Liane Kay (Hawkins) Schoolcraft

Liane K. (Hawkins) Schoolcraft, 80, of Columbus, passed peacefully from this life with her loving family by her side in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a short yet courageous battle with uterine cancer. She was born on July 6, 1943, in Kokomo, IN to the late Harold Eugene and Hazel Marie (White) Hawkins. The oldest of four children, Liane was born on a Naval base, but spent her youth in the small-town life of Mooresville. Outgoing and popular in high school, she proudly graduated from Mooresville High School with the class of 1961. Her one and only marriage produced three upstanding children who remained her driving force in life, motivating her to be the best she could be. Her previous employment was with It’s a Small World Daycare when her children were little, but her real calling was in the block industry. Liane devoted 27 years to Mooresville Block as the office manager and the person who willingly filled every role needed. Known as the “Brick Lady”, she was gifted with the knowledge of everything related to bricks and could easily identify each type, even from a distance. One to enjoy the simple things in life and a true nature lover, Liane and the kids regularly camped in all the state parks, with McCormick’s Creek being the favorite destination. Glamping was never an option, and primitive camping was the only way to go, popping up a tent, taking spit baths and simply living off the land; a virtuous trait she passed on not only to her kids, but grandchildren as well. She loved a good bonfire, surrounded by the people she held near and dear while chatting and watching the flicker of the flames and the crackle of the fire. A keen bird watcher, Liane set out her bird feeder every spring, enjoying the beauty of her favorite feathered creatures, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers. A collector of cookbooks, she not only read them faithfully but was also an amazing cook, whipping up mouthwatering yeast rolls and apricot upside-down cake. She rarely missed one of the grandkid’s sporting events, enthusiastically cheering them on from the stands. Continuously keeping her mind sharp as a tack, Liane loved games and puzzles of all sorts. She took great pleasure in traveling, saving her money to visit places like Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii, and she especially liked to ride the train from here to California. Giving, kind, and selfless, Liane continually put family first, loving them with all her heart and soul. She gave the best hugs, holding on just a little tighter and a tad bit longer so that you felt the love she held for you. A fighter to the very end, she left this world and her people all too soon and she will be forever missed. Along with her parents, Liane was preceded in death by her sister, DheaRae Rigdon. She leaves behind her children, Brian Schoolcraft (Deanna Brown) of Indianapolis, Andrea Schoolcraft Medlock (Gary) of Columbus, and Susan Belcher (Matt) of Monrovia; siblings, Lurhe Strebb (Jerry) of San Jose, CA, and Gene Hawkins (Beki) of Warsaw; grandchildren, Brian Medlock (Courtney) of Fishers, Greg Medlock (Macenzie) of Fairland, Kilee Schoolcraft of Columbus, and Brooklynn and Brayton Belcher of Monrovia; one great grandchild on the way; former husband, Larry Schoolcraft (Charlotte) of Martinsville; along with several nieces and nephews. Funeral and cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service beginning promptly at 7:00pm, and Pastor Keenan Steinway will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made online to the Gathering Together by clicking https://thegatheringtogether.org/donate/, or by mail to 147 N Center St, Plainfield, IN 46168, and envelopes will be available during services, or to the food pantry of your choice. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Liane’s memory, please visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Liane Kay (Hawkins) Schoolcraft

July 6, 1943 - December 6, 2023