Elsie Gann

Otwell, Indiana -

Elsie L. Gann, 85, passed away on May 17, 2025, at her home in Otwell, with her daughter by her side, holding her hand.

She was born on October 13, 1939, daughter of the late William Kermit and Mary Emma (Oldham) Harlen.

Elsie and her husband, Leonard, loved traveling and moved frequently from state to state, finally settling back in Indiana. She retired from Jasper Rubber.

She loved to spend time with her family, reminiscing and laughing. She enjoyed all the cats that she had throughout her life, playing slots at any casino that she could find and eating Red Lobster or Cracker Barrel with family and her friend, Yvonne Meyer.

Elsie is survived by her daughter, Opal (Brock) Sermersheim; a sister, Debbie Weedman; a grandson and four great grandchildren. Elsie had several nieces and nephews that she loved, especially Lana Winchell, that helped take care of her.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Leonard Gann; sons Victor Kelsey and Darrell Kelsey; brothers, David, Kermit, Doug, Louis and Bill Harlen; and her sister, Maryann Winchell, who was eleven months apart from Elsie, making them inseparable.

Elsie was loved by so many. Her family would like to say a special “thank you” to Heart-to-Heart Hospice for your care and compassion, Visiting Angels and her caregivers, Brenda, Laveeta, Sierra and especially Lori, that was her constant caregiver. Also, thank you to Adaptive for bringing us Brooke, as mom’s caregiver later as well. It took a village for Elsie because she was so active, enjoyed life and liked to sneak those Twinkies!

A private burial will take place “up on the hill” at Gilliand Cemetery in Derby. Huber Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pike County Humane Society and Alzheimer’s Association.