Obituaries

GERALD RAY STEPHENS “JERRY”

72, of Danville, IN, passed away at IU/Methodist hospital on September 10, 2021.

Jerry was the youngest of 3 children born to the late James and Bonnie (Davis) Stephens on July 21, 1949 in Indianapolis at Methodist Hospital.

Jerry grew up near downtown Indianapolis. He lived with his family in the Fountain Square area. They lived in a house on the corner of Senate and Wilkins that is no longer there due to it being taken down when the highway came through.

As a kid, times were so different back then and so often after supper Jerry’s dad would often send him out in the dark to Williams Market to get milk. Jerry just knew that his nemesis Frankenstein was out there.

The Friday 11 o’clock siren meant cheeseburgers and a Pepsi. He would go home for lunch from school and that is what his mom had waiting for him. Even in his older years when the siren went off at 11, he would say “cheeseburgers!”

Jerry didn’t start school until 1st grade because his mom didn’t drive and there was no transportation to school in kindergarten for him. He always felt behind in 1st grade but of course caught up.

He attended School 39 Indianapolis grade school. Jerry thought he was so cool as he was picked to be one of the “traffic boys” and even was made Captain! This job allowed him certain privileges…one time Mr. Locker called all the traffic boys to his room for a “meeting” which turned out to really be an excuse to watch the World Series baseball game on a little tv in Mr. Locker’s room in the basement of the school. This just reinforced Jerry’s love of baseball!

Jerry loved sports and could still tell you statistics of baseball players from his childhood. In his youth, he would write out all the information on a big piece of cardboard and memorize it all.

Jerry attended Franklin Central High School and graduated in 1967. He then went on to get his college education at David Lipscomb College in Nashville TN graduating in 1971.

Jerry earned 4 teaching licenses: Science, history, math and English with the last two being his primary teaching experiences. Later on, he went back to school to get his masters degree.

Teaching was his passion, whether it was at church or at school. He was always comfortable in front of a group of students or adults. He loved to talk and he loved to tell stories. Everyone loved to hear his stories. He was a natural born teacher.

He began his teaching career in Franklin Township in 1971 at Acton, IN. He taught 5th and 6th grade for 5 years. He taught math to the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for 3 years. While he was teaching in Acton, the yearly test scores went up so much that the superintendent came to find out what Jerry was doing to help the kids improve their scores. He told him, “just the basics over & over again until they get it.” Jerry taught at Indianapolis Christian for 2 years. He began teaching in Wayne Township in 1986. Taught at Ben Davis Junior High School in the Alternative to

Expulsion Classroom for 5 years. In 1991, Jerry moved to the position of Department Chair of the alternative school based at Jameson Camp. In 1995, he moved to South Wayne Junior High where he taught English. He became the became the English Department Chair in

1996. Jerry retired in May of 2007. During his teaching career, Jerry was a cross country coach and a football coach. He was a beloved mentor to several new teachers.

Jerry’s love of books, nurtured by his sister Linda, influenced him to be an English teacher. Linda introduced her younger brother to the magic of the library. One of his favorite books was To Kill A Mockingbird. He was always taking up for the misunderstood and standing up for what was right.

Jerry honored God in all he did, whether it was teaching school, teaching a Bible class, or handing out frozen treats to the neighborhood kids.

Jerry was one of the sweetest, kindest souls on this earth. He loved to give to others and gave with a glad and generous heart. He loved sitting on the front porch swing visiting with friends or chatting with people passing by.

The kindness and joy he brought to others will not be forgotten. He had a very humble spirit.

Jerry’s love language was feeding people. The grandkids, their friends, and neighbor kids fondly remember his famous Sponge Bob eggs! They all said he made the best chocolate milk and the very best chocolate malts!

He was the funniest guy ever. He made us all laugh and he wasn’t afraid to look silly doing it. When one of his granddaughters asked him why he was so silly he responded, “ it’s so you’ll remember me when I’m gone.”

Jerry was a faithful member of the Heartland Church of Christ, Greenwood IN. He loved Sundays because that meant it was time to go to church and worship God and fellowship with other Christians. Jerry taught many Bible classes; middle school, high school, and adults.

In October 2018, Jerry had open heart surgery at Methodist Hospital, giving him 3 more years with family and friends. “The heart that serves and loves and clings, Hears everywhere the rush of angel wings.” (unknown)

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bonnie (Davis) Stephens. He was also preceded in death by his older sister Linda and an older brother who died in infancy.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Debbie (Montgomery) Stephens; daughter Stacy Hubner, step children (he hated that term as he considered them all his kids) Laura (Anthony) Bell; Beth (Jon) Mitchell; Jeremy (Kinsey) West.

He leaves behind his beloved 8 grandchildren. Caden Hubner; Cassidy Hubner; Kaylee Bell; Easton Bell; Katie Mitchell; Ashlynn Mitchell; Nathan West; and Calan West.

A special thanks to our son in-law Jon Hubner for checking on Jerry every day at the hospital.

Arrangements handled by Singleton Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Heartland Church of Christ, 1693 W Main St, Greenwood, IN 46142.

CYNTHIA JANE KEARNS

65, of Brownsburg, passed away September 23, 2021.

She was born November 25, 1955 in Indianapolis the daughter of Roy G. and Margaret G. (King) Kearns.

Cynthia was a typesetter for Pictorial Publishing Company.

She is survived by a son, Shane McPheron, sister, Linda L. Taylor, and brother, Al (Sherry) Kearns.

A funeral service took place Monday October 4, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel. Burial was in Roachdale Cemetery.

JONATHAN C. FOBES

33, Brownsburg, passed away September 27, 2021.

Jonathan was a warehouse worker and a member of the Catholic Church. A loving son, father and brother, he was survived by his mother, Cheryl Johnson (Susan Scheier); father, Jeff Fobes; his children whom he greatly adored, Peyton, Baylee, Alanna, Jazzlyn and Abigale; siste,r Katlyn Johnson.

He was preceded in death by a brother Steve Fobes.

Memorial services will be held a later date. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

LESLIE S. LANDREY JR.

loving husband, father, grandpa and uncle, 91, passed away October 1, 2021.

He was a Tool and Die Maker for Allison Transmissions. He was a proud Veteran of the US Navy. Les was an avid fisherman. He was also a member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge.

Les was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Landrey and great-grandchild, Dominick Landrey-Boutureira.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Billingsly Landrey; children, Lesa Jo Landrey and Robert A. (Benita) Landrey; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Services were Wednesday October 6, at Conkle Funeral Home Avon. Burial was in Clear Creek Cemetery-Coatesville. Online condolences may be shared at www.conklefuneralhome.com.

JERRY RAY GRACE

78, Pittsboro, passed away October 2, 2021.

He retired from General Motors as a supervisor in 1992 after 30 years of service. Jerry loved racing motorcycles and classic cars. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Brownsburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Ida Belle Grace, brother Charles Grace and sister Mary Small.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Sandra Grace; children Stacy (Tom) O’Leary and Todd (Michele) Grace; grandchildren Alli O’Leary, Tyler Grace, Cameron Grace and Brady Grace. Contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 S. Green St., Brownsburg, IN 46112.

Funeral services and interment will be private. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

WILLA DEAN (Parker) YEAGER

passed away peacefully on October 5, 2021 at Avon Health and Rehabilitation of Avon.

Willa Dean ,the daughter of Roy and Doris (Kelly) Parker ,was born on June 10, 1936 in Greencastle.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Durbin L. Yeager, son Christopher F. Yeager, and twin brother Dr. Willis G. Parker.

Willa Dean is survived by a son Alan M. Yeager (Abby), and grandsons Logan C. and Adam D. Yeager; sisters-in law, Sharon (Bob) Benge,, Bette Yeager,, Marica Walker, Linda Parker, brother-in-law, Lenny Overton, and several nieces and nephews.

Willa Dean was a member of the Coatesville Christian Church and attended New Maysville Community Church. Willa Dean started playing the piano when she was very young and continued to play not only the piano but also the organ as an active member of her church and for many occasions for family and friends throughout her life. Not only assisting her husband Durbin with the running of their business Yeager Petroleum Co., she was an excellent homemaker, always preparing food to take to family, friends and neighbors, who were sick or grieving.

Calling will be held on Friday from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville with services at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the Coatesville Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Doris K. Parker Childrens Music Fund, Hendricks County Community Foundation, 6319 E. US 36, Suite 211, Avon, IN 46123. www.bousleyfuneralhome.com

ROBERT “BOB” McLANE HIGGINS

89, of Danville, passed away in the hospice facility at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis on October 2, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home Danville, will visitation from noon until time of service. Burial with full military honors will take place in Danville South Cemetery following the service. The wearing of masks is recommended, but optional.

Bob was born in Danville, “on the farm,” to the late Harvey Michael and Fannie Elsie (McLane) Higgins, Sr. He graduated from Danville High School, where he played varsity basketball, with the class of 1950.

Bob married Gloria C. (English) on April 18, 1953. He let his feelings be known that he loved God, country, family, and the land he walked and worked. Bob was a lifetime farmer, a member of Danville Christian Church, and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He had a passion for basketball, and enjoyed attending and watching the Indiana Pacers. Bob also enjoyed playing croquet, playing the card game of Rook, as well as square dancing with Gloria and “the gang.”

Survivors, including his loving wife of 68 years, Gloria; children, Kevin E. (Denise L.) Higgins of Camby, Gary M. (Sunny K.) Higgins of Huntington Beach, Calif., Debra L. (Danny) Dillon of Danville, daughter-in-law, Mary L. Higgins of Phoenix, Ariz.; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by a son, Randall A. Higgins, two brothers and one sister.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and/or one’s favorite charity.

DONNA J. HANSHEW

75, of Indianapolis, passed away on September 29, 2021.

She was born on February 24, 1946 in Roanoke, Va., to the late Harold and Thelma Pauley.

Donna was the owner of Donna Hanshew Realty for over 10 years. She drove a school bus for 31 years with Decatur Township schools.

Donna loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Norman Hanshew; brothers, Steve and Andy Pauley; sister, Marsha Eland; grandchildren, Natalia VanDam and Alyssa Brooks.

Funeral services were Wednesday, October 6, at

Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery.Survivors include her children, Valarie VanDam, Jamie Ridge, Sean (Tracey) Ridge, Nikki (Scott) Phipps, Leann (Bob) Donaldson and Dennis (Brandee) Beikman; siblings, Linda Stanfill, Hal Pauley and Evelyn (Mike) Ray; 10 grandchildren; 4 grandchildren.

ALAN KEITH WARD

28, of Mulberry, formerly of Danville, passed away at his home Friday afternoon, October 1, 2021.

Funeral services were Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the Whitestone Christian Church, located 7 miles west of Danville on US Highway 36. A cremation followed the service.

Allen was born in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Danville Community High School with the class of 2014. He had worked on the assembly line at Wabash National Trailer in Lafayette, Indiana. Allen was a member of Whitestone Christian Church and the Crawfordsville, Indiana Order of Demolay.

Survivors include his mother, Ronda (Reed) and step-father, Byron “Dan” Prather of Danville; father, Gregory Allen and step-mother, Carla Ward of Huntington, Indiana; maternal grandmother, Jo Ellen Reed of Heritage Lake, paternal grandparents, Truman and Betty Ward of Greenwood; sisters, Jean (Jason) Allen, Carolyn Prather, all of Danville, Summer Ward of Kentucky; step-brother, Shane (Megan) Linder of Lebanon; and 7 nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be given to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038; (212), development@afsp.org.

Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home Danville entrusted with the arrangements.

MARY ALICE BOODT

74, of Avon, passed away September 28, 2021.

She was born September 30, 1946 in Kokomo, Indiana the daughter of Robert and Dorothy Heflin.

Mary was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Boodt.

She is survived by a son, Joe Green and his wife Laura, a daughter, Amy Ruff and her husband Wilson, daughters, Misty Boodt and Deani Purvis, brother, Tom Helfin and sister, Kathy Franklin Thompson, grandchildren Austin Green and his wife Kaylee, Olivia Green, Casey Stewart, Carly Purvis, Ally Purvis, Mary Hannah Ruff, Ben Ruff, Will Ruff, Sam Ruff, great grandson, Mason Green.

Funeral service took place Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home, Avon Chapel. Burial was in West Ridge Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

MICHAEL J. WERNKE

74, of Avon, passed away September 28, 2021.

He was a millwright for Allison Transmission for 30 years, retiring in 2009.

Michael was a Veteran of the US Army. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #64, VFW Post #908 and Local Union #933. Michael was an avid golfer, hunter and woodworker.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Roland “Wink” Wernke and Maxine Cammack.

He is survived by his wife, Ivy Schauberger Wernke; brother, Rolland “Ron” (Linda) Wernke; step brother, Kenny Hobson, special nieces, Michelle Wernke and Veronica Reece.

Services were Saturday October 2, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home Speedway. Entombment was in West Ridge Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Donors Favorite Charity.

ELIJAH L. HOSTETLER

age 24, of Clayton, passed away on October 2, 2021 in his residence.

He was born in Danville, Ind. on December 20, 1996 to parents Dustin and Brande (Jones) Hostetler. He was a 2015 graduate of Cascade High School where he loved playing football and basketball.

Elijah assisted his dad running and operating their farm for several years prior to working at UPS for the past year. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved to fish, hunt mushrooms, shoot guns and could spot a 4-leaf clover from a mile away.

He had a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face and making us all laugh. He found peace and solitude being around loved ones and watching sunsets. Elijah had a heart of gold and anyone who loved him holds him dearly in their heart.

Survivors to cherish Elijah’s memory are many.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021 in the Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield with Pastor Mark Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Clayton Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. until services in the funeral home.

Please visit www.bakerfuneralservice.com to leave the family a condolence.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to www.SpringhillChristianCenter.com in honor of Elijah’s new life with Jesus.

JOHN R. TAYLOR

73, of Danville, passed away October 2, 2021.

John was born on September 10, 1948 in Shelburn, Indiana to Nellie M. Graves Taylor and the late Clement Holt “Tig” Taylor. J ohn was a veteran of the Army and received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University. He was a loan officer and Vice-President for several area banks for many years until his retirement.

He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity Gamma Theta Chapter, Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post #118, Kiwanis and the Optimist Club.

Survivors include his sons, John Taylor II (Beth) of Danville, Eric Taylor (Heidi) of Florida; mother Nellie M. Taylor of Shelburn; sister, Terry Dardeen (Marc) of Danville; 6 grandchildren, Rachael, Whitney, Jordan, Holt, Heidi, Damien and 3 great grandchildren, Isabelle, Autumn and Malachi.

John was an avid golfer, tennis player, basketball player, and runner, but most of all was a dedicated and loyal father and grandfather. He leaves behind many close friends and associates.

No services will be held at this time. Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www. bakerfuneralservice.com

VIRGINIA MAXINE DALTON

94, of Brownsburg, passed away at Brownsburg Meadows on September 28, 2021.

Virginia was born on February 9, 1927 in Indianapolis, the daughter of Thomas and Katie Shearer. She graduated in 1944 from Manuel High School in Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald K. Dalton, in 2009, after a marriage of 62 years.

She is survived by her two sons, Larry (Pam) Dalton and Ron (Melanie Sams) Dalton, her five grandchildren, her seven great-grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews.

Virginia worked for Continental Optical and later for RCA for 26 years. Virginia was a member of the Pittsboro Study Club and Pittsboro Christian Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home. A private graveside service was held for Virginia in Riverview Cemetery in Monticello, Indiana. All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with her family on her memorial page found on the funeral home’s website, www. ericmdbellfuneralhome.com.

NANCY JO (Watcher) HOWARD

of Severna Park, Maryland, passed away on September 28, 2021 at the age of 80.

Nancy was the youngest daughter of Henry A. and Lorene C. (Weichel) Wachter, born in Berwyn, Illinois and raised in Glenview, Illinois. Nancy left Glenview in 1959 and attended Butler University where she was a cheerleader and a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education where she went on to teach first grade at Crooked Creek Elementary in Indianapolis.

Later in life, Nancy found great pleasure and honor teaching adults in private industry to complete their General Education Development certification.

Nancy married John M. Howard Jr. in 1965 and raised their three children: Carrie, Megan, and John, in Danville, Indiana. While living in Danville, Nancy was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Queen of Peace Catholic Church, teaching Sunday school and confirmation classes. Further, she participated in Tri Kappa (a philanthropic organization), volunteered her time with the Danville Summer Swim Team, and devoted many hours supporting her children in scouts, sports teams, and school events.

Nancy moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 2000 where she resided with her parents and sister, Kathryn (Kay) Kennedy for 16 years. While living in Eau Claire, she worked at Xcel Energy and enjoyed time with her great nieces and nephews.

Nancy is survived by her three children, Carrie Hatfield (Howard), Megan Allison (Howard), and John M. Howard III, as well as her sister Kay Kennedy. In addition, she is survived by her seven grandchildren: Daisy Hatfield, Grant Hatfield, Quinn Allison, Faith Allison, Connor Howard, Graham Howard, and Ian Howard. She is survived by 7 nieces and nephews as well as 18 great-nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express thanks to the many caregivers who helped Nancy and her family this past year at Assisted Living Well Compassionate Care in Maryland. The family would like to express gratitude to the nurses, social workers, and chaplain from Hospice at the Chesapeake.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents Henry A. (2000) and Lorene C. (Weichel) Wachter in 2010.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe Street, Eau Claire, WI with Father James Kurzynski officiating. The mass will be live streamed at the following link: Saint Olaf Parish, Eau Claire, Wisconsin - YouTube. Please click the “Subscribe” button for access. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetary in Eau Claire. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation on Nancy’s behalf to the Department of Education at Butler University: https://www.butler.edu/gifts or call 317-940-9469.

ANN M. TOM

72, of Plainfield, passed away September 27, 2021.

She was born November 29, 1948 to the late William and Charlotte (Ward) Dodds in Sullivan, Ind. She was an accounting clerk for Handleman Co., Indianapolis for 27 years retiring in 2008.

Ann is survived by her husband, Kenny Tom; a daughter, Amy K. (Tony) Ribera; a brother, Rodney (Sally) Dodds; and three grandchildren, Riley Ribera, Ryan Garver and Madison Garver.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Tom.

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and follower of Christ. She loved spending time with her family whenever she could, especially with her grandchildren. Ann was one of their biggest fans, rarely missing a ball game or school performance. Her grandchildren loved and adored her.

Ann was a snowbird. She enjoyed vacationing in Florida with her husband during the winter months. In the spring and summer, she loved gardening, finding a good yard sale, and spending time with close friends.

Funeral services were Tuesday, October 5, 2021 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.

JEFF UTSLER

55, of Brownsburg, passed away Thursday, September 30 at IU Hospital West in Avon.

Jeff was born March 8, 1966 in Indianapolis.

Jeff LOVED CARS and anything to do with cars! He participated in drag races and owned Corvettes.

Survivors include his mother, Diana (Ellis- step father) Good of Indianapolis; father, Bob Utsler of Martinsville; wife, Kelly Utsler of Lebanon; girlfriend, Stacy Smith and her children, Evan and Ethan Smith of Brownsburg; and brothers, Christopher (Jennifer) Utsler of Martinsville and Gregory (Marilyn) Utsler of Indianapolis.

Family and friends will gather Friday, October 8 for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 9 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home.

You are invited to visit the website where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message at www. strawmyerdrury.com.