Helen Victoria Johnson, (Vickie) 71, Milan, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Vickie was born on March 17, 1950, in Cincinnati, a daughter to Jonah and Easter Potter Miller. As a homemaker, Vickie enjoyed sewing, coloring, and cooking but most of all enjoyed her family and spending time with her grandchildren.
Those surviving to cherish memories of Vickie include her respected partner of 20 years Billy Lowes, Brother Wayne (Carolyn) Miller of Milan, five children Albert (Barbara) Miller of Milan, Theresa (Gary) Palmer of Milan, Kathy Boggs of Frankfort, Kentucky, John Muschong of Nevada, Melissa (James) Spurlock of Aurora, and Keli Johnson of Milan. Helen has 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.
Vickie was preceded in death by both parents and 10 siblings: Raymond, Melvin, Harold, Lloyd, David, Opal, Ida, Dorthy, Norma, and Anna.
Friends may visit with family on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home 107 Vine Street, Sunman. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Sunman.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger is honored to serve the family of Vickie Johnson.
A Connersville man led law enforcement on a pursuit Wednesday evening before sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives from the Indiana State Police Pendleton District have assumed the lead on the investigation.
ISP detectives learned that at approximately 7:24 p.m., the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call from a female victim reporting she had been engaged in a domestic dispute with her estranged husband, Kevin Fehl, 31, of Connersville. Local law enforcement officers were familiar with Fehl from previous interactions and knew of his propensity to carry weapons. A decision was made to utilize the Connersville Police Department SWAT Team.
SWAT officers staged at a nearby location at approximately 8:24 p.m. While officers were preparing to contact Fehl, one of the officers recognized him as he drove by their location. Officers transitioned back to their police cars and a short pursuit began.
At 8:31 p.m., officers advised Fehl’s vehicle had struck a tire deflation device. Fehl stopped on West Johnson School Road near County Road 710 West. As officers attempted to conduct a high-risk traffic stop, they heard a single gunshot. Officers approached the vehicle and observed Fehl suffering from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head. There were no shots fired by any law enforcement officers during the initial contact nor the pursuit.
Fehl was flown by medical helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis where he is still listed in critical condition.
Fehl has active arrest warrants in Rush County and Shelby County for multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. The charges range from resisting law enforcement to various drug and weapons charges.
The investigation remains active however, detectives have no further information to release at this time.
Sr. Bernetta Stuhrenberg, age 93 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died on September 6, 2021, at the convent. Born as Clara Stuhrenberg on August 1, 1928, in Duncombe, Iowa to Mary (Nee: Naderman) and Henry Stuhrenberg, she was the fifth of seven children born into the family that included six girls and one boy.
Wanting a Catholic education for their children, Sr. Bernetta’s parents made the difficult decision to leave their productive farm in Iowa and relocate to Indiana where the family settled near Millhousen and became parishioners of Immaculate Conception parish, with the children attending the parish school. She would later graduate from Oldenburg Academy, Miller’s Business College in Cincinnati and Marian University in Indianapolis.
While Sr. Bernetta felt called to religious life, before committing, she explored several areas of employment but, experienced a restless longing for something more satisfying. At the time she was living in Cincinnati with her sister, Addie, who felt the same. Sr. Bernetta found her “something more” with the Oldenburg Franciscans, where one of her sisters, Sr. Margaret Mary, was already a member. Addie joined the Trappistines nuns in Massachusetts and the three sisters kept in contact as permitted during the ensuing years.
On August 12, 1960, Sr. Bernetta made her final vows as a Franciscan. During her teaching career she taught all eight grades at St. Louis in Batesville; Holy Name in Indianapolis; St. Vincent in Vincennes; St. Lawrence in Lawrenceburg; St. Aloysius in Delhi, Ohio and St. James in White Oak, Ohio. Following the changes of Vatican II, she chose to pursue parish ministry and served at St. Catharine Parish in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Westwood from 1976-1990. After that, she stayed in Cincinnati working two years in private home care and then became an aftercare specialist at Rebold Funeral Home from 1992-1999. She returned to Oldenburg in 1999, where she visited with patients at Margaret Mary Health and two area nursing homes while also ministering to the homebound in the area. Sr. Bernetta also volunteered in the Development Office and ministered to the infirmed sisters in St. Clare Hall at the convent.
When asked about some of her favorite memories, she once noted, “While serving as a pastoral minister at St. Catharine’s in Cincinnati, I began visiting church members, especially the homebound. At first, I had a dozen or more names on my list to visit, and 15 years later the list expanded to 125. Many volunteers were able to help. I felt needed and deeply appreciated. People seemed comfortable with me, and it was a joyful moment when one or the other would reconnect with our parish.”
Survivors include her sister Rosemary Maschino and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Mary Ann Wenning, Sr. Margaret Mary Stuhrenberg OSF, Sr. Henriette (Addie) Stuhrenberg OCSO, Barbara Sandhage and brother Albert Stuhrenberg.
Visitation is Tuesday, September 14th, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent chapel. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Martin J. Sandhage officiating and burial in the convent cemetery. Guests who have been vaccinated are welcome to attend but masks are mandatory. For those unable to attend, services will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/1DcBXVkWn28. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org)
Jeffrey Frye, 48, of Connersville, passed away on September 5, 2021. He was born on June 21, 1973, to Jerry and Marilyn (Marcum) Frye.
Along with his father, he is survived by his children, Brittany Hersley, Jimbo Evitts, Jeffrey Frye, and Jerry Frye; a sister, Bev and her husband Jeff Nash, his nieces Lexi and Kristin, and his nephew Tyler. He is also survived by his loving Aunt, Alice Frye of Rushville, his Aunt Lora and her husband Frank Wilson of Connersville, and his Aunt Lorna and her husband Jimmi, and seven wonderful grandchildren whom he loved so much.
In addition to his mother, Marilyn, he is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Lillie and Jonnie Marcum as well as his paternal grandparents, Preston and Hazel Frye.
Jeffrey was known for loving tattoos and music, especially heavy metal rock. Jeffrey loved his children, family and friends, and he greatly enjoyed spending time with each of them.
Services for Jeffrey will be held at a later date.
James Edward Beach, Jr., 46, of Connersville, passed away September 7, 2021, at Reid Health, Richmond.
He was born on July 1, 1975 in Dearborn County, to Brenda Starr Adams Beach and James Edward Beach.
On June 2, 2002, Jimmy married Amber Roberts. Mrs. Beach survives.
Jimmy enjoyed watching his sons play football. He also loved watching and going racing, playing pool, and working on cars with his father-in-law and David. He loved to watch people fish and enjoyed his fishing trips with his brother.
Jimmy was always smiling, and he had a grin that could turn any bad day around. His laugh was unforgettable, and his soul was so sweet there was not one person that didn’t meet him and not love him instantly. He loved his church, Crosspointe Biker Church, and all the people in it. He loved being a part of a church that loved him no matter what.
Jimmy was a true family man. He always wanted the family unified, and would pray every night for his family. His family was his life.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Amber Beach; four children, James “Jami” Edward Beach III, Jodi Mischell Childress, RaeAnna Starr Beach, and Brayden Trayce Beach; a brother, Christopher (Alysia) Beach; a sister, Nichole (Butch Hansel) Beach; two sisters-in-law, Natalie (Anthony Bustamante) Roberts, and Odessa Roberts; 13 nieces and nephews; one great-nephew; special cousins, Jamie (Paul) Simpson and Mark (Marie) Arnold; a special goddaughter, Haley McClung and godchildren Ryan McClung and Sherylann McClung; and a special friend, Jerry Parker, who stayed with him and his boys till the end. He also had a best friend of 20 years, David Roberts, who he loved to hang out with at the flat drags in the garage and at the racetracks.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Ronald G. Roberts; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Sylvia Bentley; paternal grandparents, Frederick James and Betty Ruth Beach; and an angel baby.
Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 13, 2021 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Lovett officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cleves, Ohio.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Juanita Ferguson, 90, of Metamora, died Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville.
Born November 14, 1930, in Metamora, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Sarah (Ledford) Allen. She was united in marriage on December 25, 1947, to Henry Ferguson Jr., and he preceded her in death on May 24, 2007.
Juanita was a lifelong member of the Bible Baptist Church in Metamora, and had been active in the Metamora community throughout her life. She worked at the Sampler in Metamora for many years. She was a member of the Franklin County Republican Womens Club.
Her happiest times were whenever she was surrounded by her family, or sitting on her front porch in Metamora.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Randal and Colette Ferguson of Guilford; three grandchildren, Brett Ferguson of Connersville, Shelley (Mike) Turner of Connersville, and Matt (Annette) Ferguson of Dayton, Kentucky; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Henry, she was preceded in death by a sister, Aileen Gunckel.
Pastor Ron McCulloch, of the Bible Baptist Church, will officiate the Funeral Services on Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1 p.m. at the Bible Baptist Church, 19101 U.S. Highway 52, Metamora, Indiana. Burial will then follow in Metamora Cemetery.
Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Bible Baptist Church in Metamora.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bible Baptist Church.
The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ferguson family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
James A. Gillman, 58, of Harrison, Ohio, formerly of Brookville, passed away on September 4, 2021. Jim loved playing cards, watching and attending Reds Games, and spending time with family and friends, especially his nieces and nephew. Jim was a member of St. John the Baptist Church and the Sons of the American Legion.
Jim will forever be missed by his brother-in-law Terry Meyers, sister Connie (Steve) Fohl, nieces Michelle and Jennifer Fohl, nephew Matthew (Stephanie) Meyers, and great nieces Sloane and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Clara Gillman and his sister Debbie Meyers.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jackman Hensley Funeral Home 215 Broadway Street Harrison, Ohio 45030. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, September 9, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at St John the Baptist 508 Park Ave. Harrison, Ohio 45030. Burial will follow at St John Cemetery Harrison, Ohio 45030.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Hospital Linder Center/Heart Research, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Billy W. Edrington, Bill, husband, dad, Pawpaw, Great-Paw, “Billy Bob,” friend, passed away peacefully at home with family surrounding him Wednesday morning, September 8, 2021. He was born July 23, 1952, to the former John and Violet (Konradi) Edrington. Bill was a 1970 graduate of Brookville High School and obtained an Electronics Technology degree from ITT.
He married Christine Smith on August 21, 1971 and she survives.
He worked 18 years for Delta Faucet in Greensburg. Bill then went on to work 18 years for STI in Greensburg, now Showa Denko and retired in 2019.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, Pawpaw, Great-Paw and friend. He loved his dog Gus, camping, the Cleveland Browns, IU Basketball, mastering the grill and smoking meats. He will be missed by his wife; Christine of Rushville, his daughter; Cindy Edrington Jett of Rushville, his son; Sam (Carly) Edrington of Rushville, a sister; Betty (Todd) Williard of Smyrna, Georgia, many nieces and nephews, his grandchildren; Kaitlyn Jett (Trey Laster), Allison Jett (Ty Underwood), Eli and Reid Edrington and great granddaughter; Ava Jane Underwood.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a brother; R. Buddy Edrington and a sister; Janet McKinney.
A time of visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021, in Moster Mortuary, Rushville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sheehan Cancer Center or to Premier Hospice.
Willard (Woody) L Fischesser, 78, of Connersville, went peacefully on his heavenly ride to be with the Lord on Sunday September 5, surrounded by close family.
Woody was born on February 1, 1943, in Cincinnati, to Stephen and Lillian (Linneman) Fischesser. He attended Holmes High School in Kentucky. He later moved and resided in California for 20 years, where he met his true love. On June 7, 1996, he married his wife Donna (Osborne) they were married for 26 happy years. Woody worked in a Union in California and as a Master HVAC technician with Cin Fab in Cincinnati, until he was able to retire at an early age.
Woody loved spending time with his family and his fur babies Ernie and Midnight. He was an avid motorcyclist and enthusiast, he also enjoyed being outside, camping and fishing. Woody enjoyed life, he was always there to brighten the lives of others, without fail he had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips.
Woody is survived by his wife of 26 years Donna along with their three sons: John (Polly) Gipson of Connersville, Wayne Gipson and girlfriend Robin McConnell of Eagleville, Tennessee and Christopher (Amy) Gipson of Connersville, along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He leaves his siblings Donald (Sandi) Fischesser of Milford, Ohio, Stephen (Gayle) Fischesser of Hebron, Kentucky, Doris (Thomas) Koedel of Ross, Ohio and Karen (Everett) Koedel of Liberty, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in his heavenly journey and reunited with his father Stephen, his mother Lillian, two nieces and a granddaughter.
There will be A celebration of life that will be held at a later time.
