SERVING HENDRICKS COUNTY SINCE 1847
Page A14
The Republican
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Obituaries
(M o r e O b i t u a r i e s LEORA MAY “ODIE” GREEN, 82 of Bainbridge, passed away on October 10, 2021 at Hendricks Regional Hospital. She was born and raised on westside Indianapolis, Ind. on September 16, 1939 to the late Edgar Errol Symmonds and Maude Irene Hough Symmonds. She met Neil Eugene Green in 1958 at The Pole in Indianapolis and they married on August 22, 1959 at Mt. Olive Methodist Church in Indianapolis. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona for their honeymoon home after their marriage where they lived for a few months before returning home to Indiana in 1960. Odie graduated with the Class of 1957 from Ben Davis High School. She began her working career as a teenager working for an Indianapolis westside dime store. She owned and operated a bakery in the late 1960’s in North Salem, Ind. Odie worked as a Receptionist/Assistant for Doctor Beck MD in Indianapolis in 60’s & 70’s and for Gates Rubber Company in Speedway in the mid to late 70’s. She was the Owner and Office Manager for DuWall Construction Co., Inc. for 25+ years in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s as well as owning and operating the well-loved Tamale Place in Indianapolis with her daughter, Angela and son-in-law Vlad, for 18 years until the time of her death. She was a much-loved member of the Gospel Assembly Church on Bluff Rd in Indianapolis, IN for nearly 50 years where she taught Sunday School and Bible School throughout her life. When she was not working or attending church, she enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, animals of all kinds: dogs (Winnie, Claire + many, many others), cats, talking Mynah bird (Oscar) and indoor pet racoon (Cooney), ceramics, cooking, listening to Elvis and raising her six children with her husband. She was a beautiful example of a hardworking and loving wife, mother, grandmother & great grandmother. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Neil, children, Heidi Green-Lynn of Danville, Keith (Vanessa) Green of Bainbridge, Angela Green (Vladimir) of Indianapolis, Kevin (Darcie) Green of Bainbridge, Mechele (Ken) Adam of Ladoga, and Morgan Yancey of Indianapolis, grandchildren, Rachel Lynn, Anna Lynn, Lauren (Chris) Springstun, Zach (Megan) Green, Madison Drew Rogers, Beau (Megan) Green and Aaron Green, five great grandchildren, with twins on the way, as well as special cousins, Gene and Jerry Symmonds of Brownsburg and Avon. She was preceded in death by her parents and grand daughter, Hannah Green. Funeral service took place Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Servies & Morgan Funeral Home, Roachdale, with Pastor Cullen Reed officiating. Burial followed in Roachdale Cemetery. You are invited to visit www.serviesmorgan.com where you may leave an online condolence for the family. Servies & Morgan Funeral Home has been entrusted with Odie’s funeral arrangements. ___________________________________________________ WILLIAM MICHAEL “MIKE” HADLEY, 72, of Mooresville, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Born on August 29, 1949, in Indianapolis, to Walter and Anna Louise (Schlatter) Hadley. Mike was equipped with values and resources that were instilled from a small livestock and vegetable farm upbringing. Active in the Hendricks County 4-H Club, he graduated from Plainfield High School with the class of 1967 and attended Lincoln Tech and Ivy Tech where he he became skilled as a machinist and in welding. Mike reputably enlisted to serve his country with the Air Force and was called to battle in the Vietnam War. Later, he transferred to the National Guard, from which he retired in early 2001. In addition to his military career, Mike worked as a millwright at Cold Metal Products. He was a hard-working provider for his wife and three children and, in retirement, settled into the role of “Grampy” for his four grandchildren. His heart was pulled to animals, especially his faithful dog named Snickers and a cast of backyard animals he named his “critters,” who he fed on a daily. A consummate homebody and do-it-yourselfer, he liked to keep busy tending to his garden, tinkering with projects in his barn and mowing the lawn. While he was often a man with few words, he had a great sense of dry humor in which his family shares. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his older brother, David Hadley. Survivors include his soulmate and wife of 44 years, Barbara (Boyer) Hadley of Monrovia; children, Tim Hadley (partner, Jason Johnson) of Evansville, Jeremy Hadley of Indianapolis, and Stephanie Hadley Smith of Monrovia; siblings, Cheryl Moles (late husband, Eugene) of Plainfield and Don Hadley (wife, Theresa) of Olney, Maryland; grandchildren, Annabelle Gayle Hadley, Tyson Smith, Sawyer Liam and Ronan Michael Hadley; along with his grand-dog, Macy, and long-time best friend, Jim Garrett. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Memorial Gathering took place Saturday, October 16, 2021, in Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, with Military Honors. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to the donor’s choice of benefiting the animals at the Morgan County Humane Society or supporting veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project. ___________________________________________________ JOHN ROBERT HAWKINS, 44, of Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday October 13, 2021. He grew up in Spearsville, Ind. He graduated from Brown County High School in 1994. He enjoyed time with friends and family. He was a master at smoking meat, loved laughing and was a generous soul. He is survived by his mother, Mary Perry, stepfather, Buddy Perry; sisters, Kathy Hawkins-Spears, Sherri Hawkins Richards, and Kim Perry; brothers, Shawn Welcher, Chad Arnold, Johnny Perry and Shawn Spears. Nephews, Jacob Grider, Joshua Grider, Keaton Richards, Tanner Spears and Garrett Perry; nieces, Emily Richards, Areli Spears, Kelsi Spears, Jordan Fry and Amanda Perry. ________________________
WAYNE R. HOBSON, 87, Brownsburg, passed away October 12, 2021. He had been a printer and printing press operator for Shepherd & Porman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Hobson, parents, Jess and Grace Hobson, and brother, Richard Hobson. Survivors include his sons Jeff (Susan) Hobson, Alan Hobson, Thomas (Farley) Hobson, Scott (Dawn) Hobson and Randy (Lynn) Hobson; brother Larry Hobson; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Services were Friday, October 15, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Burial followed at Lincoln Memory Gardens Cemetery, Whitestown. ________________________
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JASON BARRETT SMITH, 46, passed away Friday, October 15, 2021. He was born April 23, 1975, in Danville, Indiana, a son of Sherry Elaine (Jordan) Doolin and the late Daniel Thomas “Danny” Smith. On February 14, 1998, he was united in marriage to Starr Lynn (Bailey) Smith; she survives. Jason graduated from Lebanon High School in 1993. Following school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from ITT Tech in Indianapolis with an HVAC certificate. Jason was a member of Local Union #1393. For several years, he worked as a pipefitter for CenterPoint Energy, formerly known as Vectren Energy. Jason loved the outdoors and everything that went along with being outdoors. He loved to go fishing, hiking, long walks, bike rides, canoeing, camping, campfires, boating, and hunting. He loved to spend time doing all of these things and more with his wife and kids as they were his world. It meant so much to him to get to be there alongside them, teaching them all of his knowledge! He was so knowledgeable about anything you could think of, and he loved to share it and experience it with them. He loved demolition derbies, NASCAR races, and dirt track truck racing was one of his favorites. He was the best daddy in the world, and he made sure to never miss any events his kids were in. He was always involved lending a hand in everything they were a part of. He coached t-ball, baseball, softball, and helped with the Harney Elementary PTO. He was very involved with Boy Scouts, he helped with girl scouts selling cookies, he volunteered with the United Way, volunteered with LHS marching Band and Tigerettes, and made sure to proudly take Alyssa to every daddy daughter dance. He loved going on date night and random date days with his wife, the love of his life, Miss Starr, or Princess Starr Monkey as he would call her. He loved doing crafts, games, and playing cards with her, doing Bible studies with her, and loved visiting different wineries and breweries. Jason was very ornery and loved to pull pranks, tell jokes, and loved to give nicknames to his kids and their friends. He loved going on vacation with his family, one of the favorites being Gulf Shores, Alabama. Although, he did not like to stay outside on “Ginger” beach as he would call it for too long because he would burn so easy. Jason loved his union brothers, enjoyed being a union steward, and just being there for all of his brothers. Jason was always there for anyone and would drop everything to help. He would give the shirt off his back to help his friends and family as well as anyone in need. He was an all-around great man who touched the lives of so many people. Jason will be missed so much by his family and by everyone who knew him Survivors include his wife, Starr L. Smith; two children, Cory Austin Smith and fiancée, Carley Morgan and Alyssa Rachelle Smith and boyfriend, Casey Posey; mother, Sherry E. Doolin; Sister, Jennifer (Scott) Howard; brother, Daniel Paul Smith; stepbrother, Sonny Ourai; father-in-law, David Bailey Sr. (wife Denise Bailey); mother-in-law, Patty Bailey (Ol’Patty, or Ol’ Mable as he called her); brother-in-law, David (Alyssa Martin) Bailey, Jr. (Super Dave as he called him); nieces and nephews, Emma and Ella Bailey, Tiffany and Daniel Howard; fur babies, his grand dogs, Buddy, Winnie, Georgia, Casper, and Gus and the grand cats, Jill and Sissy. A Celebration of Life for Jason is pending. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with his arrangements. Family Donation Page: https://www.mealtrain. com/trains/nqnqr6 In lieu of flowers for Jason’s memory please donate to Boone County Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center, 218 East Washington Street, Lebanon, IN 46052. Online condolences: myersmortuary.com ___________________________________________________ MARJORIE MILLER, 93, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021. Marjorie, the daughter of Roy D. and Josephine (Powers) Lee, was born in New Maysville, Ind. on July 28, 1928. Most of her growing up years were in North Salem, Ind. where she graduated from North Salem High School. She married Bobbie “Bob” Herbert Miller on December 11, 1949 in the North Salem Christian Church. Her beloved Bob preceded her in death on March 6, 2016 after 66 years of marriage. Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca (Steve) Barlow of Vero Beach, FL; son, Kevin (Leanna) Miller of Lebanon; grandchildren, Melissa Wood, Travis (Amanda) Miller, Brandon (Jessica) Miller all of Lebanon, and Christian (Elvira) Berry of Viera, FL; and great grandchildren, Garrett, Grace, Gage, Blake, Emma, and Landen Miller, Ross, Tate and Liza Wood, and Leo, Levi, Lily, Landen and Leila Berry. Marjorie is also survived by her sister, Maxine Freeland, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her loving husband, Marjorie was preceded in death by her brothers, Max Lee, Bob Lee, Rex Lee, Roy “Junior” Lee, Ralph Lee, Jack Lee, and Maurice Lee, as well as her sisters, Wanda Zavada, Joan Gochenour, and Juanita Hale. Marjorie began working at a very young age. She worked at the Indiana State House as a young adult. She then elected to stay home to raise her children and work on their family farm. She returned to work in the Treasurer’s Office and later at the Recorder’s Office at the Boone County Court House. Marjorie was always interested in politics and followed current events rather closely and enjoyed a spirited discussion on the hot topics. Marjorie was a woman with a strong Christian faith who dearly loved her church and her family. She always enjoyed hosting gatherings with family and friends, cooking and gardening. Marjorie knew what it took to be a strong supporter as a farmer’s wife for many, many years. She took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home and taking good care of her family. Bob and Marjorie adored one another and loved spending time together. For a number of years, they managed the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds together and later they were the caretakers of the Boone County Home. One of Marjorie’s favorite quotes was, “We stand tallest when we stoop to help others”, and she lived accordingly. Memorial Services took place Sunday, October 17, in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary,Lebanon. Marjorie was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon on Monday, October 18, with a private burial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Brunswick Church of Christ, 6480 IN 39, Lebanon, IN 46052. ___________________________________________________
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The Republican
RICHARD KEVIN “RICK” MYERS, 59, co-owner of Grow Local Media, died peacefully October 14, following a long illness, at his Avon home surrounded by his family. He was the publisher of the Hendricks County ICON, the Hendricks County Business Leader, the Center Grove ICON and The Southside Times. Rick was a visionary with an unbridled passion for newspapers. His heart was his wife, Catherine, and family. Born October 22, 1961, in Indianapolis to the late Robert and Mary Ellen Myers, Rick grew up just outside of Haughville in Wayne Township, Marion County. Fascinated with newspapers, Rick admitted when the family went on vacation, the first thing he would do in a new town is ask his dad for money to go buy a local newspaper. “I learned early on that the newspaper was a mirror of the community,” Myers said in a podcast recorded in April. Years later, staff remember Rick bringing back stacks of newspapers from his trips for them to review. One of his earliest jobs was as a newspaper carrier for the Indianapolis News and Indianapolis Star. He worked his way up to “station captain” where he ensured all shopping circulars and coupons were in every Sunday paper. As a senior at Crispus Attucks High School, Rick was invited to work in the mailroom of the Indianapolis Star and News. Then he was offered a position as a copy boy, then sports clerk. He would take scores by phone on Friday nights and always said it was one of his favorite jobs. Rick went on to graduate from Vincennes University and received a Bachelor of Science in journalism with an emphasis in photography from Ball State University. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in youth development from Kansas State University. He was hired to be a sportswriter at a new newspaper called The Greenwood Gazette where he met his longtime friend and business partner, Brian Kelly. “No one had a greater passion for our industry than Rick, and that’s why he was so successful,” Kelly said. “Nothing made him happier than serving the community, his customers and his readers. Above all else, he fiercely loved his family and was so proud of them.” Rick also served as press secretary for the City of Carmel, working in the administration of the late Mayor Ted Johnson, and he also served Westfield Washington Schools, launching a media relations and communications effort. After the Greenwood publication was sold to Thomson Newspapers, Rick eventually was transferred to the Hendricks County Flyer. In 2005, along with Kelly, Rick started the Hendricks County Business Leader under the corporate publishing group Times-Leader Publications. The company also purchased The Southside Times, a publication which served southern Marion County and, under Rick, expanded to northern Johnson County. Since then, Rick has created general news publications, the Hendricks County ICON and the Center Grove ICON in an era when many newspapers were shutting their doors. Rick has also served his communities in various ways beyond publishing the news. He was a leader in the Kiwanis Club of Avon, Rotary Club of Greenwood and Knights of Columbus St. Malachy Council 12540. He was named Range Line Pioneer (Carmel) in 1995 and was the recipient of the Avon Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Professional Award in 2009. Leadership Hendricks County recently honored Rick with the Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award. In 2020, Rick was named in Editor & Publisher magazine’s inaugural “15 Over 50: Honoring the Leaders Driving the News Industry Forward,” which chose 15 U.S. publishers over the age of 50 who demonstrate a passion and optimism for the news industry. He served as president of the board of directors for Aspire (formerly the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Greenwood) as well as the Hendricks College Network. Rick loved serving his community and had more energy than most. He loved metal music, which he always thought came as a surprise to people. He was an avid fan of open-wheel racing, going to as many races as he could, especially the Indianapolis 500. He also loved Kansas State athletics and the Chicago White Sox. His survivors include his wife of 25 years, Catherine; daughters Catie and Mary; son Rory; grandson Liam; and a brother Michael Boyd. Mass for Rick Myers will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday,October 20 at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Brownsburg. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Octobeer 19 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. The family requests donations be made to the Avon Kiwanis, 5252 E. Main St., Avon, IN 46123, attention Linda Jenks; or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org ___________________________________________________ RAYMOND PHILIP SMITH, 77, of Plainfield, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021. On February 19, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, Ray was born to the late Philip Smith and Delia (Spoth) Smith. He was raised on the family farm, milking cows and tending to the crops. He graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1967 and Indiana University in 1987 with an MBA. He was a 38-year employee of General Motors/Allison Transmission, which moved him from Buffalo to Detroit and eventually Indianapolis. While in Indianapolis, he raised his family with his bride Linda in Brownsburg for over 30 years and was an actively involved member of its community and St. Malachy Catholic Church. Ray and his bride Linda (Gehl) as they fostered numerous children, and now his children also continue caring for foster kids as a legacy to their upbringing. After the foster children, Ray and Linda raised five children he loved and nurtured as parents, but as importantly an active member of their interests’ as a football coach, softball coach, nursery, and youth group leader. Ray he also volunteered in children’s lives outside of his kids in Junior Achievement to the inner city where he was famous for teaching the kids how to save money; his secret was don’t drink, don’t smoke, save it and let it compound. Ray volunteered as a free tax consultant and CPA, Habitat for Humanity, Riley Hospital for Children, Foster Child Advocate (CASA), and St. Vincent de Paul. Ray donated over 5 gallons of blood. Ray leaves behind the love of his life of 54 years, Linda; his five children, Douglas Smith, Jennifer Alston, Matthew Smith, Dianna Rains, and Rachel Smith; 11 grandchildren, Abigail Dragon, Jodeci Alston, Jaylen Alston, Hannah Smith, Justin Turner, Nathan Smith, Wes Rains, Jackson Rains, Makenna Rains, Ryan Smith, and Bentley Smith, and his great-granddaughter, Isabella Ashton. Donations may be made to Sheltering Wings www.shelteringwings.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/, scroll down to do a tribute Gift in Memory of Ray Smith. Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, October 15, at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Malachy West Cemetery. Arrangements: Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. ___________________________________________________
