Wilda Lee “Willie” McCleery Schaekel passed away Sept. 26, 2024, in Greenfield, Indiana. She was 85.
After graduating from Thomas Carr Howe High School on Indianapolis’ Eastside in 1957, Willie worked at Radio Corporation of America (RCA); in the accounting department at the Indiana University Medical Center; at Davis Homes; and finally as manager at Cedar Ridge Apartments, from where she retired.
Willie married the late Darl Schaekel on Oct. 25, 1991. Over the years, she doted on her bonus children and grandchildren — as well as her nephews and others.
Willie had a feisty sense of humor and a friendly spirit. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing board games and card games, working puzzles, watching auto racing and following local pro sports teams.
For years, Willie was a fixture at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and maintained close friendships with many professionals in the racing industry.
She loved animals of all kinds and provided loving homes for many dogs and cats, including several beloved miniature schnauzers.
Besides her husband Darl, Willie was also preceded in death by her parents Lee and Jane McCleery.
She is survived by stepchildren Kathy (Guy) Titus, Greg (Diane) Schaekel and Rusty (Adrienne) Schaekel.
She is also survived by grandchildren Erika (Facundo) Titus-Lay, Taylor Titus, Josiah Schaekel, Ivan Schaekel and Lenna Schaekel.
She is further survived by brother Chuck (Betty) McCleery, sister Joyce (Steve) Smith and multiple nephews and nieces (including grands).
Visitation is planned for 9 AM to 11 AM on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 --- with funeral services at 11 AM — at the Glenn E. George and Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville, Indiana. Interment is at Arlington East Hill Cemetery, 6350 US 52, Arlington, Indiana.
Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
