
19 minute read
Obituaries

REX D. McCLAIN
83, a lifetime resident of Hendricks County, passed away early Saturday morning, November 27, 2021, at Avon Healthcare.
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Visitation took place 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Bartlett Chapel United Methodist Church, 4396 E. Main St., Avon. Services with the celebration of his life will take place at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021 also in the church. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield, where Rex will be laid to rest near his late parents, Adrian P. and Mary L. (Dooley) McClain.
Rex was born November 5, 1938. Rex graduated from Avon High School with the class of 1956 and later attended Franklin College. He married Kay Wolfe Jan. 20, 1963. Rex had worked in the accounting department at Chrysler Corporation in Indianapolis for 34 years, retiring April 30, 1992.
Rex’s Christian Faith was exemplified by the definition of being a true “servant.” He loved his church, Bartlett Chapel, serving in so may ways. Rex was currently the longest living member of the church. He had served as the church historian for many years, as well as a former Sunday School Superintendent.
His love and dedication for his family was unparalleled. He and Kay were probably in attendance at every church, school, and athletic event involving their children and grandchildren. Rex’s service extended to his community as well. He loved Avon and being an active part of the community. He was a former president of the Avon High School Alumni Association, a charter member of the Avon Optimist Club, a 34-year member of the Avon-Washington Township Library Board, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Danville, and the Scottish Rite Indianapolis Valley. Rex was honored for his service by the Town of Avon in a ceremony with their presentation to him with “the key to the town.” While serving others, Rex found time to enjoy his love of baseball. Springtime found him “on the road” to visit different Major League Baseball teams spring training camps.
Survivors include his wife of almost 59 years, Kay, daughters, Mitzi (Todd) Griffith, Julie Hershberger, all of Avon, grandchildren, Morgan, David (Taylor), Alex Griffith, Jordan, Adriana Hershberger, and great grandson, Zane Hershberger. Rex is also survived by a sister, Linda McClain of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Ann Munn. Contributions may be given to Bartlett Chapel United Methodist Church, the Avon-Washington Township Library, or to one’s favorite charity in memory of Rex.
Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home Danville entrusted with the arrangements.
HAROLD WAYNE STANLEY
80, of Mooresville, passed away November 19, at The Gathering Place in Plainfield. He is survived by his beloved sister, Martha Lee Kellems, many nieces and nephews and friends.
He was born August 21, 1941, in Plainfield, the son of Harold Horton and Iva Marie (Dailey) Stanley who both preceded him in death.
Wayne, as he was known to those closest to him was also preceded in death by his siblings Edith Swinney, Betty Johnson, Alice Earles, Anna Turner, Robert Stanley, and Donald Stanley.
He was a 1959 graduate of Plainfield High School. Wayne began working at the Allison Division of General Motors in 1962. He retired from there in 1992. He was also a member of the National Guard.
Wayne enjoyed buying and renovating houses, living in and working on a total of 29 different homes in his lifetime. His favorite game was golf and he loved watching basketball. He also spent time painting, listening to music, singing, and collecting and driving automobiles. He was a collector of record albums and antiques. Wayne’s constant companions were his beloved cats, Heckyl and Jeckyl.
Services were Wednesday, November 24, at Carlisle - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Entombment was at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.

LORI ANN GARDNER
47, of Plainfield, passed away suddenly on November 21, 2021 in her residence.
She was born on November 15, 1974 in Indianapolis to Michael and Kathi Kuntz Clements. Lori married Derrick Gardner on November 11, 2000.
She worked at the front desk at Plainfield Eye Care and was a member of the Crossroads Church in Avon. Lori was the ultimate cheer leader for her boys and team mates in all sports they played.
Memorial visitation will be held on Friday December 3, 2021 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield.
Survivors include her husband, Derrick Gardner, sons, Derrian and Dayne Gardner; father, Michael, and stepmother, Kathi Clements; brothers, Steve and Jeff Clements; sisters, Andrea Jones (Brian) and Erin Lewis (Brian). Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Friday, December 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield.
JAMES “PAT” SMITHER
72, of Brownsburg, passed away November 25, 2021.
He was President & CEO of Brehob Corp. for 54 years and was also a proud Veteran of the US Army. Pat was also a member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Murat Shrine and a 30 year board member of Concord Neighborhood Center. He loved car shows, motorcycles, golf and especially his grandkids and all their activities. He loved being around, NOT IN, water! Pat also loved reading and telling stories whether the 1st or 100th time with always the same enthusiastic passion.
He is survived by his wife, Georgina Smither; sons, Bryan (Denise) and Duane (Holly) Smither; grandchildren, Leah, Noah and Landon Smither.
Visitation will be 3 - 8 p.m., Thursday December 2, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home Avon. Services will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 3, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home Avon. Entombment will be in Washington Park North. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions may be made to the Concord Neighborhood Center or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Foundation.
JULIE D. WUBBEN
52, of Brownsburg, passed away unexpectedly, November 24, 2021 in her home with her loving family by her side.
Julie was born on January 20, 1969 in Indianapolis. She graduated from Brownsburg High School in 1988. She embraced her love of children by becoming a nanny and later establishing an in-home daycare program. In recent years, she worked as an executive assistant for Larry Gregory at 1st Choice Services.
She married the love of her life, Dave, on September 6, 1997. They met on a blind date arranged by mutual friends who couldn’t have forged a better union. They enjoyed traveling as often as possible, visiting family, friends and any amusement park with flying swings as well as playing euchre whenever they found a tournament.
Julie had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She enjoyed baking cakes for loved ones’ special occasions, hosting holiday parties and creating beautiful flower arrangements with her mom.
Julie was preceded in death by her daughter, Dallas; her father, Robert Thomas; and her in-laws, John Dale and Mary Lou Wubben.
She is survived by her husband, John David; her daughter, Valaree; her step-son, Micheal Klemmer; and her mother and sister, Donna and Jill Thomas.
Services were Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pittsboro.
All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Julie’s family on her memorial page found on the funeral home’s website, www. ericmdbellfuneralhome.com.

PATRICIA E. “PAT” SIRCY
77, of Plainfield, passed away on November 25, 2021.
She was born on May 04, 1944 in Plainfield, to the late Howard and Margaret L. (Scanlon) Christopher. Pat married J. D. Sircy on February 14, 1986 in Plainfield and he preceded her in death in 2004.
She was a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Plainfield. Pat enjoyed crafting, sewing and playing board games.
Survivors include her son, Charles “Chad” Christopher (Kelly) of Avon and grandson, Luke Christopher.
Her parents, husband and siblings, Mary Louise Kersting, Howard, Jr., Donald and Gerald Christopher, preceded her in death.
Services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 03, 2021 in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 02, 2021 in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com
EVONA ALINE ROBERTS FAIR
91, of Brownsburg, passed away on November 25, 2021, at Brownsburg Meadows.
She was born September 29, in Liberty, Ky. She was the daughter of the late Cyrus and Laura Wilkerson Roberts.
Evona was the widow of Herman Hubert Fair to whom she was married for 69 years.
Evona was a homemaker and members of Hope Baptist Church. She lived a servant’s life and modeled a servant’s heart.
Survivors include five children: sons, Tim Fair (Susan) of Lakeland, Fla., Mike Fair (Debbie) of Avon, Rick Fair (Gayle) of Pittsboro, Steve (Cathy) of Brownsburg, and daughter, Sherri Whitt (Jeff) of Avon; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, Kynleigh and Nova Nordmeyer.
Preceding in her death, besides her parents and spouse, was a granddaughter, Kimberly Bereman; great-grandchildren, Zachary Nordmeyer and Emma Whitt; sisters, Mae Brown, Dorothy Smith, Edna Campbell, Lavon Murphy, Linda Johnson; brothers, Howard Newton, James, William and C.H. Roberts.
Services were Wednesday, November 30, at Conkle Funeral Home, Avon. Burial was at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago IL 60601. Online condolences may be shared at www. conklefuneralhome.com.
THOMAS “TOM” MICHAEL DINKEL
also known as Papa, 72, of North Salem, surrounded by his loved ones, peacefully passed away November 22, 2021.
Tom was born July 30, 1949 in Indianapolis to George and Marian (Zurschmeid) Dinkel. He grew up with four brothers and attended and graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School, Class of 1968.
He was a passionate and talented carpenter and worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at Bank One in Indianapolis, Indiana.
His hobbies included collecting Indy Racing League (IRL) memorabilia, and he was a loyal fan of all forms of Open Wheel Racing. Tom spent his retirement supporting his grandchildren’s accomplishments and cherished every growing moment.
In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his brothers, James “Jamie” Lanagan and Robert “Bobby” Dinkel and his grandparents, Emil and Dorothy Zurschmeid and Homer and Anna Dinkel.
Thomas leaves behind his loving wife of almost 41 years, Lisa (Belledin) Dinkel; their children, Courtney (Cody) Money and Brandon Dinkel; his sons, Eric (Terry) Ladd and Aaron Ladd; his brothers, Anthony “Tony” (Janine) Dinkel, Mark Dinkel, and Andrew “Andy” Dinkel; and his nine grandchildren, Payton, Mason, Garrett, Landon, Mia, Hayden, Kara, Rylan, and Evan.
Friends and family will gather on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 2 p.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life Service no later than 4 p.m. at Your Venture Church, 7865 N. County Road 100 E. Pittsboro, IN 46167. All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Tom’s family on his memorial page found at www.ericmdbellfuneralhome. com .
In lieu of flowers, Tom and Lisa’s children request donations be provided to Lisa Dinkel for the unexpected loss of her husband and their father. Donations can be made to Lisa Dinkel through either Your Venture Church or Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home.
ANDREW S. “ANDY” BEST
46, of Indianapolis, passed from this life on Sunday November 14, 2021, at his residence.
He was born on Sunday September 28, 1975, in Danville Indiana to Sue (Nowak) and Steve Best. He was in home construction, and he was a 1993 graduate of Ben Davis High School.
He is survived by sons, Kristopher, Aaron, Kaiden and Carson Best, Mother Sue (Joe) Rivers, sister Melanie (Chris) Bell, stepmother Karen Best, stepbrother, Stephen (Christy) Wilson and stepsister Amy (Adam) Larkin and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Steve Best.
A Celebration of Life took place Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the Avon American Legion. Memorial Donations may be made to Harbor Lights or the Salvation Army.
Indiana Memorial is honored to be serving the Best family.

BARBARA A. MOORE
87, of Danville, passed away November 26, 2021.
She was born on August 12, 1934 in Peru, Indiana, to the late Wellington and Hazel (McGinness) McKinney. Barbara married Harold R. “Dick” Moore on August 16, 1958 in Peru and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2021, after 62 years of marriage.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading, cooking and playing slot machines.
Survivors include her children, Kimberly Weber (David) of Indianapolis, Karen Eddy (Bill) of Danville, Kevin Moore (Kara) of Plainfield; grandchildren, Megan McFarland (Jerrod), Benjamin Weber (Kaela), Melissa Eddy (Yang Liu), Sarah Eddy (Justin Parent), Ira Moore, Ari Moore; great grandchildren, Alyssa, Aubree and Evelyn McFarland.
Her parents, husband, an infant son, Larry Moore, and siblings, Gweneth Saylor, Jack McKinney, Kathryn Hann, Wayne McKinney, Charles McKinney and Eloise McKinney, preceded her in death.
Services were Wednesday, December 01, 2021 in Baker Funeral Home, Danville, with burial following at Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com
ROY ARLEN WILLIAMS
of Coatesville, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021.
Roy is survived by his bride of 65 years, Glenda Mae Williams; children, Cheryl McClelland, Mark (Sara) Williams, Brian (Laura) Williams and Scott Williams; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; brother Harold (Connie) Williams.
Roy was born in Indianapolis, October 19, 1937 to Roy and Blanch Williams. He graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1956. He married Glenda Mae Fitch on June 10, 1956.
Roy spent most of his life selling Real Estate. He enjoyed teaching Bible classes, and serving the church in various ways. He enjoyed spending time with family and teaching them new things. He loved to keep things on the humorous side which always kept people on their toes.
Memorial visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, December 2 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with funeral services there at 11 a.m., Friday, December 3. Entombment will follow at Lincoln Memory Gardens.
SHARON LYNN ACTON PRETHER
passed away on November 18, 2021.
Sharon was born June 13, 1958 to the late Leslie Darrell and Barbara (Whitaker) Acton. Sharon was a 1976 graduate of Plainfield High School and attended Anderson University and Butler University. She and her husband, Don Prether, travelled extensively. They spent time in Okinawa, Japan and eventually settled down in Tacoma, Wash. After their divorce, Sharon stayed in Tacoma, enjoying the temperate climate and views of Mt. Ranier. Sharon worked for Hampton Inn as night auditor and manager for many years. She had some very special friendships there.
Sharon moved back to Plainfield in 2016 to care for her mother, who was in poor health. She and her mom enjoyed going to church at Plainfield Christian Church and attending weekly Bible studies. After her mom’s passing Sharon continued her calling of service by working for First Horizon Home Care, as a caregiver. She brightened her clients’ days and enjoyed these new relationships.
Sharon loved her cats, Chessie and Alberto, and always enjoyed making floral arrangements and puttering around in the yard. An avid reader, Sharon belonged to her Tuesday book club and was a constant visitor of the library. Sharon is survived by her brother Greg (LaChelle) Acton and her nephews and niece, Matthew Acton, Mitchell (Emma) Acton and MacKenzie (Vincent) Denton.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. A private burial will be on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local public library.
JOHN A. DAVIS
passed away peacefully November 26, 2021 at Majestic Care in Avon.
Born March 4, 1953 in Kendallville, Indiana to Harold “Gabby” Davis and Barbara DeBelius, he graduated from East Noble High School in 1971 and then Hanover College where he earned his degree in Education in 1975. Eventually receiving his Master’s Degree from Indiana University.
He was married on April 3, 1976 to Cinda Beck.
John spent 36 years teaching 5th/6th grade elementary education at various schools in Wayne Township before retiring from Chaplewood Elementary in 2011. In addition to teaching, he spent many years coaching elementary basketball, being the head boys golf coach at Ben Davis and umpiring IHSAA and ASA girls’softball.
Many would say his first love was his wife and kidsbut his second love was golf. Much of his free time and several of his years were spent on the golf course either playing for fun, teaching his kids, or coaching.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cinda (Beck) Davis; son, Matthew (Keri) Davis of Brownsburg, his daughter Andrea (Mike) Smith also of
Brownsburg; grandchildren, Kenzie Smith, Tyler Davis and Rebeckah Davis; brothers and sister Jeff Davis of Leo, Indiana, Jim Davis of San Diego, California and Judy (Greg) Guthrie of Kendallville, Indiana.Services were Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pittsboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or JDRF. org in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes.
NANCY J. JONES
83, of Danville, passed away on November 20, 2021.
She was born on February 21, 1938 in Keith, Kentucky to the late Bob Delbert and Lena Cornett. She had been a Service Aid for Methodist Hospital, retiring in 1989. She was a member of Church of God United Assembly.
She was preceded in death by children, April Goyen and George Delbert Chapman and her parents.
She is survived by her children, Nelson (Treasa) Jones, Vivian Smith, Virginia (Richard) Coppage, Ivan Jones, Velvet Johnson and Harlan (Shelia) Jones; sisters, Mable Couch and Pat (Eugene) Pardon; 23 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Services were Wednesday, November 24, at Flanner Buchanan-Floral Park. Burial was at Floral Park Cemetery.
ROSALIE MARY (Pike) DICK
passed away November 24, 2021. She was born on October 18, 1924. She was married to Ralph Lee Dick Sr. who preceded her in death in 1972. Rosalie was also preceded in death by her only son, Ralph Lee Dick Jr. in 2000; brother, Roscoe Maurice Pike and parents Roscoe Pike and Flossie (Pike) Clark.
She is survived by her brother, Charles Clark, Plainfield, with whom she lived with the last several years; several nieces and nephews including Patsy Creech and husband, Don of Waldron, Ind., Edward “Ed” Pike and wife, Donna of Seminole, Fla., and Jay Clark and wife, Ranita “Peach” and Jonathan Clark and wife, Thereasa of Danville, Christine Levandoski, Steven Clark and Cindy Freeman of Plainfield.
Special thanks to the IU Health Hospice team for the excellent care she received and friend, Betty Richman of Indianapolis, sister-in-law, Kathy Dick of Helotes, Tex. and Sharon Short of Catlin, Ill.
In her free time she enjoyed reading and playing the piano.
Funeral services were Monday, November 29, 2021 in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Burial followed in Clayton Cemetery.

NANETTE NEEDHAM RITTER
of Indianapolis, passed away at home with her husband, daughter and son all present on November 28, 2021. She was born on September 6, 1938 to the late Raymond E. and Justine Irene (Williams) Needham in Marion, Indiana.
Beloved by those who knew her kindness and generosity, Nanette was someone who always served to leave a person or situation better than she found it. A member of Zionsville Presbyterian Church and active with the food pantry, Nanette was a retired registered nurse, school board member, philanthropist, furniture restorer, and homemaker. Above all, the most cherished roles in her life were that of wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and was loved by all who knew her gentle spirit and unwavering goodness. This legacy of love will resonate in the communities and families she touched throughout her life.
Nanette loved to find opportunities to help others. She was always gifting hams, helping pay utilities or making sure that a warm, Merry Christmas was celebrated by families in need. Donating not just monetarily but with her time and spirit to local organizations like Gleaners, Wheeler Mission and Meals on Wheels. She was an avid reader, and her intellect and keen memory meant you always wanted her on your team in Trivial Pursuit; she would baffle people with her recall in all areas. A student her whole life.
Nanette is survived by her husband of 59 years, Merrill A. Ritter M.D.; daughter, Wendy Ritter Coglianese and husband Chris; son, James Caleb “Jake” Ritter and fiancée Christina Pippen; grandchildren, Austin Coglianese, Ryan Coglianese, Eric Coglianese, Cale Ritter, and Graham Ritter, as well as Izabelle Pippen and Jacob Pippen; brother, Benjamin R. Needham and wife Nancy; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday December, 4, 2021 at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, 4775 West 116th Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077. The Memorial Service will be held at the church after visitation along with dinner following the service for those who wish to attend. A private family interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to causes close to Nanette’s heart: Fortune Academy, 5626 Lawton Loop E. Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46216, where her grandson Cale attends school; or Zionsville Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 4775 West 116th Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077, where she was a dedicated volunteer for many years.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com
CORA “CORKY” WILSON CASEY KILBOURN
96, of Avon, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2021.
Cora was born March 13, 1925, in Rouses Point, N.Y. to Robert and Gladys (Wilson) Casey. On October 02, 1944, she married David B. Kilbourn Sr. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Cora graduated Mary Burnham School for Girls, Northampton, Mass., graduating in 1942. She graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in 1946 with a degree in English.
She spent 1951 in Yokosuka, Japan with their children, Pat, and David when her husband was stationed at there. She worked a variety of jobs, and loved to travel. She treated her children and grandchildren to several trips to Disney World and enjoyed many cruises.
Cora was an accomplished knitter and talented in crewel embroidery and cross-stitch quilts. She was an avid reader and a huge fan of games shows. Cora was a passionate pet lover.
Cora is survived by her sister Clara Cabesas, her son David B Kilbourn Jr. (Virgene) and daughters Pat Riedl, Candi (Carlos) Calvo, Kathi (Darrin) Hull and their families, and her beloved cat Patches.
She was preceded in death by her husband David, her son Robert Kilbourn, grandchildren Sean Casey Kilbourn and Karen L Shepard, and her only brother Robert E. Casey Jr..
Visitation will be Thursday, December 2, at Matthews Mortuary, Borwnsburg, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Rick Adkins officiating. Internment at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions in Cora’s name may be sent to ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org