Obituary for Sandra June Blackerby Neal (Complete)

SANDRA JUNE BLACKERBY NEAL

Sandra June Blackerby Neal, 80, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Sandra was born to Helen and Roscoe Blackerby on June 16, 1941, in Herrick Illinois, where she was raised on the family farm. She graduated from Herrick High School in 1959. She married Kenneth Neal on June 5, 1960, in Mattoon, Illinois, and moved to Liberty, in 1964. She worked as a stay-at-home mom until her children entered school. She proceeded to work at Creager’s Dime Store, Heidi Haus Market, Gulley’s Grocery Store, and the Union County National Bank/First Merchants Bank until her retirement. She then devoted her life to caring for her beloved husband, Kenny. She also committed herself to community work, volunteering in the Liberty Grade School’s nurse’s office, serving on the Union County Library Board, and volunteering for numerous Republican Party campaigns and functions.

She is survived by her daughter: Patricia Neal of Richmond; son: Aaron Neal and his wife, Karin Brown; granddaughters and step-granddaughters: Allison Neal, Isabelle Neal, Erin Ashbee, and Anna Brown all of Bloomington; honorary daughter: Elaine Robinson of New Paris, Ohio; sister: Sharon Bolyard and her husband, Jim, of Ramsey, Illinois; brother: Larry Blackerby and his wife, Brenda of La Quinta, California; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son: Eric Neal; daughter-in-law: Leigh Neal; sister: Nelda Kay Waggoner and husband Ronnie; sister-in-law: Beverly Hutchcraft and husband Ernie; brother-in-law Wayne Neal and wife Janet.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Friends Fellowship for the loving care they extended to Sandra for the last five years. They are also grateful to the Reid Hospice staff for their compassion and care over the past three weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union County Library, West Point Cemetery, and Union County Food Pantry.

There will be a graveside service at West Point Cemetery for family and friends on July 21, at 10 a.m.

Sandra is in the care of Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home.

Obituary for Beverley Perkins

BEVERLEY PERKINS

Beverley Perkins, 77, of Connersville, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond. She was born on July 30, 1943, in Montreal, Canada. On October 25, 1972, she married John Perkins.

Beverley had worked for many years at Pavey’s Grocery in Everton. She was known by almost everyone and will be greatly missed by all of her coworkers and friends that she made while working there.

She was an avid Notre Dame sports fan and loved hockey. Beverley absolutely adored animals, especially dogs and cats. Even though she was born in Canada, she was very patriotic and proud of the United States.

Along with husband, John, she is survived by three sons, Chris Sweeny, John (Stephanie) Sweeny, and Jason (Alisa) Perkins; five grandchildren, Caylen and Pierce Sweeny, JD Perkins, Elisabeth Joy Perkins, and Nikki Sweeny, as well as all of her friends, family, and customers from Pavey’s.

She was preceded in death by a son, Roy Perkins.

A Celebration of Life for Beverley will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 2 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville. 

Obituary for Susan Dare

SUSAN DARE

Susan Dare, 71, of Liberty, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021, at her home. She was born on January 17, 1950, in Richmond, and is the daughter of the late Harry Dils and Juanita Batcher Dils. On August 20, 1976, she married Terry Dare. They were able to share 38 years together before he passed in 2014. They were members of Gold Wing Road Riders Association and enjoyed riding their motorcycle, as well as line dancing together. She also belonged to the American Painted Horse Association. Susan liked to sew and was an amazing gardener, and especially loved taking care of her beautiful flowers.

She is survived by a son, Justin (Jessica Warnock) Dare, and a stepson, Terry Joe (Debbie Estep) Dare; two brothers; five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Chris Earlywine, and a brother.

Visitation for Susan will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., at the funeral home, with burial to follow in Elkhorn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County 4H. 

Obituary for Eula Elizabeth Elam

EULA ELIZABETH ELAM

Eula Elizabeth Elam, 83, of West College Corner, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021, at Oxford Healthcare Center.

One of three children of Cecil and Vada Porter Elam, Eula was born in Jacobs, Kentucky on October 22, 1937, and graduated from Union High School with the class of 1956.

For many years, Eula was employed at J and J Packaging in Brookville, retiring in 2002.

Eula was a 54-year member of Stone Valley Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. Recently, she was attending Trinity Holiness Church in West College Corner.

Survivors include three cousins, Ginger (Earl) Wiles, David Scott (Rachel) Sizemore, all of Hamilton, Ohio, and Donna (Wayne) Brack of West College Corner.

Eula was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, David Ronald Elam; and an infant sister, Joyce Rae Elam.

Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Stone Valley Church, 3945 Wernle Road, Richmond, Indiana. Pastor Anthony White will officiate. Burial will be conducted in Old Fairview Cemetery, Elliott County, Kentucky at the convenience of the family. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, Connersville has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Latonia, Kentucky kayaker dies on Whitewater River in Hamilton County, Ohio

Media reports

A Kentucky woman died after her kayak flipped on the Whitewater River Saturday, July 3, according to the Hamilton County, Ohio’s Sheriff’s Department reported by WLW-T.

Declared dead at the scene was Bobbie Egan, 60, Latonia, Kentucky.

According to WLW-T, it happened around 12:30 p.m. when crews responded to the 9100 block of Lawrenceburg Road for reports of an overturned kayak.

Officials sent a boat down the river and fellow paddlers performed CPR until emergency responders were on scene. However, according to Eagle Radio’s website, Egan could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bright, Harrison, Whitewater, Miami, and Colerain fire departments assisted at the scene.  

INDOT to hold public hearing about Indiana 244 in Rush and Shelby counties

INDOT press release

The Indiana Department of Transportation will host a public meeting next week to inform people about a new project coming on Indiana 244 in Shelby and Rush counties.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14. The meeting will be held at the Saint Vincent Catholic Church (4218 E Michigan Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176). 

The formal presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Afterward, project team members will be available to answer any questions about the project. 

The Ind. 244 project is a rehabilitation project from the intersection of Michigan Road and Ind. 244 in Shelby County to approximately Deer Creek in Rush County.

The project will include new pavement at various locations and the construction of new shoulders, side ditches and drainage replacement.

FC property damage accidents from June 28 through June 30

Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

June 28

Richard Hinson, St. Mary’s Road, Brookville, at 4:48 p.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on Indiana 252 and was following another vehicle pulling a camper. The Hinson vehicle was attempting to pass and oncoming traffic caused the Hinson vehicle to veer off the south side of the eastbound lane of Ind. 252. Hinson’s vehicle continued off the road and onto a residential property sideswiping a second vehicle, which was parked with its front facing north. Hinson’s vehicle continued, striking a parked camper facing west. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.

June 30

At 8:09 a.m., a vehicle operated by Thomas Klenke, Indiana 252, Brookville, was westbound on Ind. 252 when a deer ran onto the road and Klenke’s vehicle was unable to stop in time, striking the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.

Ronald Sheperd, Carthage, at 8:15 a.m., was operating a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 52. Sheperd stated he did not see a second vehicle heading westbound on U.S. 52, and operated by Amber Orozco, Dunezant Drive, West Harrison. Sheperd’s vehicle turned in front of the Orosco vehicle, causing a collision. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Robinson investigated the accident.

Rodger Robertson, Levee Road, Brookville, at 10:12 a.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Ind. 229, when he stated the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck two mailboxes and a culvert before rolling over and coming to rest on its wheels. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brad Lecher investigated the accident.

FC Arrests from July 2 through July 5

Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

July 2

Adam C. Kelly, 43, Hamburg Road, Laurel, was arrested at 12:30 p.m., at the New Castle Correctional Facility by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on an Arrest Warrant.

July 3

Caleb W. Hackman, 24, Osgood, was arrested at 6:27 p.m. at Tractor Supply in Batesville by Batesville Police Department Officer Stephen Sienerd for Theft.

Kenneth R. Kelly Jr., 32, Test Road, Richmond, was arrested at 6:59 p.m., in Brookville by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Bowers for two counts of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

July 4

Zachary W. Allen, 25, Stone Church Road, Laurel, was arrested at 1:19 a.m., at a residence on Stone Church Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Enzinger for Disorderly Conduct.

Laura F. Perry, 38, Averdick Street, Oldenburg, was arrested at 1:44 a.m., by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Bowers, in Oldenburg, for Disorderly Conduct.

Dalton A. Precht, 38, Division Street, Brookville, was arrested at 6 a.m., by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Windle at the Franklin County Security Center for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

July 5

Randall C. Allen, 58, Whitcomb Road, Brookville, was arrested at 9:19 p.m., at the intersection of Indiana 101 and Fox Run Road by Indiana Conservation Officer Corey Norrod for Domestic Battery with Moderate Bodily Injury and Resisting Law Enforcement.

Charles L. Braden Jr., 51, East 12th Street, Brookville, was arrested at 1:30 p.m., at the Dayton, Ohio Jail, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on an Arrest Warrant.

Jeremiah T. Morton, 20, Pucksinwah Point Drive, West Harrison, was arrested at 12:34 a.m., at Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, by Mount Carmel Police Officer J. Walker for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangerment.

Obituary for Sr. Rosaire Bishop OSF

SR. ROSAIRE BISHOP OSF

S. Rosaire Bishop, age 87 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died on July 3, 2021, at the Motherhouse in Oldenburg. Born as Mary Kathleen on October 7, 1933, in Indianapolis, to Charles and Marie (Scharfenberger) Bishop, she was the third of 11 children born into the family, and arrived on her parents’ second wedding anniversary. Her parents’ first-born were boy-girl twins, and later they would welcome a second set of boy-girl twins. After welcoming nine girls and two boys to the family, her parents often joked, “The only way we could have any boys was through twins.”

A native of Indianapolis, Rosaire’s parents often read to their children – which launched Rosaire’s life-long quest for knowledge. The family attended Assumption Parish, and Rosaire graduated from St. Philip Neri grade school followed by St. Mary Academy. By the third grade, Rosaire had decided she wanted to be a Sister, but it was during her high school years at St. Mary Academy that she became familiar with the Oldenburg Franciscans and made her decision to enter the Community.

Rosaire entered in 1951, following in the footsteps of her older sibling, S. Madonna, Through the years Rosaire earned a bachelor’s degree in Education at Marian College in Indianapolis, a master’s of Arts degree from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA in 1970; a certificate in Egyptian Culture at the American University in Cairo in 1974, and finally a master’s degree in Library Science from Indiana University in 2003. S. Rosaire expanded her teaching knowledge by enrolling in offerings at the Robert Taft Institute of Government at Indiana State University; Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge in King of Prussia, PA; International Studies at Westminster College in New Westminster, PA; Economic Workshops at IUPUI; and Geographic and Cultural Literacy of the Middle East at The University of Michigan.

The Franciscan’s 40-year teaching career began in 1953, and included St. Aloysius in Bridgetown, Ohio; St. Francis in Kansas City, MO; St. Wendel in Wadesville; St. Peter in Chillicothe, Ohio; St. Clare in Cincinnati; and the following schools in Indianapolis; St. Christopher, St. Mark, Little Flower, St. Bernadette, Central Catholic, and Martin University. Rosaire changed her career path in 1996, to serve as a librarian at both the Sisters’ Motherhouse and Oldenburg Academy, leaving the Academy in 2005, but continuing as librarian for the Sisters until her retirement in 2018.

Rosaire once noted, “I enjoyed teaching in the classroom environment, and each summer I would expand my knowledge through additional learning to prepare myself for the coming school year. In the early 70s, our Community nominated three Sisters to travel to Egypt, and I was fortunate to be nominated. We explored Athens, Greece and Cairo, Egypt. We visited a pyramid, rode a camel and captured lots of slides, which I shared with students and other teachers as a unique international learning experience. I believe learning is a lifetime process, and it has filled my life.”

She is survived by sisters Sr. Madonna Bishop OSF, Thelma Bray, Ann Morrison, Cathy Stebanau, Joan Forthofer, brother Jerry Bishop and numerous nieces and nephews. She’s preceded in death by her parents, sisters Joella Frentz, Linda Cox, Alice LaPenza and brother Harold Bishop.

Visitation is Wednesday, July 7, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent. Funeral services follow with Rev. Michael Chowning officiating and burial in the convent cemetery. Those who have been vaccinated are welcome to attend but masks are mandatory. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed 3 p.m. Wednesday at https://youtu.be/3cEN2VOsFiE. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org), P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana 47036

Obituary for Jack A. Heeter

JACK A. HEETER

Jack A. Heeter, 86, of Liberty, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Ambassador Healthcare in Centerville. He was born on November 28, 1934, in Churubusco, and is the son of the late Russell Simmons and Nora Leaf Heeter. After graduating high school, Jack attended college in Madison, WI, where he earned his degree from the Graduate School of Banking.

On September 12, 1954, he married Marilyn Naylor at Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church of Liberty. They were able to share an amazing 62 years together before she passed on December 11, 2016.

Jack was an active member of Edwards Memorial UMC and taught Sunday School. He had been employed as the vice president of Union County National Bank in Liberty and Lake City Bank in Warsaw. Most recently, he had enjoyed working on the mill side at the Union Co. Coop.

He was known for being very involved with his community. He served on the Union County School Board and held the office of president, as well as president of the Salvation Army. He was an integral part of creating and building the first softball diamond for girls in Union County, and he also often refereed for high school basketball.

Jack is survived by his four daughters, Melissa (Phil) Dunnington, Michele Salsbery, Marla Geeskie, and Monica Heeter; two sisters, Lynn (Joe) Wilkey and Nancy (Jim) Derry; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and his special sweetheart, Mabel Hensley.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sue Peppas, and his beloved dog, Maggie Jane.

Per his wishes, there will be no public services. The family would like to give a special thanks to Reid Hospice, Dr. David DeSantis, and the staff of Ambassador Healthcare, especially Michelle and Brittany, and to Chaplain Rick Alvey for his care. Memorial contributions may be made to Union County Cancer Association. Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.