Jon L. Svirha, 89, of Brookville died on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Shawneespring Skilled Nursing Facility in Harrison, Ohio.
Jon was born in Butler, Kentucky, on April 6, 1933, to John and Vivian Becker. After graduation from high school, Jon married George Svirha on June 6, 1959, in Butler, Kentucky, and they enjoyed more than 61 years together. During her life, Jon was a dedicated homemaker caring for her family. Jon was a member of the Christian Scientists Faith. She enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors.
Jon is survived by her husband George of Brookville, a son: John Svirha of Brookville; a daughter: Lori Racer of California; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents;
Honoring Jon’s wishes, cremation was chosen and there will be no public services. Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home ~ 929 Main Street Brookville ~ assisted the family with the arrangements.
For more information, send condolences or sign the online guest book, go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Jon’s family.
On Wednesday, May 18, at approximately 8:38 p.m., officers with the Indiana State Police and Richmond Police Department went to the 300 block of North 17th Street in Richmond, to execute an arrest warrant on Rafael Lopez for Reckless Homicide. Lopez was taken into custody without incident.
Rafael Lopez was arrested and preliminarily charged with:
Reckless Homicide, a Level 5 Felony.
Operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license (Prior), a class A misdemeanor.
This is concerned with the death of Samuel Weller, 47, Liberty.
According to a prior ISP press release, a preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police Reconstruction Team determined a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle operated by Samuel Weller, was westbound on Pottershop Road. At the same time, a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan operated by Ericka Lundy, 51, of Richmond, a was eastbound on Pottershop Road. The Dodge Caravan was followed by a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox operated by Rafael Lopez, 27, of Richmond. As the two vehicles approached a hill, the Equinox began to pass the Caravan in a marked, no-passing zone for eastbound traffic. During the illegal pass, the Equinox collided head-on with the motorcycle causing Samuel Weller to be thrown from the vehicle. After the collision, debris from the Kawasaki and the Equinox struck the left side of the Caravan causing damage to it.
When Trooper Bayly arrived, he began to provide medical assistance to Samuel Weller, however, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Wayne County Coroner James Jones. Both Ericka Lundy and Rafael Lopez did not sustain any injuries during the crash.
It was determined that Lopez was operating a vehicle without a valid Indiana driver’s license.
After his arrest on May 18, Lopez was taken to the Wayne County Jail.
If convicted of a Level 5 Felony, Lopez could receive a prison sentence ranging from two to six years in prison.
Mary Lou Dubois, 64, bravely passed from this life to the next on May 12, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond. Born on August 25, 1957, she is the daughter of Mary Magalene Lykins and the late Howard Durham. Mary started out life in Shelbyville, grew up in Connersville, and moved to Garland, Texas before returning to Connersville.
She married Sherman Dubois on August 31, 1973.
Mary proudly raised three children: Johnny (Dena) Dubois, Natasha (fiancé A.J. Taylor, Jr.) Dubois and Tiffaney Dubois. Mary was also blessed to be Mamaw Lucy to grandchildren Kaitlyn Isaacs, Brennon (girlfriend Mallory Woliung) Baker, Brayden Milano, and Quinton Isaacs; and great-granddaughters Avalynn Baker, and Harper Milano. They, along with her siblings Howard Michael Durham, Gracie Durham, Shari Jaramillo, and Larry Elliott Jr. will join together with her extended family members, friends, and regular customers in remembering Mary’s sweet spirit.
Mary was known in the Connersville community as a hard worker, having been a cashier at United Gas Station, a bartender and server at Connersville Country Club, an assistant manager and bartender at the Knights of Columbus, and a server at Stacks Pancake House since 2011. Even at home she could be found working outdoors, always tending to her beautiful impatiens, marigolds, lilies, sunflowers, and blue buttons. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her family, and they are so grateful for those memories.
Those waiting for Mary on the other side include her husband Sherman, father Howard; grandmothers Mae Durham and Mary Lykins; grandfathers Noah Durham and Lon Lykins, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends and family may gather from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday May19, 2022, at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street. Funeral services conducted by Mike Horning will be at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Marcella Bell, age 87, of Connersville, passed away on Monday morning May 16, 2022, at Hickory Creek of Connersville. Marcella was born on September 12, 1934, in Glezen, Indiana, the daughter of the late Elza and Gladys Masters Coleman.
On June 22, 1951, she married Alvin Bell in Connersville. They were able to spend almost 50 years together before he passed in 2001. Together, they were blessed with five children.
Marcella had worked at several local restaurants over the years. She had worked at Bill’s Drive Inn, Nickel Nook, 4 Star, 11th Frame and the Conner House before her retirement in 1997. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, fishing, reading and was an avid Red’s baseball fan.
She will be missed greatly by her four daughters, June DeHaven, Mary (Steven) Earlywine, Juanita (Richard) Lemen and Judy (James) Gibbs; sisters, Lora McKim, Greta Coleman, Pam Coleman, and Rhonda Coomer; 18 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Nathaniel “Nat” Bell; brothers, Richard Coleman, Robert Coleman, Larry Joe Coleman, and Van Johnson; sisters, Aline Agnew, Mabel Jones, Joann Underhill and Janet Taylor; a grandson and a granddaughter.
Visitation for Marcella will be held at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Monday May 23, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm. Funeral services will follow at 1 pm with her son in law Reverend Steven Earlywine officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Robert Lee “Bob” Crist, 88, of Liberty died on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Whitewater Senior Living in Liberty.
Bob was born on October 14, 1933, in Fairfield, to Francis E. and Irma L. Matix Crist. He graduated from Short High School in Liberty in 1951. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army where he received the Marksman (M-1), the Good Conduct Medal, and the Marksman (Browning Automatic Rifle) medals. Bob enjoyed working hard, farming, working with livestock, and being outdoors. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #122 and VFW Post # 1472 both of Liberty and for 50 years he participated in Military Graveside Rites. Bob served on the Union County Sheriff’s Merit Board, Alcohol Beverage Committee, Voting Precinct Committee, and was a Minor League and Little League Coach. Bob loved mushroom hunting as well.
Bob is survived by four children: Michael E. Crist of Humboldt, Illinois, Jeffery S. Crist (Tracey) of Liberty, Gregory S. Crist (Brenda) of Liberty, and Renee Crist Lefter (Kevin) of Liberty; seven grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and the mother of his children, Lettie F. Crist.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home ~ 929 Main Street ~ Brookville with Jeff Adams officiating. Interment will follow in Sims Cemetery where Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by American Legion Post # 122 and VFW Post # 1472 of Liberty. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service where memorial contributions may be made to Sims Cemetery.
For more information, send condolences or sign the online guest book, go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Bob’s Family.
Driving in Richmond over the last few years has seemed like an obstacle course with deep pits alongside traveled portions of the road going on to complete road shutdowns for long periods of time.
Add another street to the mix. This is the INDOT press release:
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone will close Main Street in downtown Richmond between 8th Street and 9th Street starting on Wednesday, May 17, for work on U.S. 27.
Construction will last approximately two weeks for work on storm water pipe installation. Though this area will be closed to vehicles and parking, pedestrian access will still be open to local businesses.
INDOT reminds drivers to consider worker safety and slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free when travelling in and around all work zones.
My biological daughters and I have been doing Wordle. It is an online thing started – as many things people do today – during COVID. Some guy made millions off it and then sold it to the New York Times and made many more millions.
Here’s a tip of my pocket Google dictionary to him. During COVID, I read, wrote, annoyed my Long Suffering Wife Ruth and played games on the computer. He made money.
A person gets five empty blocks and a keyboard-like thing at the bottom with all the letters of our alphabet. You have six levels to figure out what the day’s word is. If you guess a letter correctly in the correct position, it is shown in green. If a letter is correct but in the wrong position, then that letter is between a green and a yellow.
Really, I should ask Ruth the true color to associate with it because I call something a certain color, and she gives me that look, which is almost constant at this point, and it seems to wordlessly ask “Are you even of this world? No one can be that stupid.”
Katie, Renee and I communicate via Facebook messenger. They share this likeness of the puzzle showing the green and whatever color of the different levels until they are all green. I cannot figure out how to share even though the girls have tried to help so I just say 4th level and things like that. They have always solved the puzzle. I have failed twice.
On Friday, I started it, got sidetracked and FORGOT!!!! to finish that.
FORGOT!!!
The CAPS LOCK and !!!! are for former fellow employee Patti because we both love them so much, NOT!!! but they are both fitting here. That is because if one actually reads this to the end, the word FORGOT!!! and its friend FORGET!!! and relative FORGOTTEN!!!! will be seen in great numbers.
Anyway, that was a first for me to FORGET!!!! to finish a Wordle puzzle.
Let’s walk sideways here:
The weather lately has buoyed my usual ever-present giddy personality. I am really going sideways here because like most old males, I want to tell stories from my youth and bore the heck out of everyone. I think most people embellish stories of their youth. It is hard for me to do that because there is usually a lack of anything redeemable in them.
As a youth, I was skinny, mostly ugly, too smart for my own good and totally unable to defend myself. I was able to survive by an ability to be able to run faster and farther than my buds. When me and my buds were in grade school in Liberty, there was a bunch of junior high males who were – for lack of better terms — sadistic bullies.
If caught, the least they would do to one of we littler kids was what was called THE PECK!!!!. They would pin one of the slower, out-of-breath guys – we were all smoking our parents’ cigarettes — to the ground and continuously pound his breastbone with their fist with the middle knuckle extended. I have never been through the water torture routine, although I believe Ruth has considered it at times, but the peck cannot be any less painful or frightening.
For some unknown reasons one summer day, I got caught near the leftfield fence at the Little League ballpark by one of the junior high boys. My buds were at a safe distance behind me, not to help, but to watch what would ensue and were universally happy it was not them.
The kid who caught me was not the worst of the worst, but he was big and scary. First, he wanted to know what the L of my middle name stood for. It is a family thing. Grandpa Henry and Grandma Stella Estridge gave my dad an initial for a middle name. Who knows? As I am a junior, I also have the initial for a middle name.
Remember when I said I was too smart for my own good? I tried to explain that to him on a hot, muggy summer afternoon, long, long ago. He told me he was going to punch me if I did not tell the truth. My stupid rose up again because I tried to explain it again.
As the guy neared me to rearrange my face, one of my buds said “it is L, I asked his mom.”
So, I had a reprieve. Then, the guy told me to wipe that grin off my face. Either my mind is simple — for faithful readers remember in one column I told how on mechanical aptitude (I was tested) I scored the lowest a man of much experience as a test giver had ever seen, below idiot and moron – or I am just happy most of the time.
Whenever my mind is off, like I am not engaged in conversation, I smile. All the photos of me as a baby, I am smiling. That could have been gas as my sister Karen used to tell me, but I like to think I am happily inclined.
Anyway, on that day, I could not quit smiling. I tried, but when I tried, somehow the mouth would not turn down. Those muscles just let me down. My buds started almost screaming at me to stop smiling. The guy did not give me a peck. He just broke my nose. It turned out to be just one of many times.
What this long interlude means is I am a happy person. Little things make me ebullient.
Mother’s Day was one of the best days of my getting-longer-everyday life. That is ironic I understand because I am mostly male, but the weather, food, people, setting were all perfect. And Friday morning was more of the same. I have truly been blessed of late.
Friday morning I was sitting on my porch drinking exquisite Cinnabon coffee, writing on a long work of prose I have been writing on for years – it is called Franklin County and it is about corruption, which is complete fiction ahem, ahem, wink, wink, nod, nod – and listening to my Top 100 to be Played at my Funeral playlist (now at 373 songs) and enjoying a beautiful spring day, just warm enough, no humidity, no bugs and plenty of sunshine.
I even saw a pileated woodpecker across Franklin Avenue at a neighbor’s stump. Must have been a Golden Coral over there because he took his time and looked as happy as a non-cartoon woodpecker can look. And it is only the second pileated woodpecker I have seen in my lifetime.
While writing, I was engaging in email conversations with authorities at my job about future scheduling due to a coming dearth of fellow employees able to work their normal hours. And then, I received one email from one supervisor saying I was supposed to be at work that morning subbing for a lady on vacation, did I FORGET!!!!?
Oh man.
Earlier this week, I was told they were letting me come in one hour later on Fridays from noon to 1 p.m., which meant on Friday morning I was wearing Wal Mart-appropriate clothing much later in the day.
No time for a shower, I had not eaten yet, but did have a cup or two of coffee down my gullet. Because of my absence, my FORGETTING!!!, the History/Genealogy Dept. had remained shut and dark since 9 a.m.
About an hour after I got there, another supervisor came in, and it was her day off, which made everything worse, and asked “I heard there was a problem this morning, what happened?” I told her how I FORGOT!!!!. She did not say a word, her facial expression spoke volumes and stormed out.
I seem to do that to people.
Another fellow employee wandered through the department on a mission and innocently asked me how my day was going, and instead of just saying fine, I unloaded with an answer just about as long and meandering as this column. Surprisingly, he listened and then told me as an explanation, it is Friday, the 13th.
I wanted to smack myself on the forehead because I had FORGOTTEN!!!! the date associated with the day of the week. While this was going on or shortly thereafter, another fellow employee came into the department and reminded me I am scheduled to work for her Tuesday afternoon. As she was leaving, she said. “Don’t FORGET!!!!! with an added little giggle.
My ever-present smile evaporated, for that moment, at least.
Regina Jo Gibson, 68, of Connersville, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Majestic Care, Connersville.
She was born December 31, 1953, in Connersville to Charles and Sarah Rowe Lane.
Regina worked as a cook for the Fayette County School Corporation. She was also employed at Downtown Bakery for a time.
An outdoor enthusiast, she loved flowers, butterflies, birds, and fishing. A country music fan, she enjoyed music from the 60s and 70s and had fun going to concerts. Watching NASCAR was also an enjoyable pastime for Regina. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Charles Caldwell and William Paul (Michelle) Caldwell, both of Connersville; a daughter, Wakita Gibson of Connersville; six grandchildren, Hallie Jo (Xavier) Banks, Mercedies Caldwell, Ty Andrew Caldwell, Sarah Gibson, Tatum Hensley, and Phoenix Caldwell; three great grandchildren, Macie, Ella, and one on the way; a sister, Tina (Jerry) Metcalf of Brookville; two nephews, Joshua Lane and Shaun Lane; two nieces, Michelle (Tommy) Hensley and Brianna (Chris) Ramey; and a number of great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Phil Gibson; and two brothers, Charles Michael Lane and Robert Leon Lane.
Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Reverend Dustin Boehm will officiate. Burial will be at Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Richard C. Goldey, 90, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord Friday, May 13, 2022, at his home.
He was born September 10, 1931, in Connersville, one of six children of Everett A. and Beulah E. Towler Goldey.
On July 17, 1952, he was married in Connersville to Elizabeth Mae Feebeck by Reverend Herbert Fitzpatrick. Mrs. Goldey passed away January 7, 2014.
Richard was employed at Porcelain Steel for nine years, the Connersville Fire Department for 20 years, and for the General Telephone Company for 21 years.
He was a charter member of Connersville Baptist Temple and a 50-Year-plus member of Warren Lodge #15, F & AM.
In his leisure, he enjoyed sightseeing and trips to Myrtle Beach. He especially loved holiday meals and fixing the turkey and dressing.
Survivors include three children, Rhonda Goldey, Regina (Stephen) Bush, and Rick (Kari) Goldey, all of Connersville; six grandchildren, Jeni Wynn-Harsh, Leslie Wynn, Matt Lingg, Mandy Lingg, Ryan Goldey, and Derek (Shelby) Goldey; ten great-grandchildren, Tesa, Maggie, Dylan, Hendrix, Camdyn, Aria, Calie, Cole, Evee and Margo; a number of nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Rocky.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Mae Goldey; a grandson, Scott Jeremy Wynn; a granddaughter, Apryl Wynn; three sisters, Leah Bridgett, Betty Grubbs, and Marilyn Noe; and two brothers, Everett and David Goldey.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Chris Lovett at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, where friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Warren Lodge will conduct Masonic Memorial Services at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society, the Fayette County Animal Shelter, or Samaritan Saddlebag c/o Crosspointe Biker Church.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Marcia A. Stroud, age 70, Brookville, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at her residence. Marcia was born on December 26, 1951, in Seymour, to Alvin and Veva Hauersperger Gerth. She was raised with four siblings. On August 5, 2004, she married Kim Stroud in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
After graduating high school, Marcia worked 50 years in the insurance industry, having owned an agency and claims business. In April of 2020, she retired from VanVleet Insurance, Richmond, as a commercial underwriter. During Marcia’s leisure time, she enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, and volunteering at St. Michael’s.
Survived to cherish Marcia’s memories is her husband: Kim Stroud; stepsons: Tyler (Nicki) Stroud and Quentin (Tiffany) Stroud both of Cincinnati; step-grandchildren Damien Stroud and Nysa White. Marcia was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Veva Gerth and sister Lucretia Tuggle.
Visitation will be held Monday May 16, 2022, 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home 929 Main St. Brookville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place following visitation, 12:00 pm at St. Michael Catholic Church officiated by Fr. Sean Danda. Burial will follow immediately at St. Michael Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Sisters of St. Benedict Monastery 802 E. 10th St. Ferdinand IN 47532. Ohio American Eskimo Rescue Center 228 Dee Shadow Rd. Maineville, OH 45039 or St. Michael Catholic Church 145 E. St. Michael Blvd. Brookville, IN 47012.
For more information, send condolences or to sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Marcia Stroud.
