Emma Mae (Betz) Sublette

Emma Mae Betz Sublette (1937- 2026)

Emma Sublette died peacefully at home with her children on July 20. She was born on March 8, 1937, to depression-era parents, Nancy Lucille Morrison Betz and Fred Betz, a WWI veteran. She developed her strong work ethic and family values growing up on a farm west of Columbus, Indiana, where she helped care for the livestock and tended the crops before and after school to do her part to provide food and income for her rural family.

Emma attended a one-room schoolhouse not far from the farm and was a graduate of Columbus High School. She married Bob Sublette, also from Columbus. Bob built a successful auto body repair business in Southport, Indiana and Emma was a homemaker and caregiver for numerous years. 

She took joy in watching the family grow and was blessed with seven children, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Her devotion to family was obvious. She made it clear to everyone she met that her children were her greatest source of pride. Her children include Bernie (Rose Mary), Mike (Gina), Tom (Sandra), Mark, Nan, Marcie, and Stacy (Dale).  

Later in life her energetic, spunky, caring, and mentoring personality led her toward work in real estate. Her career took a turn after that and her confident and independent spirit drove her to establish her own cleaning business, which created meaningful employment opportunities for many women, a role that provided great meaning in her life. 

Known for her “green thumb,” she enjoyed being outdoors and especially her gardening, often sharing tips as well as starter plants with others. 

Wherever she lived, home improvement projects were underway. All of us were especially fond of the memories created at her two lake homes on Cordry and Sweetwater Lakes that were transformed from basic weekend spots to wonderful destinations for friends and family.

Golfing was a hobby she enjoyed throughout her life, including a hole in one experience! She spent many hours on the golf course with her daughters Stacy and Nan and son-in-law Dale.

Over the years she spent time with her family in Florida, Texas, Michigan, and England, wherever they might be at any given time, she always managed to get there. And not surprisingly, travel was one of her passions with Europe and Alaska among some of the places she visited. 

She was a member of Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Columbus and then Smith Valley United Methodist Church in Greenwood. 

Known for her cheerful disposition and unrelenting positivity, Emma continually expressed gratitude to God for her care and provision throughout life.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Fern Lavonne Betz Zimmerman and Norma Jean Betz Horn; her brother Raymond Alfred Betz; and her daughter-in-law Theresa Johnson Sublette. She is survived by her sister Marjorie Irene Betz.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 2  from 1 to 3 p.m. with a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Smith Valley United Methodist Church 5293 Old Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46143.

A Celebration of Life will be held the same day from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Smocktown Brewery, 223 W. Main Street, Greenwood, IN 46141.

For those who would like to make a donation, please donate to Smith Valley United Methodist Church, 5293 Old Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46143.

Visitation and Memorial Service

August 2

Visitation 1-3 p.m.

Memorial Service 3 p.m.

Smith Valley United Methodist Church 

5293 Old Smith Valley Road

Greenwood, Indiana 46143

317-881-1641

Celebration of Life 

August 2 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Smocktown Brewery

223 W. Main Street

Greenwood, Indiana 46142

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