Zada Jolene Cavins

Zada Jolene Cavins Duncan, 78, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025. She was born on October 5, 1947, and was the beloved wife of the late David Wayne Cavins.

Zada was a devoted mother to James (Kelly) Cavins of Lafayette, Anna Goble of Lafayette, and Rebecca (Frankie) Pritchard of Lafayette. She was a proud grandmother to Morgan Pritchard, Raelyn Pritchard, Michael Richardson, Kristina Lopez, and Natasha Diaz, and was blessed with several great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

She is also survived by her brothers Bill Duncan and Clyde Duncan Jr., sisters Brenda Hardesty and Cindy Haurez, and a young man she loved like a son, Bryan Long. Her dear sister-in-law and true friend, Betty Cavins of Monroe, Michigan, also survives.

Zada was preceded in death by her father Clyde Duncan Jr, her mother Ruby Duncan, her father-in-law Claude Treece, mother in law Anne Treece, sister in law Joyce Duncan, nephews Timothy Haurez, Jeff Mills, and Mark Mills, her brother-in-law Harley Mills Sr., and sister-in-law Carolyn Mills.

Zada spent her career working in the laundry division at Home Hospital in Lafayette, where she was known for her strong work ethic and kindness toward everyone she met. She was an old-fashioned soul who still loved to hang her laundry out on the line, enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, and always had a warm, infectious smile that could light up a room.

In her later years, Zada found great joy in the company of her friends at Glasswater, where she could often be found chatting, laughing, playing bingo, and cards. She loved watching Elvis and western movies. You could often find her listing to Elvis or gospel music on the radio and she especially cherished a good slice of watermelon-her all-time favorite treat.

Above all, Zada was a loving mom, grandma, sister, and friend whose heart was as big as her smile. Her family and friends will miss her deeply but find comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones gone before her.