Obituary for Larry Gene Byrd

LARRY GENE BYRD

Larry “Gene” Byrd, 75, of Liberty, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021. He was born on November 14, 1945, in Connersville to Lucian Byrd and Charlene Scheidler Byrd.  

On May 11, 1968, he married Carol Webb in Hartsville, Tennessee. Together they raised two daughters.  

Gene attended Everton Southern Baptist Church in Connersville. He was a devote Christian, who, if he wasn’t working, he was attending church and spending lots of time with his grandchildren. 

Gene enlisted in the Indiana National Guard for six years. After the National Guard, he went to work at Perfect Circle in Richmond and after 30 years, he retired.  

After retirement, Gene and his wife raised tobacco from 1978 until 1999. They also ran a hay business called Byrd’s Hay and Straw for 20 years. Gene would transport the hay he grew to the horse barns in Kentucky for the horses.  

When Gene wasn’t working you could often find him on the back of a horse. Most importantly he cherished his time spent with his family and grandchildren.  

Gene will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol;  daughters and son in laws, Lori and Rick Bolser and Maria and Richard Tipton; five grandchildren, Ryan (Vanessa) Bolser, Reed Bolser, Abbey (Raul) Leon, Anna Bolser and Dylan Tipton; a brand new great grandchild, Lorenzo Leon; brothers, John (Jean) Byrd, Ed Byrd, Thomas (Connie) Byrd; sisters, Patricia Brewer, Kathy Miller and Cindy Rowe; a sister in law, Doris Byrd; and several nieces and nephews.  

Along with his parents Gene was preceded in death by brothers, Max Byrd and Joe Byrd; and an infant sister, Jaynie Ellen.  

Visitation for Gene will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home, 310 N. Main St. Liberty, Indiana 47353. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Riddick and Pastor Freddie Helton officiating. Burial will follow in Sims Cemetery.   

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

FC man arrested and charged with UC burglary

ROBERT ENGLISH

By John Estridge

A Franklin County man was arrested for a Union County burglary.

Rob English, 51, was arrested in connection with a burglary, which occurred Friday Sept. 24.

According to a Union County Sheriff’s Department press release, the department received a 911 call where the complainant said he was watching a burglary in progress at his home from his cell phone. The complainant gave a description of the vehicle, a black Jeep with a tire on the back, and the Jeep was heading eastbound on Scratch Gravel Road.

This information and a description of the person committing the burglary were also shared on social media. The UCSD put out the information to other local police agencies.

A short time later Brookville Police Department personnel stopped a black Jeep matching the description given out by the UCSD. In the vehicle, they discovered that English was operating the vehicle and also in the vehicle, the police found a safe. A safe was apparently missing from the complainant’s home.

English was arrested, transported back to Union County and charged with Burglary, a Level 5 Felony; and Theft, a class A misdemeanor.

In 1992, in Franklin Circuit Court, English was found guilty of Dealing in Cocaine, as a Class B Felony; Dealing in Marijuana, as a Class C Felony; and another count of Dealing in Marijuana, as a Class D Felony. He was granted Post-Conviction Relief in 2008.

If convicted of a Level 5 Felony, English could receive a sentence between one and six years in prison.

Obituary for Anita (Steinmetz) Back

ANITA (STEINMETZ) BACK

Anita (Steinmetz) Back, 83, of Yorkville, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021. Anita was a strong woman who, after working with her husband, Clarence, on their dairy farm, dedicated her life to caring for St. Martin’s Church and All Saints Parish. She relentlessly cared for St. Martin’s Church and All Saints Parish rectory, serving as the sacristan, and decorating and cleaning the church with her dear friends. She followed in her mother’s footsteps through her devotion to ensuring that St. Martin’s Church would be maintained as a beacon of Christ’s light for all. Anita was able to spend her final days surrounded by her son, Vernon, and daughter, Marcia; her daughter-in-law, Laura Walker; her good friend, Daniel Cimba; her granddaughters, Livia and Julienne; and her grandson, Brandon and his wife, Faith. She truly appreciated all the visits from the many priests including Fr. Meyer, Fr. Mahan, and Fr. Brian; her sister, Marlene Werner and her daughter, Janet; her nephew, Deacon Charlie Giesting, and her dear family and friends that talked with her and visited with her as she transitioned to ever-lasting life.

Anita will be greatly missed by her son, Vernon (Laura) Back of Indianapolis, her daughter, Marcia Dall (Dan Cimba) of Prospect, Kentucky, and her beautiful grandchildren, Livia Back and Julienne Back of Indianapolis, Christopher (Rose) Dall of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and Brandon (Faith) Dall of Barre, Vermont. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, husband who was the love of her life, Clarence John Back, and her beautiful daughter, Carol Marie Back. She is survived by her brothers, Fr. Gerald Steinmetz of Albuquerque, NM, and Ron (Janet) Steinmetz, her sister, Marlene Werner, sister-in-law Claire Steinmetz, and the Back family, including Rita Back, Paul (Ruth) Back, Harold (Donna) Back, Virginia Back, David Back, Marlene (Art) Hoog, and Charles (Mitsi) Back, and many dear nieces and nephews.

Anita’s family will receive friends on Monday, September 27 at St. Martin’s Campus of All Saints Parish, 8044 Yorkridge Rd, Guilford, IN 47022, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Martin’s Campus at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Jonathan Meyer presiding. Burial will immediately follow. Memorials can be made to St. Martin’s Cemetery Fund or to Fr. Gerald Steinmetz to support the mission of the Franciscans in New Mexico. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. To offer condolences please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.

Obituary for Sr. Myra Peine OSF

SR. MYRA PEINE OSF

Sr. Myra Peine, age 91 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died on September 24, 2021, at the convent. Born on August 13, 1930, in Brookville, to Anna (Nee: Meyer) and Albert Peine, she grew up with three other siblings.

Myra once shared how her interest in justice and peace issues began as a child when she observed her parents’ concern for underprivileged people. She felt it was quite natural to follow their example and found the Franciscan Sisters shared her many of her parents’ values. She had two aunts in the community, Sr. Mary Jane Peine and Sr. Mary Albert Peine, who also influenced her religious calling.

After entering the community in 1951, Sr. Myra taught at St. Rita School on the north side of Indianapolis for eight years beginning in 1954. Fr. Bernard Strange served as Pastor and was a model of perseverance for his people in the African American parish, a trait that she admired and often spoke about through the years. While at St. Rita School, Sr. Myra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with a concentration as a reading specialist at Marian University.

In 1963, Sr. Myra would put her degree to the test as she served as a teacher and later principal at St. Joseph School in Kansas City, Missouri. The inner-city school struggled to raise scholastic standards and poor reading skills were an important factor for the lack of progress. After several years at St. Joseph, Sr. Myra noted, “Due to dedicated staff and cooperative parents, our children were soon accepted in choice high schools, colleges and universities. We were known as the “flagship” of the inner-city schools and were visited by teachers wanting to know how we accomplished this.” In addition to improving the school’s scholastic standards, she helped to implement multi-cultural studies that ultimately resulted in a student exchange program that opened the minds of students and parents alike. Her 21 years there greatly impacted the lives of students and their families.

In 1999, Sr. Myra returned to the convent to assist in the occupational therapy department, and in 1984, she accepted a position as the Sisters’ Activities Coordinator, which she continued to do until 2009. During her time as activities coordinator, she introduced many crafts and activities, including guest speakers who came to share information on various topics of the day. Given her life-long interest in peace and justice issues, Sr. Myra worked to keep the Sisters informed of controversial topics by securing speakers with different viewpoints. In an interview, Myra revealed, “With the help of Sr. Rachel West, we Sisters at the Motherhouse were very active in letter writing campaigns encouraging our legislators and others to pursue matters that promote justice. Legislators knowing that the Sisters are well informed enjoyed coming here to visit, to speak and to listen to our concerns.”

She retired in 2009 due to declining health and the onset of dementia. Sr. Barbara Riemensperger assisted Myra while activities coordinator and remained by her side throughout her mental decline, always encouraging her and seeking activities to stimulate her memory while providing comfort at the end of her life. In an interview when Sr. Myra was celebrating her 50th jubilee, she summarized her Franciscan life by commenting, “All praise and thanks to You, my Lord, for calling me to be an Oldenburg Franciscan!”

She is survived by nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sister Susan Tise and brothers Thomas and Albert Peine. Visitation is Thursday, September 30 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Al Hirt, OFM officiating. Burial will be 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/ANrl26GL2RM. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).

Obituary for Arthur R. Hughes

ARTHR R. HUGHES

Arthur R. Hughes, 81, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2021. He was born on October 1, 1939, to the late Glenn H. Hughes, and Christine Tanksley Hughes.

Arthur married Carol (Gansert) Hughes on June 28, 1959. He was employed as a supervisor at Roots Blower for 33 Years. He served in the National Guard for two years and was a volunteer fireman at Glenwood for many years. He had also worked at the Glenwood Elevator.

Arthur was a faithful member of Western Avenue Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Director, sang in the choir and shared his musical talents. He was especially known for his rendition of Beulah Land and was asked to sing it at church and many funerals. Arthur had a heart for serving the Lord and always sharing the Gospel whenever and wherever he could.

He is survived by his children; Teresa Lowe of Connersville and Mary Hughes of Connersville, Robert A. Hughes, and Craig Hughes both of Glenwood; his brother Dale (Loraine) Hughes, and his sister Carolyn (Joseph) Steele.

Along with his parents and loving wife, Arthur was preceded in death by his sister Marion Cornn, his brothers; David Howard Hughes, Hedgmond Hughes, Joe Hughes, a son-in-law Rob Lowe, a nephew Scott Hughes, and a half sister Lavonna Kays.

Visitation for Arthur will be held on October 1, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th St. Connersville, Indiana 47331. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.

Obituary for Helen Simone Hildebrand

HELEN SIMONE HILDEBRAND

Helen Simone Hildebrand, 82, of Batesville, passed away on September 21, 2021. She was born on April 18, 1939, in Byrdstown, Tennessee to Otis Lathrem and Wilma (Clark) Lathrem Hemsath.

Simone loved being active in her churches throughout her life. As a dedicated parishioner, she always shared her faith with those around her. While her children were growing up, she attended and taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday school at Westwood Northern Baptist Church with her first husband, David Snyder. She was an active member of Sunman Bible Church since the 1980s until recently when she began hosting church services in her home. Simone was a strong advocate for church missionaries and was able to attend a tour of the Holy lands in Jerusalem after retiring. She was incredibly proud to be able to have done this. In addition, she was able to make a trip to Africa to attend her friend Maxwell’s wedding. She greatly cherished the memories she made while on these trips.

Not only was Simone active in her faith, but she was still active with her family, friends, and community. She met monthly with a group of friends she attended North College Hill School with.

Simone was a natural caregiver at heart and it was evident in all she did. From her job where she retired from at Saint Francis Saint George Hospital, to her garden, and especially to her family- she loved and cared for them all deeply.

Simone is survived by her loving husband of almost 40 years, Donald Hildebrand; children David Snyder (Charlotte), Daniel Snyder (Nancy), Dana Jones (Brad), Darryl Snyder (Margaret); grandchildren Phil Saragoza (Tonya), Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andrew Saragoza (Kellie), Sarah Snyder-Schultz (George), Thomas Snyder, Amanda Snyder-Moore, Samantha Snyder (Cameron), Daniel Snyder (Brianna), and Madison Jones; great grandchildren Austin Rudd, Annabelle Acheampong, Noah Saragoza, Xavier Saragoza, Oz Snyder-Schultz. Juniper Snyder-Schultz, Leo and Alex Saragoza, Harley Snyder, Madison Forrer, Philippa Moore, Hollis Snyder-Schultz, Fitzgerald Moore, Wyatt Forrer, Laurence Moore, and Aliyah Snyder; sisters Sharon Walters (Glen), Cathy Johnston (Daniel), Bonnie Korbar (Tony), and Carol Beck;

Simone was preceded in death by her mother and step father, Wilma and Harry Hemsath; father Otis Lathrem; sister Jean Ann Barsan; and brothers-in-law George Barsan and Jack Beck.

Visitation will be held for family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021, followed by funeral services officiated by Ray Sauer beginning at 11 a.m. all at Meyers Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Peppertown Cemetery.

Memorials in honor of Simone can be given to the The Peppertown Cemetery Fund. They may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.

Obituary for Linda Karen (Keeton) Holland

LINDA KAREN (KEETON) HOLLAND

Linda Karen (Keeton) Holland 65, of Connersville, passed away on September 24, 2021. She was born on October 14, 1955, to the late Henry Keeton and Opal (Vaught) Keeton.

Karen worked in various types of food services for many years such as waitressing and bartending. She enjoyed horseback riding, she was a caretaker of horse stalls at Roberts Park, and she loved raising baby racoons as well, and she also enjoyed riding her own motorcycle. Her precious fur babies were named Dave, Hermy, George, and Baby.

Karen is survived by her brothers; Kenny (Robin) Keeton, Walter Keeton, and a sister-in-law Connie, her nieces and nephews David, Kathy, Nikki, Cory, Courtney, Ashley, and Wyatt.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Keith Keeton.

Visitation for Karen will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home 513 W. 8th St. Connersville Indiana, 47331. The Funeral Service will begin at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to assist the family.

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

Obituary for Timothy Lawrence Shepherd

TIMOTHY LAWRENCE SHEPHERD

Timothy Lawrence Shepherd, 63, of Connersville, passed away early Thursday morning, September 23, 2021, at his residence.

He was born August 24, 1958, in Connersville to Lawrence and Ruth Ann Louise Doyle Shepherd, and he graduated from Connersville High School in 1976.

Timothy worked at Visteon for 17 years before working as a boilermaker for various companies.

He retired from the Army National Guard after 20 years of service.

Survivors include three sons, Dustin Shepherd, Jason (Kayleen) Shepherd of West Lafayette, and Andrew Shepherd of Shelbyville; two brothers, Terry Shepherd of Rushville, and Thomas Shepherd of Connersville; two sisters, Theresa (Don) Bales of Connersville and Tonya (Noe’) Mandoza of Valrico, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may visit from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Darrin T. Riehle

DARRIN T. RIEHLE

Darrin T. Riehle, age 50, Sunman, passed away unexpectedly at his residence, Saturday, September 25, 2021. Darrin was born January 27, 1971, in Batesville a son to James and Marilyn Lohman Riehle. He graduated from East Central High School and continued his education at Indiana University majoring in one of his favorite things, theater. He worked many years in the food service and was employed with Knights of Columbus, Batesville. Darrin was a proud member of the Sons of The American Legion Post 337, Sunman.

Darrin enjoyed gardening, music, theater, dancing and decorating. He was a friend to all, always the first one to step forward to help a friend or stranger in need. Darrin was always excited to help support and organize several benefits, reunions, and events.

Darrin is survived by his loving parents, sister Anita (Greg) Fledderman – Sunman, brother Kevin (Ragena) Riehle – Sunman, sister Cheryl Riehle – Indianapolis, niece Casie (Ryan) Czech with great niece Mia, nephews Dhane (Taylar) Thomas, Nicholas, Samuel and Cody Riehle, along with multiple friends.

Darrin was proceeded in death by his grandparents Martin and Albertine Riehle, and Albert and Hilda Lohman, along with his sister Kari Rose Riehle.

Family and friends are invited to show their love for Darrin and support his family Thursday, September 30, 2021, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home 109 Vine St. Sunman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 1, 2021, 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church Sunman with burial to follow at St. Nicholas cemetery. All memorial contributions can be directed to St. Nicholas School Heritage Project and Masses.

For more information, share 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 Darrin Riehle.