Connie J. Boatright-Royster

Mrs. Connie J. Boatright-Royster (Gross), died peacefully at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by her family, on October 4, 2017 at the age of 71.

Connie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Charles Royster; daughter, Rebecca Parks of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Jessica Parks and Andres Del Carmen of Indianapolis and Jerald Parks of Las Vegas; great-grandchildren, Kamila and Nadia (the Del Carmen girls); siblings Edwin Gross of New Jersey, and Carol Duly of Fort Wayne. She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Bertha Gross; brother, Maurice (Duke) Ransbottom of Fort Wayne and beloved son, Jason Boatright.

Connie was born on September 29, 1946 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was the youngest child of John and Bertha Gross. She was a proud graduate of Fort Wayne Southside High School. After high school, she attended and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A short while later, she attended Indiana University and received her Master of Science in Nursing after which she practiced as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatry.

The majority of her career was spent with the Department of Veteran's Affairs, serving in roles both locally and nationally before retiring from civil service. Locally, she championed the improvement in recognition and treatment of PTSD in combat Veterans, receiving the distinguished, Arthur Fleming Award. Nationally, Connie served as a leader for enhancement of the VA's emergency management mission. During this time, Connie responded to or supported many presidentially declared disasters and events (including Hurricane Andrew and Marilynn and 9/11). She also served on national and international policy forums, developed national/federal emergency management plans and policy and contributed greatly to the knowledge of the field with multiple publications and university curriculum development. As a result of her strong work in this field, along with her talent for coalition building, the Department of Veteran's Affairs instituted the annual Connie J. Boatright Emergency Service Award in her honor.

Connie served for over 20 years in the United States Army Reserve and retired at the rank of Colonel after commanding the 55th Medical Company CSC where she was affectionately known as "Colonel Mom".

Connie finished her career serving as the Senior Crisis and Continuity Advisor for the MESH coalition, an organization which she helped found. She remained engaged with Veteran's issues by serving as a co-chair of the Indianapolis Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council and Chair of the Indianapolis Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council Behavioral Health Coalition.

Connie was a lifelong Hoosier. She greatly enjoyed preparing Sunday dinners (often trying out new recipes), hanging out with family, watching reality TV shows and cheering on her favorite teams–IU basketball, Colts and Pacers. Her love and support of her family and community will be truly missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 4pm to 7pm at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. West Dr., Indianapolis. A Celebration of Life will take place at the funeral home on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 1pm. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com.