Ruth Ann graduated from Center Grove High School in 1960, and received a B.S. Degree in Health and Physical Education at Indiana Central College in 1964, M.S. Degree in Physical Education at Indiana State University in 1972, and later a M.S. Degree in Business Education at Butler University. Her first teaching position was at Fulton Junior H.S., and she coached the freshman volleyball team and was sponsor of the cheerleaders. She taught at Southport H.S. starting in 1971, and coached volleyball, gymnastics and tennis. She also scored home swim meets for boys and girls for 32 years. She worked at home football and basketball games, cross country and track meets, and attended 34 high school proms. She enjoyed her life teaching students and watching them succeed later in life. She retired from education in 2001.
She was a talented musician, and played the piano and organ for various organizations. She was an avid sports fan, following Purdue University sports, Indianapolis Colts, and the IndyCar Series racing league.
Ruth Ann was a life member of the National Education Association, Indiana State Teachers Association, Johnson County Retired Teachers, and American Legion Auxiliary of Greenwood. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Order of the Eastern Star, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Mutual Services Association, and Southside Christian Business Women’s Association.
She enjoyed playing the piano and her many travel adventures. Her favorite words of wisdom were: Enjoy life and spend time with your family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, step brother Larry (Gardiner) Gates, and her former husband.
She is survived by her brother James R. (LuAnn) Featherston; two nephews, W. Stacey Featherston, and J. Randall (Sheila) Featherston and their sons J. Tyler Featherston and Trevor P. (Haley) Featherston; two step sisters, Bonnie Kerkhof and Judy (Tom) Thuerbach; numerous extended family members; Jean McArdle and countless friends in education, business and life.
The visitation will be on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN, with the funeral service at 1:00 pm She will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friedens United Church of Christ, 8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217.
Rev. Ruiz was a Lutheran Pastor for 30 years. He graduated in Cuba as a Chemist. Samuel hosted a radio program and served as a board member for the Indiana Latino Expo.
Samuel loved music, both playing (piano) and listening, baseball, going to the beach, spending time with family, reading books, exploring new technology, nature and traveling.
Little & Sons Funeral Home handled arrangements.
BRETT HARLAN BARLOW, 47, parents, Ron Barlow, Debbie (Madre’) and Karl Derr; brother, Brandon (Melissa) Barlow; bonus children, Aryssa Ramos, Ashlynn and Anthony Sawyer.
He graduated from Perry Meridian in 1994. He then served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. He went on to earn a Paralegal degree. Brett worked for One America.
He was a larger-than-life person who brought light and love to everyone. He was a great cook, and one of the gentlest souls ever to draw a breath.
He was a Colts and Pacers fanatic and absolutely obsessed with Halloween.
G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home conducted services.
MARY KATHRYN KENNEDY BRANHAM, 73, daughter, Annabel Butler; two grandchildren; brothers, Gary, Dennis, and William.
Mary Kathryn spent more than 20 years in the life insurance industry, concluding at One America where she retired in 2012. She was deeply loved by her daughter and grandchildren. She would be described as strong, kind, and always willing to help if she could.
Indiana Funeral Care handled arrangements.
JONI LEE CARSON, 37, grandmother and guardian, Sandra Garmon; siblings, Bobbi Mustard, Kyle Carson.
She graduated from Franklin High School in 2007. She enjoyed putting together puzzles, bowling and participating in the Special Olympics.
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals conducted services.
DORIS L. CUMMINGS, 95, widow of Herman Cummings; children, Anita Harden, Katrina (Curtis) Breeden, Richard, and Daniel Cummings; one grandson; one great-grandson; one great-great-granddaughter; siblings, Wilma Keane, James (Barbara) Spears and Joyce Ridener.
Doris retired from Indiana Bell after 20 years and could be found shopping at Target, Kroger, Meijer, and Kohl’s most days. She also loved her soap operas when she was younger.
Funeral services held at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Home.
PAULINE “PAULA” FERGUSON, 76, husband, Dwight Ferguson; children, Persia Ferguson, Mike (Julie) Ferguson; brother, Moe Harrison; two grandsons.
Paula graduated from Southport High School. She worked as a secretary at Jeter and Assoc. Paula married Dwight Ferguson and they spent more than 50 years together. She was very spiritual and loved to collect crystals and incense.
Paula enjoyed being outdoors gardening and spending time with nature. She was caring and always found time to help others and was an amazing listener. She loved her cats and spending time with family.
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals handled arrangements.
PATRICK “PAT” R. GASKIN, 66, children, Tyler (Amber) and Miranda Gaskin; four grandchildren; siblings, Philip, Gary and Randy (Julie) Gaskin; sister-in-law, Patty Gaskin.
He worked at Aaron’s Rentals for 23 years, where he held many positions.
Pat enjoyed his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Known for his great laugh, he kept himself busy from sun up to sun down working. His greatest joy was his great-niece, Josie.
G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home conducted services.
HAROLD HUGHES, 89, wife, Mary; children, Marty (Genny) and Julie (Anna); two grandchildren; siblings, Bill and Wilma Delaney.
Harold enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a medic. After service, he began working as a farm hand where he developed skills that would follow him for years.
Later, he began a career in law enforcement with the Greenwood Police Department. Harold was a devoted father and taught others the joy of eating hotdogs and the proper use of tools. He loved gardening, his dog, Abby, horses and old TV westerns.
St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory conducted services.
ELLI HELLEN HUOTILAINEN, 97, widow of Veikko Huotilainen; sons, Raymond Hanley (Marsha), and Kalevi Huotilainen (Linda); two grandchildren.
Elli was employed by several area clothing stores working as a seamstress and tailor. She loved crocheting and donated many crocheted blankets and baby items to the Women’s Ministry at Calvary Lutheran Church where she and her family were long-time members.
Arrangements entrusted to Singleton & St. Pierre Funeral & Cremation Services.
JANIS SUE JOHNSON, 72, graduated from Manual High School and attended Franklin College, where she graduated with a degree in journalism.
Janis worked as a lead generation representative for Strategic Sales and Marketing. She loved Indy car racing and held tickets for the “500” for 51 consecutive years. Janis also loved animals and had an affinity for both dogs and horses.
Forest Lawn Memory Gardens handled arrangements.
HUBERT “CHESTER” KINGERY, 63, wife, Debra; children, Joshua, Brandon (Sara), and Megan Kingery; five grandchildren; sister, Alice (Lewis) Beldon.
Chester loved to spend time with his family, dogs and friends. He has made numerous friends through his love of vintage cars, ‘55 Chevys in particular. Chester was the proud creator of the Facebook group page, ‘55 Chevys.
For 27 years, Chester worked at Qualidie and GKN Sinter Metals as a machinist. He retired in 2004. Chester has always been a very hard-working and driven person.
Funeral services at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home.
KAIRI MARIE MAXSON, 7, parents, Bret (Shelby) Maxson, Stella (Trevor) Banks; siblings, Leo Atchley, Ellie, Violet “Luke,” and Audrey Maxson.
Kairi is a beacon of light and made sure everyone knew it from her soft voice and sunny disposition to her brilliant clothing and flashy nail polish. Her love for pink and purple pours out onto everything she has and her belief in unicorns can be seen everywhere.
Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
MICHAEL B. MCCURRY, SR, 76, wife, Sharon McCurry; children, Michael (Tracie) Jr., Scott (Cathy) McCurry, Jeffrey (Laura) Suding, Julie (Michael) Ferguson and Tracey (Pat) Michael; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, William and Stephen McCurry, Millicent Stiefler.
Michael graduated from Manual High School in 1965. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, video poker and bingo.
He was an avid sports fan. Michael very much loved his time spent with his family and especially, his grandchildren. It has been said that “his hands were made for holding babies”.
A life celebration will be at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Home Thursday, June 29, 2023, 2-4 p.m., with a service at 4 p.m.
SARA M. NARDINA, 92, husband, Charles Nardina; children Ron Blackgrave, Debbie (Brian) Santerre, Lisa (Jeff) Smeltzer, Shawn (Gary) Altman; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Auberle.
Sara worked as an aide at Southport Elementary School and as a clerk for the Southport branch library.
Her greatest joy was gathering with family. She loved crafting with friends, cooking, baking, reading and making chocolate candies. She was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home handled arrangements.
NANCY ANN REYNOLDS, 70, husband, William Reynolds; son, Stephen Vaught; two grandchildren; siblings, Betty Shepard, Mary McMullen, Sandy McGuire, and Judy Davidson.
Little & Sons Beech Grove Chapel handled arrangements.
WILMA MAXINE KEYT STIGALL, 85, widow of George; children, Beverly (Bob), Ernest (Annette), and James Stigall (Diana); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, David Keyt (Chris).
She was a secretary for Frost Air and George and Maxine owned Windsor Gun Shop for over 30 years. They were active members of the Indianapolis Model A Club, Ford Thunderbird Club, Antique Airplane Association and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
Maxine and George loved traveling throughout our country. She found great comfort in attending Grace Church.
Shirley Brothers Thompson Road Chapel was entrusted with her funeral arrangements.
MICHAEL WAYNE “BUNNY” WHITE, 66, widower of Catherine White; children, Jeffery, Crystal, Michael (Rikki), Jr., Dakota White, Keith Ward; brother, Kerry (Kim) White; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Mike was a 1974 graduate of Manual High School. He retired after 40 years from Lane Bryant as a warehouse supply specialist.
He was a sportsman, especially enjoying Sweet 16 basketball games, many trips to NASCAR races, football parties and games. Mike always had a good joke to tell and was a true gentleman to women. Mike loved life and spending time with his family.
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals handled arrangements.
JERRY LEE WHITESIDE, 80, children, Robert, Dawn, Chris, and Robby; siblings, Tom, Liz, Steve, and Debi.
He took immense pride in watching his children grow into remarkable individuals.
Jerry’s warm smile and kind-hearted nature endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He possessed a genuine and selfless spirit, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer words of wisdom. His laughter was infectious, and his presence could light up any room.
Little & Sons Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
LORI A. WORLAND, 53, husband, Anthony “Tony” Worland; children, Danny, Emily and Jacob West; stepsons, Anthony and Seth Worland; one granddaughter; sister, Lisa Miller.
Lori was a star volleyball player at Roncalli High School and graduated in 1988.
She was a Senior Director of Product Enablement and Support with Workiva!
Lori never met a stranger and she was the life of the party. Lori loved Notre Dame, Kenny Chesney, Gordon Ramsey, and the beach.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lori’s life on Friday, June 30 from 2-8 p.m. at Garfield Park Conservatory.