Date Of Birth: October 8, 1914
Date Of Death: June 27, 2009
Ideen B. Catterson, 94, is now in heaven, ballroom dancing with her late husband, Robert J. Catterson, the former television personality and local Buick dealer. She left this life on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Born the second oldest of seven children in Cannelburg, IN on October 8, 1914 to Frank and Gladys Callahan, she always loved to dance and play the piano. An excellent student, she graduated from St. Mary’s Academy after the family moved to Indianapolis at the start of her high school years. Her natural lightness on her feet and ability to follow any dance partner won her the nickname “Feather” and the admiring gaze of her future husband. Married 56 years, Bob and Ideen performed floor shows with the Billy Moore Band in their early years together and taught ballroom lessons in their own studio and on television with their own program on WFBM in 1951 called “Dancing Made Easy.” Their unique and graceful style won the Indiana Roof State Waltz Championship in 1947 and the trophy graced the ballroom for many years. At the Roof’s re-opening, Bob and Ideen were honored with an invitation to dance the first dance. In later years, Ideen enjoyed playing golf and socializing with friends at Woodland and Highland Country Clubs and the Indianapolis Athletic Club.Ideen was proud to have been selected from a pool of stenographers to work for the FBI at Naval Avionics during World War II, but most of all, of what she called her three “productions,” her children. They survive her: Michael P. Catterson (Brenda) of Indianapolis, Patricia A. Catterson of New York City, and Nancy S. Lavely (Jeff) of Carmel. Brothers, Greg Callahan (Joan) and Charles Callahan (Mildred), both of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Jeffrey Robert Lavely and Jennifer Susan Lavely of Carmel; and step-grandchildren, Sarah Miller and Rachel Lavely of Indianapolis, also survive her. In heaven with her, along with her husband and parents, are her siblings and their spouses, Chester (Alberta), Cornelius (Josie), and Emil (Bette) Callahan and Mary Catherine (Paul) Gyger.Her family and her friends who loved her, including those at Clearwater Commons, where she last lived, will miss her youthful energy, fun loving sense of humor, and compassion. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church parish where the Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, June 30 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be at Harry W. Moore Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, on Monday, June 29 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Sherrel McWhirter Battles says
Kind. Funny. The soul of elegance and grace. You taught me so much and you truly are my “other mother.” I love you always.
Sherrel
Carol Farran says
Dear Mike and Brenda,
I just learned of Ideen’s passing. Her love of dancing and people will remain with me,she was a sweet lady and loved by many.
It is always a difficult journey for family. I regret that I will be unable to attend the service.
I send my love,
Carol
Stevanne Steadman says
Patty and Family~ We will all miss your mother very much! She was an amazing woman. I loved hearing all of her stories. You all are in our prayers. Stevanne and the Bonefish Grill Bartenders
Barb Jim Neff says
Mike – Nancy
We loved your Mother very very much.
You have our deepest synpathy. She will live in our hearts forever. thank you for being our friend. Barb Jim Neff
Denise Johnston says
Fancy Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out and the tears are flowing for you, Jeff, Jeffrey, Jennifer, your brother and sister. I know the last few years were tough, but she truly loved you always…remember the one roller skate. I’m so sorry I’m not there for you now. I will light a candle here for all of you. Hugs, DD
terry hunter says
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your Mother, Sister and Grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Traci Jones says
Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounded like she was full of life and love. You will be in my prayers during this vey difficult time.
God Bless,
Traci Jones
Amy Parrish says
Nancy,
You are your mother’s image! I am so sorry for your loss. Find comfort in your family, love one another. I am sure you have many happy stories to relive. You’ll be in my prayers. Amy
Kim Wicker says
Nancy,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your fond memories of your Mother live on forever.
You are in my thoughts.
Kim Wicker
WTHR
gayle murphy says
Nancy…..I was so sorry to learn your mother passed…….she was so kind and her sense of humor was precious. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike and Brenda.
Laura VickeryTammy Stockton says
Mike and Brenda,
God bless you and your entire family. We send our love and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Love your neighbors Laura and Tammy.
JUDY STEPHENS says
Nancy
Just a note to let you know, you and your family are in my prayers.
mary beth kenny says
MIKE, PATTY, & NANCY,
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOUR MOTHER & FATHER WERE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE & I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES WE SHARED WITH MY MOTHER & CHARLIE. I LOVED TO WATCH THEM DANCE!
FONDLY, MARY BETH & DAVID KENNY
Teresa Miller says
Nancy,
You mom is in a better place now. A place where she can again dance in the arms of her loving husband and keep watch over her children and grandchildren she left behind.You will see her again! My thoughts and prayers and love are with you and your family. Love you girlfriend!
Terry Miller
Port St Lucie, Florida
Cindy Collins Shelby says
Dear Nancy,
The lose of a Mother compares to no other. I can hear her laugh and see her smile. What a joy she was. I pray we all meet again, in Heaven. Love you, C
Denise Gowan says
Mike and family,
I just learned of Ideen’s passing. You nave my greatest condolences.
The memorial in the paper was beautifully written and is a legacy to the family she leaves behind.
Mothers are the glue that hold the family book together. Embrace and love each other in both Bob and Ideen’s memories – for you are now chapters in their book of love.
-Denise-