
Gay was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Paul Cotton; her parents: Ellen and Joseph Porter; her two brothers: Ronnie and Kenny Porter; as well as her half brother, Bedford “Jack” Porter.
She is survived by her two daughters: Tammy (Sean) Cotton Collins, and Kelli Cotton Harris; her sister Joyce Wasson; grandchildren: Morgan (Chad ) Walker, Alli McGlothlen, Ryan (Hilary) Momberger, Brooke (Cameron) Callan, Ashton Harris, Nate Collins, and Brenna Collins; great grandchildren: Addy Walker, Grayson Walker, Hadley Momberger, and Beckett Callan; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Gay loved beach vacations and talking and texting on the phone to her friends and family. She spent a lot of time sharing and chatting with her friends via Facebook. She enjoyed watching college sports on the television; she even was an avid Colts fan and held season tickets.
Gay loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities was her happy place. One of her favorite memories was going on trips to Disney with them; “It’s a Small World” held a special place in her heart. Alongside her love for Disney was a love for all things The Wizard of Oz.
Gay moved to Indiana as a young girl and attended Beech Grove High School graduating in 1955. She always carried great memories and school spirit in her heart. She took pride in her home and loved spending the majority of her time there.
She had lived in the same home for 60 years and was able to live out her last days there along with her loving husband. She missed him dearly after his passing, but is now peacefully reunited with him carrying on their eternal love.
Mary was a graduate of Whiteland High School, a lifelong member of the Greenwood Christian Church, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Social of Greenwood.
She began working as a bookkeeper for National Bank of Greenwood and retired as a Vice President; the first woman to ever be promoted to an officer of the bank.
Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory conducted funeral services.
JOE LELAND BEWLEY, 70, wife, Diana Bewley; children, Jason (Melissa) Bewley, Jessica Bewley-Smith; three granddaughters; sister, Sue (Dan) Kritsch.
Services entrusted to Little & Sons, Stop 11 Road Chapel.
MABEL E. BRAFORD; 103, widow of Mark Braford; children, Mark (Catherine McCormick) Braford Jr., Barbara Suthers, and Ann (Terrence) Mappes; six grandchildren; four great-grandaughters.
She graduated from Indiana Central College in 1941 with high honors. There she majored in English, history and home economics and met her future husband, Mark Braford. They were married for 71 years until Mark’s death in 2012.
She was an avid reader and a talented seamstress. Mabel and Mark traveled widely, with trips abroad and in the U.S. She was a member of University Heights United Methodist Church for 82 years.
G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home conducted services.
SANDRA JEAN SNIDER BRUMMETT, 86, widow of Earl; children, Louis, Jill Tucker, and Reid; one grandson; brother, Robert Snider.
Sandra graduated from Manual High School in 1955. She attended the University of Cincinnati. She and Earl enjoyed traveling the country.
Sandra found joy in hosting bridge parties, entertaining guests, playing games like Euchre and Pounce, engaging in croquet matches, and organizing family get-togethers and holiday celebrations. Sandra was an accomplished graphic artist and worked at William H. Block Co. and L.S. Ayres and Co. in their advertising department for many years.
G.H. Herrmann Madison conducted services.
NELL CLEARY, 79, husband, Thomas Cleary; children, Kevin (Heather), Keith (Angela), and Corey (Lorelei) Cleary; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Anne Stone and Judy Marshall.
Nell worked in the laundry service for the St. Paul Hermitage and later took to homemaking for her beloved family. Nell was a member Arlington Baptist Church for 40 years.
Nell enjoyed putting together her countless collection of puzzles. She loved playing card games and board games with whoever would stop by.
A visitation for Nell will be Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
JAMES PAUL COLEMAN JR., sons, Jonathan and James Coleman III (Danielle); brother, Dan Coleman; three grandchildren.
Services 11 a.m. July 28, at the National Memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Services entrusted to Little & Sons, Beech Grove Chapel.
RONZELL “RON” B. COLLINS, 85, widower of Ruth Kelley and Beverly Collins; daughters, Linda Kelley, Theresa Sullivan, Shellie Reynolds; son-in-law, Terry Reynolds; companion Thelma Colluson; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren.
Ron joined the Marines after the Korean War. He was part of the Joie Chitwood Auto Thrill Show as a driver. Ron later worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a driver, retiring in 2005.
Ron was a lover of animals, playing claw machines, gambling and lottery scratch-off tickets. He was a great cook, fixing meals for the American Legion. His passion in life was helping his fellow veterans.
Visitation will be Wed., July 26 from 2-6 p.m. at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service.
SEAN MARCUS EARL, 41, wife, Amy Earl; sons, Kale and Colt Earl; mother, Marcia Earl; parents-in-law, Thomas and Lorie Ruth.
Sean graduated from Greenwood High School in 2000.
In recent years, he started his own company, PNP Nutrition, where he provided nutrition and health coaching.
He was an avid health and fitness enthusiast. He was a wonderful baker and home chef. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Colts, and IU Hoosiers. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and any event that involved his cherished family and friends.
Lauck & Veldolf Funeral Home handled arrangements.
JOHN LOUIS GOCKE, 85, wife, Rosalind Gocke; widower of Ida Gocke; siblings, William Gocke, Rozann Howard; daughters, Katherine (Doug) Jordan, Suzanne (Philip) Prock, Karen (Joe) Adams; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; stepdaughters, Tammy (Greg) Shoulders, Pam (Kent) Smith, Ronda (Tony) Paszek, and Sheila (Tom) Kern.
John was a 1956 graduate of Manual High School. He was a farmer for over 20 years and worked as a truck driver for CCX, retiring in 2000. John was a member of Nineveh Christian Church. He was a very hard worker and had a love for animals. John taught his daughters how to play softball. He was an IU basketball fan.
Services conducted at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home.
ROBERT EDWARD GREEN, 75, wife, Sedora Green; children, Robert (Bobbie) and April Green; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Carol Lewis.
Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during his service. He retired from Allison Transmission after 30 years. He was known for being a man of his word and always putting his family first. He enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his family and friends, and rescuing special needs dogs with his wife.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
KEVIN JOSEPH GROW, 45, parents, Steve and Linda Grow; sister, Stephanie Grow Dodds (Chris).
Kevin graduated from Perry Meridian and starred in many theatrical productions. He attended University of Indianapolis and continued his acting career.
His passions were his cats, plants, music and theater. He loved his family and friends and made the world a better place.
Some of his favorite things were wearing kaftans, his large selections of Crocs and watching Drag Race. He was a master of karaoke and enjoyed singing with family and friends.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home handled arrangements.
RICHARD “RICH” LOUIS GUERRERO II, 47, mother, Teresa Murphy; stepmother, Carol Guerrero; siblings, Leighton Guerrero (Sadie), Leslie Lupton (Matt).
Rich was a 1994 graduate of Franklin Central High School and was currently taking classes toward a business degree. He had a servant’s heart and loved taking care of others. He worked in the service industry.
Rich was someone that his friends sought out for advice or just an ear to listen to. When Rich was in the room you knew it by his infectious laughter.
Little & Sons Funeral Home conducted services.
EVA MARIE HAMEL, 41, children, Keenan, Ethan, and Charlie Cox; father, James Hamel; siblings, Mia (Mike) Keyser, James (Abby) Hamel and Staff Sgt. Abigail Hamel.
Eva’s favorite thing was to spend time with her children. They were her whole world, and her presence will be greatly missed by them, and all who loved her.
Memorial services were held at Indiana Funeral Care.
VIRGINIA ROSE KINSER, 85, widow of Charles Kinser; children, Martine (Mike) Miller and Russell (Barbara) Osborne; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother, Max Moneyhan.
Virginia was a graduate of Emmerich Manual High School and had been employed as a legal law librarian at Eli Lilly & Company and retired in 1993 after 33 years of service. She enjoyed horses, dogs and traveling across the United States. She loved playing Buncko and had been a member of the Buncko Babes since 1954.
Virginia was a member of the Woodland Baptist Church.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home handled arrangements.
ELIZABETH “BETTY” LOUISE MCDONALD, 95, widow of Joseph McDonald; children, Karen (Rick) Lyons, Patty (Tom) Rogers, Joe (Stephanie) McDonald; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
Betty enjoyed dancing with Joe, working with him in their landscaping business, camping and fishing. She was an avid reader, reading the newspaper in full. She enjoyed word search puzzles, Euchre and Cinch. She was proud to be known as Mrs. Mac to many.
They were members of St. Mark Catholic Church and helped maintain the landscaping and enjoyed working at the annual festivals.
O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory was entrusted with arrangements.
BRAIDEN JAMES GALL MORAN, 26, son, Kai; mother, Brandi Moran; father, Rob Godme; siblings, Maci Godme (Ryan Moriarty), Chloee Moran, Braydee Robinson; grandparents, Virginia Godme, Brenda Gall, Mike Gall (Maria Gall), Doug Godme (Susan).
Braiden was known as a humble, gentle soul and a great listener, wise beyond his years. He was an exceptional athlete in multiple sports. He attended Lutheran High School where he was a model student and excelled as a baseball player. He would go on to earn a full-ride scholarship.
His pride and joy was his son Kai, which was his greatest life’s achievement.
Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Home handled arrangements.
AMBER RENEE MURPHY, 45, daughters, Ashtyn and Bailee Murphy; mother, Laura Bailey; father, Howard Bailey; sister, Deann Bailey.
Amber graduated from Manual High School in 1996. She worked at a daycare center by University of Indianapolis. She worked at the City County Building as a court clerk, at Vitran Express and was a teachers aide at Rosa Parks.
Amber’s hobbies were the racetrack, taking pictures, spending time with her daughters, growing and planting flowers, doing family activities and always being a detective.
She was a member of the Manual Redskins.
Funeral services conducted at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home.
JOSEPH “MIKE” NALLY, 78, wife, Karen; son, Ryan; sister, Judy; daughter-in-law, Sherry; two grandchildren.
Mike was a Navy veteran who proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He dedicated 32 years of his life working for SBC. Mike had a passion for fishing, traveling, and golf, and was a valued member of Hillview Country Club since 1978. Mike graduated from Southport High School in 1963.
While we mourn the loss of Mike, we find solace in knowing that he has found peace with God.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
ANNA MAE PIKE, 68, children, Shirley Byram, Donald Lake II; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert John Jr. and Paul John.
She was a member of Indianapolis Baptist Temple. Anna enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, dogs, and capturing all the moments through her photography. She worked as a professional photographer at Lifetouch until she retired.
Services held at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home.
CAROLYN DEVON ROBERTS, 74, widow of Thomas Roberts; son, Thomas Jr. (Kimberly); four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Glenda, Janice and Kathy.
Family was at the core of Carolyn’s being. She dedicated herself to creating a warm and loving home for her family. She instilled values of integrity, empathy and perseverance. Her legacy will live on through the lives of her children and their children.
Carolyn worked as a sorter for Redcats for 30-plus years before retiring in 2011.
She will be remembered for her boundless love, unwavering strength and the indelible mark she left on this world.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home conducted services.
CARL R. SHOCK, 94, wife, Joan Shock; children, Cynthia (Daniel) Meier, Patrick (Lisa) and Thomas (Sharon) Shock; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister; Shirley Melvin.
Carl graduated from Manual High School and served in the U.S. Navy. Carl married the love of his life, Joan Clark Shock on January 22, 1951. Carl and Joan celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this year. Carl was an engineer for Bridgeport Brass/Olin Brass until his retirement. He loved to travel, fish and had a passion for trains. He enjoyed baseball and was a Cincinnati Reds fan. He enjoyed the arts and was the President of the Indiana State Museum Volunteer Association.
O’Riley Branson Funeral Home handled arrangements.
ALLENE SIMPSON, 80, widow of Gary O. Simpson; daughters, Shanda Tuttle (Jerry) and Renae Simpson; five grandchildren; brother, Jackie Redmon.
Allene was a graduate of Southport High School. She was employed in furniture sales for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post #252 Greenwood. Allene was a social butterfly and never met a stranger. She enjoyed golfing, decorating, cooking, and hosting bridge parties and other events.
Final arrangements entrusted to Shirley Brothers Thompson Road Chapel.
GEORGIA MCIVA “DIXIE” SPEAR, 96, widow of Willie Densel Spear; daughters, Patti Spear and Cathy (Tony) Denease; one grandchild; four great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Skipworth.
She was a member of Garfield Christian Church. Dixie loved to read, especially the Bible. She was a gentle, kind, loving woman who devoted her life to her family. She was a salon stylist who owned and operated Dixie’s Beauty Shop. Her clients, friends and family knew her as a stylish, classy, strong and hard-working woman.
Services will be at Norman F. Chance Funeral Home Wed., July 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Singleton Community Mortuary.
MICHAEL THOMAS SPELLMAN, SR., 78, widower of Pamela Spellman; children, Deborah (Andrew) Perr, Michael (Ami) Spellman, Rebecca Mourning; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother Edwin Spellman.
Michael passed after a battle with prostate cancer. He retired from BorgWarner, in 2001 after over 35 years of employment.
Mike was a Christian and an active member of Nativity Catholic Church. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
He had a quick wit and sense of humor which he maintained even while enduring challenging cancer treatments.
Services were entrusted to G. H. Hermann Funeral Home.
PHYLLIS J. STURM, 92, widow of Roland “Tub” Sturm; children, Sharon Riddle (Wendell), Kris Schaefer (John), Michael (Adonness), and Robin Sturm (Paige); eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.
She enjoyed cooking and baking, singing in church choirs.
Tub and Phyllis started Sturm Steel Treating (SST). While Tub was doing the heat treating, Phyllis managed the office doing the billing, bookkeeping and accounting.
They traveled to every corner of the country and enjoyed finding small-town restaurants and bed & breakfasts.
Services conducted at Singleton and St. Pierre Funeral Home.
DOUG ZECKNER, 70, attended Eastern Kentucky University and earned his master’s of science in microbiology. After graduation, he worked as a microbiologist in infectious disease and cancer research at Eli Lilly. He was granted several patents during his tenure.
Doug was known for how fiercely he cared for others. He was always ready to help out whenever needed. Whether it was helping his son with a project around his home, or helping a raccoon get their head out of a jar, Doug was there to help.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the celebration of life service at 2:30 p.m. July 26, 2023 at G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home.