire, of Indianapolis; Marsha (Max) Biery, of Morristown, TN; grandchildren: Scott Alkire (Becky Enoch), of West Lafayette; Brian Alkire of Lafayette, Shawn (Brenda) Alkire of Dayton, IN, Julie (Scott) Rehwinkle of Lafayette, Amanda (Damon) Martin, of Indianapolis; Adam Alkire of Indianapolis; Keith (Tricia) Biery, of Morristown, TN; Kent (Linda) Biery, of Boswell, PA; Kyle (Lisa) Biery, of Talbott, TN; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Eleanor Weigle of Dunkirk, NY; and Ruby Christopher, of Lafayette.
The family would like to give special thanks to her caregiver(s) Jan McNiel and Comfort Keepers, which allowed her to stay in her home longer; and also to the Caring Staff of Mulberry Health and Retirement Community for the excellent care she received while a resident there since July, 2011.
A celebration of Sue?s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 17, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN with Rev. Justin Schlesinger-Devlin officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery, Colfax, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Dayton Memorial Presbyterian Church or the American Alzheimer?s Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.