Cleada VanVolkenburg Arbuckle

Cleada J (Fletcher) Arbuckle, lovingly known as “Sonny” to many, passed away peacefully in her home on February 19, 2026 at the age of 85. Born on May 30, 1940, Sonny built a life centered in faith, family, and loving people well. Sonny was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother-not only by blood, but by the countless hearts she claimed as her own. She loved God with her whole heart and was guided by her faith in the way she encouraged, prayed, and showed up for the people she loved. Sonny was, above all, a family woman. She was a proud and loving mother, a caring sister, and a deeply devoted grandmother. She was also a cherished great grandmother to 12 and a proud great-great grandmother to 1 - a legacy that brought her incredible joy. Seeing her family grow over the years was one of her greatest blessings. For many years, her home was the heart of every holiday. She loved hosting big meals, filling her kitchen with the sounds of cooking, laughter, and conversation. Those gatherings were never small, and no one ever left hungry. The memories of a crowded table, second helpings, and full hearts remained some of her most treasured times. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially her lottery scratch-offs, always scratching with hope, a smile, and a lucky penny. But more than anything, she loved God and she loved her family beyond measure. That love was steady, fierce, and unconditional. Sonny had a special gift with people. She never met a stranger. Many who weren’t related by blood became family through her love. She welcomed others in, prayed for them, worried about them, fed them, and claimed them as her own. To be loved by Sonny was to know you had someone in your corner, always. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ethel Montgomery Fletcher; her father, Asberry Fletcher; her husband and father of her children, Erving VanVolkenburg; her siblings, Evaleance Miller, Marcum “Nig” Fletcher, Velva Jane Salyer, Mavadean Fletcher, Wayne Fletcher, and Billy Ray Fletcher; her son-in-law, Glenn Sandusky She is survived by her loving husband, Danny Arbuckle; Her children, David (Tammy) VanVolkenburg, Debra Sandusky, and Daniel (Patricia) VanVolkenburg; Her siblings, Hillard Fletcher, Mabel (Eddie) Staerkel, Chat (Sharon) Fletcher, Robby (Linda) Fletcher, Ethel Pariso Center, Roy Fletcher, Ruth Vandola Buford, Patricia (Philip) Rudd, Janice (Curtis) Ropp, and Avanell Sue Mason; Her grandchildren, Tiffany (Mat) DePoy, Andrew (Kayla) VanVolkenburg, Alex (Kathryn) Brettin, Tyler (Brittany) VanVolkenburg, Taylor (Troy) White, Megan VanVolkenburg, Haley (Trenton) Scifres, and Dustin VanVolkenburg She is also survived by her 12 great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, and a wide circle of friends who proudly called her family Sonny’s life was a beautiful example of faith, warmth, generosity, and love. While we will miss her more than words can say, we are grateful for the memories, traditions, and faith she leaves behind, and for the love she planted in all of us. Visitation will be 11 AM CT Tuesday, February 24, 2026 followed by funeral services at 12 Noon CT at the O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc., North Judson, Indiana. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery.

Cleada VanVolkenburg Arbuckle

May 30, 1940 - February 19, 2026