Mary Louise (Pfluger) Colen entered this life on May 21, 1938, in Aurora, Indiana, a beloved daughter to the late Elmer and Sarah (Mattox) Pfluger. Mary was a 1956 graduate of Aurora High School. She married the love of her life, Paul (Ned) Colen in 1956 and this union brought two children – Peggy Lynn and Paul Douglas. They spent 44 blessed years together until his passing in 2000. Mary devoted many years to her career at Baylor Trucking in Milan, Indiana. She was a longtime member of The Rising Sun Legion Auxiliary Post 59. Upon her retirement, she remained active in her community of Rising Sun and very much enjoyed being out and about. She loved spending quality time with family and friends, walking, and cheering on her Cincinnati Reds and Indiana Hoosiers. Mary held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had an admirable bond with each of her children. She did not meet a stranger and will be remembered for her love for life and sweet demeanor. Each of our lives has been made better because we have known her love.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; Elmer and Sarah Pfluger, beloved husband; Ned Colen, son; Doug Colen, son-in-law; Tom Pierce, sister; Ann Gindling, brother; Carl Pfluger, brother; Ralph Pfluger, brother; Randall Pfluger and lifelong friend; Edith Dugle.
Mary is survived by a daughter; Peggy (Colen) Pierce of Dillsboro, IN, brother; Charles Pfluger and wife, Elinor of Lakeland, FL, grandson; Shawn Pierce and wife, Rachel of Rising Sun, IN, granddaughter; Sarah (Pierce) Cappel and husband, Dusty of Greendale, IN, granddaughter; Nicole Colen and significant other, Chad Canada of Moores Hill, IN, granddaughter; Jessica (Colen) Tyson and husband, Jesse of Moores Hill, IN, and great-grandchildren; Austin, Jasper, Ricky, Emma, and Carter. She is survived by many additional loving family and friends.
Funeral services were at 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 2nd at the Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun, IN with Eldon Fancher officiating. Visitation was held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 2nd at Markland Funeral Home. Burial took place in Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Rising Sun American Legion Auxiliary or Ohio County EMS.