May 12, 1934 – July 20, 2025
Dennie Alfred Reathaford, 91, of Orleans, passed away peacefully at Paoli Health and Living Community at noon on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
He was born May 12, 1934, in Orange County, IN, son of Herbert Edward and Myrtle F. (Johnson) Reathaford. He was a graduate of French Lick High School and was a member of the Orleans Church of the Nazarene.
In his early years, he worked at Cornwell’s Donalson Bakery and REB Wholesale before starting his own business, Reathaford Wholesale. Many of his lifelong friends were met while selling and installing cabinets.
Dennie married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Stringer, on June 7, 1952. Their family grew in 1953 with the birth of their first daughter, Linda, followed by Michael and Vivian. They moved to Orleans in 1954, where they enjoyed many years. Having owned the skating rink in the 1960s, they built many special memories not only for their children but also for many others in the community.
Along with raising their children, the pair enjoyed sprint car racing, boating, fishing, and spending winters in Florida with friends and family. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.
He is survived by one sister, Mahala Kinser of Bloomington, IN; two daughters, Linda (Jim) Scarlett of Orangeville, IN and Vivian Rogers of Ormond Beach, FL; one son, Michael Reathaford of Orleans, IN; six grandchildren, Chris Scarlett, Josh Reathaford, Jordon McPhearson, Cody (Keisha) Reathaford, Kristen Rogers and Brittany (Dale) Cropley; Eight great-grandchildren, Katie and Allie Scarlett; Jayden, Brinlee, Chase, and Gage McPhearson; Isla and Indi Reathaford; great-great-grandchild, Lyla Holdcroft; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Irene Koontz, and daughter-in-law, Renee Reathaford, who have long awaited a joyous reunion.
He touched many lives in his 91 years, many of which were spent with family and friends. He was not only a loving husband, father, and Papaw, but also a best friend.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Paoli Health and Living and Gentiva Hospice Care.
The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on July 28, at the Orleans Church of the Nazarene. Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Orleans. Friends are invited to the visitation at Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dennie’s memory to the Orleans Elementary School to assist underprivileged kids.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at ochstetrick.net.
