Melanie S. Swartzentruber
April 6, 1948 ~ January 15, 2020
Melanie S. Swartzentruber, 71, Indianapolis, passed away January 15, 2020. Melanie was born April 6, 1948, in Indianapolis, to the late Elbert and Margaret (Hamilton) Terhune.
She graduated from Huntington High School and earned a degree in medical technology from DePauw University. She later earned her PhD in biochemistry from Indiana University. Melanie worked early on at Methodist Hospital and retired after more than 25 years of employment with Roche Diagnostics, where she worked in laboratory management. Her intelligence, determination, and strong work ethic made for a well-respected manager in the workplace. Melanie was an avid reader and also enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises. She will be fondly remembered by a loving family and many friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Theron and Kyte Terhune; one sister, Katherine Terhune.
Survivors include her husband, Darrell Swartzentruber, to whom she was united in marriage December 7, 1974; three daughters, Samantha Swartzentruber, Lisa (Josh) Stapert, and Valerie Swartzentruber; one grandson, Liam Stapert.
Friends and family will gather Friday, January 17, 2020, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the funeral home, with additional visitation from 10 a.m. Pastor John Dunaway will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Melanie was a beautiful soul. Her passing makes me the senior Terhune/Dillon cousin. This is an honor that I would rather not assume, but these are not things we control. She and I shared a number of memorable moments during our younger days, as kids and young adults. Whether it was listening to music in the Huntington house or sharing an evening while she was going to school in Indianapolis we always were able to connect as friends. When she and Darryl settled in Decatur Twp and started their family I had the privilege of teaching Samantha, Lisa and Valerie at Decatur Middle School. They all demonstrated the intellect that reflected their parents cognitive abilities. Melanie was my friend. I will miss her terribly. I only hope that her memory will serve as an inspiration for those of us who knew her and are left with a world diminished by her passing.
Melanie had the most amazing voice! We were in Swing Choir and other choral groups in high school. She had a clever wry sense of humor. How could I lose track of such a special person?
Melanie was my cousin. Even though we ( the Hamilton’s her mother and my dad were brother and sister) didn’t spend as much time together as I wish we could have, I still have memories of the whole Terhune family. Melanie, Theron in Kathy and Kyte along with Uncle Terry and Aunt Margaret. We made the short visits long lasting ones. Last time I saw Melanie, she and Darrell came to my parents campground in North Carolina, right after Samantha was born. They spent about a week there and she and dad shared stories about the Hamilton family. It was a short but very memorial visit. I will miss her as she is the last of the Terhune cousins. Praying for the family and love to you all. Greg Hsmilton
Melanie was my cousin by marriage for 34 years. Family was always very important to her. I appreciated how she was always so kind, friendly, and welcoming. Darrell, my heart goes out to you and your children. God bless you always.
I spent a week many years ago just hanging out with cousin Melanie. She was so kind and great fun, making me feel so grown up. She has always been bright, funny and caring. My deepest sympathies to her family. Rebecca T. Gay
Saddened to hear of Melanie’s passing. She was a hard-working and intelligent scientist and I was blessed to have worked with her both at IU and Boehringer Mannheim. I remember her telling me about at time when she was teaching Med Tech. An “efficiency expert” wanted to watch her work. She told him to go ahead, but it might be boring. Melanie would sit and think for a few minutes, then write something down. Then she’d do that again, and again, and again. The efficiency expert asked what she was doing. She said “Making up exam questions.” He excused himself and left.
Melanie was my dear cousin and I always enjoyed reconnecting with her every time we saw each other. I can’t believe all of the kids in that family are no longer with us. Rest In Peace sweet cousin.
I have fond memories of Melanie and am very sad to learn of her passing. She was outstanding in many ways and well respected always.
Melanie was a wonderful colleague. After I moved from Indianapolis, we would meet for dinner when I was in town and share information over a bottle of good red wine. She was extremely knowledgeable and a real asset to Roche. I have lots of wonderful memories of being with her. My condolences to her husband and daughters. Andrea Rose
When I was in college living in the dorms, I was not allowed to have a car on campus so Mom would drive me home for the weekends or the grocery store. We were at a stoplight and the light turned green but the guy in front of us didnt move so she gave a light honk so he’d notice. He flipped us off. She responded, “Oh hey, look, he pulled his finger out of his butt to show us what the problem was.” ߘ‚
It had been allways a pleasure to work together with Melanie. I am glad, that we had the chance to see each other nearly yearly during my long time beeing responsible for clinical chemistry standardization in Penzberg. I remember for example a really interesting stay in Seattle together with Melanie and Andrea. Melanie was not only a nice and collegue but also a friend. My thoughts are with her husband and her daughters. Astrid Fischer-Seiler
Such a great slide show! I remember how crazy she was for her grandson. Did my heart good to see the “putting on pants “video
She was my cousin. Didn’t get to spend enough time with her and the rest of the Terhune family because living several states apart! All 4 of my Terhune cousins are gone now, Melanie being the last. GOD bless them all!
Melanie was my sweet cousin. I wish I could attend her memorial service. A flood of memories flow in my heart now as I remember how we played together as kids. She was always kind and considerate and the world will be a less place without her.
Grandpa helping Adaleigh with her power tools.