Obituaries

Obituaries2019-09-16T01:17:25+00:00

Lee K. Riggs

Lee Kent Riggs, 87, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on March 28, 2026, at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice following an extended illness.

Born on December 11, 1938, in Anderson, Indiana, Lee was the son of the late J. Ernest and Helen (née Baker) Riggs. He spent most of his life in Anderson before relocating to Bonita Springs, where he had been a resident for the past 29 years.

After graduating from high school, Lee proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Upon returning home, he began a distinguished career with the Anderson Fire Department, where he served as a dedicated firefighter for over 28 years, protecting and serving the community he loved.

Lee was a life long carpenter, he enjoyed working with his hands and flipping houses. After retiring he picked up two new hobbies; he learned to play shuffleboard and became a Florida state Champion in his division. He starting painting, becoming quite good at his craft where he entered various art shows with his artwork. He also enjoyed ball room dancing and had a passion for the Imperial Harbor community and attending The Springs Outdoor Church.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Kim L. Humphries and her husband, Jeffrey, of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Robin R. Armstrong and her companion, Aaron Smith, of Indianapolis, Indiana; his beloved granddaughter, Onyx Hamar of Columbus, Ohio; his brother, Phil Riggs of Anderson, Indiana; his sister, Sandra Jones of Seattle, Washington; and his longtime companion, Katherine Landis-Reitzel.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026, at The Harbor Club, Bonita Springs, Florida with Pastor Russ Winn of the Springs Outdoor Church officiating.

A committal service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Chapel at Anderson Memorial Park (6805 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Anderson, IN 46013). Military honors will follow at the graveside.

Lee will be remembered for his service, his kindness, and the joy he brought to those around him.

 

April 11th, 2026|Comments Off on Lee K. Riggs

Judith A. Landers

Judith Anne Landers was born on November 8th, 1957.

She was preceded in death by: her father, Jack L. Landers, her mother Beverly Ratliff, her sister Liana Banter, and her grandson, John W. Nisbet III. She is survived by her daughter Hope Anne Desiree Nisbet, her sisters, Roezona McComsey and Vickie Burke, her nieces Valerie Godbott, Michelle Talley, SuAnn Starr and Angela Stephenson.

She graduated college at twenty-four years of age from Indiana Wesleyan College in Marion, IN. She studied “Criminal Science and Political Justice.” She worked as a substitute teacher while pursuing a Master’s Degree at Ball State University in Muncie Indiana. Her goal was to be a lawyer.

She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church. She volunteered as a groundskeeper there.

She had a variety of hobbies, including chess, bike riding, and had a cookbook published. She rode her bike from Marion to Indianapolis and frequently from Muncie to Marion.

A celebration of Judith’s life will be held at 1:00pm  on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (2801 W. Riverside Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304).

Memorial contributions may be made to the food bank of your choice.

April 11th, 2026|1 Comment

Bonnie L. Skinner

Bonnie L. (Norris) Skinner, 78, of Muncie, IN, passed away on March 21, 2026, following a battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her two children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as two sisters, and her K-9 companion, Priya. She is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and husband.

The family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,. She will be missed dearly by those who loved her.

As per her wishes, cremation will take place and no public services are planned. A private celebration of life for family will be held later.

April 6th, 2026|Comments Off on Bonnie L. Skinner

Marlis K. Anderson

Marlis K. (Finke) Anderson, 84, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at her home on March 28, 2026. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, she was born on November 17, 1941, to Harvard and Virginia (Legg) Finke.

Marlis was a proud graduate of Manuel High School, Class of 1961. Following graduation, she began her career as a receptionist with Citizens Gas Company before later dedicating many years of service to Indianapolis Public Schools, where she worked in food service until her retirement.  She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis.

Marlis found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading and working word-search puzzles, trying her luck at the casino, and spending time camping at Buckley’s Campground and Spring Mill State Park. For many years, she faithfully started her mornings with a walk on the track in Beech Grove. She also cherished her time as a “snowbird,” spending three months each year in Panama City Beach, FL.

She had a special way of telling stories—many of which began with, “We were riding bikes…”—and those stories will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Marlis was a fan of the Indianapolis Ice and the Indiana Pacers, and she especially enjoyed helping her husband prepare the family’s beloved chili recipe.

She is survived by her loving children, Julie Anderson of Indianapolis, Donald Anderson of Indianapolis, and Diana Anderson of Greenwood; her sister, Marjorie Denney of Colorado Springs, CO; her sister-in-law, Pat Finke of Greenwood; eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by many extended family members, her dear friend Pat Merryman of Panama City, FL, and her longtime K-9 companion, “Pretty Girl.”

Marlis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Anderson; her brother, Charles Finke; and her sister, Marabeth Tames.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 1:00pm at The Creek Church (6430 S Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46259) with Pastor Eric Denney officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Cremation will follow and Marlis will be interred in Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family’s GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses

April 2nd, 2026|Comments Off on Marlis K. Anderson

Sheila Dirks

Shelia (Feathers) Dirks
Born November 26, 1969 – Passed March 21, 2026

Shelia (Feathers) Dirks, 56, of Elkhart County, Indiana, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She fought with remarkable strength and grace until the end, surrounded by the love of her father, Charles Feathers Sr., and her devoted sister, Adora Lynn, who cared for her in every way possible through her final days.

Born on November 26, 1969, in Elkhart County to Charles Sr. and the late Mary Feathers, Shelia grew up with a close-knit family who remained the center of her world. She graduated from Northridge High School in 1988. Her strong spirit, love of family, and zest for life defined her throughout the years.

Shelia found joy in simple yet beautiful moments—riding her Harley Davidson on sunny afternoons, tending to her garden and flowers, and collecting Precious Moments figurines. Visiting the Precious Moments Chapel was a dream she fulfilled with joy and gratitude.

Above all, Shelia deeply loved her family. She is survived by her father, Charles Feathers Sr.; her siblings, Tamie (the late Scott) Livingston, Adora Lynn (Tim) Pratt, and Charles (Meryl) Feathers Jr.; her beloved children, Austin Dirks, Shae (Morgan) Medlen, and Larissa Dirks; and her six cherished grandchildren, who brought light and laughter to her life.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Shelia’s memory to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)—reflecting her love of nature—or to The Foundation for Women’s Cancer, to support ongoing cervical cancer research and awareness.

Shelia’s life was marked by resilience and love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her strength will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her.

A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 1pm at the lookout shelter (54386 Co Rd 131, Bristol, IN 46507).

March 27th, 2026|2 Comments

Joe P. Phillips

Joe Patrick Phillips, 79, of Anderson, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 10, 2026.

He was born in Anderson on March 17, 1946, to Raymond and Mary Ellen (Davis) Phillips. A lifelong resident of Anderson, Joe graduated from Highland High School (Class of 1964) and grew up working in his family’s business, Phillips Motors, where he developed a lifelong passion for motorcycles.

After high school, Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a gunner and was stationed in Southern California. During his service, he deployed to Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge, Joe began working as a maintenance technician for General Motors/Delco Remy, where he dedicated 35 years before retiring.

Joe was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association, a member of Chesterfield American Legion Post 408, the Lapel Fraternal Order of Eagles (4323), and was a longtime member of the Anderson Roadrunners Club. He enjoyed riding Enduro motocross and was an avid runner who participated in several marathons, including the Boston Marathon. In his quieter moments, Joe enjoyed working puzzles, taking walks, playing golf, and birdwatching. Above all, he treasured spending time with his family — especially his grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer (Trevor) Harries-Jones of San Francisco, California, and Melissa Phillips of Fishers; two granddaughters, Avery and Cassidy Harries-Jones of San Francisco; his sister, Ralena Jones of Anderson; and four nieces and three nephews.

He will also be greatly missed by his longtime companion, Natalie Riggs; her daughters, Kim (Jeff) Humphries and Robin (Aaron Smith) Riggs; her granddaughter, Onyx Hamar; and Joe’s best friend since childhood, Buddy Eads.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Charles Michael Phillips and Ralph Irvin Phillips.

Joe will be laid to rest at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery following a private graveside service with military honors.

March 15th, 2026|5 Comments
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