Summitville, IN - SUMMITVILLE — Gerald L. Elsworth, 74, entered peace and rest on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from Summit Health and Living in Summitville where he had resided for the past 10 years. He dearly loved the Summit staff and aides that cared for him all of these years. Because of his newfound faith in Jesus, we believe Gerald walked through the heavenly gates in his brand-new body and totally on his own!

He was born on Jan. 17, 1952, in Elwood, to Virgil and Bertha (Butcher) Elsworth and was a lifetime Summitville resident. Gerald graduated from Summitville/Madison-Grant High School-Class of 1970. During his high school years, Gerald was showing signs of becoming a skilled basketball player until at the age of 16 he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Nevertheless, that diagnosis didn't keep him from graduating and leading a life of dogged determination that impacted the lives of numbers of people down through the years. Twice a week, disregarding whatever weather conditions were outside, Gerald would drive his power chair to the homeplace on Howard Street, to be at home, just for a few hours. He loved life with his family and friends. His example of perseverance in spite of his physical challenges served as an inspiration to hundreds of folks. He served as an announcer and bookkeeper for the Summitville AC's Athletic Club. He coached men's softball league and coached the Madison-Grant Youth League, and was President, announcer and bookkeeper of Summitville Little League, Gerald was of a keen wit and sense for details and was known to keep those around him "on track!" He was a NASCAR fan and a Cincinnati Reds fan. But his main loyalty was to the IU basketball program. In the past few days, Gerald gave his heart to Jesus Christ, and we now have the promise of seeing him again, standing tall on his own..."What a Day That will Be!"

Survivors include his brother, Kim (Nina) Elsworth, Summitville; nephew, Kyle (Alison) Elsworth and their children, Ashton, Avery and Jullian; niece, Heather (Kip) Petree and their children, Jordan, Olivia, Zachary (Hallie and her baby, Callum); niece, Staci Vinson and her children, Lily, Mason; special friends, Margo Wibel and Julie Caldwell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry Elsworth; sister, Linda (Allen) York; special friends, Terry Wibel and Ron Caldwell.

Services honoring Gerald's life, legacy and newfound faith will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Owens-Noffze Funeral Home, 1009 W. Walnut St., Summitville, with Pastor Gary McCaslin officiating. Interment will follow in Vinson Memorial Cemetery, Summitville.

The Elsworth family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Summitville funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Residents Activity Fund at Summit Health and Living, 701 S. Main St., Summitville, IN 46070 with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Online condolences: OwensMemorialServices.com.