Obituaries

RONALD L. BAKER Clay County, IN (6/5/23)

He attended the Folklore Institute of America at Indiana University in the summer of 1962 and enrolled in the doctoral program in folklore while also minoring in comparative literature and philosophy. He received his Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1969 with a dissertation on folklore in the writings of Rowland Robinson. ...
DELORIS A. SMITH Brazil, IN (6/5/23)

Deloris A. Smith, 85, a devoted wife, mothers, and aunt to many passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Gibson Family Hospice Center in Terre Haute. She was born in Brazil, Indiana on September 9, 1937 to the late David and Elizabeth Smith. Early on Delores worked at the Blue Bonnet before moving to Arkansas and working in a shoe factory. ...
CARL ARCHER, JR. Brazil, IN (6/5/23)

Carl Archer, Jr., 95, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born in Rosedale on August 19, 1925 to the late Carl and Grace Archer. Carl graduated from Rosedale High School and served his country in the United States Navy and Army. He then went to work for the civil service and was based at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. Carl enjoyed mushroom hunting and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by an infant brother...
ANNA LORENA SINDERS, Spencer, IN (6/4/23)

Anna Lorena Sinders, 83, passed away June 2, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Anna was born to the late Marvin Dean Booe Sr. and Mary Frances (Parkhurst) Curtis on December 6, 1939 in Spencer, Indiana. Anna graduated from Riley High School in 1957. ...
WANDA M. WHITMARSH, Harmony, IN (6/4/23)

Wanda M. Whitmarsh, 93 of Harmony, passed away June 2, 2023, at her home with her family present. She was born January 17, 1930, in Brazil, the daughter of Lannie and Hazel Marshall Moss. She graduated from Ashboro High School. On August 14, 1948, she was united in marriage to Bob Whitmarsh. ...
MARY ANN ATKINSON Brazil, Indiana (6/2/23)

Mary Ann Atkinson, 93, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at her home in Brazil. She was born on March 24, 1930 in Laurel, Indiana to the late Harry and Beatrice Pauline (Longfellow) Burgdoerfer. Ann graduated from Laurel High School in 1948, and married Paul Atkinson on February 24, 1961. She spent most of her life as a homemaker, but also briefly worked as a bookkeeper for Eastern Express. Ann was a member of Eastside Christian Church in Brazil for 20 years...
Bryce Andrew Brown, Clay County, IN (5/31/23)

Bryce Andrew Brown, 18, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 26, 2023 in Indianapolis. Bryce was born on May 29, 2004 in Terre Haute to Chris Brown and Candy (Smith) Brown. Bryce graduated from Whites High School in Wabash, Indiana. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 841 and worked for Poindexter Excavating in Indianapolis. ...
Nancy Neese, Brazil, IN (5/31/23)

Nancy Neese, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born to the late Delbert Neese and Wanita (Harris) Reynolds on December 20, 1948 in Brazil. Nancy enjoyed living her life the way she wanted to. ...
BILLIE LOUISE JOHNSON, Brazil, IN (5/26/23)

Mrs. Billie Louise Johnson, 95, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Westside Village Health Center in Indianapolis, on Friday, December 9, 2022. She was born on July 15, 1927, in Lebanon, Indiana, a daughter of the late William M. Cox and Mary Gladys (McPhetridge) Cox...
Deborah Jean Frost, Greencastle, IN (5/25/23)

Deborah Jean Frost, 70, of Greencastle, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023. Born February 12, 1953 in Greencastle, she was the daughter of Aden L. and Ella Marie (Bassett) Brown. She was a graduate of South Putnam High School “Class of 1971” Debbie was retired, having worked at Walmart 15 years and previously at the Banner Graphic for 32 years...
Teresa Joan Hyde, Brazil, IN (5/24/23)

Brazil, Indiana Teresa Joan Hyde, 68, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute. She was born on August 13, 1954 in Brazil to the late Delbert Kidwell and Betty (Sanders) Bryan. Teresa attended Clay County schools and worked for Aramark Rose-Hulman for 15 years. In her free time, Teresa enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, watching westerns, playing cards, singing karaoke and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren...
RHEA ANN HOOD, Brazil, IN (5/22/23)

Rhea Ann Hood, age 78, of Brazil, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Friday, May 19 at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute. Rhea was born December 1, 1944 in Brazil to Cecil Wayne and Rosemary Green. She graduated from Brazil High School in 1962 and received a degree in Art from Indiana State University. ...
EILEEN AVERILL Centerpoint, IN (5/18/23)

Eileen Averill, 85 of Centerpoint, passed away May 17, 2023, at 9:18pm at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. She was born May 17, 1938, in New Bedford, MA, the daughter of Leon Cordeiro and Aurora Benoit Cordeiro. She graduated from Hialeah High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Wynne Averill, on May 16, 1958...
PHYLLIS ANN (WALKER) SHAFFER, Brazil, IN (5/17/23)

Phyllis Ann (Walker) Shaffer, 81, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away on May 14, 2023 while staying at Hutson Wood. Phyllis was born on July 27, 1941, in Carbon, Indiana, the daughter of Walter and Clara (Wilson) Walker. She graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1959. ...
BONNIE LOU FATCH, Brazil, IN (5/16/23)

Bonnie Lou Fatch, 86, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute. She was born on September 2, 1936 in Reelsville to the late Ross and Ocie (Cooper) Young. Bonnie graduated from Brazil High School in 1955, and worked for General Telephone and Citgo. ...
CAROLE LEE WINN Brazil, IN (5/15/23)

Carole Lee Winn, 79, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away on May 14, 2023, while staying at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. Carole was born on October 12, 1943, in Brazil, Indiana the daughter of Earl and Jessie M. (Harris) Wallace. She married Robert Winn on April 10, 1960; he preceded her in death on February 15, 2007...
ROBERT JAY STEARLEY Formerly Brazil, IN (5/14/23)

Robert Jay Stearley, 93, a beloved husband, father and “Pop-Pop,” died peacefully on December 5, 2022, in St. Louis, MO, where he had lived since 1984. But his heart always lived in Brazil, IN, where his earthly journey began. The eldest child of Melvin George and Hila Mona (Bolin) Stearley, Bob roared into life on September 6, 1929, delivered on the kitchen table by Brazil’s own midwife, Mrs. ...
David Matthew Blake, Harmony, IN (5/10/23)

David Matthew Blake April 15, 1957- May 5, 2023. At 12:30pm on May 5, 2023, David Matthew Blake of Harmony, formerly of Terre Haute and Montezuma Indiana, was called up to heaven. He was born to Merle Blake and Wilma Stonum at the Vermillion County Hospital in Clinton, Indiana...
Robert Gene Yocom, of Brazil, IN (5/7/23)

Robert Gene Yocom, 86 years old, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away at his home peacefully with his family by his side on May 5, 2023. Bob was born on August 15th, 1936 in Brazil Indiana. The son of David B and Rachel (Parr) Yocom.
Pastor William Lewis Price, Brazil, IN (5/6/23)

Pastor William Lewis Price, 90, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away at his home, peacefully, on May 5, 2023. Bill was born on March 11, 1933, in Brazil, Indiana, the son of James H. and Myrtle (Reed) Price. He graduated, as Valedictorian, from Van Buren High School with the class of 1951...
DAVID LEE LANDES Roanoke Rapids, NC (5/4/23)

David Lee Landes, 80, of Roanoke Rapids, NC died on April 20, 2023 in Greenville, NC. He was born on January 3, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN to Virgil and Mary Spears Landes. David was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Brenda (Steve) Custis...
Judy Kay Werk, Brazil, IN (5/2/23)

Judy Kay Werk Brazil, IN Age 79, passed peacefully in her home from natural causes on April 26, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. Judy was born June 15, 1943 in Brazil, Indiana to Mary Kathryn and James Lalen. She was a loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. ...
CHITRA MARIE JEFFRIES Brazil, IN (5/2/23)

Chitra Marie Jeffries, 88, passed away May 1, 2023 at Cloverleaf Healthcare. Chitra was born on November 12, 1934 in Crawfordsville to the late Chester and Beulah (Petty) Hutchison. Chitra was a 1952 graduate of Greencastle High School. On January 23, 1955 Chitra married the love of her life, Tony Jeffries. For over 40 years, Chitra worked as an Executive Secretary at Columbia Records...
CONSTANCE FAY TROUT Formerly Brazil (5/1/23)

Constance Fay Trout, 84, passed peacefully from this world after an extended illness. ‘Connie’ was born and lived in Brazil, Indiana until 2014 when she moved to Orlando, Florida to be closer to her family. She worked for McCurdy’s Decorating Center for nearly 30 years. ...
LISA A. BERNARD Noblesville, IN Formerly Brazil; (5/1/23)

Lisa A. Bernard, 56, of Noblesville, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023. Lisa was born on August 19, 1966, in Muncie, IN to the late Glen E. and Janet L. (Heath) Munro. Lisa was a proud graduate of Northview High School in Brazil, IN and she continued to follow their sports teams and marching band. ...
RONALD LEE WEAVER, Staunton, IN (4/30/23)

Ronald Lee Weaver, 78, of Staunton, Indiana passed away at Union Hospital, on April 29, 2023. Ron was born on January 15, 1945, in Staunton, Indiana, the son of Robert Lee “Curly” Weaver and Mary Katherine (Phillips) Weaver. He graduated from Staunton High School with the class of 1963. Ron worked for Columbia Records for 36 years before retiring...
Loretta Frye Brazil, Indiana (4/28/23)

Loretta Frye, 62, was released from this life on April 26, 2023, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. She was born in Clay County on August 16, 1960, to the late Darrell and Dinah (Waymire) Moore. Loretta graduated from Brazil High School in 1979 and married Charley Frye. She worked as the housekeeping and laundry supervisor at the Clay County Health Center...
Richard Keith Buell, Brazil, IN (4/26/23)

Richard Keith Buell, 73, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away at Union Hospital, in Terre Haute, on April 21, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Keith, as he was known by many, was born on September 30, 1950, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of Leonard O. ...
Dorothy Helen Vanatti, Brazil, IN (4/26/23)

Dorothy Helen Vanatti, 86, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away on April 25, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Dorothy was born on April 5, 1937, in Brazil, Indiana, the daughter of William Leo and Doris Eloise (Muncie) Kidwell. She married Merlyn Vanatti on May 21, 1955; he preceded her in death on January 20, 1999. Together they had 4 children: Terry Matthew, Kimberly Eloise, Angela Marlena, and Beverly Sue...
JULIA (JUDIE) ANN DURBIN Brazil, IN (4/24/23)

Julia (Judie) Ann Durbin passed away on April 18, 2023 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born on September 15, 1946 in Brazil, Indiana to Julia Faye (Rogers) and Bert Headley Jr. She graduated from Brazil High School. She belonged to VFW Post #1127, American Legion Post #2 and the Moose Lodge #780, all in Brazil...
BETTY JOAN (OOLEY) WELLS Brazil, IN (4/24/23)

Betty Joan (Ooley) Wells, a beloved member of the Brazil, Indiana community, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on January 9, 1930, in Brazil, Indiana, the daughter of Loren and Ethel (Miller) Ooley. Joan was well-known for her kind-hearted nature and warm smile...
Kenneth Lee Treash Sr., Brazil, IN (4/20/23)

Kenneth Lee Treash Sr., 78, passed away on April 19, 2023 surrounded by his family. Kenny was born to the late George and Louella (Neal) Treash on September 30, 1944 in Clay County. Kenny graduated from Brazil High School. For most of his life, Kenny worked as a wholesale retailer. ...
Michael D. Rubeck, Poland, Indiana (4/15/23)

Michael D. Rubeck, passed away on April 13, 2023, at the age of 65 in Poland, Indiana. Mike was born on May 24, 1957, in Bloomington, Indiana. Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. His untimely death was the result of a tragic UTV accident. Mike will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, quick wit, and friendly nature...
Shirley Reigh Mogan, Brazil, IN (4/15/23)

Shirley Reigh Mogan, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2023, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Born on January 11, 1939, in Springfield, Ohio, Shirley was an example of hard work, dedication, and love throughout her 84 years of life...
Donna Mae (Winn) Keelen, Brazil, IN (4/15/23)

Donna Mae (Winn) Keelen, Brazil, IN entered into the arms of Jesus on Easter morning, April 9, 2023, with her husband, Steve, by her side. Donna’s passing occurred at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice in Terre Haute following complications from an out-patient medical procedure at an Indianapolis hospital two weeks earlier...
William (Bill) Thomas Webb, Brazil, IN (4/15/23)

William (Bill) Thomas Webb, 82, of Brazil, IN came into the Presence of the Lord on April 13, 2023 at his home with his family surrounding him. He was born in Elwood, IN on Oct. 29, 1940, the son of James Harrison Webb and Mary (Hershey) Webb. He graduated from Wendall Wilkie High School in 1958 and attended Porter College in Indianapolis earning a degree in data processing and business administration. ...
RICHARD E. STEARLEY, Brazil, IN (4/10/23)

Richard E. Stearley, 96, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 10, 1927, in Brazil, Indiana, he was the son of the late Samuel and Mary (McMichael) Stearley. Dick was a proud graduate of Brazil High School with the class of 1947. ...
SALLY JANE DOWNEY Brazil, IN (4/10/23)

Sally Jane Downey, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away following a recent cancer diagnosis on April 7, 2023, in Fishers, Indiana. She was born in Brazil, Indiana on October 20, 1948 to Wayne and Lois (Reinoehl) Willison, who preceded her in death. She grew up in a large family, including her siblings Sue James, Jeanne Willison, the late Stacy Willison (Karen), Julia Schattenstein (Fred), Jana Brummett (Wyatt), and Charla Sprehe...
LELIA M. MERCER, Brazil, IN (4/10/23)

Lelia M. Mercer, 96, passed away April 7, 2023 at Hutsonwood of Brazil. Lelia was born to the late Roy and Modesta (Moss) Johnson on August 20, 1926. Lelia graduated from Reelsville High School in 1944. After graduation Lelia went to visit her boyfriend Halford who was preparing to be deployed overseas during World War II.
RALPH “OZZIE” PERSINGER Clay County (4/10/23)

Ralph “Ozzie” Persinger, 86, passed April 8, 2023, at Gibson Family Center for Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born to the late Grover and Irene (Neiswinger) Persinger on July 27, 1936 in Clay County. Ralph graduated from Ashboro High School. ...
BETH ANN (AVELIS) SHAW, Brazil, IN (4/7/23)

BETH ANN (AVELIS) SHAW Brazil, IN She lost her battle with cancer. On March 24, 2023, Beth died at her home with her family at her side. Beth was born May 28, 1954, to John and Helen Mary “Eckerman” Avelis. Both have preceded her in death. Beth’s older sister Catherine “Avelis” Ford also preceded her, along with her inlaws, James L Shaw and Beverly June Shaw...
Colleen Huber Williams, Brazil, IN (4/5/23)

Colleen Huber Williams passed away on April 4, 2023 at Exceptional Living Center of Brazil. She was born in Tekonsha, Michigan to William and Freida (Wagner) Huber. Survivors include granddaughter, Natasha Padgett and husband Rik; great grandson Nathan Richard Padgett of Terre Haute. ...
Virginia Ann Crouse, of Brazil, Indiana (4/1/23)

Virginia Ann Crouse, 97, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away while staying at Cloverleaf Health Care on March 31, 2023. Virginia was born on May 27, 1925, in Clay County, Indiana the daughter of Frank and Ina (Northway) Clark. Virginia graduated from Van Buren High School with the class of 1943. She married Melvin Crouse on December 31, 1948. Virginia loved journaling and making greeting cards on her computer...
Freeda Key Indianapolis, IN (3/28/23)

Freeda Key, 76, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at her home in Indianapolis surrounded by family. She was born on December 14, 1946 in Manchester, Kentucky to the late Ernest and Loma (Bishop) Smith. Freeda attended Warren Central High School, and later married Carl Key on November 23, 1977. ...
MARY ANN HECK Clay County, IN (3/27/23)

Mary Ann Heck died peacefully surrounded by her family at Witham Hospital. She was born March 22, 1937, and recently had a birthday celebration with family. She grew up in Terre Haute, IN and graduated from Otter Creek High School. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Loyd W. Heck. They met over a butterscotch sundae at Stapleton’s Market and were happily married until his death in February 2022...
Mary Ann Heck. Clay County, IN (3/27/23)

Mary Ann Heck died peacefully surrounded by her family at Witham Hospital. She was born March 22, 1937, and recently had a birthday celebration with family. She grew up in Terre Haute, IN and graduated from Otter Creek High School. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Loyd W. Heck. They met over a butterscotch sundae at Stapleton’s Market and were happily married until his death in February 2022...
Floyde Hamblin Clay County, IN (3/24/23)

Floyde Hamblin, 59, passed away on March 20, 2023. He was born on February 20, 1964. He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Higgins; brother Mike Hamblin; sister Kathy Davies. Floyde is survived by his fiancée Renea Livingston; step-daughter Emily Pritcher (Zac); step-son Joey Light Jr. ...
ALICE FAYE TARGETT, Knightsville, IN (3/21/23)

Alice Faye Targett, 74, of Knightsville, Indiana, passed away at her home, on March 20, 2023 following a battle with ALS. Alice was born on August 3, 1948, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the daughter of Lem “Jack” and Jennie Viola Dunn. She worked for CBS in Terre Haute for 11 years before beginning her career at St. Vincent Clay Hospital, in Brazil. Alice retired as the Human Resources manager after 26 years of service to the company...
Kirk A. Fischer, Clay City, IN (3/21/23)

Kirk A. Fischer, 61, passed away March 19, 2023 at his residence. Kirk was born to Joe and Patricia (Cafouras) Fischer on December 11, 1961. Kirk graduated from Clay City High School in 1980, during high school he was very athletic and played many sports. After graduation, Kirk began working for the family farm where he continued to work for the rest of his life. In his younger years he coached youth baseball. In his free time, he enjoyed watching basketball and football games...
ROBERT STEVEN MOORE Brazil, IN (3/20/23)

Robert Steven Moore was born in Indianapolis, IN on June 30, 1942. Steve (as he was known by most) went to be with his Lord on March 18, 2023 after a lengthy stay at Hutsonwood Nursing Facility in Brazil, IN. He was preceded in death by his loving mother Myrtle Mills, Indianapolis; his granddaughter Haley Nicole Dyer; his son-in-law Douglas S Kitchen; and his lifelong best friend and brother-in-law James M. ...