Gregory Wade Thayer, 69, of Osgood passed away Monday, March 23, 2020, at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville. The son of J. Wade and Mary Kamman Thayer was born at the Whitlatch Clinic in Milan on November 28, 1950. He was married to Yolanda Kramer on October 22, 1977, and his wife of 42 years survives. Greg was the proud father of two sons, Brian Wade Thayer of Osgood and Evan Gregory (Layla) Thayer of Rockport; grandchildren Wade, Wyatt, Kendall, and Kramer; one sister, Kaye (Steve) Callen of Milan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister Jane Ann Thayer. Mr. Thayer was a 1969 graduate…

Clarajohn Hillenbrand Freemond, 86, of Boynton Beach, Florida, and St. Leon, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020. Born in Batesville, Indiana, to George Carl Hillenbrand and Margaret Moran Hillenbrand, she was the eldest of 5 children. She is survived by her only child, Amelia H. Wilson “Emily,” and her husband, Richard H Wilson Jr., two beautiful granddaughters who were her absolute joy, Hadley A. Wilson and Hayes H. Wilson, all of Gulf Stream, Florida. Also surviving are her 4 sisters and 1 brother, Joan H. Smith and Robert C. of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Naples, Florida, Margaret H. McMurtrie of Belvedere, California, George M. Hillenbrand II and his wife…

Regina Ann Fehlinger Hoff, 83, of Brookville died Sunday, March 22, 2020, at ElmCroft of Fairborn, Ohio. Regina was born in Brookville on November 4, 1936, to Carl and Anna Selm Fehlinger. She graduated from ICA (Oldenburg Academy) at the age of sixteen then entered college. Regina graduated from Marian College in Indianapolis with a degree in education and began teaching in Indianapolis then later taught at St. Michael’s School. Reginia met Tom Hoff in 4-H then after Tom got out of the Navy and Regina was teaching at St. Michael’s School, they begin dating. Regina Fehlinger and Tom Hoff were married on August 6, 1960, at St. Michael’s Catholic…

Jane C. Fullenkamp, age 80 of Oldenburg, died Friday, March 20, 2020, at her home. Born July 20, 1939, in Batesville, she is the daughter of Helen (nee Doll) and Louis Dietz. She married Edward Fullenkamp April 4, 1959, at St. Louis Church and worked behind the butcher counter at the Village Store for 20 years. Eddie preceded her in death October 28, 2006. After Eddie retired, he and Janie purchased an RV and traveled extensively. Although they traveled most of the country, many times they would head west and be sure to make a stop in San Diego to visit her brother. Janie enjoyed quilting, playing cards, going to…

Eunice F. Miller, age 84 of Batesville, died Friday, March 20, 2020, at her home. Born November 5, 1935, in Franklin County Indiana, she is the daughter of Bertha (nee Geis) and William Metz. She worked 19 years at the Hill-Rom Company as an assembler. Family was most important to Eunice and she dearly loved having her children and grandchildren with her. Very devout, her religion was also important to her. She enjoyed traveling with her brothers and sisters, having visited every state, as well as Canada and Mexico. She also liked going for a leisurely ride in the country. According to her family, Eunice was an exceptional cook and…

Eric J. Sander, 72, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away peacefully March 18, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Eric was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 6, 1947, to Harold J. and Edna M. Sander. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis in 1965 and earned a liberal arts degree from the University of Evansville in 1969 where he pitched collegiately for the Aces’ baseball team. Eric met his wife, Pam, on a blind date in Atlanta, Georgia. After marrying in 1975, they started their family while living in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1983 they settled in Batesville, Indiana, where he worked in manufacturing operations for Hill-Rom for over…

Bertha Mae Ernstes, age 85 of Morris, formerly of New Point, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at her home. Born on August 10, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Virginia (nee McPherson) Hacker. Bertha was a homemaker and enjoyed time baking and cooking. A member of New Point Christian Church, she loved her God, as well as spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her two daughters, Virginia (Bob) Maple of Morris and Helen Louise Young of Greensburg; two sons, Michael (Sharon) Collins of California and Buford Collins Jr. of Texas; as well as her…

Charles A. Sidell, age 91 of Batesville, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at his home. Born July 21, 1928, in Batesville, he is the son of Myrtie (nee Martin) and Patsy Sidell. He married Edna Giesting July 17, 1954, at Holy Family Church and she preceded him in death May 24, 2005. Charlie served in the Navy during the Korean War. Following the service, he spent 40 years as a milkman for Wayne Dairy. After retiring from the dairy at 65, he went to work at the Batesville Primary School half days helping within the kitchen and with janitorial duties for 15 years. Charlie enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to…

Ruthann Smith, 67 of Greensburg, passed away on March 9, 2020, in Houston, Texas. Ruthann was at MD Anderson in Houston for cancer treatment by her wonderful team of doctors. She was born on June 5, 1952, in Franklin, Indiana, the daughter of Charles Oran and Wilma Louise (Mitchell) Ray. Ruthann was a 1970 graduate of Indian Creek High School, a 1974 graduate of Purdue University, and a 1978 graduate of IUPUI. She taught English at Lebanon, Greenwood, South Decatur and Greensburg Junior High. She inspired and touched many young lives. On June 26, 1982, she married the love of her life, Daryl Smith, and together they had three sons:…

John William Kuntz, 66, of Sunman, Indiana, died Saturday, March 7, 2020, on his beloved land, which had sustained him for the previous 33 years. He was born on July 27, 1953, in Indianapolis, the son of James Ralph Kuntz and Josephine Irene Kuntz. John spent most of his childhood in Kokomo, Indiana, where he graduated from Taylor High School in 1971. He went on to serve as a weather observer in the US Air Force in Tacoma, Washington from 1971 to 1976. He then attended Indiana University, where he met the love of his life, his wife and partner of 38 years, Katie. He graduated in 1981 with a…

73 yrs old of Sunman (Twin Oaks) died March 9. Survived by his wife, Ellen, and two children. Visitation is Sunday, March 15, from 4-6pm with 6pm memorial service, all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. www.meyersfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy L. Cameron, age 87, peacefully passed away Monday, March 2, 2020, at her home in Columbus, Ohio. The daughter of Dorothy Beck Loew and Paul W. Loew, she was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 9, 1932, though Batesville was her true hometown where she was raised among family that reached back to the founding of Batesville. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Batesville, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus. Dorothy is survived by her two children, Andrew O. Cameron, Sarah D. Cameron; her beloved cousin, Mrs. Patricia Hare; and Patricia’s children, Jerry, Tim, and Paul. Her loves were the Batesville pool, her Devon Avenue…

Jeffrey Thomas Grieshop, age 64, of Batesville, died Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at his home. Born November 4, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he is the son of Rita (nee Raver) and Thomas Grieshop. Jeff was a farmer’s farmer. He dedicated his life not only to working the land but, in a true sense, being the land. He knew every inch of his fields and woods, and seemingly, the history of all the land around him. He could talk endlessly-and expertly-of the glaciers that created the crumpled hills that he farmed. A lover of Native American culture, he could spot an arrowhead from 20 yards away and expertly discuss the tribe…

Elmer J. Siefert, age 91 of Oldenburg, died Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at St. Andrews Health Campus. Born July 18, 1928, in Ripley County Indiana, he is the son of Frances (nee Enneking) and Carl Siefert. Elmer served in the Air Force during the Korean War and after coming home, would go to work for the Sisters of St. Francis doing carpentry and maintenance for over 45 years before retiring. He married Carolyn Hemke July 29, 1953, at St. Michael’s Church in Brookville, and she preceded him in death on May 30, 2009. He was a member of Holy Family Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1461 and the Prell-Bland American…

Paula Diane Shafer, age 57 of New Point, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Visitation, Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 12:00pm-3:00pm followed by 3:00pm funeral service all at New Point Christian Church. Full obituary www. meyersfuneralhomes.com

Kevin W. Hornberger, 54 of Sunman, died Tuesday, February 25. Survived by wife, Marcia; daughters, Ashli and Lea Hornberger. Visitation, Saturday, February 29, from 12 – 3 pm with 3:00pm funeral service, all at Meyers Funeral Home. www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.

Delza Amburgey Jr., age 78 of Batesville, died Tuesday, February 25. Survived by his wife, Kathy Amburgey. Visitation, Sunday, March 1, 5-8pm, with funeral services 10am Monday, March 2, all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. www.meyersfuneralhomes.com

Betty Mae “Chick” Ertel, 94, died February 1, 2020, at home, BeeHive Homes, Lafayette, Indiana. She was born at home August 28, 1925, in Tipton, Indiana. She was married to the late James William “Jim” Ertel for 70 years. Betty taught all levels of elementary school except fourth grade. Betty is survived by five children, including James Michael Ertel, a former resident of Batesville; four grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren. Betty is remembered for her perpetual smile and positive outlook on life. She lived a full, long and loving life and died peacefully in her sleep. Complete obituary information including services, memorial and the opportunity to leave…

Paul B. Lecher, age 88 of Batesville, died Monday, February 17, 2020, at his home. Born May 19, 1931, in Franklin County Indiana, he is the son of Anna (nee Schulte) and Peter Lecher. He married Joan Schebler July 6, 1957, at St. Anne’s Church in Hamburg, Indiana. Paul served in the army during the Korean War and following the service would go to work for Batesville Casket Company, retiring in 1996 after 42 years. He was a member of the Ripley County V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. Paul was a simple and humble man. He enjoyed being outdoors and was content to work in…

Anna Mae Wagner, Batesville, passed away Saturday, February 8, at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville, where she had been a resident for the past several years. She died two weeks before her 100th birthday. One of two children, she was born Feb. 23, 1920, on a farm in between Napoleon and Lookout, Indiana, the daughter of John and Laura Burkhardt Niehaus. On April 30, 1938, she was married to Virgil J. Wagner in Morris, Indiana, at St. Anthony Church. Mr. Wagner died on August 20, 1990. In addition to her parents and her husband of fifty-two years, she is also preceded in death by her brother Albert Niehaus. Together…

Carol Jean Maple, 89, died February 13. Wife of the late Roger Maple, mother of Diana Schantz, Becky Schutte, Kathie Pohlman & Douglas Maple. Visitation was Monday at Meyers Funeral Home. Funeral, Tuesday, 11:00am, at St. John UCC.

Sr. Alice Retzner, formerly Sr. Francile, age 77 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died Thursday, February 6, 2020, at the convent. Born Alice Jean on March 20, 1942, in Sunman, Indiana, she is the daughter of Frances (nee Riehle) and Louis Retzner. She taught for 17 years at schools in Indiana, Missouri, Montana and Ohio. In 1980 she took a position as Pastoral Associate and would work in that capacity at parishes in Indianapolis, New Mexico and Kentucky before retiring in 2017. She is survived by her sister JoAnn Amberger of Sunman, Indiana; brothers Louis Retzner of Cincinnati, Ohio, John Retzner of Sunman and brother-in-laws Steve Lunsford…

Age 93 of Batesville passed away February 5. Wife of the late Roy Robbins. Survived by Mike Robbins, Linda Eager, Janet Eger and Sandy Young. Visitation was Monday, and funeral is 10:00am February 11, Meyers Funeral Home. www.meyersfuneralhomes.com

Mary Lee Hunter, of Sunman, was born on December 14, 1926, in Sunman, a daughter to Rowland and Theresa (Beer) Robinson. She was a 1944 graduate of Sunman High School. Mary Lee married Floyd “Bud” Hunter on August 21, 1948, in Versailles and he preceded her in death on February 16, 2019. She was a member of Sunman Community Church and the Women’s Fellowship Leisure Ladies Club. Mary Lee was active working the election boards and she loved gardening – both flowers and vegetables, and her house always bloomed with color. She also enjoyed dancing, camping, cooking, traveling and spending time with family. On Friday, February 7, 2020, at the…

Sr. Francis Assisi Kennedy, age 82 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana, died Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the convent. Born Anna Marie on January 13, 1938, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she is the daughter of Helen Marie (nee Walsh) and Paul Kennedy. She entered the convent as a senior at the Immaculate Conception Academy in 1956 and made final vows in 1961. Sr. Francis Assisi earned a B.A. in English from Marian University, an M.A. in English from John Carroll University in Cleveland, and she later earned a second M.A. in Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College in Vermont. Sr. Francis Assisi…

John Henry Huneke, 97, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2020, in the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. John was born on January 20, 1923, in Batesville, IN. He spent his early childhood in a two-story log house on a farm where he helped with chores, including casing eggs from 500 hens. When old enough, he plowed fields with a team of horses, drove spikes on the railroad, helped his dad deliver the U.S. mail, worked in a shoe store and built some of the first rural telephone lines. He was an Eagle Scout, played basketball, and held a State High School Track record for the 440 yard dash for…

Margaret LaFollette, 85, Manchester, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at Shady Nook Care Center. Margaret was born Thursday, January 31, 1935, in Batesville, Indiana, the daughter of the late Alfred and Loretta (Marticke) Kappes. Margaret was a member of Community United Methodist Church. She retired from Dearborn County Hospital accounts payable department. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, IU basketball, reading her Bible, walk to Emmaus and spending time with family. Margaret is survived by son Dale (Melissa) LaFollette of Aurora; son in-law Randy Poer of North Vernon; grandchildren: Jason (Tara) LaFollette, Douglas (Taylor Morrow) Yeary, and Kaitlin (Nathaniel Galliher) Yeary. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter…

Janet M. Meyer, age 76 of Batesville, died Friday, January 31, 2020, at Margaret Mary Health. Born April 18, 1943, in Batesville, she is the daughter of Cleona (nee Holtel) and William Barnhorst. She married Dennis Meyer April 11, 1964, at St. Louis Church. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Louis Church. A natural caregiver, Janet did quite a bit of baby-sitting through the years before the advent of day care. She liked to travel. A favorite trip was an Alaskan cruise she and Dennis took. Janet also loved camping with her family and those trips were usually somewhere out West. Hobbies she enjoyed included cards, jigsaw…

Doris “Toodie” Mae Foley of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Margaret Mary Health. She was 94 years old. Born on June 27, 1925, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of Lewis and Dorothy (nee Hill) Laker. The 1944 New Point High School graduate was married to Paul Foley until he passed away in November 1977. Toodie, as she was known to most of her friends and family, was a member of Holy Family Church. She liked to shop the yard sales and play bingo. Her family spoke highly of her good cooking and she enjoyed making their favorites. Most of all she loved spending time…

Loretta A. “Pete” Kinker, age 90 of Batesville, died Monday, January 20, 2020, at Morning Breeze in Greensburg. Born February 17, 1929, in Decatur County Indiana, she is the daughter of Anna (nee Duvelius) and Harry Kinker. She was a member of St. Catherine of Sienna Church Enochsburg Campus and St. Louis Church. Affectionately know at Pete, she was born with Cerebral Palsy. Although she spent quite a bit of her early years back and forth at Riley Children’s Hospital, she never let her limitations slow her down. She was the official babysitter for many of her nieces and nephews. Loretta had a feisty personality and enjoyed rough housing with…

Jewel Roberta Yeager (nee Fitzwater), age 79 of Morris, Indiana, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020. The daughter of the late Robert & Jewel Fitzwater was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 15, 1940. She married Terry Yeager of Morris September 11, 1982. She is survived by her daughters, Penny Hartman (Tim) of Milan, IN, Patricia Wood of Cleves, OH; son, Robert Burdette of Milan; grandchildren Taylor Meyers (Laura), Joshua Cole, Braden Burdette, Casey Burdette and Jenna Wood; and two great-grandchildren, Joshua Cole Jr. and Ella Meyers; along with her sisters, Marcia Luckett (Tom), Barbara Jones (Rick), Remilda Peyton and Tammy Chinn; sister-in-laws, Carol Ryan (Darryl), Louise Volk (Jerry) and Lauren…

Victor “Pete” Back, of Sunman, was born on March 21, 1939, in St. Peters, a son to Charles A. and Clara A. Scherger Back. He was a graduate of Brookville High School Class of 1958. On June 25, 1960, Pete married Virginia Schantz at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Alsace. He worked at Fernald from 1959-1964 and then Monsanto for 33 years. Pete was a member of All Saints Parish-St. Paul Campus, the Batesville K of C Council 1461, and the North Dearborn Conservation Club. He enjoyed making wine, playing cards, dancing, watching sports and attending church festivals. On Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the age of 80, he…

Jesse Scott Connelly, age 25 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away January 23, 2020. Jesse was the cherished son of Jeff and Christy Connelly, brother of Katherine and Alexandra Connelly and Grandson of Katherine Grice and Frank and Sue Connelly. Jesse had a special bond with his sisters, Kate and AJ, and was very close to his uncles, Joe, David, Tony and Will. Jesse loved spending time with his nephews, Mason and Quinn, and his niece, Ellie. He was an easy going young man with a terrific sense of humor. Jesse had many close friends and was known for being quick witted, easy to talk to and wise beyond his years.…

Audrey Catherine (Brockman) Brown, Bonita Springs, Florida, died on January 10, 2020, after a brief illness. She was 89 years old. Third of seven children, Audrey was born April 30, 1930, in Oldenburg, Indiana, to Martin and Margaret (Bettice) Brockman. Despite the death of her mother and infant brother when Audrey was barely seven years old, Audrey grew to be a vivacious, loving, and charismatic young woman. She met her husband of 69 years, Theodore Lawrence Brown (“Ted”), at a parish dance when she was 16 and they married four years later on January 6, 1951, in Oldenburg, Indiana. Audrey and Ted had five children, four children-in-law whom Audrey loved…

Born to Paul and Loretta Werner (née Schumacher) in Batesville, Indiana, on September 28, 1948, Thomas Carl Werner was the seventh of nine children. He attended St. Louis School and Batesville High School and spent time “souping-up” his ’55 Chevy with his friends and working at the gas station. Following in the footsteps of his brothers, he joined the military and served on search and rescue missions with the Coast Guard in Hawaii. Tom attended the University of Hawaii and graduated with a degree in business. He worked his way through college as a taxi driver, which was evident in his driving style throughout his life. Tom began his career…

Alma L. Miller, age 86 of Batesville, died Friday, January 10, 2020, at The Waters of Batesville. Born December 17, 1933, in Batesville, she was the daughter of Cora (nee Engle) and George Bloemer. She married Earl (Hooker) Miller January 18, 1964, at St. Louis Church and he preceded her in death August 16, 2018. She was a member of St. Louis Church, the Daughters of Isabella and the Prell-Bland American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She worked at the local Sears Roebuck catalog store in the early 1970s and then worked in customer service at Hill-Rom until her retirement in 1995. Music was an important part of Alma’s life. She was…