Obituaries — April 2025

April 11, 2025

John O’Bannon

October 28th, 1943 -  April 8, 2025

John O’Bannon, 81, of Owensburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in the presence of family.

Born October 28th, 1943, in Dresden, Indiana. He was the son of Everett (Buster) and Louise (Jefferies) O’Bannon. He married Lela R. (Yaney) O’Bannon on July 31, 1998.

John was affectionally known as Papaw, Johnny, Uncle John, and Johnny O. John was a man of Christian Faith. He always looked for ways to share his Love of Christ with others. He was

always willing to help others in need.

John Loved whole heartly and help raised five children. He was soft hearted and LOVED his

Grandchildren.

There was no place he went that he didn’t know someone. He had a way to make people laugh and never knew a stranger.

John retired from RCA, Rogers, Teamsters, and most recently drove a truck @Premier Co-Op.

He wouldn’t miss a NASCAR race and enjoyed IU basketball.

He was known for his practical jokes and quick wit.

John’s desire was to live a humble life that was pleasing to the Lord, and for his life to be a

witness to others.

John was the center and the Rock of our family. He was a member of the Owensburg Baptist

Church since October 23, 1983.

John is survived by his wife, Lela O’Bannon, children, Randy Younger of Bloomington, Shilah

Baker (Kevin) of Evansville, Shanah Coleman (Brandon) of Bloomington, Jonathan Blackwell

(Lesi) of San Antonio, Texas, and Amber Blackwell of Bloomington. He had 9 Loving

grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Sally Cramer, Mary Bever and two

brothers, Dick and Fred O’Bannon.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at the Owensburg

Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Owensburg Baptist Church.

In Loving memory of John O’Bannon: Isaiah 40:31

“those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

Jenkins and Sons Funeral Home will be entrusted with the arrangements

Alice Marie Christopher

May 25, 1940-April 9, 2025

Alice Marie Christopher, 84, of Seymour, passed away on April 9, 2025, at the Lutheran Community Home surrounded by her family.

Alice was born on May 25, 1940, in Tampico, Indiana to the late Dan and Mabel Otte Wessel. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School Wegan and was a graduate of Tampico High School. On October 18, 1959, at St. Paul’s Wegan she married Marvin Christopher, and he survives.

Alice’s faith was very important to her. She was raised in the Lutheran Faith and attended Emanuel Lutheran Church Dudleytown. She was confirmed in Christ on March 29, 1953, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Wegan.

Alice was retired from Bob Poynter Chevrolet Buick GMC, where she worked in the accounting department. She also volunteered at the Trinity Lutheran Resale Shop.

Alice was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and enjoyed attending all their sporting events.

Alice is survived by her husband of 65 years, Marvin Christopher; children, Dana (Mark) Miller, Mark (Lisa) Christopher, Kyle (Michelle) Christopher, and Beth Christopher; grandchildren, Amber (Bill) Smith, Kimmi (JD) Hopkins, Jacob (Katie) Christopher, Austin (Kortney) Fowler, Braden Christopher, and Stefani Christopher; great grandchildren, Noah Hopkins, Jonas Smith, Evelyn Christopher, and Colton Fowler; sister, Elberta Darlage; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Mabel Wessel; brother, Norris Gene Wessel; sisters, Betty Zaring and Eleine Lephart; and nephew, Danny Joe Wessel.

Funeral Services for Alice will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Dudleytown, with Rev. Kenneth Davidson officiating. Burial will follow at Emanuel Lutheran Dudleytown Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 15, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Burkholder Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Seymour, and on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Phi Beta PSI Cancer Research, or to the Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Scotty Wessel and Jon Pace at the Burkholder Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes, Seymour, Indiana. Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.BurkholderFuneralChapel.com.

Susan Lee Westfall

BEDFORD – Susan Lee Westfall, 61, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at her residence.

Born January 22, 1964, in Lawrence County, she was the daughter of Oakleigh and Phyllis (Miracle) Westfall.

Susan was a graduate of Mitchell High School and received her master’s degree in audiology from Ball State University.  She was a dedicated daughter, and that dedication extended into her work.  Susan worked as an audiologist in nursing homes all across the state and she always made sure to provide the best quality care for her clients.  She would go above and beyond to make sure that their needs were met.  Susan attended the Mitchell Presbyterian Church and was an avid reader in her free time.

Surviving are her children, Teresa Westfall of Bloomington and Joshua Freeman of Jeffersonville; parents, Oakleigh and Phyllis Westfall of Bedford; and siblings, Lisa (Gil) Milburn-Westfall of Colorado and David (Claire) Westfall of Washington State.

Cremation has been chosen.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com

April 10, 2025

Kingston Lanham

May 8, 2009 – April 9, 2025

Bedford – Kingston Lanham, 15, of Bedford, passed away at 5:07 am on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his residence.

Born May 8, 2009, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Kyle and Barbara (Patrick) Lanham. He was an avid I.U. fan and loved all sports. He enjoyed the river and loved his family and friends.

Survivors include his parents, Kyle and Barbara, of Bedford; a brother, Brayden Lanham; a sister, Skylar Lanham; grandparents, Laura Patrick and Mark Lanham; several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Virgil Patrick and Cynthia Lanham.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 18th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & 
Carter Mortuary. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the hour of service on Friday, April 18th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy’s & Girls Club of Lawrence County. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.

April 9, 2025

Richard Wayne Ramsey

Richard Wayne Ramsey, 77, of Springville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.  He was born to Ralph and Daisy (Hall) Ramsey, who preceded him in death.

Richard was born on September 8, 1947, and graduated from Needmore High School in 1965.  He married Diana Kay Hicks on August 27, 1966, and she survives.  They have been married for 57 years.  Richard worked at General Motors for 42 years as a tool and die maker.  He was a member and served as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church for many years.  

Richard’s selfless sacrifice to helping others was one of his biggest attributes.

He loved coaching various sports throughout the years.  He spent many years helping the youth of his community. He absolutely loved to watch his children and grandchildren play basketball and baseball, as well as watching his granddaughters cheer and perform in gymnastics.    He had a love for gardening and golf.  Richard loved being outdoors caring for his birds, flowers, and yard. A favorite passtime was fishing at his pond with his family.  

Richard is survived by his three children:  Scott (Wendy) Ramsey of Fayetteville, Michelle (Phillip) True of Bedford, and Brett (Alexis) Ramsey of Pensacola, FL, and his brother, Ramon Ramsey of Springville.     

He was blessed with 8 grandchildren:  Logan (Katie) Gore, Jacob (Delaney) Ramsey, Garrett Ramsey, Katelyn Ramsey, Boston True, Tucker True, Scout Ramsey, and Shepherd Ramsey.  He also had 1 great-grandchild, Elliott Ramsey.  He had two grandsons who preceded him in death:  Hudson and Kirk True.

He was preceded in death by his siblings:  Barbara Corbin, Marie Reynolds, and Robert Ramsey.

Funeral services will be held at Day and Carter Mortuary on Saturday, April 12th at 

1:00  pm.  Burial will follow at Cresthaven Cemetery.  Pastor Dave Ferry will officiate.  Visitation will be on Friday, April 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Day and Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com

April 7, 2025

Bonnie Ellen (Kelly) Porter

January 24, 1930 – April 6, 2025

Bonnie Ellen (Kelly) Porter, 95, of Bedford, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the White River Lodge in Bedford. She was born January 24, 1930, in Lawrence County, to James and Winnie (Watson) Kelly. She married Clifford Duane Porter on May 30, 1959, and he preceded her in death.

Bonnie had worked at Sarkes Tarzian in Bloomington and then became a homemaker. She was a member of the Guthrie Christian Church and had attended Needmore School. Bonnie loved being in her flowers, traveling and spending time with family.

Surviving to cherish Bonnie’s memory is her daughter, Amy (Ernie) McCullough; granddaughters, Sarah (Ron) Stewart and Hannah (Adam) Figg; great grandchildren, Rosalie Jo and Clifford Allen; and step-great grandchild, McKinley.

Preceding Bonnie in death are her parents, James and Winnie Kelly; brothers, George Kelly, John Kelly and Robert Kelly; sisters, Gladys Turner, Susie Wever, Dottie Lester and two sisters, in infancy.

Funeral Services for Bonnie will be held at 1:00pm, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford. Burial will follow at Hanson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the hour of service on Thursday, April 10th, also at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.

Catherine Marie Sullivan

October 22, 1941 – April 4, 2025

Springville - Catherine (Katie) M. Sullivan, 83, of Springville, passed away at 6:40 pm on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Stonebridge Health Campus in Bedford.

Born October 22nd, 1941, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Dawson) Mulryan. She married Jack Sullivan Jr. on April 17, 1958, and he preceded her in death on May 15, 2014. She was a dedicated homemaker while raising her family. After her children were grown, she worked as a certified cook at Bloomington Hospital for 14 years, later joining PRD where she worked until her retirement in 2004.

After moving to Springville in 1958, Katie became an active member of the Springville Methodist Church, where she lovingly served for many years as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. In her later years, she was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Springville.

Survivors include three sons, Tim Sullivan (Beth) of Walton, Chris Sullivan of Bedford, and Mike Sullivan (Cynthia) of Wellington, CO; two daughters, Theresa Stuffle (David) of Montgomery and Lori Dalton (Rick) of Franklin; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Michael Mulryan and sister Shelly Mulryan. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Barbara Jackson; a grandson Steven Jones; Her brothers, Joe Mulryan and Anthony “Tony” Mulryan; and sisters Rosemary Austin and Delores Jacobs and her faithful dog, Molly

Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 9th in Patton Hill Cemetery with Pastor Dave Ferry officiating. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.

Shirley Ann Sowder

July 14, 1942 - April 5, 2025

Bedford- Shirley Ann Sowder, 82, of Bedford died at 11:38 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the White River Lodge in Bedford.

Born July 14, 1942, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Wayne and Lavonia (Phillips) Deckard. She married Farrell Dean Sowder on October 14, 1961, and he preceded her in death on February 11, 2015. She was a member of Donica Church of God. Shirley and Farrell owned and operated Fortner Pest Control for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Cami Terry and her husband Mike of Bedford; a son, Doug Sowder of Bedford; four grandchildren: Zach Terry and his wife Kristen, Riley Purlee and her husband Weston, Alex Terry, and Ethan Sowder; a great granddaughter, Emmy Terry; a sister, June Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Don Deckard, and Marvin Deckard in infancy.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00pm on Wednesday, April 9th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Jason Walsh officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 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

April 6, 2025

Barry Lee Mundy

MITCHELL – Barry Lee Mundy, 77, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2025, at his son’s residence surrounded by family.

Born July 16, 1947, in Bedford, he was the son of Joe Batson and Mildred Josephine (Hayes) Mundy.  He married Mona Lou Sutton on April 12, 1970, and she survives.

Barry was a 1965 graduate of Mitchell High School.  He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Barry was a truck driver for 40 years with a lot of those years driving for Mitchell Transport. He was a member of the American Legion Post 250, First Christian Church, and Teamsters Union Local 135. Barry was a proud, lifelong, fourth generation farmer. He loved his family, especially his children. He never met a stranger.

Survivors include his wife, Mona Mundy of Mitchell; children, Kyle David (Beth) Mundy of Mitchell and Kristen Lee Mundy of Mitchell; grandchildren, Matthew Hughes and Jacob Odulio; siblings, Keith (Connie) Mundy of Mitchell, Brent (Nancy) Mundy of Mitchell, Marcia (Gary) Seitzinger of Mitchell, and Tonya (Roger) Chastain of Mitchell; and brother-in-law, David Sutton of Boone, North Carolina. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother Marc Fields officiating.  Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.  Burial will follow at Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, and from 9:30 a.m. until the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions:  Phi Beta Psi Sorority Cancer Fund

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com

April 2, 2025

Roger “Duane” Richards

August 16, 1948 – April 2, 2025

Roger Richards, 76, of Bedford, more commonly known as Duane, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:30am at his residence. Born August 16, 1948, in Bedford, he was the son of Roger Richards and Viriginia (Mitchell) Richards.

Duane enjoyed fishing and playing video games, as well as sports.

Surviving to cherish the memory of Duane are his two daughters, Cheryl Rousey and Karen Babbs; two sisters, Paula Fleetwood and Ruth Cauldwell; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Duane in death are his parents, Roger Richards and Virginia (Mitchell) Richards; and one son, Roger.

Cremation Rites have been accorded and there are no services scheduled at this time.

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

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

Gordon Wayne Stewart

Gordon Wayne Stewart, 65 of Bedford passed away on March 31, 2025, at IU Hospice House in Bloomington. He was born in Bedford on May 16, 1959, to Robert and Janet (Hutton) Stewart. He retired from Wilmes Windows after many years of service, he was a US Army veteran, he also served in the Indiana National Guard, he attended the Church of Jesus Church of Latter-Day Saints in Bedford.

Survivors include his son, Bronson Stewart of Bedford, two sisters, Theresa (Perry) Ferguson of Springville, and Julia (Rafael) Merrill of Idaho, one brother, Curtis (Angela) Stewart of Bedford, several nieces, and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert D. Stewart, and James Michael Stewart, four sisters, Christina Wright, Rebecca Speer, Michelle Burris, and Misty Sanders.

Cremation was chosen, burial will be in Cresthaven Memory Gardens, Cresthaven Funeral Home, condolences may be made at www.cresthavenfh.com.

Charletta Dean Hargesheimer

MITCHELL – Charletta Dean Hargesheimer, 79, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at IU Health Bloomington Hospital.

Born March 7, 1946, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Louis and Dorothy (Wires) Greene.  Charletta married Billy Joe Hargesheimer on February 20, 1965 and he survives.

Charletta was a 1964 graduate of Mitchell High School.  She was a phlebotomist at Bedford Regional Medical Center and retired in 2006 after 30 years of service.  Charletta was a member of American Legion Post No. 250 Auxiliary and she enjoyed collecting Longaberger baskets.  She took care of “her boys,” and she loved and cherished her grandson.

Surviving are her husband, Billy Joe Hargesheimer of Mitchell; son, Brian L. Hargesheimer of Paoli; grandson, Brian L. Hargesheimer, Jr.; and siblings, Deloris Watterson of Mitchell, Michael (Trudy) Greene of Texas, Sharon Shepley of Wisconsin, Robert Greene of Arizona, and Joseph Greene of Texas.

Her parents and brother, James Louis Greene, preceded her in death.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.  Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com

Gary Lee Holt

September 9, 1948 – March 26, 2025

Gary Lee Holt, 76, of Mitchell, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at I.U. Health Methodist Hospital. He was born September 9, 1948, in Shoals. He married Linda Faye (Taylor) Holt on July 4, 1996, and she preceded him in death on April 28, 2023.

Gary had worked at Dana Corp. and was a U. S. Army Veteran.

Preceding Gary in death were his parents; and wife, Linda Faye.

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

Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford has been entrusted with Gary’s care and services.

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