Mary Elizabeth (Salerni) Seest, 94, passed away surrounded by family on December 29, 2024, in Mulberry, Indiana. Carl Seest, her husband of over 67 years, preceded her in death on August 8, 2020.
Beth was born at 308 N. East Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, on September 10, 1930, to Dr. Nicolo Salerni and Roe (Lucas) Salerni. Throughout her life, she was affectionately known by several nicknames, including Beth, Mary Beth, and Betsy when she was young.
Beth was six years old when her mother died. Her aunt, Ruth Lucas, a librarian, took over Beth’s care and became like a second mother to her. They lived in Indiana Harbor, East Chicago.
Aunt Ruth decided Beth should live with a family. Edward and Lola Lindsay had lost their daughter, Virginia, to pneumonia in 1938, and they wanted Beth to stay with them and their daughter, Marilyn. The Lindsays lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, on a farm at the northeast corner of 96th Street and US 421. Beth had a pony and fondly remembered the sounds of frogs croaking in the nearby pond. She also remembered the Frog Pond restaurant owned by Bob Theard which used frogs caught out of the creek. During her time in that house, she witnessed a rare event: a ball of lightning rolling down the hallway and out the door.
In 1942, Beth attended the 7th grade at Pike Township School. The Lindsay family later moved to Homecroft, Indiana, where she continued her education at Southport School for both the 8th and 9th grades. After the family relocated to Florida, she completed the 10th grade in Bradenton. As an honors student, Beth was rewarded with a free period where she became quite skilled at ping pong, later taking pleasure defeating her children in the game. Eventually, she moved back in with Aunt Ruth and graduated from Washington High School in East Chicago, Indiana, in January 1948.
In 1951, she graduated from Ball State Teacher’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. On August 5, 1960, she earned her Master of Science in Education from Purdue University. After graduating, she taught first and second grades in Richmond, Indiana. She then taught Kindergarten, first, and second grades at both Riley and Woodside schools in Frankfort, Indiana, and taught first grade at Ross Township Schools in Rossville, Indiana. Additionally, she taught at Durgan Elementary School and taught homebound children for the Lafayette Schools in Lafayette, Indiana. Believing that physical activity helped children to learn, Beth encouraged her students to learn to count by moving around the classroom.
Beth met her future husband, Carl, at the Methodist Church camp in Battle Ground, Indiana. He was there to collect laundry for his sister, who was also attending the camp. When Beth realized her ride had left without her, the camp director made an announcement over the loudspeaker, stating that she needed a ride to Lafayette to catch her bus back home to Ball State University in Muncie where she was a student. True to his character, Carl volunteered to help.
On their way to Lafayette in his 1947 Ford Club Coupe, they stopped at the Frozen Custard and began to talk. They lost track of time, and as a result, Beth missed her bus. Carl ended up driving her back to Muncie, Indiana.
On December 27, 1952, she married Carl Christian Seest at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Rossville, Indiana, where they were members for many years. On their wedding day, Carl and Beth’s friends planned to decorate their car as a fun surprise. However, Carl outsmarted them by purchasing a new car and having it delivered during the ceremony. While the friends searched in vain for the couple’s original vehicle, they were astonished to see Carl and Beth leave the church and step into the new car. The friends chased after them, but their pursuit was interrupted when a police officer pulled over the group. The incident was later featured on a WLS radio program and in a newspaper article.
Both Carl and Beth were recognized for their community spirit and leadership. In 1973, they became charter members of the Rossville Volunteer Ambulance Service (RVAS). The RVAS became the first volunteer ambulance service certified by the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission. In 1974, both Carl and Beth completed their training as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and dedicated 26 years of service in Rossville, followed by an additional 10 years in Mulberry. During Rossville’s first two EMT classes in 1974, a total of 84 EMTs were trained, and Beth achieved the second-highest score on the exam. Beth played a crucial role in recruiting and training new EMTs. She also assisted in creating a detailed 200-square-mile map to help the ambulance service quickly locate homes in need of assistance.
Additionally, Beth ran the RVAS non-emergency shuttle service for many years. Carl and Beth also supported residents at Rossville Milner Healthcare by running the Healthcare Shuttle for 10 years, ensuring that anyone in need of transportation received it.
Carl and Beth were active in the leadership of Boy Scout Troop 337, resulting in three sons achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
When Carl was elected as the Ross Township Trustee, Beth became the Deputy Trustee. They held these offices for 24 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to honesty, hard work, and responsible fiscal budgeting for community funds. Thanks to their careful budgeting and planning, the township successfully collaborated with the town of Rossville to purchase land for baseball diamonds by the city park and the fire department east of town.
In addition to her public service work, Beth was the President of the American Association of University Women, a member of the Edna Mills Home Economics Club and Eastern Star. She enjoyed antiquing, collecting beautiful vases, and completing cryptology puzzles.
Beth dedicated her life to the farm alongside her husband raising hogs, cattle, grain, and hay. Relatives and friends often stayed on the farm for weeks or even months. The warm, loving atmosphere and fresh farm air created an ideal environment for rejuvenation. She made meals for the workers. No one ever left hungry, and many fondly remember her amazing variety of homemade meals as the best part of baling hay!
We remember Beth as a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who was always willing to help anyone in the community. Even as adults, her former kindergarten students would stop by to chat with her.
Beth is survived by four children, five grandchildren, and many loving relatives and friends. Her son Mark Seest and his wife Gail (Baker) reside outside of Mulberry, Indiana with daughters Victoria, Emmeline, and Madilyn. Her son John Seest lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Daughter Karen Banks and her husband Scott live outside of Bedford, Indiana with daughter Katherine and son Zachary. Her son David Seest resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. Beth’s nephews and niece are Russell Pate, Robert Pate, and Gretchen (Pate) Hail.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 05, 2025, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. at Day & Genda Funeral Home, Bodine Chapel in Rossville, Indiana. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rossville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 568, Rossville, IN 46065.
Day & Genda Funeral Home Bodine Chapel, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.dayandgenda.com.