Merle M. Phelps

Merle M. Phelps, 77, of New Castle passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021 at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. She was born November 3, 1943 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a daughter of the late Richard and Tamaye (Nakahara) Yamamoto.

Merle was a member of The House Church and was a babysitter in the New Castle area for many years. She enjoyed volunteering at the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Henry County Pregnancy Care Center and The Guesthouse.

Survivors include her son, Thomas J. (Stephanie) Phelps; two daughters, Missy Smith and Sharon Rayle (Lanny Fesler); six grandchildren, Tyler Smith, Samantha (Tyler) Huff, Jalen Phelps, Logan Phelps (Damien Hamm), Shelby Sampley (Jacob Scruggs) and Monica Sampley; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Ada Yamamoto of Colorado and Beverly Yamamoto of Hawaii; two brothers, Roy (Janis) Yamamoto of Hawaii and Allen Yamamoto of Hawaii; and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Thomas Phelps; and two brothers, Richard Yamamoto, Jr. and Harold Yamamoto.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Joe Joplin officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given The House Church, 1407 Walnut Street, New Castle, IN 47362. Due to COVID-19 and the governor’s mandate face coverings are required. You may express condolences or share a memory of Merle at www.hinsey-brown.com .

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