Evelyn M. Keith

Evelyn M. Keith, 96, of New Castle passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Glens Oaks Health Campus in New Castle. On October 27, 1929, Evelyn was born in Chesterfield, IN, a daughter of the late Cassell and Ruth (Thicksten) Otto.

Evelyn was a 1947 graduate of Anderson Senior High School and a 1951 graduate of Ball State University where she earned bachelor’s degree in education; she then went on to earn her master’s degree in education in 1953. Over the years, Evelyn had taught at Hernly, Holland, Old Parker and Wilbur Wright Elementary Schools; she retired in 1994.

Evelyn was a member of the First Christian Church for over 70 years and served as a Sunday School teacher. She was a member of N.E.A., Indiana Teachers Association and the Henry County Retired Teachers Association.

Evelyn is survived by her two children, Lisa Ayres of New Castle and Jeffrey (Kelli) Ayres of Indianapolis; granddaughter, Emma Ayres of Indianapolis; step-son, Eugene (Carol) Keith of New Castle; step-granddaughters, Krista, Kara and Kaycie; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Ayres in 1966; second husband, John Keith in 2002; son, Gregory Ayres; step-son, Richard Keith; sister, Martha Milakovic.

Services will be held at 12:00pm Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Rev. Ronn Oren officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the time of service on Thursday. You may express condolences or share memories of Evelyn at www.hinsey-brown.com.