Meredith K. "Katie" Ihnat

Meredith K. “Katie” Ihnat, 42 of Broad Ripple, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis with her parents by her side. Katie was born during a major snow storm in Kokomo on February 27, 1984 to her parents Dr. Terrence J. Ihnat and Dixie (McNew) Ihnat. From an early age, her personality, love of the arts and animals were present. She was an avid fan of The Wizard Of Oz and Charlotte’s Web, often becoming Dorothy and quoting lines and music from each. She performed in ballet and theater with her younger brothers as a part of Stone Soup Theater Company in Noblesville. She also played softball as a child and loved to bowl with friends and family.

Katie received her education from Hamilton Heights School Corporation and Midwest Bartenders School. She devoted her life to the service industry where she was an exceptional server, trainer and bartender in restaurants and lounges in Hamilton and Marion Counties. Her faithful customers could always count on a lively conversation about politics, sports (big Cubs, Pacers, Notre Dame and New Orleans Saints fan), or anything in general. Katie had the gift of gab and was a great conversationalist. Her outgoing personality made her a naturally good fit and was as comfortable working in fine dining as she was the neighborhood tavern.

Her love for animals was evident from her very early years. She didn’t meet an animal she didn’t love. She was a fur mom to countless dogs and cats over her lifetime. Even wild animals seemed to know they had a friend in Katie. Her advocacy for animals continued into her adult life as she protested the abuse and cruelty of animals, especially in circuses.

She also loved nature, reading, traveling and music. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was a favorite read. She also enjoyed traveling across the country. The Dunes/Indiana shoreline of Lake Michigan, southern California, New Orleans and Alaska were her destination spots of choice. She spent extended time in Alaska working at a lodge during the summer of 2022 and fell in love with the people, climate and landscape. Katie enjoyed music that crosses generations, especially The Grateful Dead, Phish, Primus, Blind Melon, Hyryder, Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Katie leaves behind a large group of friends, many of whom she considered extended family. No matter the situation, Katie was counted on to provide comfort, laughs, a shoulder to cry on or support. She could be reached almost any time of the day or night for her friends and their struggles and problems often became hers. Katie would be humbled but appreciative of the many expressions of condolences and love from her many, many friends.

She is survived by her parents, Dr. Terrence J. and Dixie Ihant of Cicero; brothers Christopher McNew of Tipton, Joeseph Ihnat of Cicero and Michael (Kelly) Ihnat of Brooklyn, NY as well as aunts, uncles and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Ihant of Miller, IN and Mr. and Mrs. Earl McNew of Tipton; Uncles and Aunts Mr. and Mrs. Donald McKenzie of Scottsdale, AZ, Kathleen Carico of Hobart, IN and Daniel Sprinkle of Tipton. She was also preceded in death by her soulmate, Tom Brown of Indianapolis.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton where the rosary will be recited at 7:00. A funeral mass for Katie will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Cicero with the Rev. Sean Pogue officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the humane society or animal shelter of your choice.

Katie’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of everyone that knew her and can’t be filled. Although her time on Earth was shorter than many would have liked, she lived her life on her terms and by her rules. Her memory will live on and the people in her world were enriched by her presence. Online condolences may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.