Obituary for Richard “Dick” Sitterding

RICHARD “DICK” SITTERDING

Our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, Richard “Dick” Sitterding, 87, of Batesville, died peacefully on Friday, May 28, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 4,1933, to Harry and Ethel (nee Minger) Sitterding. He was preceded in death by brother Kenny (Theresa), sister Ione Lakey (Chuck), sister Jean Miles, and brother Willis.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn (nee Schone), three sons: Mitch (Mary), Sam (Micki), Kent (Teri), eight grandchildren: Zac (Emily), Shan (Bill), Cathryn (Joshua), Eli, Abe (Amber), Alex (Amanda), Lawson, and Lillie, along with 11 great-grandchildren. 

After graduating from Batesville High School in 1951, Dick entered the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas as a Tank Instructor. His father once joked, “It’s the best job they could have given him. You can’t wreck a tank!” Dick shared that, during his time in Texas, he had his first experience eating spicy food when he was given a hot chili pepper. He was not impressed, and thus began a lifelong aversion to spicy food.

Dick married the love of his life, Marilyn Schone, on June 30, 1956, at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Their reception was held at the Schone family farm where they eventually returned to live in 2001. In 2016, the family gathered to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on the very spot they were married 60 years earlier. 

Dick remained a lifelong member of St. John’s UCC and served as the President of the Church Council for many years and was the “Audio Engineer” for the Ecumenical Easter Choir for 30-plus years as Marilyn lovingly directed.

He was an active member of numerous organizations including the Shriners, Masons, and Lion’s Club. He was a proud member of the Batesville Athletics Booster Club and more often than not, could be found in the stands at just about any Batesville sporting event, especially when there was a grandkid involved.

Dick was an entrepreneur, businessman, and an intensely curious soul. His mind constantly turned, attempting to forecast the next greatest trend. Whether it be selling insurance or modular homes, or simply reading a good history book, his mind rarely settled. In 1979, Dick assumed what would be his greatest business role to date, in being the COO/One-Man-Logistics-Team of Marilyn’s Country Bouquet. A venture initially conceived as a side job quickly gained traction and turned into the family business that carried them all the way to retirement in 2015. 

Full of charm, wit, humor, and a laugh that could fill even the emptiest of rooms, “Papaw” will be intensely missed by all who knew him. A devoted family man first and foremost, he spent his days trailing the family with a camcorder in hand and being a dedicated pool boy to all.

Due to the holiday weekend, memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Batesville Athletic Boosters, or to St. John’s United Church of Christ Music Ministry by bringing to services or mailing to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.. 

The visitation will be Tuesday, June 1, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral service to follow at St. John’s United Church of Christ at 1:30 p.m.  Masonic services will be prior at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Joey Feldmann officiating. Burial in St. John’s UCC Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Ripley County VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.  

Obituary for James C. Spurlock Jr.

JAMES C. SPURLOCK JR.

James C. Spurlock Jr., 75, of Connersville, went to Heaven on Sunday, May 30, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 22, 1946, in Manchester, Kentucky to James C. Spurlock Sr. and Esther Smith Spurlock.

James married the love of his life Roberta Friend on June 12, 1965, in Connersville.

James retired from Ford Visteon in May of 2005, after 41 years of service.

In 1977, James joined the Masonic Lodge. He was a dual member of Warren Lodge No. 15 and Laurel Lodge No. 447. He served two terms as Worshipful Master of both lodges. He earned the prestigious degree from the Indiana Grand Lodge of Ultra Master Ritualist. He was a member of the Indianapolis Murat Shriners, Scottish Rite, York Rite and Eastern Star. He was a Royal Arc Mariner Mason. James was an honorable member of more than 30 lodges across the State of Indiana. He was a Sir Knight of Connersville Commandery No. 6 Knights Templar and was a member of Maxwell Chapter #18 R.A.M., Fayette Council #6 R.& S.M., Connersville Commandery #6 K.T. Along with many accomplishments, he also was an Honorable Kentucky Colonel.

James volunteered for the Salvation Army several times a year. James was also a former member of Laurel Volunteer Fire Dept. and a charter member who started the Laurel EMS. He was a certified EMT.

He enjoyed going hunting, fishing, and tinkering in his garage. Most importantly James valued the time spent with his family.

Along with his beloved wife Roberta of 56 years, he is survived by a son, James K. (Judy) Spurlock, a daughter, Angela S. (Dereck) Fields; grandchildren, Allison M. (Luke) Unker, James E. (Ann) Fisher, Blake Fields, and Carson Fields; brothers, Walter (Beulah) Spurlock, Roy Spurlock, Burton Spurlock, Delbert (Kay) Spurlock, Ronald Clyde (Nancy) Spurlock, Harold (Mary) Spurlock and Mike (Shirley) Spurlock; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Esther Spurlock; a daughter, Judith Lynn Spurlock; sisters, Edna Baker and Lorene Arrington; brothers, Carl Spurlock and Ernest Spurlock.

Visitation for James will be held on Thursday June 3, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville, Indiana 47331. A masonic service will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday with the Laurel and Warren Lodges performing the service. The funeral service will be on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 11 a.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Dereck Fields of Taylor Chapel UMC, Fort Wayne, officiating. Burial will follow in Village Creek Cemetery with Elder Mike Chastain officiating graveside services. 

Obituary for Lori Johnson

LORI JOHNSON

Lori Johnson, 59, of Connersville, passed away on June 1, 2021, at her home after an extended illness. She was born on January 24, 1962, in Connersville, and is the daughter of Larry Lucas and Linda Ammerman Krause. 

On February 14, 1994, she married her husband, Mike Johnson, in Connersville.

Lori loved watching the races, especially cars and horses. She also enjoyed listening to music and she greatly cherished the time she was able to spend with her grandkids.

Along with her husband, she is survived by four daughters, Sarah (Chris Frye) McKinney, Brandy Johnson, Jennifer (Bruce) Pearson, and Kristen Johnson, all of Connersville; a son, Steven (Jennifer Pritt) Toles, of Indianapolis; two sisters, Leann Anaya, of Minnesota, and Ginger Jones, of Virginia; two brothers, Larry (Heather) Lucas, of Connersville, and Donny Lucas, of Indianapolis; her brother and sister in law, Eric and Tonya Johnson, of Connersville; 10 grandchildren; three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law, Marry Jo and Ronnie Johnson, and a grandson, Luke Frye.

Visitation for Lori will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.  

Obituary for James R. Henson

JAMES R. HENSON

James R. Henson, age 72, of Brookville, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. 

Born February 14, 1949, in Barboursville, Kentucky he was the son of the late Martin Edward and Susan (Burns) Henson. On June 27, 1995, he was united in marriage to the former Jane Davidson, and she survives.

James was retired from Owens Corning in Brookville, where he had worked for more than 42 years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed coon hunting, flea markets, gardening and yardwork.

Besides Jane, his wife of 26 years, survivors include two children, Amanda (Greg) Sells of Brookville, Marky Browning of Brookville; four grandchildren, Oaklen Sells, Renley Sells, Shawn Browning and Tori Browning; one great-granddaughter, Brinnley Hiltenbeitel; three sisters, Joyce Pullum of Cincinnati, Ohio, Patricia Henson of Brookville, Ruby Hunter of Brookville; two brothers, Marlin Henson and Steve (Pam) Henson both of Brookville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Harding, two brothers, Sherman Henson and David E. Henson; as well as three infant siblings, Joel, Sophia and Teddy Henson.    

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, 11 a.m., at Galilean Baptist Church, 204 South Morton Avenue, Centerville, followed by a pitch in dinner.

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Henson family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

Obituary for Janice Eileen Rasnick

JANICE EILEEN RASNICK

Janice Eileen Rasnick, age 74, of Brookville, died Sunday, May 30, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, Kentucky. 

Born December 21, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Paul Howard and Alberta Helen (Powell) Boertlein. On August 2, 1975, she was united in marriage to Thomas Rasnick Sr., and he survives.

A homemaker, she was a member of Faith Baptist Church. In her leisure time, she enjoyed taking care of her family and extended family.

In addition to her husband Tom, survivors include three children, Thomas Rasnick Jr.,  John Thomas Rasnick, and Eileen Joan Messerschmidt all of Brookville; three grandchildren, Owen, Kyle, and Olivia Messerschmidt; two sisters, Paulette Schutte of Osgood, and Marlene Woytsek of Cincinnati, Ohio; two brothers, Paul Boertlein of West Harrison, and George Boertline of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Family & friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Roy VanWinkle will officiate the Funeral Services on Thursday, June 3, 2021, 12 Noon, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, burial will then follow in Creekside Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Autism Speaks or the Chappelow Ridge Baptist Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Rasnick family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

FC May Marriage Licenses

Provided by the Franklin County Clerk’s Office

May Marriage Licenses

Alexandra Tess Kirkendall, 24, and Kohl Michael Holmes, 24.

Anne Katherine Mersch, 20, and Zachary Douglas Weber, 22.

Katherine Marie Lohmiller, 32, and Andrew Michael Lawler, 32.

Carrighan Anne Marie Hubbard, 24, and Jordan Michael Blevins, 21.

Kelly Lynn Carf, 51, and Paula J. Gregory, 51.

Kirk Patrick Womack Jr., 24, and Sydney Bree Dieterlen, 19.

Linda K. Sintz, 70, and Randall J. Holman, 66.

Hirenkumar Patel, 43, and Purviben Patel, 37.

Andrew D. Sparks, 33, and Angela L. Morefield, 46.

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Reincarnated or resurrected, same thing?

Theological Column By Adrienne Greene

Q:

Dear Pastor,

What’s the difference between resurrection and reincarnation?

A:

            It makes sense to question the nuances of these two words since they stem from the same general idea: rising from death to life. Yet, if we’re talking about people, spirits and souls, the death-to-life parallel of these two words differs dramatically. One word speaks of salvation and rebirth while the other word is deeply rooted in mythology and spiritual darkness according to the Bible.

            When we search out the meaning of words for greater understanding, it’s important to gather the academic definitions of them first, in order to gain the full picture. Reincarnation is “The belief that the soul, upon death of the body, comes back to earth in another body or form. A rebirth of the soul in a new body.” Resurrection is “The act of rising from the dead. The state of those risen from the dead. Revival.” (https://www.dictionary.com)

            A reincarnated person who dies supposedly returns to earth in the form of another person or creature. It suggests that there are a certain number of souls which are recycled and repurposed, once the host dies. Religions to include this spiritual cycle are numerous and are all in full opposition to the teachings of Christianity. In God’s creation, a human soul is an eternal, one-of-a-kind life and comes intact with its own destiny and plan (Psalm 139:16.) Once the body dies, this God-ordained soul goes to its eternal destination and does not return to earth. Reincarnation suggests that each soul is destined to repeat an exhausting journey from one living thing to the next, over and over. Many branches and tributaries apply, but the main roots of reincarnation come from the anti-Christ tenets of Shamanism (Witch-Doctors), Druidism (The Celtic Druids), Norse mythology (The Vikings), Voodoo (Africa), Hinduism (India) and the Mayans (Mexico.)          

            The Bible is clear that death is final; there are no recycled souls, nor multiple souls involved. Many verses allude to this fact, but none is clearer than Job 7:9 which states: “As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so one who goes down to the grave does not return.” (NIV) The Apostle Paul, who was tasked by God to write thirteen books in the Bible, echoes this truth in the New Testament as well: “It is in the plan that all men die once. After that, they will stand before God and be judged” (Hebrews 9:27, NLV.) Many evangelical giants have used this verse to assure and challenge their audiences, “Everyone dies, then our souls are judged. Do you have Jesus, your Court-Appointed Advocate, in your corner?”

            Resurrection is the Bible’s answer to eternal life, which is what the reincarnation folks are reaching toward. While the term “born again” has been overused or even misused by religious zealots, Jesus himself used the term while assuring one of those people, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, NASB.) Most people are curious about God, right? Even the atheist must have considered God in order to reject the idea. And certainly, if God has a kingdom, folks will want to know about that, too. Thus, being born again opens our spiritual eyes to see God and his kingdom.

So Jesus the Savior explains the need to be born-again—resurrected into a new life. Why would Jesus require new birth? Because he is one-third of the sacred Trinity of Almighty God, and in so being, resurrected himself after a horrible, torturous death. He did it in order to break through the barrier between life and death so we humans could do the same. Now, human beings have the ability to be resurrected two times: once when we accept Jesus as our personal savior, and once when we die. Our confession of faith enables us to discard a life without hope and be born-again into a good life with the Savior alongside. Then, when our earthly body dies, we resurrect all over again and are reborn into our eternal bodies and our heavenly home.

Clearly, resurrection sounds like a better deal. Choose wisely!

Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for sermons and insights

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Obituary for Roberta “Bobbie” June Carel Brandes

ROBERTA “BOBBIE” JUNE CAREL BRANDES

Roberta “Bobbie” June Carel Brandes, age 90, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully at her home in Batesville, on May 28, 2021. Bobbie was the daughter of Elizabeth and Archie Carel. She graduated from Batesville High School–Class of 1948–and worked for several local businesses exhibiting a strong work ethic and personable professionalism that continued throughout her working life. She married Rodney Brandes in August 1955, and her sons Rand and Tim were born in 1956 and 1960, respectively. Bobbie was devoted to her family and proud of their accomplishments.

In 1964, she became the Administrative Assistant for Batesville High School where she served selflessly and skillfully for almost 40 years. In this role, Bobbie worked to support and uplift the students, faculty and staff of BHS. “Mrs. B” helped set-up sporting events, sold tickets at the gate or door, cheered on the teams, and deposited the funds late at night throughout the school year. In 2014, she received the Meritorious Service Award and was inducted into the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame.

In the BHS office, she was a caring guardian of the sick student, the struggling student, as well as the aspiring student, helping with college and scholarship applications. The high school community loved and respected her. Bobbie was a mentor to many, especially the young female teachers and civic-minded young women of the community. She was a trailblazer for the strong and independent women of Batesville that are leading the city’s cultural and civic organizations today.

Known for her generosity and a loyal supporter of philanthropic initiatives in the area, Bobbie could be seen at concerts and fish fries alike. She was active in community life, serving two terms on The Batesville City Council. As with everything in her life, Bobbie was a responsible and engaged council member. She also served on various commissions, such as the Mayor’s Committee for the Performing Arts. In her younger married years, she loved to play bridge and socialize with her friends. Bobbie enjoyed playing golf, scoring a hole-in-one late in life. Once she retired, she spent even more time traveling abroad, spending time with friends and family, solving word puzzles and almost managed to sky dive on her 90th birthday.

In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by her sister Glenda McKittrick and brother Jerry Carel and sister Kay Jarvis. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rodney Brandes; son Rand and his wife Beth of Hickory, North Carolina; son Tim Brandes and his wife Stephanie of Batesville; grandson Blake Harris Brandes and his wife, Valerie Brender of Berkeley, California; brother Orville Moody and several nieces and nephews.
Her family wishes to thank her faithful friends and loving caregivers in recent months. They have cared for Bobbie with skill and utmost respect.

A Celebration of Bobbie’s life will be held at Batesville United Methodist Church on Wednesday June 2, at 10 a.m., followed by burial in the church cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday June 1, from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Batesville Community Educational Foundation, https://batesvilleeducationfoundation.org/alumni/ in memory of Bobbie Brandes or sent to Batesville Community Education Foundation; Roberta “Bobbie” Brandes Legacy Fund; P.O. Box 121; Batesville, IN 47006.

Eaton woman killed in head-on collision Friday in FC

From a Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release

An Eaton, Ohio woman was killed Friday afternoon, May 28, on Southgate Hill in Franklin County as a result of a head-on collision.

It was the first day of the Memorial Day weekend.

Vanessa J. Bailey, 56, was declared dead at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

According to the press release, the Indiana State Police Accident Reconstruction Team and Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies at the scene determined Vanessa Bailey was traveling southbound on Indiana 1 at 2:12 p.m. She was operating a 2012 Mazda 6. Behind her was her husband, Ronald L. Bailey, 54, Eaton, Ohio. He was operating a 2004 Ram truck pulling a trailer. They crested a hill and entered a left-hand curve near the intersection of Ind. 1 and Old Ind. 1.

Heading northbound was David L. Busse, 74, Dillsboro. He was operating a 2015 Nissan Rogue.

Busse said he may have fallen asleep. He crossed the centerline and struck Vanessa Bailey’s vehicle in a head-on crash apparently beginning at Vanessa Bailey’s driver’s door. The force of the impact caused Vanessa Bailey’s vehicle to go off the west side of Ind. 1 and down a grassy embankment. After the collision, Busse’s vehicle rotated in the southbound lane, striking Ronald Bailey’s trailer.

Busse was transported to a Cincinnati-area hospital by Drewersburg EMS-1 for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Ronald Bailey was treated at the scene by EMS personnel.

The accident is still under investigation pending toxicology results.

FCSD deputies were assisted at the scene by the ISP Accident Reconstruction Team, Cedar Grove and Brookville volunteer fire departments, Responder 24, EMS-1 and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

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