Waters Funeral Homes

04/01/2026

Hartford City, IN
John K. Jackson, 85, well known Blackford County farmer and industrialist, passed away Monday evening, March 30, 2026, at the Waters of Hartford City.

He was born September 1, 1940, in Indianapolis, one of two children born to the late Robert E. and Margaret (Geyer) Jackson.
John survived polio at the age of ten and was the only one in town that completely recovered from the affliction. He graduated from Hartford City High School, class of 1958. He participated in 4-H in his school years and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Butler University. John attended college on a full football, college scholarship.

John married Mary Delia “Dee” Williams on August 5, 1961, in Franklin, Indiana. They celebrated over thirty years of marriage, prior to her passing on April 10, 1992.

John and his wife Dee owned and operated Jackson Family Farms and also Hartford Packaging.

John was active with Grace Methodist Church in Hartford City, especially at their Christmas nativity scene and also the satellite services, that were broadcasted. He also had served as an elder and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Hartford City.

Additionally, John was a member of Blackford Lodge #106 Free and Accepted Masons and formerly a Kiwanis member. John was President of the Blackford County Hospital Board, prior to its affiliation with Cardinal Health Systems. He was on the Board of Directors of the Citizens State Bank (now, First Financial Bank) under the Presidency of Robert W. Renner.

He leaves behind his four children: David (Patty) Jackson of Liberty Center, Ohio; Libby Jackson of Hartford City; Katey (Paul) Huggins of Indianapolis and Andy Jackson of Plymouth, Indiana. Eight grandchildren: Emmy (Jon) Lutes, Lena (Zack) Zientek, Daniel (Sara) Jackson, Lauren Huggins, Sarah Huggins, Amanda Huggins, Emma Jackson and Lilly Jackson. Five great-grandchildren: Milo & Penelope Lutes, Aurora & River Zientek and Isabel Jackson. Nieces: Amy (John) Payne and Amanda “Mandy” (William) Dornan; nephews, John Williams and James Williams and brothers-in-law, Joe Pearson, and Dr. Jack Williams (Jane).

In addition to his wife, Dee, his father died Nov. 26, 1975; his mother on Mar. 27, 1998; a sister, Lucy Jackson Bayles passed August 13, 2025, and a nephew, Danny Pearson also precedes him.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at Grace Methodist Church, 312 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with Rev. Jeanne Winter and Rev. Gary Hall officiating. Burial immediately follows at the Hartford City Cemetery.

Visitation will also be on Friday, at the church, beginning at 11:00 A.M. until services at 1:30.

Memorial contributions may be sent in John’s name to the Grace Methodist Church, 312 W. Washington St. or the First Presbyterian Church 114 W. Franklin St., both in Hartford City, Indiana 47348

Visit WatersFunerals.com sign the guestbook or share a memory with his family.

04/01/2026

April is National Poetry Month.
From https://bit.ly/473ieID
Used with permission.

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

Eaton, IN
Dr. Julie L. Alexander, 79, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Morrison Woods with her family at her side.

Julie was born on July 5, 1946, to James and Juaniece (Morrison) Love. She was a 1964 graduate of Eaton High School and on July 10, 1965, she married Gary L. Alexander. In 1978, they would return to the family farm in Delaware county, after living in Columbus, Ohio. Julie worked to establish it as a Hoosier Homestead Farm, with it being in the family since 1901.

During her youth, Julie participated in after school activities such as being a cheer leader and being crowned Miss Eaton Lions Club in 1963. She was active in 4-H, where her and her sisters were known for showing their state fair champion-level sheep.

Julie attended Purdue and Ball State, graduating in 1968. In 1995, she earned her doctorate from Ball State University. Dr. Julie dedicated her life to children, starting her career as an elementary school teacher in Columbus, Ohio. She worked as principal for DeSoto and Cunningham Elementary and later worked for the Indiana Dept of Education. Julie retired in 2006, after a 38-year long career in education.

She loved nature and enjoyed her flowers. Julie was a long-time gardener, and took great pride in creating and maintaining her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Julie loved to travel with her and Gary’s long-time friend group, often trips were made to famous gardens in Holland, Brazil, Ireland, and Canada. She was a member of the Gathering church and was a founding member of the family support group for Juvenile Diabetes here in Delaware County.

Julie’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her four children, son, Indiana State Senator Scott Alexander (wife, Valerie Alexander), rural Eaton; daughter, Stephanie Welch (husband, Jeff Welch) Minneola, Florida; son, Benjamin Alexander (wife, Amber Alexander), Hartford City; and daughter, Megan Alexander Mathias (husband, Fabiano Mathias), rural Eaton; her sisters, Dian Love and Melanie Love. She enjoyed spending time with her 11 grandchildren: 2LT Devin Welch (wife, 2LT Grace Welch), Aliyah Alexander, Kayleigh Clevenger, Josslyn Clevenger, Taylor Garcia, Kylie Welch, Katie Alexander, Johnathan Alexander, Nicholas Alexander, Andrew Alexander, and Felipe Mathias. Making time for all of them individually, whether it be planning fun trips, crafts, or even their academics.

In addition to her parents and husband of 55 years, Gary Alexander, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Cindy Duvall and Monnie Boykin.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at The Gathering, 9512 N Walnut St. Muncie, IN 47303 with Pastor Stephanie Niemoeller and Dr. Max Hayden officiating. Burial will follow at Eaton Union Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2nd at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S Hartford St., Eaton and after 9:00 am Friday at the church.

Our family would like to extend a thank you to the entire staff at Morrison Woods for the amazing care that they gave Julie over the last few years. Memorials may be directed to Morrison Woods 4100 N Morrison Rd. Muncie, IN 47304, in support of their recreational program for residents.

Visit PitmanRichman.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory with her family.

03/29/2026

Today we remember and honor Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice. We are thankful for the strength you showed and the legacy you leave behind.
It is our privilege to serve those who have served our country.

03/28/2026

Ramona Dione (Elliott) Coonce
June 9, 1958 – March 24, 2026

Ramona Dione (Elliott) Coonce, 67, passed away unexpectedly, late Tuesday morning. At IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on a Monday, she was the daughter of the now late Walter Elliott and Daisy (Dick) Norton. She had resided in Montpelier, Indiana for over twenty years, prior to locating in Hartford City. After she moved to Hartford City, she enjoyed socializing and participated with others in arts & crafts.

She had a passion for flowers and gardening. Also, she loved the hummingbirds she could attract with her flowers and especially enjoyed her Mountain Dew.

She leaves two sons: Dustin W. (Rebecca) Maddox of Hartford City and Daniel A. Maddox of Marion. Four grandchildren: Ella, Owen, Ashlynne and Tyiler. Also survived by a half-sister, Rachel (Jimi) Reece of Hartford City and her niece, Jessica Poertner.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Rodney Elliott and a sister, Becky Zagorski.

No services are planned. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Waters Funeral Home.

03/26/2026

Today we honor strength, resilience, and awareness on Purple Day. 💜