Obituaries from January 2023

Shirley Sue Baker, 86, of Greencastle, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022 at Mill Pond Health Campus. Shirley was born in Greencastle on April 5, 1936, the daughter of Fred N. and Hazel P. (Pelfrey) Thompson. She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School...

Marvin Douglas, 89, of Greencastle, passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, 20 days after the passing of his beloved wife, Irene. Marvin was born Nov. 3, 1933 to the late Clemen and Kathleen (Buis) Douglas in Alaska, Ind. On April 3, 1953, he married Irene Price...

Richard Arlyn Buis, 66, passed away early morning Dec. 19, 2022 from a sudden heart attack at his daughter’s house in Fenton, Mo. He was born May 29, 1956 to parents Roland R. Buis Sr. and Rose J. Buis. He attended Fillmore Elementary and South Putnam Junior/Senior High School...

Nancy Kay Witty, 73, of Bainbridge, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at her residence surrounded by her family. Born Dec. 27, 1949, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of George and Mary (Baire) Gritton. She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School in the class of 1968...

Chelcie Marie Collier, 86, of Greencastle, passed away Dec. 28, 2022. She was born Jan. 31, 1936 to the late James and Sallie (Trent) Brock. Chelcie is survived by her daughters, Cindy Bray of Clayton and Joni Smith of Greencastle; her siblings, Clyda Miller, Ted Brock, Lorene Miller, Irene Ellis and Larry Brock; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren...

Kathryn S. Willer passed away in her home at the farm on Jan. 6, 2023, at the age of 73 after her battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family when she peacefully met her Lord and Savior. She was born in Williamsport on May 8, 1949, to Elinor (Kenworthy) and Lewis Allen...

Virginia Rose Daily Childress, 98, Greencastle, passed away on Jan. 7, 2023, at Asbury Towers. She was born Jan. 2, 1925, in Ellettsville to John Earl Daily and Lena Mae King Daily. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1942. Virginia and Austin Bruce Childress were united in marriage on Feb. 14, 1945. They were married 54 years until his death on May 4, 1999...

Ruby Jane Pleake, 98, of Cloverdale, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at The Waters. Ruby was born June 9, 1924 in Hodgenvile, Ky., to parents Everett and Alma Scott. She attended and graduated Amo High School. She married Jewell V. Pleake on April 6, 1947, and he preceded her in death in November 1983...

Daniel Russell Holmes, 59, of Greencastle, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. Born April 13, 1963, in Indianapolis, he was the son of William and Mary (Shelley) Holmes. He was a graduate of Mooresville High School, Vincennes University, and received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University...

Beatrice “Bea” Bennett, 90, of Cloverdale, formerly of Bloomington, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at her home with her family by her side. She was born on Aug. 19, 1932 in Wadesboro, N.C., the daughter of Alexander and Lela (Hooks) Caulder...

On Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, Lauri Hootman Wilkinson passed away at her Brownsburg home with several loved ones surrounding her with love and care. Born on June 9, 1967 to Glen and Nadyne Hootman, Lauri graduated from Lebanon High School in 1985 and Indiana State University in 1989. In September of 1991, Lauri began her 31-year career with Walmart. For the past 29 years she has served as the administrative assistant for the general transportation manager...

Angela M. Daniels, 56, passed away in her home on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023 with her family, friends and dogs by her side. She was born Dec. 22, 1966 in Crawfordsville. She was preceded in death by Wilbur Douglas, “Pop”. She was the daughter of Hilajean Douglas and Ben Daniels. She loved her family, and friends, along with her dog, Shika...

E. Marion Griffin, 82, of Greencastle, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. He was born in Clinton on May 5, 1940 to Hiram Griffin and Sarah Gosnell Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Carolyn Isles and Marilyn Stephens...

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, with many loving family members at her bedside, Emily’s mother sang “Amazing Grace” as Emily Mae Brooks Mitchell gained her heavenly wings at the age of 31. Emily leaves behind a family that loved her beyond words. Emily was born on Jan. 26, 1991 in Putnam County to Sherrie Haynes and Lee Brooks...

Juliet Ann Varnes, age 66, of Cloverdale, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 12, 2023. She was born May 21, 1957, to the late Aubrey and Barbara (Summers) Moore. Juliet married Raymond Varnes on May 22, 1976, and he survives. In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her children, ZoeAnn (Jerry) Chernowsky, Holly (Donnie) Alexander, Daniel (Sara) Varnes, Rachel Varnes (Giancarlo) Salvatore and Rebecca (Darrin) Grotrian; sister Cynthia Gamble; brother Robin Moore; and four grandchildren...

Susan M. Lesko, 59, of Brazil, passed away on Dec. 19, 2022, while at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. She was born on Feb. 19, 1963, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Eileen M. Dunn and Joseph A. Lesko Sr. Susan graduated with a master’s degree in technology from ISU, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University, an Associate in Science degree from Ivy Tech in architectural design and drafting and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University...

Roger Alan Wright, 66, of Coatesville, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 13, 2023, at Hendricks Regional. Born March 29, 1956, in Swaffham, England, he was the son of Robert R. Wright and Frances Kingry Wright. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1974 and earned an associate’s degree in aviation maintenance...

Shirley Sue Baker, 86, of Bainbridge, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Mill Pond Health Campus. Shirley was born in Greencastle on April 5, 1936, the daughter of Fred N. and Hazel P. (Pelfrey) Thompson. She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School...

Barbara Lynn Clark, 75, of Greencastle, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Jan. 26, 1947, in Greencastle. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Steven A. Clark; daughters Tammie Gardner and Stefanie McCombs; daughter-in-law Lisa Clark Grimes (David); sister Brenda Allen; grandchildren Joe Gardner (Cassandra), Jacob Gardner, Kayla McCombs, Morgan Clark (John), Jesse Gardner, Emily Clark Bell (Andy) and Jaina Gardner; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins...

Mary Marguerite Barnes passed away at 105 years old on Jan. 14, 2023, at Owen Valley Healthcare Center. Marguerite was preceded in death by her father, Walter C. Sanderson; her mother, Ethie M. Sanderson; brothers Estes and William Sanderson; and her husband, Owen Barnes...

Charles William Simon, 83, of Cloverdale, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. He was born Aug. 19, 1939 to the late Charles and Beulah (Stanton) Simon. Charles married Wanda (Brown) Simon June 22, 1965, and she survives. Charles retired from National Starch Chemical in 2002 after 39 years...

Lynne Catherine Steele, 74, of Brazil, formerly of Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born Sept. 4, 1948 in Houston, Texas, she was the daughter of John Henry and Ann (Meeks) Myers. She attended L’Anse Creuse High School in Mt. Clemons, Mich...

Judith Ann Minor, of Brazil, passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, on her 79th birthday in her home surrounded by loved ones. Judy was born on Jan. 17, 1944, in Michigan City, the daughter of Veryl and Edith Godfrey. The family moved to Bowling Green, where they lived previously, in 1949...

William Fredrick “Bill” Newgent, 54, of Greencastle, passed away on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. He was born Nov. 11, 1968, in Indianapolis, the son of the late John and Willa Rose (Green) Newgent. He was a graduate of Greencastle High School in the class of 1988 and received his associate’s degree from Ivy Tech in auto mechanics...

Betty Jane Whitlock, 97, of Greencastle, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born Jan. 17, 1926 in Anderson, she was the daughter of Clarence R. and Nona Lillabell “Lily” (Lagle) Parks. Betty had worked at G.C. Murphy for 31 years as an assistant manager. After retiring she went back to work in the cafeteria for the Greencastle Schools...

On the morning of Jan. 21, 2023, John Spivey Jr. died unexpectedly at the age of 51. John was born to John Sr. and Linda Spivey on March 28, 1972. He graduated from South Putnam High School in 1992. On Sept. 4, 1992, he married Diana Bradley and they raised three children, John (Bo) Spivey III, Taylor Spivey Bowen and Christian (CJ) Spivey...

Cynthia Leigh Cramer passed away in Greencastle on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at the age of 64. She was born Sept. 6, 1958, in Corry, Pa. Cynthia is survived by her daughters, Charity (husband Bill) Crossley of Jamestown, N.Y., Carrie Trisket of Jamestown, N.Y. and Cassandra Seeley of Celoron, N.Y.; sister Evelyn (husband Jordan) Whitmore of Lakewood, N.Y.; brother Mark (wife Cathy) Lindsay of Simi Valley, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren...

James I. Fortune, 70, of Cloverdale, passed away Jan. 24, 2023 in his residence. Born March 14, 1952 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Mark Fortune and Nellie (Sering) Fortune. James worked as an inspector at AT&T, where he retired after 31 years. He then worked at Crown Castle as a construction manager, retiring after 18 years. He served in the U.S. Army in Alaska for two years...

Larry G. Truesdale 73, of Plainfield, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. He was born Oct. 5, 1949, in Greencastle to the late Harold and Jessy (Gentry) Truesdale. He graduated from Greencastle High School in 1967 and loved to travel the country. For several years Larry was an OTR driver. His favorite was the mountains...

Vicki Lynn Rollings, Carmel, tied together the threads of her earthly life on Jan. 26, 2023, at age 73 due to amyloidosis. She was born June 5, 1949. The determination she applied battling cancer was nurtured growing up on a farm west of Greencastle and treasuring the outdoors. Whether playing piano, hunting squirrels with her father, Paul W. Aker, or climbing trees, she savored her rural childhood...