Obituaries

James Vaughn Brown, 86 of Brazil, passed away on October 29, 2020 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. James was born on August 23, 1934 in Clay County, son of Oscar Brown and Mellie Tucker Brown. James graduated from Ashboro High School in 1952. As a Fighting Shamrock, James was a fine athlete in Baseball,...

Jacquelyn Rae Miller, 56, of Staunton, Indiana, passed away on October 25, 2020 at Union Hospital following a brief battle with cancer. Jackie was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on March 16, 1964, the daughter of Jack and Ophelia (Swalls) Lawrence. Jackie graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1982. Jackie married Errett Miller July 3, 1982; he preceded her in death on September 4, 2006. Jackie worked for Sony and most recently for IAC in Greencastle...

William “Bill” E. Hiatt, 82, of Staunton passed away, unexpectedly, at home, on October 23, 2020. He was born on November 8, 1937, in Terre Haute, Indiana the son of Harold S. and Frances (Fox) Hiatt. Bill graduated from Gerstmeyer High School with the class of 1956. Following high school Bill began working with AT&T. He worked there for 45 years before retiring. He belonged to the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Union and was an officer for 21 years...

Our precious mother, Jennie Clare Naanes Hofer departed this earth to be with her Lord and Saviour October 21, 2020. Born to Guy and Ruby Naanes on June 15,1930 Jennie was welcomed by her sister Barbara. Later came brother Teddy and sister Glenda. As a young girl Jennie loved playing with her dolls and kittens. Many summer days were enjoyed swimming at the Naanes's Fall's...

Lisa Moore Bradshaw Lisa Moore Bradshaw, born four days after Christmas in 1961, was a gift to the late Opal (Wicker) and Alton Moore and her 14-year-old brother, Roger. The Moores moved from Marion, Ohio, to Brazil, Indiana, when Lisa was nine. The personality that defined her life took shape in rural Brazil. ...

Jeanetta “Jenny” Biddle, 84, of Brazil passed away Friday October 16, 2020, in Gibson Family Hospice Center. She was born December 12, 1935 in Terre Haute to Harold and Evelyn (Harden) Snyder. Jenny is survived by her daughters, Bonnie McCarter (Mike) and Melissa Zellers; step-son, Terry Hogue; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews...

Terry Glen Cotten, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2020, at Corpus Christi Medical Center Northwest Region Hospital. He was 45 years old. Terry was born in Brazil, Indiana on August 25th 1975 to Terry Glen Cotten, Sr. and Betty Zentko Cotten Hammans. ...

On October 10, 2020, Patricia A. Mathas “Patsy”, our loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, closed her eyes and went with Jesus to heaven. She resided at Meadows Manor East nursing facility. She was the daughter of Wilburn and Juanita Schultz, deceased of Brazil, born January 23, 1936...

Richard Eugene Vanatti, 73, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020 at Signature Healthcare in Terre Haute. He was born on March 22, 1947 in Brazil, Indiana to the late Richard and Mildred (Jones) Vanatti. Dick graduated from Van Buren High School, and worked at Napco, Pauls Pipe Line and the Brazil City Water Works. ...

Ann R. Hummel, 95, lifetime resident of Clay City, Indiana, passed away on October 15, 2020 at Shakamak Good Samaritan Center where she had been a resident for eight years. She was born in Clay City, Indiana the daughter of Clarence and Cletus (Miller) Tiefel. ...

Peter Alan Smith, 56, of Brazil, Indiana passed away on October 12, 2020 at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born January 23, 1964, the son of Edward Earl Smith and Thelma Jane Colclasure. Peter was a truck driver for over 22 years. He loved his John Deer tractor, helping neighbors with outdoor work, and collecting scrap vehicles. ...

Hubert R. Haynes, 86, Brownsburg, passed away Oct. 11, 2020. He was born in Ehrmandale, IN on Jan. 21, 1934. Hubert served in the US Army from 1956-58. His life-long career was devoted to education. After graduating from Fontanet High School, he received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Indiana State University. ...

Hazel A. Brattain, 83, of Brazil, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in her residence. She was born on March 5, 1937 in Clay County, IN to Arley and Hazel M. (Grague) Wright. Hazel attended Brazil High School and had attended Carbon Baptist Church. She loved to decorate and sew. Hazel loved to read and go to yard sales...

Martha Jane Hunter, 88, of Clay County, Indiana, passed away on October 11, 2020 while staying at Cloverleaf Health Care. Martha, “Mert”, as she was often known, was born on July 8, 1932, in Knightsville, Indiana, the daughter of William and Florence (Jackson) Morgan. ...

Larry A. Burk, III, 27 of Hernando, Florida died unexpectedly October 6, 2020 at 3:00am while visiting friends in Brownsburg, IN. He was born July 22, 1993 in Clay County, the son of Larry Burk, Jr., and Angie Gorrell Burk. The family moved to the Hernando area of Florida in 2000. He worked in the family business maintaining rental properties. He remained close to his family in the Brazil area and was always willing to help when needed...

Center Point, Indiana Patricia Ann Koehler, 91, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the Gibson Hospice Unit at Union Hospital. She was born in Brazil, Indiana on April 1, 1929 to the late Marvin and Thelma (Wilson) McCloud. Patricia graduated from Brazil High School in 1947, she earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University where she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, and later obtained her Master’s in Education from Indiana State University...

Ellen Ruth Moore, 86, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. She was born on April 5, 1934 in Big Rapids, Michigan to the late Gordon and Ellen (Taylor) Schlegel. Ellen retired from Moore’s Master Cleaning Corp. She attended East Side Baptist Church. ...

Diane C. Braden, 75, of Brazil, passed away at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care on October 7, 2020 following a battle with COVID. Diane was born on March 15, 1945, in Brazil, the daughter of Herman and Betty (Damm) Kitch. She graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1963. Following high school she married Jack Braden. She worked as a Human Resource Manager for Commercial Solvents for several years...

Emma Katherine Gorham, 93, of Stilesville, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020. Born March 1, 1927 in Putnam County, IN, she was the daughter of Roy C. and Mabel F. (McAninch) Buis and was a graduate of Fillmore High School “Class of 1945”. Emma was homemaker and a member of the Bethel Baptist Church...

Lois Ann (Riley) Eaglin Casassa, 87, of Brazil, Indiana went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2020. She was born on May 11, 1933, in Brazil, Indiana, the daughter of Paul and Gladys (Nicoson) Riley. Lois graduated from Brazil High School in 1951. She married Richard O. Eaglin in 1952; he preceded her in death in 1984. Later, she married James D. Casassa on November 10, 1988...

Bobell “Bobbie” Pierce, age 85 formerly of Brazil, currently of Kiel, WI trusted Christ with her Salvation as a girl and walked faithfully with her Lord throughout her life until God took her home on Monday, September 28, 2020 at Oak Creek Assisted Living, Kiel...

Gary W. Long, Jr., 40 of Brazil passed away Monday, September 28, 2020 in Union Hospital. He was born in Brazil on June 21, 1980 to Gary “Jake” W. Long, Sr. and Helen Winn. Gary attended Brazil High School. Before his accident, he worked for Brazil Roofing and volunteered at Clay County Headstart and Learning Center...

Mary Margaret Gentry, 95, of Brazil, Indiana, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 27, 2020. Mary was born on February 5, 1925, the daughter of Lewis and Leah (Redenbarger) Duregger. She graduated from Jasonville High School with the class of 1943. She married Charles L. Gentry Sr. on March 1, 1944; he preceded her in death on December 16, 1994...

On Friday, September 25, 2020, Vickie Lynn Hardesty, mother of two children, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of five, passed away at the age of 69. Vickie was born on February 25, 1951, in Brazil, Indiana to Betty and Ralph Philabaum. On September 9, 1965, she married Fredrick Warren Hardesty. They raised one daughter, Lonie (Alonda) and one son, Scott. They spent happy years as a family traveling the US for Fred’s job in the military. Eventually settling in Shelbyville, Indiana...

Richard L. Baker, 89 of Cory, passed away September 18, 2020 at Union Hospital, following a brief illness. He was born June 28, 1931 in Vigo County, the son of Richard J. Baker and N. Josephine Long Baker. He graduated from Cory High School, Class of 1949. He was a Cory Apple Boy, playing basketball and baseball...

Thelma Oehler, 100 passed away September 19, 2020 at Cloverleaf Nursing Facility after a brief stay. She was the only daughter born to Orville and Nina Randall Henson, on July 20, 1920, in Owen County. She was educated in Owen County along with her five brothers, Franklin, Chester, Curtis, Robert and Kenneth...

Gary “Grandpa” W. Cooksey, 67, of Montpelier passed away early Wednesday morning at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born March 12, 1953 in Brazil, Indiana to Roy P. and Mae Elizabeth (Sutherland) Cooksey. On March 18, 2005 he married Rose M. Cherkas in Sevierville, Tennessee and she survives...

Taylor Renee Bradbury, 26, passed away and went to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of September 12, 2020. Taylor was born at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and was raised in Brazil, later moving to Terre Haute. Taylor graduated from Northview High School in 2014 where she was a dedicated member of the choir and one the honored Knight Singers. ...

Geraldine L. Buchholz, 82 of Brazil, passed away September 12, 2020 at Union Hospital. She was born November 22, 1937, the daughter of Walter R. Boyce and Bertha Jeffers Boyce. She graduated from Bowling Green High School, Class of 1955.

Brazil, Indiana Paul Joseph Tilley, 84, passed away Friday, September 11, 2020 at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born in Brazil, Indiana on September 14, 1935 to the late William and Anna Mae (Gentry) Tilley. Paul graduated from Brazil High School and served his country in the National Guard. He married Anita Kay Payne on November 25, 1959, and earned his Bachelors, Master’s and 6th Year Degree from Indiana State University. He and Anita are members of Ebenezer Church...

Thomas Wayne Modesitt, 83, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly, on September 10, 2020 while in physical rehabilitation at Harrison Crossing. Tom was born on January 14, 1937, in Clay County, Indiana the son of Harry and Anna H. (Courtney) Modesitt.  He graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1955.  He married Phyllis Braden in 1958.  She preceded him in death in June 22, 2020 after 62 years of marriage.  Tom worked as a heavy equipment operator for Martin Marietta and France Stone for many years.  Tom enjoyed working on engines, tinkering with equipment, and working outdoors.  Tom also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and attending family and social gatherings.. ...

Dorothy D. Nevins, 95 of Brazil passed away September 8, 2020 at Hickory Creek at Sunset in Putnam County. She was born May 24, 1925 in Gosport, IN. the daughter of Edward Godsey and Elizabeth Crabb Godsey. May 24, 1946 she was united in marriage to Robert Leo Nevins...

Jaxson Randi McCullough, 18 days old, passed away September 5, 2020 at Union Hospital.  He was born August 18, 2020 he was small but was loved beyond measure.   Survivors include his parents, Haley Anica Wallace and Dylan Austin Bradley McCullough of Terre Haute; grandparents, Billy Mathews (Ryan Douglas) of Brazil and Bernie Wallace (Amy), David McCullough (Debbie) all of Terre Haute; great-grandparents, Bobbi Lovett, Marlon Mathews, Bernie and Janet Wallace and Karla Everson; uncles, Chance Wallace, Chayce Wallace and Gavin McCullough; one aunt, Darian Rollins and other extended family.. ...

Annabelle McMurry, 90, of Waveland, IN. passed away on Monday, September 07, 2020 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. She was born in Brazil on February 23, 1930 to Albert Britton and Dorothy (Buffington) Britton. Annabelle was a 1947 graduate of Brazil High School. ...

Brazil, Indiana Mary Maxine Beaman, 100, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Exceptional Living Center in Brazil. She was born on June 21, 1920 in Brazil to the late Ernest and Estella (Purcell) Nicoson. Mary graduated from Staunton High School in 1938, and married Samuel Harold Beaman on May 17, 1941. She was a member of Forest Avenue Methodist Church, and retired from CBS in 1981...

Doris Jane Smith, 74, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 28, 2020. She was born on August 24, 1946 in Terre Haute, IN to Chester C. Bell and Mary G. (McNally) Bell. She was born in Clay County and attended Van Buren High School. Doris is survived by her children, Jamie Wade Smith, Bruce Eric Smith, Laura Thrasher, Tammy Smith, and Diana Tye; six grandchildren; and siblings, Steve (Sherry ) Woll, Glenn (Janice) Bell and Lois Luedeman...

Carbon, Indiana Charles “Zeb” Zebedee Mullenix, 95, went to meet his Lord on September 5, 2020 at his home. He was born in Carbon, on March 17, 1925 to the late Ross Jack and Ella (Dalton) Mullenix. Zeb served his country in United States Army with the Combat Engineers during World War II, and married Rosalee Plunkett shortly after returning home on December 30, 1945. ...

William H. Waymire, 75, of West Terre Haute and formerly of Staunton, Indiana, passed away at Union Hospital on September 6, 2020. Bill was born on January 22, 1945, in Brazil, Indiana the son of Ernest and Violet (Michael) Waymire.  He attended Brazil High School and then enlisted into the United States Army where he served for 3 years.  He was honorably discharged as a SP4 in 1965.  He met Nancy Ann Nussel and was united in marriage on December 31, 1966.  She preceded him in death in 2005.  Bill worked as a mechanic at International Paper, Anaconda / Alcan, and then Hercules / AET.  He retired in 2001.  . ...

Ronald Ray Cress, 77, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2020. Ronnie was born on October 20, 1942, in Clay County, Indiana, the son of Homer E. Cress and Helen (Marcinko) Cress.  Ronnie graduated from Glenn High School with the class of 1960.  Ronnie was well known and well-respected auto mechanic around the Wabash Valley for many years.  ...

Judith A. Via, 82, of Big Springs, Texas, formerly of Brazil, passed away September 1, 2020.  She was born July 22, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN. the daughter of Wilton Albert Via and Louise Naomie Nation Via.  She graduated from Mooresville High School in 1956.  She continued her education at Indiana State University, graduating in 1973.  ...

Anthony David Mitchell, 25 of Brazil, died August 30, 2020 at 3:03am due to a tragic accident on U.S. Hwy 40 in Putnam County. He was born January 5, 1995 in Batesville, IN. the son of Roy Mitchell and Jennifer Morton Mitchell. Anthony has lived a varied life in his short 25 years. ...

Paul D. Proctor, 84, of Terre Haute passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020 in Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He was born August 17, 1936 in Talladega, Alabama to John James Proctor and Lucille Limbaugh Proctor. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Nelson Proctor; daughter, Cathy Hunter (Roy); step-sons, Chris Diel and Brad Diel; step-daughters, Sheryl Diel, Nancy Bauer, and Debra Ennen; brother, Frank Proctor; sister, Rachael Price; grandchildren, Jenica Becklund, Justin Proctor, Hailey Maxwell, Hannah Woodward, Hope Proctor, and Joseph Proctor; and several great grandchildren. ...

Hilda Mae Epple, 90, Brazil, passed away August 27, 2020. She was born July 4, 1930 in Howe, OK. Father, we entrust Hilda to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life; now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace forever. Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen...

St. Bernice, Indiana Priscilla Jean Tucker, 90, went to be with her Lord on September 2, 2020 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. She was born on November 17, 1929 in Terre Haute, and was adopted by Ralph and Emma (Jarvis) Knott. Priscilla graduated Gerstmeyer Technical High School, and married Walter Leo Tucker on December 8, 1951. She retired from Quaker Maid after 33 years...

Ronald K. Moon, 84, of Centerpoint, Indiana, passed away August 28, 2020. He was a lifelong resident of Centerpoint and an educator in Vigo County (West Vigo, Wiley, and Terre Haute South High Schools) for almost 40 years. He was born December 8, 1935, in Brazil to Marvin and Gaby Moon...

Richard “Rick” Allen Brown, 58, of Brazil, passed away unexpectedly August 28, 2020. He was born August 12, 1962 in Vigo County, the son of Allen L. Brown and Linda K. Nussel Brown. He graduated from Staunton High School in 1981. He most recently worked for Ivy Hill Packaging in Terre Haute...

Irma Ruth Runyon, 87, of Carbon, Indiana, passed away on August 29, 2020. She was born on October 22, 1932, in Richmond, Indiana the daughter of Chester and Ivern (Rhoades) Harter. Ruth graduated from Richmond High School with the class of 1950. Ruth worked as an X-Ray Technician in Chicago, Illinois before she married Robert Runyon in 1956. ...

Brazil, Indiana Eddie Head, 57, passed away Friday, August 28, 2020 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born in Brazil on March 28, 1963 to the late Robert and Sharon (Gullifor) Head. Eddie attended Brazil Schools, and worked for the City of Brazil...

Dock Whitaker, 73, of Reelsville, Indiana, passed away at his home on August 23, 2020 following a lengthy illness. Dock was born on November 13, 1946, in Hazard, Kentucky the son of James andLouise (Combs) Whitaker.  Dock married Vesta Whitaker on December 11, 1965.  She preceded him in death in 2019.  Although Dock did work as a laborer in factories throughout his life he thrived in raising hunting dogs.  He enjoyed traveling across the United States raising and hunting raccoon’s, bear, and large cats.  Dock held 3 world titles with his dogs both in the American Blue Tick 1980 AKC World Champ, 1977 World Champ English Dog, and IHCA World Champ Walker.  . ...

Margaret “Peg” Ann (Burdon) Williams of Brazil, Indiana passed away peacefully in Islamorada, FL on August 24, 2020. She was born April 23, 1934 in Brazil, Indiana, the eldest daughter of Thomas and Marcella Burdon. She married the love of her life, her childhood sweetheart, Robert Williams in July of 1952 who preceded her in death in 1993. Also preceding her in death was her youngest sister Teresa Dickison...