Stanley D. Short, 65, of Everton, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.
A lifelong resident of Fayette County, Stanley was born July 8, 1956, one of three children of Robert “Birchel” and Lottie Reynolds Short. He was a 1974 graduate of Connersville High School and also attended Wabash College and Ball State University.
For more than 30 years, he worked in the office assisting the owners of Hassler Dry Cleaners.
Stanley had a passion for all forms of music and was the family’s music trivia expert. He loved attending concerts with family and friends.
Stan was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching sports. He had cheered on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field and was a lifelong fan of University of Kentucky basketball.
Survivors include a sister, Robbie Friend Worley of Everton; five nieces and nephews, C. Daniel (Beverly) Friend of Connersville, Dean R. (Jeannie) Friend of Connersville, Bette (Mike Scher) Jones of Connersville, LuAnn M. (Adam) Gatti of Waterford, Pennsylvania, and Andrew L. (Jodi) Short of Marysville, Ohio; and a sister-in-law, Brenda Short of Sheffield, Pennsylvania. He is also blessed with a number of great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Stanley is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Keith Short; and a brother-in-law, Gene Worley.
A Celebration of Stanley’s Life will be held at a future date. Private interment at Little Children’s Home Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions in memory of Stanley may be made to the Little Children’s Home Cemetery or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Caitlin Marie Davis, 26, of Liberty, Indiana passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, at IU Health – Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis following an automobile accident.
A daughter of Gary Bunch and Cynthia Fuesler, Caitlin was born in Richmond, on June 29, 1995.
On April 6, 2015, Caitlin married Jimmie Darrell Davis in Connersville. Mr. Davis survives.
A loving wife and mother, Caitlin enjoyed spending time with her family, cuddling in the wintertime, listening to music, dancing, singing, and spending time outdoors.
She was a member of Rebuilding Faith until its closing and was employed at Union County Co-op in Liberty.
Besides her husband of six years, Jimmie Davis, and her parents, Caitlin is survived by five children, Casey Bunch, Cayla Bunch, Casidy Davis, Carter Davis, and Carsyn Davis; step-parents, Lori Bunch and Clyde Baugh; father- and mother-in-law, Terry and Dianna Davis of Liberty; 12 siblings, Caleb Fuesler of Liberty, Cody Bunch of Connersville, Alexandria (Daniel) Magana of Martinsville, Teesha Magana of Texas, Jenna Bunch (Elliott Tuttle), Jacob Bunch, Lucas Bunch, all of Connersville, Jake Baugh, Hannah Baugh, both of Bloomington, Tanna Baugh of Liberty, Haleigh Jackson and Sean Jackson, both of Alabama; a brother-in-law, Charles Davis of Liberty; grandparents, Dixie Foland, Carolyn Fuesler, Gary Bunch, Rodney and Linda Blaes, all of Connersville; aunts and uncles, Chris (Tracy) Fuesler, Cary (Teresa) Fuesler, Charlie (Christy) Fuesler, Connie (Victor) Fuesler, Caroline (Dave) Maupin, Angela (Mike) Maupin, Sugie Foland, Mike (Susan) Paugh, Eddie (Kim) Harry, and Tracie Harry; a great-aunt, Emily Hallgarth; and several cousins.
Caitlin was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Chris Fuesler and Mike Foland; great-grandparents, Caroline and Ed Dawson; great-grandmother, Martha Henson, and grandparents-in-law, Delmar and Christine Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Chris Lovett will officiate. Burial will be conducted at the convenience of the family in Valley Grove Cemetery, Milton.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Steven Wesley Robinson, 53 of Bath, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. He was born on November 12, 1968, in Hamilton, Ohio to Arthur Robinson and “Verdie “Pearl” Robinson.
Steven had worked at McDonalds in his younger years.
You could often find Steven playing video games. He looked forward to each holiday just so he could decorate for it. He found joy in going places and taking rides on anything that he could have a little bit of fun on, whether that be a motorcycle, quad or a golf cart. Steven loved anything to do with Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan. Steven was simply a joy to be around and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his mother, Pearl Robinson; brothers, Larry Duane Robinson, Arthur Daniel Robinson and Matthew (Debbie) Robinson; sisters, Mary Margaret Robinson (Jeff Ruiz) and Pamela Jean Robinson; an Uncle Danny (Heather) Robinson; several nieces and nephews; and his social consultants who were always there to help him, Julia Hamilton and Richard Baudendistel.
Steven was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Robinson.
Visitation for Steven will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, from 11 am until 1 pm at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home, 310 N. Main St., Liberty, Indiana 47353. The funeral service will begin at 1 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Bruce Turner officiating. Burial will follow in College Corner Cemetery.
John “Jack” Albert Hall, 84, of Milton, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 18, 2022, at the Springs of Richmond.
Jack was born December 27, 1937, in Cincinnati, one of four children of Earl and Mae Winter Hall.
On November 12, 1960, he married Margaret Mae Carter at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, and they resided on and operated their farm in the Milton area for many years. For a brief period, he was also employed at Rex Manufacturing.
In his leisure, Jack enjoyed wagon wheel rides from New Castle to Brown County. He also loved attending steam engine shows and listening to bluegrass music.
Survivors include a son, Mike Hall of Harrisburg; two sisters, Mary Hall Bobenia of Grant, Tennessee and Sarah (Jay) Earleen Hall Abramson of Bath, North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Blanche (Edward) Thompson of New Castle, Kathy (Greg) McQueen of Farmland, Bonnie (Bill) Carter of Virginia, Jane (Don) Carter of New Castle, Linda Jo Carter of Indianapolis, and Carolyn Ripberger Hall of Florida; a brother-in-law, George (Zeta) Carter of New Castle; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Mae Carter Hall; his parents; a brother, Larry Hall; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Edna Carter; brothers-in-law, Joe, Bill, and Don Carter; and one niece and two nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home where friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Jack may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Editor’s Note:Donna has graciously allowed me to run her columns on my blog. Donna (Jobe) Cronk was a couple years behind me at UCHS. She was the best friend of my high school sweetheart, Cheryl. Cheryl had the good sense to run far away from me and is now living a very nice life in Wayne County. Donna took up the poverty life of a journalist and had a very successful career with the New Castle Courier Times prior to retirement. She still writes columns for New Castle and two other papers. Donna is the author of “Sweetland of Liberty Bed and Breakfast” and “That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland.”She is in the process of publishing a third book“There’s a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go.”
Last July, husband Brian and I ordered all the things involved with refurbishing a bathroom.
It took 15 weeks for all the moving and non-moving parts to come together: for everything to arrive, and for the contractor to get to work. Then came a week and a half in November to remove the old, install the new, along with a few stray days to wrap up “the punch list” when some missing faucets arrived.
Finally, with the job complete, I took photos of the revised room and posted them on my blog at donnacronk.com. The camera spotted something that I had not. In looking at the photos, I noticed odd shadows on the tile. Must be the way the light streams onto it, I reasoned.
Then I looked closer and found that no, the problem was something more. Some of the tile was a shade—maybe just a half a shade—off from the rest. It was not white, as I had anticipated, but a shade of gray. I felt so let down, I could have cried.
More weeks passed. Why wasn’t Brian complaining? I waited for him to mention the issue I had discovered. Oddly enough, it was when you didn’t focus directly on the tile that you noticed it plainly. If you stared straight-on at it, it could be difficult to see—and explain.
Once I knew that indeed the tile had issues, I could see nothing else in the beautifully rehabbed room. Evidently, Brian simply hadn’t noticed. I thought he might be mad at me if I mentioned the problem these several weeks later. Plus, I had no idea how much would be involved to fix it in time, materials, expertise, and expense.
Likewise, I thought the contractor might be mad for those reasons. And although they were nice, I felt weary of having workers in my house and dust everywhere.
What to do? Live with it? Finally, the tears suddenly erupted, seemingly out of nowhere. I told Brian that I was disappointed, and why. I felt spoiled mentioning it, but darn it, it was disheartening to get something nice and new and there be something off.
He wasn’t mad. He said he didn’t exactly see the issue—maybe vaguely, he guesses—but if it bugs me, well, we spent too much on the project to leave me in a state of Donna Downer.
“Call the contractor and ask him to fix it,” Brian calmly suggested.
So, I did, and he wasn’t mad at all! He came right out and the next day, his crew spent most of a morning repairing it.
The contractor explained that women see color 200 times better than men. I don’t know the science and can’t point to a study, but I trust my source. I figure as a contractor who works with women and remodeling materials all the time and has for years, he knows of what he speaks.
It resolved quickly, and kindly. I’m delighted.
When son Ben arrived Christmas Eve after everything was complete, he commented on the new room. “That bathroom window is great!”
“The window?” I asked, perplexed.
There are new cabinets, new tub, new flooring, tile, stool, and shower. But it’s the same window that’s always been there. Same trim on the same window, even.
“Yeah,” Ben said, then reading my confused look, added, “Wait. Isn’t it new?”
“Nope. Same window we’ve always had.”
He was amazed. To him the octagon-shaped window over the tub now stood out. He had never noticed it before, I guess. Maybe it just seemed new with the lighter walls and the addition of white cabinets, tub, and other fixtures.
I feel sure he never would have noticed the off-color tile, had it remained. In fact, had I said nothing, he would still think the window stole the show.
For Brian, what stands out is the new replica of the old shower. He didn’t want a fancy, extended version with stadium seating. Only a replacement of the one he had with new hardware and a bigger shelf so he didn’t have to leave his shampoo on the floor.
I had pitched the idea of a bigger, expanded shower due to the peer pressure of those who pine for such upgrades. But he’s the shower guy—not me—and he didn’t see the point. His decision also saved us a bundle by not having to move major plumbing. In fact, it was his request for a new shower that made me propose expanding the project to include the entire room.
“Well, if we’re getting a new shower,” I began imagining, “I would like to replace those worn cabinets. And get a large storage cabinet rather than stowing towels under the sink. And the tub is pretty beat up…”
That’s how the nearly four-month wait, the job and its tweaks stretched right up to Christmas.
Brian saw one thing. I saw another. Ben, still another. The contractor, yet another.
Maybe what we see or don’t see in this bathroom project is a metaphor for how we all see everything differently than everyone else does through our own lenses with our own reasons, viewpoints, and influences. Maybe some things are in shades of gray. Our perspectives on nearly everything vary and differ–from decorating to politics to interests, goals, and dreams.
It’s something I’ll contemplate further during these wintry nights ahead …
Or maybe, I’ll simply just relax and enjoy my nightly soaks in the new tub as I make fine use of the scented bath bombs the boys gifted me for Christmas.
Donna (Jobe) Cronk spent 37 years as a journalist, the bulk of that time in New Castle. She is author of two novels fictionally set in Liberty. Her soon-to-be-published memoir is: There’s a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go. It will soon be available from Amazon and from her. Connect with her at newsgirl.1958@gmail.com.
Sr. Mary Paul Larson, age 92 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died January 17, 2022, at the convent. Born on May 6, 1929, in Vincennes, she was the oldest of six daughters born to Mary (Nee: Arnold) and Paul Larson.
She attended LaSalle and St. John the Baptist elementary schools in Vincennes and St. Mary of the Woods Academy in St. Mary of the Woods, and later Rose Academy in Vincennes for high school. From an early age, she helped in the family’s grocery store and at 13 she began working as a soda fountain waitress. Throughout her early life, she learned to play several musical instruments, sang and enjoyed writing poetry, while also having expressed an interest in religious life.
Sr. Mary Paul enrolled at Marian College where she met the Sisters and as she noted in her autobiography, “Once I met the Oldenburg Sisters, my life was changed. No more wondering about becoming a Sister. God had led me to the right spot. Each step of the way, I felt called and led and somehow knowing that God would provide the path and the strength.”
Her path included earning a degree in education at Marian, a degree in music at the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in elementary education from Xavier University. Her teaching career included the following Indiana schools: St. Michael’s, Holy Trinity and Our Lady of Lourdes in Indianapolis; St. Joseph’s in St. Leon; Holy Family in Richmond and St. Wendel in Evansville. In addition, she taught for four years at St. Athanasius in Roseville, Michigan. From 1976-1982 Sr. Mary Paul served as an education instructor at Marian College and in 1983 as their Supervisor of Student Teachers. After a sabbatical, Sr. Mary Paul served as a Pastoral Minister and religion teacher at St. Charles parish in Pryor, Montana beginning in 1984 and serving there until her retirement in 2000.
In retirement, Sr. Mary Paul kept busy reading, writing poetry, playing music and creating crafts. In her later years, she commented, “My parents, especially my father, are responsible for nurturing my vocation. My father taught me how to pray and to love the Eucharist by accompanying me to daily Mass as soon as I made my First Communion. He shared the love of church and religion in word and example and until the time of his death, was my greatest source of support in religious life by his prayers and advice.”
Survivors include sisters Phyllis Boehm and Kathleen Larson of Indiana, brother-in-law Morris Reel of Michigan and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Alma Greenburg, Judith Wilkinson and Paula Reel.
Visitation will be Friday, January 21st from 1–3 p.m. at the convent chapel. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Vincent Lampert officiating with burial in the convent cemetery. Guests who have been vaccinated are welcome to attend but masks are mandatory. For those unable to attend, services will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/3Oom0tEH6lQ. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
Alvin U. Wuestefeld, age 74 of Batesville, died Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Born January 11, 1948, in Batesville, he is the son of Veronica (Nee: Doll) and August Wuestefeld. He married Connie Wallpe August 31, 1974, at St. Louis Church. Al served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and after the service, he worked for Verizon 38 years as a Communications Technician. He was a member of the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271, the Ripley County V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Knights of Columbus Council #1461.
After working 38 years, Al didn’t slow down in retirement. He continued to stay as busy as ever, always willing to help family and friends with their projects. He’s fried chicken for countless events over the years along with wiring many houses in the area. He had the ability to fix anything. An avid sports fan, Al followed all the local teams. From the Batesville Bulldogs to I.U., Purdue, Xavier, the Reds and the Bengals. He was always up for a game of cards, especially Solo. He enjoyed playing golf and was a regular with the Monday morning golf group. For years he has raised a huge garden, giving away more than he kept. That garden was meticulously cared for, weed free and he raised the best tomatoes according to his family. Also, Al, for years, grew Christmas trees on his property. He just liked being outdoors and being busy. His greatest joy was time with his family. Whether it was ice fishing, cards or giving rides with the four-wheeler, time spent with his brothers, children and especially the grandchildren, was what he loved.
He is survived by his wife Connie; daughter Lori (Matt) Pulskamp of Batesville; sons Tim (Angela) Wuestefeld of Austin, Texas, Eric (Heidi) Wuestefeld of Westminster, Colorado; brothers David Wuestefeld of Greenfield, Ray Wuestefeld of Enochsburg, Joe Wuestefeld of Batesville, Gene Wuestefeld of Greensburg and six grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister Veronica Fehlinger.
Visitation is Sunday, January 16th, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, January 17th at St. Louis Church with Rev. Bill Ehalt officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Prell-Bland American Legion and the Ripley Co. V.F.W. The family requests memorials to St. Louis School or the Batesville Athletic Boosters
Jerry “Peanut” Lee Caudill passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022, with his loving family by his side. The son of Carl and Testa Caudill was born on December 21, 1958, in Batesville. He was 63 years young.
Peanut, as most knew him by, graduated from Batesville High School in 1977. He married Loretta Werner in 1983 at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon, and together they raised four children. He worked for Hill-Rom for almost 30 years before going to work for Ryobi in Shelbyville, until his illness led him to retire.
Peanut was a true outdoorsman who just liked taking in what nature had to offer. He enjoyed it all, fishing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping and building a good campfire. Peanut started a You Tube channel called ‘Muzzy Loader Camp’ a few years ago and would post his outdoor excursions for others to enjoy. Family was important to Peanut, and he always made time for them as well, many times including them in his nature adventures. Of course, his grandkids have always held a special place in his heart, and he loved spending time with them too.
He will be dearly missed by his parents, Carl and Testa Caudill; wife, Loretta Caudill; son, Matt (Cierra) Caudill; three daughters, Amber (Bradon) Siebert, Megan Caudill and Kayla Caudill; nine grandchildren, Madalyn, Emma and Katherine Caudill, Cash, River and Riley Caudill and Evan, Audrey and Tucker Siebert; along with his siblings, Wade Caudill, Keith Caudill, Larry Caudill, Sherry Davis, Greg Caudill, Christine Bellavia and Byron Caudill.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 18, 2022, from 4-7 pm with funeral services at 11 am on Wednesday, January 19th all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Burial will follow in the St. Maurice Catholic Cemetery in Napoleon.
Memorials can be directed to the family to help with medical bills by bringing to the services or mailing to Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Please feel free to leave a memory or a message of comfort for Peanut’s family in the online guestbook.
Tammy Lee Caldwell, 57, of Falmouth, passed away Sunday morning, January 16, 2022, at Reid Health, Richmond. She had been in failing health for a number of years.
She was born August 16, 1964, in Connersville to Ralph Caldwell, Sr. and Donna Hoskins Lunsford and was a lifelong resident.
Early in life, Tammy worked for Murphree Drywall as a drywall finisher.
In her leisure, she enjoyed spending time with her family and dear friends.
Survivors include two sisters, Lanae (William) Ladd of Connersville and Kim (Darrell) Russell of Falmouth; a brother, Lance (Mary) Smith of Connersville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tammy is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ralph Caldwell, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Burial will be in Laurel North Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
