Obituaries — June 2025

June 4, 2025

Randy A. George

Randy A. George, 69 of Oolitic passed away on Friday May 30, 2025, at his residence. Randy was born in Bedford on February 7, 1956, to Stanley Andrew George and Edith Evelyn (Bunch) George. Randy graduated from Oolitic High School Class of 1974, he retired after 40 years as an Electrician with the IBEW Local #16 in Evansville, he was a member of the Willow Road Baptist Church in Evansville. Randy George was the life of the party and only ever went full throttle. He may have been running the day he was born. It would be safe to say he lived every day like he had nothing to lose. He was a dreamer with ambition, courage and faith. He built programs for our local youth including a bike a thon for the Saint Jude’s hospital. He supported the boy scouts, girl scouts and little Hoosiers. He engineered the electrical mapping at Rockport power plant for the power plants in all of the US and won an award with the International IBEW. They used his schematics for all, and he designed the battery to work with all power systems. He was also an inventor and invented several tools, one known by most of his fellow brotherhood as the "Ran-tool". He was 5th in the state of Indiana for mathematics and won state. He built a legacy that will live on for all his future generations and will be laid to rest on top of the hill on the farm that he built.

Survivors include his children, Angela George (Brian) Otwell of Bedford, J. Gabriel (Laura) George of Pekin, and Randi Ann (Ernest) Thompson of Bedford, grandchildren, Jewleena Wade, Alexander Lively, Justiam Wright, Isaiah George, Jonathan Lively, Milina Otwell, Colton Lively, Mara George, Drake Otwell, step grandchildren, Chelsea Otwell, Brendan Thompson, Lauran Thompson, Christina Otwell, Kayla Padgett, Olivia Thompson, and Destiney Thompson, one great grandchild, Sawyer Lively, three step great grandchildren, one brother, James George of Bedford, and one sister, Karen of Tennessee.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Tommy George, Johnny George, Eddie George, and Scotty George, and two sisters, Susie Johnson, and Luann Strunk.

Funeral services will be on Saturday June 7, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Cresthaven Funeral Home, burial will follow in the Pinkston- George Cemetery, visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time at 12:00 Noon, condolences may be made at www.cresthavenfh.com.

Wilma Darlene (Emmons) Abel

MITCHELL- Wilma Darlene (Emmons) Abel, 90, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at Mitchell Manor.

Born May 31, 1935, in Bicknell, she was the daughter of Oliver and Thelma (Gammon) Emmons.

Wilma worked in several factories including Traveler’s, Cortron, and the Bedford Excelsior factory.  She was a member of the Mitchell Wesleyan Church. Wilma enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and doing home crafts.

Surviving are her son, Jim (Martha) Blanton of Mitchell; grandchildren, Audrey (KJ) Fahr of Springville and Tyler (Aubrey Cox) Blanton of Shawswick; and great-grandchildren, Maya Fahr of Springville, Addison Cox of Shawswick, and James Cox of Shawswick.

Her parents; sister, Ida Bye; and brothers, Charles Emmons, Richard Emmons, and Danny Emmons, preceded her in death.

Private graveside service will be held at Mitchell Cemetery. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com

June 2, 2025

Carl W. Endris

Carl W. Endris, born on February 18, 1947, in Bedford, Indiana, to the late August & Rhea Dawn Endris, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Franklin, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

For much of his career, Carl dedicated himself to AT&T, where he contributed his skills and talents with a steadfast commitment. After completing his education at Bedford High School, he ventured out to Colorado for a year before pursuing his passion for technology at DeVry, studying Electronic Technology. It was during these formative years that Carl developed the strong work ethic and the innovative spirit that would define his career.

On April 19, 1968, Carl married the love of his life, Linda (Charles) Endris. With their 57th wedding anniversary just around the corner, their relationship served as a shining example of partnership, joy, and mutual support. Together, they created a beautiful life filled with cherished moments, whether basking in the warmth of the Florida sun or embarking on their many adventures to London.

A proud U.S. Marine veteran, Carl served his country with honor in Vietnam. His military service instilled in him a sense of camaraderie and discipline, a spirit that remained with him through the years. Each year, he looked forward to the Annual Veterans Camping Trip, a cherished gathering that allowed him to reconnect with fellow veterans and celebrate their shared experiences.

Carl’s love for nature was evident, which he eagerly shared with his children, instilling in them the same appreciation for the great outdoors. He found immense joy camping at Hardin Ridge, where laughter and stories brought his family closer together. Music was another vital part of Carl’s life, and he had a remarkable way of sharing this passion with others, creating connections through melodies and harmonies.

A devoted parishioner at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Carl dedicated countless hours giving back to his community. He served as an usher, was part of CRHP, and hosted numerous Bible studies in his family’s home, each gathering a testament to his love for faith and fellowship. His nurturing spirit and kind heart touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, Linda J. Endris; children, Brad (Jeen) Endris, Jennifer (Bill) Bilbrey, and Kelly (Cassidy) Rockhill; grandchildren; Corbin, Alex, August, Charlotte, Eva, Nicole, Madelyn, Mitchell, and Shilo; along with his siblings, Louis Endris, Mike Endris, Toody Leggio, Vince Endris, Dinah Hook, and Paul Endris.

Carl is preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Endris, Sue Graves, Morris Endris, Katherine Endris, and Fritz Endris.

As friends and family gather to remember Carl W. Endris, they carry with them not just memories but a sense of gratitude for the man who loved deeply, served honorably, and lived fully. His legacy will continue to inspire, and he will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he enriched.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Carl’s honor to St. Barnabas Catholic Church (8300 Rahke Rd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46217) or the Indiana Alzheimer’s Assocation (225 N. Michigan Avenue #17, Chicago, Illinois, 60601).

A Graveside Service for Carl will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00am at Green Hill Cemetery in Bedford, IN, with Military Rites being accorded by the Honor Guard of Gillen Post #33 of the American Legion.

Funeral Services were conducted in Indianapolis, IN at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory.

Local arrangements for Carl have been entrusted to the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford, IN.

Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.

Betty J. Scott

October 9, 1939-May 31, 2025

Betty passed away at Core Nursing Home in Bedford on Saturday May 31, 2025, after a long illness with Alzheimer's disease, she was the daughter of Gladys (Walters) Stout and Dennis E. Stout who preceded her in death, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles A. Stout and Earl Stout, and one sister Alice Stout of French Lick.

Betty first married John P. Bergmann, in 1962, both were in the US Army, stationed in Germany, and on April 16, 1963, John was killed in an automobile accident. Betty was pregnant at the time and on June 17, 1963, she gave birth to her only biological child, John S. Bergmann, currently of Mitchell. On December 19, 1970, Betty married William (Bill) T. Scott of Switz City, he preceded her in death, but the marriage gave her three stepchildren, Lisa (Rick) Davis, Julie (Mark) Davis, and Brent (Terri) Scott, and seven step grandchildren, whom Betty and Bill spent a lot of time with when they were physically able. Her son, John, married Carrie E. Stewart of LaPorte on October 19, 2001. They provided Betty with four more grandchildren, Kayla, Jake, Colt, and Emily Bergmann of Mitchell.

Betty was an LPN and worked at Dunn Memorial Hospital in Bedford for over 20 years, in the 1990’s she also worked at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Betty enjoyed needlepointing, knitting, and gardening, she was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Bedford, Betty’s wish was to be cremated, and no services are presently planned, Cresthaven Funeral Home is entrusted with her care. Condolences may be made at www.cresthavenfh.com.

Ricky Alan Fleetwood

March 27, 1967 – May 30, 2025

Ricky Alan Fleetwood, 58, of Norman, IN, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at 5:01pm at IU Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Born March 27, 1967, he was the son of Darrell Fleetwood and Paula (Richards) Fleetwood.

Ricky was of the protestant faith. He graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School class of 1985 and served as a US Air Force Veteran. He worked at Walmart’s distribution center in Seymour for 35 years.

Surviving to cherish the memory of Ricky are his mother, Paula (Richards) Fleetwood; four brothers, Brent (Tamara) Fleetwood, Darren (Tammy) Fleetwood, Jeffrey (Daydra) Fleetwood, and Christopher (Brandy) Fleetwood; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his father, Darrell Fleetwood; Roger and Virginia Richards; maternal grandparents; and paternal grandmother, Belva Davis.

Funeral Services for Ricky will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford with Brother Kenneth Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Ridge Cemetery in Heltonville, IN. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm also at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel.

Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.Fergusonlee.com.

Nancy Lane (Spangler) Ritter

January 24, 1942 – May 31, 2025

Bedford – Nancy Lane (Spangler) Ritter, 83, died Saturday, May 31st surrounded by her family. She was born in Lawrence County on January 24, 1942, to John Spangler and Esther (Bickenheuser) Ginger. She was a graduate of Shawswick High School. She married Ronald Lee Ritter on January 25, 1959, and he preceded her in death.

Nancy was a bookkeeper for many years and part owner of Ritter Tool & Die Corp. She most recently worked for Royer & Gifford and had a payroll service. She was a member of Sugar Creek Christian Church, Elk Ladies, Rouge Chapeau Red Hat Club, Stone City Quilt Club, and Quarry Quilters.

Survivors include her sister, Becky (Wally) Wax, of Effingham, IL; four sons, Col. Mark (Lou Ann) Ritter, of Canyon Lake, TX, Brian (Debbie) Ritter, of Perrysburg, OH, Roy (Melissa) Ritter, and Chad (Lisa) Ritter, all of Bedford; one daughter, Lisa (Pat) Ritter, of Mesa, AZ; nine grandchildren, Corey (Crissy) Ritter, of Chicago, IL, Jake Ritter, of Baltimore, MD, Sharissa Ritter, of Heltonville, IN, Shelby (Courtney) Ritter and Shane Ritter, of Bedford, Rachel Ritter, Caleb Ritter, Kelsey Ritter and Luke Ritter, all of Perrysburg, OH; great-grandchildren, Brody Phillips, Jayce Phillips, Wyatt Phillips, and Gracie Phillips, all of Heltonville, Ainsley Ritter, of Bedford, IN, Erynn Ritter, of Perrysburg, OH, and Adrian Ritter, of Chicago, IL; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 7th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Millard Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the hour of service on Saturday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations to Sugar Creek Christian Church, Campbellsburg, IN would be appreciated. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.

June 1, 2025

Rickie Lee Turner

CAMPBELLSBURG – Rickie Lee Turner, 63, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at his residence.

Born December 25, 1961, in Lawrence County, he was the son of Ralph and Anna Mae (Treadway) Turner, Sr.

Rick worked in construction with Laborers’ Union Local 741 and had been a bouncer for several bars in the Mitchell area. Rick never met a stranger. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and his dogs; Precious, Patches, and Cookie.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Meredith of Campbellsburg; children, Amber Turner of Campbellsburg, Ginger (Justin) Tomlinson of Bedford, Rick Sims of Mitchell, and Kristen Turner of Bloomington; stepsons, Darrin (Ashley) Meredith of Campbellsburg and Denny (Jackie) Meredith of Campbellsburg; grandchildren, Rhiannon, Kaitlyn, Schyler, Easton, Holden, Walker, Isaiah, Lilly, and Nevaeh; great grandsons, Jeremiah and Miles; six step grandchildren; and sisters, Regina Tillette of Mitchell and Patricia Turner of Bedford. Rick is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His parents and brothers, Ralph Turner, Jr and Allen Ray Turner preceded him in death.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at Lawrenceport Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com