Dwayne McKenna Sowers
May 30, 1959 - June 14, 2017
Dwayne McKenna Sowers, 58, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 14, 2017. He was born May 30, 1959, in Beech Grove to the late Alonzo Sowers and Carolyn (Pierle) McKenna, who survives.
Dwayne was a graduate of Beech Grove High School and earned a degree from Ball State University in 1982. His hobbies included bowling, golf, softball, and his euchre club. His greatest love was his family, which was demonstrated through his vocation as a stay at home dad while his children were being raised.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy Feldman Sowers; children, Jacob, Colton, and Kylie Sowers; mother, Carolyn Pierle McKenna; siblings, Carrie McKenna Wagoner, Danny, Debra, Susie, Mickey, and John McKenna.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Dwayne Sowers from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 18, 2017, in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, where morning prayers will be said at 10:30, Monday, June 19, 2017. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 11 a.m., in St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Roncalli High School.
Edna Byers Shackelford
April 15, 1930 - May 25, 2017
Edna Byers Shackelford, 87, Indianapolis, passed away May 25, 2017. Mrs. Shackelford was born April 15, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Thomas and Florence (Bethel) Byers.
After raising eleven children, Edna returned to school and earned her GED and did schooling to become an LPN and later a registered nurse. She was employed at Methodist and St. Francis Hospitals. She worked for 14 years at Valle Vista Health Systems, retiring in 1999. Mrs. Shackelford was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church and enjoyed being a part of the monthly senior luncheons. She was an avid card player and especially fond of euchre. She also was generous with her time and volunteered often with the Raphael Clinic and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Edna will be fondly remembered by her loving family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sue Ann Baker; sons, Ben, Mark, and Kenny Shackelford; one brother, William Byers; one sister, Dorothy Darrah.
Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie Lee and Nancy Ladd; sons, Steve, Jim, Tim, Don, and Scott Shackelford; brother, Robert Byers; many grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 27, 2017, 12 to 1:30 p.m., in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St., where prayers will be said at 1:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, in St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Robert C. Nevitt
December 13, 1924 - May 28, 2017
Robert Charles Nevitt, 92, Indianapolis, is now singing in the Heavenly choir after passing gently in his home at The Hearth early Sunday morning, May 28, 2017. Bob’s beautiful voice will certainly be missed by the St. Jude Choir, of which he was an integral part since its inception over fifty years ago. From elementary school until age 90, Bob’s singing talents had won him accolades from winning an early radio competition to traveling with and singing backup for Hoagy Carmichael. His love of music was surpassed only by his unwavering commitment and dedication to his church and family. Additionally, Mr. Nevitt proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and was a graduate of Indiana University.
Bob was born in Indianapolis to Louise and Roy Nevitt, December 13, 1924. He was preceded in death by his sister Rosemary Fitch and by his loving wife of 48 years, Nondus Joanne (Ross) Nevitt.
Bob and Nonnie had seven children, Rick (Carmen), Phil (Joanna), Cindy (Dave) Swider, Bobbi (the late Kevin) Habel, Debbie (Bo) Jenkins, Lynnie (Bill) Ashcraft, and Pam Nevitt; fourteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Bob will long be remembered as a humble servant of the Lord, always placing others ahead of himself, using his God-given gifts to the service of his church and country, and serving his family lovingly and tirelessly through hard work, self-sacrifice, and unflinching loyalty.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at St. Jude Catholic Church from 10 am - 12 Noon, with the funeral Mass immediately following at 12 Noon. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home.
Stephen D. Donahue
February 12, 1942 - August 16, 2018
Stephen D. Donahue, 76, of Greenwood passed away peacefully at his residence on August 16, 2018. Stephen was born in Indianapolis on February 12, 1942 to the late Edward and Ann (Wheatly) Donahue. He was united in marriage to Margaret A. (Benedick) Donahue on August 14, 1965, and she survives.
Mr. Donahue worked in security for Chase Bank in their operations center for a number of years; he retired in 2004. He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church and a 1st degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Monsignor Downey Council #3660.
Mr. Donahue is preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Donahue, and two brothers, Patrick and Dennis Donahue.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Margaret A. (Benedick) Donahue; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may gather to celebrate the life of Stephen Donahue on Monday, August 20, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. Morning Prayers will be said at the funeral home prior to mass on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Beverly J. Collins
June 17, 1941 - August 21, 2018
Beverly J. Collins, 77, of Beech Grove, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Born June 17, 1941 in Indianapolis, Bev was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Edith (Thompson) Tabor. On February 16, 1991 Bev was united in marriage to Ronzell B. Collins and he survives.
Bev was a homemaker for most of her life and was a former member of the Beech Grove Ladies Auxiliary. A loving wife, most awesome mother and best friend, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Bev’s memory will be cherished by her family and many friends.
Along with her parents, she is also preceded in death by three brothers, Bobby, Lawrence Jr., and Johnny Tabor; and her sister, JoAnn Boycott.
Survivors include her husband of 27 years, Ron; her son, Mark D. Root of Oregon; two daughters, Shellie R. Boltz of Indianapolis, and Theresa M. Sullivan of Camby; two brothers, Stanley Tabor of Indianapolis and Charlie (Jackie) Tabor of Land O’ Lakes, Florida; two sisters, Sandy Edmondson of Franklin and Edith “Cookie” (Paul) Procter of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Megan McLean, Kayla Sullivan, Justin McLean, and Brett Bornstellar; and four great grandchildren, Sariah, Levi, Carter, and Theoden; and her fur baby, Buzz.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Bev Collins from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Col. Mark A Smith USMCR (Ret)
August 18, 1964 - March 29, 2019
Col. Mark A Smith USMCR (Ret), 54 of Indianapolis, passed away Friday, March 29, 2019 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. Born August 18, 1964, Mark was the son of late Arthur L. and Lee (Cuculo) Smith.
Mark was a graduate of Perry Meridian High School and received a bachelor’s degree in political science from I.U.P.U.I. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 32 years; during his long, distinguished military career, Mark was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with Valor along with many others. Mark continued to serve his community as a Master Trooper for the Indiana State Police for 24 years; he retired in 2014.
A devout Catholic, Mark was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church and was currently studying to become an Oblate at St. Meinrad Archabbey. He was also the founder of the Col Mark A Smith Cancer Patient Foundation.
Survivors include his former spouse, mother of his two daughters, and best friend, Sheila A. Smith of Indianapolis; two daughters, Nichole M. (Corey) Slick of Stow, Ohio and Brittani A. Smith of Indianapolis; his five siblings, Stephanie M. Smith of Indianapolis, Carol L. (Doug) Carter, Elaine M. Smith, and Lesley A. Smith all of Cicero, Indiana and A.L. (Terri) Smith of Indianapolis; and his four nieces, Megan (Chris) DeFalco, Ali Smith, Emma (Fiance, Clay) Smith, and LeeAnn Carter.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Mark Smith from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis; recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 E. Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to The Andy Nowacki Memorial Scholarship Fund; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.
Gregory A. Ramsey
July 15, 1954 - August 19, 2018
Gregory A. Ramsey also known by his friends as “Rocky”, 64, Beech Grove, passed away August 19, 2018. Mr. Ramsey was born July 15, 1954, in Vincennes, to the late Lowell Ramsey and Barbara (Rubrecht) Ramsey, who survives.
Greg proudly served in the United States Army on two occasions. He was a communications specialist stationed mostly in Germany. He retired from the United States Postal Service after more than 20 years. Greg also enjoyed watching baseball, basketball, and football. One who enjoyed the outdoors, Greg was very content with a fishing pole in his hand and also liked to spend time mushroom hunting.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Ramsey.
Survivors include one daughter, Sarah Ramsey of Indianapolis; mother, Barbara Ramsey of Vincennes; brother, Andrew Ramsey of Bruceville; sisters, Michelle Reagan of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Rebecca Ramsey of Vincennes.
Gregory’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to his previous wife, Siswi for being very helpful during Greg’s illness.
Friends and family will gather to remember Greg’s life on Friday, August 24, 2018, 5 to 7 p.m., in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Plans for a graveside service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Vincennes are pending.
Ruth Ann “Annie” (Inskeep) Vowels
October 23, 1965 - August 16, 2018
Ruth Ann “Annie” (Inskeep) Vowels, 52, Nashville, passed away suddenly August 16, 2018. Annie was born October 23, 1965, in Indianapolis, the youngest of four children, to the late Harry Donald Inskeep and Mary Lee (Hutchins) Inskeep, who survives. She married Kenneth Vowels on October 6, 1990, and he survives.
Annie graduated from Lawrence Central High School and earned her accounting degree from Marian University in 1995. She enjoyed being a homemaker and caring for her animals, which over the years included cats, dogs, horses, goats, and even ducks. A quiet and kind-hearted soul, Annie’s memory will be cherished by her loving family.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Mark Edward and John Charles Inskeep.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; mother, Mary Lee Inskeep of Lawrence; brother, Larry (Brenda J.) Inskeep of Indianapolis; sister-in-law, Becky Inskeep.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2018, in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street (US 31 South), Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 22, 2018, in St. Agnes Catholic Church, Nashville. Interment will follow in Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to your favorite animal organization.
