Donald Fennell, Sandra M. (Deeds) Miller, Jim Roark, Diane Grimme Henderson, Rebecca M. Parks
Donald Fennell
Donald Leon Fennell, 87, of Tipton, passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at The Waters of Tipton.
Donald was born on September 19, 1938, in Windfall, Indiana, to Delbert F. and Nancy “Ellen” (Howell) Fennell. He graduated from Windfall High School with the Class of 1956 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army in the infantry unit from 1958 to 1960, stationed in Baumholder, Germany.
On June 23, 1962, Donald married the love of his life Jane E. Zehner. They shared 40 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on July 20, 2002. He later found love again and married Geneva Coleman on April 24, 2004. She survives.
Donald devoted 36½ years of service to Chrysler Corporation before retiring in 1994. His commitment to serving others extended far beyond his career. He was instrumental in establishing the rescue unit for the Wildcat Township Fire Department in Windfall and proudly served as Fire Chief from 1975 until 1987.
A faithful Christian, Donald was a devoted member of Windfall United Methodist Church. He was also a dedicated member of Naphtali Lodge #389 but served as Worshipful Master at Windfall in 1968. He was a 25-year member of the National Rifle Association and had been a licensed amateur radio operator, K9WKK, since 1963.
Donald embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies. He loved amateur (HAM) radio, NASCAR racing, motorcycles, and spending time outdoors. Having grown up in the country, he especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, and archery. He was mechanically gifted and could often be found working on cars and motorcycles or serving on the pit crew for a local race team. Music also brought him great joy, whether he was playing the harmonica, banjo, or mandolin, or listening to country music and the old hymns he cherished.
Those who knew Donald knew exactly where they stood with him. His military service helped shape a disciplined, steadfast character. He believed right was right and wrong was wrong, leaving little room for gray areas. If you asked for his opinion, you could count on receiving an honest answer. Beneath his straightforward nature was a faithful man who deeply loved his family, his country, and his Lord.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Geneva Fennell; his children Denise (David) Dolin and Jerry Fennell; his grandchildren Ellen Fennell (Hayden Yundt), Christi Dolin, Thomas Fennell (Emily Newton), and Nathaniel Dolin; his stepchildren Cindy (Dennis) Crist, Jennifer (Mike) Johnson, Jeff (Debbie) Coleman, and Hope (Andy) London; along with several step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donald was welcomed into Heaven by his parents; his brother James Fennell; his beloved first wife Jane Fennell; his daughter-in-law Kelly Fennell; and his stepdaughter Sue (Ed) Smith.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Donald’s life during visitation on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 North Main Street, Tipton, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon, with Pastor John Mansur and Nathaniel Dolin officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall, Indiana.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fennell family in their time of need.
Sandra M. (Deeds) Miller
Sandra M. (Deeds) Miller, 86, Peru, passed away at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Dukes Memorial Hospital.
Born August 12, 1939, in Winamac, Indiana, she was the daughter of Guy William and Mahala Emma (Clingaman) Deeds. On August 3, 1958, at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church in rural Macy, Indiana, she was married to Chester E. Miller, and he preceded her in death on November 1, 2016.
She lived in Miami County most of her life and was a graduate of Gilead High School. She worked for several years at the Miami County Courthouse, the commissary at Grissom Air Force Base, and finished her working career at Kroger in Peru. She was a farm wife who also spent many long hours working on the farm with her husband.
She was a member of the former Mexico Church of the Brethren, now Mexico Riverside Church, Mexico, Indiana.
Survivors include a daughter Mary Kathryn (Todd) Huddleston; grandchildren Tiffany Sarah (Geary “Moose”) Manuel and Levi Miller Huddleston, all of Peru; one great-granddaughter Zoey Manuel of Peru; one great-grandson Blaze Abe Manuel of Peru; one sister Delores Lowe of Winchester, Indiana; sisters-in-law Susan Hart of Peru and Karen Brown of Kokomo; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband and two daughters DiAnna Elizabeth Miller and Julie Rachael Miller; and siblings Dale W. Deeds, Jean Louise Sheppard, William Carter Deeds, Lyledean A. Deeds, Guy R. Deeds, and Jerry E. Deeds.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mexico Riverside Church, with Pastor Joshua Rayos officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com
Jim Roark
Jim Roark, 74, of Elwood, passed away on July 12, 2026, in Anderson, Indiana. Throughout his 74 years, Jim touched the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. He was born on May 31, 1952, in Frankfort, Kentucky, to Earl & Pauline Roark.
Jim worked alongside his father in a factory in his younger years. But his true passion was music. He played the guitar in bands he put together with his friends Tommy Rocket and his late friend Indian Joe. He also was very handy and liked to build things.
Jim’s journey was marked by a deep love for his family. He is survived by his daughter Jessica Godbey and her husband Andy, who were constant sources of pride and joy. Jim cherished his role as a grandfather to Ryleigh Godbey, Corben Godbey, Cohen Godbey, and Hendrix Godbey, each of whom brought happiness, laughter, and countless cherished memories to his life.
Family extended beyond his immediate household for Jim. He is remembered fondly by his nieces Veronica Cutshaw, Donna, and Debbie, each holding a special place in his heart. Jim’s circle of friendship was steadfast and enduring. His friends April Reyes and Tommy Rocket stood by him through times both ordinary and extraordinary, offering companionship and support.
Jim’s life was shaped not only by those who remain but also by the loving memory of family members who preceded him in death: his brothers Don Roark and Roy Roark, his sister Brenda Roark, and the mother of his child Sharon (Roark) Parks. Sharon preceded him in death by two months, but they remained friends throughout their lives. Their lives and memories continued to inspire Jim throughout his own journey, and he carried their legacy forward with dignity and devotion.
In his relationships, Jim displayed a warmth and sincerity that endeared him to so many. He valued the simple pleasures of togetherness, the bonds of family, and the unwavering loyalty of friends. With quiet strength and a gentle spirit, Jim left an indelible mark on those who will remember him always for his kindness and integrity.
Though Jim Roark’s time with us has ended, his legacy endures in the hearts and memories of those who loved him. His presence and the lessons he imparted remain woven into the lives of his family and friends, offering comfort and inspiration as they remember a life well-lived.
The Roark family and all who loved Jim invite you to join them in remembering and honoring his life. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 17, at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, with Rev. Jody Brown presiding.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be chosen to assist Jim’s family at this difficult time. Please leave messages of condolence for Jim’s family on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Diane Grimme Henderson
Diane Grimme Henderson, 72, of Tipton, passed away at IU North Hospital on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born on February 14, 1954, in Tipton to Verle and Phyllis (La Garde) Grimme, Diane grew up in the community and graduated from Tipton High School. She went on to attend Ball State University.
On December 26, 1998, she married Fred M. Henderson, and together they shared many years of life, love, and adventure together.
Diane spent most of her professional life in the jewelry business. She worked at Goodman Jewelers and Gold Mine Jewelers before fulfilling a dream by opening her own business Lilly La Garde Fine Gifts in Tipton. The shop was named in honor of her grandmothers and reflected her passion for beautiful things and personal service. After many years of hard work and faithful service, Diane retired in 2016.
Diane attended Arcadia Christian Church. In her free time, she found great joy in gardening and crafting, creating beauty both outdoors and with her hands.
Along with her husband Fred, Diane is survived by her son Patrick R. (Cecilee) Henderson of Tipton and her grandchildren Hannah and Olivia Henderson and Noah, Luke, and Hope Walker. She is also survived by her siblings Michael D. (Renee) Grimme of Tipton and Sonita J. (David Kinkead) Grimme of Sheridan, her nieces Kelsey Grimme Ragan and Elizabeth Tock, and her nephews Seth Grimme and Rhett Tock.
In accordance with her wishes, a memorial service is planned for a later date.
Anyone wishing to honor Diane, please consider becoming an organ donor and give the gift of life to others.
The staff of Young-Nichols is honored to serve Diane’s family in their hour of need. Online condolences may be left for her family on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Rebecca M. Parks
Rebecca “Becky” M. Parks, 78, of Galveston, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, July 11, 2026, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born on May 17, 1948, in Mesa, Arizona. On September 30, 1967, she married John Joseph Parks in Galveston, Indiana. Together they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two beautiful children Ronda and John. Becky retired from Tinnerman Manufacturing in Logansport and also worked for Delco Electronics in Kokomo.
Becky was an avid gardener who could grow just about anything. She loved movie nights, antiquing, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sharp as a tack, she carried herself with grace, kindness, and a fiercely independent spirit. She also loved caring for family pets whenever their owners were away. Her cats and dogs always seemed to go home just a little heavier and a whole lot more loved. Her greatest joy was caring for the people and pets she loved, and she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.
She is survived by her daughter Ronda Kirk and her son John Parks. She is also survived by her grandchildren Alita (Michael) Hoium, Samantha (Adam) Bagshaw, Jace (Kelsey) Jones, Joey Fugate, Alexis Spencer, John Parks and his significant other, Hailey Ward, and Robbie (Olivia) Parks. Her great-grandchildren include Bayleigh, Xavier, Jax, Logan, Lilly, and L.J. She is also survived by her sisters Debbie, Juanita, and Laura; her aunt Lynn; and her cousins Debbie, Patty, Kathy, and Hank.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband John Joseph Parks, and her brother Raymond.
In keeping with her wishes, a private burial will take place at a later date. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.