Lucretia Ellen McCreery

Lucretia McCreery, fondly known as “Grandma Lu” to many, 86, of Terre Haute, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 19, 1940, in Greene County, to Boyd Franklin Mitten and Fila Marie Stalcup Mitten. She married George McCreery in August 1958.

Lu is survived by her husband of 67 years, George McCreery of Terre Haute; children, Sandy McCreery of Bloomington, Judy Price (Glen) of West Terre Haute, Keith McCreery (Gayla) of Terre Haute, and Mark McCreery (Traci) of Terre Haute; grandchildren, Kimberly McGill (Kevin), Andrew Knopp (Liza), Kate Babbs, Beth Babbs, Brock Welch, Mason McCreery, Megan McCreery, and Zackary McCreery; and great-grandchildren, Kenzye, Nick, Blake, Gabe, Chase, Noah, and Hudson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lebby Dyer (John).

Grandma Lu graduated from Spencer High School. A natural beauty, she represented Indiana in the Miss Universe pageant. She owned and operated The Gingerbread House which was among the first licensed day cares in Terre Haute. A long time, successful real estate agent, Lu blazed a trail for other Wabash Valley women in the real estate sector, opening her own office in a largely male dominated field. However, her passion was Arabian Horses, and she and George owned Highland Arabians for many years on Margaret Drive, where the bred, raised, and boarded equine.

Her children viewed her as a descendant of Mother Nature. Lu loved the outdoors, wandering barefoot to collect flowers, pinecones, and other treasures of the earth to make home décor. Lu enjoyed going to the beach and looking for seashells. She loved spending time with her family more than anything. She will forever be remembered as a force of nature, a warm nurturer, devoted wife, and a mother like no other.

Grandma Lu’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of Hospice of the Wabash Valley and to special caretakers, Shandra, Shelby, Bridget, and Rachelle for their compassion and care.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society or to Hospice of the Wabash Valley.