Ray Elmer Hardesty, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away very unexpectedly at 3:48 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana.

He was born on Tuesday, March 24, 1959, to Myrtle Jeanette(Hermes) and Robert Andrew Hardesty.

On December 29, 1978, he married Tamera Hardesty.  She survives.

Along with his wife of 47 years, Tamera Hardesty of West Lafayette, Indiana, he is survived by daughters Lynn (Dan Frank) Parrish and Holly Hardesty of West Lafayette, Indiana;  son Alex (Paige) Ropp of Brookston, Indiana; grandsonsTruman Parrish of West Lafayette, Indiana and Jon and Dane, aka Fester, Ropp of Brookston, Indiana; granddog Otis Parrish of West Lafayette, Indiana; his favorite mother-in-law MarjeanMarvin of Idaville, Indiana; his sister, Linda (Andy) Lucy of Burnettsville, Indiana; brother-in-law Tim (Marie) Marvin of Idaville, Indiana; sister-in-law Dorcella Hardesty of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray/Elmer was the absolute best.  He was the best husband, the best father to his girls (the original girl dad who made us learn to change our own oil and tires, be independent and self-sufficient, and to be handy around the house), the best grandpa (he still went by Elmer with Truman, and was Pa to the boys), the best father to his nieces, nephews, and friends who needed a father in their lives, and the best friend anyone could ask for.  Elmer never met a stranger.  He was fun and liked to have a good time.  Whether going to Menard's for supplies, going on a coffee and lotto run, or just hanging out, it was always a guaranteed good time if you were with Elmer.  He was incredibly kind and was always willing to lend a hand to help someone in need, whether it was with good advice, practical skills, or a good conversation full of laughter.  He could build or fix anything and was truly a Jack-of-All-Trades, up to and including home construction and renovation, home maintenance(I don't know how many furnaces he's fixed on short notice), converting and plumbing a stock tank pool, and most recently, building an outdoor shower over the 4th of July weekend at his beloved vacation home, Ray's Roost.

Elmer loved his family.  He worked hard his entire life so that he could provide and take care of them.  Elmer loved to travel and explore.  Elmer and Tammy have fond memories of their many trips together, especially their trip to Alaska.  Elmer also traveled with his family often, and some of the best memories were made on these trips.  He was a founding member of the Dog Car (Holly and mom flew) and because he always had plenty of vacation days, we'd leave early or stay late, havingmany epic adventures on the road.  To help pass the time on long trips, he loved to call Grandma to check in and see what she was doing.  He and Truman watched NYE fireworks last year on Miami Beach before heading to Sanibel for our yearly family vacation.

Elmer spent the last few years working on Ray's Roost.  He was so excited to have a lake house where he could gather with his family, fishing, boating, and kayaking to the falls.  He was very excited about his new pontoon.  He was on his way to the Roost when his life concluded.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Jeanette (Hermes) and Robert Andrew Hardesty, his father-in-law, James T Marvin;his niece, Heather Marvin; his granddog Sarge, aka Lou,Hardesty; and his brothers.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25th at the Deibel's Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be given to the Idaville Cemetery.

Deibel's Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.