Mariah Evelyn Julio, 76, Crawfordsville, IN, passed away unexpectedly from a coronary in her home on April 23, 2022. Mariah was born on July 26th, 1945 to Albert and Elsie Mae Zentko in Brazil Indiana. Mariah graduated from Schulty High School in Terre Haute, Indiana and received her nursing degree from St. Anthony School of Nursing, Terre Haute.

Mariah was a long time nurse at Community Hospital in Anderson, Indiana before beginning work as a patient advocate at Anthem Insurance Company.

Survivors include sisters, Linda (Lee) Burnside, Debbie Clapp, Kim (Dyke) Largent, all from Crawfordsville, IN. Stepchildren Vince(Melissa) Roddy, Illinois and Jeff (Qinugan) Roddy, Alaska, and six beloved grandchildren, 2 nephews, Aaron (Sara) Clapp, Darlington, IN, and Brandon Largent, Navajo, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, George Zentko, and her brother in law, Mark Clapp.

Mariah was an adventurer and was never happier than when she was traveling. As winter eased, she had recently been recharged by a few day trips. Mariah's dream and plan was to travel the world once she no longer needed to care for her beloved cat, Gidget. While she did not recognize that goal, family and friends take joy in knowing that the vistas she is experiencing now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven, are much more wonderful than any of this earth's.

In retirement, Mariah pursued many interests. She began to paint using acrylic paints and watercolor and became involved as an artist at the Athens Art Gallery in Crawfordsville. She participated in several art shows and enjoyed learning new techniques.

An avid reader, Mariah often spoke of her happy childhood memories of taking a book and an apple and finding a shady spot under a tree to spend the afternoon. Mariah continued her love of the written word by writing and publishing materials for both adults and children. Her work was published in Writer's Digest, Chicken Soup for the Soul; Inspiration for Nurses, and various magazines such as Woman's World, Good Old Days, Reminiscence, and Country. She was also involved with several Writers Groups that helped her hone and use her skills that all may improve. Mariah loved opportunities to promote reading. For those who wish to honor Mariah's memory, you are invited to make a memorial donation to the Ladoga-Clark Twp. Public Library, Box 248, Ladoga, IN, 47954, where her sister, Debbie is Library Director.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 3 at 11 AM at Burkhart Funeral Home, led by Father Michael Bower.  Visitation will begin an hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.