Obituaries

BRENDA PHELPS passed away April 22, 2021. A visitation for Brenda will be held Thursday, April 29, from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. at the Porter & St Pierre Funeral Home, Jamestown. Brenda will be laid to rest in the Fairview Cemetery, North Salem, immediately following the service.

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MARY LOU HUGHES, 91, Avon, passed away on April 25, 2021. She was a member of Cornerstone Christian Church and the Halas Sunday School Class at Cornerstone.

Mary Lou enjoyed reading, puzzles, Dominoes, and shopping at Dollar Tree. She was an avid gardener, an expert in the kitchen with spectacular pecan pies, grape pies, homemade catsup and fruit salads. Her greatest love, however, was serving Jesus Christ alongside her husband in Christian ministries located in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois.

Mary Lou was born August 25, 1929 in Richland Center, Wis. to Guy and Mary (Turnipseed) Bender. She was preceded in death by her husband Warren Hughes; parents; sisters Patty Kuykendall and Bonnie Schoelzel; brothers Guy Jr., Roger, Vaughn, and David Bender.

Survivors include her children: Marilyn (Tom) Tiearney; Timothy (Martha) Hughes; Thomas (Peggy) Hughes; brother Bob Bender; 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be from 1 pm to 2 pm followed by a memorial service at 2 pm on Friday May 7 at Cornerstone Christian Church 8930 IN-267, Brownsburg.

Due to current health concerns, masks and social distancing are recommended. Due to declining health Mary Lou had been a resident for the last three months at Brownsburg Health Care Center. She enjoyed socializing with the other residents in a competitive game of Bingo.

Mary Lou requested that any memorial gifts be directed to Dekalb Christian Church in Dekalb, Illinois or to the Imagine Project at Cornerstone Christian Church. ________________________

JUANITA (Saulsbury) PHELPS, 96, of Cincinnati, passed away on April 19, 2021. She was born in Ohio, on October 25, 1924.

Juanita was a warehouse worker for the Formica Corporation. She enjoyed playing cards, laying out in the sun, race day at the Indianapolis 500 and traveling with her husband to all the states except Hawaii. Juanita loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. The Holidays were a special time with the family as well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Phelps; son, Joe Saulsbury; step-child, Wanda Craigwall; three sisters and one brother.

Funeral services were Thursday, April 22, in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include her step-children, Lois Roberts, Paul (Patricia) Singleton and Sherry Xander; grandchildren, Tonya Heard, Derek (Tina) Saulsbury and Heather Williams; great-grandchildren, Cody and Kenzie Heard, Austin Saulsbury, Baylee Hamilton and Owen Saulsbury; 16 step-grandchildren; several step-great great grandchildren; daughter in law, Glenda Saulsbury. ________________________

PATRICIA L. PRYOR, 86, Plainfield, died on April 19, 2021. Patricia was born September 21, 1934 to the late Louis and Dorothy (Hensley) Ballard.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Jack, Judd, Jervis, and Richard Ballard.

Patricia worked for RCA for many years until her retirement, and she enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Patricia is survived by her loving children, Theresa Brown (Robert) of Hudson, Fla., David Pryor (Angel) of Palm Coast, Fla., and Mark Pryor; siblings, Jennie Huffman of Maiden, N.C., Curtis and Ronald Ballard; eight grandchildren and she was blessed with many great grandchildren.

Services were Thursday, April 22, at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North. Burial was at Washington Park North Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46240. ________________________

DR. WILLIS G. PARKER, of Clayton, died peacefully on April 15, 2021 at Life’s Journey Hospice of Avon.

Willis, son of the late Roy and Doris (Kelly) Parker was born on June 10, 1936 in Greencastle, Ind. Willis and his twin sister Willa Dean spent their early years growing up on the family farm near Coatesville. As a young boy he was active in both 4-H and FFA and graduated from Amo High School in 1954. He volunteered for the draft and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

Following his military service, Willis attended Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1960. As an undergraduate student he resided in Rochdale Co-op House and participated in Purdue Reamer Club, Baptist Student Foundation, and Purdue Men’s Varsity Glee Club. Upon graduation he married Linda Owens on August 14, 1960. They started their life together in West Lafayette, Ind. where Willis entered the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree with the second graduating class in 1964. After graduation Willis and Linda, along with their son Eric, returned to their roots near Coatesville where Willis established a mixed veterinary practice. After the birth of their daughter Lisa, he made the decision to pursue his interest in animal reproduction and in 1965 accepted the position of staff veterinarian at American Breeders Service (ABS) located in DeForest, Wis. where he worked for 26 years. The family’s primary residence was in Poynette, Wis., where Willis served several years on the Poynette Public Schools’ Board of Education.

Throughout his life, Willis was a humanitarian who was committed to his profession as well as service to others. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as well as the IVMA and WVMA, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the Society of Theriogenology, and the American College of Theriogenologists which he served as a diplomate and president from 1983-84. In 1990, Willis represented ABS on a trade mission to Lithuania. This experience spurred his consulting and educational programing trips to the Baltic countries and to Ethiopia with Project Mercy. In addition, he served several weeks in the United Kingdom for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Eradication Program. For his professional contributions, Willis was recognized by the WVMA as the 1991 Wisconsin Veterinarian of the Year and in 2000 was recognized by the IVMA as the Indiana Veterinarian of the Year. In addition, Willis was presented the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine’s 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Willis’s faith and values were an important aspect of his life. While a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Windsor, Wis., he served as moderator and on various church boards. During his several years of service on the Corporate Board for World Ministries of the United Church of Christ, he traveled to Sri Lanka on a mission trip. At the time of his death, he was a member of Hope United Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, where he served as an elder and contributed greatly to their mission projects.

Following his retirement in 1991, Willis and Linda returned home to Indiana where he established the Mill Creek Christmas Tree Farm on the family farm near Coatesville. He also continued his passion for historic preservation of agricultural implements, especially those related to the horse. He was a member of the Horse Brass Society of England and the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America. His interest in history included collecting postcards and he was a member of the Indianapolis Postcard Club. Willis also served his home county by helping to establish the White Lick Heritage Community Foundation, now the Hendricks County Community Foundation, and was a past president of its board of directors.

It is often said you can take the boy off the farm, but you cannot take the farm out of the boy. Willis often shared his love of the family farm with his granddaughters. He delighted in taking them there to share the joy of nature and his appreciation for agriculture.

In addition to his parents, Willis was preceded in death by his son Eric and nephew Christopher Yeager.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Lisa Parker-Gummere and son-in-law Jeff Gummere, and granddaughters Erica and Anna. He is also survived by his sister Willa Dean Yeager, nephew Alan (Abby) Yeager, and great nephews Logan and Adam. In addition, he is survived by a large and beloved extended family.

Visitation will be Friday, May 14, 2021 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Bousley Funeral Home, 4980 N. Milton St., Coatesville, and a memorial service will be held at The Barn of Coatesville, 5056 S. Milton St. at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to one of the following: Project Mercy, 7011 Ardmore Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46809 or online at projectmercy.org (designate Food Security); Purdue Musical Organizations, Ralph & Bettye Bailey Hall, 359 Northwestern Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47906 or online at purdue.edu/pmo (designate Varsity Glee Club); the Hendricks County Community Foundation, 6319 East US Hwy 36, Suite 211, Avon, IN 46123 or online at hendrickscountycf.org (designate Doris K. Parker Music Fund); or WRTP/BIG STEP, 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208 or donate online at WRTP.org (designate Eric Parker Memorial Fund). ___________________________________________________

CHARLES W. BROWN, 86, Brownsburg, formerly of Greencastle, died on April 25, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Charles was a 1952 graduate of Greencastle High School. He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Indiana State University. For 29 years, he was a teacher and administrator at George Washington High School, Indianapolis, retiring in 1990.

During his retirement, he enjoyed many adventures with his wife traveling frequently to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Branson, Mo. and visiting many festivals throughout the state. He was also an extraordinary craftsman who was always working on wood projects in his shop.

Charles was born August 6, 1934 in Limedale, Ind. to Leland and Edith Brown. On August 26, 1955, he married Carolyn Sue (Cooper) Brown and she survives. Other survivors include daughters Susan B. Vitolins (Janis), Fishers, Ind. and Sara J. Brown, Brownsburg; grandchildren, Aleksandrs M. Vitolins, Marta K. Vitolins, and Charles M. Duncan; brother, Larry D. Brown, Sarasota, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Norvetta Passavant and Marilynn McAdams, brothers Leland E. Brown and Maurice R. Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at www. NPCF.us

Memorial visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 8 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with memorial service at noon. In compliance with current conditions, it is recommended that guests wear masks and observe social distancing.

JACK D. MARTIN, founder of Old Farm, Inc. passed away peacefully, in his sleep on December 16, 2020. He had battled dementia for the past ten years.

Jack was born February 8, 1933. Jack moved to Danville with his family in 1943, when he was 10 years old. He loved Danville, and with his father and two brothers, Old Farm, Inc. in the late 1950’s. currently, Old Farm is the largest subdivision in the town of Danville.

Jack had an amazing life, beginning with his school years in Danville. He played all sports, including basketball, track & field,and excelling in football as a fullback. He was a star football player for the Warriors, receiving a scholarship to play football at Purdue. After two years at Purdue, Jack decided to finish his college education at Butler University. While at Butlerk, Jack was in the dance troupe for the 1955 Starlight Musical season. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

Jack loved airplanes. He got his pilot’s license when he was a teenager. He got a job at Air Traffic Control in the Indianapolis center, where he later became a supervisor, retiring in 1984. Jack was a founding board member, pilot and General Manager of Voyager 1000, a private air travel club.

The Martin family established Old Farm on the east side of Danville. When Jack’s older brother passed away in 1988, Jack took over Old Farm, Inc., where he successfully completed the development of Old Farm. He not only finished the rest of Old Farm, but lived there himself for 26 years.

Jack had many interests including boating, and supporting his beloved Purdue Boilermakers football team (“BOILER UP”). He loved his many pets, both dogs and cats. He was a softie at heart and loved to help those in need. He loved his family. Jack was a member of the Phi Delts and the Columbia Club. He and his father donated the funds to purchase the cover for the amphitheater in Ellis Park, for the annual Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performances.

Jack is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cindy (Smith) Martin; two sons, Kurt Martin (Terri) and Michael Martin, and daughter-in-law Rebecca Martin; five grandchildren Jessica Wheeler (Owen) ,Jack Martin (Maegan), Ryan Martin, Mary Martin, and Chase Martin (Shelby); seven great-grandchildren, Logan Wheeler, Gabriel Wheeler, Luke Wheeler, Corbett Martin, Harper Martin, and James Martin.

There will be a celebration of Jack’s life on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from 2 to 6 p.m., at American Legion Post #145, 4812 E. Main Street, Avon.

To leave an online condolence, pleast visit: simplicityfuneralandcremationcare.com __________________________________________________

CHARLES E. HOOVER, JR., 61, of Plainfield, passed away on April 20, 2021 after a decade-long journey with ALS.

Charles was born on February 26, 1960 in Indianapolis to Charles, Sr. and Joyce (Jeanette) Hoover. On September 27, 1987, he married Deborah Hoover, a loving union that would last until his passing.

Charles worked in the healthcare industry, a career he truly enjoyed because it allowed him to serve others.

Charles was a true connoisseur of music who loved all genres. He had a passion for words, loved literature and wrote several stories for his own pleasure throughout his life. His favorite activity, though, was spending time with his family.

Charles is preceded in death by his father Charles E. Hoover Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Chance and Xingzhu (Nora) Wang, Bailey and Antonio Stokes, and Morgan and his granddaughter; his mother, Joyce Hoover; and his siblings, Marilyn, Mike, Terry, Larry and spouses.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Chapter of the ALS Foundation at https://secure2.convio. net/alsa/site/Donation2?df_ id=34580&34580.donation=form1

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services. ________________________

GARY D. GEORGE, 84, Brownsburg, passed away on April 20, 2021.

Before retirement he was an operations manager for Mason-Dixon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Catherine George.

Survivors include his wife, Linda George; daughter, Laurie A. George; son, Michael A. (Terri) George; brother, William (Connie) George; nephews, Todd (Jennifer) George, Nick (Jeanette) George; grandsons, Brandon M. (Jennifer) George, Michael Ray George; and two great-granddaughters, Riley E. George and Tatum E. George.

Services were Friday, April 23, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Chapel, Louisville, Ky. with interment at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

CAROLYN KLEIN, 88, of Avon, passed away on April 19, 2021.

Carolyn was born in Hammond, Ind. on April, 14, 1933 to Robert and Carrie (Enochsen) Gross.

She was a wonderful homemaker and an incredibly loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She greatly enjoyed nurturing her plants and flowers and canning what she grew in her garden.

She was a natural caretaker with a strong faith who made friends with everyone she met through her work.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by her son, Dan (wife Karen) Klein.

She is survived by her children, Greg (wife Barb) Klein, Kate (husband Dave) Brostrom, David Klein, and Nicky (husband Brent) McCoskey; her grandchildren, Kenny Klein, Kelli Klein, Josh (wife Genna) Klein, Alyssa Brostrom (fiance Tyler Emmett), Tyler Brostrom, Haley Brostrom, Kailyn McCoskey, Sara McCoskey, and Faith McCoskey; and her great-grandchild, Kennedy Jean Emmett.

Private services will be held for Carolyn at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Pittsboro. ________________________

HARRY L. DEL-

LINGER, 95, of Avon, passed away April 21, 2021. He was born May 29, 1925 to the late Harry M. and Laura (Murphy) Dellinger in Columbus, Ohio.

He was a US Marine Corps veteran of WWII. He was a dispatcher for Central Temperature Transit Co. for 12 years retiring in 1997.

Harry is survived by a son, Lowell “Odie” (Vikki) Dellinger; two daughters, Jackie Reeves and Patti Leininger; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Jean (Phillips) Dellinger.

Funeral services were Saturday, April 24, in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial with military honors followed at Maple HillCemetery, Plainfield. www. hamptongentry.com ________________________

DONALD REESE BABB, 72, of Indianapolis, passed away on April 20, 2021. Donald was born on August 3, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Warren and Jeannetta Babb.

He was a graduate of Ben Davis High School and Suffield University. He was a retired Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a retired Postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service.

He was Past Commander of the Avon American Legion Post 145 and a member of the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 and the VFW Post 1628.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Larry Socks, Warren Babb, Judy Day and Rocky Babb.

He is survived by his children, Donnie (Ginger) Babb, Thomas (Amanda) Babb and Ellen (Jordan) Sudduth; four grandchildren; siblings, Max Socks, Donna Cannon and Gordon Babb and beloved pets, Rocky and Tyson.

Funeral service took place Monday, April 26, at Flanner Buchanan-Floral Park. Burial followed at Floral Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 or VFW Post 6128. ________________________

RICHARD “RIKK” WAYNE SESSIONS, 50, of Indianapolis, passed from this world on Monday April 19, 2021. He was born on Monday, September 21, 1970 to Michael Wayne and Darceia Renae (Mahan) Sessions in Danville.

He was preceded in death by father Michael Wayne Sessions

Rikk worked at the Target Distribution Center in Indianapolis as a mechanic for 30 years. He loved his job and his family.

He is survived by wife Barbara Herrin-Sessions, daughter Jami Griffith, sister Beth Stephens, granddaughter Avenelle, and extended family and friends.

Indiana Memorial was honored to serve Sessions family. ________________________

CHARLES W. STINNETT, age 87, of Plainfield, passed away on April 20, 2021 in I.U. West Hospital.

He was born on September 23, 1933 in Lancaster, Kentucky to the late John and Pearl Burgess Stinnett. Charlie was the widower of Patricia L. Moore Stinnett. He was an US Air Force Veteran. He worked several years at Hobbs’s Nursery in Indianapolis before his retirement.

Funeral services took place Saturday, April 24, in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.

Survivors include his sons, William “Bill”, Wayne and John Stinnett; brothers, Gary, Jack and Donald Stinnett; grandchildren, William Stinnett and Ashley Kender; great-grandchild, Bentley Kender; sister, Barb Williams.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Gretta Davis, Jeannette Burkett and brother, Sam Stinnett. Online condolences may be made at www. bakerfuneralservice.com ________________________

SUSAN RIGGS, 74, Brownsburg, passed away April 20, 2021.

A graduate of Butler University, Susan taught P.E. and Health in the Brownsburg Community Schools. She was a member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association and attended Connection Pointe Christian Church. A proud mother and grandmother, lovingly known as Gramsy, she never missed any of her grandsons’ sports events and activities. Susan never met a stranger and was loved by many. She enjoyed playing golf, taking adventures with her grandsons, and cheering on the Butler Bulldogs and Chicago Cubs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Wolavka.

Susan is survived by her husband, Dr. David Riggs; daughter, Stacy Parker (husband Stacey) and son, Eric Riggs (wife Trisha); grandsons Cade and Broc Parker and Bryce, Blake, Brooks and Beckett Riggs; brothers William Wolavka (wife Janene) and Charles Wolavka (wife Cindy).

The family will be planning a celebration of life service at a later date. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. ________________________

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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.

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