Maria Lynn Delon

Maria Lynn Delon passed away on June 1, 2025, at the age of 43, at Vitas Marias Hospice Center in Santa Ana, California, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Born on November 22, 1981, in Lafayette, Indiana, Maria was the beloved daughter of Rick and Patti (Gerrard) Delon, growing up in Royal Center with a sassy, creative heart.

A proud 2000 graduate of Pioneer High School, Maria pursued her passion for art education at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. For 19 years, she taught in the classrooms of Perry Meridian Schools in Indianapolis as an art teacher, where she supported students in the classroom and outside of the classroom. She was one of those teachers that left a handprint on the hearts of her art students. In recent years, as the yearbook advisor, she developed her students’ talents, helping them capture memories with creativity and care.

Maria’s love for art turned into a lifelong passion for photography, painting, and ceramics. She shared this passion with her nieces and nephews—Audrey, Alaina, Cruze, Cole, and Briggs—through fun art projects that filled their time together with laughter and imagination.

Maria is survived by her devoted parents, Rick and Patti Delon of Royal Center; her loving sisters, Sadie Darlage (Chad) of Fairland and Nikki Delon of Decatur; her brother, Tyler Delon (Emily Hopper) of Royal Center; and her adored grandparents, Glen Delon, Doris Delon and Marilyn Gerrard, all of Logansport. Her nieces and nephews, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, will forever treasure her sassiness and creativity. She was preceded in death by her grandfather - William Gerrard, grandmother – Mary Delon, aunt – Glenda Delon, and cousin – Robert Campbell whose memories she held close.

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Baptist Christian Church, 313 S. Chicago St., Royal Center. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Kistler Cemetery.

Maria’s love for animals was a cornerstone of their life. Her dogs and cats were not just pets but beloved companions who brought her endless happiness. Memorial contributions can be made to a local animal shelter in Maria’s memory to honor her love for her furry friends.

Her online guestbook is available for condolences at www.ransfuneralhomes.com, where friends and family can share memories of her enduring spirit.