Van D. Spangler, age 83 of Osgood, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. He was raised by Ned and Minnie Maye (Spangler) Craft born to Fayette Dotson and Minnie Maye Spangler on August 1, 1937, in Mayking, Kentucky.
Van owned and operated the Foreign Car Service in Greensburg for many years and before that he ran Eastside Auto in Greensburg. When he was younger, in the early ‘60s he was a horse jockey. Van liked fishing, hunting and being outdoors. He enjoyed refinishing or redoing old furniture in his spare time too. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.
Survived by daughters, Shelley Snapp (Thomas) of Osgood, Rhonda Bennett (Chris) of Lake Santee and Melinda Abel (Todd) of Indianapolis; sons, Mike Spangler (the late Lea) of Franklin, Van Spangler Jr. (Juanita) of Bean Station, TN and Gary Spangler (Janet) of Batesville; 12 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; along with siblings, Eugene Craft (Vonda), Richard Craft (Alice), Jeff Craft, Eva Pace (the late Jerry), Jeff Dotson (Nancy), Rob Dotson (Lisa), Sue Reese (Gary) and Frank Dotson (Betty).
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Spangler and one granddaughter Kimberly Spangler.
Visitation will be Monday, March 1, 2021, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with a 12 p.m. funeral service all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Rev. Shawn Crisman officiating. Burial will follow in Rossburg Cemetery in New Point.
Memorials may be given t the Ripley County Humane Society by bringing to services or mailing to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
In accordance with the Indiana COVID-19 precautions, all attending are required to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing protocol. If you are not feeling well, or if you have compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
James Odus Prince, age 54 of Batesville, passed away on February 21, 2021. The son of Russell Prince and Shirley (McBride) Smith was born on June 6, 1966, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamee Criber; his mother, Shirley Smith; three grandchildren; sister, Tammy Coleman; and brothers, Dwayne Prince, Michael Prince and Craig Prince.
James liked fishing and spending time with his friends and family.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister Lisa Gray.
His wishes were to be cremated. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 12 p.m., at St. John UCC Cemetery (Huntersville) in Batesville.
Judy Ann Williams, 78, of Connersville passed away peacefully Friday, December 11, 2020.
One of three children, she was born February 19, 1942, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was the daughter of Cecil E. Williams and Wynona Jane Hunter Williams. Judy attended school in Lindsay, Oklahoma, where she played girls basketball and excelled in academics.
On July 2, 1960, Judy was married at Park Place Church of God in Connersville, to James Ronald Strawn. Together they made a home and raised three children.
Judy was a dedicated wife, loving mother and grandmother, whose memory and values continue to live on through her family. She was courageous and always optimistic, overcoming many medical challenges throughout her life. She will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, fun-loving woman who always had a gleam in her eye and a smile to share with others.
Judy worked in various capacities during her life, including secretarial positions, home-based party businesses, group home supervisor, and greeting patrons as a restaurant hostess. She attended church throughout her life and loved to be in worship. She made friends quickly and set an example for others to do the same. As a young mother, she loved her weekly canasta gatherings and bowling leagues with the ladies. Later in life she thoroughly enjoyed Bingo and Yahtzee, especially when she was winning. She enjoyed time with friends and family sharing meals, conversation, and laughter most of all.
Survivors include three children, Judy Leigh Ann Gray and her husband Russell of Monroe, Connecticut, James Michael Strawn and his wife Catherine of Carmel and Michelle Diane Strawn of Connersville, six grandchildren, Rachel Harris of Clearwater Beach, Florida, Maxwell Gray of Madison, Wisconsin, Samuel Gray of Derby, Connecticut, Joshua and Austin Strawn, both of Indianapolis, and Christopher Strawn of Carmel, two brothers, Allen Williams and his wife Cindy of Huntsville, Texas and Michael Williams and his wife Jennifer of Hampton, Virginia, many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Jim Strawn, her grandson, Brad Harris and her parents, Cecil and Wynona Williams.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lincoln Manor, Connersville and Newtown Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Newtown, CT, where she resided more recently for their loving care.
Family and friends may call from 12 noon until the celebration of life service for immediate family begins at 1 p.m., on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Roberts will officiate. A private burial will follow in Lick Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
On February 25, Benjamin Herd pleaded guilty in Franklin Circuit 2 Court before Judge Clay Kellerman to Failure to Report a Dead Body, as a class A misdemeanor.
Part of Herd’s plea agreement is he has to testify to the truth of the matter regarding events of June 8-9, 2018 and subsequent companion cases, including the State vs. Michael Presley.
Herd pleaded guilty to his part in moving the body of William Garrett Shepard from a house in Brookville to the Mt. Carmel School parking lot on June 9, 2018.
Shepard’s body was found in the passenger seat of his van, which was parked in the school’s parking lot. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department deputies Andrew Voelker and John Roberts responded to the Mt. Carmel parking lot on June 11, 2018.
According to an Affidavit of Probable Cause written by FCSD Major Gregory Mehlbauer, an autopsy was performed on Shepard, and it was determined he died of a heroin overdose with ethanol (alcohol) also being present.
During his investigation, Mehlbauer said Shepard had spent the evening prior to his death at the Pioneer Bar in Brookville. Witnesses and camera footage allowed Mehlbauer to ascertain Shepard walked with a friend from the Pioneer to the Presley residence in Brookville. Presley, 30, lived at that location with his girlfriend and his mother.
Shepard’s friend left the Presley residence, but Shepard stayed and that was the last time Shepard’s friend saw Shepard alive.
Subsequently, a Brookville Street Department employee found Presley’s cell phone and wallet in a storm drain about 100 yards from Pressley’s residence.
On October 21, 2018, Presley was incarcerated at the Franklin County Security Center on an unrelated situation. Mehlbauer talked to Presley at the FCSC about the Shepard case. Presley said Shepard came to his residence at about 3 a.m. that morning. According to Presley, Shepard requested drugs. At that point, Presley’s mother forced everyone to leave the residence. Also, Presley said he had no knowledge of Shepard’s cell phone, vehicle, wallet or where Shepard went after that. However, Presley did say Herd was at the Presley residence when Shepard arrived.
In October 2019, Presley’s girlfriend was incarcerated at the FCSC on an unrelated matter. Mehlbauer also talked to her. She initially denied any knowledge of it. Then, she stated she and Presley were asleep at his residence when Shepard and another person came to their door. Shepard wanted to get drugs. Presley asked his girlfriend to drive Shepard and himself to Cincinnati. The girlfriend refused, but she did say she would go to the Pioneer and bring Shepard’s van back to the residence. On the way back to the Presley residence, Shepard accessed an ATM. Again, the girlfriend was asked to drive them to Cincinnati, but she again refused. Presley and Shepard then left the residence and the girlfriend went back to sleep.
Later that morning, the girlfriend awoke to people screaming. She saw Presley standing over Shepard, who was unresponsive on the floor. Presley told her Shepard “fell out,” which Mehlbauer said is slang for overdosing.
The girlfriend attempted to perform CPR, and Presley would not assist her. She then said Presley warned her not to call 911.
“At that time, Benjamin Herd, who was also present at the Presley residence, assisted Presley in picking up Shepard’s body and carrying him to the van,” the affidavit reads.
Presley drove the van while Herd followed in his own vehicle. She said Presley later returned home alone and without the van.
Presley has been charged with Alteration of Scene of Death, as a Level 6 Felony, and Failure to Report Dead Body, as a class A misdemeanor. His jury trial is set for June 30. Everything mentioned in the affidavit is alleged to have occurred regarding Presley.
According to mycase.in.gov, Presley has a criminal history in Franklin County. On January 29, 2019, Presley pleaded guilty to Non Support of a Dependent Child, as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to two years and 183 days in the FCSC with one year and 92 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to a sentence imposed on another felony charge. He was also ordered to pay $9,356.68 in child support.
On Jan. 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to two years and 183 days in the FCSC with one year and 92 days suspended to probation. On Dec. 2, 2019, Presley was arrested for a Probation Violation in the case and on May 22, 2020, Presley pleaded guilty to the Probation Violation.
He also pleaded guilty to Resisting Law Enforcement, as a class A misdemeanor in 2018 and another felony count of Non Support of a Dependent Child in 2015.
When Herd pleaded guilty to his class A misdemeanor, he was sentenced to 12 months in the FCSC. He was given credit for eight months for completing an inpatient treatment program. A count of Alteration of a Scene of Death, as a Level 6 Felony, was dismissed.
Provided by the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
Small Claims Court
Judgment
Joseph Fields vs. John Barnett for the plaintiff in the amount of $657.
Default Judgment
Trevor Scott vs. Jerry Alvey and Leaha Alvey for the plaintiff in the amount of $1,269.07.
Civil Court
Foreclosure
US Bank National Association, as indenture trustee for CIM Trust 2016-1, Mortgage Backed Notes, Series 2016-1 vs. Unknown Heirs devises, legates, beneficiaries of Nancy Baize and their unknown creditors; and, the unknown executor, administrator or personal representative of the Estate of Nancy Baize, et al for the plaintiff in the amount of $104,872.12 and real estate commonly known as 9024 Westview Road, Brookville. Principal shall accrue interest at the rate consistent with the terms of the promissory note and mortgage from Jan. 5 to the entry of this judgment then the total judgment shall accrue interest at the rate of 5.25 percent per annum until the judgment is paid in full.
Default Judgment
American Express National Bank vs. Timothy Eads AKA Timothy J. Eads for the plaintiff in the amount of $10,749.35 together with costs for filing in the amount of $157 and for service in the amount of $85.
Divorce
Amber Moon and Benjamin K. Moon dissolution of marriage granted.
Provided by the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
Criminal Court
Failure to Report Dead Body
Benjamin T. Herd pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 12 months in the Franklin County Security Center (FCSC). He was fined $250 and $185 costs. He was given credit for eight months actual days as a result of successful completion of an inpatient treatment program at Progress House. Acceptance of this agreement is conditioned upon the defendant providing a truthful, sworn statement regarding the events of June 8-9, 2018, that are related to this offense and companion cases, including but not limited to State vs. Michael Presley.
Disorderly Conduct
Jared S. Ketchum pleaded guilty as a class B misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with 162 days suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 162 days and was ordered to pay the Probation Users’ Fee (PUF) of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee. As a condition of probation, the defendant is ordered to schedule an appointment at a treatment facility approved by probation for a mental health evaluation and comply with all terms and recommendations. As an additional condition of probation, the defendant is not to possess nor use any drugs or alcohol. Also, as an additional condition of probation, the defendant is to enroll in and complete the Rural Works Programs.
Possession of Marijuana
Alyssa A. Westerfeld pleaded guilty as a class B misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. She was fined $1 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for 180 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. As an additional condition of probation, the defendant, if deemed necessary, shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.
Dealing in Marijuana
Kyle Christopher Fledderman pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with 363 days suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 363 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. As an additional condition of probation, the defendant, if deemed necessary, shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.
Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated
Colten R. Crawford pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 365 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 180 days retroactive to the finding of Probable Cause on September 28, 2020. As an additional condition of probation, the defendant, if deemed necessary, shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.
Franklin County Commissioners gave their approval and endorsement of an application for Safe Passage to receive a $103,320 Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) Grant.
According to its website, Safe Passage is an 501 (c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to “provide, help, healing and hope for a community free of domestic and sexual violence. Through extensive services and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence and innovative community-based prevention programming, we strive to build safe, stable nurturing relationships and communities.”
Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Susan Craig talked some about the grant. SIRPC is the grant writing company for the county.
This is considered emergency funding due to the situations, in part, caused by the pandemic. Craig said it is highly competitive with 119 entries at this point. She said she did not know how many of the applicants OCRA will be able to fund; thus, it is a highly competitive grant application process.
Safe Passage Executive Director Jane Yorn discussed the nuts and bolts of the grant in greater detail.
“The scope of the project is to provide additional advertising both locally and in the Franklin County area to make people in Franklin County more aware of the services we provide through a variety of media sources,” Yorn said. “A big chunk of it is to have additional office space in downtown Brookville where we could conduct support groups and client meetings and still stay social distant and be able to provide those resources right there in the community.
“It also will involve a transitional housing, two-bedroom apartment in the downtown area so the clients can move more quickly out of shelter and into a transitional but stable environment while they work on saving their money and get into a more permanent housing situation,” she continued.
By doing this, Safe Passage could keep the clients in shelter moving so the most critical clients can be in the security of the shelter, Yorn said. However, even in the transitional and permanent housing situations, Safe Passage continues to case manage and help people move forward in their processes to the goal of stability, she said.
According to Yorn, there is a community partner who will assist in getting employment for the clients, and there will be additional hours for the case management team to be in the Brookville office and provide more services.
Edwin D Carlton, 66, of Arlington, passed away February 22, 2021, at his residence.
He was born in Stabb, KY on July 9, 1954, a son of the late Olive M (Taylor) and James E Carlton.
He married Peggy C. (Ponsler) Carlton on April 24, 1982, in Moscow, and she survives.
Dave was a tool maker at VIP Tooling in Shelbyville. He received his bachelor’s degree and multiple certifications from IUPUI and taught at IUPUI and also the Blue River Career Programs in Shelbyville.
In addition to his wife Peggy, Dave is survived by two sons Michael (Heather) Anderson, of Fountaintown; Jearomy (Aimee) Carlton, of Avon; sister Cindy (Mike) Richards of Zionsville, and his brother Rick (Jan) Carlton, of Fishers.
Also surviving are his grandchildren Jordyn, Devan, Dakota, McKenna and his two great-grandchildren arriving in June.
A graveside service will be held 1 p.m., Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Moscow Cemetery.
Sara J. “Sally” Whitham, age 80 of Batesville, died Sunday, February 21, 2021, at The Chateau of Batesville. Born August 28, 1940, in Aurora, she is the daughter of Ellen (Nee: Gooderson) and Floyd Pohlman. She married Estal Whitham August 18, 1962, at Lawrenceburg, and he preceded her in death on March 5, 2017. Sally held a Bachelor’s degree in education and taught for the Northwest School Corporation of Cincinnati (formerly the Colerain School Corporation) for nearly 10 years before retiring to start her family.
Family was important to Sally. She was very involved in her children’s activities, volunteering to help wherever she could. And then those precious grandchildren came. With mom and dad both working, grandma gladly babysat them until they reached school age. Her family indicated she was an exceptional cook and baker known for her homemade bread and belonged to the Hidden Valley baking co-op and the Hidden Valley Garden Club. Sally loved to read, but in later years began to lose her sight. Thankfully the Indiana Talking Book Library allowed her to continue to enjoy her love of books.
Sally is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Lora and Daniel Eckstein of Oldenburg; son and daughter-in-law Doug and Susan Whitham of Mooresville; sister Mary Lou Doerr of San Angelo, Texas; brother Jerry Pohlman of Harrison, Ohio and her grandchildren Clayton and Annabel Eckstein. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her brother Bill Pohlman.
Sally’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will hold private services with burial in Holy Family Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Indiana Talking Book Library or the Parkinson’s Foundation and sent to the funeral home in care of the family at P.O. Box 36, Batesville, Indiana, 47006.
Barbara Fay Hughes, 83 years old of Batesville, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Hobart and Temple (nee Fralix) McDowell was born on September 25, 1937, in Bracken County, Kentucky.
Barbara married Thomas Hughes on May 9, 1959, at St. Lawrence Church in Price Hill, Ohio. She was an associate member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville. Barbara was an animal lover, especially her cats and dogs. She enjoyed playing Bingo and when she used to be able to, she liked gardening too. Barbara loved their big vacation trip to Cancun with her husband, Thomas. But most of all she enjoyed being with her family and watching her grandchildren play sports.
She will be dearly missed by her husband, Thomas; son, Thomas Michael Hughes; daughter, Terri Lynn Sims; grandchildren, Cody Sims, Cole Sims, Kira Sims, Carter Sims, Cory Sims, Jon Paul Hughes and Josh Hughes; and four great grandchildren, Chance, Waylon, Rowan and Grayson Hughes along with her nieces Linda Coy and Kathy Meserve.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Richard Anthony “Tony” Hughes; granddaughter, Catherine Hughes, grandson, Austin Sims; her sisters, Eileen Courtney and Betty Braunwart; her infant brother, Bobby McDowell and nephew Kenny Courtney.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 9-10 a.m., with Prayers at 10 a.m., all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Burial will follow at Old St. Joseph Cemetery in Price Hill.
Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Humane Society by bringing to services or mailing to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
In accordance with the Indiana COVID-19 precautions, all attending are required to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing protocol. If you are not feeling well, or if you have compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
You are welcome to leave a message here on Barbara’s obituary page for the family in the online guestbook.
