Obituaries: Week of November 30, 2025, In Loving Memory
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE:
(Smokey Barn News)
*Refresh this page for updates and newly listed obituaries for this week.
Ritchie Lee Pond
August 19, 1960 — November 25, 2025
Ritchie L. Pond, passed away on November 25, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. Born on August 19, 1960, in Gallatin, Tennessee, Ritchie lived a life filled with dedication to both his family and his work. He was known for his old-fashioned and old-school values.
Ritchie was proud to have received an associate’s degree from Western Kentucky and went on to forge a successful career in inventory, working diligently for Holly Performance Parts and Stringfellow. His strong work ethic and passion for hands-on projects kept him perpetually engaged in various endeavors, as he was always working on something.
For 42 cherished years, Ritchie was married to his loving wife, Mrs. Donna Pond, who predeceased him. Together, they were active members of the White House United Methodist Church, where Ritchie shared his passion for music by singing in the choir and dedicated his time teaching 5th Sunday School. His commitment to his faith and community made a significant impact on those around him.
Ritchie’s proudest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved children, Cory (Anna) Pond and Caleb Pond, along with his cherished grandchildren, Ollie and Aubrey Pond, who fondly referred to him as “Pop.” Ritchie is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Pond, Terri Hewitt, and a host of nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward. He is preceded by his sister, Kim Rippy.
His life will be celebrated with visitation services at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services in White House on December 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by another visitation at White House First United Methodist Church on December 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, culminating in a Celebration of Life at the church from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Ritchie L. Pond’s legacy of love, hard work, and service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gateway Baptist Church, with the message “For The Building Fund”.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home
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Ronnie Dale Honeycutt
May 26, 1952 ~ November 27, 2025
73 Years Old
Ritchie L. Pond, passed away on November 25, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. Born on August 19, 1960, in Gallatin, Tennessee, Ritchie lived a life filled with dedication to both his family and his work. He was known for his old-fashioned and old-school values.
Ritchie was proud to have received an associate’s degree from Western Kentucky and went on to forge a successful career in inventory, working diligently for Holly Performance Parts and Stringfellow. His strong work ethic and passion for hands-on projects kept him perpetually engaged in various endeavors, as he was always working on something.
For 42 cherished years, Ritchie was married to his loving wife, Mrs. Donna Pond, who predeceased him. Together, they were active members of the White House United Methodist Church, where Ritchie shared his passion for music by singing in the choir and dedicated his time teaching 5th Sunday School. His commitment to his faith and community made a significant impact on those around him.
Ritchie’s proudest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved children, Cory (Anna) Pond and Caleb Pond, along with his cherished grandchildren, Ollie and Aubrey Pond, who fondly referred to him as “Pop.” Ritchie is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Pond, Terri Hewitt, and a host of nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward. He is preceded by his sister, Kim Rippy.
His life will be celebrated with visitation services at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services in White House on December 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by another visitation at White House First United Methodist Church on December 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, culminating in a Celebration of Life at the church from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Ritchie L. Pond’s legacy of love, hard work, and service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gateway Baptist Church, with the message “For The Building Fund”.
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home
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Ruth Shannon Bellar
January 11, 1929 – November 23, 2025
Ruth Shannon Bellar, age 96, of Springfield, TN, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 in Lakeland, FL,, leaving behind a faithful and faith-filled legacy of Christian devotion and service. Born on January 11, 1929, in Springfield, TN, Ruth was the only daughter of Dawson and Lessie Shannon. Displaying grace, gratitude, even grit, she selflessly served her family, and friends, and her community throughout her life.
From cradle to grave, Ruth was an active, contributing member of Springfield Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, and sometimes played piano or organ, from the time she was a teenager until her mid-80s. Ruth also had a lifelong love of sports. On the weekends, she wanted to watch her favorite teams play and keep up with other scores. While she certainly had an affinity for Tennessee (unless they were playing Vanderbilt, then she rooted for Vandy), any SEC team or rivalry would do. As her grandchildren went to college, whether football or basketball, she was tickled if she could find Furman, Samford or Belmont playing on a channel.
She rooted for any team associated with her family, so when her oldest granddaughter married a “Cheese Head,” she started rooting for the Packers. And because of hometown and family ties, she always loved following the collegiate and professional baseball career of Sonny Gray. Professionally, many will remember her as a kindergarten teacher at SBC for several years and then later as a business office assistant at Payne Chevrolet, where she worked even part-time until the age of 91. The start of the COVID pandemic sent her home, but she embraced the change with the same resilience and perseverance she carried throughout her life. She then filled her time with YMCA classes three times a week and church activities until her 94th birthday when she made the move to Florida’s warmer weather and time with family there—a gift both to her and to those who cherished her.
She embraced her new chapter with joy, taking comfort in the sunshine, playing chair volleyball (she had played in SBC’s church volleyball league when she was in her 70s), and more time spent with Florida loved ones. She also enjoyed being a part of Long Hollow Church’s online worship services on Sunday nights with her son as they watched and worshiped together. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruth’s greatest joy came from time spent with her family and being known as “Nandy” to her grands and their friends. Those who married into the family, she also considered to be “her children.” She is survived by her daughter and son-in-love, Vivian and Kelvin Penuel of White House; her son and daughter-in-love Don and Lorrie Bellar of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren (including “in-loves”): Hayley and P. J. Moore of Memphis, Peyton and Julie Penuel of Gallatin, Jordan and Olivia Bellar of Tampa, Mason and Branden Wilkerson of Lakeland, and Blake Bellar of Nashville; and eight great-grandchildren: Shepherd, Ruthie, and Bellar Moore; Haddie Penuel; Brayden and Bryson Wilkerson; and Hudson and Griffin Bellar.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dawson and Lessie Shannon, whom she lovingly cared for in their aging years; a brother, Douglas Shannon (who was born 17 years prior to her birth); and her husband of 57 years, Leon Bellar of Springfield, to whom she also was deeply devoted to throughout an extended illness.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Springfield Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International or Springfield Baptist Church. Ruth will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, selflessness, generosity, and faith will continue in all who knew her.
Her family and friends find comfort in knowing she is now at peace and in the presence of Jesus, reunited with those who went before her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. For anyone who can’t attend and would like to join, her service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sbctn1866
Austin & Bell Funeral Home is in charge of services. www.austinandbell.com www.austinandbell.com
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Ronald Hugh Strange
June 10, 1946 – November 25, 2025
Ronald Hugh Strange, age 79 of Cedar Hill, TN, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at his home. Ron was born on June 10, 1946 to John W. Strange and Pauline Watts Strange. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Denise Strange, daughters Bonnie Willingham, Kira Strange and fiancée Oscar Garcia, granddaughter Piper Garcia and many cherished family members and friends.
Ron’s education, with a master’s in psychology, led him to an early career in Juvenile Probation. Later, he joined the Internal Revenue Service, where he retired after 32 years of service. Ron was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Adams United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed time in his later years with his dogs on the front porch watching the wildlife.
His brothers Charles, Paul, Gordon and Johnny Strange and sisters Theresa Head and Mona Sue Belt passed before him. They always had many tales to tell of their “baby” brother as Ron was born 9 years after them. Ron’s son in law and hunting buddy, Perry Willingham, also passed prior to Ron.
A memorial service will be held at Adams United Methodist Church, 7565 US-41, Adams, TN on Friday, December 5, 2025. Visitation is 10AM till time of service at 12 noon. Brother Ed Baumgarten will preside. The family requests that donations be made to Adams United Methodist Church children’s mission or music department.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 509 Walnut Street, Springfield, TN in charge of services. www.austinandbell.com
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Mary Jeanette Shouppe
September 12, 1941 – November 26, 2025
Mary Jeanette Stanford Shouppe, age 84 of Goodlettsville, TN passed away Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 at her residence. A private family burial will be held.
She was born September 12, 1941 in Hixon, TN to the late Otho William and Gladys Lucille Smith Stanford. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Roy Albert Shouppe
She was an Administrative Assistant in the Medical Field and a member of the Ridgetop Seventh Day Adventist Church.
She is survived by her children, Tonia (Richard) Young, Jeff (Debra) Shouppe and Lisa M. Shouppe.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbell.com. Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Hwy 41 S, Greenbrier, TN 37073 is in charge of arrangements. (615) 743-4000
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Daniel Timothy Bolster
April 25, 1958 – November 29, 2025
Daniel Timothy Bolster, age 67 of White House went home to be with the Lord Saturday, November 29, 2025 while working in Old Hickory, TN. He was born April 25, 1958 in Nashville, TN to James Bush & Mary Miles Bolster. He had served in the U.S. Army and was a member of The Church at Grace Park. He began working for Adams Construction and Interiors Inc. at the age of 16, as a drywall finisher, and was still employed there at the time of his death.
Mr. Bolster enjoyed playing golf, watching football and cheering for the underdog, spending time with his grandchildren and drinking Dr. Pepper. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Bolster; 2 brothers, Randy Bolster and James Bolster, Jr.; sister, Pamela Bolster. He is survived by his father, Jimmy Bolster, Nashville, TN; mother of his children, Valerie Bolster, White House, TN; sons, Daniel Timothy Bolster, Jr., Jamie Bolster, Michael Brindley and Thomas Hitt; daughters, Pamela (Charles) Siverand, Christina Cook, Marlena Bolster, Rachael Bolster, Coralynn Brindley and Torri Sanders; sister, Melissa Darlene Bolster; 24 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House with Bro. Bob Cook and Bro. Josh Waugh officiating. Interment will follow in White House Memorial Gardens with Michael Brindley, Kaden Bolster, Leslie McDaniels, Mersades Bolster, Hank Creekmore. and Eddie Jones serving as pallbearers. Visitation is planned for Thursday, December 4, 2025 9am until 1pm at the funeral home.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
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Sylvia Mae Bibee
June 25, 1940 – November 30, 2025
Sylvia Mae Taylor Bibee, age 85, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025 at NHC Springfield. Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Thursday, December 4th in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Bro. Doug Thornton officiating. Burial will follow in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with James Walls, Tim Hutton, Kevin Hutton, Jeff Freeman, Michael Freeman and Jackie Sherrod serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 4-7pm Wednesday, and again from 12-1pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Bibee was born June 25, 1940 in Springfield to the late Bernice Taylor and the late Viola Elizabeth Woodard Taylor. She worked in the factory for Acme Boot Company and was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bibee was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Bibee; brothers, Harold Taylor and Gary Taylor; and sisters, Nancy Lee, Elsie Moore, Joyce Sherrod, and Brenda Hutton.
She is survived by son, Charlie (Cheryl) Bibee; daughters, Debbie (James) Walls, and Karen Bibee; 4 grandchildren, Riley (Kayla) Bibee, Cassidy Bruninga and fiancé David Marshall, Brian Mason, and Kellye Mason; 8 great grandchildren, Hannah, Aiden, Averie, Liam, Layla, Kane, Maple and Emersyn; and a sister, Dorothy Freeman.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of NHC Springfield for the loving care shown to their dear mother. Also, a very special “Thank You” to a very special friend, Faye Morphis.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or by visiting www.dementiasociety.org
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME www.austinandbell.com
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Robyn Hewitt
April 12, 1976 – October 27, 2025
Robyn Hewitt left this world on October 27, 2025. He was born on April 12, 1976, in Peoria, Illinois. He was adopted at 6 years old, grew up in Ridgetop, Tennessee, and attended Greenbrier High School.
A private family service will be held at Austin & Bell Funeral Home with inurnment following in Greenbrier Cemetery.
He left behind his wife of 30 years, Amber Hewitt, and three adult children; Nikolas (Shelby), Mason (Cameron), and Cori (Kai). He had three sisters; Kelly Williamson (Greg), Sandra Huffine (Chris), Angel Fielding (Charles), and an aunt that was as close as a sister, Deirdriu Coffman (Jeff). He had many nieces he loved, as well as many friends in multiple states
He lived in Florida for the last 13 years of his life with his wife and three children. Robyn loved movies, music, playing guitars, and riding motorcycles. He was a full-time student starting a second career. He had a wonderful smile, a contagious laugh, and would help anyone in need. Robyn struggled with severe depression, along with several other mental health diagnoses. He chose to keep this from the world, as many people do that struggle with mental health issues.
These hidden struggles had a deep impact on him and the people closest to him. Robyn took his own life instead of letting loved ones help him. His family wants anyone struggling with depression or any mental health issues to please seek help and trust the people in their lives. Robyn will remain in our hearts and minds forever. He will be missed by so many.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements. www.austinandbell.com
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