Obituaries for 4-23-25 - Clark-Scott and Washington Counties

Patricia F. Steele, 95, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Sellersburg community, peacefully departed this world on Friday, April 11, 2025.

She was born on January 19, 1930 in Central Station, West Virginia.

She brought joy and warmth to all who were fortunate to know her. A dedicated homemaker, Patricia poured her love and devotion into nurturing her family and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Her passion for community was evident in her active participation in several organizations. She was a valued member of Speed Memorial Church, where her faith and service touched many lives. She found joy and camaraderie with the Red Hat Society's "Purple Pin Up Girls," relishing their outings and companionship. Patricia was also a dedicated member of the Women's Christian Fellowship, the “Not So Shabby Knitters”, and the Nickel Knockers Card Club.

Patricia was predeceased by her beloved husband, William A. Steele, her parents Edgar Hayes Ferrebee and Bertha Leona Ferrebee, and her siblings Walter "Jack" Ferrebee, Edgar "Steve" Ferrebee, Kathleen Ferrebee, Ivy Ferrebee, Norma Ferrebee, Sharon Wagaman, Leona Brown, Gretta Powell, Helen Hreha, Glenda Kelly, and Gracie Alloway. Her memory will forever live in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Patricia is survived by her children: Waitman Steele (Rhonda), Mark Steele (Brenda), Kent Steele (Catherine), Katherine Engel (Jay), and Laura Bauer (Robert). Her legacy continues through her 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

Her funeral service was held on Monday, April 21 at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172).

Brenda Fay Smith, 76, of Charlestown passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the home of her son, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She was born on August 1, 1948, in Jeffersonville, IN, to Laymon “Jake” and Grace Weddle Franklin. Brenda was a member of Community Presbyterian Church and a retired vice president for First Savings Bank in Clarksville, IN, where she worked for 30+ years. She was a member of the Women’s Council at the bank, where they helped buy Christmas gifts and clothing for young professional women who were just getting started. She enjoyed traveling the countryside with her husband, being a homemaker, cooking, boating, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her sons, Timothy L. Smith (Allison) of Charlestown and Jason Smith (Jennifer) of Leitchfield, KY; brother, Randy Franklin (Beth) of Jeffersonville, IN, sister, Wanda Lindenmayer (Bob) of Charlestown; grandchildren Austin Smith, Ashleigh Smith, Nathan Smith, Justin Smith, Julia Smith and 1 great granddaughter, Jaclyn.

Life Celebration Services were held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, with burial in Crown Hill Cemetery in New Washington.

Mata Lee Ingram Ison, 94, formerly of Charlestown, IN passed peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at her home in Louisville, KY.

She was born on February 7, 1931, at her family home on Defeated Creek in Line Fork, KY, to parents, Kirby and Mazie Halcomb Ingram.

Mata was a retired employee for ICI Americas. She was a past Worthy Matron, Order of the Eastern Star, Blazing Bright #597, and a member of the Chester Hogg Old Regular Baptist Church.

Mata enjoyed square dancing and clogging and was a past member of The Pistols and Petticoats Dance Club. She was an avid walker and part of a local walking club. She also participated for many years in the Indiana Senior Games, winning several events. She loved to garden, fish, camp, travel, sew, crochet, and was a wonderful cook. She loved movies and music, especially Elvis. Mata loved watching college basketball and was a die-hard University of Kentucky fan.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband of 45 years, Venon Ison, brothers, Oval Ingram, Charles Ingram, and Lloyd Ingram, and sisters, Oease Cornett and Mary Cornett.

She is survived by her children, son, Jeffrey L. Ison (Connie) of Clarksville, IN, daughters, Beverly Denise Wolford (David) and Mazie Delane Wise (Jeff), both of Louisville, KY. Grandchildren, Jeremy Ison (Jamie) of New Albany, IN, and Jordan and Olivia Wise, both of Denver, CO. Great-Grandchild, Jared Venon Ison (Sharon) of Jeffersonville, IN, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Life Celebration Services were held on Thursday, April 17 at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown with burial in Charlestown Cemetery.

Expressions of Sympathy may be made to the Chester Hogg Old Regular Baptist Church, Clark County Humane Society, or the Louisville Humane Society.

Dennis Ray Bower, 68 of New Washington, IN, passed away at his home on Thursday evening, April 10, 2025.

Dennis was born on September 14, 1956, in Jeffersonville, IN, to Kenneth and Wanda Oakly Bower. Dennis was a former owner of Bowers LP Gas, Four Quarters Mini Mart, and Home Owners Maintenance Service. He was also a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sister-in-law, Greg and Marissa Bower.

Survivors include his wife Sally May Bower, sons, Jeremy Bower (Melissa) of New Washington, Shawn Bower (Mae) of Nabb, IN and Derek Bower (Michelle ) of Sanford, FL, daughter, Emily Dunn (Jared) of Marysvile, IN, sisters, Marsha and Kimberly Bower both of New Washington, grandchildren, Zach Bower (Laakin), Olivia Bower, Landon Bower, Gabrielle Dunn, Gavin Dunn, Allie Steffano, John Crawford, a great granddaughter Kaylee and 1 on the way, and several nieces and nephews.

Life Celebration Services were held. on Tuesday, April 15at Grayson Funeral Home in New Washington with Bro. Ray Bowyer officiating. Burial followed in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Daniel Ray Townsend, 66, of Charlestown, IN, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home.

Daniel was born to the late James and Barbara Townsend on January 23, 1959, in East Chicago, IN.

Daniel was an electrician by trade and a homebody by choice. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Daniel was always cheering on IU and the Miami Dolphins anytime they played.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel Townsend of Bardstown, KY, and Roman Townsend (Megan) of Coxs Creek, KY.; daughter, Alisha Fisher (Brian) of Jeffersonville, IN; brothers, James and Timothy Townsend; sisters, Brenda Townsend, Sherri Taylor, and Debra Oehmann; along with his grandchildren, Malachi, James, Kaeden, Daelynn, and Landon.

Daniel’s wishes were for cremation. Grayson Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

Donald "Mac" E. McDonough, 93, a devoted family man and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Westminster Village Kentuckiana.

He was born on June 29, 1931, in Jeffersonville, to the late George and Helen McDonough. Mac was a faithful member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. His commitment to service extended to his country, with honorable service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and later the Army National Guard. He further served his community through 31 years of employment with the U.S. Post Office.

He found strength and fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous, marking 39 years of sobriety and offering support to Serenity House. His passion for community and history was evident in his membership in the Clarksville Historical Society, the Kentuckiana Archeological Society, St. Vincent de Paul, American Legion Post #204 (Sellersburg, IN), and the Knights of Columbus #1348 (Jeffersonville, IN).

He is survived by his wife Martha McDonough of Clarksville, IN; daughter Elaine Duncan (Jerry) of Sellersburg, IN; grandchildren Matthew Duncan, Erin Duncan Murphy (Joey), and Sarah McDonough (Erin McCrudden); siblings George McDonough (Nancy), and Patrick McDonough (Lisa) and Joyce Cabe.

He is preceded in death by his sons Vincent McDonough and Martin McDonough; parents; siblings Marie Holmberg, Mary Ann Kuhn, Patricia McDonough, and Steven McDonough.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with burial following at St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled on Tuesday, April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at E.M. Coots’ Sons Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Rauch Inc., St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and/or Serenity House Clarksville, IN.

Beth Ann (Moler) Rodewig, 63, passed away surrounded by her family on April, 10, 2025, in New Albany, Indiana.

Beth was born in Marietta, Ohio on September 26, 1961, to the late Ethel C. (Gavin) Batman and William E. Moler.

Beth graduated from New Albany High School in 1979 after moving to New Albany, Indiana in 1973 with her family. She later married the love of her life, Michael Rodewig, on June 16, 1990, and they enjoyed 35 years of marriage.

From a young age, Beth always aspired to be a business owner and fulfilled her lifelong dream when she owned and operated B. Rodewig & Associates while working for her beloved Avon for more than 35 years. She was even invited to join the prestigious “Biltmore Who’s Who” where she proudly reached notoriety as a top executive. While operating her flourishing business, she welcomed every opportunity for a conversation and a chance to catch up. She was the first to help anyone who needed it and never met a stranger.

Beth was truly a fighter and was proud to be a two-time cancer survivor. Throughout her battles, she had relentless perseverance and befriended countless fellow cancer patients. Over the decades, she was dedicated to her community of cancer survivors and was proud to be a member of the American Cancer Society. Even rising to multiple leadership levels with the Floyd County Relay for Life. Her passion for fundraising and advocating for other cancer survivors was unmatched.

Beth is preceded in death by her parents and step-parents (Doris Moler and Don Batman), as well as one brother, Brandon Dye, and one sister Donna Batman.

Leaving behind to cherish her memory, is her loving husband Michael Rodewig of New Albany. Her daughters, Amanda Richert (Chris) of Sellersburg and Andrea Tharp (Amber) of Sellersburg. Her grandchildren, Nicole Richert, Kendall Richert, Everly Richert, and multiple granddogs. Her siblings, Rebecca Allee (Jeff) of Floyd Knobs, Bobbi Linker (Greg) of Corydon, and Brent Hensley (Renee) of Corydon. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and adored friends who were loved like family.

A funeral service to celebrate her life was held at the Crossroads Community Church, 2248 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN on Wednesday, April 16. Entombment followed at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park. Kraft Funeral Service of New Albany was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider donating to her beloved American Cancer Society or we ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, friend, or take a walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day. Time waits for no one.

John William Daugherty, 78, of Marysville, IN. passed away on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, at the Hosparus Inpatient Center in Louisville, KY.

John was born in Louisville, KY, on March 10, 1947, to the late John W. and Deloras Schildnecht Daugherty.

John graduated from Southern High School in 1965. He continued his education, became a Master Electrician by trade, and taught at the Electrical Apprentice School.

John was an active community member, having memberships at the Hibernia Christian Church and the Eagles Nest Baptist Church while in Florida. He also held memberships at the Shively-Lewis-Parkland Lodge # 951 F & AM, Louisville, KY, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry -32’ for over 50 years, Louisville, KY, Kosair Shriners, Louisville, KY, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, The Balloon Society of Kentucky, and the IBEW Local 369 for 44 years..

John’s hobbies included Hot Air Ballooning, building his T-Bucket Hot Rod, motorcycling, and cheering on the UK Wildcats.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother Darrell Daugherty and his granddaughter, Emma Grace Felty.

John is survived by his loving wife, Patti Barnes Daugherty; son, Jonathan Scott Daugherty (Jennifer); daughter, Sarah Daugherty Felty (Scott); grandchildren, Hannah D. sanders (Matthew), Addison Daugherty, Trevor Daugherty, and Ella Felty; brothers, Ronald Daugherty (Becky), and Michael Daugherty (Helen); along with his stepchildren, Brandon Fields (Jennifer), and Cameron Fields (Jen).

Life Celebration services were held at Grayson Funeral Home in New Washington, IN. on Monday, April 21. Masonic services were held before the funeral service. Burial followed at the Barnes Cemetery.

With respect and love, the family asked that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Barnes Cemetery Association c/o Jeff Hall at New Washington State Bank. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Garnett “Gregg” Lowe, III, 79 of Charlestown, IN, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his home.

Gregg was born on October 29, 1945, the son of Garnett and Margaret Anne Lowe, Jr. He worked in Construction Sales with Rite Way and the former Contractor Sales and Rental in Louisville, KY. Gregg proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Charlestown, was a founding member of the Charlestown Historical Society, an original American Picker, and a member of the Charlestown Saturday Supper Club.

Gregg is survived by his daughter, Heather Duncan and her husband Jeremy of Charlestown; son Garnett “Grant” Lowe IV and his wife Melinda of Charlestown; brother, C. Matthew Lowe of Charlestown; grandchildren, Natalie Rogers (Patrick), Avery Duncan, Emerson Lowe, and Rhys Duncan; great-grandson, Foster Rogers. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Selene Kay Lowe, February 1, 2023; and brother, Scott Thomas Lowe.

The Life celebration gathering was held on Saturday, April 19, at the Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown.

Brenda Fay Smith, 76, of Charlestown passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the home of her son, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She was born on August 1, 1948, in Jeffersonville, IN, to Laymon “Jake” and Grace Weddle Franklin. Brenda was a member of Community Presbyterian Church and a retired vice president for First Savings Bank in Clarksville, IN,

where she worked for 30+ years. She was a member of the Women’s Council at the bank, where they helped buy Christmas gifts and clothing for young professional women who were just getting started. She enjoyed traveling the countryside with her husband, being a homemaker, cooking, boating, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her sons, Timothy L. Smith (Allison) of Charlestown and Jason Smith (Jennifer) of Leitchfield, KY; brother, Randy Franklin (Beth) of Jeffersonville, IN, sister, Wanda Lindenmayer (Bob) of Charlestown; grandchildren Austin Smith, Ashleigh Smith, Nathan Smith, Justin Smith, Julia Smith and 1 great granddaughter, Jaclyn.

Life Celebration Services were held on Friday, April 18 at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, with a burial in Crown Hill Cemetery in New Washington.

Eugene McIntosh, 87, of Paris Crossing, passed away at 11:55 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at his residence.

Born November 12, 1937, in Paris Crossing, he was the son of the late Willie and Josie McIntosh. He married Marie Joyce (Rayburn) Ferguson on November 17, 1978, in North Vernon; she survives.

Eugene attended Paris Crossing Schools and went to work for Reliance Electric as a set up operator, retiring in 1999 after 35 years. He attended Coffee Creek Christian Church in Paris Crossing. Eugene enjoyed mushroom hunting, gardening, woodworking, fishing and crafts.

Surviving with his wife, Joyce; are sons, Roger (Sheila) McIntosh of Deputy, David (Glenna) Ferguson and Scott (Debbie) Ferguson, both of Texas; daughters, Tina Proffitt of Paris Crossing and Tammy (Randy) Lusk, of Seymour; brothers, Steve (Gail) McIntosh of Paris Crossing and Curt (Karen) McIntosh of Nashville; sister Wanda Sullivan of North Vernon; twenty grandchildren; and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Geraldine Sue (Stogdill) McIntosh on October 18, 1975; son, Todd McIntosh; daughters, Polly Jo Ferguson; brothers David and Jack McIntosh; sisters, Patty Kramer, Fran Bratcher, Henrietta Mettler, Birdie Adams, Ileen Wetzel, Judy Baker, and Edna Rockey; son-in-law, Brian Proffitt; and great-grandchildren, Arabella Jade and Lucas Ferguson.

A funeral service for Eugene was conducted on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with the Rev. Ronnie McKinney and Rev. Damon Marling officiating. The visitation for family and friends was on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial was immediately followed in the Coffee Creek Christian Church Cemetery in Paris Crossing.

Memorials in honor of Eugene may be made through the funeral home to the American Cancer Society or Schneck Foundation Hospice.

Nick Lee James, 74, of Madison, Indiana, entered this life on December 5, 1950 in Winchester, Indiana. He was the loving son of the late Hubert Eugene and Nilah Maxine Green James. He was a 1969 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School and went on to obtain his BSN from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois in 1973. He married Aleta Kay Potter on June 27, 1970 at the Madison First Church of the Nazarene. This happy union of nearly 55 years was blessed with children, Jason, Amanda, and Devin. He began working at King’s Daughter’s Hospital at age 16 as an orderly and stayed as an RN from 1974 to 1980. He served as the Director of Nursing from 1980 to 1990. He then worked from 1990 to 1992 at the Madison State Hospital as a registered nurse. In 1992 he returned to King’s Daughters’ Hospital, where he worked as the Director of the Intensive Care Unit for 18 years before his retirement in 2012. He attended and held membership in the Madison First Church of the Nazarene. Nick was a charter member of the Southeastern Indiana Nurses Honor Guard. He loved horseback riding, his trips to Myrtle Beach, and taking care of his lawn. He was awaiting the birth of another great grandson due in May. Nick died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12:51 a.m. at his home in Madison, Indiana with his loving family at his side.

Nick will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Aleta Kay Potter James of Madison, Indiana; his loving sons, Jason James and his companion, Paula Colwell of Madison, Indiana, Devin James and his wife, Angie of Scottsburg, Indiana; his loving daughter, Amanda Michelle James Berry Vance and her husband, Jason of Madison, Indiana; his grandchildren, Kelsey (Josh), Brandon, Kaitlinne (Ben), Dalton (Constance), and Keirstin; his great-grandchildren, Brier, James, and Gunner; his sisters, Pam Bruther of Madison, Indiana, Carol Wolf and her husband, Jon of Madison, Indiana, Valerie Graham of Madison, Indiana; his sisters-in-law, Sandy Potter and her wife, Kathy of Seymour, Indiana, Cindy Sparks and her husband, Syd of Aurora, Indiana; his brother-in-law, Allen Douglas “Doug” Potter and his wife, Juanita of Kent, Indiana; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Eugene James, his mother, Nilah Maxine Green James, his sister, Sherry Lynn James, his brother-in-law, Danny Bruther, and his son-in-law, Lance Christopher Berry.

Funeral services were conducted on Friday, April 18, 2025, by Rev. Joe Cartwright at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Private Interment will follow in the Dupont Cemetery in Dupont, Indiana.

The Southeastern Indiana Nurse Honor Guard will honor Nick on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southeastern Indiana Nurse Honor Guard. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com.

Charles Edward “Charlie” Cain, 87, of Deputy, Indiana entered this life on June 29, 1937 in Jefferson County, Indiana. He was the loving son of the late Walter and Elizabeth Graham Cain. He resided nearly all of his life in the Deputy community and graduated in 1955 from Deputy High School. On June 14, 1958 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Inness at the Lick Branch Baptist Church near Deputy. This happy union of nearly 67 years was blessed with sons, Bill, Tom, and Floyd and daughters, Joy and Patsy. He farmed all of his life, but had worked early in life for Williamson Heater and Cummins Engine Company. He retired from U.S. Filter/Rex/Chain-Belt in Madison after 37 years of service as a brake operator. He had enjoyed being a cub scout leader earlier in life. He was a member of the Coffee Creek Christian Church in Paris Crossing, Indiana. His passion was farming, gardening, mowing the lawn, and being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlie died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 8:10 p.m. at the Hampton Oaks Health Campus in Scottsburg, Indiana.

Charlie will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Mary Jane Inness Cain of Deputy, Indiana; his loving sons, Bill Cain and his wife, Julie of Deputy, Indiana, Tom Cain and his wife, Jeannette of Milan, Indiana, Floyd Cain and his wife, Mary of Deputy, Indiana; his loving daughters, Joy Whitesell and her husband, Jim of Greenwood, Indiana, Patsy Smith and her husband, Ricky of Deputy, Indiana; his grandchildren, Crystal, B.J., Cuyler, Hannah, Jacob, Jana, Nicole, Ricky, Josh, Charlie, Candi, Jessica, and Wesley; his great grandchildren, Mason, Myles, Levi, London, Hudson, Brantley, Barrett, Jacelyn, Charlie, Mia, Jolie, Harvey, Raelyn, Brantlee, Adilyn, Izzy, Emma, Molly, Emmett, and Claire; his God children, Airie “Wendy” and Airika “Cindy”; his brother in law, Ray Scully and his wife, Marilyn of Deputy, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Cain, his mother, Elizabeth Graham Cain, his daughter in law, Karen Sue Kuntz Cain, his granddaughter, Heather Jo Cain, his father in law and mother in law, Arthur and Velma Inness, and his uncle, Nelson Cain.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, April 17, 2025, by Pastor Gary “Mike” Sheets at the Pisgah United Methodist Church, 12451 West Deputy Pike Road near Deputy, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery near Deputy, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Riley Children’s Hospital. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com

Larry David Henry, 73, of Madison, Indiana entered this life on February 7, 1952 in Scottsburg, Indiana.

He was the son of the late Robert and Jenny Trotter Henry. He was raised in Austin, Indiana and graduated there in 1970. He then attended Rose Hulman and Indiana University. On August 20, 1977, he was united in marriage to Penny Sue Gaines at the Sandy Hook United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana. This happy union of nearly 48 years was blessed with two daughters, Jessica and Brittany. He worked as a radio broadcaster from the age of 16 until he was 56. He had worked for stations in Columbus, Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Detroit, Michigan. He enjoyed all sports and watching car races. He was a member of the Hanover Baptist Church in Hanover, Indiana. Larry served one term on the Madison Consolidated School Board and served on the board of the Jefferson County Humane Society. Larry died on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:35 p.m. at the Hosparus Inpatient Unit of Norton Pavilion in Louisville, Kentucky.

Larry will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Penny Sue Gaines Henry of Madison, Indiana; his daughters, Jessica McClanahan and her husband, Matthew of Howell, Michigan, Brittany Henry of Madison, Indiana; his grandchildren, Seth Henry, Juliet McClanahan and Kara McClanahan; his brother, Loren Henry and his wife, Nancy of Bloomington, Indiana; his niece, Suzanne Taggart; his great-nephew, Will Taggart; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barbara Geisler and her husband, Al of Ripley County, Indiana, Ronnie Gaines and his wife, Donna of North Vernon, Indiana, Ruth Shirey and her husband, Lowell of Greenwood, Indiana, Marie Gilpin and her husband, Raymond of North Vernon, Indiana, Mike Gaines and his wife Janet of Fishers, Indiana; several other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Henry, his mother, Jenny Trotter Henry, his brothers, Don Henry and Ron Henry, and his sister-in-law, Joyce Seale.

Cremation was chosen with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hanover Baptist Church. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover.

Online condolences, remembrances and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com

There will be a Celebration Of Life for Elizabth P. (LISA) Topalis on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10 am until noon at: Rivers of Living Waters, which is located at 711 W. Mulberry St. Salem, all family, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.

MERDIE DOTSON was born October 4, 1928 in Cromona, Kentucky, He was the son of Dewey A. Dotson and Bridgett (Gibson) Dotson.

He had been a resident of Washington County for most of his life and served during the Korean War in the U.S. Army.

When he first moved to Indiana, he worked at the Borden Cabinet Factory. Later he worked at the Fabri Form Company in Pekin for 35 yrs. And retired in 1990. Merdie liked to work in his garden, plant fruit trees and work on lawn mowers and other mechanical things.

Merdie married Florence (Vicky) Cantrell on June 2, 1953, and they were married 60 years at the time of her death on August 14, 2013.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: J.C. Richardson and James F. Dotson, a sister: Georgia Anderson, a son Alex “Roby” Dotson and 2 grandsons: Anthony “Tony” Dotson and Derek Dotson.

He is survived by: 2 sons: Randy (Carol) Dotson and Roy (Lori) Dotson 2 Daughters: Mona (Jimmy) Dotson and Bonita (Tim) Kruer Grandchildren: Missi (Charlie) McNeely, Dustin (Vanessa) Partridge, Bridget (Aaron) Byrd, Eric (Melanie) Dotson, Meagan (Brad) Devore, Trent (Brittany) Dotson, Autumn (Clayton) Hogan, Kelsey (Joey) Kruer, Alex Dotson and Angie (Dearl) Layton. Great grandchildren: Eliana, Justice, Anthony, Olivia and Travis Dotson, Isabella, Chaylee and Cainen Byrd, Bella and Benny Scott, Gracie Birge, Mason, Conrad and Colton Partridge, Westin and Collin Devore, Corbin Hogan, Randdi McNeely and great great granddaughter, Callie Jones.

Funeral Service was Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Dawalt Funeral Home, followed by interment in Mt. Washington Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial Contributions to Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250 www.dav.org/ or Mt. Washington Cemetery Association C/O Bonita Kruer 440 S Gobbler Knob Road Pekin, Indiana 47165.

JEWELL C. (JACKSON) SWEENEY, a longtime resident of Salem, Indiana, passed away on April 12, 2025. She was 90 years old. She was the daughter of Sherman and Frowe (Duke) Jackson of Bedford, Indiana, and was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Sweeney, whom she married on January 1, 1955.

She leaves behind three children, Marti (Sweeney) Colglazier and Scott Colglazier of Bloomington, Indiana, Vicki (Sweeney) Dowling and Shayne Dowling of Salem, Indiana, and Joe Sweeney and Marla Sweeney of Otisco, Indiana. She had eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Additionally, she had one great great grandchild. Jewell grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Her oldest sister, Myra Lee Shipman, is the only remaining sibling and lives in Bedford.

Jewell was known and respected throughout the Salem community. In addition to being a supportive wife and mother, and an active member of the Salem High Street Church of Christ, she also worked in the Superior Court Clerk’s office from 1973 – 1991. She then was the manager of the Division of Motor Vehicles in Salem from 1991 – 1999. She treasured her

time as a public servant, always going out of her way to be helpful to people. Her combination of intelligent competency and good humor made her a reliable pillar in the community. She loved baking, reading, playing euchre with friends, and of course spending time with her many

great grandchildren.

After her retirement she enjoyed walking with friends and then sharing coffee at H&R Bakery. She was a regular participant in a Purdue “Extension” group and was also active in a “farmer’s club” with her husband David. Her sharp wit, intelligence, and affable personality brought great joy to her family and friends. Even in her last years, she continued to hop out of bed, dressed herself, and was ready to go should anyone call. To say the least, Jewell was a doer and quick to say “yes” to a daily adventure.

As she grew more frail over the past few years, Jewell was lovingly supported by all her children who provided considerable care and attention. Throughout her life she offered warm hospitality to friends and family. As her family was growing up, Jewell put together a weekly Sunday meal after church services, and that dinner table became a place of stories, raucous laughter and conversation. For decades she hosted a Christmas morning breakfast for her family. She was never flustered when making room for one more person at the table. One of her greatest joys was to see all three of her children become quality adults, each one

successful, happy and making contributions to the world.

In keeping with her exemplary Christian faith, services honoring Jewell’s life  were April 18 at Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem. Burial followed in Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washington County Community Foundation.