Return to the Franklin County Obituaries Page




George W. Clark



George W. Clark, of 2 East Union Street, Apartment 2, Liberty, died at his residence on Thursday, February 12. He was 82 years old.

He was born to Johimie and Adeline (Burch) Clark in Clay County, Kentucky, on November 22, 1915. He attended the Liberty Church of the Nazarene of Liberty. He had lived in the Union County area since 1968 and before that in Geneva. Mr. Clark was an Army veteran of World War II. He enjoyed beekeeping and gardening. He was currently employed as a custodian and crossing guard at Union County.

He is survived by eight sons, Eugene Clark of Houston, Texas, Denver Clark of Okeechobee, Florida, Jimmy Clark of Florida, Phillip Clark of Decatur, David Clark of Portland, Billy Clark of Connersville, Donald Clark of Fort Recovery, Ohio, and Steven Clark of Tampa, Florida; six daughters, Rose Franklin of Liberty, Charlotte Ray of Fort Wayne, Susan Hiler of Decatur, Pamela Mason of Tampa, Florida, Peggy Shaffer of Sebnng, Florida, and Sandy Bergquist of Isanti, New Mexico; a special friend, Althea Marcum; one brother, Charles Clark of Battle Creek, Michigan; three sisters, Daisy Doerflein of Liberty, Viola Schuler of Brookville and Ella Lackey of Connersville; 34 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn (Norton) Clark, who died in 1968; and two brothers, Elzie Clark and Jack Clark.

The Rev. Ernest Owens, pastor of the Liberty Church of the Nazarene, officiated the funeral on Monday, February 16, at Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Home, Baker-Fosdick Chapel in Liberty. Interment followed in West Point Cemetery, Liberty.





Filmore W. Baas



Filmore W. Raas, of 27781 Mosmeier Road, Sunman, died at Elsie Dreyer Special Services, Brookville, on Thursday, February 12. He was 86 years old.

He was born on November 29, 1911, in Franklin County, the son of Oliver and Ida (Zimmer) Baas. He was a retired farmer and carpenter.

Survivors include one daughter, Judy Fletcher of Sunman; three sisters, Gertrude Richter of Sunman, Sophia Doerner of Cincinnati, Ohio and Sally Gruerner of Florida; one brother, Howard Baas of Colorado. Springs, Colorado; five grand-children and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Baas was preceded in death by his wife, Ida; three brothers and three sisters.

The funeral was held Monday, February 16, at Cook Funeral Home in Sunman, followed by burial at St. Stephen Cemetery in Spades. St. Stephens Lutheran Church and the Sunman Life Squad are collecting memorial contributions.





Mildred C.G. Witt



Mildred Cathryn Gertrude Witt,. 85 years old, of Harrison, Ohio, died Thursday, February 12, in Delphi Township, Ohio.

She was born November 16, 1912, in Sharptown, to Valentine and Catherine (Schuck) Metzler. She was a graduate of Whitewater High School. She and Albert C. "Tiny" Witt were married May 7, 1942. Mrs. Witt was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Harrison, Ohio.

Surviving are her husband; two sons, Albert "Tiny" (and his wife Karen) Witt of Bright and Richard (and his wife Mary) of Saylor Park, Ohio; two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Kathryn) Middendorf of Hillard, Ohio and Mrs. James (Del M.) Berry of Delhi, Ohio; 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Preceding her in death were one son, Dale Witt; four brothers,Ralph, Charles, Raymond and Francis Metzler; and two sisters, Del Ralston and Jackie Metzler.

Services for Mrs. Witt were conducted on Monday, February 16, at St. John the Baptist Church. She was laid to rest in Holy Guardian Angel Cemetery, Cedar Grove. Father Edward Shine officiated. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were handled by Jackman-Kercheval-Meyers Funeral Home, Harrison, Ohio.





Margaret Gerrian



Margaret Gerrian, 151 East Neff Street, Laurel, died at Fayette Memorial Hospital in Connersville, at 2:05 p.m. Wednesday, February 11. She was 73 years old.

She was born March 8, 1924, in Franklin County, the daughter of George and Etta (Baker) Allen. She was raised in Hamilton, Ohio, then moved to Franklin County where she has resided since 1938. On November 15, 1941, she married Charles C. Gerrian. He preceded her in death on October 26, 1987.

Mrs. Gerrian is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lemuel (Louise) Abrams of Laurel; three sons, Edward Gerrian of Connersville, Chuck Gerrian of Laurel and Bret Gerrian of Rushville; two step-brothers, Joseph Patton and Earl Patton, both of Connersville; 10 grandchildren, six great-grand-children and one great-great-grand-children.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

The funeral was held Saturday, February 14, at Moster and Cox Mortuary in Laurel. Brother RobPelkey was the officiating clergy. Burial followed in Laurel North Cemetery.





Vesta Baudendistel



Vesta M. Baudendistel, 14069 Mud Road, Brookville, died Friday, February 13, at McCullough~Hyde Hospital, Oxford, Ohio. She was 88 years old.

Born February 13, 1910, in Franklin County, she was the daughter of John L. and Bertha.(Rose) Nickolay. On October 19, 1937, she became the wife of Rolla E. Baudendistel. She worked as a homemaker and was a member of the Old Franklin Methodist Church for 78 years.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Charles Hastings of Brookville; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Baudendistel was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one infant sister and two other sisters, Dorothy Dora and Verla Watler; and two brothers, Earl and Glen Nicolay.

The Rev. Karen Montgomery and Rev. Jon Kaufinan conducted the funeral on Tuesday, February 17, at Cook Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Old Franklin Cemetery. Pallbearers included David, Bill and Jack Rosenberger, Bob Shank, and Terry and Kent Baudendistel. The Old Franklin United Methodist Church, the cemetery, or Franklin County E.M.S. are accepting memorial contributions in Mrs. Baudendistel's memory.





Mabel M. Brackney



Mabel M. Brackney, 828Franklin Avenue, Brookville, died on Thursday, February 19, at McCullough-Hyde Hospital in Oxford, Ohio. She was 82 years of age.

She was born to John C. and Catherine (Senefeld) Lohrey on November 22, 1915, in Franklin County. She became the wife of Maurice "Mutt" Brackney on January 17, 1942, and he preceded her in death on May 14, 1994. Mrs. Brackney was a lifelong resident of this county, a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and she had worked for the Brookville Casket Company.

Her survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Karen Niedenthal of Brookville; one granddaughter, Amanda Niedenthal of Brookville; and five sisters, Freda Kremp, Pauline Evans, Marie Kremp, Florence Underwood and Virginia Hunt, all of Brookville.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Alfred Lohrey and Woodrow Lohrey.

The funeral was held Monday, February 23, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, with Pastor Gary Anderson officiating. Her burial followed in St. Michael Cemetery. If so desired, she may be remembered with contributions to St. Thomas Lutheran Church or Franklin County E.M.S. Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home handled arrangements.





Ruth L. Brunner Ross



Ruth L. Brunner Ross, 73 years old, of 110 Spring Hill, Connersville, died at Lincoln Center West, Connersville, on Monday, February 23.

She was born on September 17, 1924, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Harvey and Lily (Lunsford) Brunner. She enjoyed dancing at the Raleigh Community Center and loved to travel throughout the United States. She became the wife of Earl E. Ross in 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He died August 8, 1979.

Her survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Estes Oliver of Connersville; one son and daughter-in-law, Alvin and Jeanette Ross of Connersville; two grandsons, Joe Oliver andDavid Ross; one sister, Mary Caliguri of Mt. Carmel, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three brothers, Melvin Evans, Harvey Brimner and Raymond Brunner.

Rev. Stanley Herber of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Connersville, conducted the graveside service on Tuesday, February 24, at Maple Grove Cemetery. If so wished, memorials may be directed to Fayette County Animal Shelter. Cook Funeral Home of Brookville assisted the family with arrangements.





Richard C. Wilhelm



Richard H. Wilhelm, age 71, of West Harrison, died Friday, February 20, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was born May 30, 1926, in St. Leon, to Albert and Minnie (Wedding) Wilhelm. He retired from Campbell-Hausfeld after 19 years as a machinist. He was also self-employed and served many farmers in the area as a butcher. He was a World War II United States Marine Corp. veteran serving in China. He was a charter member of World War II Veterans' Memorial. He married Mary Alice Cox on May 30, 1951 and she survives. Mr. Wilhelm was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, St. Joseph American Legion Post 464 in St. Leon for 50 years and V.F.W. Duwell Post 7570 in Harrison, Ohio.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, including Mrs:Phillip (Janet) Myles of Harrison, Ohio, Harry (and Shirley) Wilhelm of West Harrison, Kenneth (and Teresa) Wilhelm of New Trenton, Mrs. Doug (Joyce) Baer of Harrison, Ohio, Albert (and Mary Ann) Wilhelm of West Harrison, Steve (and Tammy) Wilhelm of West Harrison, Mrs. Wally (Sharon) Oehlman of Harrison, Ohio, Mrs. Kent (Karen) Armstrong of Lake Worth, Florida, Mrs. Dan (Chris-tine) Wilhelm of West Harrison, John Wilhelm of West Harrison and Laura Wilhelm of Indianapolis; his sisters; Alvina Meyers of Brookville, Rita Gesell of St. Leon and Alma Hoffinan of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his brothers, Raymond Wilhelm of St. Leon and Harold Wilhelm of Cedar Grove.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Stanley Wilhelm.

Mass of Christian burial was Tuesday, February 24 at St. John the Baptist Church, Harrison, Ohio, with Father Edward Shine officiating. Interment, with military graveside rites, followed at the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. John the Baptist Church building flind. Jackman-Kercheval-Meyers Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements





Reba M. Curry



Reba M. (Thomas) Curry, of 2584 East County Road 200 North, Liberty, died late Wednesday evening, February 18, at Fayette Memorial Hospital, Connersville. She was 73 years old at the time of her death.

She was born in Richmond on May 15, 1924, the daughter of Harry C. and Zella Marie (Snyder) Thomas. She had lived in the Union County area all of her life. Mrs. Curry was an active member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church in Union County, in excess of 50 years. She was also an active member of the Violet Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Liberty, having served as an officer for many years. On June 19, 1943, she married H. Nelson Curry in Union County.

Survivors include her husband, H. Nelson Curry of Liberty; two sons, Thomas A. Curry of Round Lake, Illinois and Howard N. Curry of Liberty; one daughter, Sandra J. Floyd of Liberty; two sisters, Thelma White and Rosemary Hamm, both of Richmond; 12 grandchildren and four great-grand-children.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, John Norman Curry.

Funeral services were held at Greenwood United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 21, with Rev. Jon Kaufman officiating. Burial followed in Sims Cemetery in Franklin County. Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Home, Baker-Fosdick Chapel in Liberty was in charge of arrangements. Greenwood United Methodist Church is accepting monetary contributions in Mrs. Curry's memory.





Wayne C. Shafer



Wayne Charles Shafer, age 84, of Connersville, passed away at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, in Brookville.

Born in Falmouth, Kentucky, he was the son of John and Verlie (Handcock) Shafer. He married Rhea White on November 25, 1934 and she passed away March 3, 1982. He then married Elsie M. Reece in 1982 and she survives. Mr. Shafer was a lifelong farmer and had lived in the Connersville area since 1976, and prior to that in Rush County.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Charles W. Shafer of Rushville and Kenneth Shafer of New Salem; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Marie) Lennex of Marion and Mrs. Kay Stevens of Glenwood; four step-sons, Raymond Reece of Brownsville, and Denie Reece, Arthur Reece and Gayle Reece, all of Liberty; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Mike (Brenda) Feeback of Richmond; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, 10 step-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 21, at the Todd Funeral Home in Rushville. Burial took place in the Valley Grove Cemetery, Connersville. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association.





Moses H. Frye



Moses H. Frye, 84 years old of 110 Exporting Street, Aurora, passed away at Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg, on Wednesday, February 18.

He was born on June 4, 1913, in Owsley County, Kentucky, to John and Cassie Elizabeth (Banks) Frye. Mr. Frye was a 50 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles with current membership in the Aurora lodge.

He is survived by three daughters, Betty Walston of Aurora, Jean Simmons of Brookville and Gayle Hensley of Taylor Mill, Kentucky; one sister, Martha Branstetter of Saylor Park, Ohio; one brother, Hillary Frye of Brookville; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister, six brothers, one grandson and one great-grandson.

Rev. Ken Hopper of Aurora conducted the funeral on Saturday, February 21, at Cook Funeral Home, followed by interment in Maple Grove Cemetery. Family members served as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.





Robert C. Bruns



Robert C. Bruns, 9974 North State Road 1O1, Sunman, died February 21, at Hospitality Hall, Batesville, at age 81.

He was born August 26, 1916, in Sumnan. On April 18, 1944, he and the former Mildred Bellman were united in marriage at the Huntersville Parsonage. Mr. Bruns was a retired farmer and mechanic.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Warren Bruns of Sunman, Dale Bruns of Eastview, Kentucky and Marvin Bruns of St. Leon; one brother, Carl Bruns of Sunman; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Earl Bruns.

The Rev. Joey Nelson will hold the funeral service on Thursday, Febraary 26, at 10 a.m., at Cook Funeral Home, Sunman. Friends and relatives may call on Wednesday, February 25, at the funeral home, from 5 until 8 p.m. The burial site will be St. Paul Cemetery, Sunman. Mr. Bruns' family asks that monetary contributions be made to the Sunman Life Squad or Sunman Fire Department.





Mildred Gesell



Mildred Carolina Sophia Gesell, 87 years old, of 322 East 14th Street, Connersville, died earlyMonday, February 23, at her home. Her death was unexpected although she was under a doctor's care.

She was born. November 4, 1910, in Kelso Township, Dearborn County, the daughter of Albert and Laura (Weise) Gesell. She was employed in the dietary department of Fayette Memorial Hospital in Connersville for many years until her retirement.

Survivors include one sister, Lenora Gartenman of Indianapolis; two nieces, Hilda Kelly and Shirley Rigney, both of Indianapolis; one great-niece and one great-nephew and one great-great nephew and three great-great-nieces; plus many cousins in this area.

Visitation will be at Miller Funeral Home on Grand Avenue, Connersville, from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, February 27. The funeral begins at 11 a.m. at the funeral home and will be officiated by Pastor Ruth Johnson of Trinity Lutheran Church in Klemmes Corner. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, near Brookville.





Christine Blair



Christine Blair, 1301 Fairfield Avenue, Brookville, died Thursday, February 19, at Fort Hamilton-Hughes Hospital in Hamilton, Ohio. She was 74 years old.

Born July 15, 1923, in Letcher County, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Sampson and Rilda (Addams) Stallard. She was the wife of Warren Blair who died in September, 1983. Mrs. Blair was a homemaker and a resident of Franklin County for 50 years.

She is survived by six daughters, Colleen Housman of Connersville, Jannie Byrd and Rose Marie Schuck, both of New Point, Darlene Ali of Atlanta, Georgia, Joyce Rosemeyer of St. Petersburg, Florida and Cathy Reuss of Brookville; four sons, Warren Blair, Jr. of Connersville, Robert Lee Blair, Elijah Ray Blair and Sampson Blair, all of Brookville; one daughter-in-law, Martha Blair of Connersville; three sisters and three brothers; 12 grand-children and six great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and seven brothers and sisters.

The funeral was held Saturday, February 21, at Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home, with Evangelist Darrel Peters officiating. She was laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Franklin County E.M.S. is accepting memorial contributions.





Mildred M. Davis



Mildred M. Davis, 1160 Fairfield Avenue, Brookville, died at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital, Oxford, Ohio, passed away February 20, at the age of 98 years.

She was born, April 18, 1899, in Franklin County, the daughter of Simeon and Florence (Wright) Colebank. On Novembcr 24, 1927, she became the wife of Merritt Davis, in Brookville, and remained a lifelong resident of Franklin County. Mrs. Davis was a homemaker and member of the Brookville United Methodist Church.

She is survived by several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parent; her husband; two sisters, Nell Bernhart and Bess Klein; and three brothers, Russell, Dick and Harold "Bud" Colebank.

Rev. Donald Miller officiated the funeral on Tuesday, February 24, at Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home.She was laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Brookville United Methodist Church and Franklin County E.M.S. are accepting memorial donations.





Estal Minneman



Estal Minneman, of 8642 East County Road 1000 North, Sunman, died at. his home on February 21. He was 90 years old.

He was born in Adams Township, to Louis and Christina (Wulber) Minneman, on May 17, 1907. Mr. Minneman was a retired school teacher and member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Surviving are two sons, John Earl Minneman of Milan and Daniel Arthur Minneman of Panama City, Florida; one sister, Virginia Grafe of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren and four step grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister and his wife, Florence Wilber Minneman, who passed away in 1986.

The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, at 10 am., at St. John Lutheran Church, located at Hubbles Corner. Internment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice. Cook Funeral Home of Sunman handled arrangements.





Gilbert E. Condo



Gilbert E. "Gus" Condo, 88 years old, of Hamilton, Ohio, died Saturday, February 14, at 5:30 p.m., at Mercy Hospital, Hamilton, Ohio.

Gus was born in Franklin County, the son of Charles Ernest and Lessie (Samuels) Condo. He graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He married LaVeda Kiley on October 5, 1934 and she preceded him in death on December 20, 1994; served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from May 23, 1944 to November 8, 1945, in the South Pacific and was discharged as a Lt. j.g.

A practicing attorney in Butler County, Ohio for 65 years, he was also a 66 year member of the Izaak Walton League of America, where he served in leadership positions in the national, state and local chapters, a founder and trustee of Bunker Hill Haven for Boys in Riley, Ohio; a founder of the Butler County Parks System and Park Board Commissioner and a founding father of the City of Fairfield. He was a 64 year member of Ben Franklin Lodge #719, F.&A.M.; the Scottish Rite, Valley of Cinciunsti and the Syrian Shrine; a life member of the Ohio Forestry Association, a member of the American Tree Farm System and a 45 year life member of BPOElks #93. Gus was an avid sportsman, hunter, fisherman and conservationist.

He is survived by one daughter, Sue Sundstrom of Springboro, Ohio; three sons, Chuck Condo of Cleveland, Tennessee, Mike Condo of Brookville and Dick Condo of Fairfield, Ohio; 14 grandchi1&cti and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 18. Memorials may be directed to the Hamilton Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, P.O. Box 541, Hamilton, Ohio 45012.





Anna Lee Ott



Anna Lee Ott, of 221 East 14th Street, Connersville, died at her home on February 21, following a lengthy illness She was 67 years of age.

She was born to William and Ethel (Chancy) Brewer on November 5, 1930, in Owsley County, Kentucky. She moved to Franklin County at the age of 11 and attended school in Metamora. On August 24, 1946, she and Henry Ott were united in marriage in Jeffersonville. Mrs. Ott was the former early morning manager at Burger Chef Restaurant and later worked as a lunch aide at Grand-view Elementary School. She was an active supporter Of Right to Life and the Republican Party of Fayette County and was a member of the Gortner Church of the Nazarene for over 30years.

Surviving are her husband Henry; two daughters, Mrs. Leroy (Pam) Banks of BloomingGrove and Mrs. Randy (Glema) Jennings of Felicity, Ohio; one son, Bill Ott of Cambridge City; five grandchildren, Trisha and Regan Banks, Amy and Brad Ott and Joey Jennings; four sisters, Velma Honeycutt of Connersville, Betty Sue Fox of Middletown, Ohio, Nancy Jean Henderson of Knoxville, Tennessee and Mary Ruth Blue of Chicago, Illinois; three brothers, Herbert C. Brewer of Cincinnati, Ohio, Louie Brewer of Arizona and James D. Gumm of Owsley County, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Leroy Banks; and two brothers, Forest and Verlin Brewer.

The funeral, held Tuesday, February 24, at Cook Funeral Home in Brookville, was officiated by Rev. Gene Million and Rev. Gary Lore of Gortner Church Of the Nazarene. She was laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers included Jim Arthur, Gary Ash, Bob Brewer, Chris Fox, Jack Hopkins, Jim Mickschi, Greg Ott, Jim Sebree and Delbert Wagers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Home Health Department of Fayette Memorial Hospital or the building fund at Gortner Church of the Nazarene.





Return to the Franklin County Obituaries Page