Michele Elrod

Merlyn Michele Elrod, affectionately known by all as simply Michele, of Warsaw, Indiana passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 23, 2024, at her residence at the age of 57.  Michele didn’t plan on waking up in Heaven today, and is forever at home with her Lord, Jesus Christ!

She was born on June 26, 1967, in Warsaw, Indiana to Dorothy Sue (Hackworth) Elrod and James Leo Elrod.  Michele was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana where she was a 1985 graduate of Warsaw Community High School. 

Michele had always loved children and was the owner of Elrod Daycare in Warsaw which she along with her mother, Sue started in 1985.  She has spent the last 39 years caring for hundreds of children as a trusted childcare provider. 

She had a heart for giving, and over the years donated to various organizations, from donating blankets she made as well as donating toys that would be enjoyed by dog rescue organizations all over the country.  She donated money and various items to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, and especially enjoyed giving cookies to the local police department and the staff at the bank she frequented.  She decorated gourds that she would gift to her neighbors.  Michele had a great sense of humor and was often referred to as “The Chandler in the Room” since she was so much like the character from the show “Friends”.  She loved to celebrate National Zucchini Day with her day care kids and would lovingly “Ding Dong-Ditch” the neighbor’s homes and leave a zucchini from her garden on their doorsteps which included a card stating it was from Elrod Daycare.  Michele loved to keep in touch with her family and loved them dearly.

She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, William “Derek” (Cheri) Elrod (Warsaw, IN); and her sister, Alisha (Charles) Wagner (Warsaw, IN).  Michele also leaves behind her honorary brother, Mark Snyder (Warsaw, IN); and her longtime friend, John Sclewski (Macomb, MI).  She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Sue and James Elrod, and her brother, James Christopher Elrod in 1990.

Michele life will be celebrated with a graveside service at 2 pm on Friday, September 27, 2204, at Jack Arnett Cemetery in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.  Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana, locally by Hall Funeral Home, Martin, Kentucky. 

MEMORIALS:   Memorial donations may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 1048 S.  325 W., Pierceton, IN  46562.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michele Elrod, please visit our floral store.