Published: January 10, 2006 10:59 pm         

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006

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; nine granddaughters, Jennifer Conine and fiancé, 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 in 1988 and was president in 1990. He served on the board of directors of the 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 also was 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, Wabash Valley Hoosier Skyliner Car Club 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. today in the funeral home, with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Active pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons; honorary 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.

Leta F. Eller McCoskey Donham

Leta F. Eller McCoskey Donham of Terre Haute died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, in her residence. She retired in 1974 after 20 years as the lunch counter manager in Woolworth’s in The Meadows shopping center.

She was born May 4, 1911, in St. Anthony’s Hospital in Terre Haute to William N. Eller and Lottie Morey Eller. Her first husband, Glenn McCoskey Sr., and her second husband, Audley “Dutch” Donham, both preceded her in death.

Survivors include one son, Glenn M. McCoskey Jr. and his wife, Donna of Terre Haute; one daughter, Charlotte Brandenburg and her husband, Jerry of Martinez, Ga.; one sister, Jeanette Strain and her husband, Dale of Prairie Creek; one brother, Merle K. Eller of Terre Haute; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church for many years and a 35-year member of Riley Chapter Order of Eastern Star. She was a wonderful cook and had enjoyed cooking for her family when she was able.

Private family services are scheduled in Thomas Funeral Home, with burial in Roselawn Memorial Park.

Mary Louise Ingle

Mary Louise Ingle, 74, of Indianapolis and formerly of Terre Haute and Martinsville died at 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, in St. Francis Hospital & Health Center in Beech Grove.

She retired in 1984 from Harmon Motive after working there 10 years; she also worked part-time for McDonald’s in Martinsville. She was born June 22, 1931, in Terre Haute to Oral Archer and Thelma Frazier Archer. Her husband, Russell S. Ingle, whom she married April 8, 1950, died April 5, 1984.

Survivors include one son, Steven Lee Ingle of Indianapolis; two daughters, Linda L. Harris of Unionville and Rebecca Sue Lenning of Quillen, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and two sisters, Leona May Stratton of Brownsburg and Opal Green of Terre Haute. She also was preceded in death by her parents.

She was a 1949 graduate of Washington High School, a member of Martinsville Baptist Tabernacle Church, and enjoyed traveling with the senior citizens on Toby’s Tours.

Services are 1 p.m. Thursday in Neal & Summers Mortuary in Martinsville, with the Rev. David Zempel officiating. Burial is in Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery in Martinsville. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour before services Thursday, in the mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9135 N. Meridian St., Suite B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46209-7109.

Maria Delores Morra

Maria Delores Morra, 42, of Terre Haute died at 5:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in Union Hospital. She was a homemaker, moving here from New York 101/2 years ago.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Fred Fernandes and Ruth Scavetta Fernandes. Survivors include her husband, Frank Morra; one son, Frank Morra Jr.; her mother; a brother, John Fernandes; one sister, Joan Fernandes; and a dog named Buddy. She was preceded in death by her father. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Prayers will begin at 9:20 a.m. Friday, in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th St., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., in St. Patrick Church, with the Rev. Rick Ginther officiating. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 147, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876-0147.

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 Sr. 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.

Sister Rose Angele (Monica Elizabeth) Spalding

Sister Rose Angele Spalding, 92, of St. Mary-of-the-Woods died at 9:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. She was an educator and administrator in schools staffed by the Sisters of Providence in Illinois, Indiana and the District of Columbia. The former Monica Elizabeth Spalding was born Jan. 21, 1913, in Loogootee to James Patrick Spalding and Rose Emma Hopkins Spalding. Survivors include one sister-in-law, Mildred Spalding of Beech Grove. She was preceded in death by one sister, Marguerite Spalding Lundergan; and three brothers, the Rev. Dennis P. Spalding, the Rev. William Edwin Spalding and James Francis Spalding. She attended grade school in Loogootee, high school at St. John’s in Loogootee, received her bachelor of science in education and her bachelor of arts degree in English from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and completed her graduate work at Indiana State University, earning her master of science degree in education administration and supervision. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence Dec. 29, 1933, professed First Vows Jan. 23, 1936, and Final Vows Aug. 15, 1941. During her 72 years as a Sister of Providence, 50 years were spent as 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.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Thursday, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with the Rev. Daniel R. Hopcus officiating. Burial is in the Cemetery of the Sisters of Providence. Wake is 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. today, in the church, with wake service at 4:30 p.m. 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 deBlecourt, Hans Mulvihill, Mychal 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. today in Roselawn Chapel of Memories, with the Rev. Steve Moore officiating. Burial is in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation is 10 a.m. to services. Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th St., assisted with arrangements. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9135 N. Meridian St., Suite B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46209.

Wabash Valley obituaries

Mary Remington Craft

BRAZIL — Mary Remington Craft, 62, of Brazil died at 7:03 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in Putnam County Hospital in Greencastle.

She was employed as a secretary for Shell Oil Co., and also worked for the Brazil Cable Co. Most recently, she was employed by the Putnamville Correctional Facility as a prison guard. She was born Jan. 9, 1943, to Ross Remington and Helen Louise Dowen Remington.

Survivors include her stepdaughters, Sally Ross and her husband, Bill of Mount Vernon, and Susan Keller and her husband, John of Princeton, Texas; stepgrandchildren, Sarah Greene and Kurt Greene, both of Mount Vernon, and Trevor Keller and Ty Keller, both of Princeton; a stepgreat-grandson, Ross Stevens; and one brother, Jim Remington and his wife, Mary of Bartow, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She graduated from Rockville High School in 1961. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was very active in the Carbon United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She had requested to be cremated.

Her family will have a graveside service in Clear Run Cemetery at a later date. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Carbon United Methodist Church. French Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Mildred Edith Earles Tomlin

ROCKVILLE — Mildred Edith Earles Tomlin, 78, of Rockville died at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, in Rockville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

She was a retired payroll and personnel clerk with the Hugh J. Baker Steel Co., in Indianapolis and was a QMA, working locally, and a private duty caregiver. She was born Jan. 22, 1927, in Indianapolis to Redford Earles and Mary Alice Payne Earles. Her husband, Eugene Roy “Fats” Tomlin, whom she married June 15, 1946, died Dec. 1, 1976.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Kay Greenlee and her husband, Clarence “Bunny” Greenlee of Rockville, Peggy Lee Spurr and her husband, Thomas Spurr of Bloomingdale; one brother, Marvin “Jock” Earles and his wife, Rita of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Janice Kays and her husband, Mike, Christy Mitchell and her husband, Jason, Misty Stewart and her husband, Charles, and Thomas E. Spurr and his wife, Mary; eight great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; one special niece, Debbie Claywell of Indianapolis; and several other nieces and nephews. She also was preceded in death by one brother, Redford Earles II and one sister, Dorothy Lee Hodge. She was a member of Rockville First Baptist Church. She graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1945 and attended Indiana Business College.

Services are 11 a.m. Friday in Rockville Christian Church, with the Revs. Chuck McMichael and Ruth Harber officiating. Burial will follow in Clear Run Cemetery in Bridgeton. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the church and one hour before services Friday. Gooch Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Death notices

Norma Ailene Geeseman, 80, of Sullivan, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006.

Kathryn M. Munson, 76, of Jasonville died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006.

Virginia B. Woodard, 77, formerly of Sullivan County, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006.

Funeral services

Leonard O. Buell — died Sunday. Services 11 a.m. Thursday Bowling Green United Methodist Church. Burial Fairview Cemetery, Bowling Green. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. today Schoppenhorst Funeral Home, Clay City.

Virginia Chaney, Rockville, died Sunday. Services 2 p.m. Thursday Butler Funeral Home. Burial Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation 4 to 7 p.m. today.

Anna Florence Kannmacher, Marshall, Ill. — died Sunday. Services 11 a.m. CST Saturday Marshall Congregational Church. Burial Marshall Cemetery. Devlin Funeral Home, Cranberry, Pa., assisted.

Cathryn Triplett Lucas, Brazil — died Monday. Services 2 p.m. Thursday Moore Funeral Home, visitation noon to services. Burial Summit Lawn Cemetery.

John F. Osborne, Brazil — died Saturday. Services 1 p.m. today French Funeral Home. Burial Calcutta Cemetery. Visitation 11 a.m. until services.

John W. Riley, Clinton — died Friday. Services 2:30 p.m. today Frist Funeral Home. Burial Shirley Cemetery, west of Universal, graveside military rites.

Jack L. Shanklin – died Friday. Services 10 a.m. today Gardner-Brockman Funeral Home, Vincennes. Burial Memorial Park Cemetery, Vincennes.

James D.L. Shuler, Clinton — died Friday. Services 11 a.m. today Frist Funeral Home. Burial Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Cassidy May Sons — died Sunday. Services 3 p.m. today Fitzpatrick-Pearce Funeral Home. Cremation scheduled. Visitation 1 p.m. until services.

Leona Wickware, Brazil — died Thursday. Services 11 a.m. today First Christian Church. Burial Restlawn Cemetery. Visitation two hours before services, church. Moore Funeral Home assisted.

Donald Rexford Williams — died Sunday. Services 10:30 a.m. today Roselawn Funeral Home. Masonic rites prior to services, military rites following services. Cremation will follow.