Wanna Lee (Davis) Mutchler

On January 4, 2024, we said our final earthly goodbyes to our loving Mom, Wanna Mutchler.

Wanna was born March 16, 1931 to Mabel and Clay Davis.  She had a twin brother, Wayne, who died in infancy.  Her other siblings were Clara, the oldest and Pam, her baby sister. They were all very close and proceeded her in death.

Growing up, mom loved playing the game of Jacks and was quite good at it.  She also loved playing school with the neighborhood kids and jumping rope, especially Double Dutch.

In high school, she worked in the local department store and really enjoyed helping others coordinate their outfits.

On August 18, 1951, mom married Joe Mutchler, the Love of her life. Because of Joe, she became Catholic and her faith in God grew.  She was devoted to saying her daily prayers and the rosary. Because of Joe’s new job, they moved to Indianapolis, where Wanna and Joe raised 4 daughters-Kathy, Nancy, Ellen and Mary.  During this time, Wanna decided to organize some kindergarten classes in her basement for the kids in the College Meadows neighborhood.

When her daughters started school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Wanna also became very involved as a room mother and helped out at the weekly “Hot Dog” day lunch for the school kids.  Besides being very active at OLMC, Wanna was a life member of the St Vincent Hospital Guild, volunteered as a Candy Striper, worked on the Indianapolis 500 Ball, was a member of the Lay Missionaries of Charity and the Westfield Women’s Club.

But our mom, Wanna, will always be remembered for her large, loving heart.  There are countless stories of her generous and giving nature.  She would always send cookies, flowers or meals to people who were sick or in the hospital.  Her time and delicious cooking provided many meals to special families.  She was also known to have kept candy in her purse to give to children at church, the grocery store or elsewhere.  Her calling was to help people in need.  She was especially drawn to the homeless and the Little Sisters of Charity.

Wanna was also known for her social, fun loving and outgoing personality.  She enjoyed hosting dinner parties for family and friends, and as her children, we got to enjoy all the delicious leftovers.  Cooking was her passion and she had numerous folders of her favorite recipes.

One year, she and her Red Velvet Cake were featured in the Indianapolis Star.  She also enjoyed playing Bridge, going downtown to the LS Ayres Tea Room for lunch and taking in the freshly decorated department store windows and the Christmas lights.  Most of all, she loved her family.

Her final days at Meadow Book Memory Care in Fishers brought much joy to the staff and residents who were around her.  Even though dementia had robbed her of her memory, she still maintained that sweet, loving nature.  To everyone who came in contact with her, she would always say- “So Good to See You”, “I Love You”, and “Amen”. 

Now, mom has gone home to heaven to be with her husband Joe.  God has prepared a special place for her.  We will miss you mom, but we know that you are singing with the angels.

Love-Your Family

Family and friends will gather Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11 am in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery Chapel, where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12 noon in the Chapel.

A reception will follow at 1:30 pm in the Capri Italian Restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the listed charities are welcome:

Merciful Help Center, 1045 W 146th Street, Carmel, IN 46032; Traditions Health Hospice, 7215 E 21st Street, Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46219 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Envelopes will be available at the service. 

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wanna Lee (Davis) Mutchler, please visit our floral store.