William Denzel Southerland, age 58, of Brookville, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, at his residence. He was born March 17, 1963, in Cincinnati, to Dillard and Elaine (Evans) Southerland. On October 17, 1998, William married Connie Updike at the Reily Presbyterian Church in Reily Ohio. He enjoyed antique tractor shows, working on cars, repairing engines, tending to his dogs which he loved, but most of all William enjoyed spending time with his family.
Survived to cherish the memories that were made with William is his wife of 23 years, Connie Southerland; mother, Elaine Southerland of Milford, Ohio; brothers: Denny (Cheryl) Southerland of Morrow, Ohio and Donald Southerland of Loveland, Ohio; sister, Kathy Opp of Hamilton, Ohio and several nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his father, Dillard Southerland; grandparents; mother and father-in-law, Leroy and Betty Updike and uncle, Jerry Evans.
Funeral services will take place Thursday, January 27, 2022, 1 pm at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home 929 N. Main St. Brookville, IN, officiated by Pastor Tom Ramsey. Family and friends are invited to show their love and support beginning at 11 am until the time of service. Burial will follow services at College Corner Cemetery, Brookville Pike, College Corner, IN. Memorial contributions can be directed to Franklin County EMS-1.
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 William Southerland.
Charles Anderson Groce, 80, passed away on January 20, 2022, in the home he built himself in Franklin County, surrounded by family. Charles was born December 31, 1941, in Connersville, to Anderson Oren and Norma Jean (Lockwood) Groce.
He was a 1960 graduate of Laurel High School.
He married the love of his life Judy (Friend) Groce on September 3, 1961, at the Village Creek Baptist Church in Connersville. They were very happy to celebrate their 60th anniversary last fall. They were wonderful role models for their children and grandchildren in how to love and be loved.
He was a businessman that worked in several aspects of business including human resources, manufacturing, sales, and leadership. Some businesses that he worked for are McSawain Manufacturing, Rotadata, Harris Flote Bote, McDonnell Douglas, and several others. He was also quite inventive and came up with many ideas, most notably his Buddy Buggy two-person pedal buggy.
Along with his wife Judy, he is survived by two daughters, Teresa (Paul) DeHaven of Laurel, and Jeanna (Roman) Nobbe of Batesville, plus two sons, Charles (Cheryl) Groce Jr. and David Groce both of Brookville. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Clark DeHaven (Karissa Markland), Rachel (Robert) Schlemmer, Joseph DeHaven, Max (Shelby) DeHaven, Roman (Sarah) Nobbe, Bradley Nobbe, Charles Groce III (Whitney Flannery), Christopher Groce (Kelsey Solsberry), Dustin Groce (Deidre Klingman), Judy Coomer, and Rebecca (Joshua) Fischer along with 17 great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings, William Groce and Jayne Vaughn as well as one grandson Joshua Nobbe.
Friends may call from 1-3 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2022. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3 pm all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville.
Memorials in honor of Charles can be given to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. They may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Please feel free to leave a memory or a message of comfort for the Groce family in the online guestbook.
Zelma (Sloan) Grossman, 87, of Madison, formerly of Batesville, passed away on January 20, 2022. She was born September 17, 1934, in Burgeys Creek, Kentucky to Perry and Anna (Collins) Sloan. She was a graduate of Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky. Zelma went on to marry Elmer Grossman on June 29, 1970, in Clintwood, Virginia.
Zelma was proud of her big garden. When anyone came to visit, she was excited to take them for a tour through her garden. She would ask someone to run to the house for a “paper poke” to fill it with homegrown vegetables for them to take home and enjoy.
She made many beautiful quilts of which she would give to family members. Zelma crocheted and knitted hats, scarves, and delicate doilies. She rarely kept anything she made, often giving things away as soon as she made them. She always did what she could to help family and friends in need.
Zelma had many sayings she would often repeat such as: “Life is what you make it; You can choose to have a good day or bad day,” “Fix yourself up and go on,” and “Never be afraid of hard work.” Most of her sayings were guided by her wisdom and quick wit.
Zelma worked for many years at Union Furniture Company and later retired from Romweber Furniture. Her last few years, she always kept a puzzle on the dinner table until it was finished and a picture of it was taken. Everyone would sit around the table and help put the pieces together. More than anything, Zelma was proud of her family. She always included her friends as a part of her family as well. She was big on hugs and was never afraid to tell you that she loved you.
Zelma was honest, hardworking, and loving. She enjoyed the company of her family and friends who she will be greatly missed by.
She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Blair (Kenny), Bernice Frost, Kathy Dwenger (John Callicotte), Arlene Fullenkamp (Jim); 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren; brother, Harold Sloan; sisters, Bernalda Crowell, Henrietta Franklin, and Ophelia Profitt.
Zelma was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Grossman; her parents; three brothers, Elmer, James, and Lowell Sloan; sisters, Lorraine Gridley, Iona Arnette, and Audrey Carson; one grandchild and one great grandchild.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 25, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 1 p.m. all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Burial will follow immediately at Little Memory Cemetery in Sunman, Indiana.
Memorials can be given to New Life Fellowship Church by bringing to the services or mailing to Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Wanda Joyce “Joy” Harris, 82 of Connersville passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at her home. She was born on September 21, 1939, in Peppertown to the late Steve Fox and Edna Hunter Fox.
Joyce married Cohen E. “C.E.” Harris in April of 1993, in Tennessee.
Joyce worked at St. Francis Hospital for 30 years in Medical Records and then went to work at Fayette Memorial Hospital for 10 years.
Along with her husband, C.E. of 29 years she will be greatly missed by her children, Dawn Malone, Steve Glover, Kelly Glover and Gregory Harris; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; and a sister, Zella (Kellis) Drake.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Fox.
Visitation for Joyce will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 11 am until 1 pm at Urban Winkler funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville, Indiana 47331. The funeral service will begin at 1 pm at the funeral home with Rick Alvey officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Brookville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.
Carlaine Noah, 71, of Connersville, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Majestic Care of Connersville where he had been a resident.
Carl was born September 6, 1950, in Connersville, one of nine children of Carl Lane and Theresa Catherine Hood Noah and was a 1968 graduate of Connersville High School.
A veteran of the United States Army, Carl proudly served during the Vietnam War and returned to Connersville following his time in the service where he became employed at Philco-Ford for several years.
He then moved to Fort Myers, Florida where he owned and operated a heating and air conditioning business for many years.
Along with his family, he was a member and raised in the Catholic Church.
Survivors include two sons, Brian (Amy) Noah of Brookville, Indiana and Doug (Sarah) Noah of Georgia; eight siblings, Jim (Valerie) Noah of Connersville, Debbie (Gary) Eddy of Bargersville, Connie (Dale) Smith of Connersville, Lark (Gerald) Bricker of Wilkinson, Indiana, Kim (Steve) Lutz of Denver, Colorado, Kay Pflum of Milton, Cheryl (Dean) Broyles of Pittsboro, and Tammy (Adam) Berkemeier of Rushville; several grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents and a son, James Noah.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home with Reverend James Brockmeier officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Carl’s memory.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
William Harold Freeman, 97 of Connersville, passed away late Tuesday evening, January 18, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Rushville.
One of five children of Worth and Lucille Sutherland Freeman, Harold was born in Monroe County, on March 24, 1924, and graduated from Spencer High School. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education from Indiana University.
A decorated World War II veteran, Harold served in Patton’s 3rd Army, 35th Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Harold began teaching elementary school in Ellettsville, for one year, then in Cambridge City, for two years, followed by more than 33 years for Fayette County School System at Grandview and Eastview Elementary Schools. Harold retired after 36 years of teaching.
On June 27, 1943, Harold married the former Mary Malicoat, and they made Connersville their home in 1954. Mrs. Freeman passed away on September 30, 2004.
Harold was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Connersville. He had a lifelong commitment to the youth of the community, serving more than 20 years with the Optimist Club and as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking, riding his bicycle, traveling, and reading.
Survivors include three children, Gary (Joy) Freeman of Toccoa, Georgia, Karen (Dan) Elliott of Connersville, and Patricia (Jerald) Dawson of Kinston, North Carolina; 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Combs of Ellettsville; a brother, Charles Freeman of Indianapolis; a daughter-in-law, Debra Freeman of Connersville; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his wife of 61 years, Mary Freeman, Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Stephen Eric Freeman on November 26, 2021; and a granddaughter, Kellie Becraft on October 29, 2020.
Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Connersville. Pastor Mal Gibson will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by Fayette County Veterans Council will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Lieutenant Robert Ronald York, 84, of Dunlapsville and Ocala, Florida, passed away on the 17th of January 2022.
He was born April 1, 1937, in New Miami, Ohio and is the son of the late George Perry York and Flossie May Waddell.
Along with his parents and son Steven, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Russell (Buck), Harold (Tony) and four sisters: Helen Williams (Bob), Iva Reibsomer (Hafey), Betty Sims (Don) and Joyce Gard (Larry).
Robert is survived by his wife Pauleta. Robert and Pauleta (known as Bob and P.J. to their friends) raised three children together: Ronald Glenn (Emily Brady) of Nashville, Tennessee, Steven Clinton (deceased) of Rushville, Debra Jean (Don) Casey of Ocala, Florida. They also have five grandchildren (Samantha York, Veronica Eckart, Nicole Lafever, Danielle Putek and Ashley York) and seven great grandchildren (Stori Driver, Aliyah Lafever, Addy Lafever, Raelyn Waynick, Payton Mcfarland, Kayla and Kamryn Dickson). He is also survived by brothers William (Bill) of Connersville, and George Jr. (Junior) of Ft. Meyers FL, and his sister Deanna of San Antonio Texas, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In 1954, while attending Alquina High School, he enlisted in the Navy. That same year he met the love of his life, Pauleta Jean Fields on a blind date. They were married on May 21, 1957, at the home of a pastor in Springersville. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.
Robert, (known to his family as Ronnie), was a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, rising from Seaman Recruit, through the Warrant Officer ranks entering into the L.D.O. Officer program and retired after 22 years as a full Lieutenant. He started his career on the U.S.S. Till, a Destroyer escort ship then continued to the Destroyers U.S.S. John R Pierce, U.S.S. Hull, and then the U.S.S. Helena, a Light Cruiser. He then pursued a Ships Repair specialty path that led to the U.S.S. Arco at S.R.F. Guam punctuated by Officers Candidate School in Newport RI and a short stint on the Repair Ship U.S.S Cadmus. He returned to S.R.F. Guam as Chief Docking Officer of that facility. Upon his announcement of his intention to retire, he was transferred to the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Hancock from which he ended his active service to our country in the U.S. Navy. Moving the family back to Indiana, they purchased Pauleta’s family home. He went to work at D & M in Connersville and retired from there after 20 years of service. He sold Real Estate for a period of time and then moved to Ocala, Florida in 1996.
For many years, before and after retirement, Robert and Pauleta enjoyed traveling together. They were Cruise enthusiasts and enjoyed sailing on many cruise ships to a variety of destinations. Whenever possible, they loved to be joined on their voyages by family members and close friends. Robert loved animals and through the years he gave lots of love and attention to the many family pets. He loved spending time with family and when the grandchildren were small, he would hold them in his lap and swing them to sleep or entertain them by singing old songs and funny little ditties from his childhood.
Visitation with the family will be at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home on Wednesday Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., concluding with a short memorial service. Burial will be immediately following at the Dunlapsville Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Fayette County Honor Guard.
To share a fond memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit millermosterrobbins.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dunlapsville Cemetery Association or the Fayette County Animal Shelter.
Robin Lynn Roberts, age 57, of Greensburg, and formerly of Cedar Grove, died unexpectedly, Wednesday January 19, 2022, in Harrison, Ohio.
Born May 11, 1964, in San Diego, California she was the daughter of the late William L. Moore and Rita (White) Schultz. On September 12, 1996, she was united in marriage to Tracy Roberts, and he survives.
Robin had previously been employed at Batesville Tool & Die, K-Mart and Wal-Mart. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing Bingo and visits to the Casino.
Besides Tracy, her husband of more than 25 years, survivors include three children, Donna (Kenneth) Sebastian of Greensburg, Jessica Jarrell of Greensburg and Gary Whitt of Hooven, Ohio; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Francine Coakley of Perry, Georgia and Karen Earwood of Ventura, California.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
Private services were held for the family. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Roberts family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Pamela D. Fanestiel, age 52, of Brookville, died Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Bethesda North Hospital following a brief illness.
Born December 18, 1969, in Houston, Texas she was one of four children, born to the late Ronald M. and Clara Jean (Taylor) Johnson. She was united in marriage to Edward Fanestiel, and he preceded her in death on April 20, 2000.
She was employed for Jane Klenke Accounting Service in Brookville. In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, and playing trivia/board games.
Survivors include two children, Christine Fanestiel and William Fanestiel both of Brookville; three brothers, John Johnson of Castle Rock, Colorado, Steven Johnson of Conroe, Texas, and Bryan Johnson of Brookville.
Family and Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Memorial Services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to FC CAN. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fanestiel family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Ruth Belle McGuire, 77, of Connersville, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at her home.
She was born October 21, 1944, in Hazard, Kentucky to Edward James and Tina Belle Vanover Williams, and she was a graduate of Napier High School.
On December 3, 1965, she was married to Leonard J. McGuire in Bluffton. Mr. McGuire passed away June 1, 2011.
Ruth was a deaconess at Central Christian Church and was also a member of the Christian Women Fellowship.
In her leisure, she enjoyed puzzle books, crocheting, gardening, and quilting.
Survivors include two daughters, Verna McGuire of Greenwood, and Heather (Greg) Smith of Connersville; two granddaughters, Jessica Smith and Leslie Smith; siblings, James (Sally) Williams and Marilyn Williams, both of Hazard, Kentucky, and Barbara Akers of Kentucky; a brother-in-law, Rodney (Linda) McGuire of Connersville; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Leonard J. McGuire; her parents; brothers and sisters, Cledith Williams, Dorothy Patterson, Thelma Hartman, Margie Williams, and Cecil Williams.
Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home with Reverend Stan Howard officiating. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
