ELKHART — Ralph Wayne Stealy, 80, of Elkhart, passed away Friday, Oct. 24, at Elkhart General Hospital following an extended illness.

He was born in Elkhart on Sept. 8, 1934.

Wayne married Julia A. (Nunemaker) Rose on Jan. 28, 1989, in Elkhart. She survives him at home.

Other survivors include son, Joseph (Dawn) Stealy of Hampton, Va., daughter Sue Higham of Elkhart;  2 step-sons, Garry (Cheryl) Rose of Nappanee and Terry Rose of Milford; 1 step-grandson, Patrick (Shannon) Rose of Cromwell; 3 grandsons, Rex Higham and Cory & Ryan Stealy; 2 step great-grandchildren, Gavin and Samantha Rose, both of Cromwell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 brother, Johnny Stealy.


A celebration of Wayne's life will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 4206 E. Bristol St. in Elkhart, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Pastor Michael Heinbaugh will officiate and burial will follow at Olive East Cemetery in Elkhart.

Wayne was a meat cutter his entire adult life and worked locally at such places as Stealy's Meat Market in Elkhart, ESI Meats in Bristol and Kroger Supermarkets, from where he retired.

He was a member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church and enjoyed cooking and dining out.

Memorial donations may be given to the church. Online condolences may find the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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