Jeanette Louise Meranda

Jeanette Louise (Houston) Meranda, 61, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, at her home in Kokomo, In. She fought a long, hard battle with Crohn’s disease and pancreatitis. She spent many years doing experiments and helping them come up with cures and what would and wouldn’t help other patients. She was born in Muncie, IN on November 26, 1963, the daughter of the late Sam David Houston III and Sharon Louise (Berg) Houston.

Jeanette was a 1982 graduate of Monroe Central High School. She had also attended Calvary Christian School. She earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Ivy tech. She really enjoyed being a preschool teacher. She also spent many years working at Walmart, Howard community hospital, and the American Legion #353 in Farmland, In. She made many lifelong friends throughout her work.

Jeanette enjoyed being outdoors and going on adventures.  She enjoyed going camping, mushroom hunting, exploring caves, and basically anything that involved spending time with her family and friends. That is what her life was all about. She found great joy in cooking and hosting parties for them. She loved singing, dancing, shopping, and taking vacations.

In the past, she was a member of the women’s auxiliary of the American Legion post #353. She stayed active in her kids’ lives and liked to be involved with their activities. She was once a Girl Scout leader for several years and really loved teaching vacation bible school. She was a member of Christian Heritage Worship Center.

She is survived by her children Alicia, Amanda, Kayden, and Kynsi. Siblings Lisa Nelson and Larry Houston, grandchildren Kameron, Kassidy, Karley, Kayleb, Kaitlyn, and Karson, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She also left behind her beloved family cat Khloe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother; Sam David Houston IV, and the father of her children Douglas Wayne Meranda.

A funeral service celebrating Jeanette’s life will take place at 4 pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Devan Cole officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 2 pm to 4 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Elm Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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