Meredith Mueller Leffel

Merri was born February 21, 1946, the daughter of Richard “Bud” and Dorothy Mueller. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School (’64) where she enjoyed being a cheerleader and was elected homecoming queen.

She went on to get her degree in education from Indiana University (’68) and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. IN 1966, when she was an Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess, she caught the eye of her future husband, James Leffel.

After college she taught elementary school in Washington Township for several years until she married and moved to Zionsville where she and her husband raised their two children. She eventually returned to school and earned a Masters in Counseling, after which she opened a private counseling practice in Zionsville.

She was married to James Monahan Leffel III, a Zionsville real estate developer, for 49 years. Their two children, Bo and Nan, were her greatest joys in life.

Merri was a voracious reader and enjoyed discussing philosophy and spirituality. She was devoted to her church and to bible study, traveling often to spiritual retreats in New Harmony, Indiana. She loved painting and, in her younger days, playing tennis at Woodstock Club.

One of her greatest joys was traveling to the Cotswolds in England and studying C.S. Lewis at Oxford.

With the help of some close friends, Merri created Albonandy organic garden on the family property where many gatherings of family and friends occurred over the years. For nearly 40 years, she held an annual “Baby Jesus Night” the Sunday before Christmas in a stable on the property. A manger scene was created, carols were sung by candlelight and children dressed as Nativity characters.

Merri carried an infectious spirit and a zeal for life and will be missed more than words can say.

Merri is survived by her husband Jim, her sister Nancy Olds (Bill), her son Bo Leffel (Kristen), her daughter Nan Leffel, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Merri’s honor.