Samantha (DeKruiff) Wilkins

A devoted wife, daughter, sister and adoring mother, Samantha (DeKruiff) Wilkins passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 14, 2025, in Greenfield. Samantha was born in Olympia Fields, Illinois, to Frank and Maureen DeKruiff on March 12, 1985. She attended Lake Central High School in Saint John, Indiana. She graduated from Butler University in 2007 with a degree in Communication Disorders and completed her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University Northwest in 2012. After obtaining her graduate degree, Samantha spent the majority of her teaching career in Central Indiana, where she touched lives and inspired students from every walk of life. At Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Fishers and J.B. Stephens Elementary School in Greenfield, Samantha was loved and respected by her students, school parents and colleagues for her dedication and commitment. She consistently and selflessly went the extra mile to ensure her students had what was necessary for them to succeed — whether that meant buying coats, gloves and classroom supplies or crafting specialized lesson plans that helped students be the best they could be. Samantha’s quick wit could not be matched, a trait passed down from her dad, making it easy to always be laughing when she was around. She was endlessly creative and took such pride in ensuring she had the perfect gift or thoughtful card for every occasion. She went above and beyond for everyone in her life and never hesitated to do more than what was asked. She had a gift for making you feel truly loved and cared for, and that being there for you was exactly where she wanted to be. In addition to her life in the classroom, Samantha was active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and any activity or organization that championed those with special needs and disabilities. She was also a proud and unapologetic ailurophile who absolutely adored cats, but also all animals. Two of her greatest joys were bird watching and obsessively checking the weather app to see when the first snow would fall. First and foremost, however, Samantha was a loving wife and mother to daughter Marion. She found her true calling and life’s work raising her family with husband Andy and building a future together. In addition to her parents, Samantha is survived by her husband, Andy Wilkins and daughter, Marion; sister, Jessica (Andrew Biggs) DeKruiff and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Alba DeKruiff and William and Marion Walsh. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. A Celebration of Life will take place following the burial service at the Riley Park Shelter House, 210 Apple Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. In Samantha’s honor, an Indiana 529 college savings account has been started for Marion and memorial contributions can be made by visiting https://ugift529.com/readysave529/G7J-K2W.html. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Samantha (DeKruiff) Wilkins

March 12, 1985 - November 14, 2025