Marilou A. Wardrop

Marilou Ade Wardrop, 102, of Huntington, passed away at 6:00 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Heritage Pointe of Huntington. She was born on June 8,1923 in Huntington and was the daughter of Ervin William and Irma Martha Stetzel Ade. She graduated from Huntington High School in 1941 and received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Manchester College in 1959 and her Master of Arts degree in counseling and guidance from Ball State University in 1963. She started her career in education in South Whitley teaching social studies and art from 1959 to 1963. She taught in the Fort Wayne Community School Corporation from 1963 until 1966 and the Huntington County Community School Corporation from 1966 until retirement in 1985. In 1977-78 she served as the first coordinator for the Artist-in-Residence program for the Huntington County Community School Corporation. After retirement, Marilou became involved in volunteering for local organizations. She was involved with the restoration of the Hotel LaFontaine in 1985-1986. She served on the Board of the LaFontaine Arts Council and the Huntington Literacy Coalition Board. She served as a tutor for the English as a Second Language Program and was Tutor of the Year in 2005. She has been a faithful member of the Trinity United Methodist Church since 1935 where she taught Sunday School and served on committees and commissions. She was active in the United Methodist Women and was Woman of the Year in 2011. She has also been an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, First Mothers’ Club, Indiana Sorosis, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, Shakespeare Club and Huntington County Retired Teachers’ Association. She is survived by her daughter, Diana (Rick) Reed of Huntington, stepson. David (Margaret) Wardrop of Marstons Mills, MA; granddaughters, Rachael Small of South Haven MI, Sarah Reed of Roanoke, IN; two grandsons, Philip Reed of Huntington, IN, Adam (Margaret) Reed of Milwaukee, WI; step granddaughter; a great granddaughter, three great grandsons, two step great grandchildren and sixteen nieces & nephews. She married Thomas Wardrop, JR. on October 24, 1973, and he preceded her in death on December 28, 2005. Others preceding her in death were her parents, her son, M. Philip Rich, two brothers, five sisters and a step daughter in law. Visitation will be from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Huntington Preferred memorials can be made out to one of the following organizations, the Phil Rich Memorial Scholarship, United with Love, or Trinity United Methodist Church. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Marilou A. Wardrop.