A blog about what is going on in the Whitewater Valley
DON L. JONES
Don L. Jones, age 68, of Brookville, died early Sunday morning August 28, 2022, at Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be posted as they become complete.
Indiana State Police press release
Thursday, August 25, Indiana State Police troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post investigated a three-vehicle crash on I-65 in Jackson County where a Franklin County motorcyclist was flown to a Louisville, Kentucky hospital with serious injuries.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post Crash Reconstruction Team indicates that, shortly after 5:30 pm, an Indiana State Trooper was patrolling on I-65 in southern Bartholomew County. The trooper observed a motorcycle driving erratically southbound on I-65. Due to the trooper not being in a position to catch up to the motorcycle, he radioed the information to other troopers in the area.
Trp. Clayton Saltzman was in the area and began observing for the motorcycle. He located the 2008 Aprilia motorcycle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop due to a registration violation and driving behavior, near the 52-mile marker, just north of Seymour. Upon activating his lights, the motorcyclist, later identified as Robert Pettry, age 26, accelerated rapidly away from him. Within seconds of Trp. Saltzman attempting to stop the motorcycle, Pettry attempted to pass a red 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, being driven by Marlee Rogers, age 32, New Lothrop, Michigan, on the shoulder of the interstate. Pettry’s vehicle collided with the left rear of Rogers’ vehicle. As a result, Pettry was ejected from the motorcycle. Pettry’s motorcycle continued to travel southbound where it was then struck by a third vehicle before catching fire.
Pettry sustained serious injuries in the collision. Trp. Saltzman was on scene very quickly and immediately provided medical attention, which included applying multiple tourniquets due to traumatic injuries sustained by Pettry. Trp. Saltzman’s actions controlled the bleeding until EMS arrived on scene.
Pettry was airlifted to a Louisville, Kentucky area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. Toxicology tests are pending.
The southbound lanes of I-65 were closed for nearly three hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles wrote the press release
JOHNNY RAY HOLCOMB
Johnny Ray Holcomb, 66, of Connersville, passed away Sunday evening, August 21, 2022, at his home.
He was born September 23, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio to Leonard Ellis and Pauline Adams Holcomb.
In 1980, Johnny moved to Connersville. For more than 30 years, he painted water towers all over the United States. He was an artist and musician, playing professionally and locally in several bands. He also played at many churches and enjoyed singing karaoke.
He was a member of the Warren Lodge No. 15 F & AM.
On July 9, 2016, he married Ginny Hood, the love of his life.
Other than his loving wife, Ginny, survivors include his beloved son, Joseph Holcomb; a bonus daughter, Amanda Bosstick, who was very special and dear to his heart; Amanda’s husband, Jason Bosstick, whom he loved like a son; his bonus granddaughter, Kylee Bosstick, whom he was very proud of; a step-daughter, Mandy Ferguson; a step-son, Brian Holcomb; his precious grandchildren, Joey, Courtney, Dakota, Gunner, Tristen, and Lucian; step-grandchildren, Briauna, Mercedes, and Ayden; a sister, Cheryl Canada; two brothers, Michael Holcomb and Tim Holcomb; and a special friend, Chris Cloyd.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leonard Holcomb.
Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bobby Lee officiating. Masonic Memorial Services will be held prior to the start of the funeral service. Following cremation, burial will be at Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
THOMAS JUNIOR “TOMMY” COMBS
Thomas Junior “Tommy” Combs, age 53 of Connersville, passed away on August 17, 2022. Tommy is one of two children born to Claude Junior and Brenda K. Friend Combs on October 30, 1968, in Connersville.
After graduating from Connersville Sr. High School in 1987, Tommy enlisted in the United States Air Force. While serving, he was training to be a mechanic. After his discharge, he had worked in area factories and as a Journeyman in construction.
Tommy enjoyed fishing, playing darts, bowling, and playing cornhole. He would also spend his time relaxing while watching old movies and drawing. He loved trivia. He was known to call his family and asking them trivia questions.
In addition to his parents, Claude and Brenda, his memories will be cherished by his son, Andrew Curtis (Shelby) Combs; and his sister, Kathryn (Anthony) Todd. Tommy will be thought of often by his grandsons, Dominic and Andrew Combs; nieces Santana Richardson and Sophia Todd; great niece Nyla Rose; step niece, Gabrielle Todd; step nephews, Tanner and Evan Todd; and his step grandmother, Shirley Combs.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Edd Combs; paternal grandmother, Bonnie Selby; maternal grandparents, Andrew and Kathryn Friend; and his beloved pets, Osciola and Fancy.
Friends may visit with the family at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville on August 25, 2022, from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Laurel North Cemetery.
CHARLES WAYNE PLUMMER JR.
Charles Wayne Plummer, Jr. age 56, formerly of Connersville, passed away on Friday august 19, 2022 at Aperion Care in Marion. He was born on May 8, 1966, the son of Charles Wayne Plummer, Sr. and Doris Sherard Plummer.
He is survived by his parents, a brother, John Wayne (Joy) Plummer of Cincinnati; sisters, Jaynett (Charlie) Loyd, Brenda Kay Plummer both of Connersville, Linda Sue Luckey of Oklahoma, and Kimber Sue Plummer; aunts, Betty (Jeff) Taylor of Lapel, Debbie Sexton and Shirley Tompkins both of Connersville; and an uncle, Kenneth (Anita) Plummer of Connersville.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles Thomas and Shirley Nunn Plummer; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Opal Sherard; aunt Kay Becraft and uncles Tom Plummer and Jack Plummer.
Cremation was chosen. A Memorial service will be held at Fountain Place Apartments on September 2, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm where Reverend Richard Hahn will conduct services at 1 pm.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
MARTHA MAE JESSOP
Martha Mae Jessop, age 90, of Connersville, passed away on August 20, 2022, at Reid Health in Connersville. She was born on August 31, 1931, in Blooming Grove, one of nine children of Perry and Elsie Ball Glisson.
Martha Mae graduated from Brookville High School. She went on to work at KDI in Cincinnati. She also worked at Visteon and predecessors and worked in home health. She was a longtime member of the Republican Committee where she held several positions.
She was known as a jokester. She loved telling jokes. Martha enjoyed doing crafts, crocheting, sewing, working in flower gardens, taking long walks and mushroom hunting. Above all she loved spending time with her family.
Those that she leaves behind to cherish her love and memories include her son, Ron (Maria) Sieber; grandchildren, Desiree (Jared) Glaub, Chelsea (Devin) Hawkins, Ronna (Keith Griffee) Sieber, Kenny (Jennifer) Sieber and Bradley (Shannon) Sieber. She will be thought of often by her great grandchildren, Taegan and Kyndal Glaub, Trevor and Lillian Hawkins, Bentley Frye, Marley Griffee, Easton and Austin Sieber and Bryson Sieber, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Sieber, former husband, Clarence Sieber; brothers, James Lewis Glisson, William “Bill” Glisson, Otis Sherman Glisson, Ivan Richard Glisson, and Leonard Alvin Glisson; and sisters, Rosella Dunn, Bonnie Wessler and Betty Glisson.
Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home on Friday August 26, 2022, from 11 am until the time of the service at 1 pm with Martha’s nephew, Jerry Glisson officiating. Burial will follow at Lick Creek Cemetery.
KATHALEEN RAE CREGAR
Kathaleen Rae Cregar, 77, of Connersville, passed away Saturday evening, August 20, 2022, at Brickyard Brandywine Healthcare of Greenfield.
She was born August 18, 1945, in Mercer County, West Virginia, one of four children of Willie Sawyers and Ada Mae Belcher Angle and came to Indiana as an adult for residence.
On April 18, 1967, she was married in Connersville to Kenneth Evan Cregar, Sr. Mr. Cregar passed away in 2012.
For more than 14 years, Kathaleen was employed at J&J Packaging/Duefol of Sunman.
With her family, she attended Park Road Christian Center. In her leisure, she enjoyed camping, fishing, sewing, and gardening. She also enjoyed listening to music and watching movies.
Survivors include three children, Michael Dale Mitchem of Washington State, Kenneth E. Cregar, Jr. of Connersville, and Kamilla “Kammy” (Eric) Sleeth of Greenfield; four grandchildren, Charles Allen (Karla) Sleeth of Shelbyville, Eric Lawrence “Lars” (Kayla) Sleeth of Greenfield, Kaylee Slaten of Andersonville, and Keith Cregar of Metamora; and a great grandson, Malachi Northington of Shelbyville. She is also blessed with a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her husband of 45 years, Kenneth Evan Cregar, Sr., she was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings: Ethel Ann Hollingsworth, Thomas “Tommy” Joshua Angle, and Stella Rebecca “Becky” Benson.
Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. with Chaplain Charles Allen Sleeth officiating. Following cremation, interment will be at Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
NANCY L. BURNS
Nancy L. Burns, 83, of Connersville, died on Friday, August 19, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond.
Nancy was born in Brookville on September 4, 1938, to Harry and Edna Holliday Butler. She graduated from Brookville High School with the Class of 1956. After graduation, she married Robert Burns on June 16, 1956, in Brookville, and they enjoyed more than 50 years together before his death on March 1, 2007. Nancy was employed at Visteon in Connersville and retired after 30 years of service. She enjoyed bowling, mowing the yard, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and her family.
Nancy is survived by four children: Terry Storm (Lewis) of Clearwater, FL, Bobbi Lakes (Brian) of Connersville, Cindy Schuler (Jim) of Connersville, and Robbie Burns of Brookville; six grandchildren: Jenny Stenger, Bryan (Tracie) Burns, Jimmy, Ashley, and Jason Schuler and Jacob (Emilee) Burns; step grandchildren: Brandon Lakes and Jessica Cordes; and four great-grandchildren: Bryli Burns, Kyndal Burns, Cora Burns, and Max Burns. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son: Randy Joe; a granddaughter: Vicki Stenger; and a sister: Linda Butler.
Honoring Nancy’s wishes cremation has been chosen. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home ~ 929 Main Street Brookville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Donor’s Choice.
For more information, send condolences or sign the online guest book please go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Nancy’s Family.
JEAN ELIZABETH KUEHN
Jean E. Kuehn, age 96, of Brookville, died Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the home of her daughter in Liberty. She was born March 8, 1926, to Otto and Alice (Telker) Singer. The family lived in Fayette County and St. Leon, before settling in the Whitcomb area.
Jean graduated from the former Springfield High School, and had worked at Franklin County National Bank, the Box Factory, and Sperry Rubber. Jean and Edward Kuehn were united in marriage on November 23, 1947, and of this marriage came three children, Debora, Ann and Charles. Jean lived in the home she shared with Ed and the kids for more than 70 years, until her health began to fail, at which time she moved in with her daughter Debora for the last two years.
She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, a 50-year member of the Daughters of Isabella St. Catherine Circle; as well as a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1129 Ladies Auxiliary of Brookville. She was an excellent cook, and was known for her green beans, homemade noodles and angel food cakes. She was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grammie and friend.
Survivors include two daughters, Debora (John) Webber of Liberty, Ann (Wes) Ball of Brookville; three grandchildren, Shannon Webber Davis, Aynsley (Susan) Ball, and Matthew Ball; four great-grandchildren, Gavin Davis, Joshua Ball, Jada Davis and Elizabeth Ball.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ed, she was preceded in death by her son, Charles E. “Chuck” Kuehn, and her brother and sister-in-law, Ambrose and Carol Singer.
Family and friends may visit from 10 till 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville, where the Rosary will be recited at 10:45 a.m.
Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate the Catholic Funeral Rite on Thursday, August 25, 2022, 11 a.m. at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, with burial following in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Southern Care Hospice for their care and compassion these last few months.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Michaels Endowment through the Franklin County Community Foundation. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kuehn family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com
HELEN M. COUCH
Helen M. Couch, age 72, of Liberty, passed away surrounded by her family on August 17, 2022. She was born on April 29, 1950, in Richmond, the daughter of the late Francis Carl Wentz and Florine Bennington Wentz Hermann.
On October 8, 1973, in Orange, Helen was united in marriage with Dayton G. Couch. They were able to share 37 years together before his passing in 2011.
Helen retired from Visteon in 2002 after 30 years of service. She began her career in 1972 when it was Philco-Ford. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed shopping and working on crafts. Each spring you could find her wandering through the woods hunting mushrooms. Above all, she loved to spend time with her family.
Those she has left behind to remember her with joy and love in their hearts are her daughter, Melissa (Eric Neeb) Couch; sons, Richard (Genea) Carden, Scott (Shelli LaMaster) Miller, and Greg Sheplar; sisters, Sue Alcorn, Linda Longworth and Penny Gindling; 12 grandchildren, Ashley, Sara, Jami, Isabelle, Jackson, Bub, Christopher, Alissa, Caleb, Sierra, Amanda and Mark; and six great grandchildren.
Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a son, Travis Couch and a brother, Rodney Wentz.
Graveside services will be conducted at the Westside Cemetery in Milton, IN on Monday August 22, 2022, at 1 pm with Pastor John Reynolds officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Cancer Association.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist the Couch family once again with the arrangements.