Mary Jane Hartung

Mary Jane (Smitherman) Hartung, age 86, of Avon, Indiana, passed away on September 1, 2026.

A long-time Danville resident, she was born on June 22, 1940 in Mooresville, Indiana to Wendall W. and Lois C. Beck Smitherman. Mary Jane graduated from Butler University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Depauw University with her Master’s Degree in Education. She taught elementary school in the Coatesville, Amo, and Danville school systems. She was passionate about teaching her students about United States history through several trips to Washington, DC.

Mary Jane sewed a quilt for each of her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed tending her flowers and gardening, which she inherited from her mother. Her faith was the driving force in her life along with her family. She was always ready to provide a powerful prayer and tell you how much she loved you.

Survivors include children William W. (Lisa) of Indianapolis, Sara (Scott) Fifer of Brownsburg, and Susan (Lee) Benjamin of Carmel; grandchildren David (Erin) Fifer of Fishers, Jon (Ashley) Benjamin of Pendleton; Rebecca (Preston) Fifer-Grimes of Indianapolis, Abbey (Danny) Benjamin, Aaron (Libbie) Benjamin, Adam (Mackenzie) Benjamin, and four great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her brother Marvin (Colleen) Smitherman of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joe Smitherman, John (Shirley) Smitherman, Mark Smitherman, and sister Bonnie (Tony) Covey.

A funeral service will be held on September 7, 2026 at 1pm at Helton and Harris Funeral Home, Danville, Indiana. A visitation will begin at 11am. Interment will follow at Coatesville (IN) Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Mary Jane will be remembered for her deep faith and love for her family.