Cleta Helen Kavanaugh, 78, of Montgomery, Indiana, passed peacefully on May 28, 2026, at Heart-to-Heart Hospice in Evansville, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Her life came full circle as she was called home to God on her birthday.
Cleta was born on May 28, 1948, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Dorothea and Warren Edmondson. She attended St. Rose Academy in Vincennes before continuing her education at Vincennes University and Indiana State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education and went on to get her Masters of Education.
Cleta dedicated 33 years to teaching third grade at Loogootee Elementary School, much to the chagrin of her children, who all attended Barr-Reeve. However, she made a lasting impact on generations of students, and her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds was evident to all who knew her. She will be remembered most for her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and quiet strength. Though she rarely raised her voice, it could always be heard cheering proudly from the stands as she supported her children and grandchildren at their many activities.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, David B. Kavanaugh of Montgomery, Indiana; her children, David A. Kavanaugh (Melanie) of Winslow, Indiana, Kara Landgrebe (Kyle) of Ellettsville, Indiana, Kristi Griffin (Justin) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Kayla Acton (Kevin) of Newburgh, Indiana; and nine cherished grandchildren Ethan, Karley, Katie, Kimmie, Grady, Jaxon, Lilly, Katelyn, and Jase. She is also survived by her siblings, Keith Edmondson (Penny) of Mitchell, Indiana, and Jane Campbell (Robert) of Monroe City, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothea Edmondson Radwanski and Warren Edmondson.
Cleta’s warmth, compassion, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks and appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at Heart-to-Heart hospice in Evansville.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday June 1, 2026, at 10:00 A.M at St. Peter Catholic Church in Montgomery, Indiana with Father Stephen McGinnis, Father Lowell Will, and Father James Koressel to officiate. Burial will follow in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Sunday May 31, 2026, from 2:00 P.M until 6:00 P.M and again on Monday from 9:00 A.M until the time of service at St. Peter Catholic Church in Montgomery, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent De Paul and the American Cancer Society in honor of Cleta Kavanaugh.
Online condolences can be made at http://www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Blake & Wagler Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Cleta Kavanaugh.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cleta, please visit our floral store.