Connersville resident Natasha F. Fogleson, 37, died Friday, January 14, 2022, at I.U. Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Natasha was born in San Diego, California on October 10, 1984, to Larry A. Fogleson and Lisa Stoffel Ward. She graduated from Connersville High School. Natasha furthered her education, earning an associate’s degree in medical coding from Indiana University East. She was employed as a customer service representative, who interviewed people over the phone. Natasha enjoyed taking walks through nature, stopping to pet every animal that would let her along the way. She enjoyed taking pictures, tending to her plants, and watching Netflix with Terry. Natasha enjoyed showing off the items she crocheted; she occasionally made her sister “model” them. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who know and love her.
In addition to her significant other of 10 years: Terry Johnson of Connersville; Natasha is survived by her sister: Amanda Merz and her husband Melvin III; step-children: Taylor and Jordan; uncle: Philip Stoffel and his wife Katherine of Las Vegas, Nevada; nephews: Jackson and Gunnar; many extended family members and friends.
Natasha is preceded in death by her mother and father.
A visitation for family and friends will be conducted from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to offset the cost of services.
Harry “Butch” Schaefer, 97-year-old WWII veteran of Weisburg, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022. The honorary and ornery mayor of Weisburg, Butch planted a vegetable garden big enough to feed all of Dearborn County. Managing a garden of this size every year was no small feat and his strong and steady work ethic was admired by his children. He also grew sunflowers every year and loved watching and feeding birds. Butch was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and training his hunting dogs. He was known to stretch the truth a little, particularly about his unverifiable fishing stories. Butch had grown many varieties of fruit trees and was still climbing ladders to trim those trees into his 90s. He liked driving around in his Gator UTV, his favorite “work toy.” He had a working and friendly relationship with many of his neighbors, which he cherished. Butch was an avid card player, loving pinochle, euchre, poker and about any card game known. He and his other surviving siblings enjoyed a boisterous game of poker the first Friday of every month at St. Andrews. Being the oldest of 12 kids, Butch, was the alpha dog by default, the leader of the pack. He was also the self-proclaimed St. Andrew’s weatherman, making sure to share his daily predictions with the other residents. His favorite weather day was snowy, and his family found it fitting that he should pass on a day when it had snowed.
Butch taught and demonstrated to his family and to others how to grow gracefully old. He accepted things as they came, and never complained.
Butch was proud to source the finest ham in the land for the family’s holiday meals and after tasting it, always proclaimed it was “the best ham we’ve ever had.” He also ran the ham stand at St. Paul’s summer festival every summer. He enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball, as well as women’s volleyball. He was the American Legion’s baseball pitcher in his youth and liked to remind everyone of his no hitter at Long Island Ballpark. Another of Butch’s hobbies was making homemade wine with his very own wine press and enjoyed involving the grandkids in this venture. He married the love of his life, Martha Wiedeman, in a double wedding ceremony with his brother Ray, and Martha’s twin, Marie. At their 50th wedding anniversary party, the entire Schaefer wedding party and Butch’s mother were there to celebrate. Butch was a lifelong member of All Saints Parish and the last 75-year charter member of North Dearborn American Legion Post 452.
Butch will be deeply missed by this daughters Nancy (Rick) Meyer of Batesville and Karen (Jody) Blasdel of Bright; siblings Lester Schaefer and Rosemary Conrad; sisters-in-laws Ruth and Betty Jo Schaefer; grandchildren Christopher Meyer, Stephen Meyer, Angela (Brett) Horsley, Scott (Laura) Meyer, Lainey (Josh) Schaefer, Jenna (1) Rack, Jared (Jenae) Blasdel; great grandchildren Isabel Meyer, Weston Meyer, Benjamin Horsley, Audrey Horsley, Reese Meyer, Kaylynn Schaefer, Eli Schaefer, John Rack and Lilly Rack.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Martha Wiedeman Schaefer; parents Bertha and Alfred Sr.; brothers Raymond, Alfred Jr., John, Elmer, Robert, Ralph, Joseph, and Eugene; and sister Bertha Pfliegel.
Visitation for Butch will be held on Thursday, January 20, at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home, 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Rosary will begin at 4:45 pm and visitation will run from 5 pm – 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 21, at 10 am at St. Paul’s Campus, All Saints Parish, 9788 North Dearborn Rd. Guilford, IN 47022. For those not able to attend, the Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made to North Dearborn American Legion Post 452 or St. Andrews Activity Department. Memorials will be taken at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.
Brian K. Collins, age 46, of Connersville passed way on January 15, 2022, at his residence. Born on January 16, 1975, in Connersville, he is the son of the late Phyllis Jean Collins.
Brian had received an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ivy Tech. He was employed at Beldon in Richmond and had also worked at NSK in Liberty, H & E Machine in Connersville and Berry Plastics in Richmond.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing his guitar and going to concerts.
Brian is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Angela and Terry Boicourt of Connersville; two aunts, Sue (Dorwin) Ponsler of New Castle and Linda (Chuck) Reeve of Connersville; and uncle, David Collins of Connersville; a nephew Josh Lewis of Connersville; a niece Shelby Boicourt of Florida; two cousins, Sheri Ponsler and Erica (Avery) Morris of New Castle; and his beloved dogs, Nubius and Molly.
Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville, on Thursday January 20, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at Dale Cemetery.
Norma Jean (Dunn) Greene, age 93, of Connersville, passed away on January 15, 2022, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home. She was born on November 22, 1928, in Covington, Kentucky, to the late Floyd E. and Ora Mabel (Lunsford) Dunn. She graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1946, and married John R. Greene, Jr. on November 24, 1948, in Connersville. They had been married 72 years when John passed away on January 21, 2021. They were members of First Baptist Church in Connersville.
Norma was employed as a secretary/transcriptionist at American Kitchens, McQuay Norris and the Blower locally; Starbox & Printing Company in Chattanooga, TN and Travelers Insurance in Nashville, TN, where she retired in 1997. She served as pastor’s wife and church pianist for more than 40 years. John and Norma returned to Connersville in 1999.
She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Helen) Greene and Judy Faulkner both of Connersville; four grandchildren, John (Brammae) Greene, Caleb (Ruth) Faulkner, Alex (Bevan) Faulkner and Ann Elizabeth (Charles) Morton; six great grandchildren, Zane, Asa and Kayanna Greene, Georgia Faulkner, Indie Faulkner and Natalie Morton; a great-great granddaughter, Caroline Greene; her sister, Betty Dunn; nieces Sua Ann (David) Kanorr and Ronda Dunn; a nephew, Steve Snyder; great nieces Summer Weaver, Kristan and Kara Kanorr; a great nephew, Daniel Kanorr and two great-great nieces Taylor and Brooklyn Weaver.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Glenna Snyder, brother Ronald Dunn and a nephew Philip Dunn.
Visitation will be from 11 am – 1 pm on Friday January 21, 2022, at Urban Winkler Funeral Home with a service at 1 pm. Pastor Mal Gibson will be officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Carol J. Hedrick, age 61 of Connersville, passed away on Friday January 14, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond. Born on May 13, 1960, in Connersville, she is the daughter of the late John and Eva Mae Moore Blanton.
Carol worked as a QMA and also had worked as an Instructional Assistant at Clark-Pleasant Intermediate School in Greenwood. She was very devoted to her faith and loved going to church. She loved to sing worship hymns in the church choir, played piano in church and at home. She also liked to crochet, arrange flowers and loved to serve and help others.
She was very active in the wrestling community in Martinsville. Everyone in the locker room called her “Mom.” She loved to cook for all of them. Carol never met a stranger. She became a friend to all who she met, and she wanted them to feel loved.
She is survived by her son, Paul Allen Hedrick of Connersville; a brother, Larry Blanton; two sisters, Mary Blanton and Martha (Ray) Wilhoite; several nieces and nephews as well has her beloved dogs and birds, Ren, Stimpy, Clair and Simon.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Macallie Carolyne Hedrick.
Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored in helping the family with arrangements.
Joseph Lee Counceller, 51, passed away unexpectedly in Connersville on Wednesday, January 10, 2022. He was born on August 4, 1970, in Connersville to the late Charles C. and Sharon Kay (Ruble) Counceller.
Joe graduated from Connersville High School in 1988. For many years he worked in the family business, C&C Tire and Tire Tech. After the business closed, he worked for Townsend Corporation.
Joe was known for his musical talents, especially his drumming abilities. Over the years he played in many local bands, including Uforia, Walpurgis Nacht, Sweetwater and Riverside, among many others. Outside of playing drums, he also enjoyed listening to music, being with family and friends, and painting. In addition, he loved making people laugh and being mistaken for Shawn Michaels.
Joe is survived by two daughters- Desirae (Michael) McGuire and Sarah (Justin) Counceller and one son- Connor (Taylor) Counceller, along with the mother of his children Michelle Counceller- all of Connersville. Three grandsons, Hayden, Jaxon, and Jonah as well as his sister-in-law Jennifer Counceller and nephews and niece- Chance, Seth, and Taylor. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends whom he considered family. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers- Charles (Chuckie) Counceller, Jeff Counceller, and Terry David Counceller.
The funeral services for Joe will be held at Urban Winkler Funeral Home on Wednesday January 19, 2022. Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm with the service starting at 7 pm. The service will be officiated by Reverend Ronnie Wylie and Reverend Merle Seeley. Burial will be in the Everton Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Melvin Richard Rieder, 83, of Connersville, lost his battle with Covid-19 and passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond.
He was born February 4, 1938, one of six children of Raymond and Sylvia Watt Rieder. He was a 1956 graduate of Harrisburg High School.
For more than 50 years, Melvin worked as a professional tool and die maker for Dieco, Inc., in Connersville.
A talented craftsman, Melvin was well known across the country for his singular ability to design and build engines of all types. They included racing engines for drag cars in the 1960s and continued with drag motorcycles until the mid 1980s, ultralight aircraft engines in the 1990s, and pulling tractors in the early 2000s. Early on, he was a partner in the DVR Raceway slot car track on Grand Avenue (1967). Later in life, Melvin built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, including spectacular, custom-built radial engines. He was also a master metal worker, welder, woodworker, gunsmith, builder, and inventor. He was known for being a motorcycle rider all of his adult life and regularly took long road trips on his Honda Goldwing.
A lifelong learner, Melvin was a voracious reader and enjoyed many kinds of music. He was drawn to the outdoors and was an animal lover. He always had at least one cat and tenderly cared for every stray feline soul that found its way to him.
Survivors include two children, Kris (Rachel) Rieder of Richmond, and Leigh Ann Rieder of Creswell, Oregon; a granddaughter, Rebeckah (Mark) Rieder-Hester of Richmond; a step-granddaughter, Jenny Zhan of Indianapolis; two great-grandsons, Bryson and Braxton Hester; three siblings, Sylvia “Bebe” Rieder of Clearwater, Florida; Cherril “Cherry” (Robert) Horn of New Madison, Ohio, Brent (Robin) Rieder of Cibolo, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mariel Rieder Henderson; and a brother, Steve Rieder.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Melvin’s Life at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home in Connersville. For everyone’s health and safety, the family requires all attending to wear a mask. A brief visitation will begin at 1 p.m.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Michael D. Snyder, 43, of Connersville, passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, January 13, 2022.
One of two children of James and Joan Smith Snyder, Michael was born in Richmond, on September 10, 1978. He attended Connersville High School where he played on the Varsity Basketball team.
On May 11, 2006, Michael married the former Heather Belt in Connersville. Mrs. Snyder survives.
Michael was employed at NSK in Liberty for several years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing basketball and golf, hunting and fishing, mushroom hunting, and watching sports.
Besides his wife, Heather, survivors include his father, James Snyder of Connersville; daughter, Haley A. Jones of Connersville; grandson, Branson H. Fox of Connersville; step-daughter, Breeana Nicole Hurley of Connersville; sister, Heather D. Meek of Connersville; two nephews, Drieden Schuler and Brayden Parker; a niece, Elle Gill; and numerous cousins.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Snyder, on December 30, 2012.
Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend James Brockmeier at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Recitation of the Chaplet of Devine Mercy will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the funeral home where visitation will follow until 8:00 p.m. Burial in Union Cemetery will be conducted at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Luella Marie Bunch, 87, of Connersville, passed away late Saturday evening, January 15, 2022 at Reid Health, Richmond.
She was born May 5, 1934, in Brookville, to Charles and Hilda Mae Biere Dora.
On February 19, 1955, she married Paul Leslie Bunch in Connersville. Mr. Bunch passed away January 16, 2017.
Luella was a member of the Connersville Church of Christ.
In her leisure, she enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.
Survivors include a son, Norman E. (Paula) Bunch of Connersville; grandchildren, Norman Paul Edwin (Melinda) Bunch, Greg Jackson, and James Jackson; and great grandchildren, McKenzie Bunch, Laydon Bunch, Clay Bunch, Braxton Bunch, and Anthony Moffitt.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Leslie Bunch; a daughter, Joan Jackson; and a sister, Louise Willet.
Friends may visit from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the funeral home with Pastor Wayne Greeson officiating. Burial will be at Springersville Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Jerry Everett Tolliver, 92, of Connersville, passed away Friday morning, January 14, 2022, at Reid Health, Richmond.
He was born July 17, 1929 in Coal Grove, Ohio, one of seven children of George W. Tolliver and Clara Ackerson Tolliver.
On March 17, 1961, he was married in Cincinnati, to Hilda Sue Cornett, and they came to Connersville for residence in 1974. Mrs. Tolliver survives.
For more than 20 years, Jerry was a tool and die maker for Philco-Ford and its successors, retiring in 1992.
In his leisure, he enjoyed working in his garden and taking care of his lawn and home. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Sue Tolliver; two children, Teresa (Bill) Sterling of Connersville and Carolyn (Dana) Newhouse of Terre Houte, Indiana; four grandchildren, Christina (Matt) Wheeler of Fremont, Ohio, Christopher Sterling of Connersville, Matthew (Sarah) Sterling of Independence, Kentucky, and Katelyn Sterling of Connersville; and four great grandchildren, Levi Wheeler, Hannah Wheeler, Heidi Wheeler, and Zoe Lohr. Jerry also has another son, Michael S. Tolliver; granddaughters, Trena Tolliver and Sadie Sicka; great grandchildren, Cody, Ryan, and Miranda Tolliver; two brothers, Daniel Martini and Stanley Pence, both of California; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gary Tolliver; a daughter, Joann Tolliver; a grandson, Michael J. Tolliver; three sisters, Lillian Crabtree, Jenny Crabtree, and Claira Tolliver; and a brother, Mike Tolliver.
Private funeral services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
