Raymond Joseph “Ray” Mitchell, Gary Wayne Cagle, Julia (Julie) Lynn (Norris) Hanke, Beau Allen Jones
Raymond Joseph “Ray” Mitchell
Raymond Joseph “Ray” Mitchell, age 83, of Monticello, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. He was born on August 26, 1942, in Monticello, IN, to Joseph and Doris (Schwartz) Mitchell. Ray married the love of his life Mary Lee Sowders on April 11, 1970. They spent 51+ years together, raising three wonderful children while sharing a lifetime of memories. Mary Lee preceded him in death on April 6, 2022.
Ray graduated from Monticello High School, class of 1960. He was deeply proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1960 to 1964, including service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Ray worked at Delco Electronics, where he retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service.
Ray spent his winters in Cape Coral, Florida, and his summers in Monticello, Indiana, on Lake Shafer; a place he dearly loved. Fishing, lake life, and time spent with his lake family brought him great joy. Above all else, Ray was a very proud Papa and his family meant everything to him.
He was actively involved in many fraternities and organizations, generously volunteering his time to causes close to his heart. Ray received the Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 2001, the highest honor in the Loyal Order of Moose. Ray served as State President of the Indiana Moose Association from 2006–2007 and was a member of the American Legion Post 81, VFW Post 2231, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Amvets Post 91, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and Moose Lodges in Tipton, Indiana, and Caloosahatchee in Cape Coral, Florida.
Ray was a great friend. He was someone to learn from, someone whose presence made the world feel steady. He never sought attention or praise; his strength was quiet, constant, and real. When life felt heavy, Ray was the one you wanted beside you, not because he had all the answers but because his presence alone brought calm. He was the kind of person who left people better than he found them simply by being Ray.
Those left to carry on his legacy of love are his children Terri Creasy (Andy), Mark Mitchell (Michael), and Joseph “Jody” Mitchell (Mindy); grandchildren Carisa Richardson (Eric), Cliff Ragan (Jennifer), and Olivia Creasy; great-grandchildren Luke Ragan, Lily Ragan, Audrey Hawkins, Lane Ragan, November Richardson, and Hurley Richardson; along with his sister Jo Anne “Jody” Headdy (Dale); sisters-in-law Vicki Sowders, Gloria Sowders, and Tammie Sowders; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Ray was welcomed into eternal peace by his wife Mary Lee; his parents Joseph & Doris Mitchell; his sister Linda Paxton, and brothers-in-law Larry Sowders, Victor Sowders, and Donald Gene Sowders.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Moose Lodge in Tipton, Indiana, located at 900 W. Jefferson Street from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Moose Pilgrim Ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM, with Military Honors immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Ray may be made to Moose Charities at the Tipton Moose Lodge. Envelopes will be available during the Celebration of Life.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mitchell family in their time of need.
Gary Wayne Cagle
McMinnville, TN, resident and Michigan City, IN, native Gary Wayne Cagle, age 58, was born September 9, 1967, and died January 23, 2026, at his residence, following an extended illness.
A member of North Hills Church of God of Prophecy, he was the son of the late Joe and Clarice Marie Cagle.
He was married to Kathy Cagle of McMinnville, TN, on March 28, 2009. In addition to his wife, Mr. Cagle is survived by sons Gary Cagle of Kokomo, IN, and Austin (India) Cagle of McMinnville, TN; step-sons Josh (Hollie) Kirby of Spencer, TN, and Brandon (Candace) Taylor of McMinnville, TN; grandchildren Neveah, Haisley, and Timber Cagle, Layton Kirby and Dominique Kirby, Caleb (Charlee) Meeks of Resaaca, GA, Carly (Wesley) Cleveland of McMinnville, TN, and Cannon (Gabby) Meeks of Murfreesboro, TN; great-grandchildren Korvin Meeks, Kalani Meeks, Lydia Meeks, and Grace Cleveland; brother Jeff Cagle; sister Pam Catron; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Cagle will be cremated. A graveside service and inurnment will be held at New Union Cemetery in Warren County, TN, at a later date. No service or visitation will be held at High’s. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.
High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.
Julia (Julie) Lynn (Norris) Hanke
Julia (Julie) Lynn (Norris) Hanke, age 63, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on August 29, 1962, in Danville, Illinois, Julie lived a life defined by devotion to her family, resilience through hardship, and a fierce, protective love for her children.
Julie was a woman of deep strength and unmistakable presence — and she had a sense of humor that could cut through even the hardest moments. She believed in showing up, figuring it out, and getting it done, often with a joke on her lips and sawdust or flour on her hands. She loved building things out of wood, baking for the people she loved, and turning ideas into action through her entrepreneurial spirit. She was resourceful, creative, and never afraid to try.
To her children, she was a protector, a guide, and a constant reassurance. Her love was practical and unwavering — the kind that fixed what was broken, fed who was hungry, and made sure everyone knew where they stood. She didn’t just talk about love; she lived it, loudly and consistently.
She shared a long and loving partnership with her husband Bruce Douglas Hanke, and together they built a family grounded in loyalty, connection, and perseverance. Her absence leaves an immeasurable space, but her love remains deeply woven into the lives she shaped.
Julie is survived by her husband Bruce Douglas Hanke; her father Larry Lee Norris, Sr.; her sisters Lona Hernandez and Davina Norris; her brothers Larry Lee Norris Jr. and John Norris; and her children Shonna Jean Breed, Lacey Gaye Breed, Jennifer Ruth Breeman (April), Nichola Dawn Hanke (Dominque), Cassie Marae Breed (Brandon), Kiera Lee Irvin (Gavoni), Herschel George Irvin IV (Kathryn), and Dillon Michael Irvin. She is also survived by a beloved and ever-growing number of grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom were deeply loved.
She was preceded in death by her mother Arlie Ruth Norris, and her sister Anita Jean Norris.
Julie’s legacy lives on in the things she built, the people she fed, the laughter she sparked, and the strength she passed down. Though she is no longer physically present, her voice, humor, and fierce devotion continue to echo in the lives of those who loved her.
Details regarding services will be shared by the family.
In lieu of flower please plant a memory with your family.
Angel on your pillow, Mama. You’re held in God’s loving embrace.
Beau Allen Jones
Beau Allen Jones, beloved infant son of Wyatt and Lakeley (Brown) Jones, was carried to Heaven by angels on January 19, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, just days before his expected arrival. Though his time on earth was brief, Beau was deeply loved and will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who awaited him.
He is survived by his parents Wyatt and Lakeley Jones; his sister Magnolia; his paternal grandparents Brian and Sheral Jones of Alexandria; great-grandparents Don and Carolyn Jones of Hartford City, Larry and Terri McCammon of Hartford City, and Rex Giger of Summitville; and his uncle Royce Jones. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Doug and Christy Brown of Marion, and his uncle, R. Wesley Brown, also of Marion.
Private services of remembrance will be held for the family. Beau will be laid to rest in Sharpsville Cemetery in Sharpsville, Indiana.
Arrangements were entrusted to Whetsel Funeral Service, Alexandria, IN.
Bud and Susan Whetsel, and the entire staff, are honored to care for the Jones family during this time.