Nellie L. Esamann

Nellie Esamann passed away on May 25, 2026 at the age of 87. Nellie was born on January 13, 1939 in Lebanon to the late Emmett and Maxine (Brown) Graves. She grew up on a farm in Rockville where they raised hogs, grew corn and soybeans, and had an amazing vegetable garden. Being the oldest child of a farming family was hard work that she didn’t shy away from. She graduated from Bellmore Union Township High School and looked forward to their annual alumni banquet that she loved attending.

In the summer of 1956, the farm girl met a boy from the city of Indianapolis, Harold Esamann. They married on September 28, 1957 and began a life together. Soon, their daughter Sharon was born followed by Linda, one year later. A third daughter, Pamela, died at birth. The family moved to Avon in 1971 and lived in the same home for over 50 years. After Harold passed away in 2019, Nellie was determined to stay in their home which she did until she moved to The Woodland Terrace in Danville, in the summer of 2022.

Family meant everything to Nellie. She was the oldest of four children, and as most oldest children do, she kept the other kids in line when they were young and kept them all connected as adults. She adored her sisters, Ruby and Barbara and cherished the summertime visits they would make ‘down home’ from their homes in California and Georgia. Her brother, Merrill, lives locally and frequently stopped by for a visit.

Being the mother of two daughters is no easy task, and Nellie did the best she could to raise two wonderful and amazing women. Those women gave her five granddaughters which were her pride and joy. Being Mamma to those five girls was her favorite thing to do even as those little girls grew up and had families of their own. She loved to celebrate new babies, weddings, and other milestones and was always there with a smile.

Nellie worked at Hobbs Nursery for many years before moving to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield. She worked in the payroll department and enjoyed getting to know her coworkers and seeing the many classes of law enforcement officers move through the programs. After she retired, she filled her days with a growing number of great grandkids who she loved to babysit and spoil. There was never a shortage of potato chips, cookies or love at Mamma’s house. Plus, an extraordinary collection of shoes, purses, and jewelry that she dearly loved buying.

Spending the last four years living at The Woodland Terrace, Nellie made many friends who she loved chatting with. She could tell you most of their life stories and many other irrelevant details she learned while at the dinner table. As much as she enjoyed those conversations, she loved ice cream even more. It wasn’t uncommon for her to choose to stay in her apartment and have ice cream for dinner and at her age, she deserved it.

Nellie had a quick wit, loved to laugh, and loved to love. She was loud, often critical, and said what was on her mind whether you wanted to hear it or not. She was stubborn, tough, and independent and those who love her are better because of it.

She will be missed, but her legacy will live on through her family. Those who will miss her the most include; daughters Sharon Rumple, and her husband Brian of Danville, and Linda Johnson, and her husband Larry of Greencastle. Her sister Ruby McCauley of Huntington Beach, CA, brother-in-law John Borger of Lilburn, GA, and brother Merrill Graves and his wife Donna of Rockville; five granddaughters Christina (Yearwood) Isaacs and her husband Todd, of Pittsboro, Amanda (Yearwood) Kinzel of Greencastle, Debra Yearwood of Anaheim, CA, Brittany (Johnson) Eubank and her husband, Justin of Greencastle and Carissa (Johnson) Burklow and her husband Zac of Evansville. Eleven great-grandchildren, Jenna, Nathan (Julia) and Hannah Isaacs, Gregory Christopher, Kaylea, Braysen, Daylen and Layten Eubank, Bennett, Myla and Eli Burklow and several step-grandchildren and great-grandkids.

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Pamela, and her sister, Barbara Borger.

Visitation will be held from 3-7pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Helton & Harris Funeral Home in Danville. Services will be on Wednesday, June 3 at 12pm with visitation one hour prior in the funeral home. Burial to follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.heltonandharrisfuneralhomes.com.