Jeaneda Ann Middleton, 95, of Hatfield, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the home she and her husband, Wayne, built in 1951. Jeaneda was born in Spencer County on April 15, 1930, to Thomas and Beatrice (Owens) Lehr at their family farm, now known as “Honey Creek Farm”. Jeaneda and her husband, Wayne married on November 20, 1948, and together ran their “Hoosier Homestead Farm”, which was established in 1875, with a great deal of pride until his passing in 1992. She continued to manage “Middleton Farms” for the rest of her life and treasured her many friendships in the farming community over the years.
Jeaneda became the youngest manager of the Spencer County BMV, beginning her employment in 1949 at the age of 19. When her tenure expired in 1953, she began working at Texas Gas in Owensboro, KY, until the arrival of their daughter, Christopher, in 1957. In the following years she and Wayne remained devoted to her daughter’s upbringing, being involved in every school function and extra-curricular activity.
Jeaneda also worked at South Spencer High School for 13 ½ years as the secretary for the athletic director and attendance officer for the guidance counselor. The Wayne and Jeaneda Middleton Scholarship is awarded annually to a select student who is either pursuing agricultural studies, a degree in veterinary science or who exhibits outstanding community service.
Jeaneda was an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, where she had run the dining room for the annual picnic for over 30 years with her cousin, Jean Freschley, who was also the Godmother to her daughter, Chris. She was a charter member of the Spencer County Humane Society championing animal welfare and saving hundreds of lives during the years she was involved. She was also passionate about community service, channeling much of her energy through the Spencer County Fair organization in the development of a new fairground and making hundreds of pounds of her famous pulled pork BBQ over the years for the fair’s food booth. In keeping with her husband’s political affiliation, Jeaneda was also an active supporter of the Spencer County Republican party.
In addition to her parents, Jeaneda was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Wayne Scott Middleton; her brothers, Thomas Lehr Jr. and Donald L. Lehr; and her sister, Ruth Niles.
She is survived by her daughter, Christopher “Chris” Middleton and her husband William “Woody” Woods (aka “her favorite son in law”), Steve Lindauer (her “non-biological son”) and his “sweetheart” Angie Wheatley, her cat Meg and beloved dogs, Toby and Kelli.
Jeaneda’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to her caregiving team who provided professional, compassionate care over the past 14 months which greatly enhanced her quality of life. Special thanks to “Heart to Heart” Hospice of Jasper and our “angel from heaven”, Heather Finn, who truly became family and brought great joy to Jeaneda during this last chapter of her life.
Services for Jeaneda were held Monday, February 16, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport, with Pastor Carl Jones officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Spencer County Fair Building Fund or the Eureka Masonic Lodge No. 397.
Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
