Ona E. Stecher

Kentucky Colonel Ona E. Stecher daughter of William J. and Hazel (King) Neal born August 5, 1943 in Stearns, Kentucky, gained her wings as she is walking with the Angels on March 4, 2023 at the home of her niece in Liberty, Indiana after a long illness. Ona was employed as a bus driver for North Putnam School District of Indiana for many years prior to moving to Columbus, Ohio where she resided for 25 years before residing in Liberty, Indiana. Ona was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and caregiver for her whole family. She was awarded the Kentucky Colonel from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which is the highest honor a civilian can receive in recognition of an individual's noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation. Ona enjoyed meticulously tending her large vegetable garden and landscaping her property. She collected antiques and took pride in keeping her house spotless- some would say it was a museum. Ona loved animals and took great care of all her pets over the years. Ona's loving and caring nature gained her friends and family all over the world, and they will all miss her deeply. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John E. Stecher; daughter: Cinea Dawn Scales; son: Robin S. Mathews; siblings: Jesse Jr., Donald E., Joe B., and Julia M. Neal; granddaughter: Kylie Mathews. Ona is survived by her children: Jodie Stecher Simer of Phoenix, AZ, Jamie (Larry) Stecher Bridge of Boise, ID, David S. Mathews of Flat Rock, IN, Kristi R. (Jason) Rader of Cedarville, OH, John J. (Shellee) Stecher of Liberty, IN; siblings: James H. (RuthAnn) Neal, Anna L. (Ron) Haler; sisters in law: Louise Neal and Vivian Neal; 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the amazing care and compassion Ona received from AsceraCare Hospice. At the families request a Celebration of Life of will be conducted at a later date. Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may me made to the American Cancer Society or Gleanor's Community Food Banks. For more information or to leave condolences for the family please visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.