Inez (Graper) Pumphrey

Inez Graper Pumphrey returned to her Heavenly Father on July 22, 2020. Mrs. Pumphrey was born On January 6, 1916 on a farm in Fort Branch to the late Sadie and Fred Graper. She joined her siblings Freda and Henry "Bud" Graper. 
During her 104 years of life she saw many changes and will be remembered by friends and family for her contagious enthusiasm for life, her ability to see the good in every person and situation and for her love and commitment to her community.
Inez graduated from Fort Branch High School as the valedictorian of her class. While a student there she acquired her life long love of learning and discovered her gift of public speaking. 
She then attended Oakland City University where she became certified to teach Kindergarten through eighth grade. She later returned to college to continue her education and began teaching at the High School level. 

Mrs. Pumphrey retired after 20 years of teaching for the South Gibson School Corporation. She then worked with her late husband Dr. Olen Pumphrey for 40 years in his veterinary practice. After she and Olen retired in 1989, they traveled extensively throughout the United States. 
She was a long time member of Gideons International and the Fort Branch Presbyterian Church. In 1997 the Dr. Z. Olen and Inez Graper  Pumphrey Foundation was established to benefit the citizens of Gibson County and Southern Indiana. Its purpose is to support educational opportunities and improve quality of life in the area. To date hundreds of students have received help with their college expenses and will continue to do so.
In 2002, University of Southern Indiana officials conferred an honorary doctorate degree on the Pumphreys for their contribution to the University including the endowment of the University's first two Dean's scholarships through a gift to the Gibson County Community Foundation.
Mrs. Pumphrey is survived by two nieces; Lynne Lane of New Albany, Indiana and Karen Etcovitch of Fort Branch and two nephews Jonathan Graper and Joel Graper both of Evansville plus numerous great and great great nieces and nephews plus a host of friends. 
The family wishes to thank the staff at River Oaks Health Campus and Deaconess Hospice for their compassionate care during the last few years of life.
A public graveside service will be on July 25, 2020, at 10:30 am at Walnut Hill cemetery in Fort Branch, In with the Rev. Corey Atkins officiating. 
In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to Fort Branch Presbyterian Church, 212 W. Locust, Fort Branch, Indiana 47648.
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