Obituaries

Our Obituary Policy

The Republican does not charge for publishing obituaries (including photographs) in its newspaper. This is a service to the residents and former residents of Hendricks County, who are to be remembered for the contributions to their communities.

MARCIA “MARTY” PHYLLIS MOYER, 80, of Avon,passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

She was born on February 8, 1941 in Indianapolis. She was married to Harry “Bud” Moyer in 1966 and they were together for 42 years until his passing.

Marty attended Washington High School and then went on to study Cosmetology. For many years she worked as a Hair Color Consultant for many major manufacturers. Marty also worked as a school bus driver for Avon Community School Corporation for over 25 years until she retired.

Marty is survived by son Robert (Linda) Henderson of Greenwood, Ind., daughter Beth Ann (Dean) Cline of Indianapolis, and son Harry “Buddy” Moyer Jr. of Greencastle, Ind. She is also survived by her twin brother Michael Percifield, sister Sue Edwards, 4 grandchildren Jeff, Mike, Zachary, and Tristen, 1 great grandchild Pyper, 1 granddog Bongo, along with many other family and friends.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Grace Percifield, her husband Bud, and 1 sister Andrea Sager.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 27 from 2-6 p.m .at the American Legion Post 145, 4812 East Main (Old US 36), Avon. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you do a good deed for someone in the elderly community that needs a little spirit boost and let them know someone cares! ________________________

RAYMOND L. WENZEL, 71, Brownsburg, passed away February 12, 2021.

He had been a service advisor for Penske Honda for 18 years. He was a member of Connection Pointe Christian Church.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Lou Wenzel.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Wenzel; sons, Ryan Wenzel, Jeremy (Kristina) Wenzel, and Patrick (Aileen) Wenzel; sister, Sandra Kreighbaum; grandchildren, Jazzmin, Jackson, Elizabeth and Elliot.

A memorial visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m., Friday, March 26, 2021 at Matthews Mortuary. Service will be at 5 p.m. with Jim Littlejohn officiating. Contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org ________________________

JOHN MICHAEL SORENG, 14, of Indianapolis, passed away February 18, 2021.

He was born October 26, 2006 in Naples, Italy while his parents were stationed in Italy. He was a freshman at Pike High School.

John loved to laugh, build with legos, play video, card, and board games. John loved to watch and attend Indy and Monster truck races. John was an artist who could draw just about anything with wheels and most things without.

John was well liked who made friends easily and was always a great judge of character. He never met a dog who didn’t become his best friend. He loved to learn how things worked, especially if he could take them apart and rebuild them. If allowed he would have eaten pizza for every meal and washed it down with a Coke.

He was able to be a cornea and tissue donor as a final gift.

He is sadly missed by his parents, Brian and Jessica Soreng and grandparents, Michael Sobieray and Vickie Mrozinski, Susan Sobieray, John and Nancy Soreng, Donna and Steve McDonald; aunts and uncles, Melissa and Roy Fiedler, Jacob and Sara Sobieray, Jason and Kaitlyn Sobieray; cousins, Haley, Brianna, Roy Fiedler, Amelia, Olivia, Isabella Sobieray; Jennifer Whitaker (Godmother) and best friends, Luca Roeder, Grace Hasten and Pepper (his rescued Australian Shepherd puppy).

Services were Friday, February 26, at Vineyard Church, Brownsburg.Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. ________________________

DALE A. SMITH III, 21, Avon, passed away February 28, 2021. Dale was a salesman for Stay Dry Roofing.

His survivors include parents Dale A. Smith Jr. and Brandy Smith; brothers Paul Smith and Alex Smith; grandparents Tom and Lori Tunny, Paula Pressel, Ida Smith and Dale A. Smith Sr.; great grandparents John and Margaret Smith; girlfriend Tirzah Freije.

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m., Thursday, March 4, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with funeral services there at 3 p.m. In compliance with current regulations and restrictions, guests are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. ________________________

DARLENE ANN (McIntyre) WERTZ, 88, of Plainfield, passed from this life on February 22, 2021.

Born in Shelbyville, Ind. on August 22, 1932, Darlene was the only daughter and second child of Raymond and Mildred (Smith) McIntyre. She spent her first 18 years in nearby Flat Rock, graduating from high school in 1950. During those years, like so many families who survived the difficulties of the Great Depression, Darlene helped care for her family while both parents worked outside the home. While attending Flat Rock, she was a model student, Class Secretary, cheerleader and member of the girl’s basketball team. There she also met the love of her life, Kenneth Wertz, two years her senior. After graduation Ken immediately joined the U.S. Navy, returning every chance he could from training at Great Lakes in Illinois to visit his “Dee.” Nothing would prevent them being together, even if it meant hitchhiking the four plus hours from Chicago. They were engaged on her 18th birthday and soon began their lives together as a military family. This included stays in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Washington DC, Hawaii, and multiple bases in California. Along the way they welcomed three sons and one daughter, and this family of six traveled thousands of miles and lived at dozens of different addresses while serving their country.

Darlene was the model “Navy wife,” supporting her husband, keeping a perfect home and caring for their children. When Ken was called to serve overseas during the Vietnam War, she moved the household to Indiana to be close to relatives. During this difficult time, Darlene did everything necessary for her family including working at JC Penney in Shelbyville where they settled temporarily.

In 1969, after 20+ years of Navy service and subsequent retirement, the family moved to Plainfield, where Ken began work at the Indiana Youth Center. Soon after, Darlene joined the Reception Diagnostic Center, also part of the Department of Corrections. She worked there for 18 years, eventually retiring as the office supervisor. Darlene spent the final years of her life with Ken, lovingly caring for him after he suffered a left hemispheric stroke in 1993. He preceded her in death on November 1, 1998.

Her parents and her brother Jack McIntyre of Shelbyville also preceded Darlene in death. She will be terribly missed. She was a role model to her friends, work associates and especially her family. Darlene is survived by sons Michael Wertz of Indianapolis, Patrick (Vicki Meloy) Wertz of Plainfield, Christopher (Vicki Horn) Wertz of Indianapolis and daughter Mary Durell, also of Indianapolis, as well as her 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Her quiet strength and love for all, especially her family, was an inspiration. She lived an honorable life.

Funeral services were Friday, February 26, at Hall-Baker Funeral Home in Plainfield. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105-9959. ___________________________________________________

LINDA K. KERR, 74, of Plainfield, passed away February 26, 2021.

She was born September 18, 1946 to the late Robert and Margaret (Brenna) Salmon in Terre Haute, Ind. She attended Kingsway Christian Church. She was a homemaker (domestic queen) until the youngest daughter was in junior high. She then decided to go to work part-time at American Greeting Cards as a merchandiser for approximately 10 years. Then she went to work for CVS as a Card Merchandiser for 17 years until retiring in the Spring of 2019.

She loved flowers, fishing, crafts, making her mother’s recipes, her dog Ms. Kersey and, of course, her family and friends.

Linda is survived by her husband, Frank J. Kerr, (they would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on February 28, 2021). She is also survived by two daughters, Stephanie A. Kerr and Gina M. Kerr; and three sisters, Carol Fick, Barbara Salmon, and Janice Fetter-Salmon.

Private services took place Wednesday, March 3, at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial will was at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. ________________________

BENJAMIN WYATT PEARMAN, 20 of Lizton, passed away on February 24, 2021.

Benji was full of life and had a smile that could make anyone’s day better. He loved playing sports including football, baseball and basketball. He was given the “Most Valuable Defensive Back” Award during the 2015 football season.

Benji enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it be camping, swimming, soaking in the sunshine, or fishing.

Benji is survived by his mother, Leslie; father, Mark (stepmother Gerri); brother, John Mark (fiancé Jess); sister, Megan (brother-in-law Isaac); grandparents, Barbara and Marion; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is now in Heaven with his Grandpa Ben Summers, Grandpa Jim Pearman, Grandma Sharon Batts and Uncle Les Pearman.

Friends and family will gather on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home from 11 am until 1 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to Hendricks County Humane Society or Landmark Recovery.

All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Benjamin’s family on his memorial page found on the funeral home’s website, www. ericmdbellfuneralhome.com. ________________________

RONALD E. HART

SR., 82, of Avon, passed away February 25, 2021. He was born April 3, 1938 in Spurgeon, Indiana the son of Earnest Earl and Alpha Winona (Abell) Hart.

Ron was a mechanic for TWA and retired as The Ground Support Manager for ATA. He served our country in the US Air Force, and was a member of Avon American Legion Post, Amo Bird Dog Club, and was a founding member of Pine Hill Archery Club. He enjoyed; adventure travel, fishing, hunting, archery, hiking, paddling and conserving nature in general and gardening. He attended The Church By The Side of The Road.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Robin Lynn Hart, sisters, Yvonne Jean DeJarnett, and Sherry Hart Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Lewis) Hart; children, Susan Hart and her husband Alonso, Ron Hart Jr., Dennis Hart and his wife Marcy, and Heather Hart and her husband Chris Lee; sisters, Deanna Dunning, Sandy Hart Williams, and Kathy Hart Williams; grandchildren, Amanda Hart, Christina Hart, Courtney Railey, Kayla Ackerman, Chelsey Saxton, and Caitlin Hart; great grandchildren, Audrey Shrum, Bryanna Shrum, Chirstan Shrum, Kameron Gaddis, Maelynn Gaddis, Brinley Saxton, and Wyatt Railey.

The family extends a special thank you to The Gathering Together for their loving care of Ron.

Funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, at The Church By The Side of The Road in Avon. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, at the church. A graveside service will be held a 3 p.m. Eastern Time Saturday at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Campbell Town, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Gathering Together, 147 North Center Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168. ________________________

MARY A. TURNER, 63, of Avon, passed away February 25, 2021. She was born September 21, 1957 to the late William and Mary Crouse in Indianapolis. She graduated from Howe High School.

She was a programmer for the Department of Revenue, State of Indiana.

Mary was a fiercely loving friend, mother, and wife. She was passionate about cats and often fostered for and donated to the Hendricks County Humane Society. In her spare time she loved quilting, painting, reading, and collecting cat figurines and Barbies.

Mary is survived by her husband, James D. Turner; a daughter, Amanda E. (Alex) Love; and four sisters, Alice Whitlock, Patti Claude, Pam Rouse, and Frankie Bobo.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 4, in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, where friends may call on Thursday from noon until service time at 2 p.m. Entombment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. (Due to Covid-19 proper wearing of face masks and social distancing will be observed.) ________________________

DALE ADDEAN BOWLES, 72, of Greencastle, passed away February 24, 2021.

He was born on October 11, 1948 in Rushville, Indiana, to the late Eleanor Pugh and Ivan Russell Bowles. Dale graduated from Ben Davis High School. He was a postal carrier for several years. After retiring from the post office, he worked at Dick’s Warehouse in Plainfield and also for Crown Equipment in Greencastle.

Dale was an avid reader, a history buff and enjoyed playing golf. He also loved coaching his children and grandchildren in sports. Survivors include his children, Kim Bowles of California, Tracy (Sam) Hernandez of Greencastle, Chris (Maria) Bowles of Brownsburg, DeAnna (John) Murray of Greenwood; brothers, Donny Bowles of Indianapolis, Steve (Jill) Bowles of Brownsburg, Roger Bowles of Indianapolis; sister, Brenda (Brian) Robinson of Jamul, CA.; 10 grandchildren, Antonio (Jomayra), Rachael, Gavino, Dale, Rio, Diego, Chloe, Santiago, Elisia and Sienna.

Services were Monday, March 1, in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, with Pastor Elias Hernandez, Jr. officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com ________________________

ROBERT “CORY” WIN- TERS, age 50, of Brownsburg passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

Cory was born in Evansville, Ind. on September 23, 1970 to Bob Winters and Susie Schapker. He worked for the State of Indiana Department of Corrections. Cory was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church where he was in charge of bingo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Winters.

Cory is survived by his mother, Susie Schapker; sons, Isaac Winters of Brownsburg and Brady Kennedy of Colorado; sister, Dee Dee Jones of Indianapolis; nieces, Nikki Quillen of Huntington, Eryn Morgan of Evansville and Carissa Jones of Indianapolis; nephew, Robert Jones of Indianapolis; and his stepson, Reece Davis.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, March 1, 2021 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Indianapolis. Interment followed at West Ridge Park Cemetery. Arrangements: Stevens Mortuary, Indianapolis. ________________________

JOHN GEORGE

SIPE, 76, Brownsburg, passed away February 27, 2021. He had served in the National Guard and retired from Indianapolis Power and Light in 2014 after 48 years.

Survivors include his children Mary Catherine (Brady) Stockwell, Kevin Sipe, Justin (Danielle) Sipe and Jacob (Nyki) Sipe; sisters Kyle Ann (Joe) Simms and Sara Newton; grandchildren Gracie Sipe and Avery and Justice Stockwell; significant other Carolyn Nichols.

Memorial visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Friday, March 5, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. In compliance with current regulations and restrictions, guests are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. ________________________

MARY ELLEN McK- INNEY, 79, of Indianapolis, passed away February 27, 2021. She was born April 21, 1941 to the late Herman Mayhew and Donna (Means) Dyches in Indianapolis. She was a production worker for Maplehurst Bakeries, Brownsburg for 26 years retiring in 2005.

Mary is survived by her husband, Charles L. McKinney; sons, Tracy S. (Brenda) McKinney and David L. (Kim) McKinney; daughter, Shannon (Michael) Perez; brothers, Tim Mayhew and Donald (Shirley) Mayhew; sisters, Ruthie Thomas and Sharon Steele; 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Along with her parents she was also proceded in death by her step-father, John Dyches.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 5, in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, where friends may call on Friday from 11 a.m .until service time at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. (Due to Covid-19 proper wearing of face masks and social distancing will be observed.) ________________________

DOTTIE KATHRYN BROWN, 86, of Avon, passed away February 27, 2021. She was born August 18, 1934 in Paoli, Indiana the daughter of Vern and Nellie Mae Smelser.

Dottie is survived by her husband, Jackie Brown; daughters, Kathy Downing and Connie Brown; sons, Gary Brown and his wife Mai Huynh, and Terry Brown; sister, Judy Simpson; grandchildren, Cory Clark and his wife Rachel, Heather Downing and her husband Matt Sackley, Stephen Downing, Velocity Brown, Jubilee Brown, Apollo Brown, and Mercury Brown; great-grandchildren, Jack, Emma, Katelyn, Aubree, Savage, and Aleyah.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday March 4, at the Conkle Funeral Home, Avon Chapel. A grave side service will be held at Noon Friday at Mifflin Cemetery, Mifflin, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Mifflin Cemetery c/o Gerald Hughes 2318 West Old Felker Road, English, Indiana 47118. ________________________

KEVIN L. PONTO, 64, of Plainfield, passed away March 01, 2021.

He was born on April 26, 1956 in Lafayette, Indiana to Merle Ponto and the late Jane Ernstberger Ponto. He was the oldest of nine children. He married Sandra Datzman on February 19, 1977 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kentland, Indiana.

Kevin was an IT Specialist. He retired from IBM after 30 years. He was the owner and operator of KP Tech Computer Services. He is the past Chairman of the Executive Board for the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce.

Kevin was a member of St. Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield. He was a devoted husband, father and enjoyed spending time with family.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Sandra Ponto of Plainfield; daughter, Michelle Ponto of Plainfield; father, Merle Ponto of Lafayette; siblings, Keith (Roberta) Ponto, Cheryl (Bart) North, Kenneth Ponto, Dan (Neen) Ponto, Cathy (Roger) Risk, David (Maureen) Ponto, Dennis Ponto and Alan (Tracy) Ponto.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, March 5, in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, with a rosary to begin at 6 p.m. A time of reflection will follow the rosary in the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, at St. Susanna Catholic Church, Plainfield, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery.

All guests attending visitation and/or services will be required to wear a mask at all times in an effort to promote a safe environment. You are also invited to watch the services via live stream on the Hall-Baker Funeral Home Facebook Page.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kevin L. Ponto Memorial Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com ________________________

MADALENE PRICE passed away on February 27, 2021. Visitation will be Friday, March 5, from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m., at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home, Pittsboro. Madalene will be laid to rest following the service beside her husband at K of P Cemetery in Lizton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. ________________________

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