COLUMBUS

Nathaniel “Nate” Hearn, age 73, of Columbus, Indiana, a native of Indianapolis, peacefully took his journey home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Born on September 11, 1951, in Indianapolis, Nate was the beloved son of the late William L. Hearn Sr. and Frances Hearn. He was raised in Indianapolis, where he attended Crispus Attucks High School.

Nathaniel was a devoted and loving husband and companion to Vanessa Lynn Hearn for more than 40 years. He was a deeply committed father who stayed closely connected with his children, often talking with them multiple times a day. His presence was constant, steady, and full of love.

He was an incredibly proud grandfather to six grandchildren, a role he cherished wholeheartedly. It was often said~half-jokingly but fully believed~that he loved his grandchildren even more than his children. Being “Grandpa” brought him immense joy.

Nate served his country proudly in the United States Air Force, demonstrating the same strength, discipline, and quiet resilience.

A hardworking man, Nate spent many years in manufacturing and was never afraid of hard work. He approached life with determination and humility, always doing what needed to be done to provide for his family.

He had a calm, laid-back spirit and raised his children with a steady hand, emphasizing real-life lessons, strength of character, and integrity. He was a strong man~maybe not in stature, but in presence and in principle.

Nate had a deep love for reading, especially science fiction and politics, and was a devoted fan of Stephen King. He also had a passion for music and singing.

Known for his infectious laugh and incredible sense of humor, Nate was truly the life of the party. He had a way of lighting up any room, sharing jokes, laughter, and warmth with everyone he encountered.

He believed life was meant to be lived fully~that every day was a celebration, and he lived unapologetically on his own terms.

Nate also had a giving heart. He found fulfillment in serving others, including helping provide meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness~quiet acts of kindness that reflected who he was at his core.

Even in his final days, Nate showed remarkable strength. He faced his battle with cancer with courage and without complaint, embodying grace and resilience until the very end.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Vanessa Lynn Hearn; daughter, Maggie A. Lewis; sons, James E. London and Ryan S. Brown; son-in-law, LeRoy Lewis III; brother, Thomas “TP” Hearn; sister, Patricia Watkins; six beloved grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Nate will be missed more than words can express, missed for his laughter, his wisdom, his love, and the undeniable presence he brought into every life he touched.

The celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; the Reverend LeRoy Lewis Jr. will officiate. Full military honors will be presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Ministries Outreach or Indiana State Fair Foundation.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Hearn family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.

COLUMBUS

Marolyn Kay Kirts, 82, of Columbus, died at her home surrounded by loved ones at 9:07 p.m. on February 4, 2026. Marolyn was born in Morgantown, Indiana, the daughter of Virgil and Nellie (Chitwood) Sisson. August 4, 1963, she married the love of her life, Verl Omar Kirts, celebrating 61 years together.

Marolyn was a generous and loving woman to all her family, friends, former coworkers, and strangers. She was a cafeteria lady at Mt. Healthy Elementary for almost 33 years. She was known for her baking, especially her sweet rolls, pies, and dinner rolls. She was an avid reader and enjoyed scrapbooking. Her greatest joy was being Mammam to her beloved grandchildren, whom she loved and spoiled.

Visitation will be held at Jewell Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory on April 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and additionally from 11:00 am to time of memorial service at 12pm on April 4th at Parkview Church of the Nazarene (1750 State Road 46 East, Nashville, Indiana) with Rev. Rick “Ricky” Sisson officiating. The service will also be live streamed.

Marolyn is survived by her daughters, Edith Jane “EJ” Rosenberry and Angela (Mike) Mathis; siblings, Mary Frownfelter, Lester (Brenda) Sisson, Helen Underwood, Robert (Cora) Sisson, Rebecca “Becky” Scrougham, and Thurl (Myla) Sisson; grandson, Seth Mathis, and granddaughter Micah Mathis; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil, and Nellie Sisson; husband, Omar Kirts; and siblings, Marjorie Collett, Alvin Sisson, Catherine Sisson, Chelsea Sisson, Emma Butler, Lloyd Sisson, Phillis O’Quinn, Virginia Mathis, Harry Sisson, Carolyn Mathis, and Thelma Sisson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Clarity Care Hub.

A meal will follow in the fellowship hall after the service.

Services were entrusted to Jewell Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. You are invited to light a candle in Marolyn’s memory or leave a message to the family at www.jewellrittman.com

COLUMBUS

David Lee Stevenson passed from this life March 27, 2026, at his residence in Columbus, Indiana, at the age of 84.

David was born July 24, 1941, in Columbus, the son of Francis William and Doneta E. Workman Stevenson. David lived his life with the steady values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet kindness that endeared him to family, friends, and coworkers alike.

David devoted more than 30 years of service to Cummins Engine Company, where he worked as a quality engineer in Fuel Systems. He was respected for his knowledge, dependability, and commitment to doing his work well. He retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication.

Outside of work, David was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed many pastimes throughout his life. He especially liked fishing, golf, and bowling, and he took great pleasure in watching sports as well. These interests brought him enjoyment and relaxation, and they reflected his appreciation for both competition and companionship.

Family was an important part of David’s life, and he is survived by his former wife and friend, Freeda J. Fleck of Columbus; children, Cindy (John) Wilhelmi of Columbus, Kelly J. Rhoades of Columbus, and David L. Stevenson II of Columbus; grandchildren, Lindsey (Ryan) Perez, Alex Rhoades, Devan (Bailey) Rhoades and Logan Stevenson; great-grandchildren, Adler Shiplov, Wes Perez and Elias Rhoades; and many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. David Lee Stevenson’s life was one of dedication, love, and enduring connection, and his memory will be cherished always.

In keeping with David’s wishes, cremation was chosen. Private inurnment will be at the Garland Brook Mausoleum. In memory of David, memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Arrangements were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Stevenson family at barkesweaverglick.com.

WALDRON

Edith Aileen Bettner, 95, of Waldron, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hope.

She was born on April 23, 1930, in Shelby County, the daughter of Wesley Corydon and Flora (Medsker) Crosby. On July 2, 1948, she married Howard Earl “Red” Bettner, and he preceded her in death on February 4, 2025.

Edith is survived by her children, Gerald Bettner and wife, Linda, of Bloomington, Nelson Bettner and wife, Donna, of Boggstown, Shirley Saddler of Van Buren, and Max Bettner and wife, Renita, of Columbus; and son-in-law, Jay Benson of Waldron. She loved spending time with her 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Howard, Edith was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sherry Benson; son-in-law, Rev. Michael Saddler; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bettner; sister, Norma Chandler; and grandson, Travis Kelley.

In 1948, Edith graduated from Waldron High School.

She was a member of the Geneva United Methodist Church. When her children were young, she enjoyed teaching the children in Sunday school.

Edith and Howard, owned and operated, Bettner Wire Coating Dies Inc. in Columbus, from 1987 until retiring in 2020. During World War II, Edith operated the switchboard in Geneva.

She also enjoyed sewing dresses for her daughters, playing the piano and organ, and watching birds. One of her favorite hobbies was mowing the lawn on her Cub Cadet. She also hosted all of the family gatherings, creating wonderful memories for everyone.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville.

Funeral services will follow at 1 pm, Wednesday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Kristen Hanson and Rev. Mark Dodd officiating.

Interment will be at Van Pelt Cemetery in Waldron.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Geneva United Methodist Church, 3107 E. Vandalia Road, Flat Rock, Indiana 47234.

Online condolences may be shared with Edith’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

COLUMBUS

Gerry J. Rea, 83, of Columbus passed away from this life on March 27, 2026, at home with his family by his side. Gerry was born October 18,1942 in Seymour, Indiana, the son of James and Josephine (Hodge) Rea.

Mr. Rea’s life was a tapestry of enduring love marked by his marriage to Judith A. Baldwin on June 1, 1963. There remarkable partnership flourished over 63 years, blessed with daughters Teresa (Chip) Kuhrts and Staci McChesney, and grandsons Kasey (Amanda) Kuhrts, Tristan (Kaitlyn) Decker and Devon Decker.

Gerry retired from Cummins, Inc. in 2001 as a Credit Analyst after 38 years of dedicated service. He was an enthusiastic user of computers and the internet, staying updated with the latest technological advancements and was diligent in maintaining his yard and flowers to perfection. Gerry cherished the time spent with his family and beloved Airedale Terriers, Abby, Baxter and Kosmo.

His absence will be deeply felt by his beloved wife, Judi, his daughters, his grandsons, brother-in-law Carl Morgan, three nieces and dear close friends, who found in him an endless source of strength, wisdom, love and laughs. Gerry’s family will treasure his gentle spirit and the loving home he built for them. Kindness and generosity were his hallmark, an attribute that infused every aspect of his life and touched all who knew him. His was a well-lived life, defined by quiet grace and dignity that will continue to inspire his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Beverly Morgan and grandson, Miles McChesney.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place, and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.

In memory of Mr. Rea, memorial contributions may be given to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Rea family at barkesweaverglick.com.

SCIPIO, INDIANA

James Melvis “Poncho” Brown, 80, of Scipio, passed away at 10:52 a.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. He was born on June 8, 1945, in Las Cruces, New Mexico the son of Oca Melvis and Virginia Lois (Moss) Brown. He was a past resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico and currently resided in Jennings County. He retired from Reeves Pulley Company. James enjoyed working on cars, painting, woodworking and fishing. He married Ronda Ferrill on December 20, 1968, in Las Cruces, New Mexico and she survives. Other survivors include his sons, Jason (Michelle) Brown of Letts and James Brown of Scipio; his sister, Linda Tannahill of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his brother, Ernie Brown of Denver, Colorado; his grandchildren, Breanna (Noah) Dougherty and Brayden Wright and his great granddaughter, Lizbeth Dougherty. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Allen Pumphrey and his granddaughter, Brooke Wright. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Bass &Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Pastor George Willette officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, April 2 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana through the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com

COLUMBUS

Mark K. Richard, 71, of Columbus, died March 26, 2026.

VISITATION: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service &Crematory.

FUNERAL: 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

View a completed obituary at www.jewellrittman.com