Obituaries

CHARLES RONALD “CHARLIE” FERGUSON

passed away peacefully on June 16, 2021.

Charlie was born in Fort Myers, FL on April 7, 1944 to Ralph H. and Minnie M. (Evans) Ferguson. After graduating from Southport High School in 1962, he spent most of his adult career employed as an optical frame Sales Representative.

Charlie was an active member of the Warren Township Lions Club for over 25 years.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Harriet Campbell Peden Ferguson of Indianapolis; son Barry (Vickie) Ferguson of Acworth, GA; daughter Katie (Phil) Ernstes of Shelbyville; stepsons Robert (Jen) Peden of Indianapolis and Bill (Beth) Peden of Olympia, Wash.; grandsons Alexander (Jill), Christopher, Zachary, and Andrew Ferguson, and Henry David and Owen Charles Ernstes; great-grandson Alexander Ferguson, Jr.; step-grandchildren Mitchell, Grace and Molly Peden; Lucy, Alice and George Peden; sisters Lois Lynn (Rick) Hardwick of Belleair, Fla. and Deborah Wesolowski of Avon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Minnie Ferguson, his beloved daughter Laura Lynn Ferguson, and his brother-in-law Bill Wesolowski.

The family would like to thank the staff of Avon Health and Rehab for their nearly three years of dedicated care.

Services were Tuesday, June 22, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Indianapolis, IN 46240

JOSHUA THOMAS MITCHELL

31, of Bloomington, passed away June 17, 2021.

He was born October 29, 1989 to Thomas George Mitchell Jr. and Serena M (Cortes) Mahoney in Portland, Oregon. He was a 2008 graduate of Avon High School. He was currently a food service worker for Mother Bears in Bloomington.

He is survived by his father, Thomas G. Mitchell Jr. and mother, Serena M. (Derrick) Mahoney; two brothers, Thomas G. Mitchell III and Bradley D. (Maria) Mitchell; a sister, Christine Marie (Travis) Clark; his maternal grandparents, Gordon and Karol Saager; and paternal grandmother, Susan Beus.

Josh registered to be an organ donor and that gift is a testament to his kind heart and generous spirit. Josh was a talented, artistic, bright, funny, and very loving young man. He loved to paint and played a mean guitar. He was a unique soul who set the stage for others to be the best of themselves.

We know Josh will live on in sevem recipients and that truly warms our hearts and eases our minds.

In lieu of food or flowers we are asking for donations to help with the hospital and funeral expenses. The GoFund- Me page is https://gofund.me/ d62b62a5 There will be a memorial service at Hampton Gentry Funeral home in Plainfield on Saturday June 26, at 3 p.m., with visitation from 1 p.m until service time.

IDA LOUISE GRIDER PATTERSON

92, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021. She was born in Indianapolis on August 29, 1928, to Claude and Lola Grider, and she graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1946. She married Owen Hawley Patterson in 1949; he preceded her in death. Louise had three brothers: Robert (deceased), Gene, and David. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Jim McCammack), grandson Brian (Laura) and great granddaughter, Kate.

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday June 24, at Conkle Funeral Home Speedway with visitation 11 a.m.-1 p.m. .Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.

RUSSELL “JOE” LOCKWOOD

83, of Mooresville, passed away June 14, 2021. Joe was born December 14, 1937 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Russell E. Lockwood and Catherine D. (McMurray) Scarbourgh.

He proudly served in the United States Navy. He worked for Chevrolet on the assembly line, Welfare Finance as a manager, Citizens Bank as the Vice President, and owned Joe Knop Ford dealership in Plainfield. Joe attended the Plainfield Christian Church. He was an avid golfer.

Survivors include his children, Dawn E. (Frank) Gunnell - Accavitti, Kelly S. (Larry) Campbell, Terry Jo (Rick) Jackson, and Andy (Stephanie) Hofer; 8 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services took place Thursday, June 17, at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.

MICHAEL A. “MIKE” LETT

70, of Avon, and formerly of Tipton, died on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Mike was born on August 25, 1950 in Elwood, Indiana to Robert Lett & Imogene (Rogers) Lett Holmes.

He graduated from Tipton High School in 1968 and from the University of South Alabama in 1972. Mike earned his master’s degree in education from Indiana University.

He taught math at Noblesville High School and then in the Indianapolis Public Schools system.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (McKinney) Lett; a son, John Michael Lett of Indianapolis; brothers, Steven Lett of Vero Beach, Fla. and Judge Thomas Lett of Tipton.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and a step-sister, Jo Carolyn Caldwell.

Funeral services for Mike will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 17, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home. Tipton. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.

Memorial contributions in Mike’s honor may be made to the Avon Junior Athletic Association, 866 County Road 625 East, Avon, IN, 46123.

JANET R. STURM

78, of North Salem, passed away June 14, 2021 at Brownsburg Meadows.

She was born on February 19, 1943 in Indianapolis to the late Clarence and Doris Leah (Nicholes) Miller. Janet graduated from New Winchester High School in 1962 and married Robert Sturm on February 23, 1963. She was a homemaker and also a school bus driver for the Northwest Hendricks School System for many years.

Janet was a member of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Danville and the Hendricks County Homemaker’s Club.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Robert Sturm of North Salem; son, David Sturm of Brownsburg; daughter, Shannon Brackett (Jason) of Coatesville; and 5 grandchildren.

Her parents; son, Gregory R. Sturm; and sister, Marcia Wynn, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Danville, with inurnment to follow in the New Winchester Cemetery. Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.bakerfuneralservice.com to leave the family a condolence.

VIOLET (Julian) COX

94, of Brownsburg, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021.

She was born April 8, 1927 in Winslow, Indiana to her parents, Medford F. and Hazel B. (Powers) Julian, where she lived for 28 years. She married the late Randal Cox on May 14, 1950. She was a previous resident of Camby for 60 years and resided in Brownsburg since 2016.

Violet is survived by her two daughters, Sheila F. (Dan) Gagen of Leo, Indiana and Elaine G. (Bill) Potter of Brownsburg; five grandchildren: Sarah Taylor, Timothy Gagen, Serena Johnson, David Potter, and Isaac Potter; and one sister, Virginia L. Fowler of Indianapolis.

Violet is preceded in death by both of her parents; and her husband, Randal Cox.

Violet was a 1945 graduate of Spurgeon High School, where she was also Class President. She was a Homemaker and a member of Camby Community Church for over 50 years. Violet was an avid gardener and loved flowers. She enjoyed cooking and providing hospitality. She always made sure bellies were full and no one left hungry. Violet was a sweet and gentle spirit.

Services were Wednesday, June 23, at Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville. Violet was laid to rest beside her husband, Randal at White Lick Cemetery in Mooresville.

ARISTEO JUAN “AJ” GARZA

56, of Avon, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021.

He was born on Thursday March 4, 1965, to Julian M. Garza and Mary Lou Barrera in Moses Lake, Washington.

He is survived his wife, Heather Marie Reilly; parents Julian M. Garza and Mary Lou Barrera; sons Emanuel A. Garza, Sergio S. Garza; daughters Vanessa N. Garza, LillyMarie N. Reilly, Hannah E. Reilly, Emily S. Reilly, Heather J.R., Camila N.; brother Edward Garza; sister Dilia Delgadillo-Baker, 10 grandchildren, and extended family and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday June 25, 2021, 10 am Mass at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 9833 E County Rd 750 N, Brownsburg.

Indiana Memorial was honored to serve the Garza family.

ED SHELTON and BRIAN SHELTON

will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 26, 6:30 p.m., at the North Salem Community Building.

Ed passed away September 4, 2020. He was a retired employee of Allison’s.

His son, Brian, passed away April 23, 2020. Brian was a lifelong farmeer.

Come and share happy memories and fellowship with family and friends.

A brief service will be held, followed by food and beverage. Everyone welcome.

MRS. DOROTHY ANN HADLEY

passed away May 22, 2021. A gathering of family and friends will take place for a graveside service at Danville South Cemetery, Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest next to her husbnad of 47 years, “Tom.”

Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home Danville entrusted with the arrangements. www. weaverandrandolphfuneralhomes.com.

KENNETH L. “KENNY” DAVIDSON

age 53, Coatesville, passed away Sunday evening, June 20, 2021, in his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Danville on February 19, 1968 the son of Ted and Alice Greeson Davidson. He has worked in maintenance at the Mill Creek Schools for 10 years, then the Vanco Company, and currently worked for CBRE.

He is survived by his wife, Darla Miller Davidson; son, Jesse Davidson, Coatesville; mother, Alice (Greeson) Davidson, Coatesville; sister, Karen Marsh and husband, Tony, Coatesville; brother, Kurt Davidson and wife, Jill, Cloverdale; his mother-in-law, Darlene Miller, Coatesville; brother-in-law, Dave Miller and wife, Kellie, Coatesville; Aunt, Jeanette Fredrick and husband, Melvin; nephews, Matt (Lindsay), Tyler (Ashley), Nick (Hayley), Luke, Chris, and Scott (Carrie); and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ted Davidson, and father-in-law, David Miller.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 25, at 11 a.m., at the Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville, with Pastor Danny Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in Amo Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, June 24, from 4 until 8 p.m.

JOHN ASHTON DAVIES

88, of Fillmore, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. John was born in Youngstown, Ohio on August 05, 1932, the son of John E. and Amy (Burdett) Davies, and was a graduate of Amo High School.

Mr. Davies proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Firefighter Davies was a Life Member of the IVFA serving 55 years on the Hilmon Firefighters and the Fillmore Community Volunteer Fire Departments in District 11B. John served as the IVFA Secretary and the IVFA Historian. He also served as District 11B Secretary. In addition to his working as a firefighter, John also worked for many years at IBM until his retirement in March of 1987.

Survivors include his son, Mike Davies, (Kim); grandchildren, Amanda Hutcheson, (Jared), and M. Adam Davies, (Heather); 6 great grandchildren; brother, Richard Davies, (Marie); several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Maxine Gibson Davies; and an infant son, Myron James Davies.

Services were, June 21, at Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department, Burial followed in Fillmore Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be directed to Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 17, Fillmore, IN 46128.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.

ELMA “EVA” (Worrell) PICKEL

95 of Avon, passed away on June 20, 2021 surrounded by her loving family at Life’s Journey Hospice.

She was born on October 3, 1925 in Avon to the late Claude and Bernice (Denny) Worrell.

Eva married Herbert J. Pickel on November 29, 1947 at the Avon Methodist Church. She and Herb met on a blind date that was set up by their close friends. They were happily married for 62 years and together raised 3 children.

She began her working career in retail at Wm. H. Block department store after graduating from Avon High School in 1943. She later managed the Avon Motel and Apartments for over 40 years, retiring in 1985.

Eva was a loving and generous woman who was devoted to her family. You could often find her at her family’s extracurricular events, dining out with family and friends, and playing the slot machines at the casino. Eva loved flowers and gardening; she also enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine with a good book. She enjoyed cooking for family get togethers. Her homemade chocolate pie and Texas sheet cake were family favorites, along with her egg noodles and fresh green beans. Eva was a life-long member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Eva was proceeded in death by her parents and husband; son, Donn Pickel; sisters, Thelma Pryor, Lena Bailey Head, and Edna “Eileen” Falls; brother, Conrad “Bud” Worrell; and grandson, Matt Alexander.

Survivors include her children, Dean Pickel (Carol) of Dayton, Ohio, Donna Colcord (Roger) of Bowling Green, Ohio, Debbie Alexander (Brad) of Avon; grandchildren, Deanna Scolaro, Andrea Colcord, Melissa Colcord, and Michelle Alexander; great grandchildren, Michaela Scolaro and Megan Campbell (Caleb); great-great grandson, Samuel Campbell; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and services will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Baker Funeral Home, Danville. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service following at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, North Salem. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com.

JOAN M. HARPOOL

85, of Plainfield, passed away June 15, 2021.

She was born May 27, 1936 to the late Horace and Lena (Douglas) Lewellen in Indianapolis. She was an elementary school teacher at IPS School #11 for 15 years retiring in 1991.

She was a member of the Plainfield Christian Church; the Plainfield Eastern Star; and co-founder of the Plainfield Garden Club.

Joan is survived by three daughters, Merrietta Fong, Barbara Wells, and Katherine (Martin) Buis; a son, John (Sharon) Smith; three stepsons, Mark (Ronnie) Hughes, Jeffrey (Tanita) Hughes, and James (Kris) Harpool; a step-daughter, Julie Grimes; a brother, Douglas Lewellen; 12 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Lloyd Smith and Roy Harpool; and a grandson, Nathan Fong.

Funeral services took place on Saturday, June 19, in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.

JAMES R. LAHIFF

80, Brownsburg, passed away on June 14, 2021.

He was a US Army Veteran and worked in the parts department for Beechcraft Aviation.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Maxine Lahiff.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Lahiff; daughter Ame Lahiff and son James Lahiff.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

BRIAN H. DUGGER

55, of Plainfield, passed away June 18, 2021.

He was born June 24, 1965 to the late Harold and Alice (Phelps) Dugger in Indianapolis.

He is survived by his sister, Connie S. Murray; and two brothers, Melvin (Gail) Dugger and Gary Dugger.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 25, 2021 at 1 p.m. in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, where friends may call on Friday from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis.

MORRIS L. KERN

81, of Brownsburg, passed away on June 15, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Vivian (Gallichan) and his sister Marylin (Harold Leo) Powell.

He was a 1958 graduate of Kirklin High School. His 8-year service in the Indiana National Guard prepared him for his future career as a cable repair technician for the telephone company. He retired from SBC after 37 years. After retirement he drove a school bus for Brownsburg School Corporation.

Morris was active in his church and had a passion for Camp Allendale, where he served on the board of directors and as board president. He also enjoyed the fellowship of the CDCMF Men’s Ministry.

Morris will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Charla (Buchanan), and his daughter, Susan (Karl) Lambert.

He loved spending time with his family, camping, and riding bikes. He was a selftaught and talented woodworker and avid gardener.

Services were Wednesday, June 23, at the Eric MD Bell Funeral home, Pittsboro.

The family asks friends to make a donation in Morris’s name to Camp Allendale in lieu of flowers. The link to the website is: https://www. camp-allendale.org/memorial

DR. THOMAS LEE GROSS

age 66, died unexpectedly on June 17, 2021.

Tom is preceded in death by his mother Vivien, his father Donald, his sister Alison, and his grandparents Fred and Reva Fuller.

He is survived by his wife, Louisa (Hollmeyer) Gross, his seven children Mary Cosler (Matthew), James Gross (Mary), Carol Gross, Susan Gross, William Gross (Sherry Jiao), Michael Gross, and Alan Gross, his five grandchildren (Ada, Teddy, Maisy, Wilhelmina, Thomas), and his aunt Elizabeth Crowe (David).

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Tom attended Northwestern University in 1973. While there he met fellow engineering student Louisa Hollmeyer, and they married in 1977. He attended the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1979 and went on to complete his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship.

A loyal and committed doctor, Dr. Gross worked seven day weeks, working tirelessly to provide the level of care his community deserved. Known for his exceptional bedside manner and unmatched empathy for his patients, Thomas was beloved by his family, staff, coworkers, and community alike. It was the time he spent that showed his love, and something his family will always cherish.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic Indiana or Doctors Without Borders. If you are unable to donate, please consider taking part in some of his favorite activities: playing cribbage, befriending the local stray cats, telling stories of your greatest embarrassments, going to the movies with your loved ones, being overly sappy with your spouse, voting blue, and getting vaccinated.

A visitation will be held at the Hendricks County Fair Grounds in the Cartlidge Barn in Danville, Indiana from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 27, 2021. Visitors should use the entrance at gate 4 off of County Road 200E. A private service will be held later this summer during his favorite event, the Olympics, at his office in Danville.

WILLARD ALLEN LYDICK

age 94, passed peacefully on June 19, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Willard was born April 28, 1927 to Willie Everett and Elsie Faye (Graham) Lydick. The youngest of six children, Willard grew up on the family farm east of Amo where he helped in all aspects of the family business. Willard helped with the dairy and delivered milk (door-to-door) with his dad every day before school.

Willard attended school at Amo graduating in 1946. He played basketball for Amo throughout his high school career. Willard remained an avid basketball fan throughout his life with IU and the Indiana Pacers being his favorite teams.

After dating for four years, Willard married Madonna (Madge) Wheeler on November 8, 1947. They were married 73 years and had two children.

Willard served two years in the US Army as a crane operator in Korea. Upon returning home, he and Madge set up housekeeping back in Amo. Willard’s lifelong dream was to farm. In working toward this goal, he took other jobs to make money to get started driving a school bus and hauling apples from Washington state to Indiana. In 1956 Willard and Madge purchased and moved to their permanent home between Amo and Coatesville.

Willard believed in supporting and giving back to his community. He served on the board of the Amo Cemetery Association for over 40 years, serving as president for many of those years. He served on the board of directors for Hendricks Power Cooperative (fka REMC) for 30 years, serving as Vice President for eight years and President for 10 years. Willard was a member of the former Amo United Methodist Church. He served on many committees during his years there as well as President of the Board for multiple terms.

In addition to his wife, Willard was preceded in death by both his parents, two sisters, Eula and Freida and three brothers, Roy, Maynard, and Marion.

He is survived by his daughter Sharon Anderson (Donald Wingler) of Danville; his son, Dennis Lydick of Coatesville; grandchildren, Josh Lydick, Erin Shaffer, Brian Anderson, and Mandy Lough (Thomas II) as well as seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services took place Wednesday, June 23, at the Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville, with Bill Martin officiating. Burial followed in the Amo Cemetery.

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.