Virginia Lee Gast

Virginia “Lee” Gast, age 82, of Indianapolis and formerly of Lafayette and Warsaw Indiana, peacefully passed away on February 25, 2025, at IU Health West Hospital after a recent cancer diagnosis. Lee was born on January 21, 1943, in Goldsboro, NC to Frank Kugler and Helene Person.

She was married to Larry Frauhiger for over 20 years and together they raised 4 beautiful children. After their marriage ended, they continued to be friendly and supportive of each other. Lee married her soulmate, Steve Gast, on October 24, 1992, and combined, they had 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She loved being a part of the lives of her family, especially being “Grandma” and “Nana” to the younger generation.

Lee had a career in banking, sold Amway, worked at Zimmer Biomet, and managed RV parks throughout her life. She and Steve were members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Warsaw and loved serving others, whether through the Stephen Ministry, making cheeseballs, or participating in the worship service. More recently, Lee attended Bethel United Methodist Church in Indianapolis where she enjoyed helping with their Diaper and Food Pantry. After Steve passed in 2020, Lee lived independently until her death, residing in Neighbor Care of Chapel Hill Senior Living Apartments and more recently at The Oaks in Brownsburg. She made many friends wherever she lived, loved playing cards, watching movies, and getting together with family.

Lee is survived by children Todd (Sandy) Frauhiger of Brownsburg, IN, Ken (Lori) Frauhiger of Surfside Beach, SC, Doug Frauhiger of Brownsburg, IN, Ginger Ade (Tom Eastburn) of Otterbein, IN, Bruce (Christi) Gast of Madisonville, KY, and Kelly (Eric) Swank of Middlebury, IN; by grandchildren Tasha (Brandon) Mounce, Nathan Ade (Viva Keever), Josh (Heather) & Grace Frauhiger, Melissa Method (John Lockridge), Dawn Hyde, Griffin & Lucy Gast, Bradley (Katelyn), Matthew & Abigail Swank, and Tate & Gabby Eastburn; by great grandchildren Abigail & Annabelle Mounce, Bricklee, Baker & Blakelyn Frauhiger, and Kennedy Swank; and by brother Father Don Youse, brother-in-law Dan Woods, and niece Lindsay (Jason) Gergely. She was preceded in death by her husband Steve Gast, both parents, sister Dee Woods, and daughter-in-law Billie Frauhiger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 4 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church (5252 W. 52nd Street in Indianapolis, IN 46254). There will be another service held on Saturday, April 5th at 11 am at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church (424 W. Market Street in Warsaw, IN 46580) where Lee and Steve’s ashes will be interred together, with arrangements entrusted to McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to Bethel United Methodist Church for their Freezer Meal, Diaper Pantry, and Food Pantry ministries.