Lawrence County Obituary Database
Submit your Lawrence County Obituaries HERE
Please include your name and your source for the Obituary
 
 
Carrie Sanders
 
FRIDAY, NOV. 8, 1940 WIDELY KNOWN WOMAN PASSES Mrs. Carrie Sanders, Widow Of Veterinarian, Dies Late Thursday. Mrs. Carrie Sanders, prominent Orange county resident and widow of Dr. H. M. Sanders, widely known veterinarian, passed away Thursday afternoon at 2:10 o'clock, following a critical illness of one week. She had been in failing health for several months. Mrs. Sanders was 64 years of age. She had lived in Mitchell for several years, and later moved to a farm near Wesley Chapel. Of late, she had been residing in the old Jones famly homestead, on State Road 37 about five miles east of Orleans. The daughter of Moses and Mary Hardman Jones, Mrs. Sanders was a native of Orange county born Dec. 13, 1875. Her husband passed away May 24, 1935. Surviving are two brothers, Arvie and Charles Jones, both of Orange county, and two sisters, Miss Ida Jones of Orange county, and Mrs. Blanche Neaville, Pittsburgh, Pa. The remains were returned to the residence yesterday to lie in state until the funeral, which will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Wesley Chapel. The Rev. N. I. Schoolfield, pastor of the Mitchell Methodist church, will officiate, and burial will be in the Mitchell cemetery. Haverly Mortuary is in charge.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Times Mail" Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted byDiana S Flynn)
 
 
Herschell Sears
 
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1918 FORMER Bedford Resident, Herschell Sears, Died At Phoenix, Ariz., Friday BURIAL TO BE THERE Mrs. J. H. McPheeters received a message Friday from her sister, Mrs. B. F. Sears, of Phoenix, Arizona, that her son, Herschell Sears, had passed away at seven o'clock. The deceased was a resident of this city for a number of years and has many friends who were won by his kindliness and good spirits. From here he went to New Albany where he resided until four years ago when his health gave away and he went to Arizona in the vain hope that a climate change would benefit him. His parents joined him several years ago and have been with him to minister to his every want. The funeral service will be held at the home and interment will be made in Phoenix.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Mail" Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted byDiana S Flynn)
 
 
 
John J. Sears
 
July 11, 1935 Death Claims John J. Sears Bedford Jeweler Succumbed Late Wednesday at Indianapolis Funeral Friday - Rites will be conducted at residence 1511 O Street at 2:30 Burial Green Hill John J. Sears, 41 years old Bedford Jeweler, died at 4:50 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Robert Long Hospital in Indianapolis after a fourteen-week illness with complications. Medical and surgical science were exhausted to restore him to normal health, he having submitted to three surgical operations which surgeons hoped would prove beneficial, only to suffer disappointment. The body was returned to the Roach mortuary here Wednesday night for burial preparation, and this morning was removed to the home at 1511 O Street and will lie in state there until the funeral, arranged for 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon at the residence. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery. He was a native of Kentucky and was born to George and Ella Sears on March 25, 1894. He came to Bedford early in life and was united in marriage here on March 19, 1916 with Miss Mabel Perkins, who survives. Four children blessed their union, one of whom, a daughter, Mary, died in infancy. The three surviving are Ivan, Marie and Lilie May, all at home. Other survivors are the father, who is a resident of Lynn, Ind.; a brother, Lawrence, Bedford; three half-sisters, Mrs. Maggie Waddle, Connersville; Mrs. Amanda York, Lynn, and Miss Dora Sears of Kentucky. He attended the First Christian Church. Following his removal here in young manhood from Kentucky, Mr. Sears was for a time employed as an automobile mechanic. Later he opened a furniture and jewelry store at 1618 I Street which he successfully conducted for several years. Disposing of his furniture business he subsequently engaged in the jewelry business in the Graystone Hotel block on the north side of the public square, continuing in business there until ill health necessitated his retirement. Through honest dealings with his fellowmen he established himself as one of the city's best citizens and held the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, and his passing was learned of with deep regret by a host of friends here and has left a vacancy in the home that is irreparable.
July 13, 1935 SEARS RITES HELD FRIDAY Burial In Green Hill Cemetery Following Services From Residence Here. Funeral services for John J. Sears, 41 years old, Bedford jeweler, who died Wednesday afternoon at the Robert Long Hospital in Indianapolis after a fourteen weeks illness with complications were conducted Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the residence, 1511 O Street, with Rev. John Lee Jones pastor of the Bedford First Christian Church officiating. A quartet composed of J. J. Tatom, Campbell Fields, Clyde Freeman and A. J. Lee sand "Going Down the Valley", "Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior" and "Death Is Only a Dream". The flowers were in charge of Misses Margaret Perkins, Helen Wykoff, Phyllis Bowden and Nellie Baker, Mrs. Thelma Dickman and Mrs. Walter Denny. Pall bearers were Homer Perkins, Walter Denny, Chester Baker, Bert Roland, Earl Johnson and Orville Root. The services were largely attended by relatives and friends of Mrs. Sears. Burial was made in the Green Hill Cemetery.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
Mary Katherine Sears
 
August 15, 1941 Miss Sears To Be Buried Here Mrs. Gib Porter of Fayetteville received word this morning of the death of her niece, Miss Mary Katherine Sears, of Indianapolis. Miss Sears died yesterday at the home of her mother, Mrs. Fern Zimmerman, former resident. The deceased was widely related in Lawrence County and had visited here a number of times. She was a granddaughter of George Sears of Bedford. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 o'clock Saturday morning in Indianapolis. Burial will be in Green Hill cemetery here at 1:30 p.m. Miss Sears will be buried in the family lot alongside her father, Milford Sears, who died several years ago.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
 
Ora O. (Allen) Sears
August 26, 1897 - September 23, 1989
 
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1989 Ora O. Sears, 92, 1305 K St., died at 9:05 p.m. Saturday at Westview Manor Nursing Center in Bedford. She was born Aug. 26, 1897, in Lawrence County to Paris and Mary Mikels Allen.  She married William  Sears Nov. 7, 1931, in Salem, and he died Nov. 22, 1968. She was a member of the Fairview Community Church. She is survived by one son, Forrest G. Darnell, Lawrence, Kan.;  two step-sons:  William Sears, Bloomington, Fred Sears, Calif.;  two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ken Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Lawrence Association of Retired Citizens, P. O. Box 393, Bedford, Ind. 47421.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Mail", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
 
Kenneth Wayne Sego
 
SATURDAY, OCT. 26, 1940 EAR INFECTION CAUSES DEATH Infection of the ear caused the death at 7:30 o'clock this morning of Kenneth Wayne Sego, five-months-old son of Coleman and Esther Marie Walker Sego, 517 Brook street, Mitchell. Coroner Roland E. Wynne was called to investigate the unexpected passing of the child and rendered a verdict of death due to the infection. Funeral services will be held on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Haverly Mortuary with the Rev. N. I. Schoolfield of the First Methodist church officiating. The child was born June 2, 1940 in Marion township. Surviving relatives include the parents, a brother, James Herman Sego; maternal grandfather, Frank Walker of Orleans, and the paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sego of Mitchell.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Times Mail" Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
Grace S. (Wright) Servi
 
MONDAY, October 23, 1989 -- Grace S. Servi, 88, 1717 Windwood Dr., died at 7:10 p.m. Sunday at Bedford Nursing Center following a lengthy illness. She was born Jan. 8, 1901 in Lawrence County to Levi and Stella Newkirk Wright. She married John Servi in Scottsburg Feb. 19, 1938, and he survives. She was the owner of Jeanine Beauty Shop at the Masonic Temple Building from 1928 to 1964. Surviving with the husband are a son, Leroy Sherrill, Bedford; a sister, Kathleen Ellison, Bedford; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. A reception will be held from 10-11 am. Wednesday at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home with graveside entombment servlces following, the Rev. Winfred Wigner officiating.
 
From "The Times Mail", Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Treva E Peckham)
 
 
 
Patrick Sherlock
 
March 20, 1875 OBITUARY SHERLOCK-Died, Friday morning, March 12, 1875, at his residence near White river bridge, in Marion township, Lawrence county, Ind., of pneumonia. Patrick Sherlock, in the 72d year of his age. The subject of this notice was born in Miltown, Kings county, Ireland. He emigrated to this country in the year 1846, and lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, till July, 1855, when he moved to this county, where he resided till his Maker seen fit that the messenger of death should summons him to that land that knows no suffering, and where all are on a common level. Though not possessed of a great amount of this world's goods, he was ever ready to extend the hand of charity to the poor and afflicted--often greatly discommoding himself that some unfortunate brother or sister might not be deprived of the necessaries of life. In his attention to the sick he was untiring. As the Book of books sayeth, these traits in Mr. S.'s character were sufficient to cover a multitude of sins. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and was sought as an adviser by many of the younger men and women of his nationality. Though advanced in years, his death is a sad blow to his bereaved family and many friends. He was zealous and faithful member of the Catholic Church, an honest man, a good citizen, an affectionate husband and indulgent parent. He leaves an aged wife, six children, a number of grand-children and a host of friends to mourn their loss. May they all so live that when they are called from this earth they will be able to meet him in heaven, is the prayer of J. J., Jr. (John Johnson, Jr., owner of Bedford Star)
 
From " Bedford Star" Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
Dora M (Hurley) Short
November 25, 1877 - October 7, 1906
 
MRS. EARL SHORT DEAD Succumbed To Consumption After Having Been In Mexico Three Weeks FUNERAL TODAY AT SPRINGVILLE. The body fo Mrs. Earl G Short, who died Sunday at Albuquerque, New Mexico, of comsumption, arrived here last evening on the Bloomington accomodation train. The remains were taken to Springville immediatly after they arrived here. Mr. Short, who ocoompanied her to Alburqueque, was in charge of the body. Mrs Short had gone to New Mexico with her husband with a view to benefitting her health which had been failing. She was very weak when she left on the trip but it was thought that she would do better when they reached that climate but she did not regain strength. Mrs. Short was about 27 years of age and was held in high esteem by her many acquaintances who will be pained to hear of her death. The funeral occured this afternoon at her late residence at Springville, and the burial followed at the cemetery there (Springville Christian Cemetery)
 
From "The Bedford Daily Mail", Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Treva E Peckham)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mary (Tate) Short
 
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1864 OBITUARY. Mary Short, wife of Milton Short, of Springville, Indiana, departed this life on the 13th inst., after a painful illness of many months, which she bore with Christian fortitude and patience. She left the most unmistakable evidence of her readiness to enter the paradise of God: "Tis sweet to die, with Jesus nigh." (Springville Christian Cemetery)
 
From "The Bedford Independent", Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Treva E Peckham)
 
 
 
 
William Noel Simpson
 
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1931 SIMPSON RITES THIS AFTERNOON Services Conducted From Home Of Mrs. Homer Ridge At 2 O'Clock Funeral services for William Noel Simpson, son of Mrs. Nobel Simpson, 1922 14th street, who passed away Saturday afternoon at 12:15 o'clock following a week's illness of bronchial pneumonia were conducted this afternoon at two o'clock from the home of his aunt, Mrs. Homer Ridge, 2004 13th street with the Rev. Davis in charge.  Burial was made in the  Fairview cemetery in Orleans following the services here. The deceased was born in Bedford on September 9, 1925, to Noble and Hannah Jordan Simpson and at the time of his death was 5 years 6 months and 15 days old. Besides the parents, he is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Marie, and the grandparents. Following death the remains were removed to the Day & Carter funeral home where they were prepared for burial and later taken to the home of his aunt where they remained until the funeral.
 
From" Bedford Daily Times" Bedford, Indiana
Submitted by Diana S Flynn
 
 
Audrey Pearl (Lewis) Sipes
April 13, 1899 - July 17, 1927
 
AUDREY SIPES PASSES AWAY DIED AT HER HOME IN NEEDMORE SUNDAY MORNING FUNERAL SERVICES TUESDAY In the passing of Mrs. Audrey Pearl Sipes, wife of Harry Sipes, at the family residence at Needmore Sunday at 8:50 a.m., the community in which she made her home mourns a highly esteemed neighbor, wife and mother. Mrs. Sipes had been ill for four weeks past suffering from heart trouble and was aged 28 years, 3 months and 4 days, at the time of her demise.  She was married to Harry Sipes on April 17, 1917, and to this union four children were born, two of whom preceded the mother to the grave. In addition to her husband and two children, Mrs. Sipes is survived by two sisters, Mrs. David Miller, of Bedford and Miss Margaret Lewis, and father, Alva Lewis, and two brothers, Ray and Merle Lewis. Four half sisters also survive. Funeral services will be held at the home Tuesday at 2 p.m.  Rev. Claude Reuter officiating. Interment will be in Hayes cemetery.
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1927 TRIBUTE PAID MRS. HARRY SIPES A tribute of love and respect was paid the memory of Mrs. Harry Sipes in impressive services held at the Gullett's Creek church at Needmore on Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. The services were largely attended and sorrow's mark was upon the upturned faces as they listened to the words of praise and comfort uttered by Rev. Claude Reuter who was in charge of the services. Just before leaving the home for the church a group of friends sang "In the Garden,"  and during the services at the church the same group sang "Does Jesus Care," "Jesus Saviour Pilot Me," and "God Will Take Care of You." The floral tributes were unusually beautiful and numerous and were cared for by Misses Delphia, Dorothy Turner, Amelda Mason and Lucille Lewis. The pall bearers were all cousins of the deceased and were Mesdames Nellie Harrell, Ellen Johnson and Alice Mason and Beryl, Homer and Frank Lewis.  Interment was in the cemetery close by.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Mail", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
Exie (Jewell) Sipes
 
August 6, 1941 COUNTY WOMAN DIES AT HOME
Funeral For Mrs. Exie Sipes To Be Held on Thursday Afternoon Mrs. Exie Sipes, age sixty-two, of Bedford R. R. 1, died at 7:00 o'clock yesterday evening at her home.
Mrs. Sipes had been ill since April 1. She was born in Martin county on September 25, 1878, the daughter of Augustus and Martha Jane Gee Jewell. On June 30, 1895, she was married in Martin county to David Sipes. Surviving are the husband, two sons, Ollie and Ova Sipes; two daughters, Mrs. Forrest Plake and Mrs. Ralph Gyger, all of Bedford; one brother, Lyman Jewell, and one sister, Mrs. Frank Blackburn, of Bedford; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The deceased was a member of the First Christian church, where the funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock, DST, Thursday afternoon. Rev S. S. Lappin will officiate. Burial will be in Green Hill cemetery. The body was prepared for burial at the Day-Carter & Roach funeral home and was returned to the residence where it will lie in state.
SERVICES HELD FOR MRS. SIPES Last Rites For City Resident Conducted At First Christian Church August 8, 1941 Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the First Christian Church for Exie Sipes, who died Tuesday evening at her home, Bedford R. R. 1. The Rev. S. S. Lappin officiated. Singers included Mrs. S. S. Lappin and Mrs. Clarence Corps, accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Evelyn Masten. They sang "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", "We Are Going Down the Valley" and "Does Jesus Care". Flowers were in charge of Mrs. Mary Spainhardt, Ralph David Gyger, Pansy Sipes, Helen Dean Sipes, Betty Ann Sipes, Marion Ann Plake, Martha Bartley, Peggy Sipes and Orpha Jewell. Pall bearers were Roy Sipes, Carl Huff, Ralph Sipes, Paul Sipes, Darcey Sipes and Varley Sipes. Burial was in Green Hill cemetery in charge of Day-Carter & Roach funeral directors.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
 
John W. Sipes
- March 29, 1922
 
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1922 DEATH of John W Sipes Occurred Wednesday Evening at Springville FUNERAL ON FRIDAY John W. Sipes one of the old residents of Springville, died Wednesday Evening, aged 72 years. He was a member of the Springville Christian Church Four Children survive Lucins Spies of Paoli, and Walter Sipes of Bedford, Mrs. Ernest Fish of Norman Station, and Miss Pearl Sipes of Springville. The funeral will occur at the Springville Christian church Friday forenoonn at 10 o'clock (Springville Christian Cemetery)
 
From "The Bedford Daily Mail", Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Treva E Peckham)
 
 
Mildred M. (Crawford) Sipes
 
November 13, 1986 Mildred M. Sipes, 77, R. 16, Bedford, died at 1:10 p.m. Thursday at the Bedford Medical Center. She had been in failing health for the past two years.
She was born March 18, 1909, in Lawrence County, to Otis E. and Mona A. Root Crawford. She first married Emmett Hovis, who preceded her in death. She next married Ollie Sipes, and he also preceded her in death. She was a retired owner and operator of Food Handling Care's - etc. in Columbus and was a member of the Hands of Friendship Club in Ocala, Fla. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Irma Hovis Palmer, R. 16, Bedford and Mrs. Marilan Hovis Tabor, Anthony, Fla.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Cully, Columbus, and Mrs. Paul (Wilma) Jackson, R. 16, Bedford. One granddaughter and one son preceded her in death. Funeral Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home, Robert Synan and John Badertscher officiating. Burial will be in Pinhook Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Saturday.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
 
 
 
Nina Ermatrude (Presnell) Sipes
 
August 24, 1935 WIFE OF OLLIE SIPES PASSES DEATH CAME TODAY TO BEDFORD WOMAN AT HER HOME - FUNERAL RITES SET Mrs. Nina Ermatrude Sipes, wife of Ollie Sipes, 1818 K Street, died at her home at 10:22 a.m. today after an eight months' illness with tuberculosis. Following death the body was removed to the Day & Crater funeral home for burial preparation and this afternoon was taken to the home of David Sipes, West Sixteenth Street, to remain until the funeral hour. Funeral services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Day & Carter funeral chapel in charge of the Rev. Joel Lee Jones, pastor of the Bedford First Christian Church. Burial will be made in the Breckinridge cemetery. The deceased was born in Bedford on March 21, 1906, to Andrew and Rosa Litton Presnell and at the time of her death was 29 years 5 months and 3 days old. She was married in Bedford on October 25, 1930 to Mr. Sipes. Besides the husband, she is survived by two daughters, Francis and Dorothy Weddel, by her first marriage; one son, Gerald Eugene Sipes by her second marriage; the mother, Mrs. Rosa Presnell, and one half sister, Mrs. Pearl Brown, Lawrence County.
August 27, 1935 CONDUCT RITES FOR MRS. SIPES BURIAL IN BEECH GROVE CEMETERY FOLLOWING SERVICES FROM DAY & CARTER CHAPEL Funeral services for Mrs. Nina Ermatrude Sipes, wife of Ollie Sipes, 1818 K Street, who died at her home Saturday forenoon after an illness with tuberculosis were conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Day & Carter funeral chapel in charge of the Rev. Ora Cox, of Bedford.. Miss Pearl White, Mrs. Lebert Starr and Mrs. Margaret L. Voightschild sang ‘Going Down the Valley', ‘Face to Face' and ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken'. The Flowers were in charge of Mesdames Lorain Hoopingarner, Ruby Haskett and Marie Weddle, Misses Mary Sipes and Henrietta Blackburn. Pall bearers were Ralph Gyger, Ova V. Sipes, Everett Sipes, Frank Blackburn, Clyde Hoopingarner and William Blythe. Burial was made in the Beech Grove Cemetery.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
 
Ollie Sipes
 
February 9, 1986 Ollie Sipes, 80, 1821 Fifteenth St., Bedford, died at 4:45 p.m. Sunday at Bedford Medical Center. He had been ill for several years. He was born May 26, 1905 in Bedford to David and Exie Jewell Sipes. He was a retired powerman at Indiana Limestone Company and a member of Hillcrest Christian Church. He first married Erma Weddle and she died in 1935. He married Violet Phipps Aug. 10, 1966, at Terre Haute and she died Dec. 6, 1983. One son, one daughter and one brother also preceded him in death. Surviving are two sisters, Helen Gyger, Bedford and Orma Plake, Brownstown. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hillcrest Christian Church, Bro. Phillip Curry officiating. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home after 6 p.m. today and until the funeral time Tuesday.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
James Smith
 
TUESDAY, DEC. 3, 1940 AGED PRISONER DIES MONDAY State officials have notified Bedford acquaintances of the death Monday morning at the state prison in Michigan City of James Smith, about 70, who formerly lived near Peerless. Smith was committed to the hospital section of the state institution after he was charged about 10 years ago with assault and battery with intent to commit a felony against Carl Dickerson. He was committed pending trial but never returned for a hearing. He suffered a paralytic stroke Saturday.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Times Mail" Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
Norval Southern
 
"Norval Southern died at age 79. He was despondant over the death of his wife who died 3/2/1927 and he took Paris Green, a wood perservative and insecticide. He was a civil war veteran. Born 24 Jul 1849 son of Overton and Nancy (Heath) Southern. Buried at Green Hill cemetery."
 
From "Times-Mail" Bedford, Indiana
Transcribed by Rich Southers
 
 
William James Speer
 
MONDAY, OCT. 28, 1940 SPEER FUNERAL SERVICES HELD Gunshot Victim Buried In Beech Grove Following Rites Sunday Funeral services for William James Speer were conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from Sherwood and Ferguson Chapel, Bro. Robert Williams, pastor of the Church of Christ, Louisville, officiating. The gunshot victim died in Dunn hospital Friday afternoon. The Erie quartet, composed of Carl and Fred Younger, Everett Foster and Charles Lee, sang "Rock of Ages," "Just As I Am," and "Death is Only a Dream." Flower bearers were Mrs.Clyde Gabbert, Mrs. Bracyl Byers, Mrs. Buck Lemon, Mrs. Clara Yeskie and Miss Eva Mae Jackson. Pallbearers were Buck Lemon, Paul Baker, Chromer Harvey, Clyde Gabbert, Andy Buher and Bert Griffin. A vast throng of persons attended the rites. Burial was in Beech Grove cemetery.
 
From "The Bedford Daily Times Mail" Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
Maude (Sipes) Spoonmore
 
May 1, 1935 DEATH COMES TO MRS. SPOONMORE Sister of Mrs. Fernando Fields, of Bedford, Succumbed at Edwardsport Home Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Spaulding, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Fields, Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Fields and Mrs. Barbara Fields, all of Bedford, will leave this afternoon for Edwardsport to attend funeral services for Mrs. Fernando Fields' sister, Mrs. Maude Spoonmore, who died at her home there Tuesday afternoon at 5:50 o'clock after a three year's illness. The funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, near Indian Springs, with interment following in the adjoining cemetery. The deceased was born on January 15, 1886, in Martin county to George and Anna Mitchell Sipes and at the time of her death was 49 years, 3 months and 15 days old. She was married several years ago to Vernie Spoonmore, who survives. Mrs. Spoonmore was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Besides the husband and sister, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Olive McKee of Amboy, Ind. And Mrs. Gladys Archer, of Edwardsport; two sons, Roy Spoonmore of Westphalia, Indiana and Dale Spoonmore, at home; six grandchildren; one brother, John Sipes of Newberry; and another sister, Mrs. Charles Baker, of Indian Springs.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
 
Chester Sproles
 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1978 Chester Sproles, 65, of 300 Ambrose St., Martinsville, died Friday afternoon in the emergency room of Morgan County Hospital. Born April 20, 1913, in Barbersville, Ky., to John and Laura Valintine Sproles, he married Martha  Parker in 1971, and she survives. Surviving besides the wife are two daughters, Marleen Miller of Bedford and Eleanor Williams of Florida;  three sons, Boyd Sproles of Florida, Chester J. and Dennis Sproles of Martinsville;  one step-son, Connard Asher of Mooresville;  13 grandchildren and two step-grandchildren;  three sisters, Florence Wilford of Michigan;  Bertha Keene and Stella Mills, both of Ky., and two brothers, Gilbert and Floyd Sproles, both of Kentucky. Mr. Sproles was retired from the General Motors plant in Indianapolis.  He was a member of Gulletts Creek Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Neal Summers Funeral Home in Martinsville with the Rev. Clarence Smith and the Rev. Lewis Williams officiating.  Burial will be in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. today, all day Sunday, and until the funeral hour on Monday. Information was furnished by Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home.
 
From "Times Mail", Bedford, Indiana
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
 
Nellie Steele
Monday, April 30, 1906 Nellie Steele, aged 14 years, daughter of Dath Steele, residing at Oolitic died Saturday night of consumption after a lingering illness. The funeral occurred at the Hopkin's cemetery Sunday afternoon.
 
From "Bedford Daily Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn
 
 
Matthew Charles Stevens
 
Monday, June 29, 1992 -- Matthew Charles Stevens, son of Terry and Nancy (Westerfield) Stevens, R. 15, Bedford, was still born on June 27, at IU Medical Center, Indianapolis. Surviving with the parents are two sisters, Tana Stevens and Tiffany Stevens, both of Avoca; the paternal grandfather, Bud C. Stevens of Hot. Springs, Ark.; paternal great-grandfather, George Stevens of Paradise, Calif; paternal great-grandmother, Jesse Terry of Hot Springs, Ark,; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Westerfield of Bedford. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. L. Ray Lynn officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Day and Carter Mortuary, Bedford.
 
From "Times Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
 
 
James Steward
 
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1931 STEWARD RITES OCCUR TUESDAY END CAME SUNDAY MORNING AT HOME OF SON NORTHEAST OF HELTONVILLE Funeral services for James M. Steward, 62, who died Sunday morning at 7:10 o'clock at the home of his son, Everett, three miles northeast of Heltonville following a week's illness from complications, will be held Tuesday.  Short services will first be conducted from the home at 10 a.m. after which the funeral party will accompany the body to Maumee Church in Jackson county where final services will be conducted at 12 o'clock noon.  Rev. Elza Robertson of Norman Station, will officiate.  Burial will be made in the Robertson cemetery two miles north of Maumee. Mr. Steward is survived by six sons and one daughter, Orville, Norman Station ;  Grover, Heltonville;  Luther and Mrs. Sylvia Ford, Bedford;  Everett near Heltonville;  Henry, Thorntown; and Albert.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18, 1931 SERVICES FOR JAMES STEWARD HELD AT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH JACKSON COUNTY Brief funeral services were held for James M. Steward, north of Heltonville, Tuesday morning, at ten o'clock.  Prayer was said by Rev. Elza Robertson and the song "Pass Me Not" was sung. The formal services were held at twelve o'clock at the Bethel Baptist church at Maumee, Jackson county, and were largely attended by relatives and friends.   Rev. Elza Robertson very impressively conducted the services. A quartet composed of Ollie Winkler, Lillie Combs, Seba Crider and Irene Jones sang, "Lord, I'm Coming Home,"  "Rock Of Ages,"  "Where One Never Grows Old" and "Nearer My God To Thee." The floral offerings were in charge of Alma and Alice Steward.  The pall bearers were the four sons of the deceased - Grover, Oliver, Luther and Everett Steward.  Burial was made in the Robertson graveyard.
 
From "Bedford Times Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
 
Luther Steward
 
THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 1962 L. STEWARD DIES AT 71 Luther Steward, 71, of 315 Indiana Avenue, Oolitic, passed away at 4:05 a.m. today at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis,  where he entered January 9 of this year.  He had been in failing health for two years.A retired worker at NAD Crane, where he worked for 18 years, Mr. Steward was born April 2, 1891 in Monroe County, the son of James and Phoebe Lutes Steward.  He was united in marriage to Seebie Hearth on June 9, 1919 and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters:  Miss Darvol Steward, at home;  Mrs. Arthur (Sarah Alice) Kern of Indianapolis;  and Mrs. James (Mary Alma) Goodwin also of Indianapolis;  four grandchildren;  five brothers:  Orville of Bloomington, Rural Route;  Grover of Chapel Hill Community;  Everett of Bloomington, Rural Route;  Henry of Kirklin, Indiana and Albert of Route 3, Bloomington and one sister, Mrs. Sylvia Kaysanger of Texas.  One grandchild preceded him in death. He was a member of the Pentecost Church and Veteran of World War One. Final rites will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with the Rev. Henry Skinner and the Rev. James Amick officiating.  Burial will take place in the Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Friends may call at the Day & Carter Mortuary after noon Friday.  Military rites will be accorded at the grave by Gillen Post 36 of the American Legion.
 
From "Bedford Daily Times Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
 
Nellie May Steward
 
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1922 DEATH OF MRS. NELLIE MAY STEWARD, AGED 26 YEARS, DIED YESTERDAY MORNING Nellie May Steward, aged 26 years, wife of Grover Steward, died yesterday morning at 5:15 o'clock at her home in the Cross Lanes neighborhood. She is survived by the husband and four children. Funeral services were conducted this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home.  Burial was in the
Crawford cemetery.
 
From "Bedford Daily Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
Effie Elizabeth Stewart
 
FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 1973 Mrs. Effie Elizabeth Stewart, 77, 510 Lafayette, Oolitic, died at 9:30 a.m. yesterday at Crowe  Community Hospital where she was just admitted. She had been ill several years.  She was born July 15,1895 in Lawrence County to Clement and Amanda Jones Ray.  She married John Stewart on May 15,1918 and he died on Jan. 27, 1930.  She was a retired employee of M. Fine & Sons and NAD Crane. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Warren (Catherine) Hannum, Oolitic;  three sons, Doyle Stewart, Bedford, Charles Stewart, Oolitic, and Lloyd Godsey, East Oolitic;  14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren;  one sister, Mrs. Claude (Gertrude) Hillenburg, East Oolitic, and an aunt, Mrs. Lula Parks, Bloomington. A daughter, Audrey, two grandchildren, three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. She was a member of Oolitic Baptist Church. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Elmwood Chapel of Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Richard Tallman officiating.  Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery.  Friends may call at the mortuary after noon tomorrow.
 
From "Bedford Daily Times Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
Epsie Stewart
 
Monday, January 2, 1905 DEATHS STEWART. Epsie, 9 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Stewart, died Sunday, at Avoca, of pneumonia, and will be buried tomorrow at Hayes cemetery.
 
From "Bedford Daily Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
John Stewart
 
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1930 EAST OOLITIC MAN SUICIDES JOHN STEWART OF EAST OOLITIC SWALLOWS LYSOL IN PRESENCE OF FAMILY WAS DESPONDENT FUNERAL SERVICES TO OCCUR AT EAST OOLITIC WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON John Stewart, 36-year-old East Oolitic quarry worker died at his home at 8:20 o'clock this morning from Lysol poisoning two hours and a half after he had swallowed most of the contents of a four ounce bottle of the drug with suicidal intent. Despondency over the illness of his wife and other misfortune is believed by members of his family to have prompted the rash act.  The illness of Mrs. Stewart is said to have recently caused the husband to leave his position in a quarry near their home when he was unable to procure someone to administer to his wife and he has since brooded over her illness and his inability to work and provide a livelihood for his family. Coroner O. D. Emerson called to investigate the death rendered a verdict of suicide at the close of the probe. Mr. Stewart is said to have swallowed the contents of the bottle of poison in the presence of members of his family and other relatives in the home about 7 o'clock this morning.  He drank the poison while seated on the side of a bed in the home.  A brother-in-law, advised of his rash act, hurried to Oolitic and summoned a physician but Mr. Stewart was unconscious when the doctor reached him and  antidotes used in an attempt to save his life proved of no avail. John Stewart was a native of Monroe county and was born to James and Phoebie Delutes (Should be Lutes) Stewart May 25,1893.  He was married May 25, 1918, on his 25th birthday, to Miss Effie Ray, the ceremony having been performed in Bedford. He is survived by the widow, four children, Audrey, 9;  Charles, 7;  Doyle, 4, and Catherine, 2;  one stepson, Lloyd Godsey, his father who resides in Needmore;  one sister, Mrs. Elijah B. Ford, Bedford;  six brothers, Orville, Grover, Everett, Henry and Albert, of Monroe county and Luther, of Needmore. Mr. Stewart was a world war veteran and saw service overseas for a period of nine months.  He enlisted June 15,1918, and was honorably discharged May 29, 1919. Following his death the remains were removed to the Day & Carter mortuary here and prepared for burial and they will remain there until Wednesday forenoon when they will be returned to the home. Short funeral services will be conducted from the residence at 1 p. m.  Wednesday to be followed by final services from the East Oolitic Christian church.  Rev. Claude Reuter will officiate at both  services.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1930 STEWART RITES THIS FORENOON FUNERAL SERVICES CONDUCTED FROM EAST OOLITIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH Funeral services for John Stewart, East Oolitic quarry worker, who committed suicide Monday morning by swallowing Lysol at his home while despondent, were conducted at East Oolitic this forenoon by Rev. Claude Reuter, of Guthrie.  Short services were first held at the residence and were followed by final services at the East Oolitic Christian church. A quartet composed of Mrs. William Trueblood, Mrs. Claude Reuter, Mrs. Byrd Jackson and Mrs. William Blackwell sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Does Jesus Care" during the services at the home and rendered "It Is Well With My Soul", "Jesus Lover Of My Soul" and "Nearer My God To Thee" during the church service. The flowers were in charge of Miss Orie Jones, Mrs. Lena Brown, Mrs. Trude Morrow and Mrs. Byrd  Jackson. Close friends of the deceased acted as pall bearers. Burial was made in Beech Grove cemetery in Bedford.
 
From "Bedford Daily Times Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
John David Stewart
 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1953 STEWART SON DIES John David Stewart, infant son of Doyle and Martha McClain Stewart, 309 Sixteenth street, died at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday at the Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.  The child had been ill since March 13. Born October 21,1952, in Bedford, he was the twin of Linda Lee Stewart who survives along with the parents.  Other survivors include the maternal grandparents Mr. and  Mrs. Reeve McClain, Bedford; the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Effie Stewart, Oolitic;  and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Free Methodist Church with Rev. E. D. Riggs officiating.  Interment will be in the Cresthaven Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Sherwood & Ferguson Funeral Home after 6 p.m. today.
FRIDAY APRIL 17, 1953 STEWART INFANT IS BURIED TODAY Rev. Elmer D. Riggs, pastor of the Free Methodist Church, conducted brief rites for John David Stewart, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Stewart, 309 Sixteenth street, who died Tuesday, which were held at 10 a.m. today at the Free Methodist Church. Rev. and Mrs. Riggs sang "Jewels" and "Now the Day is Over". In charge of the floral offerings were Norma Faye Ray, Donna Gayle Stewart, Diana Sue Stewart, Mary Jane Owens, Edna Owens, Wilma Jean Owens, Carolyn Hannum, Jeanie Godsey, Donna Sowders and Janet Sowders. Interment was in the Cresthaven Cemetery, Sherwood & Ferguson Funeral Home directed the services.
 
From "Bedford Daily Times Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
 
 
Edith Olga Stipp
July 01, 1885 - May 04, 1888
 
Died--On Friday, May 4th, 1888, Edith O. Stipp, daughter of John and Mary Stipp, aged 2 years, 10 months and 3 days. The sufferings of poor little Edith were pitiful--albeit, it always is pitiful to see a small child stricken with a mortal malady. In the first instance the disease was pneumonia, but the complications soon made their appearance and the case became a hopeless one; though the little one lingered for several days after there was evidently no prospect of recovery.The stricken parents are the more entitled to sympathy because of the fact that but a short time ago death took from them an infant child and now, having laid away their first-born, they are childless--the sunlight and the joy of home taken from them by the relentless hand of death. Little Edith was buried in the new cemetery (Green Hill) on Saturday, May 5th, Rev. J. W. Culmer, of the M. E. church, and Eld. Jos. Franklin, of the Christian church, officiating.
 
From "The Lawrence Mail", Bedford, Indiana, page 2
(Submitted by UNKNOWN)
 
 
 
 
 
Jesse Tolbert "Bud" Stipp
 
July 30, 1941 Aged Resident Dies At Home Rites For Jesse Stipp, Former Road Contractor, To Be Friday Jesse Tolbert (Bud) Stipp, age eighty-five, died at 2:15 o'clock this morning at his home, Bedford R.R. 6 Mr. Stipp has been ill since last Saturday. He was born in the Erie neighborhood on January 16, 1856, the son of Frederick and Isabelle Johnson Stipp. On May 9, 1880, he was married to Alice Sherrill. The deceased was a farmer and former road contractor. He was a member of the Leatherwood church and of the I.O.O.F., Red Men and Moose lodges. Surviving are the widow, two sons, Leland and Arthur Stipp, of Lawrence county; four daughters, Mrs. James Emery of Bloomington; Mrs. Homer Ingle of Tunnelton, Mrs. J. W. George of Bartlettsville, Oklahoma and Mrs. Ed George of Effingham, Ill., eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren; two brothers, Walter Stipp of Lawrence county and Jarvis Stipp of Jasper, GA; four sisters, Mrs. Mary Reynolds of Bedford, Mrs. Sally Wagner of Lawrence county, Mrs. Louella Bauhard of Bristol, Tenn., and Mrs Maude Sasher of Pulaski, VA. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock DST Friday afternoon at the Leatherwood church, with the Rev. Elmer Norman and Rev. Ora Cox officiating. Burial will be in the Sherrill cemetery. The body was prepared for burial at the Day-Carter & Roach funeral home where it will lie in state. August 2, 1941 Services Conducted at Leatherwood Church by Rev. Cox, Rev. Norman Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Leatherwood Christian church for Jesse Tolbert Stipp of Bedford R. R. 6, who died Wednesday afternoon. The Rev. Elmer Norman and Rev. Ora Cox officiated. The Leatherwood church choir sang "Abide With Me" and "Nearer My God to Thee", while Mrs. S. S. Lappin intoned "Come Ye Disconsolate". Flowers were in charge of Geraldine, Betty and Peggy George, Peggy Stipp, Mary Ruth Ingie and Mrs. Kermit Miller. Pall bearers were Clyde Ingle, Louis Ingle, Robert Stipp, Frank Sherrill, William Sherrill and Kermit Miller. Burial was in the Sherrill cemetery in charge of Day-Carter & Roach funeral directors.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne
 
R. D. Stotts
 
Monday, July 18, 1927 MESSAGE OF DEATH TODAY Received by H. J. Dodson of This City HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW PASSES H. J. Dodson was called to Odon today on account of the death of Mrs. Dodson's mother, Mrs. R. D. Stotts. Mrs. Dodson has been at her mother's bedside for several weeks. Mrs. Stotts was a frequent guest in her daughter's home and while here made many friends by her gentle and kindly disposition. Funeral services will be held at Odon on Wednesday.
 
From "Bedford Daily Mail ", Bedford, Indiana,
(Submitted by Diana S Flynn)
 
Maude (Chapman) Sutton
 
MAUDE SUTTON RITES PLANNED August 14, 1941 Life-long Resident of Huron Community Dies At Home: Funeral Saturday Mrs. Maude Sutton, age fifty-four, lifelong resident of the Huron community, died at 7:00 o'clock Wednesday evening at her home. Death, due to complications, followed a lingering illness. Mrs. Sutton was born on September 27, 1886, at Huron, the daughter of Henry and Angeline Baker Chapman. In 1904 she was married to Warren Sutton. Mrs. Sutton, a member of the Huron Baptist Church, was active in church and social life. Surviving are the husband, three children, Noble and Madge, of Indianapolis, and Marie of Los Angeles, Calif., three grandchildren, Betty Jo, Donald and Carl; one brother, Larn Chapman of Bruceville, Ind., and five sisters, Mrs. Sally Jones, of Bruceville, Miss Frances Chapman, Mrs. Ann Stoops and Mrs. Evelyn Berriman, all of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Gladys Yuelle, of Pontiac, Mich. Funeral services will be held at the Huron Baptist church at 2:00 o'clock, CST Saturday afternoon, with the Rev. Arthur Baker, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Huron cemetery in charge of the Haverly Mortuary. The body will be returned this afternoon from the mortuary to the home in Huron, where it will lie in state until the hour of the funeral.
 
Transcribed by Suzanne