December obits Bedford Indiana Lawrence County - Honoring the Lives Lost (2025)

December 11, 2024

Danny “Bones” Spires

September 22, 1962 – December 8, 2024

Danny “Bones” Spires, 62, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at I.U. Health Hospital, Bloomington. He was born September 22, 1962, in Bedford, to Shirley (White) Swartz and Robert Spires.

Bones was a general contractor and a member of the Bedford Boat and Sportsman Club and a former member of both the Eagles and Moose Lodges. Bones enjoyed watching football and Nascar.

Surviving to cherish Bones’ memory are his brothers, Ricky Spires and David Swartz; sisters, Cathy Baker, Kristie Swartz and Stormi Swartz; aunt, Brenda (Larry) Jaggers; uncle, Jim White; nieces, Emily Spires, April Stidam, Amber Hanners; along several nieces and nephews; and several cousins; and Allison, Erica, Twila, Jill and Anetta, who Bones thought of as his own kids.

Preceding Bones in death were his parents; step-father, Claude Swartz; fiancé, Marcia Allen; sisters, Linda Jamison, Debra Spires and Donna May; brothers, Tony Spires, Bobby Spires and Randy Swartz; and grandparents, Flora and Hubert White.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to Stone City Monuments to help with the cost of engraving.

Bones care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford.

Sheila Kay Goen

MITCHELL – Sheila Kay Goen, 67, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville.

Born August 4, 1957, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Hubert Fredrick Goen and Pauline (Wilder) Flora.

Sheila worked as a Qualified Medical Assistant. She loved to fish and cook. Sheila was a really great caregiver for her mom.

Surviving are her husband, Ronald Bunch of Mitchell; children, Jamie Kay (Robert) Floyd of Bloomington and Terry Allen (Lori) Reynolds of South Carolina; grandchildren, Burgandy Eagans, Randy Lee Eagans, Robert Floyd, Jr., Joseph Floyd, Jessica Floyd, Vincent Reynolds, Dustin Reynolds, and Tristan Reynolds; and four great-grandchildren.

Her parents and brothers, Carl David Goen and Roger L. Goen, preceded her in death.

Cremation has been chosen.

Bradford Scott “Scotty” Patton

April 20, 1960 – December 6, 2024

Bradford Scott “Scotty” Patton, 64, of Mitchell, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024, at Mitchell Manor. He was born April 20, 1960, in Indianapolis, to Donald and Particia (Bradford) Patton.

Scotty graduated from Eastern Green High School and was a member of the First Church of God of Bedford. He had formerly worked at Mills Market in Bedford. He loved fishing, hunting and spending time with family and grandchildren.

Surviving to cherish Scotty’s memory is his son, Josh (Tamara) Patton; daughter, Breanna (Jimmy) Ratkovich; grandchildren, Madison and Jacob Hobbs, Allie Patton, Uriah Bundy, Nevaeh Walls, Aubrie Patton, Austin Patton, Madison Walls, Morgan Ratkovich, Mason Ratkovich and Matthew Ratkovich; brother, Michael (Luetta) Patton; one aunt, Peggy Miller; nephews, Justin Patton, Sherman Patton, Dusty (Jodee) Patton and Mikey Patton; several cousins; and several great nephews.

Preceding Scotty in death were his parents; brother, George Sherman Patton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services for Scotty will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 12:00pm, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford. Burial will follow in Hill Top Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Thursday, from 10:00am until the hour of service at Ferguson-Lee Chapel.

Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.

December 10, 2024

Claris E. Melvin

February 10, 1926 – December 6, 1924

Claris E. Melvin, 98, of Bedford, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024, at I.U. Health Hospice House in Bloomington. She was born February 10, 1926, to Pat and Josephine (Hill) Dwyer in Martin County. She married Ora O. Melvin on April 4, 1945, and he preceded her in death on June 17, 2001.

She was a 1943 graduate of Shoals High School and a homemaker.

Surviving to cherish Claris’ memory is her daughter, Maggie Whitlow; son, Bill Melvin; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and several great great grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Claris in death were her parents; husband; son, James Melvin; brothers, Carl Sipes and Lawrence “Monk” Dwyer; sisters, Barbara Jean Dwyer, Patsy Coleman and Ada Lillian “Tweedle” McCann; and son-in-law, Phil Whitlow.

Cremation was chosen and there are to be no services at this time.

Donations in memory of Claris may be sent to the Community Care Center of Bedford or I.U. Health Hospice House of Bloomington.

Claris’ arrangements and care have been entrusted to the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes.

Jack Louis Voigtschild

March 20, 1945 – December 7, 2024

Jack Louis Voigtschild, 79, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his residence, with his loving and caring wife by his side. Born March 20, 1945, he was the son of Jack and Ethel (Perry) Voigtschild. He married Sherry Cahill on June 21, 1969, and she survives. They had celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2024.

Jack was a well-known individual throughout Lawrence County for his care and concern, especially for victims of tragedy and everyone who served during those times. He was known as “Assist One” to local Emergency Services organizations, always responding to lend a hand in any way he could, with the faithful support of his wife.

Jack was a member and supporter of many local organizations, including being a long-time member of the Bedford Free Methodist Church. He was also active in the Noon Lions Club, Gideons International, Lawrence County Vietnam Veterans Group, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Celebrate Recovery and The Landing, Solutions Center, Gillen Post 33 of the American Legion, the Crisis Intervention Team, the Bedford Revitalization Board, Shawswick Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lawrence County Women’s Ministries, and the Salvation Army.

Jack served as Chaplain for various organizations as well. These include the Lawrence County Police Department, I. U. Health Bedford Hospital, Gillen Post 33 of the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans Group, and he retired as Chaplain for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Salvation Army Emergency Services.

Jack was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. During his service, he received a Purple Heart for wartime injuries and was honorably discharged in 1970. He graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1963, the Indiana School of Mortuary Sciences, and attended Indiana University. He was a former Funeral Director at Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home and retired as an Insurance Agent for various companies.

Surviving to cherish the memory of Jack and live out his legacy is his loving and committed wife, Sherry; sons, Brian (Andrea) Voigtschild and Brent (Kathy) Voigtschild; grandchildren, Amber Voigtschild, Quentin Voigtschild, Claire Voigtschild, Paige Voigtschild, Benjamin Voigtschild, Kayla Simmerman, Mahala Jarrard-Voigtschild, Mariah Moody, and Victoria George-Voigtschild; and great grandchildren, Sophia Enochs, Malachi Enochs, Jaxson Boone, Sawyer Mitchell, Luke Rodriguez, and Elias Nixon.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ethel Voigtschild; his sister, Evelyn Lakes; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Lakes.

Funeral services for Jack L. Voigtschild will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Free Methodist Church, 701 R Street, Bedford, IN, with Pastor Adam Strauser and Pastor Scott Salm officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery in Bedford, with Military Rites being accorded by the Honor Guard of Gillen Post 33 of the American Legion. Visitation will also be held at the Free Methodist Church on Thursday, December 12th, from 3:00pm–7:00pm.

The arrangements and care for Jack have been entrusted to the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th Street, Bedford, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Jack be made to the Life Food Pantry or Hope Resource Center, both in Bedford.

Elvira Augusta Preuss

January 23, 1923 – December 5, 2024

Elvira Augusta Preuss, 101 years if age, passed away at the Lutheran Community Home on December 5. 2024. She was born on January 23, 1923 in Seymour, Indiana to the late William Frederick and Susanna Lambertus Preuss.

Elvira graduated from Concordia University Chicago (formerly Concordia Teachers College) and taught elementary school for 41 years in St. Johnsburg NY, Chicago IL, Tyler TX, Elkhart IN, Indianapolis IN and Seymour IN, at the Immanuel Lutheran School. She retired to care for her brother James, until his death.

As a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elvira belonged to the Immanuel Guild and Braille work group. She volunteered at the Indianapolis VA Hospital, Schneck Memorial hospital, Meals on Wheels, local blood drives and the library book sales. Elvira enjoyed sewing, crafts, music and reading.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her nieces and nephews: Donna Kiani, Donovan Kieser, Paul Preuss, Steve Kieser, Maurice Preuss, Doug Preuss, Roland Preuss, Mark Preuss, Sue Tresenrider, Renata Lewis, Carolyn Mayfield, Jon Bickenheuser, Susan Preuss, Phyllis Ellis, and Margaret Storch.

Elvira is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William, Paul, Carl and James Preuss; and sisters, Elta Lamphier, Verna Droege, Norma Kieser and Ruth Bickenheuser. Also preceding her in death are her nephews, Ted Preuss, Kurt Preuss, David Kieser, Eric Preuss and Charles Bickenheuser.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Lutheran Community Home for their kind compassionate care for the past two years while Elvira lived there.

Visitation for Elvira Augusta Preuss will be on Wednesday December 11, 2024, from 10:00am-12:00 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S. Walnut Street, Seymour, Indiana 47274. Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm Wednesday, also at the church, with Rev. Ralph Blomenberg, Rev. Philip Bloch, Rev. James Rodriguez and Rev. William Fredstrom officiating. Interment will take place at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service.

Arrangements for Elvira Augusta Preuss have been entrusted to the Burkholder Chapel of Thorne George Family Funeral Homes, 419 North Chestnut Street, Seymour, Indiana 47274.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran School.

Mary Elkins

October 20, 1925 – December 7, 2024

Bedford – Mary Elkins, 99, of Bedford, passed away at 1:36 am on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Hospice House in Bloomington.

Born October 20, 1925, in Lawrence Co., she was the daughter of Dwight W. and Virginia Beatrice (Earley) Prow. She married Chester L. Elkins on June 25, 1948, and he preceded her in death on January 15, 1999. She had previously worked at Sterling Drug Store and Morrison’s Office Supply and was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Preston Elkins (Ruth Ann), and Greg Elkins (Traci); a sister, Vicky Woody (Jon) who was raised as a daughter; eight grandchildren, Crystal Powell, Jeremy Elkins, Alison Oliver, Blaine Parker, Jonathan Woody, Alecia Bentley, Andrea Jones and Derick Eagan; 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Kenneth and Dwight Prow; a sister, Phyllis Kinder.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 11th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 10th and from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Wednesday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.

Steve Lee Hale

February 16, 1948 – December 5, 2024

Bedford – Steve Lee Hale, 76, of Bedford, passed away at 12:25 pm on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at I.U. Health Bedford Hospital.

Born February 16, 1948, in Bedford, he was the son of Oral “Boode” and Virginia “Ginger” (Marsh) Hale. He married Linda Hale on September 23, 1972, and she preceded him in death on April 15, 2020. He was a business owner and evangelist. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Danny Hale (April) of Bedford; a granddaughter, Emma Hale, of Indianapolis; a sister, Brenda Schafer (Scott), of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, Joe Hale.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 14th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastors Adam Strauser and Jerry Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, December 13th and from 12:00 noon until the hour of service on Saturday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.

Brandi “Elsie Irene” Sears

MITCHELL – Brandi “Elsie Irene” Sears, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital.

Born June 14, 1946, in Camp Atterbury, she was the daughter of Charles A. and Mary Elizabeth (Brown) McCloskey.

Brandi enjoyed doing crafts and was very artistic. She attended Work of God Church.

Surviving are her son, Michael (Kristi) Roach of Mitchell; grandchildren, Aunicka Glass of West Franklin, Illinois, Sutton (Jill) Tyson of Arlington, Virginia, Luke (Bailey) King of Mitchell, Justus (Bailey) King of Mitchell, Seavor Roach of Chicago, Illinois, and Lauren (Luke) LaFevor of Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Harrison King, Noah King, and Mila King; and siblings, Beverly May, Stephen McCloskey, and Colleen McCloskey.

Her parents; daughter, Crystal Sears; and several brothers and sisters, preceded her in death.

Cremation has been chosen.

Elizabeth Walker Blumenfeld

The world’s light dimmed on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, when Elizabeth Walker Blumenfeld took her light on a different path following a short illness. She was born on April 21, 1959, in Bedford, IN to Alan and Donnera Phillips Walker, where she grew up on Fifth Street. After her studies at Indiana University, she married David Blumenfeld of Spartanburg, SC on June 20, 1982, and he survives. Also surviving are her adult children, Mrs. Will (Lura Blumenfeld) Van Gelderen of Atlanta, GA, Jacob and Leiha Blumenfeld, both of Landrum, SC. Her sister, Mrs. Chester (Gloria Walker) Kasnowski of Bloomington, IN. Cousins; Ann Gunn, Ken and Jim Gates of Evansville, IN., Linda Kay Tobler of Hurst, TX., Terry, Gary and Richard Phillips all of Texas. Also surviving are her extended family, Phyllis Woollen, Daniel Blumenfeld and Deborah Blumenfeld all of NC.

As a member of Temple B’nai Israel, Beth sang in the choir at first, then chose to volunteer in event planning and support. She is a life member of Hadassah and when her children were young, she was a Sunday School principal at the Temple.

Beth and David participated in the Irish Children’s Program for Peace for Catholic and Protestant children of Belfast, Northern Ireland, for several years and Beth considered those youth her extended family, too. She was a graduate of Bedford North Lawrence class of 1977, and Indiana University’s School of Education. She taught students at Spartanburg District 7, helping many to see positive choices in their lives and retired in May 2024.

As a mother, Beth sought to ingrain a sense of social responsibility within her children, volunteering with her family at the soup kitchen in Spartanburg. She also loved gardening with her children helping her set up a garden center and small orchard. She adored hosting events at home—especially Passover and Thanksgiving. Future holidays will be different without her stories and laughter.

She loved teaching people to play euchre and 7-Up card games, two of her parents’ favorites. They gave her a love for mountains, history and travel. She and David enjoyed several cruises and traveling out west. Two recent cruises took them to Alaska to see the receding glaciers and the other to see the Northeast Canadian coastline sea life.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Temple B’nai Israel, 146 Heywood Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29302 conducted by Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Liver Foundation, PO Box 299, West Orange, NJ 07052, and the family suggests that people once more consider organ donations as a response to an ongoing need.

December 9, 2024

Barry Kent Whalin

MITCHELL – Barry Kent Whalin, 69, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital.

Born August 14, 1955, in Bedford, he was the son of John Robert and Mary Lois (Chastain) Whalin. He married Yvonne Kay Wyman on November 4, 2002 and she survives.

Barry was a 1974 graduate of Mitchell High School. He worked for the Essex Group and Cook Medical as a material handler. Barry was a member of the Newton Stewart Masonic Lodge No. 432 F.&A.M. in Paoli and was a member of the Exchange Club. In his free time he enjoyed fishing and watching IU basketball and Gunsmoke reruns. Barry also enjoyed old cars, motorcycles, and working on small engines.

Surviving are his wife, Yvonne Kay Whalin of Mitchell; daughter, Leah Marie (Brad) DeWeese of Mitchell; stepsons, Larry Croan of Mitchell and Adam (Jose) Croan of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Matthew Kent (Savannah) Moore of Mitchell and Victoria Grace (Mikie) Keefe of Bedford; step-granddaughters, Chloe DeWeese of Bedford, Veronika Croan of Austin, Texas, and Bree Croan of Austin, Texas; and great-granddaughter, Marlee Jaye Moore, with one great-granddaughter on the way.

His parents and brother, Michael Wayne Whalin, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 7 in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Steve Jones officiating. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Robert Hedrick

July 26, 1958 – December 3, 2024

Bedford – Robert Hedrick, 66, of Bedford, passed away at 3:40 am on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Westview in Bedford.

Born July 26, 1958, he was the son of Robert and Joyce (Hedrick. He retired as a shift manager for Burger King.

Survivors include a son, Brandon Hedrick; a sister, Joyce Hedrick; his best friend, Brent Eagans; a nephew, Jaron Lane and wife, Lindsey. He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services are planned. Cremation was chosen. Condolences may be made at www.daycarter.com.

Ned C. Beretta

November 21, 1952 - November 25, 2024

Ned C. Beretta, 72, of Mitchell, passed away peacefully Monday, November 25, 2024, at Cedar Creek Assisted Living, where he had resided since April 2023.

Born November 21, 1952, in Bedford, IN, to Loris C. and Martha Lee (Cave) Beretta. He married Pamela Langley Winkler in 2002.

Ned was a graduate of Bedford High School, a union electrician, and a 50 year member of IBEW Local Union 16, Evansville, IN. Ned was a proud member of Mitchell Masonic Lodge No.228 F.&A.M. He was a former board member of South Lawrence Utilities and Green Hill Cemetery Association. He retired as a union electrician from General Motors, Bedford. Ned took great pride in his work, and as most knew, was a perfectionist.

Ned is survived by his wife, Pamela; his son, Jason (Robin) Beretta; grandchildren Gage Beretta and Claire Beretta; sister Ann (Larry) Brown; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and his close friends considered family, John Gill, Buck Hancock and Mark Fish.

His parents, and brother, Lou Beretta, preceded him in death.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to Kim Watson, and the entire staff at Cedar Creek Assisted Living for their kind, compassionate, and professional care of Ned during the past 19 months.

Per Ned's request, there will be no services.

Cresthaven Funeral Home is entrusted with care, condolences may be made at www.cresthavenfh.com.

Asher Crosby

November 29, 2024 - November 29, 2024

Bedford- Asher Crosby, passed away at 4:48am on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the I.U. Health Bloomington Hospital.

Born November 29, 2024 in Bloomington, IN, he was the son of Ian Crosby and Haylee Arthur.

Survivors include his parents: Ian Crosby and Haylee Arthur both of Bedford; grandparents: Bobbie Pemberton and husband Kyle, Tiffany Kidwell, and Justin Crosby; his sister, Auda Arthur, great grandmother, Stephanie Shoultz; great grandparents, Raymond and Wanda Sykes; step grandfather, Joseph Kidwell; step great grandfather, Brian Bunch; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 6th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Visitation will be from Noon until the hour of service on Friday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.

Jerry Lee Butler

January 22, 1962 - November 29, 2024

Mitchell-Jerry Lee Butler, 62 of Mitchell died at 6:55 pm on Friday, November 29, 2024, at his residence.

Born January 22, 1962, in Bedford, IN, he was the son of Harold A. and Betty J. (Vanwinkle) Butler. He married Karen Tumey on April 10, 1982. Jerry retired from the Bedford Water Plant as an aquatologist for the City of Bedford, he served on the South Lawrence Water Board.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of Mitchell; two daughters, Kalee Butler of Franklin, IN, and Kylee Corner and her husband Tobais of Bloomington, IN; his grandcats, Kosmo and Koko; a sister-in-law, Becky Tumey of Bedford; a nephew, Jeremy Tumey and his wife Emily of Bedford. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Scott Tumey.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 3rd in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with John Flinn officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, December 2nd at the Day & Carter Mortuary. The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.