Alice Jane (AJ) Daggy, 95, died Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond, IN, surrounded by family. She was born at home on August 1, 1925, in Chicago Heights, IL, to Morris and Myrtle Evans Stanley. She attended local schools and then entered Earlham College in the fall of 1943. AJ was the first woman in her family to receive a 4-year college degree. She met James Daggy at Earlham during their senior year (1947), and they were married on September 17, 1949. When Jim was in medical school and completing his residency, she worked in the catalog departments of Harper Library (University of Chicago) and Indianapolis Public Library. They moved to Richmond in 1952, where Jim joined his father, Dr. B.T. Daggy, in his medical practice. In the last several years of their lives, AJ and Jim lived at Friends Fellowship Community, where Jim died in 2013.
AJ was a loving wife and mother and an active and caring part of the Richmond community where she was a member of Central United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women (UMW), Elizabeth Circle, Wayne-Union Medical Auxiliary, YWCA, Literary Club, Women’s Club, Strings Unlimited, DAR, Adult School, Tourists, and Whitewater Ballroom Dance Club. She also served on the boards of the YWCA, Symphony Women, Meals on Wheels, and the Earlham Alumni Council. AJ tutored reading and literacy at Test Junior High School for several years. In addition, AJ and Jim volunteered countless hours at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, the Richmond Rose Garden, Sister Cities, and the Plant Exchange.
AJ had a welcoming spirit; her home was always open to family and friends, as well as Earlham students who couldn’t make it home for holidays and international visitors who wanted to stay with local families. She was an avid reader and a dedicated correspondent, hand-writing hundreds of letters and Christmas cards every year. She and Jim had many travel adventures in various areas of the world and enjoyed visiting family and friends.
AJ was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother Adeline Stanley, and her beloved husband, Jim. Survivors include her sister, Margaret Gessner, her children Patty (Howard) Lamson of Richmond, Bruce (Marie) Daggy of Williamsburg, and Carol (Ned) Pennock of Centerville, OH; grandchildren Dan O’Maley (Reinaldo Germano), Monica (Kenny) Dugger, Christina (Adam) Rothenberg, Evan Pennock, Jensen Pennock, Rick (Rachelle Alviar) Stolnacke, and Shawn Stolnacke. AJ also leaves behind several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her survivors also include many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her youngest great-grandchild, Addison Rose Rothenberg, was born on April 9; AJ was so happy to meet her on FaceTime.
The family appreciates the many years of loving care provided by Friends Fellowship Community.
Contributions may be made in memory of AJ to Earlham College or Central United Methodist Church.
Private graveside services have been arranged by Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.