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Obituary - Frances Jeanne SipahigilOur mother, Frances “Jeanne” Sipahigil, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 7...
06/12/2026

Obituary - Frances Jeanne Sipahigil
Our mother, Frances “Jeanne” Sipahigil, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 7, 2026, twenty-four days short of her 90th birthday.
Jeanne was born amid the Great Depression on July 1, 1936, in New Castle, Indiana, the second of two children born to Charles Walter Rhine and Marjorie Pauline (Miller) Rhine. Her family moved to Kokomo, Indiana, in 1940 and she lived there until graduating from Kokomo High School in 1954. She then attended Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and followed up with a Masters in Elementary Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, in 1976.
After graduating from Earlham, she began a 40+ year career as an elementary school teacher in West College Corner and Kitchel, Indiana, before moving on to Liberty/Union County Elementary School in Liberty, Indiana, where she remained as a 5th grade teacher before retiring in 2000.
She was known by many of her students as a caring and innovative educator, taking the extra time to ensure her lessons went beyond the standard requirements for her classroom.
In addition to her love of teaching, Jeanne was an avid reader, traveler, and artisan. She spent many years making various crafts and handmade baskets for friends and family, as well as offering them for sale at the historic Whitewater Canal in Metamora, Indiana and at The Art Shop in the Oxford Community Art Center in Oxford, Ohio.
She was also a member of the Ladies Night Out Club, a monthly dinner gathering of teachers, artisans, and close friends—Mary, Susy, Nancy, Amy, and Sylvia. And she loved going to the gym with Mary, even in her 80s.
Jeanne is survived by her two children, Stuart Sipahigil of Muncie, Indiana, and Sibel Rodefer (Howard) of Liberty, Indiana, and a grandchild, Joshua Sipahigil of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by two nieces, Dawn Ringeisen (Brian) and Dodie Weaver (Eric), and a nephew, Richard J. Rhine. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Marjorie Rhine, and her brother, Richard W. Rhine.
A future Celebration of Life event is planned to share memories of Jeanne. If you’d like to know more about it, please send an email to [email protected].
The family would like to offer a special thanks to AseraCare Hospice services and Vicky Allen for their exceptional help and support during this difficult time.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist Jeanne’s family with her arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com

Chance McDaniel, born November 6, 1983, passed away on June 7, 2026. He was the son of David McDaniel and Kathy Marling....
06/12/2026

Chance McDaniel, born November 6, 1983, passed away on June 7, 2026. He was the son of David McDaniel and Kathy Marling.

He was a graduate of Union County High School in 2002.

Chance served with pride in the United States Army for 6 years and was deeply honored to be a veteran. He was given many awards while serving his country before his honorable discharge. He was deep in Eagle Scouts and was given many awards and honors. He was a simple man who cherished the quiet joys of life, including wildlife, camping, fishing, and collecting memorable items. Those who knew Chance understood that his love was often mistaken for something else; in truth, he loved fiercely and simply wanted to spend quality time with those he loved the most.

Chance's memory will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Kathy (Dale) Marling; Chance was a brother to Todd (Angel) and Rod (Stacy) Dickenson, Crescent Caldwell (Brian), and an uncle to Tj, Eli, and Ty Dickenson, and Brice Caldwell as well as nieces Stephanie Gough, Andra Caldwell, Bailey Dickenson. He leaves behind his significant other, Leada F.; his stepmother, Juanita McDaniel.
Chance was preceded in death by his father, David McDaniel.
Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Urban Winkler Liberty funeral home, 310 N. Main St., Liberty, Indiana 47353. A memorial service will begin at 4:00 pm with Pastor Tim Billups officiating. Military honors will be presented.

To sign the online guestbook please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist the family during their time of need.

Danny Ray Madden, 61 of Brookville passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. He was born on May 31, 1965 in Muncie, Indiana t...
06/08/2026

Danny Ray Madden, 61 of Brookville passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. He was born on May 31, 1965 in Muncie, Indiana to David Madden and Virginia Phillips Madden.
In 2013 he married Paula Smith in Franklin County.
For many years, Danny devoted his life to being a semi-truck driver for Madden Trucking, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.
Above all else, his family was the center of his world. He was a loving husband, a proud father, a caring son, brother and a wonderful grandpa. His grandchildren brought him endless joy.
When he wasn’t on the road, he could often be found working in his garage, tinkering on projects and keeping busy. He also looked forward to spending vacations with his family, where they made the memories, he loved the most.
Danny is survived by his wife of 13 years, Paula; his father, David Madden; his children, Daniel Madden, Elizabeth (Jr) Calvert, Dakota Madden, Cheyenne Gabbard and Randy Johnson; his grandchildren, Rylan, Koltyn, Olivia, Collin, Knox, Jaxon, McKenna, Roselynn, James, Maya, Owen, Zayne and McKinley; his siblings, Dreama (Ronnie) Montgomery, Wayne (Melody) Madden and Jeff Madden.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Madden.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St., Connersville. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm with Pastor Rob Edwards officiating at the funeral home. Burial follow in Laurel North Cemetery.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Janet M. James, 70, of Connersville passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. She was born on February 3, 1956, in Connersvil...
06/08/2026

Janet M. James, 70, of Connersville passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. She was born on February 3, 1956, in Connersville to Irvin Sizemore and Joyce Fredrick Sizemore.
In 2010 she married Jack James in Connersville.
For over 27 years, she was a familiar and friendly face at Pizza King, where she formed lasting friendships with countless customers and coworkers.
She found happiness in the simple things. She loved cross stitching, sewing and crafting. She also loved tending to her flowers, enjoying her favorite chocolate, and playing games.
Above all else, she loved her family and being around people. She will leave behind a legacy of love, kindness, and countless cherished memories.
Janet is survived by husband, Jack; children, Rebecca Jones and Jason Jones (Mary Handy); her stepchildren, Jessica Edwards and Ian James; her grandchildren and step grandchildren, Dustin Jones, Bradley Lunsford, Roger Leonard, Liam James, Shiloh Edwards and Elijah James.
She was preceded in death by here parents, her daughter, Angela Jones; and a granddaughter, Breana Jones.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist the James family during this time.
To sign the online guestbook please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com

Robert Allan Maxwell passed away on Wednesday June 3, 2026, while a patient at Majestic Care of Connersville at the age ...
06/03/2026

Robert Allan Maxwell passed away on Wednesday June 3, 2026, while a patient at Majestic Care of Connersville at the age of 85. Bob was born in Davenport, Iowa on April 27, 1941, one of six children of George Allen and Alice Louise (Kronenberg) Maxwell.
In May of 1962, Bob was united in marriage to the former Kathy Lucas in Davenport, Iowa. On January 9, 1970, in Rock Island, Illinois, he was united in marriage to the former Sandra Tague. Together they share 56 years of marriage and together they created a lovingly blended family of five children. They moved to Indiana in 1985.
Bob was a devoted member of the Cincinnati Primitive Baptist Church for over 30 years. While living in Iowa, Bob was a member of the Davenport Presbyterian Church and the Davenport Moose. He was also a member of the Eagles while living in Texas. He retired after 39 years from International Harvester/Navistar where he was an engine tester. When he wasn’t testing the engines, he could be found making meals for his co-workers.
In his younger days in Iowa, Bob coached Little League, participated in bowling and golfing leagues. He enjoyed going camping, fishing and exploring flea markets. He loved playing the German card game Skat. He and Sandra would travel across the United States to play in competitions. He also enjoyed working with his Woodmizer sawmill and was an avid fan of any type of school’s sports. He was a collector of Griswold Iron Skillets. He loved traditions and family celebrations. Cookie bake in December was a favorite. He wanted his grandchildren to remember him as always having ice cream in the freezer.
His love and memories will be cherished by his wife, Sandra; children, Sandi Marie (Mark) Bennett, Kenneth Robert Maxwell, Sara E. Giacalone, Natalie (Eric) Roots, and Elizabeth (Vincent) Schurger; grandchildren, Brandon (Kaity) Bennett, Justin Bennett, Kimberly (Jake) Ruwe, Amanda (Kiefer) Musiel, Kolten Maxwell, Adam Giacalone, Alex Giacalone, Clayton (Hallie) Roots, Caleb Roots, Benjamin (Madison) Roots, Annika Roots, Nolan Robert Roots, Gabriel Schurger, Samuel Schurger and Evelyn Schurger; and seven great grandchildren. He will be in the thoughts of his siblings, Marge (Richard) Klein, Mary (Brian) Christensen, Edwin (Sharon) Maxwell and John D. (Joan) Maxwell: sister-in-law Joyce Maxwell, as well as a large extended family.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, George B. Maxwell and a son-in-law, David Giacalone.
Family and friends may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Monday June 15, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Iowa.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

David B. Shera, 65, of Laurel passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1959 in Connersville to Don S...
06/02/2026

David B. Shera, 65, of Laurel passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1959 in Connersville to Don Shera and Luella Young Shera.
In 1986 he married Beverly Bennett in Laurel, together they were blessed with 2 sons.
He was a member of First Baptist in Laurel.
A man of character and service, he earned the distinguished honor of becoming an Eagle Scout in his youth; a reflection of the values he carried throughout his life. He served his community faithfully as a member of the Franklin County School board for 8 years, he always advocated for the students and families he represented.
He spent many years working in tool & die before retiring from Trane as a supervisor in Rushville in 2019.
Family was the center of his world. He treasured every moment spent with them creating memories. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing and spending time exploring the woods.
David was passionate about youth sports and dedicated countless hours to helping young athletes succeed. He was instrumental in starting youth sports leagues in Laurel and spent many years coaching boys’ basketball. He will be deeply missed by his family, the athletes he coached, and many friends.
Along with his wife of 40 years, Beverly; he is survived by his sons, Patrick Shera and Randall (Katelyn) Shera; his grandchildren, Holden, Ellie, Avery, Stetson and Brynlee; and his brother, Brian (Tabetha) Shera.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Greg Shera.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral home, 513 W 8th St., Connersville. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Orange North Cemetery.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Rose Lafuze passed away on Monday June 1, 2026 at the age of 91. Patricia was born on February 23, 1935, the o...
06/01/2026

Patricia Rose Lafuze passed away on Monday June 1, 2026 at the age of 91. Patricia was born on February 23, 1935, the only daughter of the late Harold and Velma (Rose) Lafuze.
She earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Columbia University in New York. Patricia went on to teach physical education in Texas and New York before settling in Union County. She was a 25+ year member of the Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of the Union County Historical Society. Patricia enjoyed traveling the world, knitting and cooking. She loved animals, especially her cats.
Her memories will be cherished by her brothers, James Lafuze and Richard Lafuze, as well as her friends and extended family.
Keeping with Patricia’s wishes, cremation was chosen. Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to assist with her arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Patricia “Pat” Osborne of Liberty, IN, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026 at Envive Nursing Home in Liberty at the age o...
06/01/2026

Patricia “Pat” Osborne of Liberty, IN, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026 at Envive Nursing Home in Liberty at the age of 90. Pat was born in rural Union County, Indiana on September 7, 1935, to Kenneth and Hattie Doty Welch. Pat would always tell people that she was born in Whitewater Memorial State Park, before it was a park.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She worked hard along side of her husband Clinton on the dairy farm milking the cows and feeding the calves. When she wasn’t helping with the cows, you could find her working in her gardens, canning vegetables, playing euchre, or going to auctions to buy items to sell in her yard sales. She was known to always have a pot of coffee on for visitors and she made sure you never left her table hungry. She loved and cherished the time she spent with her family.
Her love and memories will be held close to the hearts of the family. She is survived by her daughters, Kay (David) Melton, and Evey (Skip) Jennings; sons, Robert (Monica) Osborne, Ronnie Osborne and Terry Osborne, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband Clinton, she is preceded in death by a son, Loren Davis; daughter, Kathleen Phillips; granddaughter, Katina Phillips and a sister, MaryLou McDaniels.
Pat’s family would like to thank the staff of Keystone Hospice, Crystal and the others for all the love and compassion they showed.
Keeping with Pat’s wishes, cremation was chosen. The family will have a Celebration of Life at their convenience.
Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to assist with Pat’s arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

06/01/2026

Lawrence “Ray” Knollman, age 95, residing near Liberty, IN, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on May 29, 2026, at his home. He was born May 9, 1931 to Lawrence and Florence (Mabis) Knollman at Fort Hamilton Hospital in Hamilton, OH.
Ray was a 1949 graduate of William Henry Harrison High School in Harrison, OH. He married Naomi Earlene Thomas on March 27, 1953, at the Harrison Christian Church. In 1960, Ray and Naomi moved from New Haven, OH to near Liberty, IN where he, his father and brother purchased exceptional farm land. Ray was the founder of Lone Star Farms and Knollman Farm Partnership. Ray earned an Honorary Hoosier Farmer degree from the Indiana FFA. He was highly respected in the community for his hard work and ambition. He enjoyed following the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team when he wasn’t busy working on the farms. Ray and Naomi raised four children during their marriage of 72 years. Ray was a member and past Deacon of the Hanna’s Creek Christian Church. There are only two words to describe Ray, “Hard Worker”. He loved his family dearly and was always welcoming to any visitors that would stop by and play dominoes with him.
Ray is survived by a daughter, Lori (Wayne) Schibley, a son, Tom (Jodi) Knollman, daughter in law, Victoria Knollman; brother, Don Knollman, a sister, Jane (Kenneth) Morris; grandchildren, Katrina, Steven (Stacy) and Tristan Clarkson, Jaxom (Heather) and Maxwell (Krysta) Knollman and Taryn and Keegan Coyle. Ray is also survived by four great grandsons, Quinn, Larkin, Griffin and Ashton Corbit-Clarkson and a sister-in-law, Shirley Schmeltzer. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Naomi, sons Steven and Alan Knollman, sister-in-law Doris Knollman and brother-in-law, Donald Schmeltzer.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to Vicki Greer, Virginia Weilenman, Reid Hospice and Jodi Knollman for all the love and care they provided Ray in the last few years.
Friends and family may gather from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Monday June 8, 2026, at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home, 310 N Main, Liberty. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon. Ray will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Cemetery, 10301 Marvin Rd, Harrison, OH following the services.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Union County Foundation Steven Ray Knollman FFA Scholarship Fund in Ray’s memory.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Judith Arlene Duff, 84, of Connersville, IN went home to be with the Lord Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, surrounded by ...
06/01/2026

Judith Arlene Duff, 84, of Connersville, IN went home to be with the Lord Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, surrounded by family.
Judy was born in Lawrenceburg, IN on June 9, 1941. She married her high school sweetheart David Duff on Dec. 24, 1959. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Judy was a faithful wife and loving mother and grandmother. She spent most of her time with her family and was always supporting her children and grandchildren.
Judy was a longtime member of Connersville Baptist Temple where she was most commonly known as “Miss Judy.” She taught the 2 and 3 yr old Sunday School class for over 50 years. Judy used her knowledge of sign language to interpret during church services. She also worked in a hearing-impaired classroom in the Fayette County School System for many years.
Judy is survived by her husband David, her three children, Kim Duff, Doug Duff (Towanda Tash) and Heather (Scott) Wiersma; five grandchildren, Cassie Miller, Justin Mains (Amber Ledgar), Tyler Duff, Brittney (Isaac) Fetterman, and Bailey Wiersma; four great-grandchildren, George Miller, Easton Mains, Tailyn Duff, and Thea Duff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wuanita and Russell Hughes and her brother, Melvin Hughes.

Family and friends may visit from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Urban Winker Funeral Home, 513 W 8th St. Connersville, IN on Thursday, June 4. The Funeral Service will begin at 1pm after the visitation. Pastor Randy Collins will be officiating. The graveside service will be at Dale Cemetery following the service.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Judith to the Fayette County Cancer Society.

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513 W 8th Street
Connersville, IN
47331

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(765) 825-1761

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