Heaven gained an angel. Ryan Scott Granger, 46, of Greensburg, passed away on June 26, 2024. He was born on November 21, 1977 in Richmond, Indiana, the son of Larry Granger and Shannon Harrison Smith. Ryan was a 1995 graduate of Connersville High School. He attended Purdue University. He had previously worked at KB Foods, GECOM, and Honda. He was a very private person and preferred to keep a small circle of close friends. He was sweet and kind, always polite, he was much loved. Ryan enjoyed collecting rare action figures, gaming and spending time with his beloved daughters.
Survivors include: Mother, Shannon (Robert) Smith; Father, Larry (Louann) Granger; Children: Aurora, Ryleigh, and Kennedy, a brother Jeremy Granger of Atlanta GA, a sister, Ashley Thornberry (Kris) of Suffolk VA, numerous cousins throughout Indiana and Kentucky.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Online condolences and memories of Ryan can be shared atwww.gilliland-howe.com
]]>
Blanche A. “Peachie” Wells, 92, of Greensburg, passed away at 3:20 a.m. on
Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Aspen Place Health Campus. She was born August 18,
1931, in Decatur County, the daughter of Nolan and Minnie Pearl (McKelvey)
Vanderbur. She has been a lifelong resident of Decatur County, graduated in 1949
from Letts High School and attended Rodney Wesleyan Church. She enjoyed making
hand loom rag rugs, knitting, crocheting and crafts. She married William D.
“D.D.” Wells in Greensburg on August 19, 1949. He preceded her in death on
January 11, 2000. She is survived by her daughter, Sally Jo (Steve) Kelso of
Greensburg; her son, Jerry D. (Sally Ann) Wells of Greensburg; her eight
grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her
parents; her husband, her son, Karl K. Wells; her sisters, Ruth Irene Kelly,
Leota Mae Moore and Marjorie Moore; her brothers, Nolan “Pete” Vanderbur, Floyd
Ernest Vanderbur, Earl W. Vanderbur, Dennis Loren Vanderbur and Edgar “Eddie”
Vanderbur. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on June 30, 2024 at
the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Guy officiating. Burial will
follow at the Union Baptist Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on June
30, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. Memorial
contributions may be made through the funeral home to Our Hospice or the Letts
Fire Department. Online condolences can be made to the family at
www.bassgasper.com
Alma Rosella Campbell, 87, of Westport, passed away at 4:40 a.m. on Wednesday,
June 26, 2024, at Morning Breeze Health Campus in Greensburg. She was born on
May 26, 1937 in Alert, Indiana the daughter of Wilbur and Edna Mae (Jayne) Dean.
She was a lifelong resident of Decatur County and was a member of Alert Global
Methodist Church. She enjoyed doing plastic canvas, quilting, puzzles and
gardening. Alma married Clifford Dale Campbell in Alert on January 30, 1955. He
preceded her in death on June 15, 1994. Survivors include her 3 daughters,
Barbara (James) Creamer and Rosemary (Randy) Murphy both of Westport and Linda
Creamer of Greensburg; a son, Joe (Paulette) Campbell of Greensburg; 16
grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Timothy Campbell; a brother,
John R. Dean; grandson, Bryant D. Campbell and great-great granddaughter,
Phoenix Harris. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1,
2024 at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Rev. Connie Barr
officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Aerie Cemetery in Letts. A time of
visitation will be held on Monday, July 1 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service
at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made through the
funeral home to the Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com
Larry Sarringhaus, 81, of Batesville passed away on June 23, 2024, at UC Medical Center peacefully with his family by his side. He was born in Napoleon, Indiana on September 22, 1942 to Howard and Edna (nee Wirth) Sarringhaus.
Larry graduated from Jac-Cen-Del High School in 1961. He married Bertha Huber on November 26, 1966 and she survives. He was employed at Hill-Rom his entire career until retiring in 2003.
Larry is survived by his wife Bertha; children: Julie Sarringhaus, Victor Sarringhaus, Molly (Roger) Stricker, Edie Sarringhaus, Lori Sarringhaus, Mitchell (Nicole Wesley) Sarringhaus; granddaughter, Emma (Lucas Brown) Stricker; great grandchildren: Kallie and Klayton Brown.
He is also survived by his siblings: Gayle Sarringhaus, Darlene Pettit, Dian Krumme, Peggy Shinn, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In accordance with Larry’s wishes, a private visitation and burial will be held for the family. Memorials can be made to Morris Volunteer Fire Department or St. John’s Lutheran Church Napoleon Cemetery Fund by mailing to Meyers Funeral Home, PO Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Please feel free to leave a memory or message of comfort for Larry’s family in the onlineguestbookatwww.meyersfuneralhomes.com.
]]>
With profound sorrow, we bid farewell to our beloved mother, Helen Louise Miller, who peacefully departed this life on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 86, and joined her husband, son, and other loved ones in heaven’s embrace.
Helen was born on January 23, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Earl and Mary (Wesseler) Robbins. On January 23, 1960, she married Leo Louis Miller and together they raised 5 children. She was a homemaker before going to work at Bohn Aluminum and Brass Company (ML-KS and KS Bearings) for almost 40 years. She was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg.
Helen is survived by one son, Chris (Traci) Miller of Hamilton, Ohio; three daughters, Debbie White of Greensburg, Dawn (Andy) Powers of Greensburg, Amy (Brandon) Wilmer of Cedar Crest, New Mexico; two sisters, Marcia (Kenneth) Adams of Napoleon, and Linda (Jean) Coy of Milan; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren plus many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; stepfather, Hugo Doll; husband, Leo Louis Miller; son, David Lee Miller, and five siblings, Mary Janice Robbins, Judith Adams, Robert Robbins, Mary (Susie) Summer, and Dorothy Huber.
Helen held dear her loves of family, faith, and gardening, but her zest for travel blossomed in her later years. France was the backdrop for her most cherished adventure alongside her daughter, Amy. It’s difficult to put into words the immense impact our mother had on us; she was a true earthbound angel who will be deeply missed. She was an inspiration to us all; her presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to guide us.
We offer our sincerest thanks to Precious, whose unwavering commitment and gentle touch guided our mother through her final chapter. Your angelic presence will forever hold a place in our hearts.
Visitation will be held from 10am -12pm on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg. Funeral services will follow immediately after the visitation with Fr. John Meyer officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
]]>
Hazel Marie Buell, 89, of Greensburg passed away on June 22, 2024. She was born on January 23, 1935, in Decatur County, Indiana the daughter of John Fredrick and Cora Olive Tucker Schilling. Hazel graduated in 1953 from Greensburg High School, where she sang with the Little Maids Choir and played the piano. She worked at GC Murphy while attending High School and after graduation she worked for Johnston Wholesale Groceries. On June 19, 1955 she married William Donald Buell and together they had three children, Gary Dale, Sharon Opal and Timothy Charles. Hazel was a member of the Sandcreek Baptist Church where she played piano and directed the choir. She also served on several boards and committees, and wrote the weekly church article for the newspaper.
She was employed with Greensburg Community Schools for 31 years as an aid and reading instructor. She really enjoyed the children she worked with and they loved her too. Hazel enjoyed meeting with her knitting friends, annual New Year’s Eve parties, and monthly dinners with her high school classmates.
She liked to watch hummingbirds, rabbits, and squirrels at the feeders in her back yard. She enjoyed trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and to the Smoky Mountains. She really enjoyed family get togethers with all the family, especially Christmas when she could take videos and pictures. She enjoyed all the drives with her husband Don over the last few years just so she could get out.
Survivors include: Husband, William Donald Buell; Children, Gary Dale Buell, Sharon Opal Miller, and Timothy Charles Buell; 10 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Parents; Brother, Harry Herbert Schilling and Charles Schilling; and Sister, Gladys Opal Schilling Jones.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral at 12:00 pm. Rev. Harold Carter will be officiating. Burial will follow at the South Park Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sandcreek Baptist Church. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
]]>Vincent E. Grote of Greensburg passed away at his home on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Born on November 2, 1951, in Greensburg, IN to the late Leonard and Hilda (Mauer) Grote, he was the youngest of 6 boys and older brother to his sister, Mary Ann, who died at a young age. He attended Sandusky school in his younger years and was a graduate of North Decatur Jr-Sr. High School. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Power of the Past.
For those that knew him you would often find him in jovial fashion with a smile on his face, a plug of Red Man tobacco in his cheek, wearing a Minneapolis Moline or Dodge Ram hat on his head.
Most of his life he enjoyed the vocation of farming.From the time he was little, to graduating from high school, he spent his hours collaborating with his father, Leonard, and working on the family farm on State Road 3.He didn’t know a stranger and always welcomed anyone who would stop by and see him, usually offering them a cold beer and a seat to stay and visit. His passion found its derivative in the joy of agriculture:taking care of livestock, working on tractors with his brother Gilbert, baling with his brother Marvin, taking time to talk to neighbors in the spring while plowing fields, to being a part of the infancy stages and development of the Power of the Past.He could be found at the “POP” year after year, most likely overseeing the threshing of wheat, driving the water wagons around on his Minneapolis Moline tractors, enjoying a ride on a steam engine, and helping manage the student mentoring program.His love for old ways of farming could never be denied as his friend’s circle grew exponentially and he learned more about steam engines and antique equipment. He continued in the pursuit of preservation of the past by instilling that same love into his grandson Blaine, also lovingly known as “Digger”.
Vince is survived by his wife, Michelle; 4 brothers; Gene (Elaine) Grote, John (Mary) Grote, Gary (Linda) Grote, and Marvin Grote; 5 children, Jenny ( Ryan) Maddux; Chad(Trinity) Grote; Anna Grote; Melissa (Bill) Rabideau and Corrie (Brian) Boehnlein and grandchildren Blaine Schroeder, Kaden Schroeder, Kellen Nolen, Aubrey Grote, Ethan Nolen, Katherine Maddux, Elsie Rabideau, Lucy Rabideau, Billy Rabideau, Jonny Rabideau, Liam Boehnlein and Jase Boehnlein.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Leonard Grote; mother, Hilda Grote; brother, Gilbert Grote; daughter, Mary Ann Grote; and daughter-in-law Jennifer Grote.
Family and Friends are invited to pray the Rosary on Friday, June 28that 9:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. An informal reception will follow until the time of the funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Father John Meyer will be officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at German American Bank, in memory of Vince Grote to be put towards future projects at the Power of the Past.
]]>Bessie Best Kellie, age 90, Greensburg, passed away on June 20, 204 at St Franciscan Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born in Breathitt County, Kentucky of February 1, 1934 the daughter of the late Isaac and Nora (Elkins).
Bessie spent her life as a homemaker, providing a loving atmosphere. She was strong in her faith, spending hours reading the Bible and enjoyed attending church. Bessie liked spending time with her family. She was known to always have a plentiful garden and beautiful flowers. She enjoyed following soap opera’s, watching westerns, and any gameshow.
She will be dearly missed by sons Kenny (Joyce) Quicksall and Randy (Mary) Quicksall, daughter in-law Julie Quicksall, 15 grandchildren, 10 great, and numerous great-great grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Elvin Quicksall and William Kelley, son Ronnie, daughters Maxine Combs and Brenda Baker, brothers; Kie, Bill, Jim, and Sam, and sisters Daisy Quicksall and Beatrice Watkins.
Graveside services will be held at Bullittsburg Baptist Church Cemetery in Petersburg, Kentucky on Wednesday June 26, 2024 at 11 am. Online condolences may be placed at Nealsfuneralhome.net
]]>
Donna J. Cann, 79, of Westport, passed away at 8:18 P.M. on Wednesday, June 19,
2024 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. She was born on
September 6, 1944 in Greensburg, the daughter of Garrett DeWayne and Margaret
Elizabeth (Hamilton) Wiley. She was a lifelong resident of Decatur County and
was a teacher in Decatur and Jennings County. She was a member of the Westport
Christian Church. She enjoyed music, the piano, autoharp and singing. Donna
married George Cann on September 24, 1966 at the Westport Christian Church and
he survives. Other survivors include her 2 daughters, Beth (Art) Pigmon and Jill
(Gary) Guenthenspberger; 3 grandchildren, Michael Cann, Cassie Weaver-Hittel and
Jim Pigmon; 2 great grandchildren, Oceano Cann and Leighla Cann. She was
preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ann Wiley. Funeral services
will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home
in Westport. Pastor Mike Bartlett will be officiating with burial to follow at
Westport Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024
from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may
be made to Westport Christian Church music program and upkeep through the
funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com
William O. (“Bill”) Smith died on June 17, 2024, in Royal Oak, Michigan, shortly after experiencing a medical emergency while visiting family.
Bill was a true Baby Boomer, born in Greensburg on June 12, 1946, to William F. Smith and Ileen Solem Smith. He was raised in Rushville, where he was an Eagle Scout, a drum major, and graduated from Rushville High School in 1964.
Bill attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where his mother grew up. A business major, he also competed on the debate team and worked at KWLC, Luther College Radio, where he met the love of his life, Lynda Mills. He graduated from college on May 19, 1968, and he and Lynda married that same day.
Shortly after college graduation, Bill was commissioned to serve in Headquarters Company at Fort Myer, Virginia, with the U.S. Army – 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as the “The Old Guard,” which guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. While serving in The Old Guard, Bill was on the detail that provided the red carpet at the Nixon White House for foreign leaders’ arrival ceremonies. He was also an usher at President Dwight Eisenhower’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral’s heads of state door.
After his honorable discharge, Bill graduated from Indiana University-Indianapolis Law School in 1973, having spent evenings working as a school janitor while Lynda started her teaching career. Bill then opened a private law practice in Greensburg in 1973 and continued his legal work helping people in various ways until he died.
Bill made an initial run for prosecutor in 1974, and although he didn’t win, he ended up becoming lifelong best friends with the man who beat him by a hair: William H. Robbins, III. Bill then was elected prosecutor for 24 years – 1987 to 2010 – the longest-serving prosecutor in Decatur County history. He was a longtime member of the Democratic Party, the Decatur County Bar Association, and served as president of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council.
During his many decades as an active citizen of Decatur County, Bill served on countless nonprofit boards, including being a founding member of the Decatur County Community Foundation and serving on the boards of the Greensburg-Decatur County Library, Cincinnati Down Syndrome Association, Developmental Services, Inc., and the Decatur County Tourism Board. He was a member of many civic organizations, including the Sons of Norway-Circle City Chapter, Decatur County Historical Society, and The Arc of Decatur County.
His extensive volunteer efforts included helping establish Meals on Wheels in the community, serving as a Legal Aid Volunteer, and coaching youth soccer, the high school speech team, and his daughter Ann’s Special Olympics basketball team.
In retirement, Bill enjoyed pursuing his many interests, most notably his passion for the history of the fugitive slave underground in Decatur County, which led him to board service with the Indiana Freedom Trails Association. He wrote a book that helped establish the facts of this fascinating chapter in county history and conducted several well-attended speaking engagements on this topic. Bill also successfully worked to secure historical markers about the Underground Railroad at the Courthouse and at Kingston Cemetery.
In 2022, Bill was recognized as one of Decatur County’s Bicentennial Top 100 citizens. He was awarded membership in the Stephen Decatur Society by the Decatur County Community Foundation and volunteered significant time as a member of the American Legion Post 129’s Military Honor Guard, performing final ceremonies for fallen veterans in the community.
Anyone who knew Bill knew that he was a kind, fair, generous and loving man of varied interests and talents. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and enjoyed the chance to travel there several times in his life with his family and dear friends. He was exceptionally resourceful, a creative woodworker, and could fix almost anything. Bill was a stellar attorney, but his true calling was being a legendary grandfather, and he enjoyed the chance to help care for his grandson who was named in his honor. A perfect day in retirement for Bill was tinkering on a project or clearing brush at his 40-acre log cabin retreat “Lykkeland,” and then relaxing on the porch with Lynda over a cold beer as they watched deer in the meadow.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother Franklin D. Smith. He is survived by his wife Lynda, daughter Ann Smith, son Christopher William Smith and his wife Caroline Altman Smith, and his beloved grandson Julian William Smith of Huntington Woods, Michigan. Bill also leaves behind his sister, Susan (Bruce Bryant) Pieper of Evansville, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will host an open house funeral reception at Heritage Hill in Greensburg on Thursday, June 27th from 3 to 7 p.m., with a remembrance program at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made either to the Arc of Decatur County Fund or the William and Lynda Smith Fund at the Decatur County Community Foundation.
Online condolences can be made to the family atwww.gilliland-howe.com
]]>