Linda Ann (Von Lehmden) McQueen, 81, of Metamora, passed away at home on October 3, 2021, with her loving husband at her side.
She was born to Louis and Estelle (Wood) Von Lehmden in Cincinnati, on August 26, 1940.
After marrying her husband, Stanley McQueen, in 1988, Linda made her family the center of her life. She was the type of person who could truly make a house into a home, and she did just that. Linda was a natural hostess and entertainer. She would often invite people to the family farm and everyone just knew they would be eating a wonderful meal that evening. Her famous pies were especially something to look forward to.
When the holidays came around, Linda had a way of making them special for her family. She seemed to effortlessly create an atmosphere of warmth and love.
Linda loved farm life and sharing it with her grandchildren and great granddaughter. She could often be found watching an old western movie, especially if John Wayne was in it. She also enjoyed Tomb Stone, Andy Griffith, Gun Smoke, and Ghost Hunters. Linda was always an expressive soul with quick wit. Not only was she a tremendous chef, but she was also known to quilt and sew.
Linda will be deeply missed by her husband, Stanley McQueen; daughters, Kimm Siemer (Matt) and Wendy Gilkey (Brian); grandchildren, Stephen, Cole, Nicholas, and Lauren; and great granddaughter, Gabby.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Estelle; her daughter, Tracy; grandson Christopher; and brother Carl Von Lehmden.
The family will be holding private services at a later date.
Earl John Schneider, 101, of Connersville, passed away Monday morning, October 4, 2021, at Heritage House of Connersville where he had been a resident for the last 10 years.
A son of William and Lena Streit Schneider, Earl was born in North Vernon, on April 10, 1920, and graduated from North Vernon High School.
Earl served his country in the United States Army Airforce during World War II.
On July 6, 1946, Earl married the former Helen R. Isaacs in Jennings County, and they made Connersville their residence at that time. Mrs. Schneider passed away on December 28, 2007.
For more than 40 years, Earl was employed as a machinist for McQuay-Norris and Roots Blower.
Earl was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, American Legion Post #1, Eagles Lodge, and Moose Lodge. In his leisure time, he enjoyed walking, especially in Roberts Park, listening to Spartan Basketball games, gardening, and cooking.
Survivors include a son, Gary Schneider, Sr.; five grandchildren, Gary Schneider, Jr. of Connersville, Robert Shaw, Jeff Shaw, both of Jacksonville, Florida, Christa Shaw, and Gregg Shaw both of Connersville; several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his wife of 61 years, Helen Schneider, Earl was preceded in death by his parents; a step-son, Larry Shaw; and a number of brothers and sisters.
Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Burial with military honors by Fayette County Veterans Council will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Nellerene Jordan, 80, of Connersville, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Reid Health, Richmond.
The daughter of Virginia Combest Smallwood, Nellerene was born in Russell Springs, Kentucky, on April 16, 1941.
On March 17, 1958, Nellerene was married to her high school sweetheart, Richard “Dick” Jordan of Vernon, and they moved to Connersville in 1976. Along with her husband, they took over the Shelter Insurance Agency and founded J and J Jewelry Store in which she continued to operate following her husband’s passing on March 9, 2011.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and with her daughter, Janet Rowland, organized bereavement dinners for the congregation for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her family especially cooking for them and loving on her grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Warren (Connie) Jordan of Connersville and Kevin (Joleen) Jordan of Rushville; eight grandchildren, Joshua (Wayne) Jordan, Justin (Nicole) Jordan, Jeremy (Sheri) Jordan, Caleb (Robin) Jordan, Deidre (Geoff) Abraham, Jacob Jordan, Janae (Chris) Rowland, Brittney (Eric) Allen; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rosie Johnson, Emma Ray, and Faye (Alberto) Nieves, all of Louisville, Kentucky; a brother, James Bailey of Louisville, Kentucky; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her husband of 52 years, Dick Jordan, Nellerene is preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Janet Rowland, who passed away on September 30, 2021, and a daughter in law, Nancy Jordan who passed away on January 21, 2010.
Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery.
Wesley John Grubbs, of Brookville, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on April 27, 1959, to Roger and June (Wolf) Grubbs. Wes had a career working in the parts department for Hirlinger Motors and was a member of the United Church of Christ in Harrison. He loved to work jigsaw and word puzzles and enjoyed golfing and spending time with his nephews and great nephews. Wes could often be seen at the local pickleball courts on Friday nights.
On Monday October 4, 2021, at the age of 62, Wesley passed away unexpectedly at his home.
Survivors include his brother, Rodney, and wife Karen Grubbs; nephews Zack (Amy), and Josh (Abby) and great nephews Brandon and Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Following cremation, a memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. Burial will take place at a later date in Drewersburg Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be made to the Drewersburg Cemetery Maintenance Fund.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave personal memories please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Wes Grubbs.
Alice Ann (Mahaffey) Boling, 65, of Connersville, passed away September 30, 2021.
Alice was born in Rushville, on November 19, 1955, a daughter of Thomas P. Mahaffey and the late Ruby M. (Young) Mahaffey.
She graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School in 1974. She then graduated from Manchester College.
Alice is survived by her father and step mother, Thomas and Lois Mahaffey of West Harrison; a brother, Terry M. Mahaffey, of Shelbyville; one niece Ruby Mahaffey of Cincinnati, and nephew Josh Mahaffey of Rushville.
Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Todd Funeral Centre & Crematory in Rushville with friends welcome to visit after 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Rushville’s East Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the family in care of the funeral home. Please light a candle and share a memory at www.ToddFuneralHome.com
Stacey James Collins, 46, of Batesville, passed away on September 29, 2021. He was born to Odyne (Sparkman) Huffman and Kenneth James Collins on April 15, 1975, in Batesville, Indiana.
Stacey was a proud graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis. Little did he know, he would do much more than earn his degree while away at college. It was at Butler University where he met the love of his life, Aimee (Bye) Collins. They were married on September 16, 2000, at Niagara Falls. They recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary together.
After earning his Master’s degree at Anderson University, Stacey worked with start-up companies and as an entrepreneur.
In recent years working as a business consultant, Stacey demonstrated his business savvy and intelligence. Outside of work, he was definitely a car guy. Stacey loved cars of all kinds, especially Jeeps and Cadillacs. If you needed advice or someone to be honest with you, Stacey was your man. He wanted to help others and to show them what being a loyal friend really meant. Through his kind heart and giving nature, Stacey always seemed to be able to accomplish this.
Stacey is survived by his wife, Aimee Collins; mother, Odyne Huffman (Matt); sister Dena Dye-Pellisson (Nicolas); grandparents, Earnest and Elizabeth Collins; brother-in-law, Andrew Pearson (Kim); sister-in-law Angela (Shannon) Schlosser; nieces: Sierra Neisius (Drew) and Ariel Schlosser; nephews: Dominique Barnett (Juliea), Keaton Roessner, and Jay Pearson; great-niece Olivia Barnett; close uncle, Kennie Sparkman; “Indy Mom” Judith Graham; best friend, Jim “Boy” Dwenger; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be missed by his dogs, Minnie and Mojo.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Collins, and grandparents, Elda and Otis Sparkman.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. An additional hour of visitation will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021, at Meyers Funeral Home from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Little Memory Cemetery in Sunman, Indiana.
Stacey was an avid learner and had a passion for education throughout life. Therefore, the family welcomes donations to the Stacey J. Collins Scholarship Fund as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. Donations may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Janet Carol Rowland, 52, of Connersville, passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Reid Health, Richmond.
Janet was born January 18, 1969 in Columbus, Indiana to Richard W. and Nellerine Combest Jordan. She was a 1987 graduate of Connersville High School.
On February 19, 1992, she married John P. Rowland in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mr. Rowland survives.
Janet was employed at her family’s business, J and J Jewelry in Connersville for many years. As a child, Janet enjoyed primitive camping with her family. In her leisure time, she enjoyed working on floral arrangements. She also loved fundraising for special events, especially for Riley Hospital and Autism support groups. Janet was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where, along with her mother, she organized the church bereavement dinners.
Survivors, other than her husband of 29 years, John P. Rowland, include two daughters, Janae (fiancé, Chris Marcum) Rowland of Milton, and Brittany (Eric) Allen of Connersville; four grandchildren, Elliot Marcum, Aiden Allen, Dristen Allen, and Charlette Allen; two brothers, Kevin (Jolene) Jordan of Rushville and Warren (Connie) Jordan of Connersville; a brother-in-law, Greg (Joan Harrison) Goodson of Connersville and a sister-in-law, Martha Rowland of Magee, Mississippi; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her father, she is preceded in death by an infant grandson, Frederick Allen; her mother, Nellerine Jordan, who went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 3, 2021; sister-in-law, Nancy Jordan; and a very special friend, Rita Rowland.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home with Bishop John Maddox officiating. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Donald Edward Burkhart, age 89 of Avon, died Sunday October 3, 2021, at Life’s Journey of Avon.
Born November 29, 1931, in Brookville, he was one of 11 children born to the late Robert and Pauline (Reuter) Burkhart. He was a United States Army Veteran having served in France. On May 9, 1959, he and the former Bernice Ruth Nobbe were united in marriage, and she survives.
Don graduated from Ball State University with his Bachelors in Education, and Masters in Educational Administration, with life licensing in Elementary Education and Elementary Administration Supervision. He also holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from St. Meinrad College.
He spent his career in education, having taught at the former Laurel High School in Laurel; served as Assistant Principal at Wilmington High School in Wilmington, Ohio, and served as Principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Rushville, for 22 years until his retirement. He also worked at Burkhart’s Plumbing in Brookville with his father and brother. Upon retirement, he and Bernice moved to Avon.
Survivors include five children, Brenda Allspaw of Avon, Michael Burkhart of Englewood, Ohio, Laura Sesslar of Avon, James Burkhart of Carmel, and Joshua Burkhart of Fishers; nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild; five sisters, Dorothy Burkhart of Brookville, Sr. Andre Burkhart OSF of Oldenburg, Mary Strohmier of Brookville, Linda Grocox of Rushville, and Deborah Pierce of Cincinnati, Ohio; two brothers, Charles Burkhart of Greenwood, and John Burkhart of Brookville; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Allen; and two brothers, William “Bill” Burkhart and Harold Burkhart.
Deacon Steve Tsuleff will officiate the private Catholic Funeral Rite on Friday, October 8, 2021.
Military Graveside honors will be conducted by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion on Friday, October 8, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Rushville or the American Cancer Society. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Burkhart family. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Jared Robinson passed away on September 24, 2021, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He was born August 22, 1992, at Home Hospital in Lafayette, and received a heart transplant at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis on January, 6, 1993. After completing high school, he received an associate’s degree in business administration from Ivy Tech. He was an entrepreneur at heart and made his living buying and selling on the internet using sites like eBay and Amazon, among others. This passion began as a child going to yard sales with his Pa.
His heart began to fail, and he was brought to the University of Cincinnati Hospital on June 25, before being transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He soon received a SynCardia, a total artificial heart, as a bridge to a transplant. The doctors later found that he would require both a heart and kidney transplant.
Jared fought hard to make it to that transplant but an infection in his lungs was more than he could overcome. However, Jared was still an inspiration to all those he came in contact with – nurses, doctors, and everyone in between. A nurse once stated, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Jared and live a life of kindness.” Another nurse, prior to leaving for maternity leave, told Jared he was her hero.
Jared touched so many lives; his infancy at Riley and Purdue Campus House, growing up in church, homeschool groups, 4-H, and adulthood living in Richmond, Muncie and Harrison, Ohio. He had a passion for throwing parties for those he loved, whether they were his family by blood or the tribe of friends he considered family. He was happiest when he was at a concert – one year, he tried to go to 100 concerts in a year (he at least made it to the 50s.) He also loved going to Reds games, trivia, attending festivals, and shopping at Goodwill.
Jared is leaving behind many who loved him including his mother, Patty Robinson; siblings, Caleb, Hope, Abigail, and Tabitha Robinson; father, Terry (Fernanda) Robinson; sibling, Zachariah; grandparents, Don and Beth Miller, Kathy and Owen Davis, and Jim and Michelle Robinson. He also had an incredible list of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, at New Heights Christian Church, 2752 State Road 44, Connersville, Indiana, with a meal to follow. A private burial will take place in Lick Creek Cemetery. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, we request that you make a donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Just wanted to tell everyone I had a great time on vacation in the Smokies.
It is hard to count the number of times I have stayed in the Smokey Mountain area. I am not a lover of crowds, but I will handle that phobia to get to experience the mountains. And at this age and time in my life, I often wonder when a visit to a place like that or to see a friend or loved one, will be my last time.
But enough of that: One event on the trip really stood out to me and my traveling compatriots, all family members.
We had parked at the Ripley Aquarium in Gatlinburg, very nice I might add. I thought they had added quite a bit since My Long Suffering Wife Ruth and I last were there, but I was told no by Ruth who is much more an authority on everything than I am. All of that was there when we were there before, she said with that look I tend to get from her almost 24-7 anymore. Forgetfulness is becoming more prevalent here, but I digress.
Anyway, after the Ripley’s Aquarium, we went walking up and down Gatlinburg’s streets, as one can leave the vehicle parked at the Aquarium, stopping to eat some ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s – I allow myself to be off my diabetic diet on vacations – and then we headed back to the Aquarium parking garage. It took longer than it sounds.
Another digression here about Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
I related my first memory of Pigeon Forge to my sisters Karen and Linda through our thread on Messenger, and they did not say anything along the lines of have you thought about seeing a doctor; the 70s did a lot more damage to you than you realize; and I do not think they have another thread with Ruth and without me where they talk about having me put away, so I believe this is accurate. Karen and Linda would know because we all three lived it.
It had to be the early 60s. We were really poor, but dad believed in taking us on a vacation every summer. The way I remember it we would leave in the middle of the night, get to the Smokies around dawn, spend the entire day in the mountains, get a motel room for the night and then spend another day in the mountains before heading back to Liberty, Indiana and life as we knew it. Mom would fill the cooler with cold fried chicken so we would not have to eat out although I think we got one breakfast in a restaurant out of the deal.
Hats off to my departed dad for that as the time driving, herding children in the mountains and lack of sleep with everyone in one room and traveling and walking up and down mountains the entire time, have gained more and more of my respect with each year I age.
Anyway, we always stayed in Gatlinburg. There really was no Pigeon Forge. But on this one vacation, dad had a relapse of malaria, which he picked up in the War. We stayed in a motel in Pigeon Forge, my first memory of Pigeon Forge, and it was like a few scattered really bad-looking, one-story, old motels in a geographically small area.
It seemed to be a steady downpour, monsoon-like, the entire time the family was pressed together in the small room. Remember, if one were lucky at that point in history, there were three TV stations. And if I remember correctly, there was very bad reception. A poignant memory was of Karen and I sitting in uncomfortable, metal exterior chairs — without cushions — of that time looking at a really neglected and diseased-looking, unheated pool we could not get to because of the deluge. Dad talked out of his head, burned up and froze, and would not allow my mother to drive us home.
I have never been to Las Vegas, but the present Pigeon Forge kind of fits my vision of that city. Neon is everywhere with flashing, changing billboards and marquees. There is something to do for every age group including mindlessly shopping, which I really don’t do, but that is why God made Kindles.
All the dinner shows are in Pigeon Forge and not Gatlinburg. Several places in Gatlinburg, like restaurants, were closed or had very limited seating. Whether it was from the pandemic, lack of employees or both, it is hard to tell. However, we had no trouble with those problems in Pigeon Forge. People working were much friendlier in the Forge or the Pigeon, whichever way you want to go with that.
Gatlinburg seems now like the poor cousin to Pigeon Forge.
Ok off that.
Another digression is one I have to tell on myself. One of our planned evenings was to Dolly’s Stampede, which was once called Dolly’s Dixie Stampede. Now, I am born and raised a Yankee, but even with the hatred and disgust of me from my ex mother in law (an Arkansas lass) I was immersed in southern culture during my first marriage. I see no problem in the word Dixie. With history, it is what it is. We should not sugar coat it but learn from it. There was a Dixie.
There are the former Dixie Chicks, now the Chicks. Isn’t the word Chicks wrong now? Shouldn’t they call themselves Them to be totally Woke or completely politically correct?
Them, as a title, brings to mind the 50s science fiction film by that name about giant radioactive ants, which traumatized my childhood self as I fought the good war of my backyard against ants with my army toys and my trusty magnifying glass. My mom would confiscate the magnifying glass if she saw me use it as she thought that was crueler than smashing the little creatures with my toy tanks, but again I digress a long way from today’s subject. Oops, one other thing about Them before I try to get back to reality and 2021, it starred James Whitmore and James Arness among others. And I lied, one more thing: It remains one of my favorite movies.
At the Stampede, we were put at a long bench above an arena with a dirt-looking floor. We got pretty good food. The rotisserie chicken was probably the best of that ilk I have ever had. First, the waitress told us they once did not have any eating utensils, but now we would find a fork beneath our upside down plate. One, I could not hear her because I am old and deaf, so I had her to come over and repeat herself. I then gave her a sympathetic laugh because I thought she was attempting humor in an awkward way. After everyone around me gave me the Ruth look, including Ruth, it was explained to me by embarrassed family members what she was telling me is real. Before the Pandemic and apparently the name change, one ate the entire meal with their hands. But now because of the Pandemic more than the name change – I guess – we now get a fork.
Now, I have heard a lot of misinformation touted as science and vice versa about COVID but how in the world is the introduction of a fork supposed to keep us safe? As usual, my mind was in a state of confusion with the world in 2021 and how people readily accept what I consider weird, well, crap.
Anyway, I then caused a commotion because I wanted unsweetened ice tea (diabetes) and coffee. My order threw our nice waitress off. At first I thought it was the order for tea and coffee. However, Ruth then jumped in and ordered sweet tea and coffee, which was accepted more readily than my order. I think it had something to do with sweet tea and that affinity for sweet tea in that land that used to be called Dixie. But the waitress recovered and brought Ruth and me both the tea and the coffee with packets of sweetner and powdered creamer to our area.
Dolly, if you are reading this, the coffee sucked. And the potato — what was that slab of potato supposed to be? Seasoning would have been nice, which adds flavor to a potato slab.
Our first course was a biscuit and a white fluid that went into a shallow dish beside it. Biscuits and Gravy for supper, how southern is that? But then my stepdaughters and then Ruth brought that dish up and drank from it. I was embarrassed that I was with people drinking gravy. However, I thought that must be the best gravy in the world since they were drinking it and really enjoying it.
I followed suit, and it was very good … creamy vegetable soup. I mentioned the situation with Ruth, and you got it, I got the Ruth look.
She, the waitress not Dolly or Ruth, brought my second glass of tea as something happened out in the arena. I was watching that action with intensity as I put sweetner in my second glass of tea. This caused my tea to foam or so I thought. It was covered in white. I had caused enough disquiet in my area so I just ignored the tea and finished drinking the tepid tasteless water that looked like coffee.
My waitress, who I know hated to pass in front of me by that time but was forced to due to her job requirements, then asked me if I had put creamer in my tea. As the others in about five rows in my vicinity stared at me and tittered nervously, I had to admit that made more sense than my tea foaming due to the addition of a sweetner. She brought me yet another glass of tea and Ruth took all of my creamer away from my reach.
Again, back to Gatlinburg and the purpose of all of this.
We were heading back to the parking garage, and we were stopped at the back of a large queue of people waiting to cross the street. This is a common occurrence in Gatlinburg. We stood there and stood there, and then I began to look at the situation. The front group, a young family with a stroller, was dutifully waiting for the permission of the inanimate walk/don’t walk sign to allow us to walk. A robotic voice was repeatedly and sternly telling the group not to go.
It was a one-lane street with the traffic going from right to left. There was plenty of viewing space for oncoming vehicles, and there were none, vehicles that is. Again, life in 2021 really shocks and upsets me. I went around right end, caused unease for others by heading past where I was supposed to stay standing and waiting for permission. Family members came in my wake as they are also nonsheepleminded.
I wanted to make a strong, robust statement, but unfortunately I could not cross in stride as three vehicles did come past. Undeterred I came to a stop without falling – remember my age and the Events I Can No Longer Talk About But Always Do (EICNLTABAD) – and stood to let the vehicles pass, and then walked across the street, with the robotic voice still telling me not to move.
I heard murmuring behind me about breaking the law. I am not kidding.
Someone asked if they should all break the law. Another person said “that is what is wrong with America.” I do not know if she meant the sheeple waiting or me leading the rebellion as other people began to cross the street after me. A particular bar of “Alice’s Restaurant” began playing in my empty head.
One woman on the promised land on the other, now my side of the paved divide, said “We could have been standing there until June.”
And I think she was correct.
It really made me feel good for at least a short amount of time that I had made a statement, but then Ruth, sensing the moment, reminded me of the gravy and the creamer, and I came back to my 2021 reality.
