Kaye A. Ivins, 90, of Bluffton, passed away on Monday morning, Aug. 18, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on Jan. 15, 1935, in Wells County to Arnold and Gladys (Haughton) Ivins and graduated from Liberty Center High School with the class of 1954. It was during high school that Kaye met Juanita J. Wood, and they were married on July 9, 1955, at the Liberty Center Baptist Church by Rev. Raymond King. They have shared a loving marriage for the last 70 years.
Kaye worked at the Bluffton News-Banner for 32 years in various positions, such as press operator, film developer and ad compositor. He also worked at Dunwiddie Heating & Plumbing and retired from the maintenance department of Peyton’s Northern. He was known as the “butterfly man” and volunteered many hours at the Ouabache State Park, releasing butterflies and building and installing blue bird boxes. A true family man, he never knew a stranger and always looked forward to the family trips to the Michigan Dunes. He was a member of the Bluffton Church of the Nazarene for many years.
Survivors include his wife Juanita J. Ivins; along with three children, Pam (Angel) Bermudez, Liane (Sam) Hirschy and Cory (Shelly) Ivins, all of Bluffton; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Virginia Ivins of Bluffton.
Kaye is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Edson Ivins, Lucille Blair, Ivan Ivins and twin brothers, Ronald and Donald Ivins.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton with Pastor Tim Miller and Pastor Scott Keiser officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene, Wells County Food Bank or Friends of the Ouabache State Park.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.