Body found in Michigan City woods ID'd as missing woman

Stan Maddux Times Correspondent

MICHIGAN CITY — The body of a 63-year-old woman reported missing in January was found Saturday in a wooded area.

The body of Constance Everly was discovered by a couple walking their dog near one of the trails at Barker Woods Nature Preserve.

LaPorte County Chief Deputy Coroner Mark Huffman said Monday dental records were used to confirm her identification.

Everly often walked from her apartment to a friend's house through an open wooded area. But, Huffman said, officials believe Everly, in search of a shortcut, perhaps, went through an open gate at the nature preserve close by. Huffman said the preserve was heavily wooded but has trails. She was wearing a winter coat and boots.

It's possible Everly didn't know the rest of the nature preserve was fenced in and upon reaching the back of the property several hundred yards away was walking back when overcome by the elements, Huffman said.

"There's no telling what happened there, but it wasn't foul play," Huffman said. "We're not sure if she got mixed up as to where she was because she was quite a ways back."

It's also a possible she suffered a medical event but the autopsy did not turn up anything medically wrong with her, he said.

According to her obituary, Everly was a member of the VFW Post 2536 Ladies Auxilary.

Several years ago, she worked at the circulation desk at the Michigan City Public Library and did some cleaning at Queen of All Saints Catholic School in Michigan City.

Deepest condolences to Keith and the Everly family. I met Constance a couple times at Queens Fest and events at the VFW where her husband Keith the Jr. post commander. I worked with Keith at ANCO for several years where he was a great millwright.

So thats gotta be near where the Save the Dunes is at.

https://savedunes.org/

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