October 8, 2013

Alex McClain

Alex McClain, age 78, of Versailles, entered this life on March 5, 1935 in Ripley County. He was the loving son of the late, Jesse V. and Goldie McClain. He was raised in Ripley County and attended school there. He enjoyed a 57-year marriage with Ramona A. Gelvin who survives.

Alex was inducted into the United States Army on July 3, 1953 in Indianapolis. He rose to the rank of Private Second Class during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on June 23, 1956 in Fort Sheridan, Illinois and received the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal.

He worked for many years with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus and later when he lived in California and Texas he had worked for Louis and Rail. He was a member of the Church of God in Lamonte, California and American Legion Post 173 in Versailles. He found great enjoyment in traveling and had resided back in Ripley County the past three years. Alex died on Thursday, October 3, 2013, at his home in Versailles.

Alex will be missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Ramona A. Gelvin McClain of Versailles; his loving sons, Kenneth McClain of Butlerville, Charles W. Smith and his wife, Diana of Illinois, William Smith of California; his loving daughters, Mary Ann Borders and her husband, David of Rexville, Helen Farrell and her husband, David of Cross Plains, Karen McClain and her companion, Tommy of Jefferson, Texas, Connie McClain her companion, Floyd of Madison, Ruth Smith of California, Connie Smith of California, Ruth Ellen Smith of California, Edith Smith of California; 29 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father Jesse V. McClain, his mother Goldie McClain, his son Dennis Carl McClain who died Sept. 6, 2013, his grandson Justin Clayton who died June 13, 2009, his brothers Ivan McClain, Alva McClain and Gordon McClain, his sisters Geneva Bales, Emma Negangard, Imogene Perkins and Leah Illg.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, October 9 at 2 p.m. by Bro. Dale Day at the Grandview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel near Madison. Interment will follow in the Shelby Cemetery near Versailles. Friends may call Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. at the Grandview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel near Madison.

Versailles American Legion Post No. 173 will conduct military honors at the graveside at Shelby Cemetery near Versailles. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Struckman

Longtime Milan school teacher Mildred Struckman, 92 of Milan, passed away Friday October 4, 2013 at the Ridgewood Health Campus in Lawrenceburg. She was born Tuesday, September 20, 1921 at Emmalena, Kentucky, the daughter of George W. and Kathleen (Combs) Combs. She married John R. Struckman in 1942 and he preceded her in death in 2001.

Mildred attended Morehead College and later graduated with her BS degree from Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. She later received her Masters degree from Indiana University.

Mildred was a retired school teacher for 33 years, the whole time being spent within the Milan school system. She had been a member of the Delaware United Methodist Church, the Hogan Hill Baptist Church and presently the Hope Baptist Church. She had also been a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association, and the WSCS. Mildred enjoyed quilting, cooking, baking, ceramics, playing musical instruments, mainly the piano and guitar, shopping and traveling. She loved God, family and butterflies.

Mildred is survived by daughter Sandy Fletcher of Milan, sister Lois Richie of Milan, grandchildren, Liane Simmons Todd (Alessandra) Smith, Brandon Fletcher, and Amy (John) Gibbs; great grandchildren Jason, Amber and Ashley Schmidt; Molly Simmons, and Nichole, Jordan and Aurelia Smith; and great great grandchildren Taylor Cavins and Adrian Smith, a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by a daughter Linda Smith; three grandchildren; and 11 siblings.

Funeral services for Mildred will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 9 at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan with Revs. Tom Holt and Charles Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the German Lutheran Cemetery north of Milan. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Hope Baptist Church Building Fund. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home, Milan, is entrusted with arrangements. (812)654-2141. Go to www.lawscarrmoore.com to sign the online condolence register.

Maynard “Pete” Alan Schierloh

Maynard “Pete” Alan Schierloh, 73, of Dillsboro, passed away Monday, October 7, 2013 at his home following a long illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced in Thursday’s paper by DeVries Funeral Home in Dillsboro. You may also call the funeral home at 812-432-5480 for more information on funeral plans.

Anna Lou Lawson

Anna Lou Lawson, 71 of Aurora, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2013 at The Waters of Dillsboro following a long illness. Anna was born May 31, 1942 in Morgan County, TN, the daughter of Arthur Lawson and Dorothy Settles Lawson, and resided in Tennessee and Ohio before moving to Aurora eight years ago.

Anna helped raise her 12 brothers and sisters, and worked part time at Kekos. She loved to read and play cards.

Anna is survived by her four brothers, Willie, Jerry, Raymond, and David Lawson, all of the Cincinnati area; and five sisters, Lois Donatelli, Sharon Lane, Brenda Ande, Violet Lawson, and Diane Sutton. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Arthur Lee Jr. and Steve Lawson, and one sister, Carol Lane.

Funeral services were held Monday, October 7 at DeVries Funeral Home in Dillsboro. Pastor Robert Whitter officiated. Burial was at Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro. The family would appreciate memorials in her memory be given to the family towards her medical expenses.

DeVries Funeral Home, Dillsboro, was in charge of arrangements.

Denise Bottorff

Denise Bottorff, 59, of Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at her home. She was born in Columbus on March 17, 1954, the daughter of William and Geraldine Weddle Bottorff.

Survivors include two sisters, Carol Henderson of New Castle and Judy Ruggles of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews along with great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Denise was a 1972 graduate of Jennings County High School. She was a former employee of the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center and was employed with Cummins Engine in Columbus.

Funeral services were held Saturday, October 5 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Jennings County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.