Darla "Dodi" McLemore

Darla June “Dodi” McLemore, 60, of Elkhart, died on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at I. U. Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Dodi was born on April 5, 1964, in Watervliet, MI to the late James R. “Roy” and Edith June (Lee) McLemore.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Mike and Tim McLemore and her father and mother-in-law, Alex and Magdalena Simon.

On July 5, 2022, Dodi married Guenther Simon in Elkhart.  Guenther survives along with her sister, Deb (Jim) Webb of Indian River, MI; two nephews, Logan (Mikayla) Webb and Jared Webb, a sister-in-law, Erika (Bob) Reese of Elkhart, a brother-in-law, Reinhold (Val) Simon of French Lick, IN and her two fur babies, Tank and Schatzi, both of whom were constantly by Dodi’s side.

Dodi received her bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University.  She then went on to receive her master’s degree before beginning her career as a teacher with the Elkhart Community School System.  She taught at Mary Feeser as well as North Side Middle School, Elkhart Memorial High School and the Elkhart Freshman Academy. She was actively involved as a dedicated coach, always wanting what was best for her kids.  She was the girls’ golf coach at Elkhart Memorial High School and also taught drivers education for over 30 years.  A sports enthusiast, Dodi could often be found with Guenther or her “girls” at Four Lakes Country Club, her happy place.  Besides being an avid golfer, she was also in a pickleball group that was highly competitive.

Dodi will be remembered for many things but certainly at the top of that list would be her selfless act of becoming an organ donor through the Indiana Donor Network.  Her lifesaving decision saved the lives of at least three people that day.

Visitation for Dodi will be held on Wednesday, April 9th from 3 to 6 pm at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be held for Dodi beginning at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Elkhart County 54687 C. R. 19 Bristol, IN 46507 or to the Indiana Donor Network 3760 Guion Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46222.

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