West Lafayette High School Alumni and Staff Memorial Page

Linda Baer Burns, 71, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home in Fishers, IN after a long battle with cancer.

Linda was born November 22, 1954, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Thomas and Mary (Boardman) Baer.

She graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1972 and Purdue University School of Nursing in 1979.

On, September 21, 1975, she married Patrick Burns in Lafayette, IN and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

After living in Little Rock, AR for several years Linda and Pat relocated to Fishers in 1993. Linda worked as a recovery room nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital for many years, retiring in 2015.

Linda was truly a kind-hearted soul who loved animals, especially dogs, beach vacations, baking, reading, laughing, spending time with family and friends, watching movies with her son, and Purdue basketball.

Surviving along with her husband Patrick is their son Timothy Burns of Fishers IN, siblings Jan (Mike) Adams of Tacoma, WA and Thomas (Fiona) Baer II of Milford, MI.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on a future date.

Lauren (Pennell) Galbraith passed away on November 8, 2025, in Lutz, Florida. Born on September 28, 1979, in Lafayette, Indiana, she grew up in West Lafayette, where she graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1998. She went on to earn her degree from Purdue University in 2002 and was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

In June 2002, Lauren married Steven Galbraith. They moved to Florida, where Lauren completed her Master of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. Throughout her career, she was passionate about helping others in various roles in social work, but her greatest joy in life was being a loving mother to her three children, Michael, Ethan, and Kathryn.

A member of the local Methodist church, Lauren found solace in her faith and shared her love for music by singing in the church choir. She had an infectious sense of humor and a deep love for travel. Whether it was taking her children to the magical world of Disney parks, the thrills of Universal Studios, or the serene beaches, Lauren cherished creating lasting memories with her family. Last year, she took her children on unforgettable trips to Hawaii and the Smoky Mountains.

Lauren is survived by her three children and husband. She is also mourned by her parents, Stephen and Diana Pennell of West Lafayette, Indiana, her brother James (Susan) Pennell of Palatine, Illinois, and her grandfather, Richard Pennell of O'Fallon, Illinois. She is further survived by several aunts and uncles: Jane Malavich of Xenia, Ohio; Gretchen and Joel McLaughlin of Peoria, Arizona; Sharon and Richard Finley of Humble, Texas; Susan and Tim Mullis of O'Fallon, Illinois; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in West Lafayette at 11:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026 (with visitation at 10:00 a.m.).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Lauren Galbraith Memorial Fund at St. Andrew UMC.

Clark Taylor

Clark William Taylor, 67, beloved son of Harry and Doris (Bunnell) Taylor Passed away November 2, 2025 at University Place in West Lafayette, Indiana at 12:30 PM.

Clark was a kind and gentle man, and it is our hope and prayers that he is now in the service of the LORD. Clark served his country with honor in the US Army with the HQ Co, 2nd BN, USAISDSB, TRADOC in Germany where he learned many job skills and to speak German.

He worked for 31 years at Subaru in the Stamping Department. He spoke Japanese which made it easier to talk with the Japanese employees. He retired in January of 2020. His first job as a 16-year-old young man was gravedigger at Grandview Cemetery in West Lafayette.

Clark loved old trucks, (never owned a car), brewing beer, woodworking, flea markets, and Asian food. He was a great cook, collecting antiques, running in marathons, last marathon at Purdue in 2023, cross country skiing, gardening, vegetables and flowers, and canning. His favorite foods included broccoli, shrimp and hamburgers on the grill.

He was a proud West Lafayette Red Devil graduate. Class of 1976.

He leaves behind to grieve his loss, his dear best friends, Susan Robinson and Stan Imel. Also, a sister, Tana Taylor.

Susan and Stan would like to express how grateful they are to the Ladies and Gentlemen of University Place Memory Care Unit for their excellent care of Clark and the deep concern they showed to him as he transitioned in the everlasting. God Bless You All.

A simple service will be held at graveside, 10:00 AM Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette. Pastor Randy Bergsma will officiate from Sunrise Christian Reformed Church..

Donations may be directed to the 40&8 Nursing Scholarship, 1421 Creasy Lane, Lafayette, Indiana or Loving Heart Animal Shelter, 2388 US-52, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Judith Ann ( Marshall ) Pence

died peacefully at her home October 19th. She had just celebrated her 93rd birthday.

Judy was a life-long resident of Lafayette and West Lafayette. She married her kindergarten buddy, and high school and college sweetheart, Hugh Pence, during their senior year at Purdue in 1953.

She adored her dad, Roland Marshall, and carried forward many of his great qualities a strong entrepreneurial work ethic, a love of numbers and a dynamic adventurous spirit.

For over 6 decades, "Hugh & Judy" worked side-by-side – literally & figuratively – in their farm management and apartment business. Working with a complimentary harmony, they were regarded as both a devoted couple and a small business machine.

Hugh referred to Judy as a "Proverbs 31" woman. She first and foremost loved family. She was a dedicated mom to two children, Julie Minner and Jeff Pence. She carved out precious 1:1 time with her grandchildren – including a special international trip for each. She was the matriarch for the extended Pence and Marshall families.

Their house was both a home and the family "business center" – a constant state of organized chaos. Judy called it "Grand Central Station." Kids, farms, apartments, entertaining, checkbooks, home-life, farm tenants & owners, college kid helpers, caregiving and philanthropy. She was omni-competent. And many benefited from her business and organizational skills. If you wanted something done – and done right – you called Judy Pence.

Judy had a passionate love of God & Country. Her politics took shape working on Barry Goldwater's '64 Presidential campaign. She was a life-long "right-winger."

Hugh & Judy were graduates of the West Lafayette High School "Class of '50."

Judy was the glue that held together the especially close-knit class. She organized all of the reunions from the 10th to the 65th – which ultimately became annual "Great Encampments."

Judy was a second-generation Purdue Chi Omega. Her mother, Margaret Marshall, was a founder and charter member, and in her own right an early female Purdue pioneer. Judy loved Chi O and for over five decades faithfully served the Chi O house, its collegiate members and local alumni.

Judy loved music. She sang at Purdue and church – and played the piano and accordion. All by ear. The only place she didn't follow her husband's lead was on the dance floor. She was also known for a delightful dose of orneriness.

Judy & Hugh shared a wide array of interests including time with friends, international travel (60+ countries), boating, entertaining, sailing and camping. Her annual Christmas Letter was a comprehensive diary for all to take in.

In everything, she was intentional. She constantly served others.
A Christian, her faith was quiet. Covenant Church was Judy's church home.

Now commended to her Lord Jesus Christ, Judy Pence will be remembered as someone incredibly special one who was a loving wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, a dear friend, a philanthropist, a mentor, a doer. Hers was a fabulous life well-lived.

Judy is survived by her husband, Hugh Pence, son Jeff Pence (Corinne), daughter Julie Minner (Jeff), five grandchildren, Paul Pence (Erica), Augie Pence (Libby), Alex Minner, Dominique Peck (Adam) and Jake Minner, plus nine great-grandchildren.

Friends are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life service to be followed by a reception for fellowship, Sunday, November 16th, 2:00 pm, at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Timothy John Nordland, 69, died Saturday, Oct. 11, at his Lafayette home after a years-long battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 24, 1955, in Buffalo, Wright, Minnesota, to the late Floyd Hansen Nordland and Ardis Pauline Lillehaugen.

He was a graduate of West Lafayette High School and the Purdue University College of Technology, where he studied organizational leadership. He worked with technology in various positions at Purdue, the last one for the School of Veterinary Medicine. Later, he provided security at the Indiana Veteran’s Home.

Tim loved all sports, especially the Cubs and Boilermakers, and coached middle and high school students. He also served as the advisor for the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation and was proud of his Norwegian heritage.

He is survived by three two sons and a daughter, Jacob, of St. Louis Park, Minn.; Matthew, of Indianapolis, and Kirsten, of Cincinnati; a sister Ann Wallace (Glenn) and a brother Paul Sigvald “Sig” (Sonja) Nordland.

Burial will be on the family farm in North Dakota.

Charles Russell Banning, 93 of Summerfield FL passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025.

Charles was born in Independence, IN on October 31, 1931, to Ernest and Thelma Banning. He served honorably in the US Air Force from 1950-1954. He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State Teacher College and later a master’s degree from Indiana University. He began his career in 1959 in education as an Economics/US History teacher at West Lafayette High School. He continued with the school system later as Assistant Principal at West Lafayette High School, Principal of West Lafayette Junior High, and finally Business Manager for the school corporation. His fondest memories were of his teaching years when he was interacting with his students and of his friendships with his colleagues.

He retired to Summerfield Florida where he enjoyed keeping up on current events and local government workings, reading, relaxing and playing golf with his buddies.

He is survived by spouse Nancy Carey-Banning, daughter Jennifer Lawson (Doug), sons Kevin (Allison), Daniel (Lynn) and Allen (Jenny) Banning, stepdaughter Leigh Ann McGuirk, brother Jerry Banning (Susan), sister Patricia Youman (Bill), numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Thelma, brothers John and Gordon and sister Joan Gossett.

Rebecca Ann Dienhart, 61

of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2025, at her home. She was born April 20, 1964, in Lafayette, IN, to Frederick Dienhart of West Lafayette and the late Mary (Patterson) Dienhart.

Becky graduated from West Lafayette High School and Purdue University. She was a certified yoga instructor, studying in New Orleans and California. Becky most recently was working at the Holiday Inn in Lafayette.

Surviving along with her father are her brothers Mark C. Dienhart of West Lafayette, IN, Greg L. Dienhart of Lafayette and Peter J. Dienhart of West Lafayette.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the time of the service at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, Father Daniel Shine officiating.

Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette. Memorial contributions may be made to Food Finders Food Bank in Rebecca's memory.

Michael Tyrrell

Michael Stephen Tyrrell of Lafayette, Indiana died on September 21, 2025, at Creasy Springs Health Campus, where he received nursing care following a stroke several months earlier. Mike was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend-an avid golfer, skier, and fly fisherman.

Mike was born on July 15, 1948, in Lafayette, Indiana to Stephen and Loretta Tyrrell. He grew up in West Lafayette, surrounded by sisters, cousins, and friends who were his constant companions in the neighborhoods of Oak and Maple streets. Mike loved dogs; they often accompanied him on his adventures. He attended school at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette until the 4th grade, when overcrowding required a move to the West Lafayette public schools. Mike graduated from West Lafayette High school in 1967. He attended Purdue University, where he received a BSH degree in 1972 and a MS degree in Industrial Relations in 1973. While at Purdue, Mike was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Mike worked for several years in employment and benefits at Warner & Swasey Co. in Winona, Minnesota, but soon returned to West Lafayette, where he was employed for over 30 years in human resources at Purdue University. Mike worked closely with the Purdue athletic department and often traveled with the football teams to away games, including to Purdue's Rose Bowl game in 2001. Mike was always an optimistic Purdue fan. Even into retirement, he and his best friend Mike Roberts would talk on the phone after each Purdue game, analyzing the game and looking forward to the next win.

Mike enjoyed snow skiing. One of his favorite places to ski was Lake Tahoe, which he visited with his brothers-in-law Kevin Keller and Chuck Poore and his nephews David and Stephen Poore. Mike was also an accomplished fly fisherman, angling for trout in Arkansas and New Mexico. He greatly enjoyed fishing for cutthroats, browns, and rainbows on the Rio Costilla in northern New Mexico.

Most of all, Mike loved golf. He played frequently, especially after retirement, and attended national golf tournaments with Mike Roberts. Mike also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, especially euchre. He met with a group of friends for a weekly euchre game. He traveled with family and friends to Switzerland, Mexico, Alaska, California, Texas, and New Mexico.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Loretta Tyrrell, his sister Margo Keller (Kevin) and his sister Margie Poore (Chuck). He is survived by his sister Marlene Tyrrell (Ben Pierce), niece Sarah Dumas (Matt), and nephews Stephen Poore (Lora), David Poore (Angela), and Michael Pierce (Amber). The family greatly appreciates the exceptional medical care, therapy, and comfort that Michael received from his care team at Creasy Springs Health Campus and Franciscan Hospice.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Saturday, October 18 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, Indiana, with visitation starting at 1 pm, followed by the service at 2 pm.

Wesley Love

Wesley M. Love, 91, of West Lafayette, passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Franciscan Health East in Lafayette. He was born July 7, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Merle and Arloween (Warnock) Love. Wes graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1952 and Purdue University in 1958. In 1965, he also received his master's degree in education from Purdue. He was a veteran of the Army serving from 1955 to 1957 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. On August 27, 1964, he married Rebecca Carino in Winnipeg, Canada and she preceded him in death on May 3, 2000. Wes was a teacher for Illinois School District #152 in Harvey, IL from 1965 until his retirement in 1995. He was a 27-year member of the Lafayette Kiwanis Club and served two terms as Lt Govenor of the Sagamore Division. Wes was also a member of the John Purdue Club and Lafayette Country Club. Also, he was a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class 31. He was an avid runner and completed 200 marathons all over the globe. Wes enjoyed reading and at his last residence he had over 1600 books. Surviving is his son Jeffrey W. (Kelly) Love of West Lafayette, grandchildren Jonathan W. Love of Lafayette, Jessica L. Love of West Lafayette and several nieces and nephews. Wes was preceded in death by his brothers Pete and Bill Love. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West in West Lafayette. Service will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel. Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette Kiwanis Foundation and mailed to the foundation at PO Box 555, Lafayette, IN 47902 in Wes's memory.

Meredith "Bee" (Hunt) Horner, 92, of Battle Ground, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at IU Health Arnett Hospital. She was born August 21, 1932, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Herschel and Isabelle (Crostreet) Hunt. Bee graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1950 and Indiana University in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
On June 18, 1955, she married Charles M. Horner in Lafayette, and he survives. They had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 18th. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Soroity, Tri Kappa and longtime member of Central Presbyterian Church. Bee had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She would spend hours every week reading the Bible and meditating on what it said. For many years she was a Sunday school teacher and women's circle group participant at Central Presbyterian Church.
Bee was an beautiful seamstress, avid knitter, enjoyed reading books, rug hooking, her cats and was a wonderful cook.
Above all, Bee was a wonderful mother to her children and deeply loved her 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Surviving along with her husband are her children Carl C. (Trudi) Horner of West Lafayette, Karen H. Wadsworth of Lanesville, Douglas H. Horner of Brookston, grandchildren Lauren Koleff, Robert Horner, Katherine Voyles, Henry Wadsworth, great grandchildren Elloise Koleff, Emery Koleff, Tessa Horner, Micah Horner, Mia Voyles, Knox Voyles, Abigail Wadsworth and Avery Wadsworth. Also surviving is her brother Ted Hunt of Battle Ground and many loving nieces and nephews. Meredith was preceded in death by her brother Herschel "Bud" Hunt.
Visitation will be from 1:30 pm until the time of the service at 2:30 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Pastor Rob Eyman officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery in West Lafayette, Indian

Mary Losey
October 18, 1939 - April 11, 2025

Mary M. Losey, 85, of West Lafayette, IN, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, in the IU Health Arnett facility. Born on October 18, 1939, in Lafayette, Mary was the eldest child of J. Edwin Losey and Roberta Edwards Losey Patterson.

Mary grew up in West Lafayette, graduated from WLHS, and attended Purdue University, graduating with a BS in 1960. While in high school, she worked at Arth’s Drugstore, which had both a pharmacy and a soda fountain. Mary became interested in the pharmacy side. “I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I loved math and chemistry. Pharmacy was the perfect fit.”

After graduation, Mary worked at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond, IN. She returned to Purdue for an MS in Pharmacy, graduating in 1966. She had thought she would become a hospital pharmacist, but Purdue asked her to teach. Thirty-three years later, after a career of teaching and advising, she retired.

While serving on the College of Pharmacy scholarship committee, she noticed scholarship restrictions that excluded non-traditional students, such as single parents and first-time college students. She then established a scholarship for those non-traditional students and has awarded 23 since 2002.

Mary made and kept lifelong friends in school and in the organizations, she joined, such as Kappa Epsilon, Altrusa, the Old Tippecanoe Quilt Guild, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, and anybody associated with Purdue’s men’s and women’s basketball. Mary’s sisters had to look up the schedule of games before calling her because she would not talk to them if Purdue was playing. Living at Westminster Village since 2020, Mary made a whole new set of friends.

Mary is survived by her two sisters, Roberta (Robbie) Losey Fanning (Tony) of Carmichael, CA; and Doris Losey of Tampa, FL; and her stepsister, Pam Morford (Norm) of Indianapolis, IN. She was a proud aunt to Tom Losey (Jodey) of Lafayette, IN; Kali Fanning Murrell (Jon) of Princes Risborough, England; and Ed Losey (Joanna) of Pea Ridge, AR. She was predeceased by her father in 1957; her mother in 2010; her brother, J. Edwin Losey, in 2018; and her stepbrother, Mike Patterson (Sally), in 2022.