Mooresville-Decatur Times

William L. "Bill" McAuley 86, of Mooresville, passed away on June 28, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. Bill was born on April 24, 1937 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Roy F. McAuley and Anna Ruby (Kafader) McAuley. After graduating from Arsenal Tech High School on Indianapolis' Eastside, Bill proudly and honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he married Judy (Morgenthaler) in May of 1959. They just recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. Bill was owner and President of Indy Walls & Ceilings, from 1973-2005, when he retired after 32 years. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Mooresville. He enjoyed...

Barbara Jean (Richards) Harder 79, of Banta, IN passed away on Wednesday May 24, 2023 at home, on her farm which has been in her family since 1868. Barbara lived on this farm her whole life. She was born on March 1, 1944 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Kenneth and Roselie (Dressler) Richards. She considered herself a farmer. She raised cattle, grain, hay and straw and she was in the middle of it all. She was a 1962 graduate of Mooresville High School. In addition to working on the farm during high school, she worked at Hill Top Beach in Banta. She also worked in accounting and administration for Inland Container, Creative Packaging and Eli Lilly. She was a lifetime member of the Banta...

Ruth E. Amstutz, 79, of Gosport, Indiana passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023. She was born July 29, 1943 in Lodi, Ohio to the late Eli A. and Mary Ann "Marie" (Schmucker) Miller. Ruth married Howard Amstutz on June 22, 1963 and he survives. She was a member of the Gospel Haven Mennonite Church in Spencer, Indiana. Ruth was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter; parents, Eli and Mary Ann "Marie" Miller; siblings, Robert Miller and Pauline Miller; brother-in-law, William Wickey. She is survived by her husband, Howard Amstutz of Gosport, Indiana; children, Harold (Martha) Amstutz of Honea Path, South Carolina, Phillip (Kimberly) Amstutz of WestMinster, South Carolina, Dean (Sheila)...

Joan Elizabeth Marion 76 of Camby, IN died on May 19, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Joan was born on June 13, 1946 in Port Jarvis, New York to the late Charles Everett and Mary (Mulligan) Everett. Joan was a lively woman who loved the Lord, her family, and her friends (Breakfast Club). She had spiritual peace and wanted to go to heaven having a battle with her illness-COPD. Joan was a member of Mount Gilead Church. Joan's survivors are her husband of 37 years-Randy Marion. Two daughters: Robin Hart (James) and Jolene Porter (Jim), seven grandchildren Caylee Smith (Michael), Kyle Hart (Jennifer), Brandon Hart (Michaela), Jacob Cook (Brooke), Evan Hart (Rachel), Julia Wegneg (Andrew)...

Willa "Jean" DeWitt, age 92, of Mooresville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at Meadow Lakes Assisted Living in Mooresville. She was born March 28, 1931, in Huntingburg, Indiana, to Leo and Gertrude (Harris) Bernardi. Jean worked as a secretary and teacher's aide at Birdseye High School and Pine Ridge Elementary School; and as a staff member at Patoka Lake's main entrance gate. She was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Mooresville; and enjoyed baking, flower gardening, listening to music, and spending time with her grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, Herb McKinney; second husband, Virgil "Harold" DeWitt; children, Alan McKinney and Vicki...

Mr. Danny Dale Thurston, age 82 of Madison, Indiana, entered this life on November 10, 1940 in Shelbyville, Indiana. He was the loving son of Dale "Tack" and Frances "Barney" McComas Thurston. He was raised in Shelbyville and was a 1959 graduate of Shelbyville High School. Dan then attended Ball State University and received his bachelors degree in education in 1963. He then went on and received his masters degree from Indiana University. On August 8, 1964, Dan was united in marriage to Judith Dianne Wagner in Shelbyville, Indiana. This happy union of 58 years was blessed with one son, Danny Dale, Jr. Dan and Judy moved to Mooresville in 1966 and he began his career with Mooresville...

Gerald Bradley Turner 94, of Mooresville, passed away on April 24, 2023, at Greenwood Healthcare Center in Greenwood, Indiana. Gerald was born on March 14, 1929, in Humboldt, IL to the late Fountain R. and Marjorie "Callahan" Turner. Gerald was married to the late Dot Turner. Gerald served in the Army during the Korean War and later worked at Allison Transmission for 30 years. He enjoyed collecting antiques, old jugs, and pocketknives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dot, brother Wallace Turner, and a sister Wanda L. Macer. He is survived by his nieces and nephews and caregiver and long-time family friend Linda Reed. Graveside services will be held at...

Martha L. Collier 76, of Plainfield, passed away on March 26, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Martha was born on October 16, 1946 in Morgan County, Indiana to the late Irie Moore and Gladys (Mitchell) Moore. Martha worked in food service for the Plainfield School Corporation for many years, before retiring. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she loved cheering on at every sporting or school event. Additionally, she enjoyed collecting dolls, working in her yard landscaping, and tending to her plants. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness in sending greeting cards to family and friends on every birthday,...

June Shufflebarger, of Moorseville, passed away at her home on March 21, 2023. June was born to Ross and Dessie (Drabenstot) Zimmerlee in Huntington, IN on June 6, 1930. She was 92 years old. June graduated from Ball State University with a teaching degree and received her certification in 1952. June was an exceptional seamstress and a particularly phenomenal cook/baker. June was ever mindful of the details, which elevated all she created to a notable level. She shared these passions for creating beautiful garments and pleasing dishes by teaching home economics at Moorseville High School. June also dedicated many years to Waverly Elementary School, as secretary to the principal. There...

Donald G. Hobert passed away on March 18, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don was born January 29, 1933, in Harrodsburg, Indiana, to Horace E. and Gladys (Smith) Hobert. Raised in Bedford, Indiana, and later moving to St. Bernice, where he met and later married his only love, Evelyn Kiser. Don graduated from St. Bernice High School in 1951 and went on to work for the Milwaukee Railroad where he worked for 36 years. While working for the railroad, he also served as the as local chairman for the union for over 20 years. He proudly served two years of active duty in the United States Army and six years in the reserve. In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his two...

Donald K. Wright 89, of Mooresville, passed away on February 12, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis. Don was born on November 18, 1933 in Clinton County, Indiana to the late George Monroe Wright and Pearl (Turner) Wright. Don proudly and honorably served as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Farming was Don's passion, however he was an electrician by trade and was a member of the IBEW Local #481 for over 30 years, before retiring. He loved farming and was known as the "Animal Whisperer" raising and breeding AKC Beagles for many years. Strong in his faith, he attended Thrive Church in Mooresville. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle, caring heart, who was...

Don R. "Daddy Don" Leisen 87, of Mooresville, passed away on February 7, 2023, at his home. Don was born on October 16, 1935 in Connersville, Indiana to the late Charles R. Leisen and Opal A. (Riseden) Leisen. He was a graduate of Richmond High School, class of 1954. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army. He spent most of his life working in the retail grocery business with Kroger, Standard, and IGA where he became executive vice president and general manager of Schwab Foods, Inc. He later left that position to own and operate Martinsville Book & Variety and M&M Realty in Martinsville, IN. He was active in Kiwanis as club president and Lt. Governor of the Circle...

William L. Cox, 90, longtime Mooresville resident, passed away February 4, 2023. Mr. Cox was born August 13, 1932, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to the late Robert Wayne and LaFern Lucille (Stewart) Cox. He married Ruth (Hadley) on September 6, 1952, and she survives. Bill graduated from Mooresville High School in 1950, where he excelled as a student and in athletics. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball and was consequently honored for his lifetime achievements in the Mooresville High School Hall of Fame. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and promptly became employed with General Motors when he returned from service. He traveled extensively with his job and devoted...

Evelyn Irene (Soots) Morgan, 96, passed away peacefully January 27, 2023, at Worthington Place. Mrs. Morgan was born August 7, 1926, in Clearspring, Indiana, to the late Walter and Ida (Alexander) Soots. She was married to Wayne Morgan, and he preceded her in death. Evelyn graduated from Clearspring High School. She was a proud homemaker and farmer's wife through the years. She loved the farm, driving the tractor, caring for baby animals, and always making sure there was a wonderful meal on the table. Some of the family favorites were persimmon pudding and what Evelyn called cherry dope. She had a talented green thumb and always enjoyed caring for her houseplants and loved to work...

Frederick H. Cordes, 75, longtime Mooresville resident, passed away peacefully at home January 2, 2023. Fred was born April 21, 1947, in Indianapolis, to the late Henry F. and Mildred (Gadberry) Cordes. He married Alice (Butler) Cordes on June 27, 1970, and she survives. Fred graduated from Plainfield High School in 1965 and proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He later graduated from Vincennes University, and armed with an incredible work ethic, he was employed as a journeyman electrician for the Allison Division of General Motors for over 41 years, retiring in 2007. Always interested in being a strong provider for his family, it was not uncommon for Fred to...

Lucy I. (Shane) Smith, 99 of Franklin, IN passed away Saturday December 24, 2022 at the Indiana Masonic Home at Compass Park in Franklin, IN. She was born May 30, 1923 in Hendricks County, Indiana. She married Thomas Roger Smith on October 18, 1941 in Clayton, IN, he preceded her in death on March 14, 2007. Lucy was a 1941 graduate of Clayton High School in Clayton, IN and attended Center Grove High School in Greenwood. She had been the chair of the loan committee at Methodist Hospital Credit Union in Indianapolis for 12 years. She also had served later as a volunteer at Hendricks Regional Hospital for 15 years. Lucy was a member of Friendswood Baptist Church in Camby, IN. Survivors...

Max Harold Park, of Bloomington, IN, passed away on December 13, 2022, peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Max was born July 19, 1938, in Morgan County to Marcus House Park and Ruby Catherine Park (Taylor). Survivors include his wife, Roby Park (Browers); four daughters, Stacy Walden (Park) of Bloomington, Sheila (Phil) Berger of Iowa, Sherry (Jeff) Carr of Virginia, Susan (Mark) Kleinbauer of Bloomington; step-son Scott (Vonda) Dyer of Texas; grandchildren Alexis (Chris) Zeigler, Ariel (Todd) Capouch, Lauren (Tyler) Goodman, Amelia Carr, Sophia Carr, Ella Carr, Nicki Kleinbauer, Cassidy Kleinbauer, Delany Dyer, Avery Dyer, and various great grandchildren. He was preceded in death...

Virginia "Ginny" Lorene (Dorsett) Gaston, 93 of Stilesville, Indiana passed away December 9, 2022. She was born August 17, 1929 to Thomas C. and Linnie E. (Broadstreet) Dorsett in the town of Broad Park in Putnam County, Indiana. She graduated from Belle Union High School in 1947 and Ball State University in 1951. She taught in elementary schools in Mooresville, Belle Union and Buck Creek, Indiana. She married her high school sweetheart Harris Eugene "Gene" Gaston on January 27, 1951 in Muncie, Indiana. They bought their home east of Stilesville in 1957 and resided there through the remainder of their lives. Harris Eugene passed away in 2003 and their son L. G. of Indianapolis...

Rita Jo Lundy, 80, longtime Mooresville resident, joined her beloved husband, Cecil Ray, in heaven on December 8, 2022. Rita was born January 20, 1942, in Martinsville, to the late George and Lola (Baldwin) Busbee. She attended Monrovia High School, and she and Cecil were united in marriage on January 18, 1960. They began a family that consisted of their five children, Barbara (Duane), Ray (Dawn), Patty (Dale), Connie (Randy) and Scott. Rita's life was complete in her vocation as a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother. She was an incredible cook - you never wanted to miss her beans & cornbread, chicken & noodles, fried potatoes, or flitters. An accomplished seamstress, Rita...

Cynthia M. "Pinky" Stewart, 79, Camby, passed away December 2, 2022. Mrs. Stewart was born June 7, 1943, in Greencastle, to the late Glenn C. and Dorothy Ruby (Shaw) White. She married Lawrence Stewart on November 25, 1961, and he survives. Pinky graduated from Decatur Central High School and practiced as a beauty operator for several years. She was also employed as a waitress at the former Mac's Steakhouse in Mooresville and the Waverly Inn. Pinky enjoyed fishing, bird watching and was a talented gardener when her health allowed her to be more active. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Lawrence Stewart; children, Ryan Daniel (Kelly) Stewart and Marnie Stewart; siblings, Sherman...