Obituaries

DR. RUTH HUFFMAN HINE

a notable educator, teacher, and author, who influenced the field of adult education and literacy in the State of Indiana, as well as nationally over the past 40 years, died on 24 March 2021 at the Avon Health and Rehabilitation Center in Avon, Indiana. She was 95.

Dr. Huffman Hine began her work in the formative discipline of adult education in 1975 with an appointment as Director of Adult Basic Education in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. The township’s program began in 1971 after the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Adult Education Act of 1966 codified a national commitment to provide the opportunity for adults to achieve their potential in society. In Wayne Township, Dr. Huffman Hine served as both educator and administrator and shaped local and state policy and strategy with her prolific writing and engagement in the field. Concluding a twenty-year tenure in the township upon her retirement in 1995, Dr. Huffman Hine continued her influence on education and literacy through her writing and through local and national affiliations, including the American Association for Adult & Continuing Education, the Indiana Council of Adult Education Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa International, Delta Kappa Gamma International, and the Indianapolis Marion County Literacy Coalition.

The bucolic countryside, small village life, and the dream of dairy farming on rich farmland brought Joseph and Bess Carson from Spencer, Indiana to Roachdale, Indiana, a community of 800, some 35 miles west of Indianapolis, where they established a family farm that is still in existence. Descendants of Daniel Carson, who emigrated from Tyrone County, Northern Ireland to the United States in 1830, traveled from the port of entry in Baltimore, settling in Pennsylvania and Ohio before arriving in Indiana. One of four children, Ruth Carson was born to Joseph Carson and Bessie Taylor in 1925 and, with a dream of being a teacher, graduated from Roachdale High School in 1943. She was the last surviving member of the 1943 class of 25 students. As the city of Indianapolis was growing in economic importance to the country and the war effort, Ms. Carson moved from Roachdale to Indianapolis to work and save money for college. In an administrative position, she worked for the Indiana Condensed Milk Company from 1943 to 1945. The company, at this time, was under military supervision supporting the war effort by manufacturing and delivering the brand “Wilson Evaporated Milk” in khaki colored cans to troops deployed overseas.

With the support of her family and community, Ms. Carson departed Indianapolis and the company in 1945, matriculating at Olivet Nazarene College, in Bourbonnais, Illinois, to pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher. An unfortunate case of appendicitis caused her to delay her academic endeavors after finishing two years of academic study. She returned to Indianapolis in 1947, resuming her work for the Indiana Milk Company, and married Cecil N. Huffman that year. They had four children between 1948 and 1960, before she resumed her academic studies.

Even with her commitment to family life, her passion for teaching and education was indissoluble as she began working in Wayne Township and Decatur Township, teaching homebound students, substitute teaching, and working as an instructor in reading. She returned to her academic work at Indiana Central College, Indianapolis, earning an Associate’s degree in Fine Arts in 1967, and then proceeded to Butler University in Indianapolis, where she graduated in 1971 with a BS in Education. After accepting a position as Director of Adult Education for Wayne Township, Dr. Huffman Hine continued academic work at Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana, receiving an Master of Arts in Education in 1978. After retirement in 1995 at 70 years old, she acted on her philosophy of life-long learning by earning a Ph.D. in Educational Administration at Greenwich University, Hilo, Hawaii (now Akamai University), experimenting in one of the early online doctoral programs. Her dissertation, Needs of Volunteer Tutors in Adult Basic Education, Wayne Township, 1991-1993 was published in

1995. She continued to be on the leading edge of online education advising and working with the leadership, faculty, and students of Akamai University, an emerging non-profit online institution.

Dr. Huffman Hine’s tenure as Director of Adult Education for Wayne Township during the years 1975 to 1995 was marked by rapid growth, and an evolving philosophy of education for adult students requiring remedial or enhanced skills in an economic environment of increasing demands. Nearly 16,000 students passed through the doors of the center under her 20 years of leadership. Her township experience throughout the years provided an opportunity to influence policy and direction at the state level as she worked with the Indiana Department of Education on the future of Adult Education. She was an Indiana Governor appointee on the Indiana Adult Literacy sub-committee and served as an Indiana Adult Basic Education Evaluation Committee member, advancing the direction and policy of education and literacy in the state. As a delegate to a West German Adult Education Committee in 1981, she was instrumental in sharing state policies and procedures with senior educators in West Germany and improving state procedures from knowledge learned from the international consortium.

A prolific writer, Dr. Huffman Hine authored numerous professional essays and articles during her career. On her 80th birthday in 2005, she published The Legacy of Daniel Carson from Ireland to Indiana which traced her family’s immigration from Northern Ireland to the United States. She is also the author of a 1997 children’s book, It Happened on a Pond, and over 30 short stories.

Dr. Huffman Hine attended Harvest Missionary Baptist Church in Avon for many years.

She is survived by two daughters, Paulette Walker of Avon, and Annette Hartzell of Indianapolis, and a son, L. Keith Huffman of Baltimore, Maryland, as well as seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Her husband of 37 years, Joseph Hine, passed away in 2012. ___________________________________________________

OLGA “KAY” NARDI

passed away on March 22, 2021. Kay was born in Decatur, Ill., to Frances and Willard (Bill) Gibson. She graduated from Washington High School in 1960. That same year she married Ronald Nardi. They resided in Indianapolis, moving to Hendricks County in 1975.

Ronnie worked the nightshift at Allisons and Kay was an impeccable homemaker. They retired to Cape Coral, Florida in 1993, where Kay volunteered at the local hospital. Ron and Kay returned to Indiana in 2008 residing in Pittsboro where Kay participated in card clubs in Quail Creek and took a trip to Italy with her daughter, Kim.

Kay is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ronald L. Nardi, daughters Rhonda (Barry) Conrad, and Kim Nardi; grandchildren, Sarah (Mikey), Lydia (Tristan) and Bryce Conrad; sister, Debbie (Randy) Goldner; several beloved inlaws, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were March 25, at Matthews Mortuary in Brownsburg. A private burial and luncheon will be scheduled at another time.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org

JAMES L. BURNETT

67, of Plainfield, passed away March 20, 2021.

He was born June 16, 1953 to Tole and Bernice (Gasper) Burnett in Danville. He worked in food service at Meijer for the last 27 years.

He is survived by a son, James S. Burnett; a daughter, Michelle “Mikki” Reed; two brothers, Richard (Patty) Burnett and Junior (Nancy) Burnett; a sister, Helen (Dale) Armour; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Burnett; 3 grandchildren, Andrew and Ashley Reed and Paige Burnett; and a great grandchild, Coraline Burnett.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jacob Reed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.

RICHARD “Ric” R. McCOY

59, of Plainfield, passed away March 17, 2021. He was born September 3, 1961 in Indianapolis. He was a graduate of Plainfield High School Class of 1979. Ric was a true extrovert. He never met a stranger and loved conversing with anyone and everyone. This came in handy as he made a career for himself in auto sales. He was well known around the Indy area, as he spent time managing stores for Andy Mohr, Ed Martin, and Hubler Automotive.

Ric was an avid racing fan. He attended his first Indy 500 as a young child and proceeded to attend 46 races in a row. He loved spending time at the track and always managed to get himself down into the pits and in the middle of all the action. He always came home with endless photos and epic stories. Ric was an adventurer who loved to travel and experience new places and things, all while documenting everything with his camera.

He had a giant soft spot for dogs and loved his Weimaraners. Many will also remember his sense of humor. He never missed a moment for a joke and took pride in pranking his children as often as possible. On weekends he loved spending time around the pool with his family and dogs, taking rides on his Harley, and Sunday couch naps. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. As he would say, “Godspeed!”

Ric is survived by his wife, Jennifer J. (Rash) McCoy; his father, Donald R (mother, Cheryl) McCoy; mother, Shirley A. (Ross) McCoy; 4 daughters, Megan E. McCoy, Morgan L. Mc- Coy, Marin Y. McCoy, and Meisyn A. McCoy; two half-sisters, Tara K. (Samantha) Akers and Cathy Hoffmeister; and a nephew, Ki DeRossett.

A Memorial Visitation took place March 30, at the Plainfield United Methodist Church. Donations can be made to the Love without Boundaries foundation. Website: Lovewithoutboundaries.com Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.

GLEN “PATRICK” CISSELL

62, of Pittsboro, passed away on March 22, 2021.

Patrick was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert and Donna Cissell. He and his brother, Keith, spent the summers with their aunts and uncles on the family farm in Kentucky.

In 1975, he became a father to son, Bernard Cissell, which he proudly named after his Uncle Bernard. In his early adulthood, he worked for several race teams and continued to share his love of racing with anyone that was willing to listen.

On March 20, 1993 he married his loving wife, Martha Cissell, and gained two additional children, Sara and Jordan. He spent his days working, going to Sara’s sporting events, taking his family racing, hunting, fishing, teaching the kids how to drive, and life lessons among many other things.

In 2009 he walked Sara down the aisle and gained a son-inlaw, David. His two grandkids, Clark and Mallory, were the light of his life.

On August 1, 2019, after 40 years of service as an inspector, he retired from Rolls Royce-Allison.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and race fan. He was a member of Pheasants Forever Coal Creek Chapter where he received the Aldo Leopold Conservation award for his work on habitat conservation. He was also a member of the Amo Conservation Bird Dog Club, Yagger Conservation Club, and Brownsburg Conservation Club. In May of 2019, he became a member of the 200 mph club at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after riding with a racing hero, Mario Andretti.

Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Donna Cissell, and his brother, Mark Cissell.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Cissell (Links), brother Keith Cissell, son Bernard Cissell (Brian Loy), daughter Sara Cosgray (David), son Jordan Davison, and two grandchildren, Clark and Mallory Cosgray.

A memorial mass service was performed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on March 29. Patrick was a huge advocate of giving to others; please make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements: Eric M.D. Bell Mortuary, Pittsboro.

JANICE K. HARDWICK

81, of Danville, passed away on March 24, 2021.

Her heart was full when she was with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her faith in Christ was made evident by her kindness and generosity shown to all who met her. She was a joyous person who loved good jokes and could be a little mischievous.

She was born on November 19, 1939 in Linton, Indiana, to the late Charles and Lillian (Cunningham) Robertson. Janice married Dencil Hardwick who preceded her in death in 2010. She was an active member of her church the First Assembly of God in Danville.

Janice worked for the Hendricks County Fairgrounds-Purdue Extension office for over 25 years, where she retired as an executive assistant. Survivors include her sons, Timothy L. Franklin (Marcia) of Danville, Kenny (Suzan) Franklin of Avon, Rodney L. Franklin of Haines City, Fla., and Allen L. Franklin (Glenda) of Puyallup, Wash..; daughter, Ginny Berkshire (Byron) of Logansport; brother, Charles R. “Ronnie” Robertson (Wyvonna) of Danville; grandchildren, Clayton Franklin (Melissa), Cody Franklin (Brittany), Brandi Franklin, Michele Myers (Brian), Scott Franklin, Samantha Franklin (Ryan Hansel), Delaney Franklin, Sydney Franklin, Preston Franklin, Christopher Weiand (Paula Fergus), Robert Weiand and several great grandchildren. She remained friends with high school classmates and her dear friend Barb Rennick.

Services were Monday, March 29, in Baker Funeral Home, Danville, with burial following in Danville South Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Hendricks County 4-H Fair Association P. O. Box 7 Danville, IN 46122 or to the First Assembly of God Church 3399 E Main St Danville, IN 46122. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com

JANICE P. FISHER

77, of Plainfield, passed away March 24, 2021.

She was born December 26, 1943 to the late Amos and Aleen (Johnson) Lee in Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. She was an uniform agent for ATA for 20 years retiring in 2008.

She was a member of Plainfield Christian Church. Jan was a woman of strong faith, loved Jesus, her family and her church. She was the youngest of 13 children. She grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Washington High School. She met the man of her dreams, Tim, at work, as a young lady. She and her blue bikini started showing up at the pool where he was a lifeguard and they soon started their beautiful life together. She eventually started working her dream job at American Trans Air (ATA) which allowed her to travel to many different places.

Any beach destination was her favorite and helped her keep a year-round suntan. Her other loves included: chocolate, WalMart, Danielle Steele books, reruns of Friends and As Seen On TV products. She spent many years of her free time at softball games for all of her family members and any other sport her kids and grandkids were involved in. Christmas and birthdays were over the top for her and gave her the opportunity to spoil and love her family very generously. She lived her faith every day in every way and guided her family and others to the love of Christ.

Jan is survived by her husband, Timothy D. Fisher; a son, Brian (Cindy) Fisher; three daughters, Jill D. (Stacy) Fulk, Paula D. (J.B.) Landis and Rhonda (Art) Schlangen; a sister, Carolyn (Larry) Stipe; 5 grandchildren, Joel (Rain) Fisher, Luke Fisher, Olivia Fisher, Carter Fulk, and Chloe Fulk; and two great grandchildren, Isabella Maggard and Mckenzie Ward. She was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Lee. Services were Monday, March 29, in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis.

EILEEN CATHERINE MEUNIER BESSO, “NAN”

of Brownsburg, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Born on July 23, 1920, the eldest of 6 children, she was married to Ernest P. Besso. They had five children - Ernette (Robert), Donald, David, Duane (Barbara), and Elana; grandchildren Lisa, Jon, Donna Kay, Tony, Amy, Jennifer, Jamie, Janelle, Branden, Ivan, and Andrea), and great-grandchildren Max, Demetri, Arianna, Aspen, Anjelikan, Ashfyre, Sara, David, Sean, Aiden, Finnegan & Everett, two great-great grandchildren. Her brother Ray Meunier and sister Annetta Logston also survive.

She was preceded in death by brothers Don and Bernard Meunier and sister Wilma Alexander.

A devout Catholic, she could often be seen walking to Mass several days a week. Her signature “Nanny Dance” forever etched in memories as the best “see you later” to ever grace this world She was well-known for her dedication to reminding everyone of “The 3 R’s – Respect, Religion, and Responsibility.” She crossed the world more than 30 times visiting “the cousins” in Italy.

She leaves behind small pieces of herself - a great-granddaughter that bears her name, a turn of phrase permanently etched into daily conversation, a daily glass of wine for your health, wanderlust, anxiety for being late to anything, a perspective on life that can’t be unsewn. As she always reminded us “it’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later”.

Funeral Service Mass was celebrated Monday, March 29, at St. Malachy Catholic Church with burial following in St. Malachy Cemetery. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

BOB RICHARD- SON

passed on March 23, 2021. Bob’s final days were spent surrounded by adoring family and generous caregivers.

Robert Clarence Richardson entered the world November 25, 1932, in Chrisman, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Luella Peacock Richardson. He grew up in Hendricks County, graduating from Avon High School in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Jones, who remained his sweetheart for the next seventy plus years.

Bob served in the Army and was stationed in Germany from 1953-1955, and then attended Purdue University. He became an expert tool and die maker, which served him well in Indianapolis area shops and in self-owned businesses in Hendricks County. He retired from the Ransburg Corp. in 1995.

Bob valued hard work. He embodied it and appreciated it in others. He possessed a quiet, curious spirit, reminiscent of his Society of Friends upbringing. He was a man of few words but many thoughts—always analyzing a new and better tool or method, incessantly interested in new developments in the world. Bob loved his garden, and many benefited from the combination of his green thumb and generous heart. He was a believer, a member of the Brownsburg Church of Christ since 1964. He lived simply, a day at a time between the ground and God. And, in the end, when so much had been taken from him by dementia, his sense of humor, for better or worse, remained.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Toni; and siblings, Sandra Richardson and Mary Lou Kelley.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughters, Terri (Houston, Tex.) and Rachelle (Plainfield) ; a son, Randy (Kathy) (New Wilmington, Pa.); two brothers, Jim (Barbara) (Washington, Pa.) and Paul (Sharon) (Plainfield); five grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID concerns, a private graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 27. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.bakerfuneralservice.com to leave the family a condolence.

FRANK JAMES KERR

72, of Plainfield, passed away suddenly March 23, 2021. He was born January 15, 1949 in Terre Haute, Ind.

He worked 10 years for Mount Franklin Foods as VP of Retail Sales retiring in 2019. Prior to that he worked in many other food service industries in various capacities, such as: he was owner/president of Kerr Sales Co. from 2008 to 2009; VP of Business Development for Golden Stream Foods for 3 years; Manager/Broker of Direct Sales for Trolli Food for 5 years; and Western Regional Manager for Pearson Candy Co. for 10 years.

His favorite pastimes were fishing, golfing, gardening and spending time with his family. He was a member of Kingsway Christian Church; The Corvette Club; The Shriners; and a Free Mason.

Frank is survived by two loving daughters, Stephanie A. Kerr, and Gina M. Kerr; his mother, Louise M. (Call) Kerr; and close cousins whom he considered to be just like his brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda K. Kerr, who passed away February 26, 2021, and his father, Ralph Kerr.

Services were Saturday, March 27, at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. Memorial contributions may be made to WRTV 6 Toy Drive c/o The Corvette Club, c/o Roger & Tina Hanslow, 18565 Wychwood Place, Noblesville, IN 46062 (make checks payable to The Corvette Club), or the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Murat Temple, 510 N. New Jersey, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

WADE LEINART

66, of Clayton, passed away March 29, 2021.

He was born January 16, 1955 in Knoxville, Tenn. He worked in the printing industry for 43 years. He last worked for Harding-Poorman Printing Group in Indianapolis retiring in 2020.

He was a member of Hazelwood Christian Church, where he was a past deacon. He was the former fire chief of the Cartersburg Volunteer Fire Department and past president of the Hendricks County Youth Football League.

His favorite pastime was spending time with his family.

Wade is survived by his wife, Melodie K. (Craig) Leinart; a son, Craig (Hillary) Leinart; two daughters, Marci J. Leinart and Brittany (Brandon) Kollar; his mother, Frances (Hammons) Leinart; and three grandchildren, Leyna and Jordan Kollar, and Gemma Leinart.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Leinart.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. am until 1 p.m. on Friday, April 2, at the Hampton-Gentry

REBECCA JO JONES

73, of Lizton, went home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2020 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family.

Becky was born on February 17, 1947 in Noblesville, Indiana, the daughter of Donald Boyer and Betty Boyer, both of whom preceded her in death. She was the eldest of three surviving siblings, Garry Boyer, Jan Hieb, and Roger Boyer.

Becky graduated from Sheridan High School in 1965 and was married to her high school sweetheart and soulmate, Ronald Dean Jones, on August 27th, 1967. She attended Indiana State University and Ivy Tech Community College where she gained certification in accounting.

Her life’s work, however, was in education. Becky worked at Lebanon, Western Boone, and finally North West Hendricks School Corporations, where she excelled in helping those with special needs. She was patient, kind, and caring, making a positive change in the lives of children who needed it the most. She enjoyed reading, needlework, coloring, ceramics, and a variety of other hobbies. When she had time, she loved to visit the Hendricks County Senior Center, where she would just talk or even play an occasional game of bingo. She was also a member of Pittsboro United Methodist Church.

There were two things in life that she was passionate about above all others, and those were her family and her dogs, Waif, Buddy, and Bella.

Becky is survived by her loving son, Russell Jones and her husband of 52 years, Ron Jones, both of whom cared for her in the home they built together until the day of her passing.

Friends and family will gather on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 3 p.m.

NINA JEAN (Boone) JOHNSON

80, of Danville, passed away March 28, 2021.

She was born on December 25, 1940 in Luner, Kentucky, to the late James and Mae (O’Neal) Boone. Jean married Larry Johnson on December 7, 1979 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and he preceded her in death.

Jean worked as a switchboard operator for the Adams Mark Hotel for several years. She attended Bridgeport Central Baptist Church. She loved arts, crafts, spending time with family and friends, listening and singing to gospel and country music.

Survivors include her sons, Ron (Carolyn) Cochran, Rex (April) Cochran, Steve (Dawn) Cochran; daughter, Laura (Kipp) Glenn; brother, James Boone; sister, Glenna Pletcher; 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Her twin sister, Joy Lile, and brother, Boyd Boone, also preceded her in death.

Services were Tuesday, March 30, in Baker Funeral Home, Danville. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021 in the Phelps Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 50 E 91st St Ste #100 Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice. com

KEN PASCHALL

passed from this life on March 25, 2021 and will be missed by all who knew him.

Born in 1925, he grew up in Independence, MO., and graduated from the University of Nebraska. He was a proud World War II and Korean War veteran (USMC) and retired from Allison / General Motors as General Superintendent of Material Control after 34 years of service.

Along with being a great Dad and Grandpa, Ken was a true public servant. On his 95th birthday he was honored with the ‘Distinguished Hoosier Award’ for his service to the town of Brownsburg as a past president of the School Board, Town Board, Little League, and Jaycees - just to name a few.

He then went on to an even busier 34 years of retirement and was known for having fun, working hard, and telling his favorite jokes and stories over and over again.

Ken was a member of Connection Pointe Church.

His wonderful wife of 61 years Eileen, and his son Kevin, preceded him in death.

Ken is survived by two sons, Steven and Tom. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Services were Monday March 29, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Burial followed in Brownsburg Cemetery.

A PUBLIC MESSAGE FROM WEAVER & RANDOLPH FUNERAL HOMES, INC.

At Weaver & Randolph Funeral Homes, we recognize our responsibiliy to protect the health of those we are privileged to serve.

We remain committed and prepared to safely care for the families we serve. Whenever possible, we will continue to enable families to participate in the rituals that are most important to them.

We will continue to guide families, as we always have, in ways they can meaningfully commemorate the life of their loved one, while adhering to the guidance issued by federal, state and local public health officials. Please know that no matter the circumstances, WE are here to serve your family.

DIRECTOR RONALD W. RANDOLPH, Owner DANVILLE 317-745-4411

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Our Obituary Policy

There is no charge for publishing obituaries in The Republican. This is a service to the residents and former residents of Hendricks County, who are to be remembered for the contributions to their communities.