New Castle, Indiana - Marcia Mae (Scott) Hale, 97, of Middletown, Indiana, passed away peacefully June 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Oct. 25, 1928, in Henry County, Indiana, to the late Howard and Ruth (Reynolds) Scott. Marcia was a steadfast friend who was known for her sharp mind, peaceful demeanor and gentle strength.

As a teen, Marcia played the French horn in the Middletown High School band. She graduated in 1946 and attended Ball State (1946-1947). She worked for GM at Delco Remy in Anderson, Indiana, for 25 years. Marcia married Eugene Hale on September 4, 1947, and they were together in life for 64 years.

As an adult, Marcia attended Center Chapel, where she led singing and taught Sunday school, then Middletown Church of the Nazarene. For over 40 years, she was a beloved member of the Henry County Extension Homemakers Association Friendly Neighbors Club, for whom she was chapter President from 1999 to 2001. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Throughout her life, Marcia spent her free time participating in the following with her husband, siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren: fishing, sewing, camping, gardening, singing, knitting, puzzling, and playing card games.

Marcia will forever be remembered for her sweet nature, abundant grace, and deep love of caring for her friends, family, and others.

She is survived by her siblings, Eleanor Cole, Wayne Scott, Margaret Rose, and Mary Johnson; her children Diana (Dan) Boyer, Suzanne Shockley, Joe (Julie) Hale, and Jeff (Melanie) Hale; eight of her grandchildren, Michelle Boyer Burnett, Ryan Boyer, Jason Shockley, Karen Shockley Gafford, Jamie Hale Fish, Misty Hale Walker, Jaron Hale, and Jay Hale; and her 22 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Elvin Scott, and her granddaughter Jessica Joy Hale.

A Celebration of Life will be Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. The visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a service conducted by Pastor Phil Rogers immediately following at 3 p.m. Memorial contributions in Marcia's honor may be made to the Jessica Hale Memorial 4-H scholarship at www.henrycountycf.org, or the Middletown Church of the Nazarene, 698 N. Fifth St., Middletown, Indiana 47356. You may express condolences or share a memory of Marcia at www.hinsey-brown.com.