David Ross Reeves

David Ross Reeves was born July 13, 1946 in Rushville, Indiana to Edward Perry Reeves and Elizabeth Mary (Cox) Reeves. As the only child of older parents, David assumed a great deal of responsibility at a young age. When he was only 14, he took over most of the farmwork while still attending school at Mays, graduating in 1964. At different points throughout his farming career, he raised wheat, corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle and chickens. Even in retirement, his farming skills were not lost as he continued to plant gardens that provided a bounty of fresh produce to family and friends. In 1967, David married his beloved, Rita Kay Munden of Knightstown, who he’d known since childhood. They started their household together in Center Township where they have remained a steadfast part of the community for just over 58 years. David was very proud of the longevity of his marriage and the example it provides to his children and grandchildren. In addition to his quiet faith, his life-long commitment to Rita is one of the greatest legacies he leaves behind. Following the birth of their second child, David sold off the livestock and took a job at the Rushville Post office as a rural letter carrier. The hours allowed him to continue working the farm he loved, while providing reliable benefits for his family. During his 37 years as a rural carrier, David served most of eastern and east-central Rush County and collected numerous entertaining tales that he was quick to share with others. He took great pride in treating the people on his route as true customers, going the extra mile to greet them with a smile, check on someone with an unexpected mail backup, or even open the occasional stuck pickle jar. David was an incessant reader and was often found hiding in a book to escape Rita’s frustration with the basketball game she happened to be watching. He was a professional tinkerer, always rescuing his grown children with random repairs and projects. Above all, he was dedicated to his family: home literally every night after working two jobs, while still finding time to take off every Sunday for church, rest, and those he held closest to him. Though not overtly religious nor one to evangelize, David epitomized the simple Quaker faith of his ancestors, dating back to the 1600’s. David led by example of simplicity, utmost integrity, kindness, and charity. He was known to say and genuinely believed that he “Never missed a dime that he ever gave away” to support charities and those in need. In addition to his wife, Rita, Dad/Pop/Pappaw leaves behind a small, tightly-knit family that are left to cherish his memory, share his quirky anecdotes and walk in faith as he taught them. David is survived by his daughter Davina, son-in-law Danny and grandson Jonathan Starke, as well as his son Grant, daughter-in-law Anna and two granddaughters. Graveside services will be held at the family’s convenience. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 3 -6 at the 201 Building in Rushville. Memorial contributions should be made to the Reeves family’s chosen ministry, Quaker Haven Camp, 111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse, Indiana.

Tributes

David Ross Reeves

July 13, 1946 - September 7, 2025