Obituary of Dee Ann Scharfenberger

Dee Ann Kinney Scharfenberger, 89, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully in her home on January 1, 2026.

She was a graduate of St. John’s Academy and a proud member of St. Michael the Archangel Church for more than 50 years. She worked at Sears Department Store and Cardinal Ritter High School.

Dee Ann could often be found at an athletic event or musical recital, cheering on her children and grandchildren, as well as rooting for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She loved playing cards (at which she was masterful) and being surrounded by her family at holiday events.

She is the widow of James Alan Scharfenberger.  Also preceding her in death are a son, Joseph; a granddaughter, Haley; a sister, Donna Eisenhut; and a brother, Joseph Kinney.

She is survived by her brother, Maurice Kinney; five children: Julianna (James) Newland, Janis (Mark) Boltz, Jodee (“Rusty”) Crace, James (Patty) Scharfenberger II, and Jennifer (Ryan) Snyder; twelve grandchildren: Patrick Newland, Matthew Boltz, Alex Boltz, RJ Crace, Tyler Crace, Cody (Chelsie Weaver) Crace, Colton Crace, Christine (Carl McKnight)  Scharfenberger, James Scharfenberger III, William (Nick Terrio)  Scharfenberger, Megan Snyder, and Gavin Snyder; and two great grandchildren: Sophia and Cayden.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Indianapolis, on January 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a mercy meal.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to St. Michael Church, the Indiana Deaf Children’s  Foundation, or the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation.

May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.