Andrea J Carlson

Mrs. Andrea (Nana) Carlson nee Lockridge formally of Merrillville, In. left this world surrounded by her family and friends after suffering from pancreatic cancer at her home on Saturday, June 30, 2018 in Bluffton, IN at the age of 73. Andrea is survived by her loving husband, James C. Carlson of Bluffton, IN; her children, Raine (Dr. Joseph) Spott of Schererville, IN; Diana (Jim) Yonker of Bluffton, IN, Christine (Dr. Michael) Rotheker of Elkhart, IN; and Daughter-in-law Darcy Carlson of Knox; Her sister Shirley (William) Harvey of Littleton, Co. and brother Jay (Vicky) Lockridge of Whiting, IN. Her Grandchildren: Maritza and Lauren Spott; Jenna, Brynn, and Matthew Yonker; Aidan, Sarah, and Emily Rotheker; and Zachary, Alex, A.J., and Savannah Carlson and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, James Keith Carlson, Her parents Andrew and Lydia Lockridge, her brother Robert Lockridge, and her sister Karen Berta. Andrea was born on July 28, 1944 in East Chicago, Indiana. She graduated from Hammond Clark in 1962. She married Jim, her high school sweetheart. Her family was her greatest joy. They were blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren, who affectionately named her Nana. She impacted many lives by her kindness, her determination, and her ability to make friends wherever she went. She was a lifetime Girl Scout earning the Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II, which is a high honor in scouting. She worked for the Girls Scouts for 20 years and retired to Bluffton, IN in 1998. She was an active member/leader of TOPS, Bluffton Chapter and enjoyed a good garage sale. A funeral is scheduled for 11 A.M. E.S.T on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home with calling from 9 to 11 on Saturday. Chaplain Chris Thurow will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nana’s life. A private family graveside service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery in Knox, Indiana If your heart calls to donate, she supported the Girl Scouts of U.S.A. and American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank Family Life Services/Hospice, Cancer Services, and family friend Sherry Alford for their kindness and dedication to her care. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.

Andrea J Carlson

July 28, 1944 - June 30, 2018