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Dr. Michael Stephen Aronoff, MD
Michael Stephen Aronoff, 64, died at home on October 2, after enduring brain cancer for the past 14 months. He was born in 1943 in Peoria, Illinois. After graduating from high School, Michael came to Indiana University, where he followed his father's example and became a physician. He graduated from the Indiana University Medical School in 1968, interned in Indianapolis, and settled with his family in Bloomington, Indiana. His career spanned 35 years. After practicing for 17 years at the Indiana University Health Center, he brought his compassionate care into the Bloomington community, practicing gynecology for 18 years, and finishing his career working with Aegis Women's Health.
His diverse memberships included Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, the Bloomington Amateur Radio Club, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Family Motor Coach Association. He loved to travel, having taken numerous cross-country RV trips with his wife Janee in their 25 years together.
Michael is survived by his wife Janee, brother George Aronoff and his wife Angie, sister Becky Neuwirth, son David Aronoff and his wife Kelly, daughter Rachael Aronoff, five grandchildren -- Liam, Wren, and Josefina Aronoff, and Rachael and Henry Clements -- two nieces, and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruth Aronoff, and his brother in-law, Jim Neuwirth. Michael's father, Dr. Joseph Aronoff, started a tradition of devoted medical care which Michael, his brother George, and son David -- all physicians -- have proudly followed.
The family would welcome and appreciate memorial contributions for the Bloomington Hospital.
There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Michael's life and his wonderful career 2:00 p.m. October 21, 2007 at the Wegmiller Auditorium of Bloomington Hospital in Bloomington.
Jack Thomas
Jack L. Thomas, 67, of Bloomfield, died at his residence Wednesday November 19, 2008. He was born in Cave City, Kentucky to Willard and Lottie Thomas.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara; one son, Tim Thomas of Linton; two daughters, Michelle James of Solsberry, and Denise Thompson of Bloomington; nine grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Lotti Thomas. He was a member of Gethsemane Tabernacle.
Funeral service to be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday November 22, 2008 at Gethsemane Tabernacle, 9 County Road 70 East, Bloomfield.
Burial immediately to follow in the family plot of Walnut Grove cemetery.
Marian E. Sherrill
The family of Marion Sherrill mourns her passing. Born December 24, 1919 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Evelyn DeMiller. Entered into final rest November 8, 2008, waiting the coming of our Lord.
Her memory will be cherished by children, Carol Kaspar, Marion Beecroft, John Sherrill; siblings, Lois Travers, Joan Perkins; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Lyn, Laura, Kathy, Christopher and Michael Beecroft, Keith and Jamie Sherrill, John, James, Shelly and Dolly Sherrill; many great-grandchildren.
Marion retired in Bloomington Indiana to be close to her youngest daughter, Carol Kaspar and family. She was a faithful Seventh - Day Adventist throughout her life, also residing in Saint Paul, Minnesota and San Diego, California. Marion’s family was the most important thing to her, right under her love for God. She will be deeply missed. In her final rest we know that she is patiently waiting for the coming of our Lord.
Funeral service conducted 6:00 p.m. Monday November 10, 2008 at Bloomington Seventh-Day Adventist Church, with Fernando Ortiz officiating.
Visitation immediately preceding the funeral. Interment to take place 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 11, 2008 at the family plot of Valhalla Memory Gardens.
Charles Gilbert “Gib” Houtz
Charles Gilbert “Gib” Houtz passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at Bloomington Hospital on November 2. Gib was born December 10, 1919 to Charles Britt Houtz and Eva Slack Beagel Houtz in Geary County, Kansas on a Rock Creek farm. He graduated from Dunlap, Kansas high school and went on to the University of Wyoming where he played football. He was a Radio Gunner in World War II and fought in the South Pacific. In 1942 he married
Marjorie May Brown from Council Grove, Kansas. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary September 21, 2008.
Gib worked in Wichita, Kansas at Cessna Aircraft as a machinist and then foreman. He retired from Cessna in 1982 after 42 years of service. He was a gifted woodworker and clockmaker. But Gib was a family man. The youngest of five children, he put his family first…always. “I always wanted to protect my girls, ” he said recently. He, his wife and oldest daughter moved to Bloomington in August of this year. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, daughter Barbara and daughter, Patty and her husband, Danny, of all of Bloomington. He was the proud grandfather of Britt Callison of San Diego, California and Katherine Callison Niesen and her husband Frank Niesen of Benson, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews: Betty Houtz Moberly of Newton, Kansas; Bob Houtz and wife Ginny of Portland, Oregon; Judy Houtz Larson and husband Lee of Prairie Village, Kansas; and Larry Gilbert Houtz of Wichita, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth, his brothers and their wives Wayne and Grace, Robert Lowell and Verna, and Earl and Shirley.
A memorial service at Moss Springs cemetery, Kansas will take place at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made to the “Gib Houtz Memorial—Television Ministry, ” First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202.
Jackie Lee “Jack” Martindale
Jackie Lee “Jack” Martindale died October 27, 2008 at his parent’s home in Switz City. Born September 7, 1959 in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
He was much loved and will be missed by parents, Thelma and Vernon Martindale; Three children, Samuel Martindale of Elnora, Michael Martindale of Bloomington, and Shawna Martindale of Bloomington; grandson, Alizey Martindale; sister, Tricia Franz and husband Kirk and their children, Kyle and Cory of Hamilton, Indiana; grandmother, June Miller of Lake Wales Georgia.
He was predeceased by maternal grandfather, Thomas Miller; paternal grandparents, Carl and Edna Martindale.
Jack worked for the Attorney General of Texas at Austin. For the last 12 years he was Fleet Manager for Stonebelt Trucking in Bloomington. Jack loved the Dallas Cowboys, IU Basketball, Tony Stewart, truck shows, the Indy 500, bass fishing and mushroom hunting.
Funeral service conducted 12:00 p.m. Wednesday October 29, 2008 at Switz City Full Gospel Church. Visitation from 10:00 until the service at the church. Interment to follow in the family plot of Ridgeport cemetery in Eastern Greene County.
A meal will be served by the Ladies Organization of Full Gospel Church after the burial. Memorial contributions in honor of Jack may be directed to the Bloomington Hospital Hospice.
Lois B. Harris
The family of Lois B. Harris mourns her passing. Born November 14, 1918 at Greene County, Indiana to Henry Ledgerwood and Emma Hasler Ledgerwood. Entered into rest October 23, 2008 at home surrounded by loving family.
Her memory will be cherished by children, Kenneth Harris, Althea Caraway, and Christina Riggle, all of Bloomfield; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.
She is reunited in the presence of our Heavenly Father with beloved husband, Clarence Harris; both parents.
Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 25, 2008 at Mineral United Methodist Church, Eastern Greene County, with Pastors Billy Ed Hostetler and Lloyd Swango officiating.
Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial to follow in a private family ceremony at the Scotland cemetery.
Lloyd Berlin Deckard
The family of Lloyd Berlin Deckard mourns his passing. Born July 17, 1935 at Monroe County, Indiana to Henry Walter Deckard and Mable Smith Deckard. Entered into rest October 20, 2008 at Bloomington Hospital.
His memory will be cherished by wife, Juanita Hays Deckard; daughter, Rebecca Woolery; siblings, Margaret Evans, Carolyn Sturgeon, Leslie Deckard.
He is reunited in the presence of our Heavenly Father with both parents; siblings, Dale Deckard, Doyle Deckard, Stanley Deckard, Mildred Deckard.
Funeral service conducted graveside, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the family plot of Clear Creek cemetery with Pastors Rick Small and Robert Key officiating.
Patricia Claire Neal
The family of Patricia Claire Neal mourns her passing. Born March 26, 1941 at Sanborn, Indiana to John “Quack” Sanders and Janet Davidson Sanders. Entered into rest October 16, 2008 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, Indiana.
Her memory will be cherished by mother, Janet Davidson Sanders; best friend and longtime companion, Lonnie Walters; children, Jeff Neal, Jennifer Thompson, Julie Morrison; siblings, Doug Sanders, Debbie Brown; grandchildren, Casey Jo Neal, Dalton, Taylor, Noah, and Gunner Thompson.
Her tender mercy and compassion was displayed daily as a Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide. Lost to all is her smile and laugh. Patricia lived to spend time with Lonnie, her children, and their families.
Funeral service conducted graveside, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday October 21, 2008 at the family plot of Sandborn cemetery. Visitation at the cemetery prior to the service.
Ruby Ellen Helen Lawson “Granny” Childs Allen
Ruby Ellen Helen Lawson “Granny” Childs Allen, 82, Bloomington, passed away October 12, 2008 at Dunn Memorial Hospital. Survived by children, Col-Leen Alberta Rainey and Rosemary Lirot; brother, Roy Earl Lawson.
Funeral service conducted 7:00 p.m. Thursday October 16, 2008 at Gospel Assembly Church, 1310 Thornton at Maxwell, Bloomington. Visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Nathan Butler Funeral Home.
James “Richard” Sturgell
On the 1st of October 2008, James “Richard” Sturgell closed his eyes in the final chapter of his life and entered into the arms of God to rest. Richard was born on the 11th day of February, 1938 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana to Vera Marguerite (Tyner) Sturgell.
In the summer of 1944, he and his family moved to Spencer, IN. where Richard began his education at Spencer Elementary School. He also attended Spencer Junior High School and Spencer High School.
In 1956, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force where he graduated. He served his country for four years with honor, and with great pride as a Communication Machine Repairman.
During his service to his country, he was stationed in Sado Shima Island, Japan. He was also stationed in Cheyenne, WY. Tampa, FL., and New Hampshire. While stationed in Japan, Richard was the manager of the Airman’s Club and felt it was wrong for the Air Force men to dance together. He drove into town and brought back ladies for the soldiers to dance with at the club.
Richard was a member of the Spencer Jaycees from 1963 to 1973. During his fellowship with the Jaycees, he was voted in as President where he along with fellow Jaycees members were able to complete a project which provided street signs for Spencer.
For over 30 years Richard was a professional car salesman at Curry Buick, Volkswagen, and Geggie Motors. He enjoyed meeting people and his passion not only for cars, but for motorcycles made his job easy to do.
In the summer of 1975, Richard started another chapter in his life. On June 28th, he married
the love of his life, Judith Hawkins. From that day on his life would take him and Judi down many roads together and they would share their love for one another, their joys, and much happiness with their new family, consisting of three daughters, Debra, Barbie, and Jayna.
Richard loved and served God with all his heart and made the decision to visit McCormick’s Creek United Pentecostal Church in Spencer, IN. Pastor and Mrs. Robertson and the entire church family accepted not only Richard and Judy, but their family into their hearts and welcomed them into the church.
Richard is leaving behind many saddened hearts of those he loved dearly including his wife of 33 years, Judi (Hawkins) Sturgell of Spencer, IN., their daughters Debra (Sturgell) Jones of Spencer, IN., and Jayna R. Lucas wife of Danny Hendrickson of Poland, IN. He is also leaving behind a sister, Marcia (May) Sheese of Gosport, IN., and a brother Stephen May of Florida. Richard enjoyed his grandchildren Jenna Sims, wife of Derek Sims of Loogootee; Sarah Coffman, wife of Duane Coffman of Bloomington; Stephanie Jones of Oklahoma; Tyler Hammond, husband of Tia (Lovall) Hammond of Florida, and Michael White of Bloomington. Richard was also blessed with great grandchildren, Jada Sims of Loogootee, Emma Coffman of Bloomington, and Hayden Hammond of Florida.
James “Richard” Sturgell was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Marguerite (Tyner) Sturgell, a son, James Anthony Sturgell in 1956, and a daughter, Barbara Lee Sturgell in 2007.
Richard’s smile, bubbly personality, and tender-heart will be missed not only by his wife, their family, and his church family, but many of friends he gained while writing his book on the road of life. Richard’s philosophy saying in life, “Let it go” will be forever in hearts of those he touched.
Arrangements have been made with Nathan Butler Funeral Home with the visitation from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at McCormick’s Creek United Pentecostal Church 3138 East State Hwy 46, Spencer, IN. The funeral service will be following the visitation at 2:00 pm..
In lieu of flower memorials, the family is requesting memorial contributions should be made to Bloomington Hospital Hospice &/or CJD Foundation, INC., PO Box 5312, Akron, OH 44334
Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton daughter of William & Dorothy Gilbert born Sept. 3 1934, passed away Sept. 8, 2008 at Sullivan County Community Hospital surrounded by family.
She is survived by 6 sisters, 4 children, Sharon Lowe, Jack Sims, Madonna Matherly, and Margo Ricketts, 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandkids. She requested that no services be held for her. Nathan Butler Funeral Home of Worthington took care of the arrangements.
The family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date.
Shirley Gaerte Svaan
Shirley Gaerte Svaan, born Nov. 21, 1927, was promoted to be with her LORD on Sept. 4, 2008. She was born in Wabash to Esta R. and Nettie Smith Gaerte, the youngest of three daughters. She graduated from Laketon High School in 1945, and from Taylor University in 1949. There she met John Svaan. They were married
in 1949. She later earned a Master of Education degree from Indiana University.
She taught elementary school in Grant County for one year, and in Cook County, IL, for two years. She and John spent two years on the Hopi Reservation in northern Arizona, where she taught in the Keams Canyon elementary school. She taught Hopi and Navajo children, sometimes assisted by student teachers placed through an IU program for preparing teachers for inner city and reservation teaching. After the Svaans returned to Bloomington Shirley was employed by IU School of Education program preparing student teachers. After John and his partner formed Indiana Evaluation Services, Shirley worked for the company as a psychometrist, doing psychological testing in sheltered workshops, developmental preschools and group homes. She and John serviced an area stretching from Bloomington through much of southern Indiana.
She is survived by John, her husband of 59 years, and by her children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren: Eric and Natalie Calhoun Svaan and their daughters Chara, Angela, and Callie; Rebecca Svaan; Kristine Svaan Impini and Dario Impini, and their sons Kyle and Steven; and Joanna Svaan Langberg and Alex Langberg, and Samantha, Nicholas, and Erik. Other survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Janis Gaerte Bicheno of Colorado Springs, CO.; four nieces and two nephews.
Throughout her life Shirley devoted herself to her home, her husband, their four children, and the ministry of hospitality. Shirley had many interests. She was a skilled seamstress; she valued solitary school days, alone at home to sew for herself, her children and many others. She cultivated a deep relationship with God, and loved the world of Nature that God made, tending her garden and feeding the birds. In all she did she expressed a servant’s heart. She loved the children she taught, especially the primary students in her church school class. She kept in touch with many of them later in life. Many summers she ran the dishwasher at Camp Olivet, the church camp, where she was able to be around children. For many years she was a discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Her discipling efforts were empathetic and gentle. For many international students, her home was their home away from home in Bloomington. Her Christian character reinforced her public confession. Those who knew her would mention how her character had impacted them.
A memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 2:30 p.m. at Evangelical Community Church of Bloomington, located at High Street and Second Street. Pastor Robert Whitaker and former pastor David Faris will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be directed to any hospice agency. The Bloomington Hospital Hospice Service provided outstanding care during Shirley’s illness. Alternatively a contribution may be made to International Students Inc. (ISI).
