Mr. Robert L. (Bob) Ballew, 88, of Bradenton, Fl., passed away at his residence on May 14, 2024.

Mr. Ballew was born June 15,1935 in Sylva, NC.

A Celebration of Life takes place on Wednesday, June 5 at 10-11a.m. at Robert Toale and Sons, 170 Honor Ave, Sarasota, FL.. followed by private services at Sarasota National Cemetery at 12:30pm at 9810 State Road, Sarasota, FL.

A Celebration of Life In Greencastle to be announced at a later date.

Robert joined the Army in 1955 and served twenty years before retiring. Robert was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam. He enjoyed life to the fullest, enjoyed talking to others and never met a stranger.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 35 yrs. Nancy Ballew of Bradenton, FL.  son, Pete Ballew (Izumi) Bradenton, Fl.

stepson, Steve White (Stephannie) of Greencastle

sister-in-law, Betty Smith of Greencastle

seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren

brother, Donnie Kulczk of Seattle, WA

sister, Ella Mae Knuston of Albany, WI.

four nieces and five nephews.

In addition to his grandparents Sam and Ella Ballew who raised him, Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Verna Kulczyk, sister Mary Katherine Wentz and Grandson Austin White.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Tidewellfoundation.org/donate 3550 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl.34239 

Rita Lee Smith, 90, of Cloverdale, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024. She was born June 13,1933 in Owen County and was the daughter of Clee Abrell and Mary (Lucas) Abrell of Freedom, Indiana.

She was married to Delmas Joe Smith for 63 years and he preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter Darlene Gaye Parker in 2021 and son Keith A. Smith 2024.

She leaves behind a son-n-law Charles Parker, Greencastle; Daughter-n-law Mona (Pearson) Smith, Cloverdale.

She also leaves 5 Grandchildren: Yevette (Burk) Arnold (Brice Mabry), Daniel Burk and wife Christina, Casey Burk, Jenna (Smith) Nees and husband Ryan, and Leif Parker. Also 7 precious Great Grandchildren: Hannah Arnold (Landon Anderson), Kensi Nees, Braden Weddle and Axel Burk, Ezra, Eliza and Lily Parker.

She is also survived by her Brother and Sister-n-law, Joe and Diana Abrell of Hallowell, Maine. In addition, she is survived by sister-n-laws: Ellen Davies, Cloverdale, Anita McNulty, Greencastle; Brother-n-laws, Harold (Red) Smith, Jr., Quincy; Mike Smith and Marsha, Gosport, and numerous nieces and nephews who are cherished family members.

She was a longtime member of the Quincy Baptist Church where she taught several Sunday School classes. More recent she enjoyed attending Cloverdale United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank Mill Pond Health Campus Assisted Living Facility of Greencastle. Especially three special nurses Jill, Stacey and Tara. She always called them her special nurses to us. Also, Life's Journey Hospice, they kept her very comfortable and was very supportive to the family.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 8 at 11:00 am at the Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale with BJ Seifert officiating.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm-8:00 pm at the funeral home on Friday June 7, 2024

Interment will be at the Combes Cemetery near Quincy.  Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.

Barbara J. Gillin, 94, of Staunton, passed away at her home May 26, 2024, at 2:57pm. 

She was born April 3, 1930, in Terre Haute, the daughter of Gilbert Newhart and Helen Boyd Newhart. She graduated from Wiley High School. On March 17, 1951, she was united in marriage to Robert ‘Bob’ Gillin. Together they raised their 9 children with lots of love and laughter.

Barbara enjoyed knitting, reading, birds, cats, and her beloved dogs, including her Tucker. She was a member of the VFW#1127 and the Clay Youth League. She ran the concession stand at the baseball field for many years. She helped to organize the women’s softball league and was active in the group that planned the Staunton Community Center.

Barbara was a champion to the underdog and was never one to judge. She wanted to give everyone a chance to be successful and feel good. She was a loving mother to her own children, but to many, many more kids as well. She was called “Mom,” by kids throughout the years in Clay County. It has been said that when she wasn’t taking in kids, she was taking in stray animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bob Gillin; her children, Helen Rae, Pam Gaskill and John “Pat” Gillin; son in law, Mike Kates, and a great-grandson Jaxton Cooksey.

Survivors include her large family, Chris Schurick (Tim), Lori Kate, BeeGee Hayden (Jim), Bo Gillin (Libby), Molly Ascheman (Mark), Jamie Gillin (Dana); grandchildren, Mike Simonson (Cindy), Shawn Simonson (Becky), Shasta Sims (Pete), Jade Gillin (Cody), Jesse Gillin, Carrie Blondeel (Chris), Kim Schurick, Gretchen Gaskill, J.B. Lattin, Josh Moore (Rinthea), April Marlow (Chris), Jason Moore, Tawnee Hayden, Tyler Hayden, Brooke Gillin (Jess), Cheyenne Overton, Sam Overton, Dustin Ascheman (Kiera), Katie Ingle (Kye), Lucas Cooksey, Chloe Cooper, Paityn Gillin, Baileigh Gillin, Pammy Gillin, Gage, Gatlin, Bartley, and Slayton; daughter in law, Marsha Gillin; great-grandchildren, Mikey, Chelsey, Halei, Shaydn, Kailyn, Mason, Dom, Sophia, Miriam, Hunner, Jasper, Logan, Sklar (Evan), Kirstin (Khaiden), Gracie, Alexia, Kaden, Trenton, Hayley, Stephy, Shelby, Bryson, Wyatt, Beckam, Jaxson, Jeremiah, Nathan, Logan, Kase, Kora, Conner, Crystal, Brianna, Kiarra; great-great-grandchildren, Romie, Bella, Addy, Emme, Natalia, T.J. Brookie and Caiden; and other extended family.

A visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-7pm at the Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave.

Cremation was chosen. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Bee Ridge Diaper Pantry, 13010 W. Co. Rd. 1000N, Brazil or the Clay Youth League. Post a note of condolence at www.lawson-millerchapel.com.

Lynn S. Romas of Brazil passed away quietly on April 6, 2024 at the home of his brother, Bob, who was by his side.

He was born on July 11, 1950 in Brazil, the youngest son of Kenneth W. Romas and F. Rosalie (McKenzie) Romas. He attended Ashboro Elementary School and graduated from Brazil High School in 1968.

In June of 1973 he received his teaching degree from Indiana State University majoring in Biology, later earning his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from DePauw University. In 1988 he obtained his Principal credentials from Indiana State University. While attending ISU, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Lynn taught Biology at Edgewood and Northview High Schools. He also served as Assistant Principal at Edgewood, Terre Haute South and Northview High Schools before becoming Principal of Northview High School in 1994. He served in that position through 2002, and then again from 2011 until retiring in 2012. He began his position on the Clay Community School Board in 2019 and was currently serving his second term. Lynn was greatly respected in both his personal and professional life.

Besides his parents, he was preceeded in death last June by his wife of 47 years, Julie (Thacker) Romas whom he married August 14, 1976. During those years they loved and supported each other in their personal lives and their professional careers as they navigated through life’s challenges, and were always extremely proud of each other’s accomplishments. Lynn and Julie loved traveling and seeing the world. They took trips to Alaska, Hawaii, China, Italy, and several other European and tropical destinations.

Lynn grew up on the Romas Family Farm in Center Point and attended St. Johns United Church of Christ with his family. Although he didn’t choose farming as a career, he still enjoyed farm life and was proud of the work ethic it instilled in him. He remained connected to the farm by lending a much appreciated hand when time allowed including planting, combining, putting up hay and straw, or bushhogging to maintain the farm. After retirement he enjoyed his routine of eating breakfast with his brother Bob and circle of friends.

Survivors include his brother Bob (Sandy) Romas; nephews Eric (Elizabeth) Romas, Brian (Gilberta) Romas, Kyle Romas; niece Stacie (Romas) Persinger; great-nephew and niece Ethan and Rylan Persinger; brother Jim (Alice) Romas; nephews Dr. Chris (Alyssa) Romas and family, Dr. Matt (Nicole) Romas and family, Brandon (Alicia) Romas and family; his aunt Phyllis Grey; and extended family members, friends and former colleagues.

Donations may be directed to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, for the Lynn and Julie Romas Scholarship Fund that is being established.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Lynn at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave, Brazil, on June 22, 2024, from 3:00-6:00 pm with services beginning at 6:00 pm.

Music will be provided by Steve McCullough. 

Michael Wayne Love, 68, of Seelyville, passed away unexpectedly, on May 26, 2024, at Union Hospital.

Mike was born on July 15, 1955, in Brazil, Indiana the son of Paul Wayne and G. Jean (Hoke) Love. He attended Gerstmeyer High School and graduated from Terre Haute North High School as their second graduating class.

Following high school Mike worked for Shanks Automotive and Canteen. He worked for Cadillac Products (formerly Poly-Mar Plastics) for 22 years and most recently Staples Distribution for 10 years. He retired in 2011 due to health concerns.

When he wasn’t working, Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing, camping, collecting Hot Wheels, and his dog Harley and grand-dogs Luna Mae, Teri, and Ripley and his great-grand-dog Dodge.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Jean Love.

Survivors include his wife Patricia Kaye (Dean) Love whom he married on July 24, 1976; daughters: Sara Michelle Smith (Bryan) and Josie Kaye Allison – Love (Sarah Allison – Love); grandchildren: Brynlee Jean Smith, Sydnee Love Smith, and Connor Ray Hancock.

Visitation will be at Lawson – Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834 on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Services will follow at 7:00 PM.

Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to share a memory.

Marylyn Kay Reed, age 80, of Greencastle, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Sandra P. Doty, age 70, of Poland, passed away May 20, 2024. 

She was born July 26th, 1953 in Indianapolis to the late Edward and Mildred (Hatfield)Wagner.  She married Glenn Doty April 6th, 1980, and he survives. 

She was active in the Hurst Collins Post 281 American Legion with the Legion Riders as well as serving in the past in the Ladies auxiliary.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her step-daughter Bonnie Allen, and her husband Steven.  Grandchildren, Faith Gable, Glenn Kevin Michael Doty, Kenyth Cooper, and Sajani Allen, as well as 4 great grandchildren.  Sibling, Kenny Wagner and his wife Susan.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her siblings Penny Davis, Rod Wagner, Fred Wagner, Larry Wagner, Bill Wagner, and Roy Wagner.

Memorial Services for Sandra will be held Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 1:00 pm, Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale. 

Visitation will be held from 11:00am until service time. 

Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.

Carole I. (True) Hedge, 81, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away at Providence Health Care at St. Mary of the Woods on May 17, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Carole was born on December 23, 1942, in Crawfordsville, Indiana the daughter of Donald and Edna (Wilson) True. She graduated from Rosedale High School with the class of 1960. Following high school, Carole worked for Smith Department Store, in Terre Haute and G.C. Murphy’s in Brazil. She started her grocery career at Standard Foods and later retired from Kroger following 34 years of service. She married Ronald Hedge on November 15, 1963.

Carole enjoyed reading, fishing, gardening, and spending time outside. She volunteered with the Clay County Food Pantry and was a member of the Bethel Church.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents Donald True and Edna and Marion “Gene” Baker; siblings: Barbara Ford, Leal True, and Mike True and a brother-in-law Robert Campbell.

She is survived by her husband Ronald Hedge; siblings: Phyllis Murphy (Ron), Rev. Thomas True (Janice), Peggy Jo Campbell, Russell True (Leanne); brother-in-law Ralph Ford; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be at Lawson – Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834, on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Services will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Tom True and Russell True officiating. Burial will be held at Calcutta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Carole’s honor.

Marion “ Meme” H. Akers, 93 of Harmony, passed away peacefully at her home, May 17, 2024. She was born January 18, 1931, in Shivley, KY, the daughter of Lawrence and Agnes Horan French.

On October 8, 1946, Marion married the love of her life, Blaine Akers. As a young couple, she and Blaine started their family in the Louisville area. They moved to Brazil, IN. in 1953. At that time, Marion joined the First Presbyterian Church and has been a member since.

“Meme” worked as a saleslady for 34 years in downtown Brazil, including Lucille’s Dress Shop, Judean’s, The Fashion, Poise ‘N Ivy and Leifheit’s. She retired from the shops in 1991 and spent 18 years caring for her six youngest grandchildren. During this time, she lived with her son Blaine and wife Teresa. After the children were in college, Meme moved to her home in Harmony. She began working as a greeter at French Funeral Home in 2009 and became a valuable asset in caring for families.

In the past, she was a Brazil Marching Band Booster Officer and helped raise money for new uniforms and the very first equipment truck Brazil Band acquired. Meme took pride in helping with fundraisers for anything her kids or grandkids were involved in. She was the best “Campaign Manager” every time her son ran for office and knew the importance of every single vote. She found purpose in volunteering at Annunciation School, and at Jackson Township Elementary School. She loved being a caregiver to her grandchildren, but also to the other kids at school and to the friends of her grandchildren. Meme looked at housework as a task to take pride in doing, including organizing, gardening, and sewing. She and her daughter Barbara spent good days traveling across the US. She enjoyed a good laugh and sought out a prank and joke, all for wholesome fun. She simply lived her life to the fullest, loved fiercely, no nonsense, got the job done and was never a person who was measured by age. She officially retired at age 92 with a sharp mind and quick wit.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved Husband Blaine; Her daughter Barbara Akers Langsdon; her siblings, Carol French, James French, Catherine Campbell, Lawrence French, Joan Spellman.

Survivors include her children, Connie Pollom and husband Dr. Stephen Pollom of Indianapolis, J. Blaine Akers and wife Teresa of Brazil, and Annie Burdette of Westfield; grandchildren, Krista Click, Carrie Wilcher (Chris), Charlie Langsdon (Emily), Betsy Giordano (Jim), Danny Pollom (Katie), Trevor Akers (Heather), Tyler Akers (Samantha), Austin Akers, Millie Akers, Chloe Burdette, and Camron Burdette; great-grandchildren, Sean Click, Ellie Click, Jacob Wilcher (Sarah), Emma Wilcher, Anna Giordano, Tucker Pollom, Owen Pollom, Beckham Akers, Parker Akers, and Alivia Akers; one great-great-granddaughter Violet Wilcher; nieces, nephews, and other extended family and a large number of friends.

The family would like to thank IU West staff, including Nurse Peggy and Life’s Journey Hospice, Nurse Vickie for their love and care.

The service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 2:00pm at the Lawson-Miller Chapel, with her family presiding.

Visitation will be from 11-2 on Saturday. Steve McCullough will provide musical selections.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be directed to the Shriners Hospital, St. Jude’s or to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry at Annunciation Church.

Burial will follow at Cottage Hill Cemetery.

Post a note of condolence at www.lawson-millerchapel.com

Zachary O. Pate, 40, of Greencastle, passed away May 12th, 2024. 

He was born August 9th, 1983 in Indianapolis to Mike and Glenda (Swalley)Pate.  He married Rachael (Davis)Pate August 14th, 2010 and she survives.         

In addition to his parents and wife he is survived by his children Patrick Michael Pate, Emma Susan Pate, and Caitlin Virginia Pate.  Siblings, Nathan Pate and wife Kelly, Luke Pate and wife Austi, Austin Pate, Jessica Wilson and her husband Lawrence and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roger and Virginia Pate and Roy and Erma Swalley.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Putnam County Foundation South Putnam Dollar for Scholars.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at 1:00pm, Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale.  

Visitation will be held from 11:00am until service time.

David C. Watts, 65, of Cloverdale, passed away May 12, 2024.

He was born December 23rd, 1958 in Greencastle to the late Max Watt’s Sr., and Betty (Trump) Watts.

He married Shawn (Williams) Watts August 19, 1989 and she survives. 

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children Savannah Watts, and Parker Watts and significant other Jenna Lawrence.  Siblings, Max Watt’s Jr., and wife Marty, Billy Watt’s, Diana Hazlett and husband Jim, Carol Ann Milsap and husband Greg. 

David worked for Cloverdale Building Supply in Cloverdale until his retirement.  David was an avid IU fan, especially during the Bob Knight era.  He had a regular routine he followed on game night which was to hang his IU banner from the ceiling, put on his favorite IU sweats and hoodie, get the beer cold, and proceed to yell at and throw his foam brick at the TV. 

After his kids were born and were old enough to play sports of their own, David always could be found participating as spectator and yelling from the sidelines, or as dugout dad with youth baseball and play runner with youth football.  One year with the youth football program David received the most valuable practice dad award. 

Graveside services will be held Tuesday May 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m in the Union Chapel Cemetery, Morton, Indiana.  

Condolences may be made at http://www.whitakerfuneralhome.net  

Evelyn “Annie” Manning, 64, of Cloverdale, passed away May 6, 2024.

She was born January 17, 1960 in Indianapolis to the late Charles and Helen (Green) Manning.

Annie was a determined woman and there was no challenge she could not overcome. She was a hard worker and was with the same manufacturing company for over 32 years. Annie was a wonderful Mom, Nana, sister, and aunt. She was so proud of her children and considered them her greatest accomplishment. Family and friends loved her and she will be dearly missed. 

She is survived by her children, Kevin (Leigh) Query, Stacy (Kyle) Faletic, and Kally (David) Bannister, grandchildren Adeline and Vivian Faletic and Audra and Alexander Query, sister Cindy (Wally) Kreegar, and nephew Eddy Kreegar.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 16 from 4 to 7 pm at Whitaker Funeral Home in Cloverdale.

The service will commence at 7 pm.

Burial will be at the Cloverdale Cemetery following the service.

Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.

Born June 6, 1936 in Colfax, she was the daughter of Golden and Margaret (Carpenter) Miller. She was a 1954 graduate of Greencastle High School.

Barbara was a homemaker and drove Mom’s Taxi for her children and grandchildren. She was an avid bowler, being inducted into the Greencastle Bowling Hall of Fame and the Women’s International Bowling Hall of Fame on March 27, 2001. She was a member of the Moose Lodge and Women of the Moose.

Barbara loved being with family, cooking and playing the piano. She was an avid bingo player and also loved her “girls’ trips” to the casinos.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Charlotte Burnham.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert L Costin; daughter Tonya (Darin) Jester; son Nolan (Kim) Costin; brother, Phillip “Rocky” Miller; grandchildren Megan (Andy) Bardot, Derek (Rebecca) Holman, Nick Costin, and Alex Costin and fiancée Ivy Wright; and great-grandchildren Isaac and Julianna Holman and Cordelia Bardot.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 13 at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home with Brian Jones officiating. Interment will follow at the Deer Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home on Monday.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Bob and Barb’s residence after services on Monday.

Pamela ”Pam” J. Gilman, age 62, of Cloverdale, passed away May 7th, 2024.  She was born January 22, 1962 in Greencastle to the late Eugene and Barb Nickerson.  She was also preceded in death by her late husband Tim Roeckel, sisters Jeanne Anderson and Diane “Fran” Rowe. She married Dan Gilman, August 3, 1996 and he survives. Owners of Gilman Electric, and she was a member of the Cloverdale Mainstreet Board.  

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son David Roeckel, daughter Kayly Roeckel and fiancé Jessica Miller.  Grandchildren, Hadley Roeckel, and Presley Roeckel.  Siblings, Hobe Nickerson, and John/Janie Nickerson.

Pam’s wishes were to be cremated with no funeral, no fuss, no muss.  A celebration of Pam’s life will be held on June 8th, at her home for all wanting to attend please reach out for more details.  Cremation was entrusted to Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale.  Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.  Donations may be made at any First National Bank office to help with medical costs, or mailed to First National Bank, c/o Pam Gilman, PO Box 248, Cloverdale, IN, 46120.