REEVES, Lucy Nichols - Putnam

Manhattan – A Fillmore woman was killed instantly Sunday after the car she was driving crossed the center line of a curve in the road and crashed head-on with an oncoming bus just north of Manhattan.  Luie A. Reeves, 87, Rt 1, Fillmore was pronounced dead at the scene by Sheriff and Deputy Coroner Richard Lyon. She reported died of a blunt-force injury to the head when she hit the dashboard.  The fatal accident occurred about 2:25 p.m. when Reeves was southbound on Manhattan Road, six miles south of Greencastle near US 40. Greencastle Police Officer Don Rumley was traveling behind the Fillmore woman before the accident and reportedly saw a pick-up truck pass Reeves’ 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass. After she was passed she then reported sped up to approximately 45 mph and pulled behind the pick-up. David E. Turner, 61, Terre Haute who was northbound on the road and driving an empty 1985 MCI Coach passenger bus stated he saw the pick-up truck round the curve and cross the center line on the road. The bus driver reportedly slowed his vehicle prior to rounding the curve and saw Reeves’ vehicle but could not avoid a collision. Reeves’ vehicle slammed head-on into the vehicle. After the collision, the car reportedly bounced back about 50’ from the impact.  Turner was not injured in the accident but the bus sustained an estimated $5,000-10,000 in damage.  According to Chief Deputy Helmer, Turner was en route to DePauw University to pick up faculty members for an outing.  Cloverdale Volunteer firefighters, Washington Twp Volunteer firefighters and Operation Life personnel assisted at the scene.  Mrs. Reeves was born in Putnam Conty Nov 18 1903 the daughter of Alva L and Laura Alice (Estep) Nichols.  Her husband, Samuel “Sammie” Reeves preceded her in death June 3, 1968. She retired in 1967 from Midland Building Supply, Indianapolis and was a member of Stilesville Christian Church, Friday Club and Order of Eastern Star No 364 Irvington Chapter, Indianapolis. Survivors include several nieces and nephew. Shew as also preceded in death by five brothers. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale with Rev. Tom Smith officiating.  Burial will be at Stilesville Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. – kbz