Myers-Reed Chapel

William (Bill) Paul Guffey, age 82, of Columbus, Indiana passed away at his home on Saturday, November 25, 2023. Bill was born on December 25, 1940 in Hamilton, Missouri the late Cecil and Bonita Guffey. He was a 1959 graduate from Penny High School where he participated in sports, showing sheep, and was an outstanding member of the Future Farmers of America. Bill went on to the University of Missouri where he pledged Alpha Gamma Sigma and graduated in 1963. He married Brenda Hayes on December 29, 1963. Bill spent many years in the banking industry and retired as Senior Vice President at Irwin Union Bank. He played several national softball tournaments, winning a World Series in 1991...

Stephen W. Kinsey, 81, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Morton Park Hospital in Clearwater Florida. Stephen was born July 8, 1942 to parents Clifford E. and Martha M. Kinsey. He worked at Cummins Engine Company for 34 years before retiring. Stephen married Ruth E. Heitz on February 23, 1990 and they moved to Clearwater, Florida where they have resided for the last 28 years. Before moving to Florida, Stephen was a long-time member of East Columbus Christian Church. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the Hope Masonic Lodge #150, and a life member of the Scottish rite. Stephen was very sociable and had several friends in Clearwater that he enjoyed spending time with. He...

Norma Jean LaBarbiera, 88, passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023 at her home. She was born March 30, 1935 in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Norma had a strong affinity for the color purple. She was fond of traveling to Las Vegas, and was an avid buyer of lottery tickets. Additionally, she enjoyed playing cards and despite her family's accusations, she never, ever cheated. Norma leaves behind her daughter, Karen (Kim) Conover; her son, Randall Helt; great-grandson, Axel Conover; nephews, Matthew Hatton and Stephen Hatton; and her best friend, Marcia Starks. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Montgomery Jr.; her grandson, Dustin Conover; and her son in law, Kim Conover....

Jane Davee, 70, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023. A lifelong resident of Columbus who truly loved her hometown, Janie was raised in a very loving family by her parents, Charles and Ruth Davee (deceased). Janie is survived by her husband, Walt Knaepple, her sister, Carol Highsmith (David), Greenville, SC, and her brother Bob Davee (Pam), Portland, OR. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue, Janie followed the family tradition of teaching in Crothersville. Shifting gears after one year as a teacher, Janie quickly pursued and received her MBA from IU, entering corporate life in the financial branch of Arvin Industries. Upon leaving Arvin during the early stages of...

Marcella Knifley Mings, 77, of Columbus, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born May 10, 1946 in Knifley, KY to Dallas and Ruby (Mills) Knifley. Marcella was a devoted mother and loved being a Nana to her grandchildren and a Gigi to her great-grandchildren. She spent her career in retail. She worked 30 years at Hills Department Store where she created life-long friends that adored her. She was a very hardworking woman and took pride in her work and helping others. She also enjoyed playing softball with her daughters. She loved bowling in a league and for fun. She enjoyed going to the casino with her daughters and close friends. But most of...

Sue Ann Vandagriff, 89, passed away October 4, 2023 at her home. Sue was born March 28, 1934 in Columbus, Indiana to parents Hershel and Nona Vandagriff. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1952. Sue was a long time member of Sandy Hook United Methodist Church and a faithful member of the Clifford Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Sue is survived by her nieces and nephews, Brandon (Hayli) Bush, Ami (David) Tincher, Josh (Nicole) Bush, Sadie (Josh) Cox, Mollie (Toni) Bush-Nord, and Jane Bush. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Bush; and two nephews, Gary Bush and Rick Bush. A funeral service for Sue will be held Tuesday, October 17 at 1 p.m. at...

Sharon Elaine Collins, 77, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Silver Oaks Health Campus. Sharon was born June 6, 1946 in Columbus to parents Millard and Margaret Patton. She married William Michael Collins in November of 1974 and they attended Columbus First Assembly for many years. Sharon was a talented artist and loved to paint. She also enjoyed taking regular trips to Siesta Key Beach with her husband and family. Sharon is survived by her daughter, Gretchen (Michael) Barnett; her grandchildren, Bryan Drake (Gretcheb Fulz), Allison (Wyatt) Shannon, and Cynthis Barnett; as well as several neices and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike on October 9, 2022; and...

Margaret A. Cummins-Schaefer died peacefully at her home on October 3, 2023. She was born in Indianapolis, IN to Joseph L.S. and Jessie Mae Cummins on January 26, 1941. Margaret graduated from Columbus High School in 1959. She earned a B.S. in education from the University of Arizona in 1963 and a Masters in Education from Smith College in Northampton, MA in 1967. She married David R. Schaefer on December 23, 1984. David passed away June 23, 2010. Margaret is survived by her sister, JoAnn C. Meek as well as by her nieces and nephews, Denisa Mallot, Marcia Gruno, Diane (Terry) Rick, Joe (Carla) Meek and Matt (Christy) Meek. Margaret was a Title IX pioneer who shattered the...

Mary "Kaysie" Jolliff, 68, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. Kaysie was born April 12, 1955, in Batesville, Indiana, to Lloyd and Mary (Fieler) Frensemeier. Kaysie spent the majority of her career working in the medical community of Columbus at Southern Indiana ENT and for Southern Indiana Medical Holdings as a Practice Manager. She completed her career at Decatur County Memorial Hospital, working as a Credentialing Specialist. She was also a founding partner in establishing Special By Design, an embroidery screen printing business located in Hope, Indiana, that she started with a friend. Kaysie married Ralph Jolliff on May 26, 1979, and he...

Betty Jane Crews, 101, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Four Seasons Healthcare Center. Betty was born August 26, 1922 in Bartholomew County. She was the daughter of Millard and Irma Nugent. She was a graduate of Columbus High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in nursing from Franklin College. Betty enjoyed traveling and working with her nursing friends after graduation. Betty was a founding member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, loom weaving, and crafting. Betty is survived by her children, Sherri Newsom Haiderer of Columbus, Jane (Bill) Taylor of Lebanon, and Jim (Merry) Crews of Indianapolis; her grandchildren, Andy (Brooke) Newsom, Eric...

James I. Bennett, Jr., 80, of Freetown, died Thursday, September 14, 2023. He was born October 23, 1942 Wabaunsee County, KS to James I. and Vera L. (McMaster) Bennett, Sr. They preceded him in death. Mr. Bennett was a veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 13, Nashville, IN. James was a 1960 graduate of Eskridge High School, Eskridge, KS. He retired from Dolly Madison Bakery as Chief Engineer. He enjoyed woodworking built several pieces of furniture. James also was an avid collector of Allis Chalmers tractors. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, in 1996;...

James I. Bennett, Jr., 80, of Freetown, died Thursday, September 14, 2023. He was born October 23, 1942 Wabaunsee County, KS to James I. and Vera L. (McMaster) Bennett, Sr. They preceded him in death. Mr. Bennett was a veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 13, Nashville, IN. James was a 1960 graduate of Eskridge High School, Eskridge, KS. He retired from Dolly Madison Bakery as Chief Engineer. He enjoyed woodworking built several pieces of furniture. James also was an avid collector of Allis Chalmers tractors. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, in 1996;...

Barbara "Joyce" Essex Andrews, 91, of Columbus, IN, passed from the arms of her loving family into the arms of her savior on Sunday, Sept 10, 2023. Joyce was born February 7, 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Emmette and Robert Essex. After graduating from Columbus High School, she attended Butler University. She was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school in Columbus and loved all children. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, Bociant, and Bridge Club. She loved playing cards, reading and shopping, but most of all spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother and...

Barbara L. Hitchcock, 90, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Columbus Regional Hospital. Barb was born October 1, 1932 in Greensburg, Indiana. She was the daughter of Salvatore Tudie and Audrey Navarra. She married Wayne "Tom" Hitchcock on November 21, 1948. A funeral service for Barb was held Monday, September 11 at 12 p.m. at Myers-Reed Chapel and she was laid to rest at Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Folds of Honor-Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital. To share a fond memory of Barb or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.Myers-Reed.com. Myers-Reed is a assisting the Hitchcock family.

Barbara L. Hitchcock, 90, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Columbus Regional Hospital. Barb was born October 1, 1932 in Greensburg, Indiana. She was the daughter of Salvatore Tudie and Audrey Navarra. She married Wayne "Tom" Hitchcock on November 21, 1948. She was a homemaker and military wife while Tom served 27 years in the United States Air Force. Barb had a way of making anyone around her feel loved and welcomed, and she was known as "Mom" to many. She had a bright sense of humor, and when asked her age, she would always say she was 17! Barb is survived by her daughters, ,Martha Jo (Tony) Franklin and Alicia (Kris) Hitchcock Kramer ; her grandchildren, Jennifer...

Sherry Darlene Anderson, 58, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023. Sherry was born September 23, 1956 in Columbus, Indiana. She was the daughter of Thomas and Shirley Wilcurt Powers. Sherry attended Mount Carmel Church near Nashville, Indiana with her sisters. She loved spending time with her family, and was a collector of all things antique. Sherry had a heart of gold and she was deeply loved. She is survived by her sons, Garrett (Kari) Thompson, Gavan (Keshia) Thompson, and Gage Anderson; six grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie (Randy) Nicholas-Peaslee, Mary (Roger) Hunter, Barbara (David) Miller, Patricia Spencer, Tammy McLellan, and Rebecca Powers; as well as several nieces and...

Shasta Jean Smiley, 79, of Flat Rock, Indiana passed away peacefully to her new home with the Lord on August 24, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Shasta was born in Columbus, Indiana on April 3, 1944 to Hass E. Burton and Goldie L. Heitz Burton. She married Larry L. Smiley on January 15, 1970. Shasta was retired from Leer Corporation in Ediburgh where she worked for 33 years. Shasta was a fun loving person who loved to laugh and have a good time. Her favorite pastime was playing Bingo with her friends. She enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren. Shasta's goodwill toward others was a special attribute that she possessed. She was kind and was willing to help...

David A. Kirts, 75, formerly of Columbus, IN, passed from this life on August 24, 2023 at the Hospice House in Lakeland, FL. Dave had recently moved to Lakeland to spend the rest of his days with his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. He was born on October 29, 1947 in Columbus, to William F. and Anna D. (Chasteen) Kirts. They preceded him in death. Dave "Dave-O" graduated from Hauser High School in 1965 and soon after went to work at Cummins Engine Co. He was a dedicated employee & material supplier for 48 years & retired in 2016. Dave-O loved sports of all kind, but his favorite was NASCAR and dirt track racing. He attended many NASCAR races over the years and...

Cung Tran, age 86, of Columbus, passed away on Tuesday August 22, 2023 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. He was born September 19, 1936 in Vietnam to Ngon Tran and Ky Thi Mai Tran. They preceded him in death. Mr. Tran was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Lieu Thi Tran of Columbus; children, Loan Anh Vu (Michael) of Columbus, Lien Ly (Co) of El Monte, CA, Chuc Tran (Hai) of Melbourne, FL, Tan Tran (Tuyet) of Columbus, Yen Nguyen (Dung) of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Xuan Tran (Jillian) of Columbus; grandchildren, Kim, Dolly, Minh, Huy, Khai, Trina, Danielle, Lindsay, Bobby, Meghan, Thomas, Sarah, Kenny, Stacey, Sabrina, Kaden, and Tai;...

Kristopher Rex Lentz, 49, of North Vernon left his physical body on August 5, 2023. He passed in his home next to the woman he adored since the day they met 10 years ago, his wife, Ashley Lentz. The bond they share is like a fairy tale unlike any other. Kris was born on November 20, 1973 to his parents Gary and Trish Lentz. The youngest of three, his parents knew he was special at birth. Contrary to other parents who say that, they really did. The love he showed started at a very early age. His first best friends were his brother, Keith Lentz and his sister, Amy Stanton. They were the first to notice his unique and amazing qualities, and not long after, the rest of the neighborhood knew...

Sherry Burch, 72, of Columbus, died Saturday August 5, 2023 at Miller's Merry Manor - Hope. She was born February 11, 1951 in Columbus to Marion M. and Catherine V. (Fish) Pavey. They preceded her in death. Sherry loved volleyball and country line dancing. She also loved her dogs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Corbin Burch; a brother, Carl Pavey; and a sister, Sharon King. Survivors include her loving son, Shannon (Andrea) Burch of Jeffersonville; sister, Phyllis Beller of Columbus; brother, Steve (Cathy) Pavey of Columbus; and a grandson, Nickolas Burch of Jeffersonville. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. A private...