Bell Mortuary & Crematory

Rita Kay (Faut) Spreen, age 76, of Fountaintown, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023, at Springhurst Health. She was born in Indianapolis on September 18, 1947, to Roy Faut and Lois (Andis) Faut. She graduated from New Palestine High School in 1965. She married John Spreen on June 18, 1965. Rita was a devoted homemaker. She enjoyed time with her family, reading, and word puzzles. She rarely missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune and occasionally pulled a slot machine with her sisters for fun. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John Spreen, daughter, Karen (Bob) Elsea of Greenfield, and son, Kevin Spreen of New Palestine, sister Darleen Gentry, brother in law Jace Grinstead,...

John Alan Bowers, 75 years, born on the east side of Indianapolis and a long-term resident of New Palestine passed away Friday, October 27, 2023 at Community East Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born on July 2, 1948, in Indianapolis to the late Herman and Violet (Freeman) Bowers. He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline (McNeil) of over 40 years; sister Peggy Bowers; son Patrick Bowers; daughters Dawn Bowers; Shelaine (Dean) Gilmer, and Morgan (Gabe) Lawless and grandchildren; Samantha, Emily, John, Garrett, Maverick, Crosby and Gentry. John was a 1966 graduate of Warren Central High School and attended Indiana University. John enlisted and proudly served his country overseas in the...

John Alan Bowers, 75 years, born on the east side of Indianapolis and a long-term resident of New Palestine passed away Friday, October 27, 2023 at Community East Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born on July 2, 1948, in Indianapolis to the late Herman and Violet (Freeman) Bowers. He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline (McNeil) of over 40 years; sister Peggy Bowers; son Patrick Bowers; daughters Dawn Bowers; Shelaine (Dean) Gilmer, and Morgan (Gabe) Lawless and grandchildren; Samantha, Emily, John, Garrett, Maverick, Crosby and Gentry. John was a 1966 graduate of Warren Central High School and attended Indiana University. John enlisted and proudly served his country overseas in the...

William Edgar "Ed" Little, 79, Greenfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 25, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 2, 1944. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Elsie Little and his son Michael Little. Ed retired from Eli Lilly and Co. in security. He was an avid golfer and played in several leagues. Ed enjoyed playing golf wherever he traveled. He also enjoyed watching and coaching his grandchildren in their many sports. Ed leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Marsha (Hail) Little of Greenfield; his children, daughter, Lorie (Ben) Page of New Palestine; son Mark (Kim) Little of...

Terry M Toon, 78, of Greenfield, IN, passed away Friday, September 22nd, in Greenfield, IN. He was born in Indianapolis, IN on March 12, 1945. Terry is survived by wife Paula S (Siler) Toon; daughters, Robin (Gregg) Biggs, Shelly (Randy) Klohmann, Shannon (Brandon) Craig; sons Andrew (Brynn) Kesterson & Matthew (Nahir) Kesterson Grandchildren, Jake Klohmann, Courtney Klohmann, Graham Biggs, Avery Biggs, Cassidy Klohmann, Kenzie Klohmann, Jameson Craig, Anna Kesterson, Ella Kesterson, Mia Craig, Emma Kesterson, Maris Craig. Terry served in the U.S. Army as a specialist 4th class during the Vietnam War where he was assigned to the United States Army Marine Maintenance Activity Unit in...

Richard Thomas "Dick" Nolan, 79, Greenfield, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Dick was born August 9, 1944, in Schenectady, New York, the son of the late John Patrick and Mary (Dolan) Nolan. Dick was a 1962 graduate of Bishop-Gibbons High School in Schenectady, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Japan for a year and Bunker Hill AFB in Peru, Indiana. He married Mary Rebecca "Becky" Murphy, January 22, 1967, at the Mohawk E.U.B. Church. He worked for Eli Lilly and Company and retired from Dow-Elanco. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion, and had served as Greenfield Post 119 Commander. He was also a member of Greenfield 40 & 8 Voyager...

Passed away on Aug 6, 2023. Survived by brother John (Missy) Eastes. Service will be held on Aug 10, 2023 at 1:00PM at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountaintown, IN 46130. Visitation from 11:00AM until time of service. Burial at Winchester Cemetery, Shelbyville, IN.

Betty Ruth Short, 86, passed away July 25, 2023, in New Palestine. She was born on March 6, 1937, in Derby, Virginia Coal Mining Camp. Survivors include; husband, William H. Short, sons, Billy (Denise) Short, Johnny (Tammy) Short, daughter, Dianna (Mike) Oberneder, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, She was preceded in death by parents, Robert Vas and Eura Alice Burke, sisters, Faye and Jodi, brother, Ted (Beverly) Burke. Betty was a member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church, also an avid book reader, loved arts, crafts, painting and the poetry club. She loved to talk about being a coal miner's daughter. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 28, 2023, at 1:00pm at Bell Mortuary &...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith D. Miller age 80, Greenfield, Indiana, previous a lifelong resident of Chatsworth, Illinois. Keith was born in Fairbury, IL to the parents of Carl and Elsie Miller. He now reunites with his parents and his brothers, Stanley Hill, David Hill, Gerald Miller, and John Miller and niece Diane Hill who preceded him in death. Keith loved the farm life and was his happiest when he was spending time there. He was owner of KDM Showpigs and loved meeting old friends while traveling and showing pigs.His greatest joy was attending his Grandkids any and all events throughout their school & college years and spending time with family...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith D. Miller age 80, Greenfield, Indiana, previous a lifelong resident of Chatsworth, Illinois. Keith was born in Fairbury, IL to the parents of Carl and Elsie Miller. He now reunites with his parents and his brothers, Stanley Hill, David Hill, Gerald Miller, and John Miller and niece Diane Hill who preceded him in death. Keith loved the farm life and was his happiest when he was spending time there. He was owner of KDM Showpigs and loved meeting old friends while traveling and showing pigs.His greatest joy was attending his Grandkids any and all events throughout their school & college years and spending time with family...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith D. Miller age 80, Greenfield, Indiana, previous a lifelong resident of Chatsworth, Illinois. Keith was born in Fairbury, IL to the parents of Carl and Elsie Miller. He now reunites with his parents and his brothers, Stanley Hill, David Hill, Gerald Miller, and John Miller and niece Diane Hill who preceded him in death. Keith loved the farm life and was his happiest when he was spending time there. He was owner of KDM Showpigs and loved meeting old friends while traveling and showing pigs.His greatest joy was attending his Grandkids any and all events throughout their school & college years and spending time with family...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith D. Miller age 80, Greenfield, Indiana, previous a lifelong resident of Chatsworth, Illinois. Keith was born in Fairbury, IL to the parents of Carl and Elsie Miller. He now reunites with his parents and his brothers, Stanley Hill, David Hill, Gerald Miller, and John Miller and niece Diane Hill who preceded him in death. Keith loved the farm life and was his happiest when he was spending time there. He was owner of KDM Showpigs and loved meeting old friends while traveling and showing pigs.His greatest joy was attending his Grandkids any and all events throughout their school & college years and spending time with family...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith D. Miller age 80, Greenfield, Indiana, previous a lifelong resident of Chatsworth, Illinois. Keith was born in Fairbury, IL to the parents of Carl and Elsie Miller. He now reunites with his parents and his brothers, Stanley Hill, David Hill, Gerald Miller, and John Miller and niece Diane Hill who preceded him in death. Keith loved the farm life and was his happiest when he was spending time there. He was owner of KDM Showpigs and loved meeting old friends while traveling and showing pigs.His greatest joy was attending his Grandkids any and all events throughout their school & college years and spending time with family...

Florence Claudene Cecil September 29, 1938-May 24, 2023 Florence Claudene Cecil, (Flo), age 84 of New Palestine, Indiana departed this life on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Grand Brook Memory Care facility in Greenwood, Indiana. Born on September 29, 1938 in Oneida Tennessee she was the daughter of Wheaton and Pearl (Terry) Slaven. Florence grew up in Oneida Tennessee and came to Indiana in 1964 looking for employment opportunity. She immediately was hired at Western Electric in Indianapolis, Indiana. She and Gordon Cecil were married on April 16, 1965 in Madison, Indiana. She worked at Western Electric until the birth of her daughter at which time she became a homemaker. Together they...

Florence Claudene Cecil September 29, 1938-May 24, 2023 Florence Claudene Cecil, (Flo), age 84 of New Palestine, Indiana departed this life on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Grand Brook Memory Care facility in Greenwood, Indiana. Born on September 29, 1938 in Oneida Tennessee she was the daughter of Wheaton and Pearl (Terry) Slaven. Florence grew up in Oneida Tennessee and came to Indiana in 1964 looking for employment opportunity. She immediately was hired at Western Electric in Indianapolis, Indiana. She and Gordon Cecil were married on April 16, 1965 in Madison, Indiana. She worked at Western Electric until the birth of her daughter at which time she became a homemaker. Together they...

Mary Anita (Armstrong) Hancock, 75, New Palestine, IN passed away April 6, 2023 in Morristown, IN. She was born on April 16, 1947 in Lansing, MI. Survivors include, son Greg Armstrong; daughters Shelly (Justin) Smith and Robin Lewis; sister, Jennifer (Bill) Kiesel; brothers, Jeff (Cindy) Clay; Joe (Judy) Clay; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by, husband of 45 years, Bert Armstrong. Mary was a member of the New Palestine United Methodist Church. Service will be Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 11:00AM at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountiantown, IN 46130 with visitation on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4:00PM until 8:00PM at...

Richard Clark, known to his friends as RJ, passed from this life on March 31,2023 after a brief illness. He was born February 22,1930 to John Cletus Clark and June Cleo (Lanham) Clark in Indianapolis. He attended Arsenal High School but later moved to Stevens Point Wisconsin and graduated from Stevens Point High School. RJ joined the US Army January 14,1949 and was stationed in Japan. While in Japan he completed the course for special agents at the Counter Intelligence Training school in Tokyo on July 1, 1950. He was deployed to Korea on July 18,1950 with the Headquarters Battery/1st Cavalry/Division Artillery. During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on...

Sylvia Carrico, 82, Franklin, IN passed away February 15, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to Daniel and Flora (Robertson) MacRae. She was a longtime resident of New Palestine, Indiana before moving to Franklin Indiana in 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald, sister Norma and brother Malcolm. She is survived by her children Susan Scott, David (Jennifer) Carrico, Erin Carrico; brother Allan (Linda) MacRae; 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Sylvia was trained as a registered nurse, graduating in 1963 from Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was a proud nurse for the Community...

James "Tee-Hee" E. Cole of Greenfield passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 at the age of 97. A lifetime resident of Hancock County, he was the eldest child of Noble and Bertha (Crider) Cole. The nickname "Tee Hee" was given to him as a young man. Several friends were giving each other nicknames and because of his laugh, he became Tee Hee. Many people never even knew his real name, just Tee Hee. Debra's Mother wanted to name her Tina Marie, but she was afraid that Debra would be called Little Tee Hee! James was a proud Veteran serving during WWII in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 where he served as a Helmsman. When he returned home from the Navy, he obtained his pilot's license. He was...

Norman W. Laufer, 84, New Palestine, Indiana passed away February 6, 2023 in Fishers, Indiana. He was born on May 28, 1938 in New Palestine, Indiana to Clarence and Anna C.(Noelting) Laufer. Norm is survived by his sister Martha A Shore; nephews Wayne Horman, Paul Horman, Craig Laufer and David Shore; nieces Cheryl Ricker, Chris Brinson, Debbie Poor and Dianna Dowdy, his long time right hand man who is like a son, Russell Dove and Lilli Dove who he loved like a granddaughter. He had 15 great nieces and nephews and 5 great-great nieces and nephews who loved him very much. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dorothy Irene Laufer Horman and Emma Pauline Laufer and his brother...

Mark Alan Ratliff, 63, Shelbyville, IN passed away on February 27, 2023. Service will be March 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Shelbyville Crossroad Community Church visitation, March 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Bell Mortuary Shangrila.