Obituaries

John Houston Bays, 65, of Noblesville (and self-appointed “King A Clare”) passed away at home on Saturday, December 2, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born in Noblesville, Indiana, on January 30, 1958, to John and Lela (Muse) Bays.

John was a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School (1976), concurrently attending the Anderson Vocational School Building Trades and Junior Achievement. He became a member of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Elwood in 1980 and ordained a Bishop in 2006.

John was a hard worker holding various positions throughout life. As a young man, he worked as a Bobcat operator for Jay’s Excavating. He was a Quality Control Chemist for Firestone for 15+ years. John earned his CDL and was a driver for Schneider Trucking. Eventually retired from Mitchel & Scott Machine Company where he worked as a Material Handler. Most recently, he held his most beloved position as a bus driver for Hamilton Heights School Corporation. He called the students “my kids” and came home with many an anecdote.

John never met a stranger, notoriously talking to people for hours! His life centered around church and family. He was especially close to his children and grandchildren, instilling in them the philosophy that “your brother is your very best friend”, while continually teaching them life skills and demonstrating the importance of maintaining high family values. He was a talented small engine hobbyist, an avid Coleman lantern and Cub Cadet garden tractor collector.

John is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Pamela (Leeman) Bays; five sons, Rusty (Amanda) Bays of Noblesville, Calvin Bays of Lapel, Clinton (Jessica) Bays of Pendleton, Spencer Bays of Anderson, and Ian Bays of Anderson; six grandchildren, two brothers, James (Martha) Bays of Trafalgar and Jeffrey Bays of Noblesville

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Mitchell Bays.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday, December 8, 2023 at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, 1927 S. P Street, Elwood, Indiana, 46036.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the church with one hour of visitation immediately prior. Bishop Gary Leeman and Jeramie Cooke will officiate. Burial will follow in the Aroma Methodist Cemetery in Atlanta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Elwood.

Carolyn Marie Legg, 35, of Muncie, entered into heaven after a tragic car accident on November 11, 2023.

She grew up in Fishers, Indiana and graduated from Bishop Chatard High School. Carolyn went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University.

Carolyn is survived by her parents, Donna and Bill Legg of South Bend; grandfather, Allan Legg of Richmond; brother, Brian (Monica) Legg of South Bend; niece, Mila King of South Bend and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Anthony and Mary Cucinelli of Fort Wayne, and Carol Legg of Richmond.

Carolyn was known for her smile and care for others. She had a huge heart and cared deeply for the people around her. Throughout her life, Carolyn was passionate about volunteering and helping people in need. She was a campaign volunteer for the Delaware County Republican Party, as well as a volunteer at Urban Light Community Church.

The viewing will be held on Saturday, November 18th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by services at 12:00 p.m. at Urban Light Community Church in Muncie (1400 S Madison Street, Muncie, IN 47302). Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne (3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805) at 3:00 p.m.

Contributions may be made to Urban Light Community Church in Muncie.

Donnie Gail Ploughe, 78, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away on November 4, 2023 and entered into the afterlife.  He was born on February 7, 1945 in Kokomo, Indiana.  Donnie was a man of great compassion and had a deep love for his Indy Dance groups.  He often enjoyed talking about reincarnation and offered tarot card readings to friends and family.  He will always be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his community.

Donnie is survived by his loving sons, Kevin Ploughe (wife, Marie) of Mulberry and Erick Ploughe of Kokomo.  He also leaves behind his special “daughter”, Regina Clem (husband, Dave) of Kokomo.  Donnie was a cherished grandfather to Brittani Weasner, Ashley Willis (husband, Christopher), Connie Ballew (husband, Nick) of Kokomo, Shelby Lybrook (husband, Cody) of Fort Wayne, Jennifer Lashbrook of Dayton and Elizabeth Koors of Mulberry.  He was a great-grandfather to Cooper, Brahm, Bellamy, Taylor, Ryan, Chloe, Jackson, Lillian, Nolan, Wyatt and Ara.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Mildrid (Lewis) Ploughe; brothers, Leo, Danny, Vern and Gene; sisters, Angeline (ANN) Martin, Waneta Wallace, and Naomi Grimes; and great granddaughter, Layla Lybrook.

Throughout his career, Donnie worked on the assembly line and went on to become a janitor at Delco for many years.  His commitment to his work and his strong work ethic were admired by all who knew him.

There will be no funeral services fro Donnie.  In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place.

Donnie Gail Ploughe will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.  His memory will forever be cherished and his legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire us all.

Sherrie Lee (Paskins) Martin, age 68, died in her home on 10/11/2023.

Sherrie is survived by her sisters, Barbara Sheller and Angi Berry; her kids’ father, Jeffrey Martin; son, Daniel Martin-spouse Brandi Martin; daughters, Nicole Campell (spouse, Cory Campell), April Miller (spouse, Andrew Miller), and Melinda Mendenhall; her grandchildren, Jeffrey Martin, Asha Martin, Alexus EstradaVenegas, James Loy, Christian Miller, Paige Martin, Daniel Martin, Kaydence Mendenhall, and Ayden Martin; and her great-grandkids, Hayden and Mayle Martin, Aksel Svoboda, and Kenslee Martin.

She is preceded in death by her father, Daniel Paskins; her mother, Freida (Risco) Paskins; her brother, Thomas Paskins; and her son in law, Brian Mendenhall.

Sherrie was born on 3/10/1955 in Noblesville Indiana. She graduated from Noblesville high school and went on to graduate from Kaye’s Beauty College. She ended up working at the Noblesville High School.

In her free time Sherrie loved to mess around with her inside plants and flower beds. She loved cooking and she loved talking on the phone for hours. But most of all, she loved her family and having get togethers and holidays with everyone. She was a pillar in the family and will be missed by all of us!

Sherrie will be cremated and there are no services scheduled at this time.

Robin Lee Odle born October 1, 1948, in Muncie Indiana passed away in her home on September 25,2023 surrounded by friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Pingry, Tommy Lou Ware-Pingry and her partner Thomas Rotz.

She is survived by her two children, Jennifer Odle-Ratliff (Richard McFall) and Christopher Odle (Jennifer Odle), three grandchildren Cortlynn Odle-Nash, Chance and Caden Odle, great grandchild Asher Nash, extended Rotz family and former husband Larry Odle.

She was a life long resident of Muncie, graduating Muncie Central in 1966, owner of Auntie Pone’s Attic and a former employee of Lowe’s.

Robin was often called the “Bird”.  She was a spunky, creative and energetic person who loved to laugh. As an entrepreneur she started and owned several art businesses including her most recent shop; Auntie Pone’s Attic. This became a place where people entered as customers and left as friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Heekin Park cabin #3 from 11:00 to 3:00.

Alisha Renee’ Tuttle, 44, a lifelong resident of Muncie, passed away on September 18, 2023 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. She was born in Muncie, IN on November 22, 1978 to Noel and Jan (Anders) Tuttle.

Alisha attended Muncie Southside High School and, after focusing on her family for many years, most recently worked as a supervisor for In & Out Cleaning Services. She enjoyed spending her time supporting the women at The Lighthouse Recovery Home in Muncie where she volunteered for several years.

Alisha will be lovingly remembered as someone who radiated love, kindness and acceptance. She genuinely enjoyed caring for people and she was fiercely devoted to her family, her friends, and anyone who needed help. Alisha earned the reputation of “neighborhood mom” and would do anything she could to make sure that the people in her life had everything they needed – even if she had to go without. She had a special place in her heart for children and loved nothing more than spoiling her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. No fuzzy blanket or fluffy pillow would ever go “uncuddled” if Alisha was in the room!

Alisha is survived by her mother, Jan (Anders) Tuttle of Muncie; three children, Brionna Covington, Darius Covington, and Travon Covington, all of Muncie; one sister, Carrie Swafford of Muncie; two grandchildren, Jordan Covington and Ta’vian Covington, both of Muncie; her companion, Ed Wade of Muncie; two aunts, Sally (Tim) Bird of Belleville, IL and Jill (Clint) Greer of Copperas Cove, TX; two nieces, Marissa Swafford and My’onnah Smith, both of Muncie; and her nephews; Melvin Williamson, Jayven Swafford, Kamar’ree Swafford, all of Muncie; and some very special people in her life, Valerie, Triston, and Tavin Whitney of Muncie, Tammy Trimble and Stephanie Trimble of Muncie, Dori Taylor of Muncie and Marquita Turner (Keium, Hunter, and Rhydr) of Muncie. Alisha’s family would also like to thank Janet Thompson and the many other friends and family members who helped care for Alisha and loved her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Bob Anders; her father, Noel Tuttle; one daughter, Jayda Covington; her nephew Demetrius Tolbert and her “favorite uncle”, Shane Swafford.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 26th at Urban Light Community Church (1400 S. Madison St, Muncie, IN 47302). Pastors Joe Carpenter and Lezlie McCrory will officiate. Visitation will begin at 11:00am and conclude at the time of service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Lighthouse Recovery Home. Checks can be sent to: Urban Light CDC – PO Box 3185 Muncie, IN 47307