John H. Meyer
John H. Meyer, Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away at the age of 85 on Tuesday, January 6, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Born November 7, 1912, in Cincinnati, he was the son of John and Ida (Konradi) Meyer. He and the former Lula McNally were married on October 10, 1945. Mr. Meyer was a veteran of World War II, where he earned the ramk of First Lieutenant in the 343rd engineer regiment. He worked as a civil engineer in the construction business for several years.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Lula Meyer, of Cincinnati, Ohio; three nieces, Mary (Mrs. Roy) Chesnut of Bath, Wilma Studt of Connersville and Martha (Mrs. Fred) Armstrong of Fall Church, Virginia; and two nephews, Gene McNally of Harrison, Ohio and Harold McNally of Chillicothe, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Corbin and Esther Meyer.
His funeral was held Friday, January 9, at the Jackman-Kercheval-Meyers Funeral Home of Harrison, Ohio.
Clara Jean Slaven
Clara Jean Slaven, 9082 Pence Road, Metamora, died at her residence on Monday, January 12. She was 65 years old.
Born March 30, 1932, in Oneida, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Goldman and Letha (Hammock) Smith. Mrs. Slaven was a homemaker and attended the Lighthouse Gospel Tabernacle Church in Metamora.
Survivors include her husband, Rev. Clarence Slaven of Metamora; three daughters, Mrs. Thomas (Sharon) Richardson of Connersville, Mrs. David (Cathy) Thomas of Brookville and Mrs. Peter (Denise) Kaiser of Indianapolis; one son, Harold Slaven, and his wife Joyce, of Aiken, South Carolina; two sisters, Mrs. Bill (Mary) Huling of Atlanta, Georgia and Mrs. Tom (Ruth) Dunn of St. Augustine, Florida; two brothers, Arve Lee Smith and his wife, Freida, of Brookville and Leslie Smith, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Atlanta, Georgia; nine grand-children and four great-grandchildren.
Two sisters, two brothers and her parents preceded her in death.
Pastor Bill Slagle and Pastor Ernest Woods will conduct the funeral on Thursday, January 15, at 11 a.m., at the Lighthouse Gospel Tabernacle. She will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation hours are from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, at Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home. Mrs. Slaven's family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Joseph A. Moster
Joseph A. Moster, age 94 died at the Brookville Healthcare Center, on Wednesday, January 7, where he has resided for the past six and a half years.
Mr. Moster was a resident of Harrison, Ohio and the husband of the late Sophia (Fries) Moster and Matilda (Bischoff) Moster.
He is survived by two sisters, Mary Metz and Rose Kapples, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews in the Brookville and Harrison areas.
Besides his wives, he was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, January 10, at St. John the Baptist Church, Harrison, Ohio, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Monetary donations, in Mr. Moster's memory, may be directed to St. John Catholic School in Harrison, Ohio, or St. Michael Catholic School in Brookville. Funeral armngements were made by John C. Brater Funeral Home, Harrisom, Ohio.
Charles T. Feltz
Charles T. Feltz, 527 Short Street, Brookville, died Tuesday, January 13, at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ohio. He was 79 years old.
He was born to Andrew and Josephine (Riedman) Feltz on April 6, 1918, in Franklin County, where he remained a lifelong resident. He and the former Vivian Moore were united in marriage on May 29, 1948, and she survives. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving during World War II. Mr. Feltz was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus #1010, Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.), the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a retired rural letter carrier.
Besides his wife, those surviving are one daughter, Judy White of Brookville; one brother, Harry Feltz of Brookville; four grand-children and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marguerite Feltz; and one brother, Arnold Feltz.
The Rev. Louis Schumacher officiated the funeral on Saturday, January 17, at St. Michael Church. He was then interred at the church cemetery where military graveside rites were offered by Bernard Hurst Post 77 of the American Legion. His family requests that memorial donations be directed to St. Michael School or the Franklin County E.M.S. Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Paula Riley
Paula Heidorn Riley, age 36, of Greensburg died unexpectedly at her home on Friday, January 16. Born April 20, 1961, in Lawrenceburg, she was the daughter of William and Charlene Weber Heidorn, of Osgood; and they survive. On May 13, 1989, she was married to Joe (Rico) Riley in Batesville. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Batesville and also a member of A.B.A.T. of Indiana.
Survivors besides her parents include her husband, Joe; mother-in-law, Lorena Riley of New Point, Indiana; one son, Dustin Riley, and two daughters, Kayla Jo and Kira McKenna Riley, all at home; one sister, Lori Heidorn of Brookville; two nephews and one niece.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Batesville with Bishop Rob Washburn officiating. Visitation will be held until 12:30 Wednesday prior to the services at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Mrs. Riley's wishes are to be cremated after her funeral.
Memorials can be most graciously given to the family in care of the funeral home.
Lewis G. Kesler
Lewis 0. Kesler, 9018 Red School Road, Laurel, died Wednesday, January 14, at 6:02 p.m., in Margaret Mary Community Hospital, Batesville. He was 82 years old.
He was born in Lima, Ohio, on February 11, 1915, the son of Jesse and Ronora (Dibert) Kesler. He lived in the Laurel area since 1987 and prior to that in Fort Wayne. His younger life was spent in Ohio, where he graduated from Ohio City High School in Ohio City, Ohio. He retired in 1980 as manager of quality control afier 43 years at Essex Group-United Technology in Fort Wayne. In September of 1938, he married Esther Jane Black and she survives. He was a 50 year member of the Maumee Lodge F&AM #725 in Fort Wayne. During the 1970s, he was the war chairman of the Democratic party in Fort Wayne. He was also a past-president of the Toastmasters in Fort Wayne. Mr. Kesler was a member of the Buena Vista Christian Church and O.E.S. #449 in Brookville.
He is survived by his wife, Esther, of Laurel; one son, John Charles Kesler of Laurel; one daughter, Mrs. Darla Jane (Dr. Hunter) Leggitt of Chicago, Illinois; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services were held at Buena Vista Christian Church on Saturday, January 18. Following cremation, burial took place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Ohio. Moster and Cox Mortuary in Rushville handled arrangements. Memorial contributiong may be directed to Buena Vista Christian Church.
Joseph A. Brunsman
Joseph A. Brunsman, Sunman, died Tuesday, January 20, at Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was 90 years old.
He was born to Joseph and Philomena (Hauser) Brunsman on August 26, 1907, in rural Ripley County. He and the former Emma Hartman were married on October 26, 1932, at St. Anthony's Church in Morris, and she survives. He was a member of St. Anthony's Church, Knights of St. John and the Indiana Farm Bureau. He was a retired farmer and a truck driver.
Besides his wife, those surviving are four daughters, Helen Laugle of Lawrenceburg, Alma Waywood of Brookville, Theresa Holbert of Batesville and Anita Peters of Greencastle; three sisters, Sally Brunsman of New Albany, Clara Merkel of Batesville and Frieda Merkel of Cincinnati; 10 grand-children and 20 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Marie Roettgers, Hilda Hartman and Katherine Merkel; three brothers, David, Albert and August Brunsman and one granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 24, at St. Anthony's Church in Morris with Monsignor Bernard Schmitz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the funeral. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, January 23, at the Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. Rosary will be at 7 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the St. Anthony's Cemetery Fund or to the Morris Volunteer Fire Department.
Mildred E. Cox
Mildred E. Cox (nee Stone) passed away at her residence in West Harrison, on Saturday evening, January 24, at the age of 87.
Mrs. Cox was a former director of the Merchants Bank and Trust Company and a long time member of the First Christian Church.
She is the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Cox and dear mother of Dale Cox and Joy Cornett. She is the loving grandmother of Lori McCoy and Kevin Cornett and great-grandmother of Ethan, Blake and Kelsey McCoy and devoted sister of the late Lester Stone.
The funeral service will be held in John C. Brater Funeral Home, Harrison, Ohio, on Wednesday, January 28, at 10 a.m., with Dr. William McConnell, of the First Christian Church officiating. Memorial contributions made to the American Heart Association through the funeral home.
Mary Lou Forbes
Mary Lou Forbes, 26149 U.S. Highway 52, Laurel, died Sunday, January 25,at 8:30 a.m., at her home. She was 69 years old.
She was born on March 23, 1928, in Franklin County, the daughter of Woodie and Sarah (Pelfrey) Bowman. She became the wife of Hiram J. Forbes on November 16, 1945, and he preceded her in death on February 27, 1982. Mrs. Forbes lived in the Buena Vista area most of her life. She was a member of the Lakeview Pentecostal Church.
Survivors include four daughters, Cathy Forbes and Donna Hittel, both of Laurel, Mrs. John (Sharon) Friend of Holton and Mrs. Earl (Sandy) Grimes of Lexington, Kentucky; one son, Thomas L. Forbes of Buena Vista; three brothers, James Bowman of Connersville and Clarence Bowman and George Bowman, both of Laurel; one sister, Bessie Edington of Laurel; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, January 27, at the Stipps Hill Cemetery. Moster and Cox Mortuary of Rushville handled arrangements.
Lawrence E. Vierling
Lawrence E. Vierling, 55 years old, of Batesville, passed away on Friday, January 23, at his home.
He was born in Ripley County on December 6, 1942, to Edward J. and Lydia M. (Cook) Vierling. He and the former Jane Grunkemeyer were united in marriage on August 27, 1966, at St. Mary's of the Rock Catholic Church in St. Mary's, and she survives. Mr. Vierling was financial manager at Hillenbrand Industries. He was a member of the National Guard and St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville.
Surviving, besides his wife, are two daughters, Mrs. Hank (Sue) Myers and Mrs. Brandon (Christy) Kessens, both of Batesville; one son, Michael Vierling of Indianapolis; two sisters, Mrs. Eugene (Viola) Fullenkamp and Mrs. William (Betty) Stein, both of Batesville; and one brother, Meredith "Bud" Vierling of La Fontaine.
The funeral was held Monday, January 26, at St. Louis Church, with Father Bill Farris, O.F.M., officiating. He was buried in the church cemetery. Phi Beta Psi Sorority Cancer Research Project and thc Hospice of Decatur Countyare accepting memorial donations.Weigel Funeral Home of Bateville assisted the family with arrangements.
Helen M. Maley
Helen M. Maley, 644 McGuffey Avenue, Oxford, Ohio, died Sunday evening, January 25, in her home. She was 85 years old.
She was born to William and Bertha (Buchanan) Brockman on February 11, 1912, in Trenton, Ohio. She married Richard Maley on September 6, 1930. She was a member of the Bath United Methodist Church, Rainbow Sunday School class and Bath United Methodist Women. Mrs. Maley was a lifetime resident of the Union County area. She was also a member of the Brookville Order of Eastern Star, where she was a past matron and had celebrated 50 years of membership in 1988. Other memberships included the Oxford (Ohio) Senior Citizens and charter membership in the Country Garden Club in Franklin County.
Mrs. Maley is survived by cousins.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, who died October 12, 1986; and one son, Jerry Maley, who died July 5, 1959.
Private graveside service by the Rev. Malcolm Greene, pastor of the Bath United Methodist Church, were held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Bath United Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements were made by Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Home, Baker Chapel, of College Corner, Ohio.
June H. Helton
June H. Helton, 53 years old, of 5002 South Liberty Pike, Liberty,and formerly of Brookville, died early Wednesday morning, January21, at McCullough-Hyde Hospital, Oxford, Ohio, following a lengthyillness.
She was born February 8, 1955 in Laurel, to Clarence and Lenora (Pettit) Moore. She had lived in Union County since March of 1997 and before that in Brookville and Morning Sun, Ohio. Mrs. Helton had founded the Living Word Assembly in Bath and was a member there. She did extensive work for the church. She was a member of the Angel Tree Foundation, a prison ministry in the area. On September 29, 1962, she married Robert E. Helton, Sr., in Camden, Ohio.
Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Pamela D. Combs of Liberty; oneson, Robert E. Helton, Jr of West College Corner; her mother, Lenora Moore of West College Corner; one brother, Wilbur Moore of Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia; four sisters, Margaret Tomlin of Laurel, Phyllis Hardy of Cynthianna, Kentucky, Sylvia Weatherly of Eaton, Ohio and Carol Norris of Lawton, Oklahoma; and four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, Charles Moore.
Funeral services were conducted at Showalter-Blackwell Funeral Home, Baker Chapel, in College Corner, Ohio, on Saturday, January 24, with the Rev. Ruth York Hoskins, of the Living Word Assembly, officiating. She was laid to rest in Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton, Ohio. In her memory, memorial contributions may be directed to the Living Word Assembly Youth Group.
Alfred G. Deffner
Alfred G. Deffner, of Brookville, died at the age of 93 years, at Hospitality Hall Nursing Center, Batesville, on Thursday, January 22.
He was born August 15, 1904, in Cedar Grove, and remained a lifelong resident of Franklin County. On August 3, 1927, he and the former Alma Pulskamp were united in marriage. Mr. Deffner was the past president of People's Trust Company Bank and he had also taught school in Franklin County for 20 years. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #1010 and past state secretary of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
His Survivors include his wife, Alma Deffner, a resident of Hospitality Hall Nursing Center in Batesville; one son, Dale Deffner of Brookville; three daughters, Patricia Naayers of Riverview, Florida, Sharon Singer of West Chester, Ohio and Velma Dieckmann of Batesville; one sister, Elsie Holliday of Brookville; 16 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ronald Deffner; one sister, Evelyn Stevers; and one brother, Silvan Deffner.
The Rev. Louis Schumacher officiated the funeral service at St. Michael Catholic Church on Monday, January 26. He was laid to rest in the church cemetery. St. Michael School is accepting memorial contributions in Mr. Deffner's name. Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.