Obituaries

MICHAEL LEE BARINGER

75, of Jamestown, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Hendricks County Hospital.

He was born on January 11, 1946 in Lebanon to the late Marion and Nettie (Snyder) Baringer. In 2008 he married Thelma Jean (Smith) Baringer. She survives.

Mike was a General Motors master mechanic for Blanck Chevrolet in Brownsburg for over 20 years until retiring. He enjoyed fishing in Michigan, flying airplanes with his friends, and going to airshows.

He is survived by his wife; Thelma Baringer, brother; Steve Baringer (Fern) Jamestown, two step children, nine step grandchildren, and seven great step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There are no public services scheduled at this time. Arrangements: Service & Morgan Funeral Home.

ERNST “CHIP” OTTO MARTENS, JR.

63, passed away September 20, 2021, from natural causes at his home in Brownsburg.

Chip is survived by sons Nick and Luke; and sisters Debbie Brown (Mike); Peggy Clark (Jody); Laura Parker (Chuck); and granddaughter, Reine Martens. He was preceded in death by parents Ernie and Jeannie Martens and both sets of grandparents.

Chip was born on August 14, 1958. He graduated from Northwest Hendricks High School in 1977. He married Dawn Bryant (O’Neill) and together they had two sons. Although they later divorced, they remained friends and Dawn and her husband Dave have remained close with the family.

Chip held a variety of jobs in his lifetime, but they all centered around his skills as a mechanic and he was especially known for his ability to fix any small engine that crossed his path. His was most recently employed by Dean’s Rent- All in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Chip loved all kinds of music as anyone could tell from his eclectic music collection. He also enjoyed fishing, watching football, and spending time with friends at the Legion. He had his struggles in life, but Chip was always well-intentioned. He liked to heckle friends and family and his laugh was infectious.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, October 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Post, 636 E. Main Street, Brownsburg, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Legion Post #331 at 636 E. Main Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112.

Arrangements: Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

LISA DAWN FITE

57, of Monrovia, passed away July 28, 2021.

She was born on May 25, 1964 in Indianapolis to the late Virgil and Amey (Hodge) Grindean. Lisa married Bill Fite on June 8, 1985 in Indianapolis. A 1982 graduate of Monrovia High School, Lisa went on to receive her Master’s degree in nursing from IU in Indianapolis. She worked at IU Health for 32 years retiring in 2020 as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Lisa was a member of the Grace Assembly of God Church in Whiteland.

Survivors include her husband Bill Fite of 36 years, children: Erika Fraits (Derek), Zach Fite, Logan Fite (Chrislyn), siblings: Gary Grindean (Dianna), Debbie McCloud (Merle), grandchildren: Cora Fraits, Graham Fraits, Landon Fite.

Services were Monday, August 2, 2021 at Grace Assembly of God, Whiteland, Ind., with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Affiliate, 3500 DePauw Blvd., Suite 2070 Indianapolis, IN 46268 or www.komenindy.org/donate Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, is handling the arrangements. Please make online condolences at www. bakerfuneralservice.com

SANDRA KAY BURNETT (SANDY)

70, of Plainfield, passed away September 19, 2021.

She was born, 25 June 1951, to Bob and Naomi (Shumaker) Burnett. After graduating High School in 1969 she started her employment years at Putnam County Hospital. She subsequently worked for the Indiana State Fire Marshal for eight years. From there she worked at Carrier Corporation for an amazing 43 faithful years becoming the go-to person in many areas.

She also earned an Associate’s Degree from Marian University while juggling full-time employment and a diverse myriad of responsibilities.

She was a confident Bible teacher serving as a Sunday School teacher for various age groups, young and old. She touched the lives of people by volunteering in Hospice Care, Memory Impairment, Service Dogs, Eskenazi Hospital, The Gathering, Love of Labs.

Sandra was blessed to have so many wonderful, loyal, and faithful friends as they were blessed to know her.

Sandra is preceded in death by her mother, Naomi Shumaker Burnett, and father, Robert A. Burnett, along with her beloved Golden Retriever, Bristol.

She is survived by her brother Bob (Robert R. Burnett), her sister-in-law Christy (Reinking) Burnett, her nephew, Matt Burnett, her niece, Melanie Burnett, and her canine adopted daughter, Mollie. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2021 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, where friends may call on Monday from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to one of the following charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://dogood.t2t. org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout) or OperationHomefront (https://secure. operationhomefront.org/site/ Donation2?df_id=4914&mfc_pref=T&4914.donation=form1)

PAUL D. LESTER, JR.

64, of Danville, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville.

Funeral services were Wednesday, September 29, in Weaver & Randolph Funeral Home, Danville. Burial followed in the K. of P. Cemetery, Lizton, where he was laid to rest next to his late parents, Paul D. and Mollie C. (Collins) Lester, Sr.

Paul was born October 15, 1956, in Bristol, Virginia. He was a graduate of Danville High Community High School with the Class of 1976. Paul was a hard working dedicated servant of the land. He enjoyed working the land and everything that was needed to help take care of the Himsel Farms of Danville for many years.

Survivors include his sisters, Linda (Richard) Bogle, Sr., and Peggy (James) McElhany, all of Danville; also many nieces and nephews.

ELEANOR “KAY” GREESON

age 84, Fillmore, passed away on September 23, 2021 peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital.

Kay was born on May 11, 1937 in Coatesville to Raleigh Greenlee and Fern Warmoth Greenlee.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Jim Greeson, parents, and siblings.

She is survived by two sons, Steve Greeson and Dale Greeson; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Kay graduated from Amo High School in 1955, then Indiana State University with a teaching degree. Kay retired from North Putnam School Cooperation after teaching for 36 years.

When Kay wasn’t teaching she could be found watching any kind of sport on TV. She enjoyed quilting and cross-stitching. She was involved in a quilt club and a member of Fillmore Christian Church.

Services were Tuesday, September 28, at the Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville. with Pastor Nathan Couch officiating. Burial followed in the Coatesville Cemetery. www.bousleyfuneralhome

ERNIE LEE JOHNSON

34, of Stilesville, passed away on September 25, 2021.

He was born on December 17, 1986 in Indianapolis to Roy and Brenda Johnson. Ernie graduated from Ben Davis High School in 2005. He then went on to get his Bachelor’s degree from Kaplan University.

Ernie was a member on the Stilesville Christian Church. He enjoyed helping people and working with kids at Damar. Ernie liked going on vacations to Holiday World, Dollywood and Gatlinburg. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 7 p.m in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home where friends may visit from 4 until time of service at 7 p.m.

Survivors include his parents, Roy Sr. and Brenda Johnson; siblings, Roy Jr. (Brittany) Johnson, Nicole Brown and Veachel Johnson.

TALI RAY BELL

infant daughter of Robert I. and Mary K. (Patrick) Bell, was born at IU Health West Hospital in Avon on Friday, September 24, 2021. She entered heaven the same day.

Left here on earth are those who loved her: Parents, Robert and Mary Bell of New Ross; maternal grandparents, Rhonda Favors of Logansport, Marcy Patrick and Mike Runnebaum of Shelbyville; paternal grandparents, Ron and Diana Bell of Lebanon; aunts and uncles, Bekah and Zach Sanders of Kirklin, David and Nikki Bell of Lebanon, April and Ryan Ellis of Wabash, Indiana; cousins, Kagan Ellis, Rylee Bell, Ellie Sanders and Maggie Sanders.

Tali was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Rev. David Patrick and cousin, Patrick Sanders.

BETTY JANE VOLPP 1924-2021

A Remembrance Gathering is planned for Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 2:00 pm to honor and celebrate her life. Location is the Mill Creek Church and graveyard, 1823 South CR 250 West, Danville, IN.

GERALD RAY “JERRY” STEPHENS

72, of Danville passed away September 10, 2021 at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital.

Jerry was born July 21, 1949 in Indianapolis to the late James Elmo and Bonnie Dean (Davis) Stephens. He was a teacher at Lynhurst 7th and 8th Grade Center.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Debbie D. Stephens.

Celebration of Life Service for Jerry will be 2 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Heartland Church of Christ, 1693 W. Main Street, Greenwood, Indiana 46142. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Online condolences may be extended to the family by visiting www.singletonmortuary. com Arrangements by Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center.

DONALD G. WILSON, JR.

59, Plainfield, passed away September 23, 2021.

Don was born February 12, 1962, in Indianapolis, to the late Donald G. Wilson, Sr. and Freda M. (Grubbs) Burnette.

Don married Leslie (Sanders) Wilson on June 6, 1987, and she preceded him in death on June 2, 2017. He was also preceded in death by a twin brother, Danny, who died at birth.

Don graduated from Mooresville High School in 1980. He worked as a truck driver, delivering beer for 30 years with Rhoades Beverage, Monarch Beverage, and retired from the Hub Group.

Don was a member of the NRA, loved computers, and was an avid IU & Colts football fan. Don loved dogs and was especially fond of his golden retriever, Cooper. He had been active with GR- RACE, Golden Retriever Rescue & Community Education. Don marched to his own beat and could be a bit opinionated on most subjects. Nevertheless, he will be fondly remembered by his loving family and friends.

Survivors include his sister, Helen (Mark) Wheeler of Mooresville; nieces and nephews, Joshua and Morgan Wheeler; Hanna Sanders, Haileigh Sanders, and Holly Duffy.

Don’s Life Celebration® visitation and funeral service will be held at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Visitation will be Thursday, September 30, 2021, 5 to 7 p.m., followed by the service at 7 p.m. Private burial will take place on Friday at the Mooresville Cemetery.

ZACHARY “ZAC” ALLEN ARNETT

passed away September 24, 2021.

He was born on September 9, 1982 in Indianapolis, the son of Michael and Deanna Arnett. He lived in Plainfield his entire life graduating from Plainfield High School in 2001 and then from Indiana University in 2005.

He adopted his dog, Tyson, in 2013 and loved him more than anything. He also loved his house and neighbors and living on Red Bud Court in Sycamore Estates, the same neighborhood he grew up in. When he was younger he enjoyed playing many years of baseball and basketball. He also had a passion for music especially Bluegrass music. He could play several instruments including the guitar, fiddle and mandolin.

He had many jobs over the years including being a server and then bartender at the Claddagh Irish pub and BW’3s. He also did some landscaping/outdoor property maintenance work. He really enjoyed the last job he had working at Kenworthy’s Produce Stand on US 40.

Zac was preceded in death by his mother, Deanna Arnett and grandfather, Harold Arnett of Merom, Ind.

He is survived by his father, Michael Arnett of Plainfield, brother, Mike Arnett of Leesburg, Florida, sister, Heidi Holsclaw, brother-in-law Jimmy Holsclaw, three nephews Maddox, Alex, and Nixon Holsclaw also from Plainfield, grandmother, Betty Jane Arnett and uncle, Dale Arnett of Merom, Indiana.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. A private service for Zac and Tyson will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity or leave your server an extra tip in his memory.

Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.bakerfuneralservice.com to leave the Arnett family a condolence.

CHARLOTTE ANN (McGuinness) BELL

83, a remarkable woman who radiated love and grace, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family, on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Charles McGuinness.

With bright eyes and love for all in her heart, Charlotte Ann McGuiness was born in Indianapolis on July 25, 1938. Her parents were Charles Thomas and Margret Ann (Dickerson) McGuinness. Charlotte attended the Academy of the Immaculate Conception Catholic High School in Oldenburg, Indiana. After her graduation in 1956, she began working at the Indiana State Board of Health. There she met Gayle Bell, who decided Charlotte would be a perfect match for her cousin, Robert William Bell. After just two dates, Bob was assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, and several letters and phone calls later, they were married near there on February 11, 1962. Bob and Charlotte spent 59 years together. The couple had two daughters: Mary Margret and Jayne Ann.

Charlotte enjoyed remodeling houses all over Indiana. She took great satisfaction in making each one into a beautiful home for her family. Charlotte loved history, traveling across the United States, and celebrating what she and Bob built together. Charlotte cherished her time with her grandchildren Olivia, Graham, Madilyn, and Grace. She taught them how to bake, travelled to museums with them, and showed them the importance of life’s milestones. Charlotte would read to her two great-grandchildren Harrison and Truett. She loved watching them learn to explore and grow.

She is survived by her loving husband; daughters Mary Margaret Cherry (Gregory), and Jayne Ann Lough (Gregory); grandchildren Olivia Brown (Jared), Graham Lough (Channing) from Darlington, Madilyn Bell of Chicago and Grace Lough of Indianapolis; great-grandsons Harrison & Truett Brown of Darlington; sister Patricia Dobson of Indianapolis, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church in Crawfordsville, Ind. Visitation is from 1-3 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Darlington, Ind. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church, Crawfordsville, Indiana, or the Darlington Library, 203 W. Main St, Darlington, IN 47940, in Charlotte’s honor.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www. huntandson.com

LORETTA F. MYERS RILEY

84, passed away September 27, 2021.

She was a retired Maid for the Red Roof Inn. She was also a member of the Westview Church and the Washington High School Reunion Club.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Riley and her son, Charles L. Bruder.

She is survived by her sister, Trudy Waggoner; daughters, Teresa (David) Blakley and Jerri Lynn Martinez; Step Children, Debbie, Linda, Robert and Michael Riley; 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Services are 1 p.m. Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home Speedway with visitation 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. before the Service. Entombment will be in Floral Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www. conklefuneralhome.com.

JOHN WILLIAM RUTLEDGE

84, born September 12, 1937, left this world on September 24, 2021.

He graduated from Ben Davis High School. John was a member of Bartlett Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime carpenter and builder.

In his younger years, he loved attending the Indianapolis 500 and always had a love of classic cars. He came from a musical family and loved to play the guitar. He was Past Master of the Danville Masonic Lodge #26. More recently, he loved spending Sundays watching NASCAR, Indy Car races, and Colts games on TV with his kids.

After retirement, he enjoyed building birdhouses, wood carving, and was always working on some “project.” He was also a member of the Bartlett Chapel Men’s Group, who worked around the church building and grounds keeping everything in tip-top condition. He also enjoyed his weekly men’s lunch group very much.

He is survived by his daughters, Tamera J. Rutledge and Jody D. Harvey, and his sons, John W. (Laura) Rutledge, Jr., and Richard C. (Lisa) Rutledge; 11 grandchildren, Zachary (Rachel) Rutledge, Brandon Rutledge, Justin (Sonya) Rutledge, Cora Rutledge, Katy Harvey, Diana Harvey, Kara Smith, Mara Smith, Elijah Rutledge, and Josh and Kaleb Wilson, and 3 great-grandchildren Jackson John Rutledge and Mason and Adalyn Rutledge. John is also survived by his sister, Sandra Merritt and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sharon Rutledge, after 60 years of marriage. Their beloved companion, dog Biscuit, passed away in July 2018. He was cremated and part of his remains were buried with Sharon in 2019, and the rest of his remains will be buried with John. After Sharon’s passing, John found a new 4-legged companion, Bear, who was his best buddy. Bear is already missing him very much.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John Rutledge, and in-laws, Elmer and Lillian Kissner.

Private services. Arrangements handled by Conkle Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to John and Sharon’s favorite charity - St. Jude Children’s Hospital. If you’d like to donate by mail, make all checks payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and mail your donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. If you’d like to donate online, please go to www. stjude.org/donate. Or donate by phone by calling 800.805.5856.

STEVEN A. KUHN SR.

70, of Avon, passed away September 21, 2021.

Following his graduation from Ben Davis High School in 1969, he began his career as a mechanic through an apprentice program in heavy engine repairs at Cummins Mid-States. His work with Cummins was interrupted by two years at Indiana State University, where he studied Business Administration and a two-year stint as a Paratrooper at Fort Bragg, N.C. in the United States Army.

Following his Honorable Discharge from the service, he used his veteran benefits to enroll in a 72-week training program at Lincoln Technical Institute.

He joined Eastern Express in early 1976 before the company went bankrupt. He Joined Commercial Lovelace as a first-class mechanic. In 1977 he was named Indiana Truck Mechanic of the Year by the ITMA. Ultimately, Steve worked in the trucking industry for 37 years through Teamsters local #135 before retiring.

He became a realtor and worked for several different central Indiana companies in the early to mid-90’s. Most recently, he returned to real estate and was a licensed agent with Carpenter Realtors in the Avon West office.

Steve prepared and worked on sprint cars for his brother-inlaw and a USAC Silver Crown team. He began racing with his two sons in Quarter Midgets in the early 80’s, continuing on for over three decades in racing. He again returned to racing with his oldest grandson in the mid 2000’s. He was very proud of all the accomplishments the family achieved in racing with him at the helm including many Championships in Quarter Midgets, the 2005 USAC Regional Midget Championship, the 2006 Badger Midget Racing Association Championship.

He was an avid coin collector; car enthusiast and loved Harley Davidson motorcycles. Steve was a proud Veteran. He was Past Master of the Speedway Masonic Lodge #729, a Past Worthy Patron of the Speedway OES, a member of the Avon American Legion, Central Indiana MIBOR and Crossroads Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Jack Kuhn and loving mother, Iva Pauline Kuhn.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nylene J. Kuhn; children, Christi Kuhn, Steven A. (Laura) Kuhn Jr. (Makayla and Steven III) and Bradley (Mary) Kuhn (Braden, Delaney Pauline and Karsyn); Step-Children, Brian (Nicole) Wilson, Nicole Wilson and Jessica (Josh) Williams; brother, Darryl (Sandy) Kuhn; sister, Carolyn (Steven) Craft; 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Services were Monday, September 26, 2021 at Conkle Funeral Home Avon. Burial was in West Ridge Park Cemetery.

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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.