Constance Jane “Connie” Vanderlin Skeels, 97, of Anderson, Indiana, died on September 30, 2026, at Primrose Retirement Community of Anderson following an extended illness.
She was born on June 22, 1929, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to the late Carl Joseph Vanderlin, Sr., and Marie Geraldine (Heck) Vanderlin. She graduated from Mishawaka High School and earned bachelors and master’s degrees in elementary education from Indiana University. She taught elementary school for nearly forty years, primarily with Anderson Community Schools at Greenbriar Elementary and North Anderson Elementary, before retiring in 1990.
A lifelong Methodist, she had been a member of Anderson First United Methodist Church since 1964. When the family moved to Anderson that year, she joined the Anderson Newcomers Club, where she formed many close friendships. The members of the couples’ bridge club she and her husband belonged to remained especially dear friends of the family for the rest of her life. She volunteered at the registration desk of St. John’s Hospital for twenty years and, for many years, with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a program that provides free tax preparation for individuals and families with lower incomes. In her later years, she treasured the friendships she formed with the women of Primrose Retirement Community.
She is survived by her son, David W. Skeels, and his wife, Jennifer Fouts Skeels, of Indianapolis; her daughter, Andrea Lynn Skeels, of Indianapolis; two granddaughters, Emma Rose Skeels of New York, New York, and Dr. Amy Elizabeth Skeels of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and her nieces and nephews, Geoff (Roberta) Vanderlin, Eric (Anya) Vanderlin, Martha Vanderlin, Jenny Vanderlin (Charlie Pors), Pamela (John) Noyd, and Molly Vanderlin. Jenny, Pamela, and Molly visited her each year to celebrate her birthday, visits she cherished. She was also warmly embraced by the Fouts family, who lovingly included her in their family gatherings, a kindness she deeply appreciated.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, M. David Skeels; her elder brother, Carl Joseph Vanderlin, Jr.; and her sisters-in-law, Ernestine Gertrude (Schonta) Vanderlin and Marjorie Alice (Skeels) Smith.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Anderson First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson, Indiana. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church, with the Rev. Corinne Boruff officiating. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the care teams at Primrose Retirement Community and Paradigm Health for the loving care that comforted Connie and enriched her final years.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to Anderson First United Methodist Church.
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