Obituaries — May 2026

May 15, 2026

Geoffery Ray Strange

OOLITIC – Geoffery Ray Strange, 64, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his residence.

Born April 1, 1962, in Paoli, he was the son of Melvin Strange and Hazelene (Stidham) Hutton.

Geoffrey was a 1980 graduate of Orleans High School and worked in construction, doing drywall; and later working at Lowe’s.  He enjoyed racing and woodworking.  Geoffery was a loving and fun uncle, affectionately known as “Uncle Papaw,” and loved joking around.  He had a very big heart and enjoyed helping others.

Geoffrey was especially proud of his military career.  A Marine Corps veteran, he was part of Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, and the conflict in Beruit.  His primary duty was a field radio operator, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal.  There were many medals and commendations during this time, including:  Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x3), Certificate of Commendation, Meritorious Mast, and M-16 Rifle Marksman Badge.

Surviving are his siblings, Melanie (Ryan) King of Bedford, Joy (Kevin Ramsey) Herald of Bedford, Alisa (Ton Schellens) Strange of The Netherlands, Missy (Richard) Jackson of Corydon, and Chris (Krista) Fisher of New Salisbury; father, Melvin Strange; and the many nieces and nephews who he loved so much, Shea (Samantha) Overton of Bedford, Joshua (Geordan) Harris of Mitchell, Ashlynn (Ravyn) Needhamer of Bedford, Caitlin (Jack) Cross of Ohio, Jordan Bell of Bedford, and Nick (Katelyn) King of Mooresville.

His mother, Hazelene Hutton and stepmother, Sue Strange, preceded him in death.

Memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.  Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial Donations:  Bedford Men’s Warming Shelter

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

May 13, 2026

Alfred E. Hillebrand, Jr

Alfred E. Hillebrand, Jr., 77, passed away at his residence in Lawrence County. Born in Indianapolis on March 10, 1949, he was the son of Alfred E.J. and Anna May (Faurote) Hillebrand. He resided in Rush County most of his life, with the last few years being in Lawrence County.

Alfred retired from Trane Company in Rushville and owned and operated Big Blue Keg in Carthage and North End Package in Rushville. In Lawrence County, he worked part-time at Walmart, JayC Foods, and Rural King. Alfred was a Navy Veteran and served in Vietnam. He was a member of the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. He loved to hunt and fish, spend time with family, and interact with customers at his various employments.

Alfred is survived by his spouse, Diana; one son, Patrick; one daughter, Alanna "Pebbles"; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents, Alfred and Anna May Hillebrand; two brothers, Raymond and Ronald; one sister, Rosalie; and one granddaughter, Nicole.

Memorial contributions in remembrance of Alfred may be made to the American Cancer Society or your choice of Animal Shelter or Rescue.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Moster Mortuary in Rushville. Masonic services will precede services, and Pastor John Wall will preside. Friends are welcome to visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the Moster Mortuary. Burial will follow in Arlington East Hill Cemetery with military rites being accorded.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Bedford.

May 11, 2026

Bettie Marilyn Osborne

MITCHELL – Bettie Marilyn Osborne, 90, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, surrounded by her family, at Westview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born May 31, 1935, in Lawrence County, she was the daughter of Henry and Gladys (Connerley) Daughrity.  She married Henry Clay Osborne on September 12, 1953 and he preceded her in death March 12, 2010.

Bettie was a 1953 graduate of Huron High School and attended Restoration Church of the Nazarene in Bedford.  She liked to watch birds and loved spending time with her family – especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are her children, Terrance “Terry” (Joetta) Osborne of Mitchell, Valena (John) Whitner of Bedford, Timothy “Tim” Osborne of Bedford, and Joe Osborne of Mitchell; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Her parents; husband; children, Tracy Osborne and Vanessa Irwin; siblings, Jesse Daughrity, Delite Cauble, and Clifford Daughrity; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, preceded her in death.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother Steven Manley officiating.  Burial will be in Connerley Switch Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial Gifts: White River Humane Society

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

Charles Edward Lake


June 11, 1950 – May 09, 2026

Charles Edward Lake, 75, of Bedford, passed away on May 09, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on June 11, 1950, to the late Oren Lake and Jenny Turpin Lake. On August 13, 1973, he married Carrie Lake, who preceded him in death in 2025.

Charles was a member of Guide Pointe Church and a former minister of Apostolic Faith Assembly. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Over the years, he worked in many roles, including minister, carpenter, dump truck driver, handyman, and mechanic.

Charles was known for his generous heart and willingness to help others—he was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He took great pride in his time as a race car driver, driving the lucky #7 car in sprints and modifieds. Above all, he deeply loved his family.

He is survived by his children, Charles Edward Lake jr; Brian (Brandi) Lake; and Carrie (Jeremiah) Turpin; grandchildren, Evan, Clayton, Ella Mae, Parker, Rylan, Brooklyn, Gabby, Alexis , Nick, Ginger, Brandon, and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Harper, Grayson and Maverick, Hudson, Carter, Brezlin, Kyren, Oaklynn and Rilynn. honorary grandchild Ciera,; sisters, Janet Sears, Debbie (Rick) Walls, Brenda Lake, and Tammy Brock; brothers, Joe Lake and Forrest Lake; and several nieces and nephews. Special mention to Tommy and Mindy Busch who were great friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Lake; his parents, Oren and Jenny Turpin Lake; his brother and best friend, Steve Lake; and his sisters, Martha May, Sue May, and Cheryl Richardson, children Michelle, Ginger, Jeffrey, and Melissa.

Services for Charles will be held on Wednesday May 13, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th Street, Bedford, Indiana, 47421, with Pastor Chris Perry and Christopher Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Clover Hill Cemetery in Harrodsburg, with full military honors provided by American Legion Post 33.

The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to care for Charles and his family during this time.

Condolences and memories may be shared, and flowers ordered, at www.ThorneFunerals.com.

Charles Thomas Pershing Jr.

January 8, 1956 – May 4, 2026

Dr. Charles Thomas Pershing, Jr. known to many as Tom, Tommy Doc, or Abe, passed away on May 4, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.

Tom lived a big life. He was a pilot, captain, contractor, entrepreneur, traveler, businessman, and so many other things throughout his life, but more than anything he was an adventurer. He loved the water, a good story, hard work, and the people he loved.

He was stubborn, larger than life, endlessly capable, and impossible to forget. He could build, fix, lead, teach, and somehow always find another adventure waiting for him. He was also one of the most generous people anyone could know, always willing to give whatever he had to help someone else. The world feels quieter without him in it.

He is survived by his wife, Dana; his father, Charles; his daughters, Sarah and Katherine (Dominic); his beloved grandchildren, King, Jasper, Topher, Adelaide, and Theodore; his sisters, Sheila (Jim) and Gwendolyn; and many friends and family who will miss him deeply.

Though our hearts are broken, we will carry his stories and spirit with us always.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday May 13, 2026, at 2:00pm at Cresthaven Funeral Home burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens, visitation will be Wednesday May 13, 2026 from 12:00 Noon until the service time at 2:00pm at the funeral home, Condolences may be made at www.cresthavenfh.com

May 8, 2026

Debbra Prince

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Debbra Prince, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left this world on May 7, 2026 at the age of 70. Surrounded by loved ones at home, Debbra peacefully went on to be reunited with her beloved husband and so many others she held dear. 

Debbra was born on July 24, 1955 in Bedford, Indiana to George Mosier and Twila White.  She married Wayne Prince and he preceded her in death August 9, 2016.

Debbra dedicated many years of her life to a career at General Motors, of which she retired. Outside of work, she found her greatest peace in the simple joys of life. She loved camping and horseback riding, finding so much peace on trail rides.  Debbra’s heart was especially devoted to her beloved golden retrievers, who she trained for search and rescue.  Her dogs were her constant companions and a source of comfort and joy to the very end. 

She is survived by her two daughters and greatest accomplishments, Twila Kinnett and Jody Hardy; stepfather, Harold “Dean” White; and stepbrothers, Edward White and Mike Mosier. Her legacy continues through her three grandchildren, Bristen Prince, Haley (Tyler) Dow, Jaden (Priscilla) Vincent, and four great-grandchildren, Brevon Prince, Emilia Vincent, Camilla Vincent and Steele Dow, all of whom brought her immense happiness and purpose.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Janice Mosier; husband, Wayne Prince; and her three brothers, Tony Mosier, Charles Baker and Edward Mosier.

A private remembrance ceremony will be held at a later date, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate her life.

Her family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the care provided by the Southern Care Hospice team. The compassion and selflessness exhibited by Elizabeth and Jeremy will not be forgotten.

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

Elaine Ann Newlin

BEDFORD – Elaine Ann Newlin, 78, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Hospital.

Born September 15, 1947, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Maurice and Lorena (Caniff) Chastain.

Elaine was a Registered Nurse, working at several locations over the years including: Dunn Memorial Hospital, Bloomington Hospital, Mitchell Manor, CORE Nursing, and nurse at the Central Foundry.  She was a member of the Jacob Finger Methodist Church in Mitchell, and a member and past president of the Southern United Methodist Women’s Group.  Elaine also was a member of the Tomahawk’s Reenactment Group.

Surviving are her son, Nathanial Newlin and wife, Emerald Hodges Newlin of Orleans; grandchildren, Hannah Speedy and Steven Speedy; and son-in-law, Shelton Parsons.

Her parents; daughter, Shelly Parsons; and sisters, Donna Martin and Carolyn Teghtmeyer, preceded her in death.

Cremation has been chosen.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

May 5, 2026

Linda Lou (Tyree) Pennington

Linda Lou (Tyree) Pennington, 82, of Mitchell, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Linda was born on April 22, 1944 to Robert and Frances (Baker) Tyree of Mitchell.  She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1962 and married Ronald (Ned) Pennington on September 5, 1969.  He preceded her in death February 20, 2009.  The couple was blessed with two daughters.

Linda was a hairdresser for many years in Orleans and retired as a classroom aide at Davis Park Elementary in Terre Haute.

She enjoyed refinishing furniture that she and Ned purchased at various auctions and estate sales, quilting and baking banana bread (using her favorite recipe from Clyde Williams). She was well known for her goody baskets that she passed out each Christmas to family and friends.

Survivors include her daughters; Krista (Erik) Peterson of Knightsville and Kelly Pennington of Mitchell; grandchildren, Marah Pennington of Bedford, Katie (Spencer) Slack of Brazil, Garret Peterson of Knightsville, and Abby Peterson of Knightsville; three great-grandchildren, Sophia, Amelia, and Lewis Slack of Brazil; siblings, Kay Leinart of Seymour, Judi (Rich) Parr of Seymour, John (Debbie) Tyree of Orleans, Jack (Kelly) Tyree of Mitchell, and Jill (Andy) Kluender of Bedford; and sister-in-law, Elane Tyree.

Her parents; husband; siblings, Jan Connell, Michael Tyree, Greg Tyree, and Jeff Tyree; brothers-in-law, Jim Leinart and Sid Connell; and sister-in-law, Tina Tyree, preceded her in death.

The family will receive friends 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

Memorial donations may be made to Mitchell Community School Corporation, Attn: Special Track & Field Day.

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

May 4, 2026

Vicki Lou Saunders

MITCHELL – Vicki Lou Saunders, 75, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital.

Born June 30, 1950, in Bedford, she was the daughter of George Darrell and Norma Ellen (Hamilton) Saunders.

Vicki was a 1968 graduate of Oolitic High School.  A hard worker, she was a journalist and did layout at the Times Mail for 18 years, and worked at Dana Corporation for several years.  Vicki was a member of the American Legion Post No. 250 Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107 Auxiliary.  She attended the Owensburg Baptist Church.  Vicki loved her grandchildren.

Surviving are her daughter, Tina Jo Bishop of Mitchell; grandchildren, Sarah E. Passmore, Casey L. Passmore, Abagail L. Murphy, Forest M. Inman, Madyson N. Furman, Hayden J. Inman, Katie M. Reynolds, and Brianna Morgan; ten great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jerry Dean Saunders of Springville and Randall Eugene Saunders of Oolitic.

Her parents; daughter, Tammy Jo Inman; great-granddaughter, Elenore Grace Murphy; brother, Ronald Darrell Saunders; and partner of 17 years, Phillip Fletcher, preceded her in death.

Cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Sarah Dawn Kern

MITCHELL – Sarah Dawn Kern, 49, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital.

Born April 8, 1977, in Paoli, she was the daughter of Debbie (Asbery) Compton.

Sarah was the owner/operator of Orange County Cutters Lawn Care and Half Moon Landscapes.  She enjoyed plants, landscaping, and animals.  Sarah loved hosting her family at her house and spending time with her grandkids.  

Surviving are her children, Angel (Vesko Dimitrov) Haley of Bedford and Skyler Jenkins of Mitchell; and grandchildren, Hadley Manning and Lincoln Manning, both of Bedford.

Her mother, Debbie; grandson, Danial Busch; and siblings, Shamora Compton and Matt Compton, preceded her in death.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.  Cremation to follow.

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

Clinton Dale "Robbie" Robinson

Clinton Dale “Robbie” Robinson, 93, of Bedford and formerly of Oolitic, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:30am, at his residence. Born December 27, 1932, he was the son of Clinton L. and Tryphena “Mable” (Scott) Robinson. He married Marilyn Henderson on May 20, 1951, and she survives.

Dale was a 1951 graduate of Oolitic High School and a 1958 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1961, he earned his MBA in Management from the Indiana University Kelly School of Business. Dale spent over 35 years at Crane, where he retired as the Director of Applied Science and Ordnance Engineering. During his time as director, the department developed and earned the distinction from Naval Ordnance Systems Command as being the Center of Excellence for all Navy Pyrotechnics. He was also part of the Old Crowes, the original group who worked with electronic warfare. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.

Dale was extremely active in his church and various other ministries throughout the community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford for over 62 years, where he had served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, was active in the Stephen Ministry, was director of Lay Ministries, taught Sunday School and led the youth group. First Baptist had also ordained him as a Pastor, and he served as a prison minister with Kairos Ministries. He had served as the Moderator for the Bedford Association of American Baptist Churches, had served as Moderator of the Board of Directors of ABC/IN & KY, and was active in the Emaus community where he had been privileged to have given each of the 15 talks, including to both the Lay and Clergy.

Dale also spent countless hours in service to the community, having served four terms on the North Lawrence Board of School Trustees, was a charter member of the Oolitic Kiwanis Club, a member of the Mitchell Masonic Lodge #228, F&AM since 1954, Scottish Rite Shrine Club, Bedford Elks Club, Bedford Jaycees, Toastmasters, American Defense Preparedness Association, Gillen Post #33 of the American Legion, and various other clubs and defense organizations.

Surviving to continue Dale’s legacy is his wife of nearly 75 years, Marilyn; his daughter, Dalesa “Dee” Peters and her husband, Dwain, of Oolitic; his son, Eric Robinson and his wife, Cheryl, of Fishers; grandchildren, Eric Andrew “Drew” Robinson, Jacob Steven Robinson and his wife, Desiree, and Haley Nicole Blankenhorn and her husband Sam; one great granddaughter, Lily Blankenhorn; his brother, Harold “Hal” Robinson; a sister, Carolyn Armstrong; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Mabel Robinson; and one son, Michael J. Robinson in infancy.

Dale and Marilyn were especially thankful for the outpouring of love they have received during their health struggles from their church family at First Baptist Church in Bedford.

Funeral Services for Clinton Dale “Robbie” Robinson will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1515 20th Street, in Bedford, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00am, with Pastor Jason Filler, Rev. Lee Brown and Rev. Dr. Kregg Burris officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Cresthaven Memory Gardens, Dixie Highway, Bedford, with Military Honors by the Honor Guard of Gillen Post #33 of the American Legion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th St, Bedford, and on Saturday, from 10:00am until the time of service at the First Baptist Church. Masonic Rites will be held at 6:00pm  on Friday, May 8, at Ferguson-Lee Chapel in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Bedford in Dale’s memory.

The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been chosen to care for Dale and his family during this difficult time.

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

May 1, 2026

Beatrice June Lamb

December 9, 1937 – April 30, 2026

Beatrice “June” Lamb, 88, of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2026. She was born December 9, 1937, in Orleans, IN, to Clifford Edwards and Orpha Tincher Edwards-Fadler. She married Roy J. Lamb in May of 1976, and he preceded her in death.

June was a graduate of Mitchell High School, class of 1956, and the I.U. School of Dentistry Dental Assistant Program. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford where she had taught Sunday School since she was 19 years old. June was a chairside dental assistant and most recently worked for Dr. David Taberaux.

Surviving to cherish June’s memory is her son, Andy D. (Diana) Batchelor of Bedford; step-son, Troy (Debbie) Lamb of Greenwood; granddaughter, Lacie Batchelor-Zeller; step-grandchildren, Alley (Aaron) Lamb-Griffin, Jennifer George, Krista (Kyle) Torgerson, and Zach Halterman; great-grandchildren, Mason Zeller and Jasmin Zeller, Eli Houston, Sawyer and Sailor Richason, Amaya Morris, and Luna Halterman; sisters, Helen Lewis and Bertha Pheiffer; as well as several nieces and nephews.

June was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford Edwards and Orpha Edwards-Fadler; her husband, Roy; son, Phillip Batchelor; brothers-in-law, John Pheiffer, Randy Slater and Jim Lewis; sisters, Hazel Beasley and Bonnie Slater; and brother, Emory “Bud” Edwards.

Funeral Services for June will be held at the First Baptist Church of Bedford, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at noon, with Pastor Jason Filler and Pastor Lee Brown officiating. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will also be at First Baptist Church on May 7th, beginning at 10:00am and continuing until the hour of service.

Memorial donations may be made to the CLC Principal Fund at First Baptist Church.

The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been chosen to care for June and her family during this difficult time.

Condolences and memories may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.