COLUMBUS
Jewell Daisy (Head) Ping-Taylor passed away in the early morning of April 15, 2024, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hope, Indiana.
Born on March 3, 1935, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Jasper Head and Mary E. (Miles) Head-Hill, Jewell graduated from Columbus High School in 1953. She married Lloyd M. Ping on April 9, 1955, in Columbus, Indiana. He preceded her in death on July 5, 2009. Together, they raised seven children: Allen (Linda) Ping, Gary (Charmella) Ping, Susan (Gene) Perkinson, Jeff (Toni) Ping, Ronald Ping, Kendall Ping, and Steven (Heather) Ping.
While raising her seven children, Jewell returned to school and completed her nursing degree in 1975 from Ivy Tech Community College. She worked at Columbus Regional Hospital for 29 years. After retirement, she worked part-time for the Grandparents Program at Cross Cliff Elementary School and Children Inc.
A devout Christian, Jewell’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a dedicated member of her church, where she found profound joy in Bible study groups and church activities, particularly as a Sunday School teacher, sharing her love and passion for Jesus with children. Her love for Jesus inspired her to live a life of compassion and service, extending her kindness and care to everyone she met. Beyond her commitment to her faith, Jewell had many passions including music, playing the piano, sewing, and crocheting. These crafts were another expression of her love, creating warm garments and gifts for her family and community.
Jewell and Lloyd were avid gardeners and preservers, canning fruits and vegetables which helped nourish their large family and extended community. She loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays and spent many hours preparing homemade rolls using her mother’s family recipe. She baked for many days preparing a feast for her growing family, while shopping many months in advance of the holidays to ensure each person had a special gift under the tree.
She is survived by her sisters Margeret Cox (Junction City, Alaska), and Roberta Wallace (Cimmaron, Kansas), and brother Donald (Bertha) Head of Greensburg, Indiana. Grandchildren, Raedy (Steve) Ping, Cory (Amanda) Ping, Kylaina (Mike) Walker, Branson (Lauren) Ping, Josh Perkinson, Kristina Perkinson-Doran, Leland Gene Jr. (Shannon) Perkinson, Loretta and Renata Mize, Dustin Ping, David (Shelby) Ping, Leah (Tyler) Ross, Lynsey (Joe) Ping, Larrisa (Austin) Ping, Nikki Davis, Kendra (Adam) Ping-Farabaugh, Kensie (Shane) Turner, Courtney (Victor) Nolting, Keith Ping. She has twenty-eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Delmas (Doc) Hill, husband, and brother-in-laws, Larry Cox, Tom Kelsay, and Milton Wallace.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, April 24th, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Larry Perkinson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial will be at Flatrock Baptist Cemetery on 550 N, Columbus, Indiana.
Memorials may be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society.
You are invited to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a condolence message online at www.jewellrittman.com.