Obituaries from March 26, 2025 from The Scott, Clark and Washington County Herald

Mar 28

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Ruthie Carol Lewellen, 49, departed this life on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Norton Clark Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

She was born on April 12, 1975, in Jeffersonville. Ruthie was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend. She brought love, kindness, and a generous spirit into all she did and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Ruthie began work at 15 years old at Powell’s Restaurant in New Washington, Indiana, showcasing her dedication and strong work ethic from a young age. She later took her skills to Rick’s Cabinets in New Albany, Indiana, where she worked for many years as a finisher, admired for her meticulous attention to detail and instilled pride in her craft.

Ruthie is survived by her loving husband, Joe Duane Lewellen and daughters, Jo Filisity Lewellen and Savana Lewellen (Wyatt). She also leaves behind step-sons, Dustin Stansberry and Waylon Cress. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren: Devin Stansberry, Arora Ruth Sandlin, Issic Stansberry, Waylon Cress, and great-grandchildren, Sabastion Stansberry and Layla Cress.

Ruthie is also survived by her father, Bill David Cochran, brothers Eddie Cochran (Tammy), Fred Boling (Sandy) and Don Cochran (Tina), her sister, Pam Boling (Alan) and her nephew, Alan Boling III. Her family extended to a warm circle of friends and relatives who will miss her deeply.

Preceding her in death were her mother, Pamela Boling; her grandmother, Ruth Reed; her cousin, Kiki Reed; and her sister, Lois Cochran.

Her funeral service was held at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana), on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

The family asks for memorial contributions to be made to Garr Funeral Home to help with final expenses.

Sharla Hostetler, 62, passed away peacefully at her home in New Washington, Indiana, on March 13, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on May 29, 1962, Sharla was a cherished member of her community and loved deeply by her family.

Sharla was a devoted wife to her husband, Randy Hostetler, and a loving mother to her son, Ryan Hostetler (Jennifer). She was an adored grandmother to Easton, Ava, Luke, Dalton, and Hunter. Her family was her pride and joy, and she loved them unconditionally.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Raymond Davis, her brother and sister-in-law Charlie and Sandy Davis, and her nephew Joey.

Sharla was known for her witty and caring personality. She embraced life with enthusiasm, which was evident in her hobbies. Sharla enjoyed gardening, working on the farm, and an occasional good night at the casino.

A Life Celebration Service was held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in New Washington.

In honor of her memory, the family requests that instead of flowers, contributions be made to Amedysis Hospice, in gratitude for the exceptional care they provided to Sharla.

Mary Regina Baird, 63, of Nabb, IN passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville, KY.

She was born on October 17, 1961, in Jeffersonville, IN, to Eugene and Josephine Ann Day Robison. She was a supervisor in the medical manufacturing industry, working for Freudenberg Medical in Jeffersonville. She was also a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a stepson, Justin Baird.

Survivors include her husband, Martin Baird; sister, Linda Dailey (Barry) of Charlestown; brother, Stephen Robison (Kaylah) of Sellersburg, IN; grandchildren, Carter Baird of New Washington, Julia Baird in Jeffersonville, and Willow Baird of New Washington, step children, Marian Elizabeth Reagan of Alabama and Jacquline Baird of New Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

Life Celebration Services werer held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in New Washington, with Rev Ray Bowyer officiating. Burial followed in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Daniel C. Cox, Jr., 62 of Jeffersonville, IN, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the University of Louisville Hospital.

He was born on September 14, 1962, in Christiansburg, VA, to Daniel C. Cox, Sr. and Dolly S. Price Cox. Daniel was an Army veteran and a retired manager in the automated repair business. Daniel enjoyed reading, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his sister, Tammy Boman and her husband Tim of Marysville, IN; fiancé, Nonnie Hughes of Otisco, IN; nephew, Jason Case (Kelly); niece, Brooke Mehling (Garrett), great nephew, Preston Daniel Case, great niece Wrenley Nicole Mehling, and his faithful companion, Rusty.

Life Celebration Services were held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, with burial in Charlestown Cemetery.

Matilda Barbara Cooke, 98, passed away on March 14, 2025.

She was born on August 10, 1926, in Sellersburg, Indiana. Matilda lived a life filled with love and faith. She attended St. John Paul II Catholic Church.

Matilda is survived by her son, Ronnie (Debbie) Cooke. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Lucille "Dot" Triplett, as well as her six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Graf and Mary Zapp Graf; her beloved husband, Colen Cooke; and her children, William "Bill" Cooke, Larry "Joe" Cooke, and Lana Sartini. Matilda is also preceded in death by her siblings, Bill Graf, Mary Payne, Celine Davidson, Bertha Graf, and Robert Graf. Each of these relationships shaped her, leaving a lasting impression that lived on within her family.

Her funeral service was held on Saturday, March 22 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). with burial following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in New Albany.

William "Terry" Baldwin, 74, passed away on March 15, 2025.

Born in Dayton, OH, on April 26, 1950, Terry was the son of the late Russell Baldwin and Joan Ramp. At the age of nine, he moved from Marietta, OH, to Sellersburg, IN, where he grew up and graduated from Silver Creek High School in the class of 1968.

Terry furthered his education at Ivy Tech and Spencerian colleges, where he honed his electrical skills. He worked for Conrail Railroad until 1982 before beginning a long career at Philip Morris USA, first at the Louisville, KY, plant and later transferring to the Concord, NC, plant, where he worked until his retirement in 2010.

Throughout his life, Terry lived in multiple places, including Concord, NC; Hatteras, NC; Leitchfield, KY; Charlestown, IN; and ultimately New Albany, IN. He was a man of many passions, enjoying camping, fishing from the bank or his bass boat, woodworking, and attending Renaissance Faires. A devoted NASCAR fan, he loved watching races and even had the thrill of driving on the track at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. His love for Halloween was evident in his elaborate costume and campsite designs at the Brown County KOA and the haunted house setups for Boy Scout Troop 7 in Sellersburg. An avid gamer, he enjoyed both PC and board games, as well as a good game of chess.

Terry had a deep love for animals and actively supported several organizations, including the Animal Protection Agency, Clark County Humane Society, Alley Cats Advocates, and Mount Pleasant Animal Rescue. He was also a past member of Morton Memorial UMC and a current member of the Cowboy Church Network.

Among his many accomplishments, Terry once bowled a perfect 300, was baptized in a horse trough, rode a bull, went skydiving twice, and even acted in two Christian cowboy films. He was a man who valued hard work, humor, and kindness. Though generally quiet, he had a smile for everyone and delighted in pranks that brought laughter to those around him. He especially loved hiking the trails at Charlestown State Park with his beloved dog, Angel.

Terry is survived by his ex-wife, Marsha Kiger Baldwin, whom he married in 1976; his daughter, Crystal Stroud (Skottie); his son, Christopher Baldwin (Cheryl O’Malley); and his cherished grandchildren, Mason, Tyler, Jemma, and Lilly Stroud.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Bennett Place, The Historic Villages of Silvercrest, and Interim Healthcare for their compassionate care.

His funeral service was held at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, on Wednesday, March 19. Burial followed in Charlestown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Charlestown State Park in Terry’s honor.

Brian Ridings, 46, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025. He was born in Louisville, KY on August 25, 1978 to Taylor and Sharon Ridings.

In addition to his parents, Brian is survived by his brother, Corey (Amber) Ridings; his aunts, Lynn Vaught and Leslie Horenburger; his sister-in-law, Gretchen Rose; brother-in-law, Martin Scott; and his faithful companion, Mr. Beans.

Brian is preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Scott Ridings; grandparents, Kathleen and Bob Ridings and Ann and Bob Kleier; and his uncle, Phillip Ridings.

Brian was a 1997 graduate of Providence High School. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree at IUS.

Brian was a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold as big as the sun. His easy-going nature coupled with his sense of humor made him loved by all that knew him. Brian had a way with words, both spoken and written. He was an accomplished speechwriter for the mayor of New Albany, Jeff Gahan. Brian loved his job as a Learning Lab Specialist at Fairmont Elementary School in New Albany. Brian was an avid UK fan. He enjoyed watching both football and basketball. In the late 90’s, Brian and his dad spent many Saturdays at Commonwealth Stadium. Brian also loved Harry Potter, Stranger Things, and all things Halloween.

In the Fall of 1992, as an 8th grader, Brian began decorating his parent’s yard at 216 Chippewa Drive in Jeffersonville to celebrate his favorite holiday. In the years to come, Brian added more and more decorations, transforming his parent’s yard into the most popular Trick-or-Treat spot in the area affectionately named Halloween at 216.

In 2017, Brian and his future wife, Becca, relocated to 510 Charlestown Avenue along with the decorations. Halloween at 216 was now Halloween 510. During the year you would often find Brian in his garage, listening to Phish or the Grateful Dead, building some new terrifying monstrosity to be added to the yard the following Halloween.

Halloween will never be the same. Brian will be greatly missed by all that knew him. And while we are saddened that he had to go, we take solace in knowing that he is reunited with Becca, the love of his life. Brian is no longer in pain. He is free to run like an antelope out of control.

A memorial visitation was held at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, on Friday, March 21. The family opted for cremation as their choice of final disposition.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Fairmont Elementary PTO, 1725 Abbie Dell, New Albany, IN 47150.

Ernest Ray Lovell, 64, a resident Tampa Florida, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Ernest was a man who was deeply loved by his family and friends.

A welder by trade, Ernest spent much of his life in Florida, where he enjoyed the warm weather and fishing. The tranquility of the open water provided him a sanctuary, a place where he found peace and joy.

Ernest is survived by his mother, Phyllis Lovel. He also leaves behind his sister, Banita Clayson; his nephew, Steven Clayson; his nephew, Ryan Lovell; and his niece, Harmony Clayson. Ernest was preceded in death by his father, Riley Lovell, and his brother, Scott Lovell.

Ernest was laid to rest on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Bowery Cemetery following a graveside service.

Troy Allen Paswater, 59 of Austin, passed away at his home Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was born July 23, 1965, in

Scottsburg to Nelson Paswater and Mary Beth Baldwin Coffman. He grew up in Scottsburg, attending Scottsburg High School. He worked as welder for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, classical rock but his greatest love was for his family, especially his grandbabies.

Surviving to cherish his memories are his children, Thomas Paswater (Spencer) of Charlestown and Laurel Miller (Marty) of Oak Hill, West Virginia, his partner, Matilda "Tilly" Jordan of Austin, his mother, Mary Beth Coffman of Jeffersonville, his sister, Joy Paswater and his grandchildren, Emerson and Barry Paswater, Nicholas, Alaina, Benjamin, and Kelton Miller.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m, April 4, 2025, at Memphis Christian Church, 13503 Memphis-Blue Lick Rd., Memphis, Indiana. Friends may visit with Troy's family from 4 p.m. until the service time at 6:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given in Troy's memory to the National Parks Foundation.

Kenneth Raye Kirby, 89 of Scottsburg passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at The Waters of Scottsburg.

He was born July 21, 1935, in Lexington, Kentucky to Asa Forest and Ona McKenney Kirby. After graduating high school, Ken served in the US Army Reserves. He married Imogene "Jean" Hampton on July 12, 1958. He spent his life managing farms. He managed the University of Kentucky Coldstream Farm and managed the Indiana Feed Lots in Sheridan. He retired from Kitchen Kompact cabinet factory in Jeffersonville where he built cabinets. He enjoyed collecting pocketknives and old stone crocks.

Ken is survived by his children, Steven Kirby of Mexico and Doug and Pam Kirby of Underwood, grandchildren, Jessica Kirby of Dubuque, Iowa and Jacob Kirby of Austin.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Imogene "Jean" Kirby in 2014, his parents and three brothers, James Peyton, Paul Thomas and William Charles Kirby.

His funeral service was held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Collins Funeral Home in Scottsburg. Interment followed at the Scottsburg Cemetery.

Joyce Elaine Embry McCulloch, 88, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025.

She was an extraordinary lady that gave so much of herself to so many people. A registered nurse that began her career at Clark Memorial Hospital, she quickly became Director of Education and eventually became Director of Nursing at North Clark Community Hospital. Always eager to help those in need she rarely gave up the chance to help. She had an undeniable love for her family and a strong Christian faith. Many of her friends and family have gone before her but those left will truly miss her.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Russell and Louise Embry, brothers Tom Williams, Jim Williams (Erika) and William “Bud” Embry. Those left to cherish her memory are son Steven McCulloch and daughter Linda Elaine McCulloch Noe. Grandchildren Joshua Noe, Robert Noe, Jeremiah Noe (Kalea), Eric Lagunas (Ale), Kyle Lagunas (Brian) and Reece Lagunas. Great grandchildren Marlowe and Miles Noe, Niko Lagunas. Many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Per Joyces request cremation was chosen. A memorial will be held at a later date. Garr Funeral Home was entrusted with assisting the family.

George Kruer “Junior” lived a lively and full 86 high-octane years.

Originally from Starlight, Indiana, he met his wife Rosemary Meyer of Jeffersonville and lived there most of his life attending mass at Sacred Heart Parish every Sunday. Junior was a supporter of Jeff Red Devil basketball and tennis and Providence Pioneer Soccer. A proud Sportsdrome Motor Speedway 1963 Rookie of the Year racing in the #98, he loved NASCAR, especially when FORDs won, and if they didn’t it was usually because “Toyota cheated.”

He made hundreds of friends over the years selling those very cars and trucks for nearly 50 years at Jim O’Neal Ford in Sellersburg. He could light up a room with his positivity and charm; no one was ever a stranger to George. He loved John Deere bulldozers and of course Ford tractors, but most of all, his family.

He leaves behind his three children LeAnne Kruer Scott (Marty Scott), Mary Nannette “Nan” Kruer Vint (Rex Vint), and George Richard “Chip” Kruer III (Leah Reed Kruer). He is also survived by grandchildren Hadley Anne Knaus, Adalaid Rose Scott, Madaleine Reed, and Meghan Vint, along with his sister Bonnie Kruer Huber, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

When you see a FORD drive by, please remember Junior with us.. #98 in your program but #1 in your heart. Glad you finally finished the race dad. We will miss you.

Funeral mass was held on Saturday, March 22 at St. John Starlight in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Burial followed at the St. John Cemetery. Newcomer Funeral Home, of New Albany, was entrusted with arrangements.

The family requests that contributions in George’s memory be made to Humane Association of Clark County or at the website hacconline.org.

Judy A. Clapp 69, of Otisco, IN passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Norton Clark Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville, IN.

She was born on May 24, 1955, in Louisville, KY to the late Earl and Sophia Walls Newman.

Judy was lovingly called Judy-Pudy or Mawmaw-Pudy by her family. She had a bubbly personality most of the time and was very devoted to her faith. Being outside in her flower garden was her happy place, and caring for her cats brought her joy.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jerry Clapp Sr; brother, Dennis Newman, and sisters, Janet Beams, Linda Gillispie, and Doris Long.

Judy leaves to celebrate her memories, her children, Larry Willis, and Diane Finch; grandchildren, Roger Willis, Devin ‘Nate’ Willis, Oliver Harris, Simon Finch, and Norah Finch; 3 great-grandchildren; her brother, David Newman (Cathy) and sister, Rosie Lawson; stepson, Lee Clapp, and several nieces and nephews.

Life Celebration services were held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, IN. Burial followed at New Market Cemetery beside her husband Jerry.

Dianna Joyce Sipe, 61 of Scottsburg, Indiana passed away March 16, 2025, at University of Louisville Hospital.

She was born July 27, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois to Donald and Rose Alcorne West. She loved spending time outdoors gardening and enjoying her Koi Pond. She loved the beach, her fur babies and especially her family.

Dianna is survived by her husband, Mark Sipes of Scottsburg, her parents, Don and Rose West, her children, Amanda Hamblin of Scottsburg, David Owen of Milton, Florida, and Sarah Akers of Austin, her sisters, Donna Powell of Charlestown, Dee Tackett of Sellersburg and Debbie West of Scottsburg, and grandchildren, Morgan Owen, of Scottsburg, Laurissa Owen, Zephaniah Owen, Lilly Owen and Hekekiah Owen all of Florida and Jared Akers and Lilly Akers of Austin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Knights of Columbus in Scottsburg on April 12, 2025, from 4 to 9 p.m. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Collins Funeral Home of Scottsburg.

Memorial donations may be made to Collins Funeral Home for funeral expenses.

Ricky Lynn “Rick” Fields, 68, of Deputy, Indiana, entered this life on July 7, 1956 in Madison, Indiana. He was the loving son of the late James R. and Mary Esther Gassert Fields. He resided nearly all of his life in the Deputy community. In 1975 Rick was united in marriage to Linda “Kaye” Grimsley .

They were blessed with a son Bobby Joe Fields. He was married in 1981 to Della Ruth Mack in Deputy, Indiana. This union blended two families, and was blessed to raise Theresa, Vivian, Kenneth, Peggy, and Bobby Joe. He worked early in life for Rose Acres in Seymour and helped area farmers. He last worked for Phillips Saw Mill for many years. He was a member of the Madison Moose Lodge No. 765. He enjoyed Bingo, hunting, fishing, trapping, tinkering on vehicles, watching westerns, and liked hunting mushrooms and ginseng. Ricky died on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:41 p.m. at the Norton Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ricky will be missed by his daughters, Theresa Abbott and her companion, John Long of Madison, Indiana, Vivian Girdler and her husband, Tom of Edinburgh, Indiana; his sons, Kenneth Mason, Jr. of Madison, Indiana, Bobby Joe Fields of South Carolina; his grandchildren, Shawn Bliton (Alex), Brandie Weisz (David), Chelsae McLane (Jake), Jennah Tennell (Cole), Tessa Hawley (Blake), Markita Turner, Amanda Haws (Bill), Lesli Schroeder (Brian), Dustin Mason, and Kayla Dell; 24 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Linda K. Rook and her companion Rick Hopkins of Unionville, Iowa, Donna Jean White and her husband, Ossie of Deputy, Indiana; his brothers, Kenneth R. Fields of Dayton, Ohio, Robert K. Fields and his wife, Becky of Paris Crossing, Indiana; numerous nieces and nephews he was very close to; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Fields, his mother, Mary Esther Gassert Fields, his wife, Della Ruth Mack Fields, his daughter, Peggy Hamlett, his sisters, Marsha Diane Fields Royalty and Nancy Sue Fields Grider, his brother, Anthony L. Fields, his grandson, Daniel Bliton.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow at a later date in the Lick Branch Cemetery near Deputy, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ricky L. Fields Remembrance Fund. 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.

James Paul Jackson, 58, of Scottsburg, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Scott Memorial Hospital. Born September 30, 1966, he was the son of James Price Jackson and Carol (Crockett) Weatherholt.

Paul was a truck driver with Bagshaw Trucking, receiving a 3 Million Mile award during his years of service. He was also a member of the High Street Church of Christ.

Paul is survived by his parents, James Jackson and Carol Weatherholt (Jim); his 2 children: Michelle Jackson and Marisha Jackson; and 5 siblings: Lynda Newkirk, Sara Jackson-Hauner, Bob Weatherholt, Darla Sue Weatherholt, and Dawn Lynn Lewis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy (Heishman) Jackson.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Pekin Chapel, with Brother Jeremy Goens officiating.

www.hughestaylor.net

Charles Edward Gilbert, 61, passed away on March 14, 2025. Born on November 8, 1963, in Scottsburg, Indiana, Charles was the beloved son of the late Felix Gilbert Sr. and Lola (Martin) Gilbert.

A member of the Trinity House of God, in Austin.

Charles is survived by his loving siblings, Pearlie Jean Campbell, Jewell (Elmer) Barger, Dosha Sue (Stan Robbins) Aynes, Mary Essie (Steve) Smith, Felix Gilbert, Jr. of Austin, Indiana, and Lester Dale (Sherry) Gilbert. He was a cherished stepfather to Nikki Spaulding-Hall, Denise (Robert) Dean, and Robert (Notisha) Holbrook. His role as a grandfather brought him immense joy, and he will be fondly remembered by his several grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his brothers, Donnie Ray Gilbert and Noah Gilbert; his sisters, Linda Kay Baker, Carolyn Elaine and Marilyn Jane Gilbert and Kathleen Gilbert-Campbell; brothers-in-law, Fred Campbell and David Baker; and stepdaughter, Crystal Spaulding-Hall.

The funeral service was held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Buchanan Funeral Home in Austin, Indiana. The service was officiated by Rev. Elmer Barger, Rev. Johnny Bowling, and Rev. Danny Morris.

Charles was laid to rest at Oak Cemetery in Austin, Indiana.

Online condolences can be made at www.buchananfuneralhome.net.

Bruce Allen Franks, 80, of Dupont, Indiana, entered this life on September 5, 1944 in Ripley County, Indiana at home on the family farm.

He was the loving son of the late Elmer and Dorothy Buchanan Franks. He graduated from Vernon High School in 1962 and went on to attend the Purdue University School of Civil Engineering. He married Virginia Lee “Jenny” Elliott on August 8, 1964 at the Dupont Baptist Church, and they lived in the Dupont area since 1965. This happy union of nearly 61 years was blessed with sons, Tracey Allen, Todd Michael, and Troy Lee. He retired from Cummins Engine Company after 36 years as an Industrial Electrician Journeyman. He also owned B.A. Franks Electrical Contracting for 30 years. He attended the Dupont United Methodist Church in Dupont. Bruce held a lifetime membership in the Big Oaks Conservation Club and NRA. Bruce was involved with and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. He enjoyed working, fishing, and tinkering. Bruce died on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 6:50 p.m. at the University of Louisville - Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Bruce will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Virginia L. Elliott “Jenny” Franks of Dupont, Indiana; his loving sons, Todd Michael Franks of Louisville, Kentucky, Troy Lee Franks and his wife, Chelsey of Fallon, Nevada; his daughter in law, Anita Franks of Indianapolis, Indiana; his grandchildren, Tristan, Trace, Sydney, Colton, Caidey; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marlene Durbin and her husband, John of Seattle, Washington, Ray Keith Elliott and his wife, Sharon of Dupont, Indiana; Marilyn Hance of Madison, Indiana, Karen Elliott of Dallas Texas, and Mary “Pee Wee” Elliott of Madison, Indiana; several nieces, nephews and other relatives . He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Franks, his mother, Dorothy Buchanan Franks, his sisters, Patricia Gilles and her husband, James, Jane Jackson and her husband, Michael, Margo Stille and her husband, Earl “Bud”, his brothers-in-law, Phil Elliott, James Elliott, and Bill Hance; his grandchildren, Maria, Courtney, and Thomas; and his loving son, Tracey Allen Franks, who died January 14, 2025.

Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Dupont Cemetery in Dupont, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dupont Cemetery. 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 Gilbert, 61, passed away on March 14, 2025. Born on November 8, 1963, in Scottsburg, Indiana, Charles was the beloved son of the late Felix Gilbert Sr. and Lola (Martin) Gilbert.

A member of the Trinity House of God, in Austin.

Charles is survived by his loving siblings, Pearlie Jean Campbell, Jewell (Elmer) Barger, Dosha Sue (Stan Robbins) Aynes, Mary Essie (Steve) Smith, Felix Gilbert, Jr. of Austin, Indiana, and Lester Dale (Sherry) Gilbert. He was a cherished stepfather to Nikki Spaulding-Hall, Denise (Robert) Dean, and Robert (Notisha) Holbrook. His role as a grandfather brought him immense joy, and he will be fondly remembered by his several grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his brothers, Donnie Ray Gilbert and Noah Gilbert; his sisters, Linda Kay Baker, Carolyn Elaine and Marilyn Jane Gilbert and Kathleen Gilbert-Campbell; brothers-in-law, Fred Campbell and David Baker; and stepdaughter, Crystal Spaulding-Hall.

The funeral was held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Buchanan Funeral Home in Austin, Indiana. The service was officiated by Rev. Elmer Barger, Rev. Johnny Bowling, and Rev. Danny Morris.

Charles will be laid to rest at Oak Cemetery in Austin, Indiana.

Online condolences can be made at www.buchananfuneralhome.net.

Ricky Lynn “Rick” Fields, 68, of Deputy, Indiana, entered this life on July 7, 1956 in Madison, Indiana. He was the loving son of the late James R. and Mary Esther Gassert Fields. He resided nearly all of his life in the Deputy community. He was married in 1981 to Della Ruth Mack in Deputy, Indiana. This union blended to families and was blessed to raise, Theresa, Vivian, Kenneth, Peggy, and Bobby Joe. He worked early in life for Rose Acres in Seymour and helped area farmers. He last worked for Phillips Saw Mill for many years. He was a member of the Madison Moose Lodge No. 765. He enjoyed Bingo, hunting, fishing, trapping, tinkering on vehicles, watching westerns, and liked hunting mushrooms and ginseng. Ricky died on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:41 p.m. at the Norton Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ricky will be missed by his daughters, Theresa Abbott and her companion, John Long of Madison, Indiana, Vivian Girdler and her husband, Tom of Edinburgh, Indiana; his sons, Kenneth Mason, Jr. of Madison, Indiana, Bobby Joe Fields of South Carolina; his grandchildren, Shawn Bliton (Alex), Brandie Weisz (David), Chelsaw McLane (Jake), Jennah Tennell (Cole), Tessa Hawley (Blake), Markita Turner, Amanda Haws (Bill), Lesli Schroeder (Brian), Dustin Mason, and Kayla Dell; 24-great grandchildren; his sisters, Linda K. Rook and her companion Rick Hopkins of Unionville, Iowa, Donna Jean White and her husband, Ossie of Deputy, Indiana; his brothers, Kenneth R. Fields of Dayton, Ohio, Robert K. Fields and his wife, Becky of Paris Crossing, Indiana; numerous nieces and nephews he was very close to; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Fields, his mother, Mary Esther Gassert Fields, his wife, Della Ruth Mack Fields, his daughter, Peggy Hamlett, his sisters, Marsha Diane Fields Royalty and Nancy Sue Fields Grider, his brother, Anthony L. Fields, his grandson, Daniel Bliton.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow at a later date in the Lick Branch Cemetery near Deputy, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ricky L. Fields Remembrance Fund. 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

Lettia P. (Beal) Boxell, born May 8, 1960 in Louisville, KY to James Beal and Ruth (Henning) Baker.

She married Arden L. Boxell on October 28, 1989 who survives.

Other survivors include 4 daughters Jamie (Randy) Reed, Angela R. McPherson, Brittani Shenefield, and Audrey (Tony) Brooks. 2 sisters Melanie (Steve) Harris and Cindy West, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Martin D. Lewis, and daughter Jaca M. Story and 1 grandchildren Jacob Jay & Harper Davidson.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A family submitted obituary.

Mary Ellen Buchanan, 91, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at Hampton Oaks Health Campus in Scottsburg, Indiana. Born on January 23, 1934, in Madison, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Hubert Albert Buchanan and Mary Evelyn (Smith) Buchanan.

Mary Ellen was a devoted English teacher at Austin High School, where she also taught Latin, Speech, and Composition until her retirement in 1994. A graduate of Indiana University, Mary Ellen was an avid fan of Indiana University basketball. She was a long-standing member of the American Martyrs Catholic Church and had spent 18 years with the Sisters of St. Benedict Convent in Ferdinand, Indiana.

She was a founding board member of the Scott County Community Foundation, her to a successful career as a Real Estate Agent in Salem, Indiana and an Indiana State Retired Teachers Association member.

She is survived by her brother, Hubert (Lauren) Buchanan of Amherst, New Hampshire, and a host of nieces and nephews Janie Alexander, J.D. & Terri Buchanan, Richie & Susan Buchanan, Jerry Buchanan, Ashley Magidson, Jennifer & Alfonzo Buchanan-Gonzalez, Lindsay Buchanan, and Chris & Amanda Buchanan. Her great-nieces and nephews, including Allison & Matt Bridgewater, Michael Buchanan, Daniel Alexander, Cassidy Buchanan, Cameron McNeely, Rylie Buchanan, Daniel, Abigail, and Alexander Magidson, Saoirse, Julian, and Devon Buchanan, Jackson and Evelyn Buchanan, as well as her great-great-nieces Oaklynn & Lynna Bridgewater.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, James Buchanan, Father Don Buchanan, and Jonell Buchanan, and a nephew, Tom Buchanan.

Friends and loved ones paid their respects during the visitation on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. There will be a private graveside service at a later date at Austin Cemetery in Austin.

In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations to Austin High School Academic Competition Endowment Fund at the Scott Co. Community Foundation in care of Buchanan Funeral Home, 115 North Second Street, Austin, Indiana 47102.