A blog about what is going on in the Whitewater Valley
RAY AMRHEIN
Ray Amrhein, 88, of Brookville, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 21 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial, at St. Michael’s will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Donations can be made to the American Legion – Bernard Hurst Post 77 or its firing squad.
A full obituary will be posted when available.
RAY AMRHEIN
Ray Amrhein, 88, of Brookville, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 21 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial, at St. Michael’s will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Donations can be made to the American Legion – Bernard Hurst Post 77 or its firing squad.
A full obituary will be posted when available.
SHANNON O. OSBORN
Shannon O. Osborn, 42, of Connersville, passed away September 14, 2021, in Richmond. She was born November 22, 1978, in Rushville, to James R. and Pamela Sue (Boyer) Bennett.
Shannon married Scott Osborn on September 27, 1997, and he survives.
She worked many years as a CNA * HHA with Advantage Home Health. Shannon had dedicated her last couple years to caring for her mother. She was passionate about the Lord and her family. She had a love for all animals!
In addition to her husband; Scott of Connersville, she is survived by her parents, James and Pam Bennett of Rushville, her sons; Skyler Osborn (Suzanne Seibert) of Connersville and Alex Osborn (Maddy Madison Bailey) of Toledo, Ohio, a grandson; Camden Osborn and “Sister;” Jenny Haynes Hall of Shelbyville. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and uncles; Danny and Ronnie Boyer.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021, in Moster Mortuary, Rushville with Scott Osborn and Ralph Morris presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family at the mortuary on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the Arlington East Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Care Alliance or to Help the Animals both of Richmond.
MARIETTA (SENEFELD) BRIDENHAGER
Marietta (Senefeld) Bridenhager went to her heavenly home on September 1, 2021. She was born October 8, 1926, to John and Mary (Ward) Senefeld in Brookville. She attended Brookville schools, graduating in 1944. She worked at the Jay Garment Factory for three years and worked a year in California while staying with an aunt. She returned in 1948, to work for the privately-held Brookville Telephone Company. She continued her employment when General Telephone and Electric Co purchased the company in 1957. She was a regional supervisor for Brookville, Richmond, and Terre Haute service areas until she retired in 1969.
On December 20, 1969, she married Franklin Bridenhager in Brookville. She worked in Frank’s Liberty law office, focusing on tax preparation and abstract work until they retired in 2003. In 2003, they moved to the Indiana Masonic Home, Franklin, until 2016 when they moved to Arbor Trace in Richmond. The family greatly appreciated the loving care the Arbor Trace family provided to both Marietta and Franklin over the past five years.
In addition to her parents, Marietta was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin, and her sister and brother-in-law, Martha and John Zerr, her brothers Robert and Norman Senefeld, and her brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Bridenhager. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Lillian Bridenhager, and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no public calling. Those wishing to commemorate Marietta’s life are invited to send a contribution to the Bridenhager Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Union County Foundation, 404 Eaton St, Liberty, IN 47353.
JOSEPH C. ZIMMERMAN JR.
Joseph C. Zimmerman Jr., age 90, of Batesville, died Saturday September 11, 2021, at Margaret Mary Health. Born December 6, 1930, in Batesville, he is the son of Elizabeth and Joseph Zimmerman Sr. and served in the army during the Korean War. After the service, he worked construction with Bruns & Gutzwiller for several years before serving as Deputy Sheriff. He would eventually serve as Sheriff, finishing the term of his predecessor. After an unsuccessful re-election, he would go on to work for Batesville Casket, retiring in February of 1993.
Among his many hobbies, Joe loved fishing and woodworking. Some of his projects were bird houses that he used, as he liked feeding the birds and other wildlife around his home. He was also an avid reader of western novels as well as a Bengals and Reds fan. Joe’s faith was important to him and he had a strong devotion to the Sacred Heart.
He is survived by his sister Louise Wells of Cincinnati and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by sisters Jean Goodwin, Betty Reisinger, Rosemary Fisher and brother Harry “Slim” Zimmerman.
Visitation is Friday, September 17, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 and the Ripley Co. V.F.W. Post #3183. Memorials may be made to the St. Louis Cemetery Fund.
KENNETH ROY MURRAY
Kenneth Roy Murray 65, of Connersville, passed away on Monday September 13, 2021.
He was born on July 8, 1956, in Franklin County to the late Robert Murray and Dovie Wolfe Murray.
He married Caroletta Fay Bergen on March 7, 2006, in Tennessee.
Kenneth was enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a member of Buena Southern Missionary Baptist Church.
Kenneth worked at Howden Roots Blower for 15 years.
Kenneth greatly enjoyed hunting, especially deer and squirrels, and you could also find him fishing in his free time.
Along with his wife Fay, he is survived by his children Cheyennea Murray, Michael White, Judy Reece, Michelle Murray; nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren; Siblings, Betty (Elmer) Roberts, Doug (Loumetta) Murray, Lonnie (Linda) Murray, Tom (Dorothy) Murray, Sue (Jack) Ball, Phillip(Royetta)Murray, Alice (Bruce) Howe, Jennie (Gary) Bare, Paul (Brenda) Murray, Sharon Murray and Melissa Murray.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Darrell, Edward, and David Murray.
Visitation for Kenneth will be held Saturday September 18, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Buena Southern Missionary Baptist Church, 25220 Chapel Rd Laurel, IN 47024. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Brother Rob Edwards officiating at the church. Burial will follow in Laurel North Cemetery.
SKYLER S. VANCE
Skyler S. Vance, 35, a lifelong resident of Connersville, passed away suddenly at the home of his parents on September 13, 2021.
He was born April 1, 1986, in Richmond, the youngest of three children of Steve and Cora Vance. He was a 2004 graduate of Connersville High School. While at CHS, he was part of the Homecoming Court as a freshman. He was also a student ambassador and was able to visit Australia for two weeks as a sophomore. He also participated in football while attending CHS. Upon graduation, he went to Montana to train to be a big game guide hunter.
He loved the outdoors, especially the woods, and as he would always say, “I live to hunt.” He shot his first deer at the age of 14 and since then, has had “buck fever” his entire life. October 1 became his favorite day of the year (opening day of deer season). After realizing that being out West just wasn’t for him, he returned to Connersville driving back more than 2,000 miles by himself.
He held different jobs, including starting out as a bagger at Kroger, then as a helper with a tree trimming service. He was so proud when he landed a job at Indiana Downs on the racetrack loading the race horses into the stalls, and he was there for several years. After that, he worked at Stants until four years ago when he became disabled.
Skyler fell deeply in love with Katina Mustin, and they married on September 18, 2015. Together, they had a son, Stephen Lee Vance, who was his pride and joy. He was able to pass down to him his love for the outdoors and hunting.
Survivors include his wife, Katina Vance; his parents, Steve and Cora Vance; his son, Stephen Lee Vance; his sister, Carla (Joey) Bean and his brother Jared (Tiffany Scott) Vance; his nephew, Logan Bean; his niece, Londyn Bean; his maternal grandmother, Ingrid Dylus who played UNO with him for hours after he became disabled; his paternal grandmother, Vera Vance; his aunt, Doris (Eric) McCombs; two uncles Robin (Cindy) Dylus and Brian (Suzanne) Dylus; numerous cousins; in-laws, Chris and Linda Mustin; brother-in-law, Christopher (Sierra) Mustin, along with their children and Addie Mustin.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Peter Dylus; his paternal grandfather, Gwinn Vance; and Katina’s grandfather, Norman Mustin.
Friends may visit from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021, with Pastor Ron Russell officiating.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
JANICE MARLENE (QUINLAN) TAYLOR
Janice Marlene (Quinlan) Taylor, 78, of Noblesville, formerly of Connersville, passed away peacefully September 12, 2021, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Janice was a born again Christian who knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
Janice was born on January 7, 1943, in Brookville, to Charles and Lois (Roberts) Quinlan and was the elder of two children. She was a 1961 graduate of Connersville High School where she played clarinet in the orchestra and was voted most talkative in her class.
She graduated from the Indianapolis Beauty School and was a hairdresser in the Indianapolis area for three years. Later, Janice worked as a florist at several local flower shops. This included Clark’s Flower shop, which was owned by her father Charles for many years.
On October 15, 1965, she was married in Richmond, to Michael Oran Taylor, who survives.
Janice enjoyed traveling the U.S., especially the western states. She also loved being around people and never met a stranger.
Along with her family, Janice was a charter member of Connersville Baptist Temple where she faithfully served the church as a Sunday school teacher, worked in the nursery, and was a member of the church choir.
Janice later attended Everton Southern Baptist Church and more recently Venture Christian Church in Noblesville.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Michael Taylor of Noblesville; two children, Susan (Larry) Stein and David (Jennifer) Taylor, both of Noblesville; two grandchildren, Lydia and Ellie Taylor, also of Noblesville; a brother, Keith (Gladys Roig) Quinlan of Miami, Florida; and many nieces and nephews living throughout the United States.
Janice is preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. the same day at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Buchanan officiating. Burial will be in Laurel North Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
BETH ST. CLAIR
Beth St. Clair, 67, of Centerville, passed away Friday morning, September 10, 2021, at her granddaughter’s home in Indianapolis.
She was born June 19, 1954 in Connersville, one of three children of Ed and Bessie Cullison Todd.
On December 27, 1997, Beth married Earl St. Clair in Columbia. Mr. St. Clair survives.
Beth attained an associate’s degree in accounting, and she was employed for Visteon until her retirement in 2006.
In her leisure, she enjoyed gardening. She especially loved flowers and setting up a fairy garden in her yard. A pet lover, she cherished her two dogs and two cats. She also found enjoyment taking care of horses. Above all, she adored spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed cooking for them, and everyone knew her to be a great cook.
Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Earl St. Clair; four children, Christa Bruns of Connersville, Kevin (Carole) St. Clair of Connersville, Daniel (Michelle) St. Clair of Everton, and Laura St. Clair of Connersville; nine grandchildren, Chelsea (Eric Hart) Sanders, Mallory Sanders, Mackenzie Carey, Katie St. Clair, William St. Clair, Ryleigha St. Clair, Casey (Heath) Bohlander, Brooklyn St. Clair, and Daniel St. Clair; four great grandchildren, including Adalette Dunaway; a brother, Jim Todd; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Joe Todd.
Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home with Reverend Jimmy Wells officiating.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
CHARLES “CHARLIE” WILLIAM PRECHT
Charles “Charlie” William Precht, passed peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the young age of 74 at Reid Memorial Hospital after a treacherous fight against COVID-19.
Born on April 29, 1947, in Batesville, to Harris Precht Sr. and Marie (Wessler) Precht, Charlie was always driven to “get things done.” Soon after graduating from Connersville High School in 1966, Charlie married, and three months later was drafted into the Army. He completed basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and bravely served in Korea as a “sharp shooter”. Charlie would later receive the National Defense Service Medal prior to his exit from the military.
Charlie was a known man around town, rightfully attributed to his comforting demeanor, gentle personality, and ornery sense of humor. He enjoyed eating breakfast and lunch with his group of friends. He served his community in many facets – He worked at HH Robinson, Liberty Mill, Farm Bureau Co-Op, and finally St. Gabriel Catholic Church, from where he retired. When not working, Charlie spent his time as a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Franklin County Pioneer Club, Rushville Pioneer Club, Greensburg Power of the Past Club, Portland Pioneer Club, and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Anyone who knew Charlie knew he lived by three “F’s” – Family, Farm and Fun. Following his retirement, Charlie lived those three “F’s” to the fullest. He went on an Alaskan cruise, attended every tractor show known to him, loved auctions, spending time with his family, traveling with his brother, and avidly collecting Bolens garden tractors. When he was asked about his hobbies, he stated “trains, trains, and more trains.” He was certainly happy spending hours dismantling and repairing old tractors with his good friend Bobby. One of Charlie’s greatest joys in life was having all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren join him in traditions at his farm, especially pumpkin carving and Fourth of July.
Charlie is survived by his six children: Paula (Doug) Struewing, Charles W. Precht II (Christal), Benjamin (Lisa) Precht, Angi (Mike Speckman) Precht-Hewitt, Lacey Precht, Jacob (Danielle Lubbers) Precht; two brothers and sister-in-law, Harris Precht Jr., John and Brenda Precht; 14 grandchildren, Judith (Craig) Mathew, Alesia Struewing, Charles W. Precht III, Daniel Precht, Dylan Precht, Christopher (Marlee) Holzbacher, Paige (Mark) Schlotterbeck, Billy Love, Alex Love, Dustin Powell, Noah Hewitt, Logan Hewitt, Jacob Precht Jr., and Amelia Precht; five great-grandchildren, Matthew Schlotterbeck, Miles Mathew, Maverick Holzbacher, Rosali Schlotterbeck, and George Mathew; lifelong friend, Bobby Amrhein; his companion, Joyce Crank; several cousins; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Charlie’s family would like to thank all his medical team at Reid Memorial Hospital for providing excellent, compassionate, and supportive care during the last weeks of his life. “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Services for Charlie will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, Connersville, Indiana, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel Catholic Church at noon on Friday. Private graveside services will be held at a later time. The family kindly asks that you please wear a mask during the indoor services. Memorial contributions may me made to the family to donate to a cause of their choice at a later date.