
20 minute read
Obituaries

JANET ILENE LEWIS
age 86, Danville, passed away Tuesday evening in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family.
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She was born on December 30, 1934 near Danville, Indiana the daughter of Hancel H. and Dorotha G. Pritchett Owens.
She was a 1953 graduate of New Winchester High School. Janet had been a homemaker and mother. She was a member of the Coatesville Christian Church and the book club at the Coatesville Library.
She is survived by her children, Rick (Michele) Lewis, Taylor Mill, Ky., Brad Lewis, Danville, Toni (Melissa) Lewis, Cape Coral, Fla., and Becky (Tim) McMullen, Danville; grandchildren, Melissa (Dave) Michel, Steven (Jenna) Lewis, Michael Lewis, and Aidan Keough; great-granddaughter, Morgan Templeton; sisters, Linda S. Parker, Clayton, and Shirley J. (Michael) Larsen, Danville; sister-in-law, Judy Owens, Danville; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded by her parents, son, Ronald Dean Lewis, grandson, Jason Allen Lewis; brothers, William Dean Owens, Gerald Owens, and Randall Owens.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 4 until 8 p.m. at Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville. In keeping with Janet’s wishes she will be cremated following the visitation and there will be a private family burial in the spring at New Winchester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s name to the Hancel and Dorotha Owens Sycamore Day Services Program Fund at the Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF). Donations may be made either on the HCCF website or by a check payable to HCCF with the fund noted in the memo line and mailed to: HCCF, 6319 East US Highway 36, Suite 211, Avon, IN 46123.

HOMER JAMES NEVINS
18, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3, 2021, at home in Brownsburg, with his loving family by his side.
Just shy of his 19th birthday, he was born on December 4, 2002, in Greenwood, Indiana; a son of Steven James Nevins and Alicia Jean (Thompson) Nevins.
He attended schools in Oxford, Alabama, Lebanon High School and Brownsburg High School. While at Lebanon, he played football.
James was a good, respectful young man. He loved his family whole-heartedly and loved sitting and visiting with them. James had a special bond with his cousin, Gabriel Thompson of Indianapolis. He was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a lifetime member of the Southern Poverty Law Center of Birmingham, Alabama.
James leaves behind his father and stepmother, Steve and Anita Nevins of Oxford, Alabama; his mother, Alicia Nevins of Brownsburg; sister, Katherine Eckley of Brownsburg; half-sister, Nevaeh Nevins and stepbrothers, Ethan and Brendon Greene of Oxford, Alabama; grandparents, Douglas and Deanna Thompson of Bowling Green, Kentucky and Kenneth and Nanette Fitzgerald of Lebanon; great grandmother, Bobbi Jean Thompson of Ohio; uncles, Timothy Nevins of Indianapolis and Douglas Thompson, II of Indianapolis; and aunts, Paige Thompson of Broad Ripple and Angela Adams of Branson, Missouri.
Funeral Services took place Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Myers Mortuary in Lebanon, Indiana. Boone County Crematory has been entrusted with his cremation arrangements following services.
Memorials may be given to in James’ memory for research to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, P.O. Box 98160, Washington, DC 20090 or www.curesarcoma.org.
ALEXIS ANNE (Rettig) CUTLER
was born October 17, 1994 and died November 30, 2021 at the age of 27.
Alexis was preceded in death by her father, Paul Rettig and brother, Alexander Rettig.
Alexis was born in Indianapolis, and she grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and Ft. Myers and Cape Coral, Fla. She graduated from Ft. Myers North High School in Florida. She spent some time at Florida Gulf Coast University, and then the Fire Academy in Florida where she later graduated and became a certified fire fighter and EMT/Paramedic. She married John Cutler on July 16, 2021. She is survived by her husband John Cutler, her mother Ame Davis and partner Brett Hoeppner, stepfather Michael Davi;, and sisters Ashley Lawrence and spouse Justin Lawrence, Adrianne Rettig, Abbigayle Rettig; grandparents Raymond and Hoa Schneck; aunts, Heather Schneck and Lisa Lee (Brian); and her nieces Alexandra and Anastasia Lawrence. She is also survived by several more aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Alexis was a former member of the North Port Florida Fire and Rescue first response team. She was also a former member of the St. Malachy Parrish. Her nicknames to her family and friends were Lexi or BooBoo. Alexis lit a room with her smile, her light, and her infectious personality. She was a lover of animals and rescuer of the strays (welcome to the family Walter).
Alexis had an eclectic style and unique soul. She enjoyed many hobbies and talents including sewing, crocheting (with her fingers), cooking, and collecting coffee mugs. She also loved all music and really loved the Beatles. Alexis was a very skilled archer. She was also a very talented artist from a young age, and she was a very creative and innovative young woman. She would find a way to McGyver a fix in order to make something work.
She was a talented dancer, and she recently expressed interest in square dancing and ball room dancing. Alexis always enjoyed reading as an escape. She loved a good element of romance with a splash of mythical and supernatural fantasies like the L.J. Smith Dark World books. Alexis lived a healthy lifestyle and clean eating habits. At times, she even became known as a “gym rat”. In her youth she enjoyed family camping trips, playing soccer, and softball. Alexis loved to explore and grew to be quite an adventurer. She was a free spirit. She has left her mark on this world, and our worlds will forever be changed because of her.
Services were Monday December 6, 2021 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Burial followed at St. Malachy Cemetery North, Brownsburg.
DAVID W. FLOWERS
64, Avon, passed away Dec. 3, 2021.
Dave had a 26-year career with Anthem Blue Cross as a special projects manager. He was a US Navy veteran serving from 1975-79 and was a lifetime member of Landmark Baptist Church, where he faithfully served, taught Sunday School, and pastored.
Preceding him in death were son David Wayne “Little Dave” Flowers Jr., father James Allen Flowers, grandparents Pastor Lloyd and Wanita Johnson, and stillborn daughter Hannah Grace Flowers.
He is survived by his wife Abigail Flowers; son James “JD” Flowers; daughters Calista D. Flowers and Heather Flowers-Forhan (Roger); mother June Mahoney; brother Jimmy Flowers (Vicki); sisters Lucy Kelly (Bill), Jeannie Roach (Barry), Becky Jones (Wayne), Mandy Burton (Gabe), Missy Irelan (Jeremy); several step siblings; granddaughters Sierra Flowers and Katie McAdams; 18 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
JERRI ANN FORD
60, Brownsburg, passed away on December 4, 2021.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and worked for the Brownsburg Walmart for several years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, L.T. and Billie Carlisle.
Survivors include her husband Donald Ford; daughter Jonelle Carver; sisters Tera Preuss and Bobbie Slabosz.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, December 13, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m.
CATHY J. (Wood) STRAIT
48, of Stilesville, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021. She was born December 6, 1972 in Martinsville to Darrell and Anna (Pleake) Wood. She married Jerry Strait on August 1, 1998. Although she spent most of her life in Stilesville, she was a previous resident of Martinsville.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 23 years, Jerry Strait of Stilesville; two children: Brittany Strait of Martinsville and Jesse (Emily) Strait of Martinsville; eight grandchildren. Issac, Cerenity, Hunter, Colt, Natalia, Tristan, Scarlett, and Wylder; brother, Darrell Wood; and sister, Christina Daniels.
Cathy is preceded in death by both of her parents.
Cathy was a graduate of Eminence High School. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Cathy was a avid collector of Tasmanian Devil and M&M memorabilia. She was known to be a loving and caring woman, a wonderful mother and grandmother, who will be missed by many.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville. To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about Cathy, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary. com
MICHAEL J. ARNETT
39, passed away December 5, 2021. He was a Salesman for ABC Supply. qMichael is survived by his son, Haidan Arnett; parents, Jane Arnett and Rick (Stephanie) Arnett; sister, Lauren (Christopher) Ballard and brother, Ryan Arnett.
Services are 1p.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home Avon with Visitation 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. before the Service. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.conklefuneralhome.com.

GERALD DALE WILES
85, of North Salem, Indiana went to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at his home in Independence Village in Avon, Indiana.
He was born on December 31, 1935 in Magum, Kentucky; a son of the late Robert and Ada (Thompson) Whiles. Gerald’s family moved to Indiana when he was seven years old. He was a 1954 graduate of North Salem High School. On June 16, 1957 he was married to Ruth Ann (Wilson) Wiles; she passed away on March 27, 2015.
He discovered the art of being a brick, rock, block and stone mason. Combine this with his hard work ethic he turned into a self-employed brick layer who also taught many others his talented and skilled trade. Gerald had a love for fishing, taking annual trips to Lake Okeechobee, and fishing on Heritage Lake. He was a devoted and kind man who loved his family dearly and had a ton of fish tales to tell.
He leaves behind his children, Curtis (Rhonda) Wiles of Pittsboro, Eric (Julie) Wiles of Pittsboro, Greg (Amy) Wiles of Pittsboro, Jason (Jennifer) Wiles of North Salem and Michele Wiles of Pittsboro; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; brother, Frank (Judy) Wiles of Brownsburg.
In addition to his parents and wife, Gerald was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Delmer James and Doris Wiles, and one sister, Phillis Greeson.
Funeral Services are to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021 at North Salem Christian Church in North Salem, Indiana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at North Salem Christian Church from 4 to 8 p.m. with Masonic Rites beginning at 7:30 p.m. Interment will follow services at Fairview Cemetery in North Salem.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Whiles/ Wiles Family Legacy Fund at Hendricks County Community Foundation.
Porter and Hunt Funeral Home & Crematory, 6 S. California Street, North Salem, Indiana has been entrusted with his arrangements. Online condolences www.porterfuneralhome.us.

JULIE ANN (Morin) HALL
passed away peacefully on November 28, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Julie was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 2, 1952 to Howard “Jim” Francis Morin and Marjorie “Margie” Kathryn (Hoff) Morin.
Julie graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from IUPUI, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services and a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from University of St. Francis. Julie spent 24 years as an ICU nurse at St. Vincent Hospital and 20 years in Clinical Research and Consulting at Eli Lilly. Julie was always proud of being awarded Nurse of the Year during her tenure at the hospital.
Julie was a devout member of St. Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield for 40 years and a member of Tri Kappa Sorority. She loved spending time with friends and family, including the Morins, Hall, Hoffs, Rohrers, and Agans.
Julie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert Stephen Hall of Plainfield, her children Ely Hall (Kyle Schulte- fiancé) of Chicago, Ill., James Hall and grandchildren Nora and Miles Hall of Indianapolis, sister Ruth Bugher (Jeff Bugher) of Carmel, Ind. and brothers Mike Morin (Sue Morin) of Carmel, IN and Jay Morin (Georganna Morin) of Westfield, Ind., brother-in-law Tim Hensel of Pittsboro, and brother in law Bill Hall of Jupiter, Fla. She was preceded in death by her sister Paula Hensel. A funeral mass was celebrated on Monday, December 6, 2021 at St. Susanna Catholic Church, Plainfield. Cremation followed the mass.
Please make memorial contributions to the American Lung Association 115 West Washington Street Suite 1180 South Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, or by visiting lung.org and donating in Julie’s memory and also to the Steve and Julie Hall Family Fund at the Hendricks County Community Foundation 6319 E. US Hwy. 36 Suite 211 Avon, Indiana 46123.
Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.bakerfuneralservice.com to leave the Hall family a condolence.

BEVERLY K. STEWART
75, died at her home on November 30, 2021, after a battle with cancer.
She was born on February 11, 1946, In Indianapolis, Indiana, to Warren H. Craig and Edrice I. Craig (Stamm). She graduated from George Washington High School in 1964 and attended IUPUI in 1965. Beverly married James R. Stewart on January 30, 1971 and he survives
. She was employed in Human Resources at Allison / General Motors, retiring in 1999. Beverly was a member of Gracepointe Church of the Nazarene. She taught Sunday School, helped with decorating and greeting visitors among other activities. She was a professional Primitive Rug Hooking teacher at her home and across the country.
Family and friends had a lot of fun with Bev. She was always down for a prank or some mischief. She was a big fan of Sammy Terry, a scary movie host in the 60s on Channel 4 on late night Fridays.
In addition to her parents, Beverly was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffrey S. Craig.
Surviving are her husband, James R. Stewart of 50 years and daughter Amy (Chad) Beckrich and granddaughters, Macy and Sydney. Her siblings, Gloria Hayse (David) and John Craig (Karen) and sisters-in law, Marcia Craig and Donna Howard. She leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews who considered Beverly to be their second mother: Shelly Little, David Hayse, Dana Hada, Jessica Medley, Janelle King, Stephanie Wallace and Michael Craig. In addition, she was second “grandmother” to many greatnieces and great-nephews. She will be truly missed by many friends and relatives.
Services were Saturday, December 4, at Gracepointe Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be shared at www. conklefuneralhome.com.

DAVID L. RICHARDSON
91, previous Danville resident, passed away November 26, 2021. Graveside services will be Saturday December 11, 2021 at Fairview Cemetery in North Salem, Indiana at 11 a.m.
Dave is a former Senior Vice President of First National Bank as well as Hendricks Farmers CO-OP manager in Danville. Services will be led by Dr. Joe Stump, retired minister of Danville Christian Church, and Pastor Cory Glover, Senior Minister at Tapestry Church in Greenfield, Ind.
Mr. Dave, loving husband, dad, and Pop died at home surrounded by his family. Born in Lebanon, Ind. on May 12, 1930 at his grandparents’ home, he was the youngest child of the late David C. “Brownie” Richardson and Opal Fern Tolley Richardson. He married Mara Lynn Stamper on August 18, 1979, who survives.
He had passion for horses especially appaloosas through the POA Club. Dave was an active Rotary Club member for over 50 years. He was a veteran, drafted during the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. training new troops at Camp Gordan, Georgia. He took great pride in his financial council of customers while working in banks and with county farmer’s cooperatives. Dave had a wide range of professional experiences. Farmer’s cooperative manager, Vice President of several banks, real estate agent and co-owner of a Dairy Queen. He thrived on making relationships with people and helping them meet their financial goals. In 2009, he retired from his “last” career managing the credit department for Henry and Weakley Farmers CO-OP.
Survivors include his four children: David M. (Linda) Richardson of Coatesville, Ind.; Debbie (Lyn) Larison of Danville, Ind.; Josh (Elizabeth) Richardson and Jami (Paul) Hessing of Paris, Tenn. Dave has 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Along with his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his older sister Arawana Dickerson.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home of Paris, Tenn. Pallbearers are sons, grandsons, and sons-in-law. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Paris Rotary Club Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 34 Paris, TN 38242.
RICHARD A. SWENKE
91, of Danville, passed away at this home, with his family by his side, Sunday evening, December 5, 2021.
Visitation will be held 3 - 7 p.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Calvary Chapel of Danville, located at 2165 E. Main St. Services will also be in the church at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021. Per his request, a cremation will follow. The interment of his cremains, along with his late wife, Carole Jean’s, will take place in Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, at a later date. The wearing of masks is recommended, but optional.
Richard was born in Indianapolis to the late Ferdinand Karl and Fried Anna Louise (Sommerfield) Swenke. He graduated from Ben DavisHigh School. He married Carole Jean Graves November 17, 1951 and enjoyed 65 years of marriage, until her death on October 31, 2016.
Richard was the owner-operator of Swenke Trucking Company. He was also a professional welder and has served as foreman for several RV manufacturers, and worked in the quality control department at Langsenkamp Corporation.
Richard was a member of Calvary Chapel of Danville, and had served his country in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed flying model airplanes and was a member of the “Black Sheep Squadron” remote control airplane club of Danville.
Survivors include his daughters, Debra Stone of Indianapolis, Jacqueline Capps of North Salem; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Clarkson of Livermore, Calif.
Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home Danville entrusted with the arrangements. Online guestbook at www.weaverandrandolphfuneralhomes.com.
DOUGLAS HUGHES
of Maplewood, Indiana passed away on December 1, 2021.
He is survived by his brothers, Mike and Kenny; and his nephews and niece, Jon, Jordan, and Ally; and a great nephew, Mehki.
We will have a special ‘Remember Doug’ day on May 15, 2022. Time and place will be announced closer to that date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pittsboro, Indiana. All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Doug’s family on his memorial page found on the funeral home’s website, www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com.
KATHLEEN PASSARELLI
78, of Plainfield, passed away on December 1, 2021.
She was born on December 29, 1942 in Chicago, Ill. to the late Robert Foy and Lorraine (O’Brien) Foy. Kathy worked at Pepsico Pizza Hut for about 25 years. She enjoyed doing crafts, her beloved animals, camping and plants.
Kathy was preceded in death by her daughte,r Deborah Tencate, and her brothe,r Robert J. Foy.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughter Kathleen (Carl) Tencate; three sons, Gene (Diana) Tencate, Robert Tencate and George (Bev) Kalve; sisters, Maureen (William) Cotton, Geraldine (Henry) Tyda and Patricia Gabel; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
There will be no calling or services. Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.
NORMAN L. BLUME
74, of Avon, passed away unexpectedly, December 1, 2021 at IU West Hospital in Avon. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pittsboro.

DARRELL A. HARRIS
78, of Avon, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at IU Health West, Avon. He was born on July 3, 1943, in Danville, Ill., the son of Granville and Mary {Kinney} Harris. He was united in marriage to Mary L. Povelones on March 1, 1962.
He is also survived by his daughter, Christine Harris of Avon; his sisters, Louise Vandament, Marlene Corbin and Marilyn Lecount; and his sister-inlaw, Joan Harris.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Gene Harris, Jack Harris, and Don Harris; and his sisters, Lilly Mae Swearingen and Ruth Dalle.
Darrell had many jobs in his life. He started delivering newspapers when he was very young. As he got a little older, he worked at Eureka printing as a Roto-Gravure Assistant Pressman. He served in the Navy as a Seabee. As a mechanic, he held many positions over the years, allowing him to work on cars, motorcycles, forklifts, construction equipment, and semi-trucks. If it moved, he could fix it. He spent many years as a Volunteer Fireman, licensed by the state of Indiana as Fire Fighter 1st Class and Second-Class Instructor.
Never a fan of school, he wound up going to school in one way or another for most of his life. From Navy Petty Officer Training to Ivy Tech for more mechanical courses, to Theological Seminary, study was needed for every vocation. When he needed to learn about semi trucks, for instance, he stopped at the company they were made and learned from the mechanic on site.
Darrell was very active in the United Methodist church over the years and eventually became a Minister. He was first appointed to Judyville UMC and later Pleasant Grove UMC. Helping people come closer to Christ was a gigantic blessing. He loved fishing, boating and water skiing.
He sang with several gospel quartets over the years. As a bucket list experience, he went to Nashville and recorded an album, “The Favorite Songs of a Country Preacher.” When he was 75, he said he may be “too old to water ski, but prayed he would never be too old to sing for Jesus.”
Growing up as the youngest of nine children, he learned many lessons, chief among them to always put family first. He always had many stories to tell and he loved to tell them. He could regale you for hours.
A celebration of Darrell’s life took place Monday, December 6, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Covington, Indiana. He was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, Danville, Ill. Memorial donations may be given in his name to local Veteran’s organizations. Please join his family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome. com.
NADINE KEMP
passed away at the age of 92.
Nadine was born Virginia Nadine Revis on February 27, 1927 in Cicero, Ind. to William (Billy) and Florence Lorenz Revis. She was married to Gene Darrell Kemp and raised four sons, Gerry, Kirk, Douglas, and Jay.
She loved camping and traveling. She was active in the Plainfield Friends (Quaker) Meetng, and Western Yearly Meetngs. She loved quiltng and was a founding member of the Women’s Quilt Retreat at Quaker Haven Camp.
Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Florence Revis, sister, Ivajean Smeltzer, and son, Gerry.
She is survived by three sons, Kirk of Arvada, Colo., Douglas of Plainfield, Ind., and Jay (Melisa) of Litchfield, Ill. She is also survived by grandsons Benjamin Owens of Keizer, Ore., and William Kemp of Litchfield, Ill.
Memorial Services will be held at Plainfield Friends Meetng, 105 S. East Street, Plainfield, on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 3 p.m., where friends may call on Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to Quaker Haven Camp, 111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse, IN 46567-8051. Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.
RUSSELL L. SPECK
84, of Plainfield, passed away November 30, 2021.
He was born November 26, 1937 to the late Russell C. and Agnes (Wyss) Speck in Plymouth, MI. He was a US Army veteran. He was a member of St. Susanna Catholic Church, Plainfield. He worked in sales for Grande Greenhouses in Indianapolis for 20 years retiring in 1999.
Russell is survived by his wife, Dian K. (Costin) Speck; a son, Mark A. (Pamela) Speck; 6 sisters, Carole (Gordon) Grindstaff, Virginia Speck, Ruth Speck, Barbara Hughey, Cecilia (David) Wilson, and Rita (Donald) Kluemper; 3 grandchildren, Brittany Speck, Jacob Speck, and Zachary Speck; and a great grandson, Levi Speck.
Funeral services were Saturday, December 4, 2021 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.