Our Experienced Staff

Each of the staff members at Raven-Choate Funeral Home is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.

Please take a few minutes to get to know our staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.
 

CHARLES G. CHOATE, Owner/Funeral Director Charles was born in Herrin, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Management and an A.A.S. in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1990. Charlie purchased the funeral home on December 1, 2001. He is a member of the Moose Lodge, the Elks Lodge, the Aero Club, McCulloch Lodge No. 737, F&AM, and the Samaritan Lodge No. 105 F&AM, all of Marion.  Charlie has one daughter, Sydney.

KAYLA BATTISHILL, Funeral Director Kayla was born and raised in Gas City, Indiana.  She is a graduate of Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana with a bachelor's degree in general studies, an associate's degree in arts, and a minor in music.  She is also a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science class of 2008, obtaining an associate's degree in Mortuary Science.  Kayla enjoys music, reading, movies, crafting, and spending time with family.  Her parents live in Gas City, and she has one brother.  Kayla and Tyler are the proud parents of twins, Treb and Townsen.  They reside in Converse and attend Grace Community Church in Marion.

TYLER TROXELL, Funeral Director Tyler was born and raised in Union City, Indiana.  He attended Indiana University and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 2006.  He obtained his funeral director/embalmer licenses in Indiana.  Tyler enjoys movies, computers, sports, hunting, cars, antiquing and working out.  Tyler and and Kayla are the proud parents of twins, Treb and Townsen.  They currently reside in Converse and attend Grace Community Church in Marion.

BRENDA HENSLEY, Manager/Pre Need Family Service Counselor Brenda has been with the funeral home since March 1996. She was born in Marion and has lived in Grant County all her life. She is a graduate of Mississinewa High School and Wright School of Cosmetology.  She is also a licensed Pre Need Counselor for the funeral home. She is the mother of daughter, Lyndsay Speikes (husband, Corey) of Urbana, Maryland; and son, Justin Whitton of Miami, Florida.  She is also the proud "Nana" of two granddaughters, Madison & Keira Speikes and grandson, Jamison Speikes. Brenda enjoys cooking, reading, bowling, shuffleboard, traveling and spending time with family and special friends.  She is a member of the Gas City Moose and she and her husband, Greg reside in Gas City.

SUE (DAVIS) HOSTETTER , Pianist Sue has been on staff with the funeral home for many years providing music for viewings and funeral services . Officer status in professional, civic and various local church organizations, coupled with human resources positions has provided Sue with opportunities to interact with and serve people. Sue has 3 grown daughters. "I am proud to be a part of the Raven-Choate staff and share their belief of serving each family with integrity and care, thus providing a service that is a loving tribute."