Maria "Elana" Bussey

Maria “Elana” Bussey passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 13, 2026. Elana was a woman whose life was defined by service, faith, and quiet perseverance, and she now rests in the peace of eternity with her Lord.

Elana was one of six siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles “Honey” Doyle and Lillian “Maw” Doyle, as well as her brother Charles Doyle. She is survived by her sisters Charlotte Morris, Jean Brafford, and Roxy Abbott, and by her brother, Thomas (Barbara) Doyle.

She was the beloved widow of George Lee Bussey Sr., to whom she was married from January 2, 1962, until his passing in August 2011. A lifelong connection to Charlestown, Elana attended Charlestown schools and later earned her GED in 1988. Though Charlestown was always home, she also lived in Florida during George’s military service, as well as in Jeffersonville and Lexington, Indiana, before returning to Charlestown. Together with George, she raised a family and shared her time and talents generously with all who knew her.

A woman of deep faith, Elana was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, where her beliefs shaped how she lived and served others. Faith was not only something she practiced, it was the foundation of who she was. Her eyes were always fixed on the Lord and His guidance in every season of her life.

Elana carried herself with poise and purpose, her values rooted in integrity, kindness, and a quiet sense of responsibility. Throughout her life, she gave of herself in ways many could not. During challenging seasons, she was often the first to step in without hesitation, becoming a steady and loving presence when others needed it most. Her selflessness, care, and consistency shaped lives in lasting ways that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Elana retired from custodial services with River Valley Middle School in 1997. Cleaning was more than a job to her— it was something she took pride in. Whether in her own home or someone else’s space, every carpet fiber was vacuumed in the same direction, every floor mopped thoroughly, and every sink wiped until it shined.

Her no-bake cookies were legendary, one made with chocolate, others with just peanut butter. They became a cherished Christmas tradition, requested year after year by all who knew her. No one could ever quite recreate them the way she did, carefully testing the mixture the old-fashioned way: a spoonful into cold water, waiting for it to form a soft, moldable ball.

Elana enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and during her earlier years, weekly card nights, bowling leagues, karaoke, & line dancing were a beloved pastime. As her family grew, she became lovingly known as Mamaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, finding great joy in supporting others and sharing love and laughter. Throughout her life, one constant source of enjoyment was the casino— early-morning trips to the slot machines that often turned into late-night adventures were among her favorite ways to pass the time.

Elana is survived by her children: Dawn (Tony) Lewis of Sellersburg; Dana (James) Miller of Corydon; and George Lee “Buster” (Kelly) Bussey Jr. of Charlestown. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Carmen Moots, Tara (Matthew) Beckman, Amanda (Chris) VanHoose, McKinnah (Wesley) Bowling, Garrett (Amber) Bussey, Haley Bussey, Hannah (Nathan) Thomas, and Nick Bussey. She was preceded in death by two great-grandchildren and is survived by eleven great-grandchildren.

Even as her health declined while battling multiple cancers, Elana remained strong and determined, facing her journey with quiet dignity until the end.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Grayson Funeral Home, 893 High Street, Charlestown from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with her funeral service beginning at 12:00 pm, Burial will follow in Charlestown Cemetery.

She will be remembered as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend— a woman who gave abundantly of her time, her resources, and her love. Even when the right words didn’t come easily, her actions spoke volumes. In the hearts of those who loved her, Elana’s memory will live on forever.

Memories of Elana and messages of support for the family can be shared at www.GraysonFuneralHome.com.