Ned Smith Emshwiller, 78, passed away on Friday evening, Dec. 29, 2023.
Ned was born on April 14, 1945, in Bluffton to Fred Craven and Helen Arlene (Smith) Emshwiller. He graduated from Bluffton High School with the class of 1963. He went on to study and graduate from Ball State University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He served as the Owner/CPA of Emshwiller & Emshwiller with his brother Fred (Joe) until retirement in 2008. Ned served our country in the U.S. Army, serving 14 months in Vietnam.
On June 11, 1967, he married Judith (Judy) Reeves. They shared 56 years of marriage. Ned always prioritized family. He was very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He loved to spend time with them, cheer them on in their sports and activities, and travel with them on vacation. Ned also enjoyed spending time with his extended family and frequently hosted get-togethers.
Before moving to Muncie in 2010, he was active in the Bluffton community. He was also very active in the Ball State Alumni Association, where he served many roles, including president. He loved attending Bluffton High sports and activities and carried that love to Ball State, where Ned and Judy attended football and basketball games along with plays and musicals. He was a wonderful man with an amazing heart.
Ned is survived by his wife, Judy, children, Jennifer (husband, Tim) Hollems of Muncie and Lisa (husband, James Sowards) Emshwiller of Michigan City, Ind.; and three grandchildren, Carter Hollems, Kendall Hollems and Riley Emshwiller-Sowards. He is also survived by his brother Kent (wife, Jean) Emshwiller of Bluffton, along with his sister, Ann (husband, Ken) Taylor of Washington. He is preceded in death by his sister, Beth McCarty, and brother, Fred (Joe) Emshwiller.
Family and friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, and from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, in Muncie, Ind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ball State University Foundation, re: Ned Emshwiller-Cardinal Excellence Fund, 2800 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304, or donate online at bsu.edu/give. In the comments section, kindly mention “In Memory of Ned Emshwiller.”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.