Obituary for Michael J. Wolf

MICHAEL J. WOLF

Michael J. Wolf, age 70, of Sunman, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 20, 1951, in Richmond to Lloyd and Wilma Aspley Wolf. After graduating from Brookville High School, Michael served in the United States Army Reserves. On September 9, 1972, he married Melissa Brackney at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Brookville.

Michael was always active in his community. After obtaining his associates degree from Indianapolis School of Mortuary Science, he worked for more than 23 years at Cook’s Funeral Home as a funeral director. He served on the Sunman Dearborn Community School Board and after retiring from Cook’s, worked for Bright Elementary. Michael and his wife were part of the founders of Sunman Area Life Squad and volunteered for several years. He was a member of Sunman American Legion and was always a great supporter of his community.

Michael enjoyed woodworking and spent a lot of his time at Tucker’s Custom Woodworking in Sunman. He also enjoyed music and fishing but most of all loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, they were words of wisdom.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Melissa Wolf, daughter and fiancé, Shannon (Bill Dixon) Wolf of Sunman, son, Jared (Melissa) Wolf of St. Leon, son, Andy (Ashley) Wolf of Burlington, KY, nine grandchildren: Kaylee Harpring, Victoria Harpring, Makenna Dixon, Kiersten Dixon, Kennedie Dixon, Josie Wolf, Ellie Wolf, Mason Wolf, and Max Wolf; one brother, Gary Wolf of Ft. Myers, FL. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Wilma Wolf, and brother Ricky Wolf.

To honor and respect Michael’s wishes the family has chosen direct cremation. Friends and family are invited to show their love, support, and celebrate Michael’s life, Saturday, March 12, 2 pm to 5 pm at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home 109 Vine St. Sunman. A private burial will take place at St. Paul Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be directed to Sunman Area Life Squad or Sunman Fire Department.

For more information, send condolences, or to sign the online guestbook go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Michael Wolf.

Obituary for Francis J. Connelly III

FRANCIS J. CONNELLY III

Francis J. Connelly III, age 88 of Batesville, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the Waters of Batesville. Born September 20, 1933, in Cincinnati, he is the son of Edith (Nee: Tuepker) and Francis Connelly Jr. He served in the Navy during the Korean War. Following the service, he worked at General Electric 30 years as a customer service manager and after retiring he started Connelly Technical Services, doing consulting work for many of his former clients.

On June 10, 1974, he was married to Elizabeth Heinlein in Cincinnati. She preceded him in death June 25, 1990. He married Sue Hamilton March 13, 1992, in Cincinnati, and she survives. A former Shriner, Frank was also a member of the Batesville Masonic Lodge #668, Batesville Lions Club, Batesville Kiwanis and the Batesville Friends of the Library.

Gifted with a great sense of humor, Frank was quite a jokester and everybody was fair game for his humor. He enjoyed golfing; reading, especially Stephen King novels; doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles; was an avid Bengals fan as well as possessing a green thumb. He grew beautiful flower gardens and a vegetable garden that provided an abundance of produce for family and friends. Frank also enjoyed traveling, which was a benefit his job provided. While with GE, he spent six years in Germany and was able to travel to most of Europe with family to experience the culture and sites of many countries.

He is survived by his wife Sue; sons Jeff (Christy) Connelly of Batesville, Joseph Connelly of Kettering, Ohio, Tim (Judy) Connelly of Canaan, New Hampshire, John (Michele) Hamilton of Asheboro, North Carolina; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Beth and grandson Jesse Connelly.

Frank’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 5, from 1 – 3 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Batesville. The family encourages casual, comfortable attire. Memorials may be made to Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice.

Obituary for Lois “Gail” Richmond

LOIS “GAIL” RICHMOND

Lois “Gail” Richmond, age 69, of Richmond, passed away on February 23, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 10, 1953, in Cincinnati, to Milburn and Dorothy (Abbott) Humphrey.

She married Bobby C Richmond on October 12, 1968, at the Brookville United Methodist Church and together they raised two children. She was a member of Richmond Baptist Church in Richmond. Her passion was to help women and families that were struggling in their personal lives. Her love for all people was evident in her daily life as she would always spread the good news of the Gospel. She was a published author and loved to collect redbirds.

Those surviving who will cherish Gail’s memory; children, Duane (Kim) Richmond of Largo, FL, Christina (Troy) Moore of New Paris, Ohio; four granddaughters, Victoria, Makayla, and Alexandra McFarland and Cailin Richmond, one great-granddaughter, Sietta Allen. Gail is also survived by one sister and one brother, Ginger Harrison, and Kenneth Humphrey.  Besides her parents, Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Bobby C Richmond, two sisters and one brother, Brenda Humphrey, Mary Smith, and Ronald Humphrey.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 2 pm to 5 pm, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral home, 929 Main Street, Brookville.  Services will be held Monday, February 28, 2022, at the funeral home at 12 pm, officiated by Chaplain, Duane Richmond and Pastor, Kyle Allen. Burial will follow services at Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations can be directed to the American Cancer Society or to the Richmond Baptist Church building fund.

For more information, send condolences, or to sign the online guestbook go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lois Gail Richmond

Obituary for Gary Wayne Strohmier

GARY WAYNE STROHMIER

Gary Wayne Strohmier, age 72, of Brookville, died Wednesday evening, February 23, 2022, at his residence in Brookville.  

Born February 4, 1950, in Batesville, he was one of six children born to the late Dale and Mary Lucille (Suhre) Strohmier. On October 24, 1970, he was united in marriage to the former Judy Hertel, and she survives.

Gary was retired, having worked for more than 26 years as a machinist at Hamilton Tool, and later retiring from RB Tool in 2020. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting; gardening, as well as listening to country music.  He also loved his dog Pattycake. 

Besides Judy, his loving wife of more than 51 years, survivors include three children, Chris (Marcia) Strohmier of Edgewood, Kentucky, Beth Anderson of Brookville, and Phil (Tina) Strohmier of Brookville; six grandchildren, Brittany Anderson, Helena Strohmier, Chelsey Anderson, Brady Anderson, Jason Strohmier and Justice Strohmier; two sisters, Karen Strohmier of Alexandria, Virginia and Joyce Hokey of Brookville; three brothers, Richard Strohmier of Brookville, Daryl Strohmier of Brookville, and Brian Strohmier of South Bend.

Family and Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Monday, February 28, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville. 

His brother-in-law, Tom Hertel will officiate the Funeral Services at 12 Noon, Monday, February 28, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville. Burial will then follow in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Brookville. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Michael’s Church or FC CAN. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Strohmier family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Frank Foster

FRANK FOSTER

Frank Foster, 71 of Cambridge City, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022. He was born on February 9, 1951, to Paul Foster and Doshia Gibson Foster.

On November 28, 1986, he married Victoria Haning in Cambridge City.

Frank served in the United States Army during Vietnam and worked in Vehicle Maintenance.

Frank retired from Visteon on July 31, 2002, then went onto work at Belden until he retired from there in 2017. He was involved in the Outlaw Car Club for many years, where he was able to show his love and pride for old cars. His most prized car was his 1967 Camaro.

When he wasn’t working on his old cars, you could find him in the garden. Most of the produce he grew, he gave away, he found joy in giving. Frank enjoyed spending time around the card table playing Tripoli with his family and friends. Most importantly, he cherished his time spent with his family and friends and his beloved dog, Shadow.

Along with his wife, Victoria of 36 years, he is survived by his children, Frank (Casey) Foster Jr., of Aiken, South Carolina, Ralph (Jean) Runyon, of Connersville, Gracia (Christopher) Newman, of Rossville, and Michael (Jessica) Foster, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; 10 grandchildren, Andrew Runyon, David Runyon, LaChricia Bryan, Hope Foster, Makayla Foster, Brandon Foster, Tyler Foster, Heaven Foster, Skylin Foster, and Brady Foster; seven great grandchildren; his sisters Jena (Garry) Gilbert, and Cheryl Young of Connersville; Laura (Richard) Tucker of Arlington, and Mary Foster (Richard Fong) of Sacramento California. His brothers Dennis Foster, and Robert (Paula) Foster of Connersville.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Eddy Foster.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, from 12 pm until 2 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville. The funeral service will begin at 2 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Cambridge City.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Chad Andrew Lee

CHAD ANDREW LEE

Chad Andrew Lee, 48 of Connersville, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022. He was born on June 11, 1973, in Connersville to Reverend Robert E. Lee and Barbara Dalton Lee. 

On July 23, 1994, he married the love of his life, Kristy Rambo in Connersville. Together, they were blessed with three children.

Chad was a member of the masonic lodge and the Republican party. He ran for the Fayette County Commissioner in 2004, and became the commissioner from 2005-2008. Chad became an ordained minister, where he married three couples.

Chad started his insurance career at Hopkins Insurance in 1993. In 1996, Chad alongside with his wife started Lee Family Insurance Agency in 1996. Together, they opened Little Caesars Pizza in 2010 in Connersville, and in 2012, they opened one in Rushville; they both were sold in 2017.

Chad was an assistant Softball coach for more than 12 years. He enjoyed going camping, sitting around the campfire and going golfing. He cherished his time spent with his family and friends, but his most important job was being a proud Pop Pop. He loved to be around his family and would plan last minute get togethers just to have the ability to be with them.

Along with his wife of 28 years he will be greatly missed by his children, Mariah (Adam Long) Lee, Aniston Lee and Tristan Showalter; his father, Reverend Robert E. Lee; his grandchildren, Kaspen Radar, Mckinzlee, Anneliese and Trinity Long; brother, Todd (Paula) Lee; his mother and step father in law, Darlene (Dennis) Evans; his father and step mother in law, Gary (Judy) Rambo; and many nieces and nephews.

Chad was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Lee and a brother, Daren Lee.

Visitation for Chad will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 2 pm until 6 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 11 am at the funeral home with Pastor David Pinter and Pastor Ronald Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.

Obituary for Alta Jane Bell

ALTA JANE BELL

Alta Jane Bell, 74, of Connersville, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022, at her home.

She was born January 23, 1948, in Connersville to Mr. Saunders and Mrs. Cora Alice Ritchey.

In her leisure, she enjoyed going to flea markets and fishing.

Survivors include her husband Larry Bell, and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Sparks; and a brother, Bobby Saunders.

There will be no public services. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Tanya L. Melody

TANYA L. MELODY

Tanya L. Melody, 50, of Richmond, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022, at her home.

She was born December 8, 1971, to Robert and Brenda Blair Marcum. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1990, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Ivy Tech. For a number of years, she worked as a registered nurse for the Richmond State Hospital.

In her leisure, she enjoyed crafts, skydiving, and traveling. Above all, she lived for her family and loved taking care of them. She also loved her dogs, Knox and Grizzley, and her pet gecko.

Survivors include her father, Robert Marcum of Brownsville; a son, Chris Robinson (fiancée Tara Land) of Richmond; her fiancé, Darren Hoskins of Richmond; two grandchildren, Mason Robinson and Jackson Robinson; a sister, Shawna (Dale) Bass of Liberty; a brother, Brent (Susan) Marcum of Liberty; and nieces and nephews, Dale Bass III, Megan Bass, and Elijah Marcum.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Brenda Marcum, who passed away April 17, 2021.

Friends may visit from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Anthony White will officiate.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

FC arrests from February 17 through February 22

Provided by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

February 17

Justin A. Hayes, 38, Whitcomb Road, Brookville, was arrested at 9:31 p.m., on Whitcomb Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford for Domestic Battery Adult Knowing Presence of Child Less Than 16 Years Old (See or Hear) and Disorderly Conduct.

February 19

Destiny L. Williams, 27, West North Street, Greensburg, was arrested at 3:40 a.m., on Interstate 74 at Mile Marker 147.5 by Indiana State Police Trooper Vincent Scott, for Possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV, V and Possession of Hypodermic Needle.

Megan R. Williams, 27, West North Street, Greensburg, was arrested at 3:40 a.m., on Interstate 74 at Mile Marker 147.5 by Indiana State Police Trooper Vincent Scott for Possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV, V and Possession of Hypodermic Needle.

February 20

Benjamin L. Brown, 41, East Little Bear Road, Connersville, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. in Brookville, by Brookville Police Department Officer B. Staat for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

Jesse A. Conn, 32, Big Cedar Road, Brookville, was arrested at 11:17 a.m., at the Big Cedar Trailer Court by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah on two Arrest Warrants.

Kenneth I. Peters, 18, Laurel Road, Laurel, was arrested at 3:18 p.m., at Laurel, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia.

Courtney R. Teppe, 20, West Baltimore Street, Laurel, was arrested at 1:48 a.m., at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and East 11th Street, by Brookville Police Department Officer D. Foresee for Battery against a Public Safety Official, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Law Enforcement.

February 21

Jessica M. Broering, 37, Lawrenceburg, was arrested at 6:27 p.m., at the Dearborn/Franklin County line by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman on an Arrest Warrant.

Austin W. Horton, 26, Sunman, was arrested at 12:30 p.m., in Ripley County by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Ron Gordon by Order of Court.

Jesse L. Schell, 37, Mound Haven Motel, Brookville, was arrested at 4:13 p.m., at the Mound Haven Motel, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman on an Arrest Warrant.

Dakota J. Scott, 31, West 10th Street, Connersville, was arrested at 3:45 p.m., at the Fayette County Jail, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon, by Order of Court.

James K. Towles 27, Old U.S. 52, Laurel, was arrested at 2:20 p.m., at the Rush County Jail, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon by Order of Court.

February 22

Kimberly A. Reiff, 59, U.S. 52, Brookville, was arrested at 11:21 a.m., at the trailer park on US 52 in Brookville, by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Geiser for Manufacturing/Dealing Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia.

 Teresa S. Thomas, 47, Aurora, was arrested at 12:43 a.m., at the entrance ramp to west-bound Interstate 74 by Batesville Police Department Officer Wesseler on an Out-of-County Warrant, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Hypodermic Needle and Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia.

Grandma’s in love and in a pickle

Theological column by Adrienne Greene

Q:

Dear Pastor,

My grandma is shacking up with her boyfriend! She says marriage would revoke her inheritance from my grandfather. How do I respond to this?

A:

You wouldn’t believe how often this subject is coming up in conversations now. Through medical science and an easier life, generations are thankfully living longer and longer. “Sixty is the new forty,” I’ve heard more than once in the last couple weeks. New moral problems are arising out of this blessing of longevity, however. “I’m not done yet,” cries the widow or widower. “I’ve got another shot at love and I’m taking it.” But their financial picture is sometimes threatened if morality wins out: “If I marry again then the assets of my previous marriage will be revoked. What am I to do?”

As pastors, we see these moral scenarios play out through every generation. Rare are the instances when people fall in love, get engaged and get married while following biblical mandates throughout the whole process. Most pastors I know are marrying folks who’ve already had children together or who lived together for years. It is a sad sign of the times. Pastors withstand the siege of immorality like a sea wall in their assigned spot of ocean-front mission-field. We preach and teach the Bible’s view against these moral temptations and dilemmas, often to no avail. The world out there looks a whole lot like the world inside our church sanctuaries, and that is simply the way it is.

Thankfully, our justice system yet upholds the sacrament of marriage between a man and woman. I’m counting my blessings and leaving it at that. Yet this trend of putting sexual carts before marriage horses is indeed plaguing our society, even in the golden years. Instead of launching a religious tirade I’ll instead look to the Bible, which always has an answer for everything: “The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:22-24, NASB.)

In this account of the start of the human race, it’s crystal clear that God equates sex with marriage; the bonding is a binding in God’s eyes. It’s called, “covenant,” and that legal term is unbreakable in the Kingdom justice system. In fact, a close look at that scripture reveals that men and women were eternally connected to each other that day in the garden: one was literally manufactured from the other. Their sexual union is therefore celebrating the manufacturer’s original idea: they came from one flesh; they become one during sex.

We may we conclude that when two people have sex, God’s view of that act is a wedding! It’s the only definition God has for flesh entwined. The issue then becomes this: Are these “weddings” holy or unholy? Do we honor them as God does or use them as a form of recreation? According to the Bible, when we mate, we marry that person in the spiritual realm…whether we honor that fleshly covenant or not. You’d think mankind would be more selective about their partners.

Shacking up in any season of life bypasses a public profession of commitment and does not honor God’s sacrament of marriage. It’s lazy; it’s shady; immature; and a cheap counterfeit of God’s intent for two people in love. While some seniors may be prevented from marrying financially and therefore legally, they may be able to appeal to God by entering into a Christian-covenant-ceremony surrounded by friends and family. These “weddings” are not advertised, nor are they honored by the Church or the State, and most Clergy will have nothing to do with them. Yet they may be an option for our shacked-up grandparents.

However, and in my opinion, if two people truly love God and each other, no amount of assets, monies, legalities and financial obligations will prevent them from doing the right thing. Jesus eloquently defined what doing-the-right-thing looks like: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,’ ” (Matthew 22:37, NCB.) Do that and an honorable direction becomes clear.

Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information, tune into the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for sermons and insights.