The Star Press

Bernice "Gail" (Cooper) Craft, 72 of Franklin, IN passed away Wednesday July 20, 2022, at Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community. She was born August 1, 1949, in Stockton, Tennessee to the Reverend Barney C. Cooper and Elva Irene (Brannon) Cooper. She had been a cook at the Franklin United Methodist Community for ten years. Bernice enjoyed going to yard sales, shopping and spending time with family. Survivors include her grandchildren Krystyna Castro (Domenic) of Aurora, CO, April Mills (Randall) of Franklin, IN and Matthew Billings of Indianapolis, IN, great grandchildren Giovonie Castro, Adelina Castro, Santino Castro, Clayton Billings, Maria Mills and Alec Billings. She was preceded...

Joan Clair Stiffler passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Joan was born in Decker, Indiana on August 12, 1929, the daughter of Charles and Eloise Byrd. She was a 1947 graduate of Muncie Central High School. She worked in several secretarial positions and then as the office manager for her husband's business, Design & Drafting Service, Inc for over 30 years. However, her true profession was wife and mother. She was married to Don for 67 wonderful years. He preceded her in death in April of 2020. She was a devoted loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She served as a taxi service for her sons and their friends, chief typists for all their high school and college papers, and...

Lynn A. Turner passed away May 28, 2022 in his home. He was born January 5, 1932 the son of the late Arthur A. Turner and Ethel Turner. A graduate of Royerton High School with honors and where he lettered in basketball, he was a member of the track team that had the best time in the state in the half mile relay two years in a row. He also excelled in baseball, he was best in state one year with a batting average of 660. Having served in the Naval Reserve during High School, he was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict. After graduating from the Naval Academy at the top of his class, He was named Honor man of company 11. Before assignment to his permanent duty station, he got...

Richard Eugene Mann was born December 25, 1931, to George and Louise Mann in Muncie, IN. On May 12, Dick passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side in Modoc, SC. In Muncie, he graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1950, Ball State University in 1953, and married his college sweetheart, Barbara Irwin in 1954. Dick graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1959 and after a year of rotating internship, returned to IU Medical Center for his residency in psychiatry. Following his residency, he served active duty in the USNR-MC 1961-1963 at USMC Recruiting, Paris Island, SC and then served in the USNR through 1969. Upon completion of active...

91, passed away peacefully, May 8, 2022. He was born September 14, 1930 in Muncie, Indiana to the late Perry Albert and Jean Darter. Fred was a 1948 graduate of Muncie Central High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Wabash College and proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. Fred married Sally L. Moore, August 29, 1953. He was employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for 40 years at various management positions in several states, retiring in 1994. After retiring, Fred enjoyed spending his time with his loving wife, children and grandchildren, volunteering at the Indianapolis 500 events and winter months in Florida. He was a member of St. Louis de Montfort...

Rick L. Bennett, 67 of Muncie, passed away on May 03, 2022 at Ball Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on August 17, 1954 in Anderson, to the late Quinton D. and Mildred A. (Johnson) Bennett. He married Joann Dowling on March 20, 2010 in Muncie and she preceded him in death January 13, 2021. Joann was the love of his life. Rick was a loyal Nascar fan, enjoyed putting together model cars and loved classic rock music. He had a soft heart for all animals. Survivors include his sister, Pamela Ritchhart (Edward Bashay) of California; nephew, Chris Ritchhart (Kelsey Crisp); great nephew, Mason Ritchhart; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A graveside memorial...

Lois Jean Benjamin Rosenthal, surrounded by her three children, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. She was born March 2, 1938 and raised in Elyria, Ohio by her mom, Jean Hancock Benjamin, and her grandmother, Lin Hancock. Her close-knit family including her sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins served as a foundation for the importance she placed on family and friends. She met the love of her life, Glenn Rosenthal, at a dance her senior year of high school and the twinkle in her eye was always brighter when they were together. They celebrated 57 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children: Lori Rosenthal Reeves (Paul) Lilburn, Georgia, Chris Rosenthal (Judy)...

Ruth "Alberta" (Studebaker) Russell, 101, passed away at Lakeland Regional Hospital in Lakeland, Florida on April 2, 2022. She was born on July 13, 1920, in Delaware County, Indiana to Walter & Grace Studebaker. She graduated from Royerton High School, Delaware Co in 1938. On June 10, 1978, she married Charles O Russell who preceded her in death on Jan 23, 2001. She had worked at H.L. Green Co in Muncie IN, Delaware Co Dept of Public Welfare, J.F. Brewer Accounting and retired in 1981 as Office Manager for The Lions Club Delaware County Fair, Inc., Muncie, IN. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, FL. Where she was a past member of the Cathedral Choir and...

Chuck was the kind of guy who could show up at your house and instantly enchant your children, captivate your pets' attention, and talk with any nearby adult like they were a long-lost friend. The sudden loss on March 17 of this kind, compassionate man was unexpected, and the result of a massive stroke. He passed on from this life at St. Vincent's hospital in Indianapolis, surrounded by his family. Charles and Mary (Williams) Gaus welcomed their only son in September 1959. Chuck and his brother from another mother, Sam Stinson, enjoyed many misadventures growing up together, especially tramping through the woods near Chuck's childhood home on Layton Road. After attending Lapel High School,...

93 of St. Petersburg passed away on February 18, 2022. Born in Kentucky, she moved to Indiana and raised her family. In 1970, Chuck and Mary moved to Florida. Within a year all seven children moved to Florida also. After a long life lived, she is preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and Martha Mansfield, her husband, Charles B Hochadel; brothers, William "Bill" Mansfield, James Arthur Mansfield, Elbert Mansfield; her sisters, Myrtle Rose, Minnie Withers and Ona Smeltzer. Mary will be remembered for her involvement in a host of organizations. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), National and Florida Association of Realtors, St. Petersburg Suncoast...

Mark D. Jacobson, 57, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Saturday, February 12, 2022, in his home in Conifer, Colorado. Mark was born on September 26, 1964, in Plymouth, IN to David and Jayne (Dungan) Jacobson. He graduated from John Glenn HS in 1983 and received a BS in Physics in 1987 and an MBA in 1989, both from Ball State University. For over 30 years Mark's career in Business Development for the energy sector took him from Wisconsin to Colorado. This work offered him the opportunity to travel abroad to places like Brazil, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. Mark was devoted to friends and family. He was always the life of the party. He loved all sports, especially Indiana...

Mary E. (Chapman) LaFollette 83, of Bradenton, FL died peacefully on February 10, 2022 at Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills, FL. She was born February 20, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of the late Paul D. and G. Elizabeth (Wirtz) Chapman. Mary graduated from Manuel High School in 1955 and Butler University in 1958. She also married her lifelong love, William R. LaFollette, in 1958. They had 61 years together before he passed in 2020. She earned a master's degree from Indiana University in 1973 and worked for the Delaware Community School System as an elementary guidance counselor and school psychometerist for over 25 years. Mary had many interests and activities she enjoyed including...

Greg passed on January 14th. He is survived by his wife Pamela, sons; Willis Spratt (Kelsey), Michael Shotts (Tera), Caleb and Jordan Huffman; daughter Jessica Shotts, grandsons; Ethan Shotts, Mason Huffman; parents; Vivian Anderson (Wayne) and John Spratt (Marsha). Greg graduated from IU '89 and BSU '90; and worked 31 years at Lilly. Visitation will be on January 20th 4-8pm at Crown Hill Funeral. Services: January 21st noon at Broadway UMC, with visitation from 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Please visit www.crownhill.org to view the full obituary.

Rex Leon Bales, 85 of Franklin, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. He was born on May 26, 1936 in Stoney Creek Township, Henry County, Indiana to George Eugene Bales and Pauline Madona (Garringer) Bales. He married Nila Jean (Anderson) Bales on September 8, 1963. Rex is survived by two daughters, Brenda K. (Mike) Delaney and Vicki E. (Jeff) Davis; three grandchildren, John M. Delaney, Sarah N. Davis and Justin T. Davis; and one brother, Harold E. Bales. He was preceded in passing by his parents; and sisters, Jane E. Houser and Bonnie L. Golliher. He was a graduate of Mooreland High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Rex was a tool and die maker at Chrysler...

Charles V. "Charlie" Craft 86, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 4th. He was born October 30, 1935 to Frank H. and Harriet L. Craft in New Lisbon, IN, and was a 1954 graduate of New Castle High School. After retiring from farming in 1986 and 37 years of skilled trade service from Chrysler in 2000, Charlie spent his time collecting and restoring IH tractors, specifically his 1939 models. He enjoyed going to tractor shows and talking with friends. He was a member and retired director of Indiana Chapter 7 IH Collector Club. Charlie was a proud member of several fraternal organizations including the Murat Shriners and most notably the Freemasons where he served as a three- time...

Kenneth E. Nichols, 74, Indianapolis, passed away December 3, 2021, at his residence. Kenny was born February 21, 1947, one of four children to the late William Albert and Berniece (Calvert) Nichols. He married Linda Lou (Guinn) on June 23, 1984, and immediately made her family his own. He graduated from Muncie Southside High School and earned a business degree Ball State University. Kenny worked for Westinghouse in Muncie for several years before settling into a career in security. He worked for various companies including Pepsi, GM Truck & Bus, and most recently for Securitas. Kenny was a proud member of the NRA and enjoyed discussing politics. A man strong in his faith, he...

Carol Nell Clifton, 100, of Muncie, passed away on November 19, 2021. Carol was born in Greensburg, Indiana, to Charles and Mae Howe on October 7, 1921. She was a 1939graduate of Greensburg High School and a graduate of Butler University. She was a devoted teacher and taught in the West End Building of Washington School. Carol was a member of Tri Kappa and CV Chapter of PEO. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Clifton; and son in law, Tom Cripe; niece, Ellen (Gregory) Gilliland Wadsworth; and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Max Taylor Clifton; daughter, Nancy Clifton Cripe; and nephew, Charles Gilliland. A visitation will be held on Monday,...

Janet Nell (Armstrong) Cook, 86, passed, away Monday morning November 8, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, Illinois. She was born on February 8, 1935 in Albany, Kentucky, to Herman and Marjorie Aleen Armstrong. She was the oldest of four children. Janet was a 1953 graduate of Royerton High School and a 1965 graduate of Ball State University. On December 10, 1988 she married Norman Cook. They lived in Carmel, Indiana until this year. Janet is survived by her children Chris (Melanie) Fancher, Janna (Steve) Kissel, Shane (Michelle) Fancher, step-son Brian (Jodi) Cook; Grandchildren Kelly (Shane) Screnock, Meredith Hargis, Ted Kissel, Jill Fancher, Dan ( Heather) Kissel, Kaitlyn...

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Charles Gray Arbogast on November 4, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents John and Virgie Arbogast; his siblings Geneva Aubrey, Freddie Arbogast, Bobbie Arbogast, Betty Atkins, and Arthur Arbogast. He is survived by his wife Sally Arbogast of Lexington, KY; his son Adam (Letty) of Williamsburg, VA; his step-son James (Antoinette) of Hebron, MD; his siblings Joanne Little, Donna Partezana, Larry Arbogast, and Nancy Jones; He is also survived by two grandchildren Jake Arbogast and Abigail Arbogast, as well as several nieces and nephews. Contributions can be made in Charles Arbogast's memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children Medical...

James "Jim" P. Smith, 89, of Mishawaka, entered into eternal rest on October 31, 2021. He was born on June 27, 1932 in Muncie, IN. Jim was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. After the Army, he continued his trade as a Journeyman Patternmaker. He retired from Elkhart Pattern. Jim taught CCD class and was a founding member of the Tri Valley RC Club where he served four terms as president. He was an accomplished Commercial Pilot, Aerobatic Pilot, Flight Instructor, RC Pilot, and builder. Jim had so much love for his family and he loved being a pilot. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Smith; parents, Kemper Paul Smith and Lucille M. (Torpey) Smith;...

Mary E. (Law) Bullock, 99, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Swiss Villa Nursing and Rehabilitation, Vevay, Indiana. Mary was born October 19, 1922 in Oldham County, Kentucky, the daughter of William Law. and Bessie Myles, she was the eldest of seven children. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband Donald E. Bullock, her brother Frank Law, and her sister Louise Hartman. Mary joined the Women's Auxiliary Corps during World War II and was assigned to a tent hospital in New Mexico. Shortly after the war she met and married Don Bullock with whom she spent the next 71 years until he passed away in 2018. In addition to being a homemaker,...