Obituary for May Lou (Buchanan) Smith

MARY LOU (BUCHANAN) SMITH

Mary Lou Smith, 91, of Rushville, passed away Jan. 5, 2022, at Flatrock River Lodge. 

Mary Lou was born in Rushville, on Jan. 21, 1930, a daughter of the late Augusta (Stephens) Wright and Lester Buchanan. She married Paul C. Smith Sr. Jan 28, 1949, in New Castle, and he preceded her in death March 29, 1999. She attended Rushville High School and was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church. Mary Lou was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by three daughters, Bonnie G. Koors, of Greensburg, Peggy (Larry) Scott, of Rushville and Margaret (Tim) Smith, of Laurel; two sons Paul C. Smith Jr., of Rushville and David (Margaret) Smith, of Waldron; a stepdaughter, Sue (Chester) Stratton, of Springfield, Ohio;  and a stepdaughter-in-law, Twila Smith of Hillsboro, Ohio. She will also be missed by nine grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, preceding her in death are two brothers, Carley and Charles Buchanan; two stepbrothers, Marvin and William Wright; two half-brothers, Ira and Harold Wright; one sister, Elizabeth Dice; one stepsister, Leida Ball; two half-sisters, Nancy Farthing and Ruth Ann Sorrell.

The Funeral Service will be held 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Todd Funeral Centre & Crematory in Rushville with John H. Wall officiating.  Friends are welcome for visitation at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Rushville’s East Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Rush County 1590 N. Sexton St. Rushville, IN 46173. Please light a candle and share a memory with the family at www.ToddFuneralHome.com

Obituary for William “Will” E. Wiggins

WILLIAM “WILL” E. WIGGINS

William E. Wiggins, 77, of Liberty, passed away on January 9, 2022, at Whitewater Commons Senior Living Facility in Liberty. William was born on August 29, 1944, to the late John E. Wiggins and Maxine Hahn Wiggins.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bill worked for the Union County Highway Department; he also worked for a short time at the Indiana State Highway Department.

Bill had a love for the world of amusement. He spent many of his younger years traveling to follow carnivals and circuses. He always made a point to attend the local county fairs, and he loved the experiences he endeavored at the Indiana State Fair. Bill had an interest in the upkeep of vehicles; he made an effort to make sure his vehicle was always in tip-top condition. He was an avid animal lover with a special interest in dogs. In the summertime, Bill enjoyed bargaining at flea markets, and watching tractor pulls. While relaxing at home, he enjoyed watching wrestling on television.

Bill will be deeply missed by his siblings; brother, Jerry (Gwen) Wiggins, Miamisburg, Ohio; and sister, Joyce White, Liberty. His memories will be forever cherished by his nieces and nephews: Tawana (Bruce) Heaton, Osgood, and Heather (David) Marcum, Liberty, Brian (Alesha) Wiggins, and David Wiggins, Miamisburg, Ohio. He will be thought of often, by his two great-nieces and one great-nephew, and his seven great, great-nieces and nephews. Bill will also be greatly missed by many cousins. Joe Powell and Jeanie Brock will yearn for the friendship they had with Bill.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and a great-nephew Joseph Gillespie.

The Family would like to Thank: Whitewater Commons; The Hospice Group; and a special Thank you to Nurse Theresa.

Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family; with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations to be made to the Union County Cancer Society.

It made the family happy knowing Uncle Bill “shagged ass” to heaven.

Obituary for Clyde William Metz III

CLYDE WILLIAM METZ III

Clyde William Metz III, age 73, passed away January 11, 2022, at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond. Clyde was born May 18, 1948, in Cincinnati, a son to Clyde and Pauline (Clemens) Metz Jr. On March 19, 1982, he married Darcel C. Beal in Cincinnati.

Starting at the age of 14, Clyde started his career doing what he enjoyed the most in his life, restoring vehicles. He took great pride in restoration of old classic vehicles and was well known for the quality of work he did. When not working Clyde enjoyed tending and riding his horses, watching western shows, and studying the history of the military and wars.

Survived to cherish the memories of Clyde, is his wife of 39 years, Darcel Metz of Brookville; son, Richard (Michelle) McClusky of Brookville; son, Mario Metz of Hellertown, PA; grandchildren Sara, Brandon, Gabriel and Xander.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Pauline Metz, along with his uncle Joel and aunt Goldie Metz

In honor and respect of Clyde’s wishes, the family has chosen cremation with no services.

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 Clyde Metz

FC arrests from January 5 through January 10

Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

January 5

Johnathon A. Burbridge, 30, Elizabethtown, at 3:41 p.m., was arrested at the Decatur County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Ron Gordon on an Arrest Warrant.

Elijah B. Paul, 43, North Three Mile Road, Batesville, at 6:41 p.m., was arrested at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Batesville, by Batesville Police Department Officer Trevor Comer on an Arrest Warrant.

Brian A. Torbeck, 36, Cincinnati, at 1:18 p.m., was arrested at the Johnson Trailer Park, Brookville, by Brookville Police Department Officer Sam Williams for Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe or Needle.

January 6

Brandon L. Conn, 20, East First Street, Brookville, at 3:10 p.m., was arrested at a residence on Carolina Trace Road by Indiana State Police Trooper S. Stoneking on an Out of County Warrant.

Troy L. Hinds, 53, Westview Road, Brookville, at 9:45 a.m., was arrested on Progress Street by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Geiser for Operating a Vehicle while Suspended with a Prior Suspension within 10 years and Possession of a Schedule I, II, III, IV and V Substance.

Marisa M. Keyser, 32, Carolina Trace Road, West Harrison, was arrested at 3 p.m. along Carolina Trace Road by Indiana State Police Trooper Joseph May for Resisting Law Enforcement.

January 7

Vickie J. Worthington, 50, High Street, Harrison, Ohio, at 10:23 a.m., was arrested at the Hamilton County Jail by Franlin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Maxie on Warrant Service.

January 8

Katrina R. Blair, 50, Smeister Drive, Brookville, at 3:44 a.m., was arrested in Blooming Grove by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangerment and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

Jamie S. Robinson, 52, Middle Street, Laurel, at 6:29 p.m., was arrested at a residence on Pearl Street in Laurel, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Maxie for Failure to Appear.

January 10

Kelly M. Neville, 33, Snail Creek Road, Metamora, at 10:47 a.m. was arrested at the Madison Correction Facility by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Maxie on an Order from the Court.

Obituary for Zetta McQueen

ZETTA MCQUEEN

Zetta McQueen, 96 of Franklin County, passed away on January 7, 2022, in Methodist Hospital. She was born on October 1, 1925, in Jackson County, KY to the late Jesse and Edna (Bond) Ingram. Zetta was a lifetime member of Andersonville Christian Church. She was married to Ike McQueen on November 28, 1945, and he preceded her in death on December 19, 1989. During High School she worked at Voss Grocery Store in Cincinnati.
Zetta helped at the Franklin County Election Board for many years. She was the custodian at Andersonville Elementary School. Zetta volunteered at the Franklin County Food Pantry for several years. She enjoyed cooking, watching cooking programs, caring for her animals, working for her church, loved growing a garden each year and sharing her vegetables with others.
Zetta is survived by her daughters, Diane (Husband, David) Hedrick of St. Paul and Pat (Husband, Cleston) Thompson of Greenwood; grandchildren, Matt Hedrick, Andy Hedrick, Kayla Canino, Ryan Thompson, Chris Thompson, Jamey McQueen, Corbin McQueen and Jesse McQueen; 22 great-grandchildren and found great-great grandchildren.
Zetta is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, James “Jim” McQueen, grandchild, Aaron Hedrick.
Services will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 1 p.m. in Moster Mortuary, with Dr. Richard Ralstin presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family from Noon until the time of service in the mortuary. Burial will be held in Laurel North Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Andersonville Christian Church in memory of Zetta.

Obituary for Mary Ann (Schwing) Miller

MARY ANN (SCHWING) MILLER

Mary Ann (Schwing) Miller, 94 years old of Guilford, died January 6, 2022. Born July 30, 1927, in Lawrenceburg, to Louis and Rosa Schwing, she was the third of six children. She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker and there was nothing that she loved more than her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of All Saints Parish. She was married for more than 50 years to John C. Miller Sr. who passed in 1997. 

Mary Ann is survived by her son Robert (Ginger) Miller of Solsberry, daughter Patricia (Ray) Brichler of Dover, daughter-in-law Debbie Miller of Alexandria, KY and son Kenneth (Dianne) Miller of Ellettsville. She is survived by her 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband John C. Miller Sr. and her son John Miller Jr. 

Services for Mary Ann will be held on Saturday, January 15 at St. Martin’s Campus, All Saints Parish, at 8044 Yorkridge Rd, Guilford, IN 47022. Rosary will begin at 9 am and visitation will begin at 9:15 am. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am with Father Jonathan Meyer presiding. For those not able to attend, the Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily.   

In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann requested donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and All Saints Parish. Memorials will be taken at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home, 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.

Obituary for William Fliehman Sr.

WILLIAM FLIEHMAN SR.

William Fliehman Sr., 77 years old of Lawrenceville, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022. Although his death was unexpected, he died doing what he loved, tooling around in the garage.

Will had a heart of gold and was always there to offer help to family and friends with their projects, in particular when they were building homes or remodeling. He was a carpenter by trade and loved to share his talents with others. Presented with the opportunity to combine his love of travel and building homes, he went to Montana and helped build a lodge for his friends. Will had a passion for ’55 Chevys and enjoyed fixing them up, going joy riding with his wife, Mary Jo, and haggling at swap meets for car parts.

Will was a simple man who didn’t need a lot of attention and found his best days were with his family and friends. He semi-retired early and fell in love with his new full-time job of Grandpa and backup babysitter. He cherished snow days and summers with the grandkids and shared his sweet tooth with them by giving them ice cream money when they traveled. Will was always good for five gallons of gas and may have saved his kids a few times on the side of the road when they ran out. He enjoyed the cross-country road trip to California with Mary Jo and the four kids when they were younger. In later years, he enjoyed his annual winter trips to Florida with Mary Jo for the car shows and flea markets. Rural King was one of his favorite spots to spend a rainy day. Will and Mary Jo enjoyed playing cards and were part of a pinochle card club for 52 years. He was also a proud member of the OFCC (Old Fart Car Club).

William will be deeply missed by his wife of almost 53 years, Mary Jo Fliehman; children Will (Carmen) Fliehman Jr. of Spencerville, Beth (Troy) McClamroch, of Bright, Tom (Krissy) Fliehman of Fountain City, and Amy (Andy) Beard of Sunman; Grandchildren Ben (Maci) Fliehman, Jake (Ashley) Fliehman, Trevor and Alisha McClamroch, Tristan, Joey, and Bianca Fliehman, Dylan, Andrew, Rylee, and Ava Seal, Alli and AJ Beard and Great Grandchildren Isaac, Emitt, Ellouise, Brooklyn, and Evelyn Fliehman. Will is preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Frances Fliehman.

Visitation for Will will be on Thursday, January 13 from 4 pm – 7 pm at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Matthew 25: Ministries. Memorials will be taken at the visitation or can be sent to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.

Obituary for Donald Arthur Bischoff

DONALD ARTHUR BISCHOFF

Donald Arthur Bischoff, 62, of Brookville, passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2022. He was born May 21, 1959, in Batesville. He worked at Owens Corning for 40-plus years and thoroughly enjoyed his job and his coworkers. Donald attended Brookville High School in Brookville, and was a graduate of the 1977 class. He enjoyed spending his free time outside and always found peace while mowing grass.

Donald will be dearly missed by his sisters Marilyn (Carl “Doug”) Farrow of St. Leon, and Diane (David) South of Oxford, Ohio; his nieces Nicole (Fredric) Gunn, Christina (Dillon) Lathery, Brittany Farrow, and Lauren (Benjamin) George, and his great nieces and nephews Kennedy Gunn, Madelyn and Audrey George, and Harrison Lathery.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorothy Bischoff and grandparents Mildred and Oscar Bischoff (paternal) and George and Otillia Wilhelm (maternal).

Services will be held on Friday, January 14, at St. Joseph’s Church, All Saints Parish, at 7536 Church Lane, W. Harrison, IN 47060. Visitation will run from 9:30 am – 11 am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am with Fr. Jonathan Meyer presiding. Burial will immediately follow. For those not able to attend, the Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following community organizations: All Saints Parish or St. Leon Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials will be taken at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home, 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.

Obituary for Barbara Carol (Shull) Avery

BARBARA CAROL (SHULL) AVERY

Barbara Carol (Shull) Avery, 82, passed away January 8, 2022, at the Chateau of Batesville.

Barbara was born December 25, 1939, in Elwood, the second of four children born to Burgess Krider and Elva Frances (Miller) Shull. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1958, went on to cosmetology school, and graduated in 1959.

When Barbara was 16 years old and working as a waitress part time, a nice-looking man caught her eye as he entered the restaurant. His name was Fred Avery, and they began dating in 1955. They were married January 2, 1960, and were just two days shy of their 61st anniversary when Fred passed away on December 31, 2020.

Fred and Barbara raised three children, Tammy, Jeff, and Tim. They spent most of their working lives in Indianapolis. Barbara was a stay-at-home mom until the kids were in high school and her family was her focus. She was often at one school or another helping with whatever needed to be done from tutoring students, suppling cookies and decorations for parties, to running carpool.

After the kids got older, Barbara worked at Goodwill Industries teaching upholstery- which was something she had taught herself to do. She left that job to go back to being a server at Swenson’s Ice Cream Parlor for several years until retirement. Fred and Barbara traveled some after their kids were grown. They visited Branson several times, the Dakotas, Niagara Falls, and took one trip to Hawaii before settling in Batesville to enjoy the rest of their years together.

Barbara’s passion in her leisure time was knitting and crocheting. She made literally thousands of items over the years including afghans, baby sweaters and blankets, Christmas angels, Christmas bells, and countless ornaments. There isn’t anyone in the family that doesn’t have something handmade by her that will always be cherished.

Barbara will be missed her children, Tammy (Bill) Dietz of St. Marys, and Jeff (Quinetta) Avery of Lebanon; grandchildren, Karen (Joshua) Smith, Melissa Ashpaugh, Brandon Beausoliel; great grandchildren, Joshua (JJ) Smith, Cameron Smith, Hope Ashpaugh, Avery Ashpaugh, Heather Ashpaugh, and Zachary Ashpaugh; sister, Ruth Lum of Anderson, along with several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, whom she always referred to as her best friend and the love of her life, and her youngest son, Tim. Her brothers, Burgess and Jesse Shull, also preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place at Curtisville Cemetery in Curtisville, IN.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Chateau of Batesville Activities Fund. 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 to Barbara’s family in the online guestbook.

Obituary for Erika Leighann Shepard

ERIKA LEIGHANN SHEPARD

Erika Leighann Shepard, age 24, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family, on Monday January 10, 2022, after a courageous battle with Lupus. Born on January 21, 1997, in Connersville, she is the daughter of Paul Shepard and Angel Mengedoht Shepard. 

Erika loved spending time with her family, especially family game night, and was avid animal lover.

She has left behind to cherish her memory, her father and stepmother, Paul and Challa Shepard of Greenwood; her mother, Angel (Michael Johnson) Shepard of Connersville; two brothers, Tyler (Krysinda) Shepard of Richmond and Drew Shepard of Greenwood; a niece Paislee Shepard and a nephew, Silas Shepard.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Serenity Anjel Reid.

Family and friends may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Thursday January 13, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Services will follow at 1 p.m.