Adlynn Jean Woodruff Marshall (House) was born on May 30, 1941, the daughter of Hershel and Olive Pauline Mathers Woodruff.
Adlynn began her love for learning at a young age while attending school in Hymera, Marion, as well as Evansville Bosse. Her passion for literacy, history, and mathematics shined through in her studies as she obtained the great distinction of becoming a National Merit Finalist in 1959.
Upon completion of her studies at Indiana State University, where she obtained graduate degrees in Mathematics Education and Library Science, Adlynn taught and inspired hundreds of students throughout her teaching career in her capacities as a Librarian and Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Biology Teacher at Franklin Central High School (Franklin, IN), Otter Creek Jr-Sr High School (Terre Haute, IN), Dugger High School (Dugger, IN), Oakland City Schools (Oakland City, IN), Paoli Jr-Sr High School (Paoli, IN), Worthington Jefferson High School (Worthington, IN), Central Academy (Henderson, KY), and Waldron Jr-Sr High School (Waldron, IN). Upon retirement, parents and students lined the hallway and asked Adlynn not to retire because her teaching had made a significant impact on their learning.
Adlynn’s love of nature was as central to her life as her love for teaching and learning. She had a passion for identifying numerous wildflowers and watching native birds of Indiana. Many of her relatives and friends fondly remember her beautifully preserved gardens. She is also remembered for her grand parties for family and friends where she showcased her intricate and colorful cake decorating skills while creating a space for laughter, community, and making memories.
Adlynn was the loving mother of three children, Polly Smith (née Marshall), Donna Kimmell (née Marshall), and Andrew Marshall, as well as a loving grandmother to Jessica (née Smith) & Joseph Pearison, Nick Smith, Ashlee (née Kimmell) & Jonathan Harmon, Brandon Kimmell, and Ainsley Marshall, and great-grandchildren Carter Pearison, Adleigh Pearison, Ki Smith, and Nylah Smith.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Adalynn’s memory to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, 200 South 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or by clicking below.
