Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006

The Tribune-Star

January 10, 2006 05:33 am

— Vigo County
John S. Athey
John S. Athey, 73, of Terre Haute and formerly of West York, Ill., passed away at 1:55 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, in his residence with his family by his side.
He was born Dec. 25, 1932, to John R. and Pearl E. Athey. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, James Darren Athey; and his brother, Dale Athey. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Ida L. Smitley Athey, whom he married Sept. 12, 1953; three sons and daughters-in-law, John "Greg" Athey and his wife Cheryl, Jeffrey Lee Athey and his wife Debbie, and Scott Athey and his wife Lora, all of Terre Haute; three daughters and sons-in-law, Diana Forbes and friend Doug Bensinger, Darla Maesch and husband Bob, and Denise Pendergast and husband Jim, all of Terre Haute; a brother, Frank Athey and his wife Joyce; six grandsons, John “Ryan” Athey, Chad Athey, Steven Conine and his wife Vanessa of Yokota Air Base in Japan, Zachary Athey, Jeffrey “Harrison” Athey and James Pendergast; 10 granddaughters, Jennifer Conine and fiance Tommy Hall of Nashville, Tenn., Lynsey Athey, Brooke Athey, Lauren Athey, Nicole Athey, Jacquelyn Forbes, Cortney Athey, Mallory Pendergast and Megan Pendergast. Other survivors included one uncle; one brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; cousins, nieces and nephews.
John served in the Naval Reserves from 1951-54. He had worked in the plumbing industry since 1954 and was an active participant in the trade. In 1972, he formed a family business and purchased Williams Plumbing and Heating Inc. He served as chairman of the apprenticeship committee for Local 157 for more than 25 years. In 1996, he purchased Poplar Car Wash. He was vice president of the Wabash Valley Mechanical Contractors Association of Indiana and was president in 1991 and chairman of the board in 1992. He received the Terre Award for Community Service, the Presidents Award of Associated Building Contractors of Terre Haute in 1994, the Community Service Award from the Wabash Valley Central Labor Council in 1990, and the Associated Builders Cornerstone Award in 1991.
John was also on the board of directors of the ISU Varsity Club and received an award for outstanding service to Indiana State University athletics. In 2000, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Indiana. Since 1993, he was a management trustee of the Indiana Laborers Training Trust Fund. In 1995, he retired as president of Williams Plumbing and Heating but remained chairman of the board.
He was a member of St. Joseph University Parish, Strawberry Hill Cannoneers and held First Place National Title in the International Ford Retractible Car Show Club. He also coached his children in baseball and football for more than 13 years in Marshall, Ill. Many knew him as a powerful man who loved a good game. He was a man of few words, but his eyes spoke volumes.
Prayers will begin at 9:20 a.m. Thursday in Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th St., followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph University Parish, with Friar Paul Schloemer officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Active pallbearers will be his brother, Frank Athey, and his very best friend, Nellie Bennett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 705 Putnam St., Terre Haute, IN 47802.
Leonard O. Buell
Leonard O. Buell, 84, died at 1:44 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in Union Hospital. He lived in Bowling Green until recently, when he moved to Bethesda Gardens Nursing Home.
He was born Aug. 14, 1921, in Clay County to Everett Harrison and Julia Ann Hart Buell. Leonard graduated from Washington Township High School in 1938. He then served in the Army Air Force as an engineer-gunner with the 15th Bomber Squadron. During his service to his country, he was awarded nine ribbons, including the Air Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Leonard was a rated pistol marksman and an engine mechanic. He was stationed in numerous areas of the world, including Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley in Italy; Normandy, northern France, southern France, and Central Europe air combat. After being discharged Oct. 8, 1943, he began working for the Operating Engineers IUOE 841 as a crane operator and retired in 1995. He also farmed in the Bowling Green area for many years. Leonard was also awarded, in 1987, the Most Outstanding Woodland Manager in Clay, Sullivan and Vigo counties by the Sycamore Trials Resource Conservation and Development Forestry Committee.
On Oct. 28, 1949, he married Norma “Maxine” Buell. He was a member of Clay City American Legion and the VFW, Bowling Green Masonic Lodge 85 and the Scottish Rite. Leonard also enjoyed being a part of 4-H, where he won many awards showing cattle and hogs. He was baptized into the Methodist faith April 22, 1962, at Mt. Zion Church.
Survivors include his son, Richard Keith Buell of Bowling Green; his daughter, Rhonda Kay Buell; two grandchildren, Chad Buell Sr. and wife Cheryl of Bowling Green; Tracy Coonce and husband Donnie of Rosedale; great-grandchildren, Chad Buell Jr. of Bowling Green, and Christy Barbee and Jeff Pridemore, both of Rosedale; and a special family friend, Lucy Strouch of Bowling Green.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Thursday in Bowling Green United Methodist Church with the Revs. Mindy Huffman and Howard Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Schoppenhorst Funeral Home.
Edith S. Shonfield
Edith S. Shonfield, 97, of Terre Haute died Sunday evening, Jan. 8, 2006, in Davis Gardens Health Care Center. She was a schoolteacher, having taught for the Chester County School System of West Chester, Pa.
She was born May 13, 1908, in West Chester to William Sweney and Margaret McPherson Sweney. Her husband, Rudolph Shonfield, died in 1992. She is survived by a daughter, Carol Modesitt and her husband Raymond of Terre Haute; two granddaughters, Katherine Cooper and her husband Jeff, and Carol Wyatt and her husband Scott, all of Indianapolis; four great-grandchildren, Noah and Samantha Cooper, and Grady and Ashley Wyatt; and a niece, Nikki Carpenter of Dalton, Ga. She was preceded in death by two brothers, George Sweney and Maurice Sweney.
She was a graduate of West Chester University and was very active and supportive of the YWCA and the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club. She was a member of Unity Presbyterian Church, Badoura Temple 23 Daughters of the Nile, and Alpha Omega Pi Sorority and Alumni.
Visitation and services will be private, with the Rev. Linda Jo Peters officiating. Private burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the YWCA, 951 Dresser Dr., Terre Haute, IN 47807, or to the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, 220 N. Third St., Terre Haute, IN 47807.
Thomas Hubert Simon Jr.
Thomas Hubert Simon Jr., 58, of Belgrade, Mont., and formerly of Terre Haute, died at 1:55 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, in Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman, Mont., of complications from lung cancer. He was the owner of Simon Drywall Finishing Inc.
He was born June 1, 1947, in Vigo County to Thomas Hubert Simon Jr. and Thelma Wilkey Simon. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Dee Dee, who introduced him to the beauty of nature. They were married Oct. 30, 1991, cherishing and celebrating each moment spent together. Other survivors include his loving mother, Thelma; a son, Thomas William Simon and his wife Janet; a daughter, Jodi Michele Crowe and her husband Scott; two grandchildren, Ryan Thomas and Chelsea Kay; a sister, Joyce Laine of Memphis, Tenn.; sister Sharon and brother-in-law/best friend Kirby Carpenter of Edgewater, Fla.; brother Mike Simon and fiancee Andrea of Marshall, Ill.; his many loving nephews; his close friend and mother of his children, Janice Simon; his mother-in-law, Hazel Knight; and his brother-in-law Ron Knight and family of New York. Although the miles kept them apart, they were always in his heart. He felt so blessed, so thankful and so very proud! His family gave him the best gift of all – unconditional love.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hubert Simon Sr., in 1989.
He attended Schulte High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. He graduated in 1965 and went on to serve in the Vietnam War. He loved hiking, fishing, backpacking, cross-country skiing and flying. Like the shirt and hat that he so often wore said, “Life Is Good.”
Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the Montana Wilderness Association, 111 S. Grand Ave., Bozeman, MT, 59715; Yellowstone Association Institute, P.O. Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190; or the American Cancer Society, 550 N. 31st St., Billings, MT 59101.
Cassidy May Sons
Cassidy May Sons, 5, of West Terre Haute went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. She attended Covered Bridge Preschool at West Vigo Elementary School.
She was born Nov. 24, 2000, in Indianapolis to Rodney and Amy Sons. She is survived by her parents; her maternal grandfather, Darrell Organ of Peoria, Ohio; a special aunt whom she referred to as “Grandma,” Maxine Brunke of Bellefontaine, Ohio; many aunts, uncles and cousins in both Ohio and Indiana; and many special friends at School.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Julia Flowers; and her paternal grandparents, Ronald “Bob” sons Sr. and Clara Sons. She was a member of Dresser Church. She loved Barney the dinosaur, riding the school bus, playing in the ball pit, and her little dog Heidi.
Funeral services are 3 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzpatrick-Pearce Funeral Home, with Roy McGranahan and Bill Martin officiating. Cremation has been scheduled. Visitation is 1 p.m. until services. The family suggests that if friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to a fund in her name, with envelopes available in the funeral home.
Sister Rose Angela (Monica Elizabeth) Spalding
Sister Rose Angela Spalding, 92, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at 9:30 p.m. The former Monica Elizabeth Spalding was born Jan. 21, 1913, in Loogootee to James Patrick Spalding and Rose Emma Hopkins Spalding.
She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Dec. 29, 1933, professed First Vows on Jan. 23, 1936, and Final Vows on Aug. 15, 1941. She was an educator and administrator in schools staffed by the Sisters of Providence in Illinois, Indiana and the District of Columbia. During her 72 years as a Sister of Providence, 50 years were spent as a teacher and principal. In Indianapolis from 1985 to 1991, she ministered as clerical assistant for St. Gabriel Province Center. In 1997, she returned to St. Mary-of-the-Woods for her ministry of prayer.
Wake is Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with a wake service at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial is Thursday at 11 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Daniel R. Hopcus presiding. Burial is in the Cemetery of the Sisters of Providence at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Callahan Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Elizabeth Spence
Elizabeth Spence of Terre Haute died at 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in Royal Oaks Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Terre Haute to Evan Lemay and Margaret Earhart Lemay. Her husband, Charles James Spence, died in 1993.
She is survived by a daughter, Kathaleen Chaney and her husband Jerry of Terre Haute; a son, Charles James Spence Jr. of Terre Haute; a brother, Bill Lemay and his wife Norma of Reelsville; a brother-in-law, Col. E.J. Withers and his wife Marjorie of Gaithersburg, Md.; grandchildren, Candace Burgess and her husband Gary, Laura deBlecourt and her husband Ed, Latisha Mulvihill and her husband Paul, Sherri Snow and her husband Steve, and Jill Lane and her husband Jack; great-grandchildren, Brooke Ellis and her husband Mike, Travis Runyan and his wife Kristina, Brittany deBlecourt, Brian de Blecourt, Hans Mulvihill, Michael Mulvihill, Linsey Letner, Sawyer Snow, Ryker Snow and Colton Snow; great-great-grandchildren, Kendall Mix, Amber Ellis, Trey Ellis, Jadelyn Runyan, and Carly Barnes; and niece Wanda Nichols Pestana and husband Norbert of Lake Havasu, Ariz.
She was a member of Badoura Temple 23 Daughters of the Nile, Zorah Honored Ladies, Sycamore Country Club and Bethany United Church of Christ.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday in Roselawn Chapel of Memories, with the Rev. Steve Moore officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to services. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9135 N. Meridian St., Suite B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46209.
Donald Rexford Williams
Donald Rexford Williams, 58, of Terre Haute, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at Union Hospital. He was born April 7, 1947 in Terre Haute to Arthur Paul Williams and Flossie Barbee Williams.
He is survived by Maggie McCutcheon of Terre Haute; two sisters, Lynn Martin and husband Walter of Springfield, Tenn., and Terri Brownfield and husband Scottie of Terre Haute; children, David Allen Williams and wife Donna of Alabama, Teresa Clark and significant other Susie Clark of Georgetown, Ky., Donny Williams of Terre Haute, Michelle Preston and husband John, Marilynn Lowe, and John T. Lowe and wife Stephanie, all of Lexington; stepchildren, Barbara Hawkins of Leesburg, Fla., Terry Summerall and wife Nita of Leesburg, David Rowland and wife Christy of Eufala, Ala., and Henry Hartzog of Florida; 27 grandchildren; and three nieces. His parents, and two sons, Paul Edward Williams and Roy Summerall, preceded him in death.
Donald served in the Army his whole career, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was a member of the Special Forces and also worked in computer repair for the military. He was a member of VFW Post 972, Masonic Blue Lodge 687 and the American Legion. He also loved to bowl.
Funeral services are Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Roselawn Funeral Home. Cremation will follow. The Rev. Curtis Mitchell will officiate. There will be a Masonic service at 10:30 a.m. prior to funeral services, and the VFW will perform military rites at the funeral home following services.
Wabash Valley obituaries
Virginia Chaney
ROCKVILLE – Virginia Chaney, 90, of Rockville, died at 11:20 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, St. Vincent’s Hospital in Williamsport.
She was born Aug. 8, 1915, in Jessup to Earl Brown and Elma Fate Crooks Brown. She married Glen E. Chaney on Nov. 11, 1943, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 2002. She was a member of the Home Economics Club, Covered Bridge Campers Club, a former member of Liberty Baptist Church in Jessup, and currently a member of Rockville Christian Church.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Huxford. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Ray Willsey of Attica; three grandchildren, Shonda Sue Willsey, John Evan Willsey and Michael Ray Willsey; two nieces, Julia Huxford Hickman of Rosedale and Sue Huxford Weber of Clinton; two nephews, Joe Huxford and Jim Huxford, both of Rosedale; and one brother-in-law, Buena Chaney.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Thursday in Butler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Brad Bumgardner officiating. Burial will be in Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
Anna Florence Kannmacher
MARSHALL, Ill. – Anna Florence (Guinnip) Kannmacher, formerly of Marshall, was born April 5, 1919, in Grand View, Ill., to Harry and Loretta Guinnip. She quietly passed away Jan. 8, 2006, in Mars, Pa., at the age of 86.
Her adult life began after graduating from Marshall High School, when she married James Andrew Kannmacher on June 5, 1937. Ann and Jim began their new life together in Gary, Ind., where their three children were born. They later moved to Clark Center, Ill., where they had purchased a grocery business. During that time, they worked as a team to provide this small community with friendship, Saturday night fun playing “carom,” and a place for the community to gather and purchase provisions. A few years later, they purchased an insurance business in Marshall. Again, they worked as a team to make their business grow.
In 1957, they moved their family to Hastings, Minn. Jim began his new career as plant supervisor at a liquid fertilizer plant, and Ann began her new business career with the Dakota County Treasures Office and later with the New England Life Insurance Co., where she worked until 1979.
Upon their retirement in 1979, they made their home in Ocala, Fla. Their retirement was a fun-filled time for both of them. They finally had time to fulfill their hobbies and individual endeavors. Jim was busy in his workshop building wood projects. Most of the wood he used had come from a walnut tree from his birthplace in Illinois. Ann and Jim loved playing cards, bowling, entertaining new friends and old friends, and traveling. Ann learned to play the organ. She taught herself along with the help of her teammate and musical husband.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Lorene Garwood and Wanda McConchie; and one granddaughter, Lisa Elledge Spencer. She will be sadly missed by her three children, Dian Larson and husband Greg of Cranberry Township, Pa.; Barbara Benson and husband John of Cottage Grove, Minn.; and Larry Kannmacher and wife Mary of Colorado Springs, Colo. She also is survived by one sister, Catherine Doggett of Casey; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Secrest of Casey; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Deon Kannmacher of Martinsville; and several nieces and nephews.
Ann’s niece, Mary Elizabeth Macke of Marshall, was an important caregiver during Ann’s transition from Florida to Illinois/Indiana. Dian, Barbara and Larry are deeply grateful for Cousin Elizabeth’s open heart, thoughtfulness and the sharing of her home with their mother. Ann will always be remembered for her wonderful smile and her outgoing personality.
A brief service will be at 11 a.m. CST Saturday in Marshall Congregational Church. Burial will follow in Marshall Cemetery. Devlin Funeral Home in Cranberry, Pa., is handling cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Cathryn Triplett Lucas
BRAZIL – Cathryn Triplett Lucas, 86, of Indianapolis and formerly of Brazil, died 2:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis.
She was born Aug. 25, 1919 in Dick Johnson Township to Fred and Mable Snow Triplett. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 1936 and Indiana State University in 1940. She married Edwin G. Lucas May 7, 1943 in Boise, Idaho. She taught high school for more than 40 years, including 37 years in Frankton. She and her husband also owned and operated the local Western Auto store in Elwood.
She was a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Clay County Retired Teachers Association, Clay County Historical Society, Elwood Art League and Fairview Christian Church. She was an accomplished painter. Her work was exhibited in both Brazil and Anderson, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Douglas Triplett and Robert Triplett; one sister, Mary Herbert; and a daughter, Marilyn Jean Lucas. She is survived by a daughter, Donna Kay Lucas and her husband Kenneth Falk of Indianapolis; and two grandsons, Joshua Benjamin Lucas-Falk and Seth Richard Lucas-Falk.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Thursday in Moore Funeral Home, with visitation from noon to services. Burial will follow in Summit Lawn Cemetery. Should friends so desire, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Fairview Christian Church.
Funeral services
Eva Lorene Gardner, Casey, Ill. – died Sunday. Services 10:30 a.m. CST today, Markwell Funeral Home. Burial Casey-Cumberland Cemetery.
John Oehler, Brazil — died Thursday. Services 1 p.m. today French Funeral Home. Burial Clearview Cemetery. Visitation one hour before services.
John F. Osborne, Brazil — died Saturday. Services 1 p.m. Wednesday French Funeral Home. Burial Calcutta Cemetery. Visitation 11 a.m. until services Wednesday.
John W. Riley, Clinton — died Friday. Services 2:30 p.m. Wednesday Frist Funeral Home. Burial Shirley Cemetery, west of Universal, graveside military rites. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. today.
Jack L. Shanklin – died Friday. Services 10 a.m. Wednesday Gardner-Brockman Funeral Home, Vincennes. Burial Memorial Park Cemetery, Vincennes. Visitation 5 to 8 p.m. today.
John F. Sharpe – died Saturday. Services 11 a.m. today Callahan Funeral Home. Burial Highland Lawn Cemetery.
James D.L. Shuler, Clinton — died Friday. Services 11 a.m. Wednesday Frist Funeral Home. Burial Walnut Grove Cemetery. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. today.
Zachariah K. Tickle, Montezuma — died Friday. Services 11 a.m. today Barnes Mortuary, Rockville. Burial Oakland Cemetery.
Leona Wickware, Brazil — died Thursday. Services 11 a.m. Wednesday First Christian Church. Burial Restlawn Cemetery. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. today Moore Funeral Home, two hours before services Wednesday, in the church.
Ozro M. Wright, Jasonville – died Saturday. Services 2 p.m. today McClanahan-Lee Funeral Home. Burial Peavey Cemetery, Howesville. Visitation 10 a.m. to services.
Geraldine Francis Mabe Yaraschefski — died Saturday. Services 1 p.m. today Callahan Funeral Home, 2425 Wabash Ave. Burial Calvary Cemetery. Visitation 11 a.m. until services Tuesday.