Luetta “Lu” Ardus (Fuhrman) Mercier, 89, Bloomington
Luetta “Lu” Ardus (Fuhrman) Mercier died peacefully on July 3, 2024, at IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington.
She was born in Dubois County near Jasper on June 30, 1935.
She grew up on a farm in a German-speaking family of seven and started her education in a one-room school. Her Dubois High School home economics teacher influenced her to go to college and she was the first in her family to do so. She graduated from Indiana State Teachers College (Indiana State University) in 1957 and won the Home Economics honorary award.
During her senior year, she was married on April 28, 1957, to the love of her life, her husband George, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Haysville. Upon graduation, she joined her husband in Anchorage, Alaska, where she taught her first year at Anchorage High School. Statehood was granted to Alaska in 1958 during their stay.
When George returned to Indiana University to complete his physics degree, Lu began teaching in the area, and Bloomington became their home. Here, they raised two children, Tim and Michelle, while Lu continued her career teaching middle school and high school. She was a dedicated and compassionate educator and a lifelong learner. She earned Master’s and Post-Master’s degrees, along with dual licenses in Family and Consumer Science and Chemistry-Physical Science. She also taught and published for IU Continued Studies high school correspondence courses.
She taught for 30 years, retiring in 1997, joyfully touching the lives of thousands of young people. The opportunities Lu had to engage in professional experiences and organizations were endless and she delighted in these activities. She was a member of many professional and philanthropic organizations, including Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Monroe County Teachers Association, and the Family and Consumer Sciences Association.
Lu found her spiritual home at Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington. As a founding and devoted charter member, Lu was actively involved as a Sunday School teacher and numerous church activities and committees.
Lu lived an active and vibrant life: she enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, exploring all over the globe and all 50 states. She learned to snow ski in her forties and delighted in many adventures while cruising.
Lu is remembered for her talents with culinary and baking skills. She was an avid gardener, with a special knack for growing and sharing a wide range of flowers. Together with George, she volunteered her time and talents to many organizations in the Bloomington community, as a way to acknowledge that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. She shared all of her special gifts generously and graciously, always with a smile on her face and a kind word for each friend she made.
Lu is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, George; her daughter, Michelle Mercier-De Shon and son-in-law, Freddy De Shon; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son, Tim; her sisters, Lavella (Paul) Singer and Ruth (George) Elkins; her brothers, Emil (Ellen) Fuhrman and Luther Fuhrman.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington.
Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com
