Damaris "Dee" Lanell Rader

Damaris “Dee” Lanell (Weaver) Rader, 83, of Huntington, passed away at around 1:00 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at her residence. Damaris was born on November 3, 1942, in Fort Wayne, IN, the daughter of Thurman Weaver, Jr. and Alma Anna Graft. She fell in love at a young age with Larry Gene Rader, who she married on December 3, 1957, in Huntington, IN. They had a wonderful 69 years together. Damaris and Larry worked as a team to open and operate Rader’s Refrigeration and Appliance Service. Customers became familiar with Dee’s friendly voice on the phone and appreciated the refreshments, to which she insisted everyone help themselves. No one remained a stranger to her, and her knowledge of the community was amazingly in-depth. Dee faced life's challenges with her characteristic outsized grit and determination. She was a short lady with a huge spirit. At one point, doctors said she would likely never walk again. She proved them wrong. When she set her mind to something, nothing could stop her. When not working, she enjoyed eating out at her favorite restaurants, spending time with her grandkids, camping and fishing with her husband, going to rummage sales, and coin collecting. In her younger years, she was talented at sewing and embroidery. Survivors include Dee’s sister, Janice Emley of Roanoke, IN; Daughters, Lorraine Crecelius of English, IN, and Pamela Joy Rader Johnston of Huntington, IN; Grandchildren, Angela (Luke) Eck of New Whiteland, IN, Lawrence "Larry" Edward (Kayla) Johnston of North Manchester, IN, Joshua Waters of Huntington, IN; Five Great Grandchildren, Clara Damaris Eck, Shane Thurman Eck, Bryce Johnston, Mallory Johnston, Madilynn Johnston; Caregivers, Aimee Hunt, Barbara Rowley, and Lynn Sutton; and close friends and neighbors, the Leach Family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thurman and Alma Weaver; Husband, Larry Gene Rader; Brother, Alvin Wayne Weaver; and Grandson, Adrian Waters. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, July 31, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary with Jim Snabl officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Huntington. Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Damaris to The New Life Community Meal Ministry, Pathfinder Services, Blessing in a Backpack, or the choice of the donor, in care of Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Damaris Lanell Rader.

Damaris "Dee" Lanell Rader

November 3, 1942 - July 18, 2026