Justin "Ratso" Gatewood Chenoweth

Justin “Ratso” Gatewood Chenoweth, 68, of Monrovia, left this world unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 16, 2022. He was born in Indianapolis on April 3, 1954, the middle child between big brother Roy, Jr. and little sister Ruth to Roy William, Sr., and Martha Helen (Ware) Chenoweth. A lifetime Gasburg Road native, Justin and his siblings spent their summer days running the woods with the fellow neighborhood kids; the Lyons and Richharts, where they were blessed to be sent with a bag of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, along with a jug of Kool-Aid, ensuring they were fed while cavorting in childhood shenanigans. From sledding on a found car hood in a dump discovered deep in the forest, to snake fighting with Ruth, to being tied to a tree and left to wait on rescue, there was never a dull moment. The son of a cabinet maker, the Chenoweth kids loved playing in their father’s shop, using their imaginations to entertain themselves with the various objects found around the business. Attending Monrovia schools, Justin graduated with the class of 1972 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, dedicating four years of service. Upon his honorable discharge, his deeply rooted ties returned him to the road he called home to live with his granddad. He secured employment with Great Dane for several years as a talented trailer mechanic, ending his career working for Rex Fields Garage. Funny and quick-witted, Justin loved dogs and kids, along with the great outdoors. His mind was entrenched with analytical skills and problem solving from a young age. With the God given talent for creating, if Justin needed a tool, but didn’t have one, he would fabricate it himself, once constructing a leaf blower from a fan and a simple tube. His welding skills were phenomenal, and the envy of all who watched. In his wilder days, Justin could be found hanging out in Pat’s Tavern drinking an ice-cold Pabst Blue Ribbon, with a camel cigarette dangling from his lips. Later in life, he slowed his lifestyle in a decision he made all on his own. He regularly traveled the county to hang out with his close friends and family, even having his own chair to devour jambalaya. Political discussions were a must, along with entertaining you with his colorful stories, or to just sit and watch television with you. Switching from PBR to Mountain Dew and sweet tea, he enjoyed snacking on Cheetos, could play a mean air guitar with a broom, and at times could be a bit of a curmudgeon. Whatever role Justin Gatewood Chenoweth, aka Ratso, aka Channel Cat, played in your life, be it brother, uncle, cousin, or friend, he left an indelible mark on all our lives. He may be gone from our homes, but he will remain in our hearts forever. Justin is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Helen Chenoweth; stepmother, Margaret “Pat” Chenoweth, and brother-in-law, Bruce Pipher. He leaves behind his father, Roy Chenoweth, Sr. of Clay City; siblings, Roy Chenoweth, Jr. (Susanna) of Danville, Ruth Ann Pipher of Indianapolis, Lola Stainbrook of Bargersville, and John Chenoweth (June) of Plainfield; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who thought of him as family. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather on Tuesday, July 26, from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service, along with Military Honors will begin promptly at 7pm, and Pastor Tim Gephart will officiate. Justin will be inurned at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall next to his beloved mother at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Morgan County Humane Society via mail, 690 W Mitchell Ave, Martinsville, IN 46151, or online at https://www.mchumanesoc.org/donate.html, in Ratso’s memory. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in his memory, please search @MonroviaFuneralHome on social media or visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Justin "Ratso" Gatewood Chenoweth

April 3, 1954 - July 16, 2022