Obituaries

CR Gallagher, 61, formerly of Pendleton, passed away on August 9, 2025, following a short but courageous battle with diabetes. He was born on February 19, 1964, in Maysville, Kentucky, to Jean and Clarence Gallagher.

A 1982 graduate of Pendleton Heights High School, CR excelled in Building Trades, which set the foundation for his lifelong career in construction. In his younger years, he gave back to his community as a volunteer with the Pendleton Fire Department. Later, he found his home at Madison County Cabinets, where he spent his final years working as a skilled custom cabinet maker.

Outside of work, CR’s passions were many. He was an avid NASCAR fan, a loyal supporter of the Colts, Pacers, and Fever, and along the way, he developed a true love for the Chicago Cubs. His enthusiasm for sports was matched only by the pride he took in his craft and the relationships he built throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and a cousin.

CR is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Sharon Farmer, Lisa Taylor, Kellie (Danny) Gardner, and Jennie (Dallas) Kendall; his brother, Chuck (Elizabeth) Gallagher; as well as several nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.

CR was laid to rest at Anderson Memorial Park on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with Pastor Lance Stevens officiating.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to:

South Madison Fire Territory
(Formerly Pendleton FD)
100 S. Broadway St.
Pendleton, IN 46064

Linda S. Fields, 70, of Muncie, passed away peacefully at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital on August 21, 2025. She was born in New Castle, Indiana, on November 1, 1954, to Earnest and Alice (Gilbert) Woodson.

Linda was a proud graduate of Muncie Southside High School. She worked as a Receiving Clerk for Wal-Mart in Muncie, where she retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service.

A woman who loved to be on the move, Linda enjoyed traveling and treasured vacations with her family—especially to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She also loved the freedom of the open road, often taking car trips with her family just to “get lost” together and discover new places.

She is survived by her son, Eddie Fields of Muncie; granddaughter, Torren Fields; four great-grandchildren, Aandon, Salem, Kyrie, and Emberly; brothers, Eddie (Rachel) Woodson, Tommy Woodson, and Danny (Judy) Woodson, all of Muncie; a niece, Tiffany Woodson of Muncie, along with her three daughters; and a former sister-in-law, Vicki Woodson.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gloria Woodson; and two brothers, David Woodson and Leonard Woodson.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date.

Bruce Allen Ward, 65, of Muncie, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born in Muncie, Indiana, on October 1, 1959.

Bruce was a 1978 graduate of Muncie Central High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he built a lifelong career as an electrician, working for several local companies.

A man of many passions, Bruce was an avid NASCAR fan and cheered faithfully for the Indianapolis Colts. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and valued the time he spent with family and friends above all else.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 30 years, Mary Ward; his daughter, Holly Crisp Wright (Wes Townsend) of Muncie; his son, Brandon Ward of Indianapolis; and five beloved grandchildren, Kaiden, Serynity, Benjamin, Abbey, and Bryson. He is also survived by his sister, Leanne (Ron) Young of Brooklyn; brothers, Doug Ward of Muncie and Danny Carter; along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Marianne (Mart) Carter; father, Jimmy Ward; stepfather, Robert Carter; brother, Raymond J. Ward; and sister, Deb Carter.

Though no services will be held, Bruce’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Martin J. Graber, 91, passed peacefully in his sleep the morning of August 14, 2025 and entered the presence of Jesus his Saviour.  He was born on May 11, 1934 in Adams County, IN to parents Martin Jacob Graber and Mary Agnes Windmiller Graber. He grew up on his parents’ farm 1 mile west of Linn Grove, IN. He graduated from Hartford High School in 1954 and joined the army.  He served in a MASH unit for 3 years in Wurzburg, Germany.

After leaving the military he completed his ultimate dream of graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1964. Following his residency in Ft. Wayne he joined Dr. Robert Boze’s medical practice in Berne, IN. In 1969 he moved to Indianapolis where he was a founding member of the Indiana College of Emergency Medicine and was the Associate Director of St Francis Hospital Family Practice Residency Program.

In 1980 he went on a short term mission trip to Tenwek Hospital in Kenya, East Africa where he ended up serving until 1993. After leaving Tenwek he spent a year serving with Samaritan’s Purse in Somalia, Sudan and Rwanda. He then spent the next 25 years developing medical clinics with the Maasai people before retiring in 2020 to spend time with his family. Overall he spent over 40 years treating people’s physical needs and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents Martin Jacob Graber and Mary Agnes Windmiller Graber, siblings Rosemary Graber Appleton (Kenneth), Lee Graber (Joy) and Franklin Graber (Linda), wives Gloria Fern Crownover Graber Beinburg and Anna Mae Lehman Graber, son Mark Lee Graber, and grandson Daniel Jordan McKnight.

He is survived by sister Carolyn Graber Costello (David) of Muncie, children Gregory Alan Graber of Greenwood, Marcia Jeanne Graber Mankin (Gregory) of Avon, Michelle Anne Graber McKnight (David) of Greenwood, Michael Jay Graber (Wendy) of Greenwood, grandchildren Zachary Kyle Mankin, Jacob Daniel Mankin (Rebecca), Mallory Marissa Mankin, David Lee McKnight, Micah Joseph Graber (Danielle), William Collin Graber, Jonathan Thomas Graber, Olya Alexandra Graber, Masha Victoria Graber, and Jonathan Andrew McKnight, and great grandchildren Emma Adeline Mankin, Callum Henry Mankin and Macallan James Graber along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be made to World Gospel Mission–Kenya field at P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Berean Baptist Church located at 1191 W. County Line Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142 from 10:00-11:30 with a Celebration of Life following at 11:30 am.

Liza E. Wilson, 65, of Greenfield, passed away on August 15, 2025, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Greenfield on November 12, 1959, to James and Isabel “Izzy” (Lopez) Leisure.

Liza graduated from New Palestine High School in 1978 and went on to earn her associate’s degree in Medical Assisting from the Professional Careers Institute. She devoted more than 30 years to caring for patients as a Certified Medical Assistant, primarily with the IU Methodist group, and retired after working 25 years at the Methodist Medical East Group on Washington Street. Her patients and colleagues alike, knew her for her kindness, her dedication, and her spirit that could brighten even the hardest day.

While Liza was very proud of her career, her greatest joy by far was being “Nana.” She adored her grandchildren and never missed a chance to cheer them on at baseball games, basketball games, choir, and drama productions. She loved the sunshine, a good pool day, trips to visit family and mostly, trips to the beach — though she would have been happier if there was no sand to deal with! Family vacations to “City Ma Beach” (Panama City Beach) with Nana and Pup were legendary, filled with laughter, love, and memories her grandchildren will always cherish.

Liza also inherited a passion for auto racing from her father. She spent countless hours basking in the roar of NASCAR and cheering for Tony Stewart! She would camp for days at the Brickyard 400 with some incredibly special friends. For her, it wasn’t just about the race — it was about spending time with people she loved (and maybe a little bit about the snacks, too).

Music was something Liza enjoyed to the fullest. To put it lightly, she was a bit of a fanatic of Bob Segar & The Silver Bullet Band, attending so many concerts she lost count.

Liza is survived by her loving husband, Terry Wilson, of Greenfield; her daughter, Sara (Adam) Strickland, of Greenfield; step-sons, Ian (Jennifer) Wilson of Noblesville, Alex (Angie) Wilson of Greenfield, and Ryan (Casey) Wilson of Carmel; her sister, Linda (Marion) White of Greenfield; her brother, James (Leslie) Leisure of Greenfield; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She also leaves behind many extended family members and a wide circle of friends — especially her beloved “rat pack,” with whom she shared countless laughs and adventures through the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In keeping with her wishes, Liza will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held at Park Cemetery in Greenfield. A celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Charles W. “Choddy” Mace, 66, of Muncie, went to his heavenly home on August 9, 2025, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Muncie on May 4, 1959, to George and LaQuita (Thompson) Mace, who survive.

In his earlier years, Choddy worked in construction and enjoyed fishing.

He was previously married to Karen Turpin, and together they had three children: Joshua Mace, Shavonne Jackson, and Shanda Sims, all of whom survive. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Choddy was preceded in death by his brother, George Mace.

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services are planned.