Christine E. (Everage) Voyles

Submitted by April S. Kenyon 

Christine E. Voyles, age 76, of Salem, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 5, 2025 at her residence. Born October 3, 1948 in Vicco, Kentucky to the late Everett and Lillian (Carroll) Everage, she was a West Washington graduate and also attended Indiana University Southeast in the early 80s, where she pursued a double major in English and Biology. She was a member of Blue River Baptist Church and also occasionally attended Friends of Posey Chapel. Christine was a retired caregiver and formerly employed at Tecumseh Products in Salem for many years. She cared for many of her family members in their last days, providing compassion and care to help ease their transition from this life to the next life with the Lord.

In her youth, she enjoyed playing music with her dad in a local Bluegrass band, and fondly remembered her years growing up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky on Frozen Mill Road. Her family moved to Indiana when she was in the 8th grade, though she joyfully related stories of climbing the hills in the holler where she grew up with her siblings in Eastern Kentucky. Christine loved gardening and enjoyed the outdoors. Her home was surrounded by an abundance of flowers each spring and summer, as well as a huge vegetable garden. Her family lovingly recalls her telling them, "My family is what makes me rich" on a number of occasions over the years. One of her favorite Bible verses was Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." This was instilled in her by her mother, and she likewise instilled it in her children. Christine's family dearly love her and will miss her greatly, though we know she is now with the Lord and in a far better place. We rest in knowing we will one day see her again.

Christine is survived by 2 daughters: Melody Shook (Patrick) and April Kenyon; 1 step-son: Benjamin Voyles (Savanna), whom she loved as her own son; 1 brother: Ronnie Everage (Cari); 2 sisters: Jenny Everage and Karen Johnston (Dean); 2 step-brothers: Darryl Madden and Lonnie Madden (Penny); 2 step-sisters: Linda Lanham (Roland) and Demma Sanders; 9 grandchildren: Noah Shook (Mary Jo), Anna Miller (Logan), Louisa Katon (Joseph), Justin Voyles, Brittney Manship (Shane), Taylor Voyles, Keegan Taylor, Addison Rippy, and Maddalyne Rippy; and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Abel Voyles; father and step-mother, Everett and Dorothy Everage; mother and step-father, Lillian and Goodloe Smith; brother, Wayne Everage; sister, Linda Vanover; 4 step-brothers: Leslie, Donald, Hershel, and Carson Madden; and 1 step-sister: Wanda Stewart.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home-Salem Chapel. Visitation was held Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Services were performed by Pastors Wilbur Stone and Rich Ramsey.