Sharon Kay Burns, 73, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, passed away Monday, July 4, 2022 at her daughter’s residence in Pittsboro.
She was born December 23, 1948, in Batesville, to James Harold and Hollie Edwards Lancaster, and she was a 1966 graduate of Short High School, Liberty.
For 25 years, Sharon worked at USA Wire Harness & Assemblies, retiring in May of 2022.
A sports fan, she enjoyed tennis, NASCAR, and football.
Sharon was a fun-loving, comical person with a fantastic sense of humor. Generous, she loved giving to her family and spending time with her grandchildren.
She was also a faithful Christian and greatly loved the Lord.
Survivors include two children, Leigh Anne (Tony) Silva of Avon, and Lori (Charles) Wright of Pittsboro; four grandchildren, Michael John Armenta, Anthony Lee Campos, Chelsea Nicole Armenta, and Sara Gabrielle Campos; two great grandchildren, Annaleise Anaya Almaraz and Auriella Rosalie Almaraz; eight siblings, Gary (Donna) Lancaster, Linda Towns, Ronda (Dave) Lancaster-Velazco, Greg (Vicky) Lancaster, Pam (Ben) Caskey, Jerilyn Lancaster, Terrall Lancaster, and Jeff (Marcia) Lancaster; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: Charles Lancaster, Betty Ramey, Harold Lancaster, Randall Lancaster, Michael Lancaster, and Richard Lancaster.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Sharon to the Riley Hospital for Children. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Michael Anthony Welsh, 63, of Connersville, passed away early Monday morning, July 4, 2022, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born April 16, 1959, in Connersville, one of six children of James Joseph and Mary Ann Risch Welsh. He was a 1978 graduate of Connersville High School.
He was a self-employed carpenter and worked in the building trades his whole adult life, including the Connersville area, Tampa Florida, Dallas Texas, and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.
Mike grew up working with his uncle and cousins on Risch Farms. He loved FFA, horses, dogs, and the farm life. Mike was an avid swimmer and diver in his youth, full of energy and afraid of nothing. He found his niche at Connersville Building Trades rising to the top of his class. He was a very talented builder and worked with his dad throughout his teen years before starting his own business. He especially liked finish carpentry and creating or recreating new and renewed finishes. He was proud of his various volunteer work and supported many projects, such as the train station in Connersville’s downtown area. He volunteered to help rebuild facilities on the island of St. Croix after hurricane Hugo devasted the area. That ultimately led to several years of paid work managing building crews during reconstruction of island buildings. He met many friends on St. Croix before returning to Connersville.
He taught building trades at Connersville Vocational School. During his time there, he met his wife, Mary Beth. He was very patient with kids of all types who wanted to learn his craft. He and Mary Beth built a beautiful home south of town where they enjoyed riding horses, shooting trap and skeet, and caring for his dogs. His love of horses was one reason he became proficient at breaking them for good saddle and work dispositions.
Mike was a friend to many, had a big heart, and would lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved watching sports of all types. He especially loved following Spartan sports, but his favorite was the men’s and women’s basketball teams. He eagerly followed the Triple Crown horse races, the Colts, Bengals, and the Cincinnati Reds but could talk about many other sporting teams and events. His smile and good humor will be missed by many.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Ann (Charles) Snyder of Connersville; a sister, Jama (Mike) Maenza of Brentwood, Tennessee; four brothers, Patrick (Sheri) Welsh of Park, Texas, Paul (Rebecca) Welsh of Irvine, California, Douglas Welsh of Muncie, and Eric Welsh (Theresa White) of Xenia-Wilberforce, Ohio; and his companion, Pamela Wilhelm of Connersville.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Joseph Welsh, who passed away November 26, 1990; and his wife, Mary Beth Berghian-Welsh, who passed away February 11, 2001.
The rosary will be recited at 11 a.m. followed by visitation until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service conducted by Reverend John Hall will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Robert Lee “Bob” Hensley, 84, of Laurel, formally of Lexington, KY, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond.
Bob was born in Richmond on September 25, 1937, to James Kay Polk Hensley and Verda Mae Godsey Hensley. He graduated from Short High School in Liberty with the class of 1955 and attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for two years. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960 until 1963. He went into sales and retired from Harts Dry Cleaners in Lexington, KY in 2012. Bob was of Christian Faith and was a member of the Brookville VFW, the Connersville American Legion, the American Legion of Lexington, KY and was a Kentucky Colonel. Bob enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family and friends at the VFW and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats and the Bengals. Bob chose to be a donor through the Indiana Donor Network to give life to others.
Bob is survived by two children: Beth Ann Hensley Bradford ( Brad) of Paris, Ky and Timothy L. Osborn of Connersville; his lifetime sweetheart of 16 years: Shirley Jolly; eight grandchildren: Bennett (Kristen) Bradford, Shelby Powell, Amanda Powell, Bobby (Rachael) Powell, Kyle Bradford, Will Thompson, Betsy O. Anton and Becky Jo Osborn; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Janice Sharp and Helen Kline; and three brothers: James R., Jack K. and George W. Hensley.
Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service will be conducted on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home ~ 929 Main Street, Brookville with Grandson, Pastor Bobby Powell officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the VFW Wilburn Dennison Post # 2014 ~ 26 West 8th Street, Brookville, IN 47012 or Union County West Point Cemetery ~ P. O. Box 311, Liberty, IN 47353.
To send condolences or sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosenberger.com. Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Bob’s Family.
William “Bill” Henry Lancaster, Jr., 73, of Liberty, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Whitewater Commons Senior Living Center. He was born December 11, 1948, in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of Merle (nee Elliott) and William Henry Lancaster. Bill was a United States Army Veteran and served time in the Vietnam War. On November 27, 1970, he married Jennifer G. Lintner in Oxford, Ohio.
Bill worked many years at Square D in Oxford, Ohio, retiring in 2005. He enjoyed time on his boat fishing, playing golf, bird watching and playing cards. He was the beloved husband of the late Jenny Lancaster and survived by devoted sons Jeff (Stephanie) Lancaster and Todd (Stephanie) Lancaster and two grandsons Kyle and Dylan Lancaster; dear siblings Grace (the late Tom) Barber, Susan (the late Don) Thomas, Mary Ann (Jerry) Moos, Debbie (Fred) Marcum, and Jon (Cheryl) Lancaster, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Bill will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 11:30 am until time of funeral service at 1:30 pm at Ogle & Paul R. Young Funeral Home in Oxford.
Franklin County Prosecutor’s press release(edited)
A Fillmore, Indiana woman was sentenced to 18 months in the Franklin County Security Center after a jury found her guilty of battery on an 8-year-old male camping near her at Haspin Acres.
According to Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp, on Thursday, June 9, a local jury returned a guilty verdict against Lynn Allbrook, 51, of Fillmore, Indiana, following a two-day trial before Franklin Circuit Court Judge Clay Kellerman. Allbrook had been charged with Battery on a Child, a Level 6 Felony, as the result of an incident that occurred on September 5, 2020, at Haspin Acres Off-Road and Motorcross Park in Laurel.
On Tuesday, June 28, Kellerman handed down an 18-month sentence for Allbrook — six months in jail at the FCSC followed by a year of felony probation.
At trial, the victim, who was only 8 years old at the time of the offense, testified that he and his family had been enjoying a Labor Day Weekend camping trip. Allbrook, a complete stranger, was staying with her husband at an adjoining campsite. That evening, the victim and a few young friends were throwing tiny wood chips at a fire in the vicinity of Allbrook, who was sitting in a chair. Allbrook — who later claimed that the boys were throwing small rocks at her–exploded in rage and chased after them, eventually cornering the victim on the bed of a nearby pick-up truck. According to his testimony, she then punched him in the face three times, leaving him with a bloody nose, busted lip, and large bump to his forehead.
The victim’s mother, who returned to the campsite following a short ATV ride with his father, was greeted by a barrage of insults from Allbrook and the sight of her bloodied 8-year son. She immediately called the police, who responded to the scene soon after.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill took the lead in the investigation, and obtained statements from additional witnesses, the victim, and Allbrook — all of which was captured on his dash camera and audio. Three of these witnesses — who were complete strangers to both Allbrook and the victim’s family — travelled from more than two hours away to testify at trial on behalf of the prosecution, and corroborated the victim’s account of the events.
Hill gave an account of his investigation and described how Allbrook’s demeanor and behavior at the scene indicated that she was intoxicated. She was arrested on the night of the incident, but later posted bond and remained out of jail pending trial.
“She (Allbrook) made this a nightmarish trip for this family,” Huerkamp said in his press release, referring to the victims.
At sentencing, the defense requested that Allbrook receive a sentence fully suspended to probation, or to consider a period of house arrest in the alternative. The prosecution argued that aggravating factors had been presented and urged the Court to impose a significant period of incarceration as part of any sentence. Ultimately, Kellerman sided with the Prosecution and remanded Allbrook to jail to begin serving her six-month sentence.
The Prosecution was represented at trial and sentencing by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Blaine Timonera. Huerkamp had high praise for his efforts.
“Blaine worked very hard to prepare for this case, and it showed in the Courtroom. He did a remarkable job in the trial and quite capably represented the Franklin Prosecutor’s Office at all stages of the case,” Huerkamp said in his press release.
Huerkamp further commended Hill for the quality of his investigation and assistance during trial, the witnesses who travelled from out of town to provide the jury with a full accounting of the events, the victim and his family for enduring the pain of trial, and the jury for their service.
Elizabeth Josephine Klingman, 99, of Greensburg, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2022, at Morning Breeze Healthcare Center in Greensburg.
One of two daughters of Eugene J. and Ethelyn J. Bray Moran, Elizabeth was born in Connersville on May 27, 1923, and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1941.
Elizabeth married Otto C. Selm, and he passed away on February 10, 1970. On November 4, 1983, she married M. Dale Klingman in Richmond. Mr. Klingman passed away on January 7, 2014.
Over the years, Elizabeth was employed at Fayette Memorial Hospital in the medical records department, American Kitchens, Connersville Casket Company, and was secretary to the captain of the Indiana State Police for 13 years. Following retirement, Elizabeth and Dale moved to Lakeland, Florida where they resided for 13 years.
While in Connersville, Elizabeth was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing golf, sewing, reading, and cooking for her family.
Survivors include a daughter, Marabeth Selm of Indianapolis; three step-children Teresa (Cliff) McCann and Phil Klingman, all of Georgia, and Dan Klingman of Richmond; four grandchildren, Shelley (Ron) Mathis of Indianapolis, Lisa Criswell of Westfield, Julie Criswell of Carmel, and Scott (Jane) Criswell of Missouri; several step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, Lynn and Grant Criswell.
Besides her husbands, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert James Meyer, Jr.; a daughter, Linda Ann Criswell; sister, Ethelyn Jean Krepp; and step-son, Mark Klingman.
Recitation of the rosary will begin at 11 a.m. with visitation to follow until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Reverend Dustin Boehm will officiate, and burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Kindred Hospice. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Leah Ledington, age 63, of Connersville, passed away on June 30, 2022, at Golden Rule in Richmond, where she had been a resident since February. Born in Connersville on October 10, 1958, she is one of four children of the late Donald E. and Goldie Darlene Conner Maze.
Over the years, Leah had worked at Walmart, Stant Manufacturing, Cranfill’s Market, Jail Officer for Fayette County Sheriff, and Neal Seeds. For the last 20-plus years she was the Dietary Manager at Golden Rule.
Leah enjoyed working in her garden and yard and going fishing. Above all she loved spending time with her family. She was known as a person with the heart of gold and was very generous, helping anyone in need.
She was better known by her grandsons as “Bo.”
Those that Leah has left to cherish her memories and love are, her son Donny (Lacey) Lykins; daughter, Amanda Yates; and sister Mary (Randy) Sturgeon. She will be thought of often by her grandchildren, Micah and Noah Yates, and Dakota, Bryleigh, and Laila Lykins; nieces, Starr Maze, Tyleah Bunch and Valarie Brown; nephews Donny Maze and Kile Sturgeon; great nieces and nephews, Emma, Ellie and Eli Maze, Dylan and Brook Bunch and Jordan and Trinity Brown; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Teddy Norman and Donny Maze.
Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville on Tuesday July 5, 2022, from 5 –7 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 7 pm with Pastor Phil Marcum officiating. Cremation is to follow.
INDOT press release except first two paragraphs which are me
There may have been two people who did not get to spend too much of their life waiting to move on Indiana 101 during the last chip and seal operation in the county.
Those two people will have their chance to sit and sit and sit for no apparent reason when a chip and seal operation happens at the western edge of Brookville to U.S. 52’s intersection with Indiana 229. Good luck.
Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews plan to begin chip seal operations on or after Tuesday, July 5, on U.S. 52 in Franklin County. Work will take place between Indiana 229 at Metamora and the bridge over Butler’s Run near Brookville. Motorists can expect delays due to lane closures and flagging.
Chip seal work typically lasts three to four days per location depending upon weather. During operations, existing pavement is coated with liquid asphalt, which seals cracks and provides waterproof protection. This extends the service life of the roadway and lowers maintenance costs. Once the seal coat is complete, loose aggregate is applied and swept from the road. After a curing period, crews will return to fog seal the new driving surface and apply pavement markings.
Chip seal is a cost-effective pavement preservation technique that is utilized across the state of Indiana, saving an estimated $6 to $14 in taxpayer expenditures for every dollar invested in extending the life of a roadway.
INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling through active work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Ramona Crawford, age 69, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 28, 2022. Ramona was born on January 21, 1953, one of 10 children of the late Eston and Veron Richardson Steele.
She was united in marriage on November 5, 1994, to Raymond E. Crawford in Connersville. They spend 18 years together before his passing in 2013.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and going to church. She was a member of the Full Gospel Holiness Church but attended other area churches as well.
Her love and memories will be forever cherished by her brothers, Earl (Mary) Steele, Jr (Joyce) Steele, Dale (Thelma) Steele, and Paul (Lisa) Steele; sisters, Iona “Sissy” (Carl) McFarland, Elvira Lovins, and Naomi “Sugar” Steele; daughter-in-law, Marian Mengedoht; and sister-in-law Nettie Steele. She will be greatly missed by her stepchildren, Carol Crawford, William “Bill” Crawford and Rick Crawford; grandchildren, Zach Mengedoht, Jordan Mengedoht, Victoria Mengedoht; Candace Mengedoht; Chad LaMar, Kelly Gifford, Andy Crawford, Benjamin Crawford, Derick Crawford, Dylan Crawford and Amanda Crawford; as well as several niece and nephews.
Other than her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Lester Mengedoht; and brothers, Lester Steele and Gordon Steele.
Reverend Robert E. Lee and her brother Dale Steele will officiate funeral services at 1 pm on Tuesday July 5, 2022, at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville. Friends and family may gather from 11 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Eric Lee Moore, 63, of Connersville, passed away Wednesday morning, June 29, 2022, at his residence after a courageous six-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born February 11, 1959, in Connersville, one of three children of Cleamont and Gayle Rusterholz Moore, and he was a 1977 graduate of Brookville High School. From there, he earned an associate’s degree from Lincoln Tech in auto/diesel mechanics.
On November 28, 1987, he married Marsha June McFarland in the Fairview Christian Church. Mrs. Moore survives.
For 38 years, Eric worked as a bus mechanic for the Fayette County School Corporation. For a number of years, he also drove for Hassler’s Dry Cleaning and also farmed. Farming was an enjoyable pastime for Eric, and he was a proud member of the Massey Ferguson Tractor Association. He also enjoyed collecting farm toy tractors, of which he has hundreds, and he could often be found at toy tractor shows.
He was a member of the Metamora Church of Christ and the Everton Lion’s Club.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Marsha June Moore; a step-son, Joseph (Rikki) Rowe of Salt Lake City, Utah; two step-grandsons, Brody and Wilder Rowe; his mother, Gayle Moore of Brookville; a brother, Alan (Lou Ann) Moore of Connersville; a sister, Sue (Steve) Fuller of Liberty; two nieces, Courtney (Cody) Hill and Chelsea (Will) Mundy of Liberty; a great niece, Brooke Hill; and a great nephew, Boston Hill.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cleamont Moore.
Friends may visit from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bob McIntyre of Metamora Church of Christ officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Eric to the Fayette County Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
