WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Larry Gene Rayhill, age 79, of Sturgis, and a former resident of Elkhart and Mitchell, Indiana, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born October 31, 1946 in Mitchell, Indiana, son of the late Herschel McKinley and Ida Iva (Dye) Rayhill. Larry spent his early life in Mitchell and was a graduate of Mitchell High School with the Class of 1964. He had resided in Sturgis for the past six months, coming from Elkhart.
Larry retired from the Elkhart Community Schools following more than 25 years of dedicated service in the buildings, grounds, and maintenance department. Even after retirement, he continued working part-time for several years. Earlier in his life, he was employed for 13 years at Thompson Dairy in Bedford, Indiana.
Larry had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, traveling to parks, and taking walks with his dog. He found great satisfaction in woodworking, working on cars, and refinishing antique furniture—often treasures he discovered at sales and auctions. He had a special love for animals, especially his dogs, and always seemed to have a project he was happily tinkering with.
He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Katrina) Rayhill of Sturgis and Jason Rayhill of Bedford, Indiana; grandchildren, Audriana Phillips, Breeana Rayhill, Chance Rayhill, and Seth Wright; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Callie, Kade, and Kisten; his twin brother, Gary (Diane) Rayhill of Mitchell, Indiana; step-daughters, Pamela Bollero and Michelle Slabach; step-sons, Joe Mike Slabach, Kent Smith, and Kevin Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jaden; sister, Sue; and brothers, Charles, Virgil, Ernie, and Claude.
In honoring Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 County Road 19, Bristol, Indiana 46507.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
