Richard Harold Pitts, 70, of Fillmore, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at Hendricks Regional Health.

Richard was born in Wyandotte, Mich., on Oct. 3, 1952, he was the son of Richard Charles and Margry May (Yost) Pitts.

He was a graduate of Paw Paw High School in Paw Paw, Mich. He graduated from heavy equipment operator school in Florida.

Mr. Pitts was a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Greencastle, and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 841. He worked as a heavy machine operator with Ralph Rogers for 10 years, then Hanson Aggregates for 25 years until he retired in 2010. He resumed working after retirement as a truck driver. He drove for Fred Cox, Jarbow Trucking and Collisi Trucking until 2017.

Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and trucking. He had a passion for cooking and a deep passion for operating heavy equipment, but above all he loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sue Pitts; two daughters, Christian Lee Crum (Rodney) and Holly Ann Phillips, (Bradley); four grandchildren, Paislee Ann Phillips, Case Phillip Crum, Brantley Douglas Phillips and Cohen Lee Crum; three sisters, Nancy Giordano, Pamela Williams (Tom) and Annie Parker (Steve); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Christina Carlson; and a brother, Timothy A Pitts.

A celebration of life will be planned by the family at a later date.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.

Wanda Lee Costin, 72, of Greencastle, passed away on Sept. 25, 2023, at her residence.

Wanda was born in Norton, Va., on Oct. 7, 1950, the daughter of Claude Wilson and Alice Virginia (Hall) Kegley, and was a graduate of Speedway High School.

Mrs. Costin was a member of New Providence Baptist Church, Moose Lodge 1592, Elks Lodge 1077 and Eagles 4388. She was house mother for Delta Tau Delta for over 26 years and truly enjoyed her job.

She enjoyed gardening, being outside and bird watching and was an avid DePauw University football fan.

Survivors include her two children, Raymond W. Hoover (Betty Andrews) and Jennifer Lee Watkins; a son-in-law, Rob Costin (Tricia); two grandchildren, Matthew Watkins and Andrew Watkins; a brother, Robert Preston Kegley (Sylvia); two sisters, Judy Willis (Jimmie) and Brenda Kay Schindler (Tom); a special aunt, Linda Simpson (Bill); and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 20 years, Jimmy Costin; five sisters, Mary, Barbara, Margaret, Joyce and Patricia; eight brothers, Eugene, Sanford, Carl, Charles, Paul, C.W., Howard and Richard; and a son-in-law, Dennis Walkins.

The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.

Candy Jo Booe, age 65, of Mount Meridian, passed away Sept. 23, 2023.

She was born April 27, 1958, in Greencastle to Robert Langdon and Shirley (Cummings) Brewer.

She married Brad Booe on April 9, 1978, and he survives.

She retried from Public Service Incorporated after 20-plus years and worked for South Putnam Schools for many years.

In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by her children, Amy Feazel and husband David, Holly Frye and husband Dustin and Dara Jessup and husband Mitchell. Also her five granddaughters; her stepfather, Frosty Brewer; and siblings Rick Langdon and wife Stacie, Randy Langdon and wife Kathy, Penny Blake and husband Ric and Rob Langdon.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her mother- and father-in-law, Lloyd and Margaret Booe.

Funeral services for Candy will be held Friday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. at Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at the Walnut Chapel Cemetery in Belle Union.

Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.

He was born at the hospital on Hillsdale Avenue, grew up in a house on Hillsdale Avenue, and married his high school sweetheart who also grew up on Hillsdale Avenue.

He graduated from Greencastle High School in 1957.

He attended DePauw University and pledged Phi Gamma Delta. He continued his studies at Indiana University in Bloomington and completed his degree in English from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Jim served his country as an artilleryman in the storied 1st Infantry Division from 1960 to 1963. He was deployed to Florida as part of the U.S. response to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He worked as a trade magazine editor, stockbroker, insurance agent, factory worker and correctional counselor. His career path included positions at The Rough Notes Company, E.F. Hutton, Lincoln National Life, General Motors and the Indiana Department of Corrections.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. W. J. Krider and Alice Jean (Wallace) Krider of Greencastle, and brother John J. Krider of Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Lanzone Krider, and stepsons Kirk Lanzone Terry and James Wade Terry. Jim is also survived by his former wife, Sandra L. McFarland of Tacoma, Wash. Amazingly, and quite improbably, he is survived by all four of his sons, Jason McFarland Krider of Woodland Park, Colo., Joseph Wallace Krider of Reston, Va., Jeffrey Auld Krider of Tacoma, Wash., and Justin Scott Krider of Mission, Texas. Jim was the proud grandad to MacKenzie Callaghan, Jonas Scott, Campbell Auld, James Angel, John Oscar and Juliet Sophia – Kriders all.

Kendra Kathleen (Petiniot) Mihlfeld, 30, of Robinson, Ill., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in an accident.

She was born in Terre Haute on Jan. 7, 1993, the daughter of Patrick J. “P.J.” and Leslie J. (LeCocq) Petiniot.

Kendra was a 2011 graduate of Linton-Stockton High School.

She worked at MTI Trucking in Robinson.

She enjoyed, fishing, archery, riding horses, throwing darts, riding ATVs and spending time with her friends.

She is survived by two sons, Bryce and Ryder Petiniot; her parents, P.J. and Leslie Petiniot of Greencastle; a sister, Samantha Petiniot of San Francisco; a brother, Ian Petiniot of Greencastle; maternal grandparents Bill and Darla LeCocq of Linton; paternal grandmothers Katie Prewitt of Greencastle and Char Petiniot of Waldron, Mich.; a niece, Leah; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her son, Hunter, and her paternal grandfather, Jim Petiniot.

Funeral service will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27 with James Stone officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linton. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a trust fund being organized for Kendra’s children through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with Kendra’s family at www.welchcornett.com.

Craig Robert Hess, 55, of Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023.

Born July 9, 1968 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Donald and Patricia (Oden) Hess. He was a 1986 graduate of Greencastle High School and received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Butler University in 1990.

Craig had been a car salesman for several years at various dealerships, most recently Napleton Italian Imports in Indianapolis. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts and Butler Basketball fan.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Craig is survived by his mother, Pat Hess; brother Scott (Brenda) Hess; niece Alyssa Hess; and nephew Brady Hess.

No services are scheduled. Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.

Larry Max Jones, 88, of Roachdale, passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 13, 2023 at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville.

He was born on Nov. 5, 1934 in Jeffersonville to Marvel Ruth (Dean) and Jesse Franklin Jones. He and the family, including older sister Joan, moved to the Roachdale area after the Ohio River flood of 1937.

Larry attended Barnard and Roachdale schools. In high school he was on the basketball team and served as senior class president.

Larry joined the National Guard, serving in Louisiana during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He attended Purdue University and was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity.

Purdue is also where he met his future wife, Elizabeth Rinsch. they were married on Sept. 18, 1960. They shared 57 years of marriage before she passed on Jan. 29, 2018. Larry briefly taught school in Montezuma then returned to the family farm, where he and Liz worked and raised their two children.

Larry was a member of the Roachdale Baptist Church, where he was an elder and sang in small groups with his strong bass voice. He was a past school board member of North Putnam High School. He was a former member of the Roachdale Optimist Club. He was on the Putnam County Planning Commission for 30 years. He was honored by the Sons of the American Revolution and was a Kentucky Colonel.

He enjoyed fishing after a long day of farming, polka dancing and traveling the world with his wife and watching college basketball, especially Purdue.

Larry is survived by daughter Karen Hauer (Rex) of Vallonia; son Kevin Jones (Darlene Daniels) of Roachdale; grandsons Clay Hauer (Fayeann) of Brownstown and Clark Hauer of Vallonia; great-granddaughter Lorene Addilyn Hauer; niece Suzanne Leeke (Kevin Kerns) of Roachdale; nephews Gene Williams (Cindy) of Lake St. Louis, Mo., and Ron Williams (Kay) of Rancho Mirage, Calif.; sister-in-law Marianne Rinsch of Colulmbus, Ohio; and nephews Carl and Daniel Rinsch of Los Angeles and Chris Rinsch of Lucerne, Switzerland; and his dear companion, Fay Bartlett of Roachdale.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Roachdale Baptist Church, 10 N. Lanoke St., with Pastor Shannon Ivers officiating. Burial will follow in Roachdale Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. until service time also at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Larry’s memory to the Roachdale Baptist Church.

You are invited to visit www.serviesmorgan.com where you may share a memory or condolence with the family. Services & Morgan Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Cynthia Myra Oare Dewes was born Oct. 30, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minn., the only child of Arthur Henry Oare and Pearl Marion Keller Oare.

She was the apple of her parents’ eye and spent her childhood in Wayzata and Minneapolis. In 1954 she graduated cum laude in English from the University of Minnesota and married Edward Henry Dewes II on Sept. 11 of that same year.

Cynthia has a long history of service to her community, having served on the Indiana Board of Special Education Appeals for 25 years and for 30 years was a freelance writer, columnist and staff member of The Criterion newspaper for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

She was an active member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis and later at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Greencastle. She was also a den mother to her sons and a member of the Community Service Extension Homemakers Club in Bainbridge.

Cynthia died on Sept. 12, 2023, of COVID and other complications at close to 91 years of age. Cynthia believed in living life to the full and was grateful for her long and joyous one. “It´s a wonderful life“ was how she liked to put it.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Ed, who passed away in 2020, as well as two sons, Peter David (Sandee Schlosser) Dewes and Andrew Paul Dewes.

Cynthia is survived by four children, William (Dianne), Katherine (Johannes), James (Rita) and John (Susan); and by daughters-in-law Sandee Schlosser and Janice Dewes. She has 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren (plus one deceased) to date, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 at Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home in Greencastle. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at St. Paul’s Church in Greencastle, followed by a celebration of life. Burial next to Ed and their sons will take place at Washington Park Memorial Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Contributions may be made in honor of Cynthia’s life. Please visit the Bittles & Hurt website to leave condolences and for donation information at www.BittlesandHurt.com.

Robert S. Flint, 98, died peacefully at St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital on Sept. 9, 2023.

He was born in Detroit on Aug. 21, 1925 to Cecil and Georgia Flint. His family moved back to Greencastle when he was three years old, and he was raised there.

He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After returning home, he met the love of his life, Helen Tzouanakis, to whom he was married until her death 44 years later.

Bob was a licensed watchmaker and operated a jewelry store in Greencastle. After a few years, he moved his family to Kokomo to work at Delco Radio (electronics) as a technician in the crystal growing lab and later as a journeyman tool and die maker until his retirement in 1991.

From 1946 to 2000, he also worked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the safety patrol for the Indy 500 activities each May.

Bob joined the Masons at 21 years of age. He became more active in his later years, holding many official positions and receiving multiple honors. In addition, Bob was a member of the board of directors and served as the treasurer for the Horologic Association of Indiana.

Bob also greatly enjoyed driving his minivan around the country to visit friends and family, often traveling nearly 6,000 miles in a single trip.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James; his wife, Helen; his youngest son, Regan; and his oldest granddaughter, Nicole.

He is survived by his brother, William (Mary); two sons, Robert II (Mitzi) and Rodney (Dawn); five grandchildren, Molly, Fabia, Ethan, Phoenix and Issabella; and eigh great-grandchildren, Brayden, Rori, Zayne, Harleigh, Niko, Grayson, Lyra and Reign.

Visitation will be held in Kokomo at Ellers Mortuary on Friday, Sept. 15 from 3-7 p.m. There will be a York Rite service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be held in Greencastle at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home on Monday, Sept. 18 from 3-7 p.m. There will be a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. with a procession to the cemetery to follow.

Please, rather than flowers, make a donation to your preferred charity in Bob’s memory.

Barbara Joan (White) Bryan, 69, of Greencastle, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, surrounded by her family.

She was born Jan. 8, 1954, in Greencastle, the daughter of Donald H. and Rosalie (Allison) White.

She was a graduate of Greencastle High School in the class of 1972 and received her bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University in 1976 and her CPA in 1980.

Barbara worked as a CPA and controller with the Putnam County Community Foundation for several years. She previously worked with several nonprofit foundations.

She was a member of AICPA, the Indiana CPA Society and the First Baptist Church, Greencastle.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Alan Bryan; sons Patrick Bryan and Paul (Chloe) Bryan; sisters Jeanne (Ray) Labarbera and Phyllis (Jim) Cook; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the First Baptist Church, 404 Judson Dr., Greencastle. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. on Saturday until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Barbara to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

https://pages.lls.org/ltn/in/Indianap23/TeamStateFarmCarmel.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family www.BittlesandHurt.com.

Jennifer Marie Kiplinger, 54, of Roachdale, passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 9, 2023, at her home.

Jeni was born May 19, 1969, in Hendricks County to the late George Abell and Jane (Taylor) Abell.

Jeni was a 1988 graduate of Cascade High School and went on to be a beautician for 25 years.

Jeni married Bradley M. Kiplinger and shared 22 years of marriage together.

Jeni loved arts and crafts. She was also an animal lover, especially after growing up on the farm. While others drove their car to school, Jeni would ride her horse. Jeni was such a kind and giving person to all who knew her, especially being a wife and mother; her children were her world. She was thought of as an angel on Earth.

She is survived by her husband, Brad M. Kiplinger; her children, Cody Abell, Logan Abell, Brooke Abell-Woods, Hunter Kiplinger and Christian Kiplinger; along with six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Abell.

A memorial visitation will start at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Roachdale Community Building, 204 N. Indiana St., Roachdale.

Memorial donations may be made to assist the Kiplinger family through Hoosier Heartland State Bank, P.O. Box 56, Roachdale, IN 46172.

You are invited to visit www.serviesmorgan.com where you may share a memory or condolence with the family.

Services & Morgan Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Freda Maxine Thrasher, 90, of Morgan County, passed away Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Life’s Journey in Avon.

She was born Friday, Dec. 16, 1932, to the late Carl and Dorotha (Beck) Pursell in Fillmore.

Freda spent her life raising and caring for her family, having successfully raised five children. She was employed at Meridian Insurance for 17 years. After she retired from Meridian, she remained active volunteering at Hendricks Regional Health. She and husband Charlie were also active in the Meals on Wheels program, bringing not only food but joy to the lives they helped. All the signs of a life well lived.

She is survived by her sons, Charles “Chuck” Thrasher III, Bruce Thrasher, Brian Thrasher and Kirk Thrasher; daughter Diana Rozema; brother Fred Pursell; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Charles “Charlie” Fredrick Thrasher Jr., whom she married on Nov. 8, 1952; parents Carl and Dorotha; brothers Bill Pursell and John Pursell; and sister Betty Query.

Visitation is 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Costin Funeral Chapel. Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at Costin Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dave Kaneversky officiating. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the service Thursday starting at 9:30 a.m. Freda will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Hall.

Belinda Jean Zeffel, 53, of Fillmore, passed away on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at her residence.

Belinda was born in Greencastle on May 31, 1970, the daughter of Vernon and Peggy (Carper) Zeffel.

She was a 1988 graduate of South Putnam High School.

Ms. Zeffel worked for 22 years with IAC.

She was a member of Well Spring Christian Church and assisted House of Hope for many years as a volunteer.

Belinda loved to watch NASCAR, and her favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Jr. She also enjoyed watching drag racing.

Survivors include her two sons, Ian Zeffel, Killeen, Texas, and Christian Zeffel, Evansville; a grandson, Mario Griffin, Colorado Springs, Colo.; two brothers, Michael Zeffel, (Diane), Golden, Colo.; and Billy Zeffel, (Kathy), Bainbridge; a sister Pat Morley, (Rob), Arvada, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.

Lila M. Jones, 85, formerly of Greencastle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Avon in Avon.

She was born in Brazil to Daniel and Ruth (Allen) Eaglin.

Lila worked as a sales clerk for Prevo, a teller at First Citizens Bank, a customer service clerk for the Indiana BMV and a customer service representative for Duke Energy before retiring.She loved to play golf and spend the winters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Roland (RJ) Jones, brothers Richard Eaglin and Fred Eaglin and sister Francis Mercer.

She is survived by her two sons, Randy L. Jones (Elaine) of Quitman, Ga., and Tony R. Jones (Charri) of Brownsburg; five grandchildren, Jessica (Stephen) Dasher of Valdosta, Ga., Dani (Billy) Giddens of Quitman, Ga., James (Baesha) Jones of Los Angeles, Calif., Betsy (Matt) Georgiou of Kingston upon Thames, England, and Chelsea (David) Jones of Fort Wayne; and two great-granddaughters, Emma Dasher and Isabelle Georgiou. She has one surviving sister, Loretta (Al) Pierce of Brazil, and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation services will be performed by Neptune Society in Indianapolis. A celebration of life and memorial service will be scheduled for the spring/summer of 2024.

To honor Lila’s memory, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Robert Lee “Bob” Chastain, 76, of Bainbridge, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born Nov. 26, 1946 in Salem, he was the son of Hobart and Harriet (Branaman) Chastain. He was a graduate of Medora High School.

Bob was a timber cutter and log truck driver, working for Pingleton Sawmill for several years. He also served in the Army National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Carrie Sue Bray and brother Jerry Chastain.

Bob is survived by wife Louisa (Lewis) Chastain, son Bobby Chastain, daughters Melissa Chastain and Carla Rosselot, brother John Chastain, sister Eleanor (Kenny) Hauser, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at the Bainbridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. on Saturday until time of service at the funeral home.

Rebecca Clarice Sears, 63, of Sheridan passed away on September 4, 2023, at her residence.

Rebecca was born in Greencastle on June 23, 1960, the daughter of John C and Beverley (Liptrap) Sears.

Ms. Sears was very active in Special Olympics, and was a member of the Daughters of the Revolution (DAR). She loved her time at PCCS in Greencastle, and was very dedicated to her parents and family.

Survivors include her two brothers, Chuck Sears, (Alison) and John Sears; several nieces’ nephews and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her maternal grandparents, Chester and Clarice Liptrap; her paternal grandmother, Ethel Sears; and her sister-in-law, Beth Sears.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Champion officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.

Perry Bryan Norman, of Cloverdale, passed away Sept. 6, 2023.

He was born Sept. 8, 1970, the son of Charles Earl Norman Sr. and Dorothy Frances (Cross) Norman.

He was a longstanding member of American Legion Post 281.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Charles Earl Norman Jr., Jerry Ryan Norman, Tony Bee Norman and Troy Lee Norman; and his sister, Angela Ellen Norman.

He is survived by his brothers, Randy, Robert, Jim and Don and their families.

Perry was a private person, laid back and always ready with a laugh. He is loved and will be missed by family and friends.

Garnet Ann Bacon, 68, passed away on Sept. 4, 2023.

She leaves a legacy of love and compassion.

Garnet is survived by her children, Michelle Wood (Chris Wood) and Jessica Wourms, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Cameron and Jessa.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 58, 1401 Indianapolis Rd., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Garnet’s warm smile and generous spirit will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in our hearts.

Amelia L. Crodian, 89, of Greencastle, passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Amelia was born in Jamestown on July 10, 1934, the daughter of Burl and Ruth Sperry.

On Oct. 17, 1954, Amelia married Hubert W. Crodian. Together they had four daughters, Diantha (Tony) Thornburg of Crawfordsville, Susan Crodian and Debra (Donald “Rum”) Rumley of Greencastle and Sharon (Marty) Wertz of Crawfordsville, and were blessed with one grandchild, Michael Rumley, Greencastle. They were lovingly married for 66 years. He preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 2020.

She is also survived by one sister, Ellen (John) Perry of Crawfordsville and multiple nieces and nephews.

Amelia was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy and light of her life was spending time with family. She enjoyed traveling, gospel music, flowers, gardening, watching hummingbirds and the fall season of the year.

Amelia and her husband operated a family greenhouse business at Morton for more than 20 years.

Amelia wishes were for a graveside service. Friends are invited to join her family for a life-remembered graveside service at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11 at Clinton Falls Cemetery, 5975 W CR 375 North, Greencastle, IN 46135, with Pastor Steve Blaydes officiating. Family and friends may arrive at the cemetery at 10:30 a.m.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family c/o www.Hopkins-Rector.com.

John G. Black, 80, Aurora, Colo., formerly of Greencastle, passed away on Aug. 31, 2023, at Castle Rock Assisted Living.

Born Feb. 20, 1943, in Greencastle, he was the son of Edwin Gifford and Mary Jane Black.

He was a 1961 graduate of Greencastle High School and went on to attend Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo.

On Dec. 1, 1968, he married Joyce Bills, who survives him. Married for 55 years, they lived in Greencastle until 2021, when they moved to Colorado to be closer to their two daughters.

John started his working years in the sales field. He went on to work for the Indiana Department of Transportation, where he retired after 30 years of service in 2005.

He enjoyed collecting coins, traveling and politics. He vacationed to Florida throughout his life and loved the Hawaiian Islands, where he frequented many times. He was very active in local and national politics, volunteering his time for local elections and campaigning for several candidates over the years.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Jane Black.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sister Barbara Black; daughters Kimberly Black (Scott Sheridan) and Jenny (Michael) Yeager; and grandchildren Vienne and Sam Yeager.

In memory of John, donations can be made to the Fraternal Order of Police, P.O. Box 934, Greencastle, IN 46135.

Brenda Sue Smith, 64, of Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at home with her family.

Brenda was born in New Albany on Nov. 4, 1958, the daughter of Nova June Cooper nee Tolliver and Farrell Hollen.

She was the stepdaughter of Gerald Cooper and Gay Hollen and sister of Dianna Cox (Gary) of Clayton, Curtis Cooper of Greencastle and Patty Hollen Doyle (Frank) and Paul Robinson of New Albany.

Brenda married Joseph Earl Smith on July 21, 1984. Together they had two children, Rebecca Cotterill (Nobi) of Wolverhampton, England, and Samuel Smith (Whitney) of Roachdale. They were lovingly married 31 years. He proceeded her in death on July 26, 2015.

From this union they were blessed with seven grandchildren, Dakotah VanEvery, Kavaun (Jade), Keenan, Kendal and Kimberlyn Treadwell and Jeffrey and Jonas Smith, and two step-grandchildren, Curtis Cotterill and Honey Cottams. She was expecting her first great-grandchild in November 2023. Brenda was the beloved aunt of Tonya (Jimmy) Cummings and Matt (Whitney) Cox.

Brenda started working for the United States Postal Service in the 1980s. She started out as a mail processing clerk and worked her way up over the years, retiring as a mail processing supervisor after 25-plus years of service.

Brenda was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy, though, was being a grandmother, as her grandkids range from age 27 to 6. She was their biggest cheerleader and No. 1 fan in life. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally. She spent a good part of her life attending all her grandkids’ functions, from plays to recitals to sporting events.

When she wasn’t spending time with her grandkids, she would be playing bingo or going to the casino with her mom and sister Dianna. Brenda also shared a very special relationship with her daughter-in-law, Whitney, whom she loved as if she were one of her own children.

Five years after the death of her husband, Brenda met David Vanderipe, now deceased, who became her life partner. Dave and Brenda enjoyed each other tremendously. In July 2022, they embarked on a journey to visit her daughter and grandchildren in England. Their memories from the trip will be forever treasured.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; life partner Dave; and brother Curtis.

Service will be held Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, 4 Percy L Julian Dr., Greencastle. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to North Putnam youth football, North Putnam youth baseball or a donation to brain cancer research in Brenda’s name.

Coleton James Giberson, 26, of Cloverdale, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

Coleton was born in Mattoon, Ill., on July 15, 1997, the son of Chrissy Baker.

He was employed with York Automotive. Coleton loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed fishing, hiking in the woods, traveling and animals. He loved his family and friends above all else.

Survivors include his mother; a brother, Caiden Baker; a sister, Hanna Lovell; his grandmother, Kathy Giberson; an uncle, Jason Giberson (Anna); his great-grandfather, Richard Pickle (Sharon); two great-great-uncles, Todd and Dean Pickle; a brother, Noah Baker; a cousin, Michael French (Angela); and his best friend, Peyton Henigman.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Giberson; and his great-grandmother, Juanita Gordon.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Adkins officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until time of service on Thursday.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.

Janis Marie Irwin went to be with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, on Aug. 30, 2023.

She was born in Muncie on July 18, 1952, to Merl and Alberta Green. Her mother survives her.

Jani, as she was fondly called by her family and friends, received her LPN from Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie and then a respiratory therapy degree from Ball State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in history from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and from the University of Montana.

She met her future husband, Dr. Steve Irwin, while working as a respiratory therapist at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville. They were married in 1977.

For the first five years of their marriage, the Irwins lived in the small West Central Indiana town of Roachdale, where Jani helped her husband with a busy medical practice, and they established many precious lifelong friendships.

In 1983, they moved to Smugglers Point on Flathead Lake in Montana. Jani thrived on the Montana lifestyle and with her husband, enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and boating. Soon after, she relished the opportunity to raise her two sons in the same adventurous footsteps.

Jani cherished her community of faithful friends at New Life Church and served in the church’s children’s ministry. She worked for 16 years as the school nurse at Cherry Valley Elementary School and volunteered in innumerable community activities including the hospital auxiliary, and for the last 15 years as a volunteer at St. Joseph Medical Center’s oncology clinic.

Jani and her husband were fortunate to be able to travel the world. They visited all seven continents, hunting and fishing on most of them, and saw the Seven Wonders of the World. She was a book author and had many published magazine articles to her credit.

Through all Jani’s life and adventures, her strength, joy and peace were rooted in her love for Jesus. At home, in her community and in her travels, she never missed an opportunity to share the life-changing, eternal love of God. Her legacy of faith lives on in the countless hearts of those she loved and nurtured.

She is survived by husband Dr. Steve Irwin and two sons, Tyler and his wife Nicole and grandchildren Sienna and Graham and by Spencer and his wife, Stephanie, and grandchildren Owen, Brynn, Eli and Ezra. She leaves behind six siblings, Greg, Peggy, Mary, Julie, Mark, and Libby and their spouses.

Sister Cathy preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the oncology unit of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, P.O. Box 1010, Polson, MT 59860.

Her funeral service will be held at New Life Church in Polson on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 2 pm.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Betty Jewel Ridgway, 71, of Greencastle, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.

Betty was born in Somerset, Ky., on Nov. 24, 1951, the daughter of Elbert Wesley and Era Grace (Burton) Poynter.

She was a 1970 graduate of North Putnam High School.

She married the love of her life, Louis Ridgway III, on Feb. 14, 1971. They were married for 52 years. Louis took excellent care of her as she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.

Mrs. Ridgway worked for more than 30 years as a commercial underwriter with American States Insurance and Safeco.

She is in no more pain. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: For the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Survivors include her husband; a brother, Tim Poynter (Pam) of Greencastle; two sisters, Carolyn Winslow (David) of Kokomo and Devonna Fogle (Jacob) of Greencastle; a sister-in-law, Debra Poynter of Greencastle; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, John, James and Ray Poynter; and a sister, Arlene Poynter.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Clinton Falls Cemetery with Pastor Carl Sparks officiating. Family and friends may arrive at the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.