Thursday, November 24, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving!
We asked three local students to share - off-the-cuff - what they are thankful for this year. Here are the responses:
I am thankful for the big feast we are having this year. I know that food and stuff is very expensive right now because of inflation. I feel bad, so I am going to eat every single thing that my mom and nana make this year, because usually I don’t because I’m a picky eater. - Claire Kamplain, 12
I am very thankful for my family this year. They give me support and love that I need. They also bring me joy when we spend time together. My family is what keeps me going. They make me follow my dreams and do the right thing. I love my family because they are themselves and they are all special. - Alyna Castanon, 13
I am thankful for school because I get to learn. School is a place I can decompress; school is my happy place. I get to see my friends and get to meet new people. At school I can also meet new teachers and teachers that know my parents. School can sometimes be boring and hard but those are just bumps in the road that lead to happy things. All in all, even though I said I am thankful for school I am thankful for a lot more things. - Allie Garrett, 13
NOTEBOOK:
Keaton Kermode, Shelby County native and dancing sensation, will be performing with Paula Abdul on The Big Turkey Spectacular float by Jennie-O at today’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Waldron High School’s Bryce Yarling surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career last weekend, becoming the sixth player in the boys program to reach the milestone. The all-time program leader is Jared Lux, who reached 1,313 points.
The Shelbyville High School boys basketball team won their season opener against Rushville last night, 55-45, behind a 27-point effort from Ollie Sandman. It was the eighth straight win in the series for Shelbyville, GIANT FM reported. The Bears host Triton Central, Saturday evening.
CORRECTION: Yesterday’s article, “Early Learning Center to Carry Runnebohm Name,” included a misspelling of a donor’s name. The correct name is Brett Whitten. Also, there is one more donor to include: the Center was also funded by the Beaty/C-Tech Fund at the Blue River Community Foundation.
HOOSIER NEWS: A $300 million advanced micro-chip development and manufacturing operation is coming to Daviess County. The plant, called Westgate One, will be located in the Daviess County section of the tech park just outside of the Crane gate. It is also expected to add 549 new high-paying jobs over the next two years. “These careers are all based on $50 to $80 an hour and the incentives will be based on how the companies scale up,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “They are not going to waste any time. They are going to move quickly to scale up to meet the timelines of the Department of Defense.” Local officials say they are still working out the details on incentive packages that will be offered the companies. But they point out this project is going to have a huge impact on Daviess County and the region. “This is truly going to be a gamechanger for our area, not only for Daviess County, not only for Westgate but for the region. This is one of the keystone projects for the READI initiative in our region,” said Daviess County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Bryant Niehoff, who was the former plan director for the City of Shelbyville. (Washington Times Herald)
NATIONAL NEWS: The average domestic airfare for Thanksgiving week travel jumped 46 percent from last year, while gasoline is up about 6 percent. (More than 2.3 million passengers passed through T.S.A. checkpoints on Monday, up about 8 percent from last year.) The cost of groceries rose 12.4 percent in October, but Walmart, the biggest U.S. grocery chain, saw both sales and volume jump in the third quarter. Turkey is up 18%, gravy is up 14.6% and coffee is up 15.6%. Cranberries are down 16%. (New York Times)
Local History: Ruth Fear – Champion Child Driver of the World?
by GEORGE YOUNG
I have a weird hobby. I collect postcards from Shelby County. This started innocently about 30 years ago, after I moved away. I found a Shelbyville postcard on eBay and won the bid; I didn’t even know postcard collecting was a thing or that Shelbyville postcards existed. I only saw them for tourist places like Mammoth Cave. Don’t tell my wife, but I now have over 250.
Did you know there are postcard conventions? I attended one a few years back. In my defense, this hobby is much cheaper than that 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead I dream about.
The subject of this story is three particular postcards featuring a girl named Ruth Fear, a 10-year-old female harness jockey from Shelbyville. These were special for two reasons. First, she was called the “world champion”; second, the pictures were taken at the Shelby County Fair racetrack. My great-great-grandfather, John M. Young, built the track in the Civil War era. The land where the fairgrounds is today, along with the track, was sold to the fair association by my family. I am intrigued by any postcard involving the Fairgrounds.
Periodically, I searched the internet for more information on this young phenom and found little. I found her married in 1919, living in Miles City, Mont. I never found any information about her horse racing before or after 1910-1911.
With nothing else to go on, I changed my search and started looking for information about her father, C.E. Fear. When I did that, I gained an entirely new perspective on these cards. Hold on to your seat; it’s not the story you imagined.
Dr. Charles Edward Fear lived at 919 Fair Ave., and his office was at 705 Morris Ave., Shelbyville, for about one year in 1911. It makes perfect sense for a veterinary surgeon living near the fairgrounds and horse track.
I documented much information about his life before arriving in Shelby County. Between 1900 and 1911, Fear lived in six other counties in Eastern Indiana. Also, he appears to have been a jack of many trades and involved with several types of business endeavors, plus a few scrapes with violence.
I don’t think Fear was a real veterinarian like we think of vets today, managing a wide range of health conditions and injuries in animals. He mainly advertised horse castration and spaying services. A veterinarian friend told me that in the early 20th century, many farmers did their own castration and dehorning. I suspect Fear may have learned these relatively simple procedures and added the title of Dr. to his resume.
The first record of CE Fear I found was in June 1892 in Hagerstown, Ind. He did lots of advertising in newspapers wherever he went. This article was advertising his veterinary service at the fairgrounds.
Later that month, in the small town of Greenfork, Wayne County, Ind., Fear gets into an argument with his employee, who shoots him four times. The wounds were non-fatal and he recovered.
In the town of Shirley, Ind., on January 18, 1900, he advertised 13 years of experience in veterinary work and auctioneering. The following year in Shirley, Ind., Fear had been trying to get a saloon shutdown. In retaliation, the illegal saloon owner, Windy Bill Moore, hired a hitman to take care of Fear. The hitman and CE fought; the fight ended when Fear used his knife to wound him severely.
Two years later, in February 1902, he placed an ad in the Knightstown Banner announcing he had 25 years of experience in those same services. In three years, he gained 12 more years of experience. Fear was born in 1868, so depending on which experience date you believe, he either started his veterinary work at 10 or 19.
A newspaper reported on October 7, 1902, that Fear, formerly of Greensfork, now residing in Knightstown, told authorities that his son, Gola Fear, age 14, had run away. Fear suspected he was gone with a string of horses. The father was offering a reward, though it is unclear if he was more interested in the horses or his son.
Fear and his wife, Della, were received into the Quakers Religious Society of Friends on December 19, 1902. Not long after that, the local newspaper reported that Dr. CE Fear was still preaching the gospel and doing good among the natives in Oklahoma in February 1903. Rumors of a move surfaced that he was infatuated with the country and may go there to reside permanently. However, when he returned from the Oklahoma evangelical trip, he announced he would be staying in Knightstown for a while.
In March 1903, Dr. Fear leased a barn in a town in Henry County, Ind., and advertised his services as a Veterinary Surgeon for spaying and all kinds of other veterinary services, plus stallion service. The paper announced he had just returned from Joliet, Ill, where he purchased a handsome black Percheron, 16 ½ hands high, who responded to the name of Alger. Three fine full-blooded stallions, a Norman, an imported German Coach, and a light horse named Cyclone are added to his herd a few weeks later. He placed an ad in June 1903 for his stallion stud service with the Percheron; the Norman, and thoroughbred draft horses, Alger & Cyclone – the terms were $7 and $10.
In the Aug. 1904 Hagerstown newspaper, Fear advertised his services in Losantville, claiming 16 years’ experience in crying sales - General Auctioneer & Crier. A crier is a practice of stirring up interest in bidding in an auction to get the best price. It is often a rapid chant.
Fear now located his breeding barn in May 1906 in Losantville, a town in Randolph County between Muncie and Richmond. He now boasts seven stallions, three high-class registered Normans, three trotting stallions, and one Jack donkey in his breeding barn. I learned that when you breed a male donkey to a female horse, you get a mule.
Between 1906 and 1910, only a little information was located on Fear and his activities until Ruth started being in the news.
The Indianapolis News posted this article June 14, 1910, the year before Fear moved to Shelbyville.
PRODIGY AS A DRIVER
Controversy Over a Little Girl at State Fair Ground
Ruth Fear, 10 years old, is a racehorse driving prodigy at the fairground, where her father, Charles Fear, is a trainer of a string of flyers. It came to the ears of the Humane Society officers that the little girl was doing break-neck stunts at the direction of her father. Inspector Fred Gunsolus was sent to the place yesterday afternoon to investigate. Gunsolus learned that the child had been driving racehorses about the track with a daring that chilled the blood of the men in the many stables. The complaints to the society caused the inspector to notify Fear not to allow his daughter to drive again. Now there is a controversy.
Fear is proud of what he calls the accomplishment of his daughter. He boasted that she was by far the best driver on the track regardless of her age and that she knew enough about the game to care for herself. Before Gunsolus reached the track, Ruth sat on a sulky and held the reins over a sorrel-pacing mare that made a mile under her guidance in 2:14 ¼. Stablemen about the fairgrounds said that frequently Fear and his daughter raced horses around together, Fear using a runner for setting the pace for the trotters and pacers that his daughter drove. The stablemen were fearful of a mishap, and they urged Gunsolus to take some action in the matter.
When the inspector ordered Fear not to allow his child to drive any more racing horses. Fear protested, and he was now calling on the society’s officers.
Fear and his daughter were preparing to give a series of exhibitions at county fairs during the summer months. Ruth lives with her father and mother. There is another child in the family. According to Gunsolus, Ruth does not appear to be more than seven or eight years old and is small even for that age. He said the complaints made to the society were that a girl about seven years old was driving racehorses at thrilling speed every bright day at the fairground.
Ruth was born May 21, 1900, so when this article was written, she had just had her tenth birthday. I did not find any other races or exhibitions for Ruth in 1910. The family was not living in Indianapolis at that time. The 1910 census shows Fear and his family living in Hendricks County after relocating from Knightstown. Fear shut down his plans for Ruth’s promotional tour in 1910 and began looking for a more friendly location.
Fear got an article about him moving to Shelbyville, printed in The Shelbyville Republican on Dec 27, 1910. No information has been located about Fear’s presence in the racing world except for his stud service.
WILL TRAIN ON LOCAL TRACK
Prominent Horseman to Have His Steppers Here.
C.E. Fear, a racehorse man of considerable prominence and a veterinary surgeon located in Indianapolis, had decided to train several horses on the track in the Shelby County fairgrounds during the coming season. He stated today that he had visited a number of tracks in the state, but the best half-mile racecourse he had been able to find is in Shelby County. He has trained on one-mile tracks but will try the half-mile track this season. Mr. Fear may open an office in this city.
Dr. Fear placed this advertisement in the Shelbyville Republican on Feb 1, 1911. He had become a horseshoe inventor at this stage in his career. I have yet to turn up in my searches for this new equine footwear. There was no mention of his breeding stock. I wonder what happened to Alger and Cyclone.
The Knightstown Banner in June 1911 reported:
Dr. C.E. Fear, of Walkerville, formerly of this city, is instructing his ten-year-old daughter to drive a racehorse, and she will do exhibition driving at the various county fairs this year. A mile in 2:12 is her record up to date.
Muncie Evening Press ran this article about Ruth on June 23, 1911:
Girl Is Wonder As Driver of Steppers
Shelbyville, Ind. Ruth Fear, 12, is the equestrian wonder of this city. She has driven Lady F., a fast stepper owned by her father, Dr. C.E. Fear, on a mile track in 2:12 and has done some fast driving on the local half-mile track.
The Shelbyville Republican wrote an article with a picture of Ruth with Lady F on July 1, 1911:
Little Ruth Fear and her two horses, Doctor F. and Lady F., will appear at the Shelby County Fair on each of the five days of the coming meeting. She is only ten years old and weighs fifty-five pounds, but she drives with all the skills of a professional driver. She trained in 1910 at the State Fairgrounds at Indianapolis, where she attracted much attention from horsemen. This season has been in training here since early in the season, and the local horsemen who have witnessed her startling performances are all enthusiastic as to her success. Her father, Dr. Charles E. Fear, moved to Shelbyville from Indianapolis in December of 1910 and is engaged in promoting Little Ruth and her horses as special attractions for fairs. She now has several contracts booked from some of the leading fairs in Ohio state, and from this time on she will be busy. She has driven Dr. F. a half mile in 1:04, which is faster than any other animal ever went around our track. She can drive Lady F. close to the 1:05 mark. At Columbus, Ind. she drove Doctor F. a half in 1:04 ¼ on July 4th. The special attraction committee has been negotiating with Dr. Fear for several weeks but not until last Saturday was any definite contract entered into. It is understood that the committee is paying a price for this attraction, which is far above their first offer, but they decline to state just what the price is at this time. The committee states that the contract is in writing, however, duly signed and that Little Ruth will be seen here in two exhibitions each day of the coming fair. That she is a world wonder, there is little doubt and that her horses are far above the average horses driven over this track is a fact. Little Ruth will be elegantly costumed, her horses will wear the finest harness to be had, and the groom will be liveried in keeping with a great attraction. Her name will carry our little city to many distant ears this year, and those who witness her performance either here or elsewhere will have seen a wonder in the speed ring.
Muncie Aug 1911 – Ruth headlines daily features at Muncie fair Aug 8th, 1911 – Delaware County
Aug 7, 1911, Rushville Republican
MAY GET GIRL DRIVER HERE
Secretary King Confers with Dr, C.E. Fear to Arrange For His Daughter to Drive
Ten-Year-Old Miss Has Two Horses Which She Drives Near Two-Minute Clip
One of the most popular attractions to be seen at the fair will be that of little Ruth Fear of Shelbyville, driving a “fast one” with all of the skill and care of a Geers. Little Ruth, who is only ten years of age, captivated a large crowd at Columbus on the fourth of July. She shows a thorough knowledge not only of the horse but of racing horses. It will be worth going miles to see her at the fair.
Ruth Fear, the ten-year-old child wonder, will be on the program at the fair Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. She will drive Lady F. and Doctor F., two very fast speed horses, to see if she can beat the track record which is 2:09. On the Fourth of July, Little Ruth gave an exhibition at Columbus that had a large crowd on its tiptoes.
Aug 1911 Rushville Ruth was billed as the best free event of the fair – attempt to break track record each day Aug 22,23, 24, 25.
The Columbus newspaper - The Republic, reported Aug 25, 1911, about an accident Ruth had in Rushville.
LITTLE GIRL THROWN AT RUSHVILLE FAIR
Ruth Fear, Who Drove Here July Fourth, Has Her First Accident While Driving Strange Horse
Ruth Fear, the little ten-year-old daughter of Dr. C.E. Fear of Shelbyville, was thrown from her sulky while driving an exhibition race against time at the Rushville fair Thursday afternoon. The Little girl drove here at the Fourth of July celebration, and many Columbus and Bartholomew County people became interested in her.
She was not injured and was on her feet in an instant in pursuit of the runaway horse. She was unable to catch the animal, however, and it continued the race around the track. The horse covered a mile at a 2:10 gait but became tangled in his hobbles on the backstretch, near where he had thrown his driver, and fell to the track. The horse was not hurt.
The animal little Miss Fear was handling was one she had not seen until a few minutes before she started on the exhibition drive Thursday afternoon. The horse frightened while speeding along the backstretch and reared straight in the air on his hind feet. His action was so sudden and unexpected that the little girl driver was unable to keep her seat, and she fell to the track and lost her hold on the reins. The accident was the first that Miss Fear has had in the numerous exhibition drives she has been giving at the county fairs this season.
Several other newspapers carried reports on this incident.
CE told many that Ruth was going to be busy all summer with exhibitions in Ohio and Indiana. The list below is what I have been able to locate so far. I am sure I missed some but not the world tour she imagined, not even a regional sensation.
The only Exhibitions that I could locate were in 1910 or 1911 in Indiana.
Bartholomew Co - July 4th; Shelby Co - Aug 8 – 12; Delaware Co - Aug 15-18; Rush Co - Aug 22- 25
The Shelbyville Democrat reported June 2, 1912, the wedding of Homer Fear, son of C.E. Fear. Homer and his bride were married in Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, Canada. The article mentions that Dr. Fear and his family left Shelbyville some time ago. Another move for Fear., this time not just a few counties but another country 1,400 miles away. The same Shelbyville postcard of Ruth on Lady F has CE Fear advertising his services for auctioneering, spaying, and castration in Drinkwater.
The 1930 census shows Fear living in Powder River, Montana, on a farm with his occupation listed as a farmer. He passed away June 26, 1940, in Broadus, Powder River County.
Ruth was married in Miles City, Custer, Mont., on July 5, 1919, to Charles Henry Mecklenburg. Ruth divorced Mecklenburg and married Archie B. Cooksey on March 12, 1924. They moved to Washington state, and in the 1950 census, they lived Kitsap County, about 15 miles from where I currently live. Archie was the manager of a retail lumber yard, and Ruth was a housewife. Ruth died Jan 4, 1985, at 84, in Mountlake Terrace, Wash. The census record said the highest grade she attended in school was 8th grade. She had three children. No further information about her equestrian events has been found.
After finding all this information on Charles Edward Fear, I now look at these postcards wondering why I didn’t suspect something earlier. Fear marked copyright on these cards, an apparent signal that this was a money-making operation.
Champion Child Driver of the World? Amazing right in my hometown. Where did she win this championship? Why did Fear keep moving from one tiny town to another? Fear was a man of big dreams and self-promotion with grand plans for his family. He was probably just one step ahead of the bill collectors. Dr. Fear used his young daughter as a prop. I seriously doubt he was a doctor. And I still what happened to Cyclone and Alger. Did they get to live a happy retirement on a bucolic farm somewhere?
Like the people of Shelbyville in 1911, I was very naïve. These postcards of Ruth Fear used to be my favorites, but now they are my most expensive.
This Week in Shelby County" works by George L. Stubbs Sr. are owned by the Shelby County Historical Society (Grover Center) and used with permission.
THIS DAY IN SHELBY COUNTY HISTORY
News around Shelbyville and the surrounding area as reported on or about this date in history. Selections are curated from the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department.
20 YEARS AGO: 2002
Shelby County resident Brian Barnes was chosen to be the first on the new Indiana Downs track during a ceremony. The Barnes family had been involved in harness racing approximately 70 years.
30 YEARS AGO: 1992
Four highway workers who tried to save the life of an accident victim were commended for heroism by Shelby County Commissioners. County Highway employees John Kidd, St. Paul; Robert Sawyer, Shelbyville; Mike Burke, Shelbyville; and Randy Guffey, Flat Rock, had all put their own lives in jeopardy while attempting to help a man who had driven his vehicle into Brandywine Creek. Paramedics arrived but were unable to revive the man.
40 YEARS AGO: 1982
Hi-Lights Beauty Salon, 527 W. Washington St., opened. Lorraine Moon was the owner.
50 YEARS AGO: 1972
Ralph VanNatta, who served two terms as mayor of Shelbyville from 1964 through 1971, was appointed commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles by Governor-elect Otis Bowen. A native of Oklahoma, VanNatta had been a Hoosier since 1948. He had been active in local Republican politics and had opened a real estate business after his second term as mayor. He had formed a partnership with Dale Herthel to open Herthel-VanNatta Realty. VanNatta, 43, lived with his wife, Nora, and their four children at 602 Van Ave.
60 YEARS AGO: 1962
Lester McRoberts, 51, owner-operator of the McRoberts Barber Shop, was struck by a car at the intersection of Broadway and Harrison St. The driver of the car was arrested for reckless driving. McRoberts suffered a fractured hip.
Remodeling was completed at the Fairland National Bank. The bank, which was founded in 1906, had been located at its then-present site since 1957. With the remodeling, a drive-in window was added along with a night depository, a parking lot and a rear entrance. The institution’s board of directors consisted of John Tucker, C.R. Hughes, Harry Holton, R.W. Barger, Robert Howard, James Matchett and James Williams. Other employees were H.A. King, Edna King, Joann Dennison, Suzanne Mohr and Maggie Armstrong.
70 YEARS AGO: 1952
The Shelby Lumber Co., corner of Noble and Hendricks St., started offering “aromatic cedar closet lining,” which ads promised would “protect clothing, furs, woolens and blankets.”
80 YEARS AGO: 1942
Fred Gravely, 38-year-old Norristown resident, was appointed deputy sheriff to serve under Sheriff-elect Fred Courtney. Gravely and his wife Mabel had three children. He had been affiliated with the Omar Baking Co. for 10 years.
The 1942 Sears Roebuck and Co. Christmas Catalog was put on display at the catalog order desk, 17 Public Square.
90 YEARS AGO: 1932
No one in the entire second-grade class (19 students) at the Kibbey school building had been absent or tardy in five weeks. In celebration, the class called superintendent W.F. Vogel on the telephone and sang to him, “Good morning to you, We’re all in our places, Good morning to you.” The record had been accomplished with concerted effort, The Republican said. “During the blizzard last week, many parents carried their children to school that they might assist in maintaining the high standard, and during the worst morning, one little fellow who was not going to be able to attend due to the fact that he lived in Walkerville, was brought by Morris DePrez, whose car was in the Walkerville Garage getting repair.” Principal McMullen announced the class was determined to make it six weeks after Thanksgiving.
Baked chicken was provided for Thanksgiving at the Shelby County jail, prepared by Mrs. Crosby, wife of the sheriff. Inmates would be given pie for the first time since Christmas 1931. The Republican newspaper noted that inmate Herbert Bruce would likely enjoy the meal, given that he weighed 275 pounds.
100 YEARS AGO: 1922
Edward Rader of Manilla had shucked 2,078 bushels of corn in 20 days on the Mull farm, local newspapers reported.
INCIDENTS
Thefts were reported in the 300 and 700 blocks of 2nd St. and 700 block of Indiana Ave., Shelbyville.
JAIL BOOK-INS: Joshua A. Chica, 22, possession of narcotic drug; Michael A. McDaniel II, 37, possession of paraphernalia (2 counts); Kevin M. Sulzer, 56, criminal mischief.
OBITUARIES
Vada Mae Crim, 91, of Shelbyville, former Manilla resident, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Walker Place. Born May 12, 1931 in Rush County, she was the daughter of William Fleming Burton and Cora Belle (Klingman) Burton. She married Robert Eugene Crim on November 6,1949 and he preceded her on December 18, 2002. Survivors include three children, Michael Crim (Janet) of Shelbyville, Pamela King of Shelbyville, Rita Rouse (Jeffery) of Greenfield; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, brother John Kemple, sister Marjorie Van Wert and son-in-law William King.
Mrs. Crim was a lifetime resident of this area and a homemaker. She graduated from Manilla High School in 1949 and was a Major Hospital volunteer for 30-plus years. Vada was a member of Morristown Christian Church and a member of Homemaker's Social Study Club, and Merry Mixers. Vada enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Indiana Pacers, and spending time with her family and great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 29,2022 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Rd., with Pastor Fred Hickman and Bill Farmer officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday evening, November 28, 2022 from 4 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Charity of Donor's Choice, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com
Danny R. Rush, age 73 of Union, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 19, 2022 at Grandview Hospital. He was born on May 23, 1949 to the late Eileen Hope (Goodman) and Paul Edwin Rush in Shelbyville, Indiana.
Danny proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from his position as a Dispatcher from U.S. Express after 20 years. Danny was an avid sports enthusiast. He rooted for the Indianapolis Colts, Pacers, and IU College teams. Mainly any Indiana sports teams, as long as they weren't Purdue! Danny spent his time completing crossword puzzles and playing card games with his family. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great granddaughter.
Danny is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years: Barb (Pickett) Rush, daughters: Mary (Colt) Price, Sarah Rush, son: Paul Rush, grandchildren: Aliyah (Zach), Ethan (Sam), Emma, Alex, great-granddaughter: Evelyn, sister: Milly Engle, brother: Larry (Mi Yung) Rush, sisters-in-law: Becky (Jim) Balting, Brenda (Aaron) Comstock, Melody Peugh, along with numerous other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his brother-in-law: Butch Peugh.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2022 at Kindred Funeral Home (400 Union Blvd. Englewood). A Visitation for family and friends will take place Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of his service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VITAS Healthcare (3055 Kettering Blvd. Ste 400 Moraine, OH 45439) for the tremendous care and hospitality that the continuously showed Danny and his family. Online condolences may be made to the family a www.KindredFuneral Home.com
Mary Alice (Branaman) Rigdon, 88, of Mooresville, Indiana, Formerly of Greensburg, Indiana, passed away on November 15, 2022. She began life on August 29, 1934, at her family's farm in Salem, Indiana, as the youngest child of Oral and Mae (Reynolds) Branaman.
After graduating from high school in 1953, Mary Alice married her high school sweetheart, Robert Rigdon, on May 28, 1955. Mary Alice worked as a secretary at Purdue University, Pittsburgh Glass in Shelbyville, and from 1972-1999 at Jerman Elementary in Greensburg, Indiana. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Greensburg, Indiana. Mary Alice enjoyed the times with her family the most. Whether that was taking drives with Robert to the many state parks of Indiana, crafting and baking gifts for her friends and family, or making sure she and Robert were sharply dressed. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Due to health issues, Mary Alice and Robert moved to Mooresville to their daughter's home in August of 2011.
Mary Alice is survived by her daughter Lisa (Randy) Randall, granddaughter Laura (Chris) Randall-Jones, and grandson Jonathan Randall. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Oral and Mae, sister Kathleen, and brother Bobby.
Mary Alice's friends and family will gather for her Life Celebration® visitation at Carlisle Branson Funeral Service, 39 East High Street, Mooresville Indiana on Saturday, November 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Funeral service will follow at 10:30 am with Pastor Guy Lancour presiding. Burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery at 207 South Shelby Street, Salem, Indiana at 2:30 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church of Greensburg, 425 North Broadway Street, Greensburg, Indiana, 47240, or First Baptist Church of Mooresville Music Department, 680 North Indiana Street, Mooresville, Indiana, 46158. Please visit www.Carlisle Branson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the online guest registry.