September 9, 1930 – March 17, 2026
Vera Elizabeth (Rust) Hoevener, 95, of Seymour, passed away at her home on March 17, 2026.
She was born in Cortland, Indiana, to the late Walter and Lillian (Schafstall) Rust. She married Robert Hoevener on March 25, 1951, at St. Paul Lutheran Church Borchers, and he preceded her in death in 1998. She later married Lawrence Monroe in 2000.
Vera was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and had earlier been baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church Borchers. She attended Cortland High School, graduating in 1948, and later attended Purdue University.
Vera worked alongside her husband on their farm west of Cortland, where they also raised chickens. She had a deep love for her family and found great joy in sharing her many talents and hobbies with others. Vera was especially known for her beautiful candle making and flower arranging, gifts that brought warmth and beauty to many homes, weddings, and special occasions. She also loved gardening and truly had a green thumb, taking great pride in the flowers and plants she nurtured.
While a member at Borchers, Vera devoted many years to helping with crafts for Bible School and Sunday School, sharing her creativity and kindness with countless children. She was also a dedicated Jackson County 4-H leader and an active member of Farm Bureau, where she serve as the Pet and Hobby leader.
In 1974, she became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church when she and Bob moved from the Cortland area to Bob’s childhood farm south of Seymour. Vera played a role in the early years of the town’s Oktoberfest celebration, operating a booth during the first festival and continuing for many years afterward. In 1977, she and Bob opened the “Treasure Room,” where Vera shared her love for crafting and floral design. Her arrangements were admired for their beauty and uniqueness, and she delighted in creating pieces that brought peace, comfort, and joy to others. Vera also enjoyed traveling and making memories with those she loved.
Vera is survived by her children, Daniel (Lou Ann) Hoevener, Gloria (Steve) Vandivier, and Annette Johnson; grandchildren, Tim (Rachel) Hoevener, Angela (Bill) Mousa, Mike (Casey Rucker) Hoevener, Ben (Sarah) Vandivier, Stephanie Vandivier, Rachel Vandivier, Brandon (Jessica) Johnson, Victoria (Michael) Deckard, and Lillian Johnson; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Michael) McIntosh, Megan (Chase) Stillbower, Jessica (Chase) Howard, Abigail (Brayden) McIntosh, Kourtney Otte, Katherine Otte, Emerson Otte, Wyatt Hoevener, William Hoevener, Isaiah Vandivier, James Vandivier, Emory Helton, Addalyn Helton, Annabella Deckard, Hensley Deckard, Carter Johnson, Corbin Johnson, Oaklynn Johnson, Brendalynn Johnson, Elaina Johnson, and Henry Johnson; five great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Chester (Linda) Rust and Waldron Rust, sisters in law: Sylvia Rust, Lois Rust, and Charlene Brewer and many nieces, nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hoevener; her parents, Walter and Lillian (Schafstall) Rust; her in-laws, Henry and Katherine (Schleibaum) Hoevener; brothers, Orville Rust and David Rust; sister, Carol Kastner; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ralph Kastner, Henry and Doris Hoevener, Ed and Alma Dettmer, Harold and Dorothy Eickbush, Ervin and Melba Hoevener, and Melba White.
Services for Vera will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S. Walnut St., Seymour, IN 47274, with Rev. Dr. Ralph Blomenberg, Rev. William Fredstrom, and Vicar Max Johnston officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Burkholder Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 419 North Chestnut Street, Seymour, Indiana 47274, and from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran High School, or Camp Lakeview.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Scotty Wessel and Jon Pace at Burkholder Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Seymour.
Memories and condolences may be shared, and flowers ordered, at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
