Obituary for Martha “Mattie” Shell Sampson

MARTHA “MATTIE” SHELL SAMPSON

Martha ‘Mattie’ Shell Sampson, age 90, of Brookville, died Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Aspen Place Health Campus in Greensburg.    

Born June 10, 1932, in Osgood, she was one of 10 children born to the late Silas and Fannie (Estridge) Shell. She attended the former Brookville High School.

She met the love of her life, Floyd ‘Bud’ Sampson, during the Korean War, and they wed on November 28, 1952. They were married for 63 years until his passing on October 9, 2015. She lived most of her life on a farm on St. Mary’s Road outside Brookville where they raised their four children.

Mattie loved being outside working in her yard and tending to her many flower beds. She was an expert seamstress, making clothing for her children and curtains for her many friends. She made beautiful hand-sewn quilts for her family. She was also a talented artist, with many of her paintings still hanging in the homes of friends and family. She was a member and still active at the Oak Forest Church of Christ in Brookville.  She had the heart of a servant, always willing to do any job needed. She was adored by her family, and she will be fiercely missed.

Survivors include four children, Floydine (Dan) Lucas of Brookville, Brenda (Don) Lanteigne of Indianapolis; Todd Sampson of Indianapolis, and David (Gayle) Sampson of West Harrison; 11 beloved grandchildren, Danna Lucas, Marla Werner, Aaron Lanteigne, Alan Lanteigne, Jeffrey Lanteigne, Jeremy Lanteigne, Eli Sampson, Joel Sampson, Amanda Zehr, Josh Sampson, Logan Spurlock; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; four siblings, Ron Shell of Albany, Wisconsin, Nelson Shell of Broadhead, Wisconsin, Ed Shell of Brookville, and Geneva Slagle of Brookville.

In addition to her parents, and husband, Bud, she was preceded in death by five siblings, Pearl Clause, Art Shell, Chester Shell, Mildred Platt and Betty Tirey.

Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Oak Forest Church of Christ, 13071 St. Mary’s Road, Brookville.

Jim Webster will officiate the Funeral Services at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Oak Forest Church of Christ. Burial will then follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Oak Forest Church of Christ. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Sampson family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Edwin D. “Pete” Kerr

EDWIN D. “PETE” KERR

Edwin D. ‘Pete’ Kerr, age 93, of Cedar Grove, died Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Brookville Healthcare Center in Brookville.    

Born September 15, 1929, in Cedar Grove, he was one of three children born to the late Edwin and Lorna (Hutton) Kerr. On February 14, 1953, he was united in marriage to the former Marie Colegate, and she survives.

Pete was a farmer, having farmed in Franklin County all his life. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Methodist Church, the Franklin County Farm Bureau Co-Op Association, and had been treasurer of the Mt. Carmel Cemetery Association. He was also instrumental in the beginning of the Franklin County Pork Producers organization.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed raising draft mules and horses, making sorghum molasses with his mule team; and cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Besides Marie, his loving wife of nearly 70 years, survivors include four children, Richard ‘Dick’ (Jane) Kerr, Larry (Shirley) Kerr of Cedar Grove, Diane Bolser of Liberty, and Gary (Rhonda) Kerr of Cedar Grove; 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Wendel of Cedar Grove, and Ellen Bolin of New Albany.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dale Bolser, and a grandson, Kyle Jordan Kerr.

Family and friends may visit from 9 until 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Paul Ayers will officiate the Funeral Services at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mt. Carmel Cemetery Association. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kerr family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Henry Riley

HENRY RILEY

Henry Riley, age 89, of Oldenburg, died Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Hickory Creek of Connersville.    

Born February 16, 1933 in Jackson, Kentucky, he was the son of the late John L. and Cora (Turner) Riley. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to the former Shirley J. Bunyard, and this union was blessed with 47 years until her passing on February 12, 2004.

Henry was retired from the former Philco/Ford in Connersville where he was employed for more than 53 years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors; hunting and fishing, and still board shooting.

Survivors include three children, Candy Spurlock of Laurel, Patrick Riley of Oldenburg, Kitty Halcomb of Laurel, 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Helen Wagner of Oldenburg, Mildred Gabbard of Laurel, and Brenda Werner of Greensburg.

In addition to his parents, and wife, Shirley, he was preceded in death by two sons, Nathan Wade Riley and Jonathon Shane Riley; as well as two sisters, Nola Blake and Nancy Stirn.

Family and friends may visit from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Metamora Church of God, 20152 U.S. 52, Laurel, Indiana.

Rev. Wayne Ison will officiate the Funeral Services on Thursday, December 15, 2022, 11 a.m., at Metamora Church of God. Burial with full military graveside honors by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion will follow in Metamora Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Riley family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

Obituary for Shirley Ann Frasur

SHIRLEY ANN FRASUR

Shirley Ann Frasur, 83, of Liberty, died Thursday, December 8, 2022, at her residence following a brief illness.

Shirley was a native and lifelong resident of Liberty, born April 24, 1939, the fifth of eight children born to Joseph and Eleanor Schneider Frasur. She was a 1957 graduate of Short High School in Liberty.

Shirley was a member of the Church of Christ, Liberty and had been employed at the Connersville Credit Bureau for many years.

Shirley enjoyed bowling, traveling, and scratch off tickets.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Richard Frasur of Liberty; a sister, Patricia Frasur Sizemore of Connersville; nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Lois Frasur; and many many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eugene, Robert, Joe Eddie, and Chuck Frasur; her sister, Mary R. Snyder; brother-in-law, Keith Snyder; and sister-in-law, Margie Frasur.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Southview and Reid Hospice, Tonya and Courtney for the care and support given to Shirley and her family.

Following Shirley’s wishes cremation has been chosen. Public graveside services will be announced at a later date. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity, Union County Cancer Fund, or Eleanor Frasur Fund at the Union County Foundation benefiting the West Point Cemetery.

Online Condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Patricia “Patty” Christine Carey

PATRICIA “PATTY” CHRISTINE CAREY

Patricia “Patty” Christine Carey, 52 of Liberty passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022. She was born on January 17, 1970 in Richmond, to Ron Carey and Paula Lawson.  

Patty had a passion for making people feel beautiful by doing their hair and makeup. She enjoyed taking care of the house and most importantly spending time with her family and friends.  

Patty is survived by her father, Ron Carey; step mother, Sherry Fry; mother, Paula Lawson; her significant other, Scotty Buttery; a son, Daniel Carey; a sister, Rhonda (Bill) Johnson, a step-sister, Amy Morris Scott; a brother, Jeff Carey; an aunt, Louetta Carson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Traci Dill; her paternal grandparents, Ed and Della Carey; maternal grandparents, Paul and Ruth Lawson; and a niece, Rachel Pike. 

Patty’s family would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church in Liberty for all their help and compassion.

Memorial services for Patty will be conducted at a later date.

Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to assist with the arrangements. 

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Kayla Maye Spangler

KAYLA MAYE SPANGLER

Kayla Maye Spangler, age 17 of Metamora, lost her courageous battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer on December 6, 2022, surrounded with her family. Kayla was born at Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia on March 31, 2005, the daughter of Lindsey Mauck Spangler and the late Petty Officer First Class Jacob Carlin Spangler.

Kayla is a 2022 graduate of Franklin County High School where she participated in JAG, volunteered in the school food bank and she was crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year which meant the world to her.

She loved animals, specifically wolves and enjoyed the private viewing she was gifted from Wolf Creek Habitat. She was a genuine free spirited soul with a quick wit who always worried more about everybody else than herself. Even though she battled cancer for more than two years, she never let it bring her down and always had a positive attitude and outlook on life. She didn’t let a terminal disease stop her from pursuing her dreams. La loved to travel and through Make A Wish, Lauren Hill’s Foundation and South Central Indiana’s Hospice, those dreams came true. Another dream fulfilled, during her graduation, she was presented with a personal video message from her favorite actor-idol “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson.

In addition to her mother, her memories will be forever cherished by a sister, Bailey Raye Spangler and a brother, Caleb Carlin Spangler. She will be thought of often by her paternal grandparents, Pat Carlin Spangler and Thomas Gary Spangler and wife Darlene, maternal grandfather Marlo “Chip” Mauck.

Besides her father, she is preceded in death by an uncle Eric “Spanky” Spangler.

Friends may gather with the family on December 10, 2022, from 12 noon until 2 pm at Crosspointe Biker Church, 1130 E Baseline Road, Connersville. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Chris Lovett at 2 pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wolf Creek Habitat.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist Kayla’s family with her arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Phillip “Paul” Mathews

PHILLIP “PAUL” MATHEWS

Phillip “Paul” Mathews, 98, passed away peacefully in his daughter’s home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, December 3, 2022, in Liberty. He was born the eldest son to Farrell and Mary Burch Mathews in Metamora, on February 21, 1924.

He was the brother of George (1926 – 1984), Gene (1929 – 1972), Donald (1933 – 2017), and Chris (1936 – 1998). On July 26, 1938, Phillip and his family suffered the tragic loss of their mother, Mary, who was just 38 years old. The loss of his mother would remain with him for all of his days, and he would fondly remember her and share stories about her for all of his life.

Phillip’s family would later grow again with the arrival of two half brothers, Charles (1940 – 2020) and Everett Mathews (b. 1945) who still survives.

Growing up in rural Indiana, Phillip’s family moved around a lot, yet he was active and greatly enjoyed working on area farms. He was born with a green thumb and an appreciation for animals, so his farming experiences suited him well.

When Phil was 18, he joined the United States Navy. He proudly served his country from 1942 to 1946 during WWII. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during the WWII. He was a gunner’s mate on the Liberty ship convoys, when Germany surrendered, they shipped him west to Guam. His ship was used as a Radar Pickett ship. It was hit by kamikaze attack during Okinawa invasion. After that, he spent time in Japan sweeping mines and blowing them up till he was discharged in 46.

While stationed in Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, Elsie Christine Williams. In 1946, the couple married, and he moved Elsie to Indiana, where they welcomed their first son, Thomas Paul Mathews. Phil and Elsie moved back to Massachusetts where they welcomed two more sons, Frederick James and Michael Warren Mathews. After living and working in Massachusetts for a few years, they moved back to Indiana. It is here where they welcomed their first daughter, Paula Christine. She was followed by another son, Robert Farrell, and a second daughter, Karen Ann. Due to the creation of the Brookville Reservoir, the family was forced to move to the quaint village of Brownsville, where the family would permanently settle. In 1971, they welcomed their youngest child and surprise blessing, Amy Jo.

Phillip was a hard worker who was steadily employed. He retired from the Ford Motor Company in 1988.

Phillip was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He was a true family patriarch, a quiet, steady force, who embraced the chaos that a large family can create. In his family’s eyes, never was there ever a more generous man. He had a tender heart that felt deeply. He enjoyed gardening, knife collecting, whittling and carpentry. Over the years, he created countless treasures of delicate wood work for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with his scroll saw as well as beautiful furniture pieces. He always had a story to share, and his shoulder shrug and chuckle will be greatly missed by all that loved him.

In 1992, after 46 years of marriage, Elsie passed away from pancreatic cancer. Phillip mourned his beloved wife for 30 years. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers, stepmother, Lizzie M. Metcalf Mathews (1918 – 1989), sons Tommy (1947 – 2021) and Fred (1950 – 2010), daughter Paula (1954 – 2018), and his great-grandson, David Tyler Heckman (2000).

Phillip is survived by his brother, Everett Mathews of Connersville, his sons Michael of Richmond, Bob of Brownsville, his daughters Karen (Terry) Snodgrass of Liberty, and Amy Jo (Michael) Bass of Tennessee. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, plus his special dog, Hot Dog. All will miss him greatly.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m, Monday, December 12, 2022, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Obituary for George Svirha

GEORGE SVIRHA

George Svirha, 95, of Brookville died on Friday, December 2, 2022, at his residence.

George was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 25, 1927, to Steven and Helen Biro Svirha. After high school, he graduated from Ohio State University. George served his country in the U.S Army. George married Jon Becker on June 6, 1959, in Butler, Kentucky, and they enjoyed more than 61 years together before she died on May 18, 2022. George was a Postal Auditor with the U. S, Postal Service working in Washington D. C., Cleveland, Cincinnati and other locations.

George is survived by a son: John Svirha of Brookville; a daughter: Lori Racer of California; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a sister, Delores Conteen.

Cremation was chosen and there will be no public services. Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements. To send condolences or sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosenberger.com. The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve George’s Family.