Juanita F. Hacker

Juanita F. (Salsman) Hacker of Belle Union, Indiana, born October 26, 1944, passed away peacefully at 10:15 p.m. on 12/18/2025 at the age of 81.

Juanita, a devoted wife and mother of three, was the daughter of Kenneth L. and Lola M. (Parker) Salsman of Belle Union and the younger sister of Linda L. Dorsett, all of whom preceded her in death. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 61 years, Sherman W. Hacker. Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home, surrounded by family and close friends.

From her very first job after high school to her final role before retirement, Juanita’s contribution to her family’s livelihood was defined by hard work, adaptability, and resilience. Her first job out of high school was at Mallory Capacitor Company in Greencastle, Indiana. She later completed comptometer training, which proved invaluable as she managed the books and records for the family farm. Over the years, she held various positions outside the home, eventually retiring from the FedEx Distribution Hub in Indianapolis. Many of those jobs were labor-intensive and required both strength and stamina.

Known for her love and devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Juanita will be dearly missed by all who knew her. After raising their family and spending years at sporting events, school activities, and musicals, as well as supporting the projects of three 10-year 4-H’ers, Juanita and Sherman developed a love for travel. They visited many destinations throughout the United States and the Caribbean—especially their favorite, Grand Cayman Island. Juanita’s family asks that she be remembered for the sense of security and love she created through consistent acts of reassurance and encouragement, rather than the sadness of her passing.

She is survived by her husband, Sherman; their three children, Wesley (Nicole), Aaron (Tina), and Julie (Scott) Ashmore; grandchildren Lane (Josie) Hacker, Parker Hacker, and Bailey Hacker; and two great-grandchildren, Nola and Hutch Hacker. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews of the Dorsett and Hacker families.

Visitation will be held at Whitaker Funeral Home, 201 Lafayette Street, Cloverdale, Indiana 46120 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm Monday, December 22nd, 2025.  Funeral Services will be at the funeral home Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 11:00am.

Juanita will be laid to rest in the Walnut Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belle Union High School Alumni Scholarship Fund through the Putnam County Community Foundation, Walnut Chapel Cemetery, or SouthernCare Hospice Services-The Gentiva Foundation.  Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfunerals.net.

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