Our Staff

A graduate of Indiana College of Mortuary Science, Max was an Indianapolis funeral director since 1958.  He began working for Aaron-Ruben Funeral Home as a student apprentice in 1955 and in 1964, purchased the funeral home from one of the founders.  Since then, he guided its growth and relocation to its current location at 11411 N. Michigan Road.

Max was a veteran of the United States Army and had been associated with many organizations throughout his personal career.  Max served as a board member of the Children's Bureau, Vice-President of the Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality, President of Jewish Community Relations Council and Democrat Ward Chairman of Washington Township in Indianapolis.

He attributed any success he had had to his wife, Donna Cohen Nelson and his family.  In addition to his daughter Jennifer, President of ARN, he was the proud father of Miles Nelson and Laurie Nelson Wurster and was a loving grandfather of 7 grandchildren.

Jennifer is a Hoosier native, growing up in Indianapolis and graduating from North Central High School.  She is a 1989 graduate of the University of Arizona and  earned her Mortuary Science degree in 1991 from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. She returned to Indianapolis to work with her father, Max Nelson of blessed memory, at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral & Cremation Services, then located at 86th and Ditch Road in Indianapolis. Jennifer was named president of ARN in 2000.  In 2013, Jennifer and Max relocated the funeral home to Carmel, Indiana, at 11411 N. Michigan Road.

She works with many local charities, including Brooke’s Place and Hooverwood Living, and is a member of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. Her active involvement in these organizations reflects her deep-rooted commitment to community service and shared values. Her personal interests, including running,  golf, and pickleball, showcase her balance and well-roundedness.   

Jennifer was appointed to the Carmel Clay School Board in 2021 to fill a vacant seat. In 2022, she was elected to a four-year term.

Carrying forward her family's long legacy of serving the Jewish community of Indianapolis and their dedication to Hooverwood Living, Jennifer graciously named the new hospice of Hooverwood, the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Hospice at Hooverwood Living in 2021, a testament to her deep sense of responsibility and dedication. 

She is the proud mother of Ari and Lindsay and the partner of Joshua Kirsh. 

In 2016, Jennifer and  Rabbi Sandy Sasso co-founded Women4Change Indiana which educates, empowers, and inspires Hoosier women to become more politically active and engaged.

She and her family have lived in Carmel, Indiana since 2003.

David joins the A.R.N. Staff with over 15 years experience in funeral service.  He is a graduate of Indiana State University and a licensed life insurance agent with the state of Indiana.  Most of David’s time in funeral service has been invested in becoming an advance planning professional.  He is a three time Leaders Conference qualifier with Homesteaders Life Company, a premier preneed insurance company.  

David is married to Melinda and has three children, Dawson, Davis, and Delaney.  He loves to spend time with his family and is active with the Boy Scouts of America.

Zoe Norris earned her funeral director's license from Ivy Tech's Mortuary Science College in 2018.

She began working for Aaron-Ruben-Nelson in 2014. She also gained further experience working in the funeral industry in Central Indiana and Idaho.

Zoe enjoys travelling and loves going out west. She likes being in the outdoors and spends her free time hiking with her dog, Sullivan.

Zoe is close with her family and especially cherishes time with her nephews and volunteering in her community.

Zoe met Sullivan while traveling through Montana's Bitterroot Valley. She was working at the local veterinary office summer of 2022 when he was found abandoned and surrendered with a rattlesnake bite. After many weeks of care and love, he began his travels with Zoe. He visited 16 states and 15 National Parks before settling down in Zionsville in January 2024 and joining the ARN Team.

Emily graduated with honors from I.U.P.U.I. in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.  She joined the staff in 2007 as Office Manager.  From 2009 - 2010, Emily taught English as a foreign language in South Korea. Upon returning to Indiana, she resumed work at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson.

In 2023, Emily earned a Master's Certificate in Thanatology to better support ARN's clients. She then earned the credential CT - Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement from the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). 

She is a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and Catholic Business Exchange.  She is a former member of CityMoms, Zionsville Women In Network, and Zionsville Presbyterian Church MOPS.  Emily previously volunteered at St. Christopher School, walked/raised funds for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, organized a team for a Habitat for Humanity build, and planned the Memorial Day Art Contest at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson. She currently is serving as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's Daisy Troop in Carmel.

Emily is most proud of her strong family: husband, Greg; son, Victor; daughter, Lenora.  In her free time, she can usually be found enjoying Central Indiana at Newfields, Indianapolis Motor Speedway or at one of Indiana's many State Parks.

Chayse joined the ARN staff in 2021 with 5 years of experience in funeral services. She is currently pursuing a funeral director license and has become certified by the Cremation Association of North America in crematory operations.  

Being born a Hoosier and raised around the world as an Army brat, she loves to travel and explore different cultures.

She can usually be found on a nature trail somewhere with her husband, Steven, son, Milo and dog, Ozzy or at a concert enjoying live music.

Jenny joined the ARN staff in 2018. She graduated from Indiana University in 2011 with a BFA in painting and drawing.

She is married to Blair Fritz, and together they have a sweet dog named Ducky. They were both born and raised in Indianapolis, and continue to enjoy living there as they are able to remain close to both of their families.

In addition to working at ARN, Jenny is a freelance artist and spends most of her free time painting at her easel in her home studio. She also enjoys biking and running on the Monon Trail, which is near to where she lives.

Racine Ly joined the ARN staff in 2024.

Greg joined the A.R.N. staff in 1982 and retired in 2024 after 37 years of service to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson. He can still be found lending a helping hand from time to time.

Greg is spending more time with his sons and grandchildren and volunteering in the community.  He is an active member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation and a faithful member of the Indianapolis Chevra Kadisha.