Sarah "Dolly" Leatha McCoy

Sarah Leatha "Dolly" McCoy, 88, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at Colonial Oaks, with her family by her side. Born on December 18, 1937, to Samuel Columbus and Neda Columbus-Noggle, Dolly embodied warmth and love from the very beginning. She will be fondly remembered for the laughter and joy she brought to all who knew her.

Dolly's journey through life was beautifully intertwined with her beloved husband, Robert A. "Bob" McCoy, Sr., whom she married on October 11, 1957. Their love story began at Owens-Illinois, where they first met, and together they created a family full of cherished memories. Bob preceded her in death on April 2, 2025.

Dolly devoted herself to her family as a loving homemaker, nurturing her four sons-Robert, Jr., Kevin, Jonathan, and Steve. Her home was a sanctuary, alive with laughter and the beauty of her beloved garden. A proud graduate of Mississinewa High School, class of 1956, she carried her spirit of determination and creativity into everything she did. Dolly was also a member of Bethel Worship Center, where her faith blossomed like the flowers she so lovingly tended.

An avid gardener, a ceramist, and a passionate painter, Dolly found beauty in both nature and artistry. Dolly was a wonderful cook and could put Paula Dean and Emeril to shame. She was known for her lasagna, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better version. A talented crochet artist, Dolly enjoyed creating beautiful afghans, that she loved to bless others with. For nearly 30 years, she cherished the moments spent wintering in Florida, where the sun warmed her spirit and the ocean waves brought her peace. Few knew her as Sarah; to many, she was forever "Dolly," a name lovingly bestowed upon her by her Italian grandmother, recognizing her as "my little Dolly."

Dolly is survived by her sons, Robert (Johanna) McCoy, Jr., Kevin (Dru) McCoy, Jonathan (Cindy) McCoy, and Steve (Tammie) McCoy; siblings, Donny Columbus, Frank "Tony" Columbus, and Dean Columbus; grandchildren, Karmen, Andrew, Mary Beth, Katie, Benjamin, Brittany, Caleb, and Seth; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Graciella, Lorenzo, Elizabeth, Blakely, and Beckham; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mildred McCoy, Jim McCoy, Kathy Esslinger, Gary (Callie) McCoy, Nancy (Larry) Smith, David (Shirley) McCoy, and Joe (Tammy) McCoy; and countless friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents, Samuel Columbus and Neda and Ray Noggle; brother, Sam Columbus; sisters, Mary Ann Smith and Sue Swafford; and sister-in-law, June McCoy.

Funeral services for Dolly will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana, with Pastor Michael Henson officiating. Family and friends may gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to celebrate Dolly's life and legacy. A graveside service will take place at Gardens of Memory, Marion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martin Community Center, 901 South Branson Street, Marion, Indiana 46953.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Diane Binkerd, Nancy Smith, and the staff of Hickory Lane at Colonial Oaks for the wonderful care they extended to Dolly.