Tena Marie Northern

Tena Marie (Patterson) Northern, 63, of Knightstown, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at IU Health Fishers Hospital following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 20, 1963, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter of the late Harel G. and Mavern June (Featherstone) Patterson. Tena was a 1982 graduate of New Castle Covenant Christian Academy. On July 17, 1982, she married the love of her life, Curtis Northern. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, faith, and many treasured memories. Tena had a fun and lively personality and was known for her sense of humor. She brought joy and laughter to those around her and had a competitive spirit, especially when it came to board games. She loved children and spent several years caring for them in her in-home daycare, reflecting her nurturing heart and love for family. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she and Curtis attended Wesleyan Christian Church in Indianapolis. When she was younger, she enjoyed playing the piano and found deep peace in often playing her favorite hymn, The Haven of Rest. Tena was especially proud of her children and grandchildren, and she loved each of them deeply. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Tena enjoyed making her home beautiful and welcoming. She loved cooking, decorating, and celebrating the seasons, especially Christmas and fall. She found happiness in the simple and meaningful things of life, including shopping, getting her hair done, enjoying manicures and pedicures with her girls, sitting on the porch and talking, weekend breakfasts with family, evening walks, and Sunday drives with those she loved. She also had a special place in her heart for her two Shelties, Oakley and Ellie Mae, who brought her companionship and joy. Those left to cherish Tena’s memory include her husband of nearly 44 years, Curtis Northern; her children, Ashlee (Ben) Wright, Alyssa Northern (Devin Scott), and Levi Northern (Molly Cupp), all of Knightstown; her bonus daughter, Jaila (Isaac) Slomp of Greenwood; and grandchildren, Noah Jackson, Avery Elaine, and Hailey Grace Wright, Riley Northern, and Lyla Kate Northern, and one on the way; two sisters, Tamra (James Don) Riley of Georgetown, KY, and Terrie (Larry) Bittinger of Wilkinson; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Tommie J. Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown. The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed at the service time by [Clicking Here] Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Tena Marie Northern.

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Tena Marie Northern

March 20, 1963 - June 26, 2026