Ed Olleman

Edward Roy “Ed” Olleman, 73, of Monrovia, completed his earthly journey at 2:25 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Life’s Journey Hospice in Avon, surrounded by his three favorite women—the ones who meant the world to him. He was born on Friday, April 25, 1952, in Martinsville, Indiana, to the late Edward Hayes and Jacqueline (Kenworthy) Olleman, and he spent his life doing what he did best: loving his people, serving his community, and living fully. Ed was a family man through and through. The only boy, tucked right between his two sisters, Debbie and Shawntel, he grew up learning how to stand his ground while keeping his heart wide open. A proud Monrovia native, Ed, loved the history of his hometown and the people in it. He attended Monrovia High School, where his leadership was already shining—becoming the school’s first student council president in 1968; graduating with the Class of 1971. His strong work ethic started early, working alongside his grandparents at Kenworthy’s Hardware Store. That’s where his lifelong love of all things mechanical began. In 1971, Ed started driving for Coca-Cola, a career that would span more than four decades. In his free time, he truly enjoyed working alongside Dianne with her photography passion. He was reliable, committed, and proud of the work he did—always showing up, always giving his best. On June 16, 1973, Ed married the love of his life, Dianne Marie Cross. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, loyalty, and deep love. Ed was Dianne’s rock, best friend, and biggest fan. They raised two daughters, Cybil and Natalie, and Ed took great pride in being a hands-on, supportive, and endlessly loving father, not to just them, but his son-in-law, Tony. Still, if asked, he’d tell you the greatest joy of his life was to become “Papaw” to his four beloved grandsons. Nothing made him prouder. After retiring in 2019, Ed and Dianne slowed life down and soaked it all in. Whether it was traveling, enjoying quiet moments together, or simply being home, retirement gave them time to do what mattered most: be together. Ed had a presence you felt the moment he walked into a room. Loud, boisterous, joyful, and warm, he was a storyteller with a laugh you could hear across a crowd. He was hardworking, responsible, always frugal, and very dependable. He cherished his family heritage and was fiercely proud of his small-town roots. In his younger years, Ed enjoyed open-wheel racing, drag racing, and riding motorcycles. He and Dianne loved going out to movies and plays, and Ed never turned down a good time. He was well-traveled, exploring places like France, the Bahamas, Cancun, Hawaii, Alaska, India, and Canada. Music was a constant in his life—of all kinds—and he loved going to concerts and shooting guns, sharing that passion with his girls. Ed cared deeply about people and believed in giving back. A true public servant, he was civil-minded, fair, and respected by all who knew him. He was the kind of man who led by example, showed up when it mattered, and treated everyone with kindness. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. A lifelong member of Monrovia United Methodist Church, Ed served in countless ways—on the administrative board, as a trustee, deacon, choir and bell choir member, lay leader, and PPRC Chairman. Most recently, he attended services at the Mooresville First United Methodist Church. Sworn in with the original first Monrovia town council board members in 1995, Ed served as the fourth town council president, serving two terms and stayed for many years on the Plan Commission and BZA boards. Ed was a fourth generation Democrat and third-generation Mason. A 40-year member of Monrovia Masonic Lodge #654; serving as Past Worshipful Master and treasurer for 12 years. In addition, he was previously a member of the Monrovia Lions Club and Teamsters Steward and contract negotiator. Ed's close friends and family nicknamed him the Mayor of Monrovia A lifetime of fond memories and a legacy to live on. He leaves us with his favorite bit of wisdom: "Be good, and if you can't be good, be careful." Ed was loved beyond measure, and his memory will be treasured by the army of family and friends that he so adored. Along with his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lorris and Iva Marie (Hayes) Olleman; maternal grandparents, Roy and Maude Kenworthy; stepmother, Jean Olleman; and brothers-in-law, David Cross, Gary Light, and Rick Ream. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 52 years, Dianne Olleman; daughters, Cybil Burnside (Tony) of Monrovia and Natalie Carroll (Ryan) of Indianapolis; sisters, Debbie Williams (Mike) and Shawntel Light, both of Monrovia; siblings-in-law, Stephen Cross (Billie) of Seattle, Susan Tennison (Lance) and Annie Wedlund of Arlington, and Cath Ream of Seattle; his four beloved grandsons—Nate and Nick Burnside of Monrovia, Jacob and Garrett Robinson of Indianapolis; bonus grandchildren, Madison, Mason, and Knox Carroll; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and neighbors who felt more like family. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Masonic Service will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service officiated by Rev. Dr. Amber Karkosky-Litten. Cremation will follow the service, and a private inurnment will take place in West Union Friends Cemetery, Monrovia. In honor of Ed’s generous spirit, memorial contributions may be made to the Monrovia Masonic Lodge, Boys Town (serving at-risk youth), or Disabled American Veterans (Envelopes will be available at the funeral home). To share a favorite memory, a story, or a laugh that Ed gave you, please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Ed Olleman

April 25, 1952 - January 9, 2026