Imogene Emmert, 97, Columbus (formerly of Hope)

Imogene Emmert, 97, of Columbus, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Imogene was born on July 13, 1928 in Columbus, Indiana, the eldest child of Oliver Wilcoxson and Helen Marie (Jones) Wilcoxson Cates. She lived in Hope, Indiana for 54 years before moving to Columbus, Indiana in 2000.

Imogene attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and graduated from Columbus High School in 1946.

Imogene met the love of her life, William Martin (Bill) Emmert on a blind date following his return to Hope, Indiana after serving his country in World War II in the United States Navy aboard the USS Estes. They were united in marriage at the Hope United Methodist Church on September 10, 1946, where Stanley Huffer sang “Always.” He preceded her in death in 1998.

She loved reading all of her life and was recommended to be Librarian at the Hope Branch of Bartholomew County Library in 1972, retiring in 1989, helping everyone, especially children.

She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana and attended the Berean Sunday School Class. Her age made no difference to her as she attended on a regular basis, to both her church and Sunday School class. She enjoyed listening to and reading Rev. Charles Stanley when she was unable to attend church in person.

Imogene was a loyal member of the Hope Ladies Care Club (formerly known as Kill Kare Klub) since 1975. She enjoyed serving as hostess or preparing programs for the monthly meetings and served as president several times.

She loved to sew, especially quilting. She created many beautiful quilts, gifting one to each of her children and grandchildren. Many of her quilts won grand champion at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair and she received a certificate of appreciation for a money-making quilt she made for Hauser Dollars for Scholars. Imogene loved gardening and digging in the dirt. Her flowers were always beautiful, and her vegetables delicious. She spent many hours canning and freezing produce from her garden. She made delicious applesauce (even at the age of 95) which was enjoyed by her family, especially her great-grandkids! She loved everything British and especially enjoyed English Teatime with her good friend from England, Janet Lee.

She loved her family and home, taking an active part in her children’s activities. Imogene enjoyed telling stories of her past, fondly recalling teachers that made a profound impact on her life. She loved talking about historical events, loved the Cincinnati Reds, and reminded her family every year on the anniversary of the Milan High School State Championship in 1954. She will forever be loved and remembered.

Survivors include her children, Martin Lee (Pamela) Emmert of Roswell, NM, Anita Lynn (Daniel) Burton of Edinburgh, IN and David Joe (Michelle) Emmert of Columbus, IN; grandchildren, Aaron (Shana) Emmert, Jenny (Brad) Beach, Andrew Emmert, Jessica (Brian) Grismore, Abigail (Patrick) Glasser, Megan (Greg) McCoy, Kaitlyn Emmert and Anna Emmert; great-grandchildren, Aaron Martin Emmert, Ryan Emmert, Emily Beach, Adilynn Beach, Zane Grismore, Eli Grismore, Koby Grismore, Anderson Glasser, Leonel Glasser, Collin McCoy, and Stella McCoy.

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 52 years, William (Bill) Emmert; son, Wm. Michael Emmert, a Vietnam veteran; and her five siblings, Shirley Ann Laughlin, Laverne Davis, Patty Parker, Nancy Collins-Brown, and Ollie Wilcoxson.

A service will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home with Patrick Glasser officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Hawcreek Flat-Rock Area Endowment Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the Imogene’s family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.