
16 minute read
Obituaries
DONNA SUE (Roark) DARLAGE
76, of Brownsburg, passed away on May 23, 2021 at Brownsburg Meadows.
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Donna was born March 16, 1945 in Indianapolis, to the late Geneva I. (Burgess) and Leslie B. Roark. She was a 1963 graduate of Ben Davis High School and attended University of Indianapolis and IUPUI. She worked as a legal secretary for Baker & Daniels in Indianapolis for many years. She was also a member of the Chapel Rock Christian Church.
She is survived by her sister, Juanita Mincy, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
No formal services will be observed. As per Donna’s wishes, she will be cremated and buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bloomfield at a later date. Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made in Donna’s memory to Anew Hospice 3830 E Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46237 https://www.anewhosp. com/
Final arrangementsentrusted to Carlisle Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville.
RALPH LEON HALTOM
83, of Avon, passed away May 24, 2021.
He was born February 24, 1938 to the late Eugene and Grace (Stwalley) Haltom in Danville. He was a graduate of Amo High School Class of 1957. He was a member of Plainfield Church of Christ.
He worked as a steelworker/supervisor for Cold Metal Products in Indianapolis for 38 years retiring in 1998.
Leon was a jack-of-alltrades and was constantly tinkering around the house. For relaxation he loved to fish with family and friends.
Leon is survived by his loving wife, Sylvilene (Larkin) Haltom; a son, Kevin L. (Andrea) Haltom; two daughters, Lynnette E. (James) Simpson and Kathy A. (Bobby) Burdine; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Services will be Friday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Contributions may be made to donor’s favorite charity. Masks will be required while in the funeral home.
JOHN J. JACO
84 of Brownsburg, passed away unexpectedly, May 23, 2021 at his home.
John was born on August 25, 1936 to William Benjamin Jaco and Emmaline Helm Jaco. He grew up hunting with his dad in the small town of Vienna, Ill. He had four older sisters and another sister who died after birth.
John graduated from Vienna High School and went to serve his country in the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he met his soulmate, Beverly Richard Jaco. While stationed in Hampton, Virginia they welcomed their first child, Brenda Jaco (Yates). After being honorably discharged from the Air Force they returned to southern Illinois. Then in November of 1962, they moved to Brownsburg. They welcomed their second child, John W. Jaco in 1963. They completed their family in 1970 with Barbara Jaco (Payne).
He worked as a comptroller for Link Belt and retired from there after 38 years.
In his free time he enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren. He also enjoyed splitting wood, hunting and all outdoor activities.
A funeral service will be held for John in his hometown of Vienna, Illinois at Bailey Funeral Home on Thursday, May 27, at 11 a.m. Following the service, John will be laid to rest in Reevesville Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro.
DANNY RAY GROOVER
63, Avon, passed away
May 17, 2021, surrounded by loved ones following a lung transplant and a courageous two year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Danny was born June 26, 1957, in Indianapolis, to Lloyd W. and Nancy Lou (Adamson) Groover, who survive. He married Joyce (Cross) on December 24, 1993.
Danny graduated from Avon High School in 1975 and proudly served in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring as Chief Petty Officer in 1997.
Danny’s civilian employment included time at Intel Corporation, Qualitech Steel and Navistar. He retired from the Department of Veteran Affairs. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University in 2006.
He was a member of Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, graduate of Avon High School class of 1975, Bridgeport Masonic Lodge #162, Lynhurst Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Past Worthy Patron of the Bridgeport Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #513, life member of Indiana Subvets Association, graduate of Purdue University School of Engineering and Technology class of 2006, member of the National Honor Society of Engineering Technologies, life member of the National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Federation.
He was an avid outdoorsman and also enjoyed wood working, welding, astro-photography, ham radio and cooking, especially grilling and smoking different meats.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Joyce; parents, Lloyd and Nancy Groover; bonus children, Aaron (Khelsea) Johnson and Carrie (B.J. Kelley) Matthys; sister, Cathy (Steve) Jones; brothers, Jeff (Teresa) Groover and John (Missy) Groover; grandchildren, Caleb and Parker Matthys; Maddox, Maverick, Memphis, MacKoy and Maecon Johnson; father and mother-inlaw, Elmer and Alta Cross; sisters-in-law, Vonda Shingleton and Alicia Cross; brother-in-law, Victor (Kim) Cross; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his maternal grandparents, Grover and Irene Adamson; paternal grandparents, Walter and Mary Groover; and brother, Robin.
Masonic Memorial and Order of the Eastern Star services took place Friday, May 21, at Avon United Methodist Church.. The funeral service was Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the church, with burial following at Spring HIll Cemetery, Cartersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Shriner’s Hospital for Children’s, or to the Harvest Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements: Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville.
VERA MADGE JARRETT
86, of Avon, passed away on May 20, 2021.
Madge was born on January 17, 1935, in Pittsboro, to Fred Leon and Fern (Barnett) Hadley. After graduating high school, she married Donald Jarrett on August 14, 1953 a loving union that has lasted almost 68 years.
Madge was an amazing woman who touched many lives, a wonderful homemaker, florist, member of the Red Hatters, enjoyed vacationing and playing cards, a member of New Brunswick Christian Church, and enjoyed crocheting hats for babies for local hospitals.
Madge was preceeded in death by a sister Mary Jean Kernodle, a brother Fred Leon Hadley, and a grandson Justin Jarrett and is survived by her husband Donald Jarrett, 2 sons Kent (Sharon) Jarrett and Gene Jarrett, 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Services were Monday, May 24, at New Brunswick Christian Church in Lebanon, Madge was laid to rest in K of P Cemetery in Lizton. Memorial contributions may be made to New Brunswick Christian Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro. www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com
WILLAJEAN “JEAN” HICKS
89, passed away May 20, 2021 in Greenwood, Ind.
She was born to the late Willard Grow and Alice (Carmichael) Boss in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 8, 1932.
Willajean was a 1950 graduate of Washington High School in Indianapolis. She married the love of her life, Lorris Leon Hicks, on March 11, 1951. he preceded her in death in 2002. They enjoyed traveling and loved spending time in South Carolina. Willajean enjoyed spending time with her family and dogs.
Willajean is survived by four children, Julia Prestel, Mike Hicks (Jayne), Robert Hicks (Linda), and Joy Carr (Robert), 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, siblings, Andy Grow, Joan McAninch (Fred), and Anita Surber.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lorris Leon Hicks, parents, stepmother, Jul Grow, daughter, Joanne Hicks, son in law, Jerry Prestel, sister, Arlene Pozek, and four dogs, Bella, Charlie, and Daisy Mae.
A funeral service took place Tuesday, May 25, at 1 P.M. at Porter & St. Pierre Funeral & Cremation Services, North Salem Chapel. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery.
DELILAH SHORTZ
infant, passed away May 19, 2021. Services were Tuesday, May 25. Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro. www.ericmdbellfuneralhome. com
Delilah June Shortz was born on April 19, 2021 at 7:29 a.m. at 33 weeks gestation to parents, Mark and Amy Shortz. She weighed 4 lbs 8oz and was 16 inches long.
Delilah was born at IU Methodist with multiple comorbidities. After a monthlong battle at Riley Hospital, it was decided for Delilah to come home with hospice care, where she could be surrounded by her family.
Delilah’s family was blessed with a hour and 15 minutes with Delilah before she went to her Heavenly home at 3:20 p.m. on May 19, 2021. Delilah experienced being held by her family, multiple hugs and kisses, listening to music and being sung to by her family. Delilah got to experience the outside and the feel of the sun on her little face as she left her mother’s arms to be with Jesus for all eternity.
Delilah touched many lives, even the lives of some who never got to meet her. Delilah was the true definition of a warrior. She is deeply loved and missed by her mother and father, sisters Jessi and Abbey, brothers Noah and Ryker, her grandparents (Kathy Longworth, Wayne Saylor), great grandfather (Hershel Longworth), her godparents Jayce Scruggs and Michelle Wiliford, and many others.
Delilah was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother (Carol Napier), great grandmothers (Mildred Longworth, June Wade), great grandfather (Neal Shortz) and an infant brother, Tristan Shortz.
BONNIE ROBINSON
of North Salem, peacefully passed away on May 20, 2021.
Bonnie was born on June 29, 1939 in North Salem, to Arvil and Edna (Rosston) Haegy. She graduated from North Salem High School in 1954 and was a loving homemaker and mother.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, William Wayne Robinson; her son, Joseph Robinson; her daughter, Paula (husband Slick) Engele; and her four grandchildren.
A graveside service will took place on Tuesday, May 25, in Fairview Cemetery in North Salem.
Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro. www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com
DORTHY “ANN” HADLEY
94, of Avon, formerly of Danville, passed away Saturday evening, May 22, 2021, at Life’s Journey Hospice in Avon, with her family by her side.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in Danville South Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Thomas B. Hadley.
Ann was born in Brownsburg to the late Earl H. and Beulah (Brady) Merritt. She and her husband, Tom, graduated together from Danville High School with the class of 1945. THey were married June 27, 1948 in Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. Tom preceded her in death January 26, 2005.
Ann received her degree in nursing fromt he former Indianapolis General Hospital School of Nursing. She had been a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room of the former Hendricks Community Hospitial (now Hendricks Regional Health) for several years before retiring.
Ann was a member of the Danville United Methodist Church, a former member of the Danville Friends Church, the Hendricks County Garden Club, the Up-to-Date Club, the Browning Club, Tri Kappa Sorority, Eagle Creek Golf Club, and the Pittsboro Ladies Golf League.
Survivors include her children, Greg (Nancy) Hadley of Alpharetta, Ga., Dale Hadley of Battle Creek, Mich., Lynn (Craig) Moore of Brownsburg, 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Ann was preceded in death by a sister, Maxine Merritt.
Contributions may be given to one’s favorite charity in memory of Ann.
Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home Danvile entrusted with the arrangements. www. weaverandrandolphfuneralhomes.com.
MARSHA A. WRIGHT
74, passed away May 20, 2021.
She was an Administrative Assistant for Safeco Insurance Company.
Marsha was a member of the Plainfield United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Homemaker’s Club.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Michele Wilson; parents, Donald and Doris Emory Crowl.
She is survived by her husband, Dale Wright; children, Dwayne (Lisa) Wright, Melissa Wright Starr and David (Suzanne) Wright; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen (Jim) Garrison and brother, Richard Crowl.
Services were Sunday, May 23, at Plainfield United Methodist Church. Contributions may be made to the Plainfield United Methodist Church Hand Bell Choir. Online condolences may be shared at www.conklefuneralhome.com.
WILMA LUCILLE WOOSLEY
79 of Brownsburg, passed away on May 16, 2021.
Wilma was born in Shelbyville, Ill. on February 28, 1942 to Everett Boyd and Frances Lucille (Weakly) Eversole. She was a faithful follower of Jesus, who loved dogs, enjoyed gardening, and crafting. Wilma had a dog grooming business in Illinois for many years.
In addition to her parents, Wilma is preceded in death by her great-grandson, Samuel Scott and her brother-in-law, Jack Feken.
She is survived by her son, Kurt (Susan) Woosley; her daughter, Kelli (Brian) Denheyer; her sisters, Phyllis Feken and Esther (Steve) Rhodes; her granddaughters, Rebekah Woosley, Hannah (Gunnar) Ewert, and Kathryn (Zach) Scott; and her great-grandchildren, Benjamin Scott and Baby Girl Scott still on the way.
Wilma will be laid to rest with a private burial at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro.

ARVILLA M. THOMP- SON
82, of Plainfield, passed away May 21, 2021.
She was born on December 6, 1938 in Washington, Ind., to the late Harold W. and Fannie (Adams) Walls. She married Donald J. Thompson on April 19, 1958 in Indianapolis, and he preceded her in death on February 09, 2013.
Arvilla was the Regional Supervisor of Sears Home Improvement Lead Generation until her retirement.
She was a member of the Calvary Bible Wesleyan Church in Plainfield. Arvilla had a big heart and was always thinking of others. Her support of charities benefited people in many parts of the world. Family was the most important part of her life, and she was never happier than when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Donna (Bob) Briney of South Bend, Keith (Sarah) Thompson of Orlando, Fla., Cindy (John) Pedigo of Plainfield; siblings, Dorothy Foster of Washington, Ind., Jim (Julie) Walls of Oregon.; 4 grandchildren (who said she gave the best hugs) Bobby, Jr. (Amy), Kris (Luna), Kyle (Dani), Katie; and lots of great grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, 4 brothers and 2 sisters preceded her in death.
Services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the service time in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity, in memory of Arvilla. Online condolences may be made at www. bakerfuneralservice.com
JEFFRY W. MILLER
52, Brownsburg, passed away suddenly May 17, 2021.
For six years, Jeffry worked as a forklift driver at MD Logistics. He served in the US Army from 1990 to 1994.
In his high school years when he played soccer, he was known as “Boomer” in his position as the goalie. He was also an avid 49er’s fan.
Survivors include his wife Alisa Pearcy Miller; father and stepmother Hershal and Janet Miller; mother Linda Miller; brother Alan Miller; sister Crystal Wilson.
Services were Monday, May 24, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Burial followed in the New Winchester Cemetery.
JACK E. SCHWOMEYER
87, Pittsboro, passed away May 21, 2021.
He served proudly in the US Marines from 1951-54, during the Korean War.
A truck driver and heavy equipment operator, he had worked for Reith Riley Construction for many years and was a member of the NRA.
His wife, Sharon Schwomeyer, preceded him in death in 1999.
Survivors include his children Kimberly Garland and Jeffrey Schwomeyer (wife Rosetta); grandchildren Joshua Schwomeyer and Jeffrey Schwomeyer (wife Kenzie); great grandchildren Joshua Austin, Jacob Allen and Jaylynn Rose Schwomeyer.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 29, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with graveside services and military honors immediately following in the Brownsburg Cemetery.
JOHN DAVID CURRIER, SR.
, age 81, of Plainfield, died May 17, 2021.
He was born December 9, 1939, in Rockford, Ill., to Laurence Jenks and Ruth Denny Currier. He married Janet Geiger on March 30, 1968.
John, a graduate of Rockford West High ‘57 and Rockford College ‘61, he also attended Wabash College and NIU. He worked as an administrator in retirement communities in Rockford and Batavia, Ill. His career also included sales, personnel, marketing, purchasing, and accounting in Rockford industry.
John was a member of Second Congregational Church in Rockford, the Kiwanis, Jaycees, and he volunteered with Rockford Community Chest, American Red Cross, and Rockford College Alumni.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and b r o t h e r, Denny.
He is survived by his wife; son, John Jr., of Waukee, Iowa and Mary (Keith Ramsey) Currier-Ramsey of Indianapolis, and grandchildren Adeline, John III, and Eleanor Currier and Aiden and Alexander Ramsey; in-laws Nancee Currier of Marietta, Ga., Lawrence Geiger, Jr. of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Jill (Dale) Olson of Bloomington, Ill.; one niece, eight nephews, and many relatives and friends.
Memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 4, from 10 a.m. until the service at 11:30 at Garden Baptist Church, 1725 South Raceway Road, Indianapolis. In Rockford, Ill., memorial visitation will held Friday, June 18, from 10 until service at 11:30 at Second First Church, 318 North Church Street.
Memorials can be made to Garden Baptist Church, Second First Church, or Meals on Wheels. Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services.
JAMES WILLIAM ERVIN
92, of North Salem, and formerly of Mooresville and Indianapolis for most of his life, passed away May 19, 2021.
He was born July 21, 1928 in Indianapolis to his late parents, Samuel and Marie (Bennett) Ervin. He married the late Forsee Mae (Anderson) Ervin on August 7, 1948.
James is survived by his two loving children: Donna (Paul) Ganote of North Salem and Bill (Vickie) Wilson of Martinsville; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and one brother, Fred Ervin of Mooresville. James is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lowell Ervin; and sister, Olive Wright.
James was a truck driver for 41 years for ABF before retiring in 1986. He attended Church of God on West Washington Street in Indianapolis along with Greencastle and Mooresville where he enjoyed being the treasurer and serving his church as a board member. He enjoyed working on his John Deere tractors, loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. James liked following NASCAR and in his earlier years he raced stock cars. He enjoyed bowling and once had a perfect game.
Services were Monday, May 24, at Jones Family Mortuary, Mooresville. James will be laid to rest next to his wife, Forsee Mae Ervin, at Mt. Pleasant at Hall Cemetery.
ARTHUR L. SCOTT
age 87, of Cloverdale, passed away May 22, 2021 in the Mill Pond Health Campus in Greencastle.
Born October 1, 1933 in Kentucky, he was the son of Arthur M. Scott and Florence (Hatfield) Scott. He married Carolyn Cooksey and she preceded him in death.
Arthur had worked as a farmer his whole life. He also owned Scott’s Elevator for 25 years and worked at Allisons Transmission for 37 years.
He was a member of the Abundant Life Church in Putnamville.
Survivors includes five children, Randy Scott and wife Debby, Eric Scott and wife Sherri, Michele Padgett and husband Dennis, Bryan Scott, and Douglas Scott and husband Dale; brother James Scott; 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren, and 1 step great-great grandchild
He was preceded by his parents and wife. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m., Thursday, May 27, in the Bousley Funeral Home in Coatesville. Services are at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Cloverdale Cemetery.