Rhea Dawn Flynn, 85, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Belle’s Place in Bedford.
Born November 3, 1940, in Monroe County, she was the daughter of Stacey and Sylvia East. Rhea married Gerald Lee Flynn on December 15, 1956, and he preceded her in death on July 3, 2026. Gerald was the absolute love of her life for 69 years.
She is survived by a son, Rick Flynn of Ellettsville; a daughter, Kim (Ron) Stath of Bedford; three grandchildren, Eric (Shayla) Flynn, Amber (Kody) Shipley, and Haley Stath; three great-grandchildren, Jaxson Flynn, Emmy Shipley, and Raegan Shipley; two sisters, Mary Louise Craft, and Patricia Wright; two brothers, Ernest East, and Joseph East; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Virginia “Ginny” Porter, and five brothers: William East, Donald East, Robert East, John East, and Roger East.
Rhea was a woman of faith and worked alongside her husband Gerald. While Gerald was the pastor, Rhea ministered by teaching children God’s word; something she truly loved. Of course, she was also involved in many ways, too numerous to count, in the church. The main churches were First Assembly of God in Rensselaer, IN, Garrard Chapel in Spencer, IN, and Cornerstone Worship Center in Bedford, IN. Rhea truly loved God and her church families.
She also enjoyed time spent raising brothers and sisters within her own family. Though told she would never have children, she and Gerald proved with God that all things are possible, and they had Rick and Kim. From that time on, she thrived as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Rhea loved reading, being outdoors, and making sweet treats for her loved ones. She was an awesome card and game player and shared her skilled knowledge with her grandchildren. So many things could be said about this beautiful person inside and out.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7 th , 2026, at Day & Carter Mortuary, with Pastor Rodney Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Clover Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Wednesday at Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
