06/13/2026
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Rovene Quigley, whose dedication and support played an important role in maintaining The Crump Theatre.
Historic places like our theater cannot thrive without the commitment of volunteers, advocates, and community members who generously give their time and talents. As we remember Rovene, we are also reminded of the many volunteers whose hard work keeps this historic landmark alive.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ardent Crump Theatre supporter, Rovene Quigley passed away May 26, 2026. Here is an excerpt from my book, “Columbus, Indiana’s Historic Crump Theatre” regarding Rovene and her passion for the Crump:
“Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Crump was open on a very limited basis. This time period in the theater’s history was filled with work on the building’s infrastructure. Its needs were overwhelming."
"Rovene Quigley assumed the job of Crump Theatre manager as an unpaid volunteer in September 2003. Rovene’s first involvement with the theater, however, dates back to 1972. As a member of the Driftwood Valley Arts Council (now the Columbus Area Arts Council), she proposed that the DVAC buy the Crump for the purpose of turning it into a community arts center."
"In the late 1980s, she heard that the Crump was for sale and spoke with Michael Rembusch about buying it. Things would not progress beyond the talking stage."
"In the early 2000s, Rovene took a portion of the Crump funds and had the old electrical system updated. The work included all new electrical panels and some rewiring. She played an instrumental role in getting local contractors to donate labor hours to further the necessary repairs and updates that the building’s infrastructure desperately needed."
“I worked the jail inmates. They spent the whole winter cleaning this place,” Rovene told me during a May 28, 2013 interview at the Crump. Rovene did run a few movies at the Crump, but with little success. But Rovene’s true strength was in the hosting of live music events where she developed a strong bond with the young people in Columbus while doing so. She recalls, “When I first started here, I said, ‘I think I’ll have a yard sale.’ I talked to Casey Cole, who had a band, and I told him to bring his band down and make some noise while we’re having this rummage sale. So they did. I mean, 150 kids showed up. So I talked to Casey, and I said, ‘Let’s try a night and get some more bands together and see what happens.’ We were rolling for a while.”
"Personally, this is Rovene’s most important role. Through her efforts, a younger demographic was made aware of two things: the naked beauty of the Crump, and its challenges. The Crump had once again become a place where memories could be made. As those of us who fondly remember the Crump of our younger years, so too will this new group of young people. To me, this is the key to any future the Crump Theatre might have. It is extremely important for a younger demographic to have the opportunity to build their own memories inside this special place. If our children are not aware of it, it will no longer serve a purpose. It will no longer have a history. It will most definitely be overlooked and forgotten. There must be that relationship between the two in order for it to survive. And because of this, I believe that Rovene has played an extremely important role in championing the Crump Theatre’s future.”
Rest in peace, Rovene. It was my pleasure to call you a friend, and thank you for all of your efforts and determination.
David Sechrest
Historic Columbus Indiana
