Jeffersonville, Indiana - Letha "Coleen" (Quirl) Fischer, age 95, of Jeffersonville, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Born to the late Mary Lois (Forehand) Quirl and William Claud Quirl, Sr., Coleen lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A true servant at heart, Coleen dedicated her professional life to caring for those who had faithfully served our country. Following her retirement from the Veterans Administration as a Veterans Benefits Field Examiner & Counselor, she was remembered not simply for her title, but for her determination to ensure every Veteran received the care, benefits, and dignity they deserved. When paperwork became overwhelming or others overlooked someone in need, Coleen stepped in with patience, persistence, and kindness. Through her selfless work, she took it upon herself to help the most vulnerable people. She would even make trips under the bridge to help the homeless, distributing clothes and other necessities to those in need. Countless veterans and their families found healthcare, mental health resources, housing, and hope, all because Coleen stepped in! Her greatest calling, however, was sharing the love of Christ. Deeply rooted in her faith, Coleen loved her Jesus with her whole heart and believed the simplest way to live was to "Smile and SHOW LOVE! Be like Jesus!" A faithful member of First Christian Church in Jeffersonville, she welcomed friends and strangers alike with open arms, a warm embrace, and an unforgettable smile. She lived without judgment, offering only grace, acceptance, and unconditional love. Many have shared stories of the profound impact she had on their lives. One dear family friend perhaps said it best: "I saw Jesus in Coleen's eyes." Those words beautifully captured the compassion and empathy that radiated from her every day.

Coleen's heart was especially drawn to those experiencing homelessness. She rarely drove anywhere without food, clothing, or supplies in her vehicle, always prepared to help someone in need. More than once, local police officers would bring struggling individuals to her home because they knew Coleen would welcome them with kindness, practical help, and genuine love when no one else could. She never asked who someone was before helping them—she simply saw a child of God. Known lovingly as the "Mother to Many," Coleen nurtured not only her own family but countless others. She encouraged, mentored, and taught life skills to her grandchildren, including helping them learn to type and prepare for the workforce. Her wisdom, patience, and encouragement shaped generations.

Life with Coleen was also filled with laughter. An accomplished card player affectionately known as "Queen Coleen," she loved Texas Hold'em and could often be found playing several nights each week. Whether at a local game or waiting in an airport terminal, she had an uncanny ability to gather complete strangers around a card table, leaving them as friends before the game was over. Her adventurous spirit extended to genealogy, where she delighted in discovering her family's rich history. She was especially proud to learn of her Texas heritage and that her ancestors were among the "Old 300," Stephen F. Austin's original settler families. As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she continued researching her family roots while forming lasting friendships along the way. Summers often found her traveling to Texas, Florida, and New York to visit family and friends, explore new places, and, of course, find another card game to win.

Coleen also shared her joyful spirit through teaching Water Pilates at the YMCA. Her classes were known for much more than exercise. She lifted spirits with music, often leading everyone in singing "Bicycle Built for Two," filling the room with laughter and reminding everyone that joy was contagious. Wherever Coleen went, people were drawn to her radiant smile, gentle heart, and genuine love for others. She had the rare gift of making every person feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.

Coleen was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 75 years, William "Russ" Fischer; her sister, Elizabeth Reed and her husband, Charles; and her brother, William Claud Quirl, Jr. and his wife, Viola.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters, Nancy Ann White (Jerry D.) and Deborah Diane (Davis) Ryan; son, Randy Russ Fischer (Sherry); and former son-in-law Steve Davis, who blessed her with beautiful grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Greta Favara (Anthony), Lorna King (Kristopher), Robert Russ Fischer, Stephanie Davis (Marcello Pietrantoni), Phillip Davis (Rachel), Ashley Salyers (Josh), and Jeremy White (Kaitlin); step-grandchildren Melissa Stokes, Tabitha Fraley, and Jerri Gregory; and the apples of her eye, her great-grandchildren: Ruby King, Enzo Pietrantoni, Gianna Pietrantoni, Easton Davis, Carter Davis, Hudson Salyers, Evelyn Salyers, and Elliott Salyers.

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice knowing that the faithful servant who spent her life loving others has heard the words she longed to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her smile, her kindness, and her unwavering example of Christ-like love will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 2, at First Christian Church (3209 Middle Road, Jeffersonville) with Pastor Jeremy Skaggs & Father Tom Clegg officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, July 1, at the church, as well as 9AM until service time on Thursday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Legacy Funeral Center, Scott Chapel, 921 Main Street, Jeffersonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Coleen's memory by donating to First Christian Church, and doing what Coleen did so faithfully throughout her life: "Smile, show love, help someone in need, and be like Jesus!"