September 26, 1937 – September 8, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eva Ernestine (Thompson) Fleming, 87, of Bedford.
Born on September 26, 1937, she left us on September 8, 2025, in Glen Ellyn, IL. With her departure, we remember a life lived with immense love and a constant sense of caring.
Eva was born in Kentucky, the daughter of the late Ermel and Emeline Thompson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Fleming, in 1984. She has five brothers, Denver, Gene, Rodney, Edward, and Bill; her sister, Wanda, preceded her in death. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy and Brenda; four grandchildren, Daniel, Michael, Matthew, and Emma; and one great-granddaughter, Indy.
While attending the University of Kentucky, Eva met the love of her life, Walter Fleming. He told her that “She was the best thing that ever happened to him.” They were married in 1960 and had 24 happy years together. They relocated to Huntsville, AL, in 1964, where Walter worked for NASA. In 1970, the family moved to Bedford, IN, which became Eva’s home for the next 55 years.
Eva worked at Bedford Middle School, where she developed lifelong friendships with her co-workers. She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. Her favorite trips included Arizona, Hawaii, Seattle, Alaska, London, and Paris. Eva was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed baking. She loved the tradition of preparing and sharing Christmas cookies and special treats with family and friends. Eva was also a prolific gardener. Through the years, she invested in her vegetable garden and her flower gardens.
Additionally, she volunteered with the Red Cross. She became a lifetime member of the philanthropic sorority, Psi Beta Psi, Theta Alpha Gamma Chapter, a nonprofit organization that raises money for local cancer patients in need and funds local scholarships.
Throughout her life, Eva found strength in her deep faith and maintained a personal devotion that was humble and sincere. She was uplifting and fun. Whenever you needed a listening ear, a warm hug, a caring check-up phone call, or a hearty laugh, she was there. Eva had a very mischievous personality. She loved to laugh and to make others laugh. During her stay at Autumn Trace, she proudly accepted the award for “Biggest Prankster”.
We celebrate her legacy as a loving daughter, wife, and mother. A doting grandmother, a proud sister, and a devoted friend to many in the community. We will forever treasure her love, joy, and kindness, grace, generosity, and laughter, which were the essence of her being, as well as perfect examples of a life well lived.
A celebration of Life service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th Street, Bedford, IN, with Pastor Phil Thorne officiating. A gathering of friends and family will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Ferguson Lee Chapel. All are invited.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to one of her favorite organizations: Psi Beta Psi, Theta Alpha Gamma Chapter, Lu Kuehn, Treasurer, C/O Phi Beta Psi, 5350 Sandpit Road, Bedford, IN, 47421, or to Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services, P.O. Box 71, Bedford, IN, 47421.
Memories and condolences may be shared, and flowers may be ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Bedford is honored to have been entrusted with local arrangements for Eva Ernestine Fleming.
