Harriet V. Marple

Harriet V. Marple of Indianapolis, Indiana, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Tallinn, Estonia to Jaan and Rosalie Peterson Oja. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer M. Marple.

As a teenager during World War II, Harriet escaped from her homeland as Estonia fell to Soviet Union (USSR) military forces. She eventually found refuge in southern Germany where she met her future husband, Elmer M. Marple. He was a handsome US Army officer; it was a love story which lasted 64 years.

Harriet received her high school education in her native country where she studied different languages.

After living in Allied-occupied Germany for two years, Harriet and Elmer traveled to the US and settled in Elmer’s hometown of Indianapolis. There she met her extended family and made new friends. They would build their home and raise their family on the same homestead, caring for beautiful gardens and entertaining often.

Harriet received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Butler University in English language studies and German literature. She studied in Germany with a Fulbright scholarship. Harriet started her teaching career at Ben Davis High School and taught at North Central High School for more than 17 years.

Harriet was a co-sponsor of the German Club at North Central High School and was involved with the student study programs in Salzburg, Austria. As co-sponsor, she was able to travel and chaperone her students in Vienna, Rome, Venice, and Budapest amongst other cities. Often Harriet and Elmer would go on their own adventures, traveling extensively through Europe and Asia.

Harriet was granted a 4-day visa by the Russian government and was reunited with her family in Estonia in 1971 which was a trip she and Elmer treasured. When Estonia gained its independence in 1991, she was able to travel freely to her homeland to visit her family.

Harriet’s interests included collecting art, taking care of her flower gardens, and reading. She often fed, rescued, and adopted homeless animals. Harriet loved spending time with her family.

Harriet eventually moved to Westside Garden Plaza where she participated frequently in social activities and volunteered as a Resident Ambassador for five years. She loved to meet new residents and make them feel at home.

Harriet belonged to the Estonian Society of Indianapolis. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church (later, First-Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church) where she taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer, her son-in-law Lorin E. Van Gorder and her four siblings. Harriet is survived by her son Allan D. (Debi), Colonel, US Army (Retired); daughters Marion D. Van Gorder and Tina A. Marple; along with grandson Christopher R. Crosby, who brought her immense joy.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation Westside Garden Plaza, Alliance Home Health Services, Main Street Hospice (Franklin) and Life’s Journey Hospice.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 8^th, 2022, from 1 to 3 pm, at Flanner Buchanan – Speedway in Anna’s Parlor at 2950 N. High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224. A private burial will be at Dover Cemetery in Boone County on October 10^th, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Red Cross or your favorite charity.