Obituary for Robert “Bob” Singer

ROBERT “BOB” SINGER

Robert “Bob” Singer, 79 years old, of St. Leon, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 11, 2021, after a long battle with lung cancer. A tall and simple man, he was a hard worker his entire life. Bob loved his Farmall tractors, working on his farm, baling hay, and raising dairy and beef cattle. Bob’s nephews, Scott and Rick, credit Bob for everything they know on the farm as they spent many days working together. In addition to farming, Bob was considered a jack of all trades. He was an electrician, a mechanic, and a plumber just to name a few of his talents. Later in life, Bob took on the role of custodian at Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools. He loved his hound dogs, especially Peanut, who enjoyed following Bob around the farm. And, when he finally sat down to relax, Bob enjoyed his favorite foods such as apple pie, Swiss steak, German potato salad, and sweets of any kind.

Bob will be dearly missed by his siblings Carole Ritzi of St. Leon; Richard (Colleen) Singer of Columbia City; Kathy (Doug) Goldkamp of W. Harrison; Donna Baas of St. Leon; and Sharon (Phil) Neumeier of Napoleon; nieces and nephews Debbie Ritzi, Deanna Lohrum, Rick Singer, Nicole Singer, Brian Cox, Jeremy Baas, Scott Baas, Jordan Brown, and Jason Brown; 7seven great nieces and nephews; and seven great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Florence Singer and brothers-in-law Maurice Ritzi and Darrel Baas.

Visitation for Bob will be held on Monday, November 15, from 10 am – 11:45 am at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. A funeral service will begin at 11:45 am at the funeral home with burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in St. Leon immediately following. For the health and safety of family and friends, masks will be required. Please be mindful of those around you with respect to social distancing.

Memorials can be made to St. Leon Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to sign the guestbook and leave condolences.

Obituary for Elbert Moore

ELBERT MOORE

Elbert Moore, 82, of Connersville, passed away early Friday morning, November 12, 2021, at Reid Health, Richmond.

One of eight children of Alfred and Viola Terry Moore, Elbert was born in McKee, Kentucky on February 9, 1939. On September 19, 1986, Elbert married the former Debbie Peyton in Batavia, Ohio. Mrs. Moore survives.

An avid outdoorsman, Elbert enjoyed hunting, spending time in the woods, visiting the ocean, and mushroom hunting.

Besides his wife of 35 years, Debbie Moore, survivors include six children, Wade Moore of Metamora, Darren (Marie) Moore of Orange, Melanie Allen of Everton, Jobie (Doris) Moore of Connersville, Jason Moore of Liberty, and Derrick A. Moore of Connersville; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Willie (Nancy) Moore; four sisters, Rebecca Moore, Ann Moore, Marie Moore, and Lora Mae Moore; several nieces and nephews.

Elbert was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Burchell Moore; and a sister, Bonnie Mitchell.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Joe Ferreira will officiate. Burial will follow in Valley Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Bertha “Birdie” Knecht (complete)

BERTHA “BIRDIE” KNECHT

Bertha “Birdie” Knecht, 90 years of age, of Brookville, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Shawneesprings HealthCare Center in Harrison, OH. 

She was born on March 13, 1931, to the late Alma and Marshall Lanning as the youngest of 13 children. She was adopted by the late Dr. Herbert and Anna Smith as an infant. Birdie was educated in the Brookville High School and had a passion for reading and history.

Birdie met the love of her life, Donald Knecht, in 1947, at a baseball game in town. Fireworks at first sight, they married shortly after on April 3, 1948, and recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Together, they had four wonderful children – Tom, Ed, Mary and Kay – and Birdie took on her lifelong profession as a mother. Her pride was in her children and eventually grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she cared for them deeply over the years.

Simple pleasures brought Birdie joy. She loved spending time with family, playing cards, and collecting spoons, newspaper clippings, and chicken décor, making the best strawberry jam and was an awesome pie baker. She loved saying “please” and sifting through old photos. Birdie was a skilled entertainer and often surprised others with an unexpected dance, a clever quip, a heartfelt story, or a sweet nursery rhyme. She always wore a smile on her face and loved to laugh. Birdie was a loving person, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and more. She will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the community she grew up in and among the lives she touched.

In addition to her handsome husband of more than 73 years, Birdie is survived by three children: Ed Knecht of Brookville, Kay (Dave) Parker of Brookville, and Mary (Alan) Lazzara of Illinois; a sister: Mary Tebbe; a daughter-in-law, Dixie Knecht; grandchildren: Jay Knecht, Carey (Knecht) Minniti, Caleb Knecht, Madeleine Knecht, Kyle Knecht, Alison (Knecht) Kehoe, Alan Lazzara, Phillip Lazzara, Laura (Lazzara) Waldron, Kaitlin (McGill) Quinlan, and Kelly McGill; great-grandchildren: Clayton Knecht, Calvin Knecht, Emmett Minniti, Samuel Minniti, Ryker Lazzara, Kale Lazzara, Roya Lazzara, Lane Quinlan, Ace Quinlan, and Henry Waldron; and several nieces and nephews.

Birdie was preceded in death by her parents; a son: Tom Knecht; a daughter-in-law: Cindy Knecht; a granddaughter, Myah Knecht; seven sisters: Agnes Mason, Marge Brockman, Opal Rhodes, Kathryn VanDalsen, Betty Martin, Geneva Waltz, Bernice Goble-Bowen; six brothers: Howard, John, Donald, Robert, Alvin, and James Lanning.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Vincent Lampert officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home ~ 929 Main Street Brookville where memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s School Playground Fund ~ 145 St. Michael Blvd. Brookville, IN 47012.

For more information, send condolences or sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosenberger.com. The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Birdie’s Family.

Obituary for Darius W. Ward

DARIUS W. WARD

Darius W. Ward, age 72, of Brookville, died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 10, 2021, in the Emergency Department at McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ohio. 

Born October 23, 1949, in Manchester, Kentucky he was one of four children born to the late Claude and Audrey (Hunter) Ward. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran of the Army National Guard. On August 1, 1969, he and the former Norma Sue Troutman were united in marriage, and she survives.  

A jack of all trades, he was an Auctioneer and Wholesaler, and an accomplished leatherworker. In his younger years, he was active in rodeo and showing horses, and a member of the Butler County Mounted Patrol in Hamilton, Ohio, and also a member of the IOK Rough Riders Association.

He attended First Baptist Church of Brookville and Red Life Church in Brookville for many years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and taking many motorcycle trips with Norma. He also enjoyed golfing, watching westerns, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. If you knew Darius, you knew he never met a stranger; and if he did, it wouldn’t take long for that stranger to be a friend. Not only did he have the gift of gab, he had a warm caring heart and was a great listener.

Along with Norma, his loving wife of more than 52 years, he leaves three children: Amy Ward of Brookville, Darius ‘Dee’ (Laura) Ward II of Oviedo, Florida, and Justin (Trisha) Ward of Brookville; two brothers, Doug Ward of Camden, Ohio and Dennis Ward of Brookville; nine grandchildren, Ashley Braunwart, Guissella Monteros, Camden Ward, Macey Ward, Tanner Ward, Callie Ward, Dristen Ward, Levi Henninger and Zola Norrod.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and brother in law, Diane and Joe Stout; as well as two sisters in law, Vicki Ward and Lee Anne Ward.

Family & friends may visit from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Monday, November 15, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion will follow in Sims Cemetery in New Fairfield. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion or the Wilbur Dennison Post #2014 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Brookville.  

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Ward family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Evelyn Clara Amrhein

EVELYN CLARA AMRHEIN

Evelyn Clara Amrhein passed away peacefully on November 10, 2021, at her home in Brookville, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 2, 1935, to Alphonse and Angela (Biltz) Wallpe. Evelyn graduated in 1953 from McGuffey High School in Oxford, Ohio. She married Ray C. Amrhein on September 5, 1953, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage until her husband’s death in September 2021. 

Evelyn was a devoted wife and mother. She took great pride in her family, actively supporting them in their interests, activities, and accomplishments. Sports were a common bond within the family and her favorite events were the ones when her children or grandchildren were playing.

Evelyn is survived by her children Dale (Anne) Amrhein, Lyle (Sharon) Amrhein, Faye (Mike) Cossins, and Paul (Tracey) Amrhein; grandchildren Allison (Tom) Morton, Joe Cossins, Marie Cossins, and Alexandra Amrhein; and great grandchild Charles Morton.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ray C. Amrhein, parents Alphonse and Angela Wallpe, and sister Joyce Wallpe Back. 

Visitation for family and friends is Monday, November 15, 2021, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville.  *** The family requests that all attending wear a mask. Father Vincent Lampert will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church.  Burial is immediately following Mass at St. Michael Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be directed to St. Michael School. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal memory please visit www.cookrosenberger.com.  The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Evelyn Amrhein.

Obituary for Elton “Grant” Hollin

ELBERT “GRANT” HOLLIN

Elbert “Grant” Hollin, 56, of Osgood, passed away on November 6, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 26, 1965, in Greensburg, to the late Dallas Hollin and Wilma J. Spears.

Grant loved to spend time with his family whenever he possibly could. They were his main priority in life and he made sure they knew it. He would often joke around with them and enjoyed making them laugh. Being the outdoorsman that he was, it was not uncommon to find Grant outside taking care of his dogs and chickens. Grant will be deeply missed by many.

Grant is survived by his wife, Lisa (White) Hollin; brothers, Jeff Hollin, Brian (Ashley) Hollin, Travis (Lisa) Hollin, and Donnie (Karen) Spears; sisters, Mary (Derrick) Roberts, Amanda Griffin, and Teresa (Ralph) Medeiros; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Dallas Hollin Jr., Ronnie Spears, Randy Spears, and Daryll Spears.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a service at 12 p.m. all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Burial will follow at Rossburg Cemetery in New Point.

Memorials in honor of Grant can be given to Cancer Research or to the American Diabetes Association. They may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006. 

Obituary for Elton Lee Linville

ELTON LEE LINVILLE

Elton Lee Linville passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021, in Batesville. He was 77 years old. The son of Harold and Edna (Kuhn) Linville was born on May 17, 1944, in Shelbyville.

In 1962, Elton graduated from Shelbyville High School before earning his degree from Hanover College in 1966, followed by his MAT from Indiana University.

Elton worked for Sunman Dearborn School for 41 years before retiring in 2007. He taught, social studies, was a high school counselor and spent many summers teaching drivers education. After he retired, he worked at Ivy Tech Community College for a year. Elton met the love of his life, Sherry Stone, and married her on August 23, 1969, in New Albany.

Outside of school the pursuit of collecting, researching, buying and selling American Brilliant Period cut glass became a passion of the couple. This hobby/business was the reason for traveling all over the US. A treasured bonus of all the traveling has been the many friends they met. As an active member of the American Cut Glass Association, Elton served as a district director, board member, chapter president, speaker, dealer, convention chairman, and Anderson Study Group member along with chairman and member of the authenticity committee. 

Other hobbies included cooking (being part of some dinner clubs) and music. After being involved in the college choir and chamber singers at Hanover, Elton sang for numerous weddings and funerals.

He belonged to several education organizations, Indiana State Teachers Assoc., National Education Assoc., and Sunman Dearborn Teachers Assoc. serving in various ways for the local and district groups. Elton was a member of St. John’s UCC Huntersville, where he served on the church council and sang in the chancel choir, men’s choir and ecumenical choir along with being a soloist.

Elton was known to be a patient person. He was kind, caring and always saw the positive in everyone. He usually avoided confrontation and being the center of attention, but was very easy to talk to and always a gentleman. Sherry’s grandmother, always said he was ‘the answer to her prayers” for Sherry.

Survived by his wife, Sherry; nieces Diane (Tim) Shackelford of Indianapolis, and Debbie Hyatt of Whiteland; nephews Tom (Maryann) Crafton and Jerry (Peggy) Crafton, both of Winter Haven, FL.

Preceded in death by parents, and sister, Janice Crafton.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 10 am at St. John’s United Church of Christ, (Huntersville) in Batesville. Pastor Joey Feldmann and Rev. David Johnston officiating. Burial to follow in St. John’s Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. John’s UCC Elevator Fund or East Central High School Senior Scholarship Fund. They may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.

tuary for Yvonne Marilyn (Conley) Callahan

YVONNE MARILYN (CONLEY) CALLAHAN

Yvonne Marilyn (Conley) Callahan, 57, of Sunman, passed into the arms of the Lord on November 8, 2021, at Mercy West Hospital in Ohio. She was born on November 9, 1963, to her parents Ordis Perry, and Julia Wilcox in Hamilton, Ohio.

Marilyn graduated high school where she met her high school sweetheart, Jay Conley.

She later married the last love of her life, Mike Callahan, on August 8, 2018, at Trinity Christian Center.

She attended a few churches throughout her life some being Crosspoint Biker Church in Connersville, and Trinity Church.

Marilyn worked for some time at Union Savings Bank.

Some of her favorite hobbies were being a part of church plays, gardening, traveling, playing piano, her family, and simply enjoying life.

Along with her husband, Marilyn leaves behind her mother Julia Wilcox, children; Ryan Sizemore and Claire Peetz, Amanda (Matt) Bennett, Alicia Orozco, Heather (Dustin) Harsh, Michael (Kati) Callahan, Tiffany (Kyle) Schirmer, and Brittany (Brad) Mann, brothers; Danny Perry, and Rick Perry, as well as 16 grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father Ordis Perry, and her first love, Jay Conley.

Visitation for Marilyn will be held on Monday, November 15, 2021, at Urban Winkler Funeral Home 513 W. 8th Street Connersville, Indiana 47331 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Obituary for Betty Ray Joyner Chowning

BETTY RAY JOYNER CHOWNING

Betty Ray Joyner Chowning, 92, of Connersville, passed away Monday evening, November 8, 2021, at Heritage House of Connersville.

She was born March 3, 1929, in New Castle, to Eula Joyner, and she was a graduate of Milton High School where she participated in cheerleading.

On June 25, 1947, she married Earl Chowning of Milton. In 1972, they moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and later to Naples, Florida where Betty was employed at Sun Trust Bank. They then moved to Bonita Springs, Florida while Betty continued working in Naples. Lastly, they returned to Connersville, in 1992. Mr. Chowning passed away March 26, 2003.

While living in Connersville, Betty was employed as the secretary for Culligan Water for 28 years.

She was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. In her leisure, she enjoyed knitting, needlepoint, and painting. While residing in Florida, she also loved fishing.

Survivors include two children, Pamela (Larry) Brokaw of Fishers, and Paula (Mark O.) Pflum of Connersville; four grandchildren, Dustin Pflum of Lake Santee, Jereme Pflum of Connersville, Christopher (Brandy) Ingermann of Muncie, and Craig (Melissa) Ingermann of Baker, Florida; 10 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, John Ingermann of Richmond, Keith (Kathy) Ingermann of New Castle, and Joe (Dawn) O’Connell of Dover, Delaware. She is also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her husband of 55 years, Earl Chowning, she is preceded in death by her mother; two brothers, Malcolm Ingermann and Bob Ingermann; and a sister, Pat Hill.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 12 p.m. Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Tuesday at the church, where the Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Betty to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

FC property damage accidents from November 2 through November 7

Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

November 2

Deanna Lohrum, East County Road 1250 North, Sunman, at 4:28 p.m., was southbound on Blue Creek Road when a deer ran out onto the road. Lohrum’s vehicle was unable to avoid striking the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.

At 6:06 p.m., Keith Schuetter, Pipe Creek Road, Batesville, was operating a vehicle westbound on St. Mary’s Road when he met an oncoming eastbound vehicle on a section of the road where it narrowed due to a culvert. Shuetter tried to get his vehicle over as far as possible and struck the culvert. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.

November 3

At 6:02 a.m., Daniel Bischoff, Indiana 46, Brookville, was operating a vehicle northbound on U.S. 52 when a deer jumped in front of his vehicle. Bischoff’s vehicle was unable to avoid striking the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah investigated the accident.

At 6:13 a.m., Christopher Sweney, Indiana 1, Connersville, was operating a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 52. Another vehicle was westbound and struck a deer. The deer then started spinning in mid air, coming over into the eastbound lane. Sweney’s vehicle was struck by the deer before Sweney had time to react. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy John Roberts investigated the accident.

At 5:09 p.m., Kaitlyn Brown, Chesterville Road, Moores Hill, was operating a vehicle west on Oxfork Pike. Brown’s vehicle failed to negotiate a left curve. Brown then over corrected and crossed over into the eastbound lane. Brown’s vehicle then continued off Oxford Pike, coming to rest in a ditch. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.

November 4

At 8:07 a.m., Matthew Tippenger, U.S. 27 South, Richmond, was operating a vehicle southbound on Indiana 101 when a deer jumped in front of his vehicle from the east, causing damage to the front driver side of the vehicle. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah investigated the accident.

At 1:03 p.m., Jennifer Bialk, Steele Drive, Laurel, was operating a vehicle eastbound on Indiana 252. For an unknown reason Bialk’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, veered back onto the road and off the left side of the road where it rotated to its top. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer investigated the accident.

At 3:10 p.m., Olivia Engram, Kokomo Hill Road, Laurel, was operating a vehicle eastbound on Laurel Road. A vehicle driven by Caleb McClure, Laurel Road, Connersville, was westbound on Laurel Road. Engram’s vehicle went left of center in a curve near the road’s intersection with Ott Road, striking McClure’s vehicle. McClure tried to avoid the collision but could not get away in time. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy John Roberts investigated the accident.

At 5:10 p.m., Kimberly Smith, McGure Ridge Road, Brookville was operating a vehicle westbound on McGuire Ridge Road. While approaching a hillcrest, Smith’s vehicle went left of center continuing off the right side of the road. Smith over corrected the vehicle and crossed back over into the westbound lane, striking a tree. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.

November 5

At 10:19 a.m., Donald Halcomb, McGuire Ridge Road, Laurel, was operating a vehicle westbound on U.S. 52. A vehicle operated by Charles Burgess, Central Avenue, Connersville, was eastbound on U.S. 52. Halcomb said Burgess’ vehicle turned left into the westbound lane and stopped. Halcomb stated he tried to avoid hitting Burgess’ vehicle but was unable to do so. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Chris Maxie investigated the accident.

At 3:35 p.m., Deborah Bolser, Blue Creek Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 52. Bolser’s vehicle failed to negotiate a curve due to its speed. Bolser’s vehicle entered the ditch on the right hand side of the road, overturned and came to rest on its side. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Arin Bowers investigated the accident.

November 6

At 6:48 p.m., Vicky Greer, McQueen Road, Greensburg, was operating a vehicle northbound on Indiana 101. Greer’s vehicle swerved and struck a guardrail on the east side of the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Arin Bowers investigated the accident.

At 10:23 p.m., Jacqueline Monnig, Cincinnati, was operating a vehicle westbound on Mueller Road when her vehicle failed to negotiate a curve and continued straight through a fence/gate. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Arin Bowers investigated the accident.

November 7

At 7:30 a.m., Stacy Fischer, South Meridian Street, Sunman, was operating a vehicle eastbound on Indiana 46 when a deer entered onto the road and Fischer’s vehicle was unable to avoid striking the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Huntsman investigated the accident.