2025 Annual Report by OwenCountyCommunityFoundation

2025 Annual Report

Owen County Community Foundation

Letter from President & CEO

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers and board members, and the extraordinary spirit of collaboration that defines Owen County.

This year, the Owen County Community Foundation continued to do what we were created to do: connect people who care with causes that matter Together, we

supported local nonprofits, expanded opportunities for youth and families, strengthened community spaces, and invested in initiatives that will shape Owen County for generations to come Every grant awarded, and every fund established, represents your belief in the power of local philanthropy

We are especially excited to share that 2025 brought the announcement of Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) initiative, which is a transformative opportunity for community foundations across the state Most notably, this initiative includes a 2:1 matching grant opportunity for contributions to our unrestricted community granting funds This match represents more than financial leverage; it represents confidence in the strength and generosity of Owen County It is an invitation to all of us to invest boldly in the place we call home

As we look ahead, we remain focused on building our permanent endowments, strengthening our nonprofit partners, and serving as a steward of community resources Our work is rooted in the belief that lasting change happens when neighbors invest in neighbors, and when local leadership guides local solutions

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and generosity Because of you, Owen County is not just sustaining - it is thriving

With gratitude,

Janet Rummel President & CEO

The Owen County Community Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come.

To be the trustworthy resource for philanthropy by building a permanent endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership resources to serve our community.

Community Project Highlights

At the heart of OCCF’s mission is a commitment to strengthening Owen County, today and for generations to come. These community projects are just two of our 2025 initiatives that represent targeted investments in initiatives that enhance resilience, expand access to critical resources, and preserve the institutions that bind our community together The following stories illustrate how strategic philanthropy fuels both immediate impact and enduring change

Owen News Project

With support from the Owen County Community Foundation’s Large Impact Grant, The Owen News has successfully strengthened and expanded local journalism in Owen County. The grant helped ensure consistent publication of a high-quality newspaper, with 4,000 print copies distributed throughout the county each month, 250 mailed subscriptions, and approximately 1,000 online readers What began as a 16-page publication has grown to 24 pages, reflecting both increased content and strong community engagement

The Owen News produced special editions highlighting the county fair and local graduations, providing meaningful coverage of important community milestones The organization also increased membership support and advertising revenue, strengthening long-term sustainability Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents frequently expressing appreciation for once again having a reliable, trusted local news source.

Since receiving the grant, The Owen News has been recognized as Nonprofit of the Year by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, earned a regional Quality of Place Innovation Award from ROI, and won two SPJ Indiana awards These accomplishments reflect the paper’s commitment to journalistic excellence and its growing role as a model for rural nonprofit journalism Looking ahead, The Owen News plans to continue expanding, with the goal of increasing print frequency to twice weekly in 2026 to better serve Owen County.

Mark of Discipleship Food Pantry Expansion

The Mark of Discipleship operates a vital food pantry in Spencer, currently serving approximately 150 families each week As the need for food assistance continues to grow in our community, the pantry has seen a steady increase in families seeking support, reaching as many as 188 families in 2025 In February 2026, Mark of Discipleship will celebrate its 25-year anniversary, marking a quarter century of faithfully serving local neighbors in need.

With this rising demand, the pantry has at times been forced to turn away donated food because it lacked the proper storage capacity to safely preserve it. To better meet the growing need and make full use of available resources, Mark of Discipleship recently launched an improvement project that will allow them to triple their frozen food storage capacity This expansion will ensure that more families have access to nutritious options, including frozen meats and other essential items

The project includes the installation of a new walk-in freezer, an upgraded refrigerator system, and a new HVAC system to enhance overall efficiency and maintain proper food safety standards. Additional improvements include insulating the ceiling to improve energy efficiency and developing a covered drive-thru to make food distribution more accessible and convenient for families, rain or shine

These important upgrades are made possible through support from OCCF Community Impact Funds, along with other generous community partners. Together, these investments will strengthen the pantry’s ability to serve neighbors in need, both now and for many years to come

Listening to Our Community

To better understand how Owen County can continue to attract and retain residents and a strong workforce, the Owen County Community Foundation helped launch a Quality of Place & Workforce Attraction Survey in 2025 The survey asked participants to reflect on what makes Owen County a great place to live and work, and where targeted investments could make the greatest difference

Survey results reinforced the value residents place on a strong sense of community, small-town living, and close personal connections, along with the county’s quiet, rural setting and natural surroundings. At the same time, respondents identified clear priorities for future investment, including high-quality job opportunities, schools and education, housing options, local businesses and entertainment, and access to childcare. These insights will guide the development of a Quality of Place & Workforce Attraction Plan aimed at enhancing local amenities, expanding workforce supports, and strengthening Owen County’s long-term vitality.

What do you like most about living in Owen County?

How satisfied are you with living in Owen County?

How would you rate the following factors as they currently exist in Owen County?

If you could see one improvement in the next 5 - 10 years to make Owen County better for current and future residents, what would it be?

How would you rate the availability of job opportunities in Owen County for people with you/your household's skills?

In your opinion, what are the two or three biggest barriers to attracting new residents or workers to Owen County?

Growth in Net Assets Millions

Grants Awarded by Support Area

$16,635

$364,478

$217,220

$145,450 $29,025 $8,683 $233,373 $310,223 $92,680 $4,000 $10,421 $500K

$214

Arts & Culture

Community & Economic Development

Education

Education: Scholarships

Environment & Animal Welfare

Health & Wellness

Human Services

Parks & Recreation

Philanthropy & Nonprofit Management

Public Safety

Religion

Grants Paid vs. Operating Expense

Community Grants

OCCF’s unrestricted and field of interest funds are the foundation of our competitive grantmaking, providing the flexibility needed to respond to evolving community needs In 2025, these funds supported $277,294 in grants awarded through our Rapid Response, Community Investment, and Education Grant programs, strengthening local organizations, encouraging new ideas, and addressing both immediate and long-term challenges across Owen County.

When donors choose to make unrestricted gifts, they place their trust in the Community Foundation to steward those resources where they will have the greatest impact. These gifts allow OCCF to invest strategically supporting innovative programs, sustaining proven efforts, and ensuring resources are available when unexpected needs arise helping build a more resilient community by balancing today’s priorities with long-term opportunity.

We are pleased to recognize the following funds, each with assets exceeding $100,000 and a combined value of more than $3,813,897 Total grants from these funds are listed under each

2025 Community Grants Awarded: $277,294

Our Competitive Grants Process is Made Possible Thanks to the Following Community Grant Funds:

Field of Interest Endowment Funds

Boston Scientific Childcare Fund

Cancer Support Fund of Owen County

Cataract / Jennings Township Fund

Child Abuse Prevention Fund

Coal City - Jefferson Township Fund

Community Medical Fund

Doug Dalton Memorial Fund

Fire & Emergency Fund

Freedom - Franklin Township

Community Fund

Freeman Charitable Food Fund

Gosport Fund

John King Fund for Owen County

Law Enforcement Fund of Owen County

Mini Avocados Fund

OCCF Support Our Schools (SOS) Fund

Owen County Academic Competition Support Fund

Owen County Community Mental Health Fund

Owen County Education Fund

SCI REMC Disability Fund

Smithville Charitable Foundation Fund

“We are deeply grateful for OCCF’s collaboration and for the donors who are investing in a future rooted in compassion, connection, and shared purpose. ” - Nancy Marshall, Founder & Executive Director Compass Rose Farm Sanctuary

Unrestricted Endowment Funds

Bob Babbs Community Fund

DeCoursey Family Fund

D M J Community Fund

Ella Ingram and Jim Luzar Fund

Eugene S Bowen and Robert D

Bowen Fund for Owen County

Fontus Fund

Fox Family Fund

Friedel - Mahrdt Community Fund

Glenn T Burns Fund

Hackworthy Family Community Fund

Harold & Lois Patterson Fund

Harry C & D Gladys Miller Fund

Jack Simmerman Community Fund

Janet Hunter Memorial Fund

Jill McKay Memorial Fund

Joani Staubach I Love the OC Fund

John J. Fuhs Memorial Fund

John T Gillaspy Memorial Fund

Kirby Stogsdill Memorial Fund

Michael & Barbara Spinks Memorial Fund

Misty Chapman Memorial Fund

Morgan L Drescher Family Fund

Nancy McKay & Richard Wayne Lorenz Family Fund

OCCF Community Fund

Ooley Family Fund

Paul & Ione Fulk Community Fund

Rogers - Pennington Fund

SCI REMC RoundUp Fund

Scully Family Fund

Smithville Telephone Company Community Fund

The Murphy Crew Fund

Tom & Becky Wallace - We Believe in the OC Fund

Tucker Family Fund

Wells Family Fund

Zachariah G. Savage Memorial Fund

2025 Community & Field of Interest Grants:

American Legion Putoff-Lautenschlager Post 141

Coal City Community Support

$1,110

Boys & Girls Club of Owen County

Art & STEAM Program Support

$1,500

Chester Chicken Chuck Participation

$50

Owen County Cooks for Kids

$1,000

Program Support

$11,000

Braysville Homemakers Association

Nonprofit Startup

$338

Tables & Ribbons for Open Class Building

$1,000

Compass Rose Farm Sanctuary Inc.

Waterers for Animals

$1,000

Crossroads Ranch Inc

Classroom Projector

$850

Cunot Food Pantry

Roof Repair

$1,000

Franklin Township VFD

New Furnace

Freedom Community Center

New Community Playground

$2,200

Friends of Olive Hill Cemetery, Inc.

Nonprofit Startup & Fundraising Materials

$1,307

$277,294

Gosport Business Association

Playground Mulch

$700

Gosport Lions Club

Gosport Town Park & Public Restr

$6,010

Gosport VFW Auxiliary Post 7850

Wreaths Across America

$1,000

Hoosier Hills Food Bank

Food Purchases

$4,500

Hoosier Trails Council, Scouting America

STEM Afterschool Program at Owen County Boys & Girls Club

$2,500

Indiana Health Centers

Food Purchases

$1,000

Gift Cards for Spencer Save-A-Lot

$2,500

Junior Patriot Basketball League Inc.

Nonprofit Startup

$307

La Campagne Ministries

Food Purchases

$2,000

Gutter Repairs

$1,000

Lighthouse Fellowship Church

Food Purchases

$2,000

M & M Horse Rescue Inc

Website Development

$988

Mark of Discipleship Inc

Food Pantry Expansion

$9,000

Food Purchases

$13,618

MYPath Trail System Trail Development

$57,653

New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center

The Butt Stops Here Program

$1,000

Owen County Adult Education Program Support

$1,000

Owen County Art Guild

Flood Damage Repairs

$1,000

Owen County Fair Association

4-H Animal Processing

$890

Owen County Family YMCA

Pool Drain Covers

$1,000

Security Upgrades

$5,000

Owen County Farmers’ Market

Kids Harvest Dollars Program

$2,100

Owen County Government

Doughboy Restoration Project

$50,000

Owen County Humane Society Inc

Chester Chicken Chuck Participation

$100

Spay & Neuter Assistance for Community

$5,000

Owen County Preservations

Crisp Schoolhouse Restoration Project

$1,000

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S.

Indiana Arts Festival & Spring Recital

$1,000 Program Expansion

$5,000

Owen County Sheriff’s Office

Narcotics Enforcement

$1,000

Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District

ADA-compliant Wheelchair Ramp

$1,000

LARE Riverfront Restoration Project

$5,000

Owen County Theatre & Arts Alliance

Nonprofit Startup

$309

Owen News Project Inc.

Chester Chicken Chuck Participation

$50

Owen Valley FFA

Chester Chicken Chuck Participation

$50

Owen County Health Department

Hygiene & Diaper Program

$1,000

Owen Valley High School

Academic Competition Program Support

$997

Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate Billboard

$1,000

Owen Valley High School

OVHS Christmas Lights Display

$1,000

OVHS Teacher Professional Development

$3,850

Patriots for the Park Program - New Trail 10

Bridge at McCormick’s Creek State Park

$7,000

Owen Valley Middle School

Electromagnetism Project

$1,038

Pantry 279

Food Purchases

$2,000

PEAK Animal Sanctuary

UTV Repair

$1,000

Purdue Extension - Owen County Parents Forever Program

$399

Safe Sitter Program Materials

$1,000

Senior Friends of Owen County

HVAC Repairs

$1,000

Spencer Pride, Inc.

Fire Alarm for Elevator

$1,000

Spencer VFW Post 1405

Community Room Upgrades

$3,000

Spencer-Owen Community Schools

Book Buddies Program

$8,000

Bright Eyes Initiative

$1,000

Hoosier Hospitality Program

$750

S-OCS Mental Health Program Support

$1,000

Teacher Mini-Grants

$3,580

Servants at Work, Inc.

ADA-compliant Wheelchair Ramp for Spencer Resident

$1,000

South Central Community Action Program

Beat the Heat Program

$5,000

Spencer Main Street

Downtown Spencer Flowers

$692

Sweet Owen Arts Commission

Arts in the Park & Classic Car Show

$1,000

Nonprofit Startup

$308

Tivoli Theatre

Chester Chicken Chuck Participation

$50

Projector IMB Replacement

$1,000

Town of Spencer

Cooper Commons Restoration Project

$11,000

United Way of South Central Indiana

Dolly Parton Imagination Library - Owen County

$6,000

2025 Donor-Advised & Designated Fund Grants: $254,859

Allison Family Fund

Mark of Discipleship Fund

$1,000

Bennie J. & Joan R. Woodruff Methodist Church Fund

Spencer United Methodist Church

$1,932

Bonness Family Fund

OCCF Operations

$3,825

Boys & Girls Club of Owen County F

Boys & Girls Club of Owen County

$9,365

Braysville Homemakers Fund

Tivoli Theatre

$500

Carolina Cemetery Fund

New Union Carolina Church & Cemetery

$1,152

David Friedel - Ann Mahrdt Donor Advised Fund

Alzheimer’s Disease Research

$200

Boys & Girls Club of Owen County

$1,000

Freedom Community Center

$50

IU Foundation/WFIU

$100

John J Fuhs Memorial Fund

$500

Misty Chapman Memorial Fund

$100

National Park Foundation

$100

National Parks Conservation Association

$100

Owen County Adult Education

$720

Spencer Main Street

$700

David Friedel - Ann Mahrdt Donor Advised Fund

Spencer Pride Fund

$200

Tivoli Theatre

$800

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$1,000

Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Owen County Fund

United Way of South Central Indiana

$500

Economic Development Fund

Owen County Chamber of Commerce & EDC

$1,000

Flona Everly Query Memorial Fund

Vandalia Community Preservation Association

Inc.

$2334

Gosport History Museum Fund

Gosport History Museum

$5,702

Indiana Uplands Realtor Association Fund

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$818

Irene & Arthur Kelley Beech Cemetery Fund

Beech Cemetery Association

$848

Irene & Arthur Kelley Patricksburg Lutheran Cemetery Fund

Patricksburg Lutheran Cemetery

$882

Jack R. & Marilyn K. DeFord Library Fund

Owen County Public Library

$1,143

Jim Vance Owen County YMCA Fund

Owen County Family YMCA

$18,989

Joani & Ed Staubach Donor Advised Fund

Boys & Girls Club of Owen County Fund

$500

Grants

Joani & Ed Staubach Donor Advised Fund

Economic Development Fund

$500

Indiana Forest Alliance, Inc

$100

IU Foundation/WFIU & WTIU

$500

John J. Fuhs Memorial Fund

$200

MYPath Fund

$250

Operating Fund

$200

Owen County Garden Club

$250

Owen County Garden Club Fund

$200

Owen County Humane Society Fund

$1,000

Owen County SOUNDS Fund

$500

Owen Valley Band Boosters Fund

$100

Quarryland Men's Chorus

$100

Spencer Main Street Fund

$200

Spencer Pride Fund

$250

The Owen News Endowment Fund

$200

The Sanctuary at Browning Farms

$300

The Sanctuary at Browning Farms Fund

$100

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$1,350

Vandalia Community Preservation Foundation Inc

$100

YMCA Legacy Fund

$300

John Heckman Athletic Fund

Owen Valley High School Baseball Team

$750

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$95

John R. & Elizabeth Rogers Fund

MYPath Fund

$1,035

Kirby Stogsdill Memorial Fund

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$1,201

La Campagne Ministries Fund

La Campagne Ministries

$190

Lloyd H. & Rosalie E. Lucas 4-H & FFA Fund

Owen Valley FFA

$396

Lt. Col. Dave Allen Memorial Fund

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$339

Mark of Discipleship Fund

Mark of Discipleship Inc.

$19,241

McCormick’s Creek State Park Fund

McCormick’s Creek State Park

$21,226

MYPath Fund

MYPath Trail System Project

$6,490

New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center Fund

New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center

$1,862

O’Connor Family Fund

Aperion Care Summerfield

$1,112

Owen County CASA Office Endowment

Owen County CASA

$40

Owen County Garden Club Fund

Owen County Garden Club

$2,000

Owen County Humane Society Fund

Owen County Humane Society Inc

$9,309

Owen County Ministerial Fund

Owen County Christian Programs, Inc.

$4,479

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. Fund

Owen County SOUNDS

$450

Owen County Youth Livestock Project Fund

Owen County Fair Association

$638

Owen Valley Jr ROTC Fund

Owen Valley Jr. Air Force ROTC

$3,307

Palmer’s Pawsitively Powerful Animals of Owen County

Owen County Humane Society Inc

$1,200

The Sanctuary at Browning Farms

$1,200

Riverside Cemetery Fund

Riverside Cemetery Association

$11,208

Senior Friends of Owen County Fund

Senior Friends of Owen County

$240

Spencer Main Street Fund

Spencer Main Street

$7,458

Spencer Pride Fund

Spencer Pride, Inc.

$6,021

St. Jude Catholic Church Fund

St Jude Catholic Church

$1,668

Tivoli Theatre Endowment Fund

Tivoli Theatre

$1,732

Visionary Fund

OCCF Operations

$66,992

White Cemetery Fun

White Cemetery Association

$1,600

William Donald & Maxine Wells - Fiscus Cemetery Fund

Health& Wellness

Trustee of Fiscus Cemetery

$6,092

Willie & Pat White Fund

Town of Spencer - Cooper Commons

Recreation Project

$624

Winters & Shouse Cemeteries Fund

Jefferson Township Trustee

$1,186

YMCA Legacy Fund

Owen County Family YMCA

$9,718

Want to Apply for a Grant?

The OCCF has grants ranging from $300 - $30,000 available to 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Owen County.

Priority Areas

The Sanctuary at Browning Farms Fund

The Sanctuary at Browning Farms

$1,000

To learn more about the different types of grants that the OCCF offers, or to apply, please visit the Nonprofits page on our website owencountycf.org/nonprofits.

Scholarships

Your OCCF proudly presented 63 scholarship awards to high school seniors and postsecondary students during the April 27 Scholarship Awards Program. This year, the OCCF awarded $145,450 in scholarships: $115,200 to 29

Owen Valley, Cascade, Edgewood, Tabernacle Christian, and homeschooled graduating high school seniors; and $30,250 to 13 postsecondary students who currently attend college and technical education institutions.

While the scholarships all have different eligibility requirements, one goal remains the same to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Owen County students. The 2025 scholarship awards & recipients are listed below.

2025 Babbs Supermarket Scholarship

Allyson Heidrich

Landon Summerlot - in memory of

Charlie Hamilton

2025 Bennie J. and Joan R. Woodruff Scholarship

Madyson Whicker

2025 Burns Family Scholarship

Jaidyn Hays

2025 Charles T. Cooper Scholarship

Brayden McDonald

2025 Charles W. Edwards Scholarship

Jenna Harris

2025 Clinton & Louise Abrell Scholarship

Rylan Robinson

2025 Coal City Alumni/Jefferson Township Scholarship

Maggie Feltner

2025 Coyne Family Scholarship

Lily Leitzman

2025 David Campbell Gray Scholarship

Julia Sutton

2025 Dick (Mr. Dyar) & Sue Dyar Scholarship

Norah Beeman

Elliza Gentry

Reagan Martin

Cloe Sharpee

2025-2028 Dyer Family Scholarship

Anna Sare

2025 Elliott Hickam Memorial Scholarship

Catie Harris

2025 Freedom Alumni Scholarship

Kalyn Greene

2025 Gary McCarter Scholarship

Anna Sare

2025 George & Nancy Thurston Scholarship

Ethan Shade

2025 Geraldine & Wilma Bucklew Educational Scholarship

Anya DeFord

2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Vishwa Patel

2025 Lloyd H. & Rosalie E. Lucas AgriScience 4-H & FFA Scholarship

Maggie Feltner

2025 Loretta Heidrick Memorial Scholarship

Ashlyn Boltinghouse

2025 Lyle & Marion Brighton Scholarship

Addison Koontz

2025 MacMorran Family Scholarship

Lucas Hendershot

2025 Margaret Marley Pinkston Scholarship

Grace Coryea

2025 Mearl & LaVerne Brown Scholarship

2025 Gosport Lions Club Scholarship

Brayden McDonald

2025 Ione W. Fulk Scholarship

Kinleigh Salyers

2025 James P. Root Scholarship

Anna East

2025 Jeffery Wayne Johnson Scholarship

Lily Leitzman

2025 Jim & Wilma Fulford Scholarship

Rhett Manuel

2025 Jim, Leota, & Kevin Fulk Scholarship

Sara Johnson

2025 Joe Carmichael & Gary w. Boruf

Sons of American Legion Scholarship

Rhet Heckman

Kalyn Greene

2025 Josephine Brown Owens Scholarship

Brayden McDonald

2025 Judy Hamilton Education Scholarship

Jonathan Wetzel

Brayden McDonald

2025 Melvin & Margaret Hall Nursing Scholarship

Kaylynn Paris

2025 Michael Job Vocational Scholarship

Rylan Robinson

2025 Mildred Harbison Scholarship

Sawyer LaGrange

2025 Monroe, Long, & Butts

Vocational Scholarship

Rhiannon Atwood

2025 Morgan L. Drescher Family Scholarship

Alyeska Ranard

2025 Our Community Bank Scholarship

Ellie Lewis

2025 Owen County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Holly Comte

Kailee Cooper

Maggie Feltner

Victoria Worland

2025 Owen County IU Varsity Club Scholarship

Skylar Dill

2025 Owen Valley FFA Scholarship

Sawyer LaGrange

2025 Patricksburg Alumni Scholarship

Rhet Heckman

2025 PFC Brett Wood Memorial Scholarship

Sawyer LaGrange

2025 R.E. Dillingham and C.L. Patterson Dillingham Scholarship

Landon Summerlot

2025 Rebecca and William Applegate Scholarship

Sara Johnson

2025 Robert & Barbara Bonness Scholarship

Kailee Cooper

Lucas Hendershot

Alexys Ingram

Victoria Worland

2025 Tri Kappa Continuing Education Scholarship

- in honor of Kelly Hammond

Marina Knieriem

2025 Tri Kappa Lillian Dyar Music Scholarship

Katlyn Robinson

2025 Robert & Barbara Bonness Future Elementary Educator Scholarship (NEW)

Emma Hale

2025 Roma Wilson Scholarship

Jaidyn Hays

2025 Spencer Alumni Scholarship

Anna Sare

2025 Tri Kappa Cochrane Royer Scholarship

Kalyn Greene

2025 Tristan Calvin Memorial Scholarship

Maddex Weaver

2025 West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home Scholarship

Allyson Heidrich

2025 William Truax Family Scholarship

Cash Kingery

Vishwa Patel, 2025 Owen County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar

The 2025 Owen County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship was awarded to Owen Valley High School graduate and Spencer resident, Vishwa Patel From a young age, Vishwa was captivated by the world of engineering designing house models and building robots as a child Her passion only deepened over the years, leading her to become an active member of Owen Valley’s Robotics and Math Academic Super Bowl teams during high school. What began as simple childhood projects have since evolved into sophisticated work using engineering software and even the design of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered car.

This fall, Vishwa will take the next step in her journey as she begins studying engineering at Purdue University. She sees each of her experiences, from building to

designing, as stepping stones toward her future Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, she shared, "This scholarship allows me to study stress-free without having to worry about financial complications It will keep me motivated for my future studies I am grateful to have achieved this scholarship!"

"This scholarship allows me to study stress-free without having to worry about financial complications. It will keep me motivated for my future studies. I am grateful to have achieved this scholarship!"

But motivation has never been in short supply for Vishwa. During her junior year, she volunteered as a tutor for English language learners, demonstrating her commitment to helping others succeed. Whether in the classroom, lab, or community, Vishwa consistently goes above and beyond.

Clock is ticking to connect MYPath

Created by the Owen County Community Foundation in 2014, the MYPath Trail System started with a goal of connecting the Family YMCA to McCormick’s Creek State Park (MCCSP) Through community-wide planning and cooperation, the trail used existing sidewalks and streets from the Family YMCA to the Cooper Commons in Spencer

In September 2024 trail supporters and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cut a ribbon to officially open the new, paved, Riverfront Trail section This new section follows the White River from the Soil and Water Conservation District building to River Road A remarkable bridge over Elliston Creek, sculptures by local artist Thomas Maher, new benches, and a pavilion welcome the growing number of monthly visitors

The original goal of MYPath was to reach MCCSP. Right now, the ending of the paved trail at River Road is less than two miles from the McCormick’s Creek gatehouse The next planned MYPath extension will connect to the DNR boat ramp on River Road, bringing MCCSP even closer

As we remember, a vicious storm destroyed the MCCSP campground in spring 2023. The economic loss from the lack of campers was felt by our local businesses. In 2025, the state released $25 million to rebuild the campground. That campground could be finished in 2028.

Can we complete the final 2 miles of MYPath in time for the new campground opening? Will we be able to complete the initial goal of MYPath? Will we be able to reverse some of the local economic pain caused by the storm? The goal is 2028 and the clock is ticking

Trail counters reveal MYPath popularity

Thanks to a grant from the Greenways Foundation, we installed trail counters at three points along MYPath They are not cameras and don’t record any details, but they count each time something goes by.

Here is a comparison of August counts from the Trailhead counter, which is near the beginning of the trail

Wayfinding Comes to MYPath

While the paved trail from the trailhead to River Road is the highlight of the MYPath Trail System, other unpaved trails are also fun for users A problem has been that people aren’t sure how to find those trails and where they lead

Thanks to the same grant from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) that brought us the benches and pavilion, we will be installing wayfinding signs along the rail. Now trail walkers will know how to get to the Wetlands Loop that goes through the woods and over a boardwalk. Another sign will direct walkers to a large pollinator garden that is in the shape of Owen County The Tree Tube Trail leads hikers through a unique tree planting project and along the back-side of the property

MYPath users have always enjoyed a connection to nature while using the paved trail Now, users will be able to expand their natural experiences while on different parts of the trail

Economic Impact of MYPath

While it is easy to witness the health and recreation value of MYPath, the economic value of the trail is harder to see.

Last summer a group of master’s students from the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs studied MYPath They estimated the economic impact of the trail from local users, non-local users, and overnight users

The report stressed that that the economic impact will increase as the trail is expanded and more people become aware of the trail Thank you to the IU Center for Rural Engagement for helping us connect with this class

MYPath 5K Moves to Sept 12

The 2026 MYPath 5k run/walk will be held Saturday, September 12, 8:30 am The event begins and ends at the Owen County Fairgrounds, with plenty of parking

At the end of last year’s event, participants exclaimed what a great route we used. Runners and walkers will experience the fairgrounds, Cooper Commons, and the MYPath trail, both paved and unpaved sections.

Registration is $25 and includes a commemorative t-shirt Proceeds help with the extension and maintenance of the MYPath trail

Donors

AAdam & Cassie Abrell

Tom & Jennifer Abrell

Carole Alford

Rudy & Joanne Allee

Julie Allen

George Allison

American Legion Call-Payton

Post 285

Robert & Jamie Andree

Anonymous Donors (52)

Amy G Applegate

Bill & Rebecca Applegate

Mike & Becky Applegate

John Richard Archer

Area 10 Agency on Aging

Gary & Judy Armstrong

KR & Karen Armstrong

Madi Arnett

Robert Asher

BB & B Realty

Rob & Cassie Babbs

Babbs Supermarket

Fred & Kathy Balash

Jonathan & Jacob Balash

Marion Banzhaf

Thomas Barclay

Brandon Barger

Mike & Sharon Barger

Your OCCF thanks our 1,074 donors who gave last year, and sends a special welcome to the 502 new donors who joined the OCCF family in 2025.

Annie Bright

Brighton Developments, LLC

Craig & Margo Brighton

Ken & Maryanne Brighton

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Gary & Sonia Brinson

George & Jessica Brinson

Gayle E. Brinson-Wright

Dwight & Paula Brooks

B Kay Brown

Becky Brown

Brenda Brown

Dr. John & Carol Brown

Tony Brown

Wren Brown

Dean & Marcia Bruce

Terry & Jill Brush

Kris & Anna Bucklew

Linda Bruce Bucklin

Martha Jean Buis

Kim Burgess

Shirley & Michael Burke

Brandon & Christy Butcher

Alex Butrum-Griffith

Sandy Butts

CDave & Kay Calvert

Ann Calvin

Richard & Koreenia Calvin

Michael & Melinda Campbell

Mary Heldt & Linda Campbell

Melinda S Haag & Jane E Barker

Cameron Barnett

Ed & Leanne Barnett

Nichole Barnett

Barrett Enterprise LLC

Vicki & Cem Basman

Robene & Sienna Jasmine Bates

BBP Water Corporation

Gloria Jean Beatty

Amy Benckart

Bill Ranard’s Auto Repair

The Binkley Family

Paul & Paula Binkley

David & Elizabeth Biszantz

Sharon Blair

Stephen & Dora Bobeck

Gerald Boler

Leslie Bolinger

Boston Scientific

David Bottorff

Adam & Jenna Bowen

Roger & Barbara Bowen

Michael & Judith Boyd

Michelle Boyd

Robert & Gina Boyd

Braysville Homemakers Association

Bill & Glenda Breeden

Capital Cities, LLC

Jean Capler & Jenny Austin

Penny Carpenter

Mackenzie Carver

Joseph Case

Cataract Lake Getaway

Joe & Wendy Caudill

Matt Cechini

Susan Cernek

Kyra Cerullo

Chandler Funeral Home - Ellettsville

Duane & Elaine Cheney

Dr Stuart Chen-Hayes

John & Susan Ciresi

Civilian Brewing Corps

Mace & Ellen Clark

Susie Clarke

Andy & Beth Cline

Mike Clouse

Charles & Kay Cochran

Eleanor Coffin

Elizabeth Coffin

Frank & Julie Coffin

Donald & Sue Conder

Chris & Danielle Conner

Cook Medical

John Cooksey

Barbara Cooper

James & Virginia Coppedge

Angela Cornett

Estate of Susan Coulter

Patricia G Cowin

Thomas Coyne

Steve & Peggy Cradick

Crane Credit Union

Elizabeth Anne Creech

Chad & Karen Crosby

Laura Rummel & Logan Crouch

Charles & Doris Crum

Laura Cummings

Paul & Dana Cummings

Bob & Brenda Curry

Ed & Diana Curry

Travis & Jill Curry

The Curtis Family

Cynthia J. Curvin

DD.C. Humphrys Indiana LLC

Jefferson Davis & Dawn Ollila

Clifford Davis

Bob & Dianne Dayhuff

Nancy L Deal

Debbie Keith Busing, Inc

Phil & Nicole DeCriscio Bowe

Darby DeFord

Michelle DeFord

Shane & Tonya DeFord

Wally & Kathy DeFord

Carl P Deitchman

Darla Dennis

Tom & Ronda Derleth

Jeffery Dickerson

Ron & Carol Dillingham

Glen & Dorothy Dillman

Vicki Dittemore

Michele Divelbiss

Terry & Linda Downey

Drescher Auction & Real Estate

Fred Drescher

Joe Drescher

Judy Drescher

Travis & Amberly Drescher

Travis & Jaren Drescher

Elizabeth Dreyer

Paul & Suzanne DuBois

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

Linda G Duncan

Penny Dunning

Merea Durbin

Emily Durston

John & Sylvia Dyar

Doug & Rhonda Dyer

Steve & Pamela Dyer

Donors

E

Beth & Bret Eaton

Ebrahim Sader Family

Eden Lodge 99

Eric Edwards

Debra Ann Egemo

Susan Wilde Elkins

Sally and Jace Elmore

John & Jill Emmons

Edmund & Teresa Entrekin

Kerry Laws & Isaac Epp

Chad & Kathy Eppelheimer

Tom & Kaye Erney

David Everitt

Ellen Fagan

Randall L. Feeback

Kimberly Anne Fidler

Richard & Myrna Fields

Andrew Fish

Bruce & Karen Fisher

Mitchell & Ashley Fleetwood

Lee & Rich Weichert Formwalt

Suzanne Fortenberry

Steve & Mary Jo Fox

Irma Jean Franklin

Krista Freedman

Freedom Community Center

Freedom Farms Inc

Freedom United Methodist Church

Ann Mahrdt & David Friedel

Friends of MYPath

Friends of the Library in Owen County

Friends of the Park

The Fuhs Family

Tom & Karen Fulk

Karah Bobeck & Winston Fulton

Scott & Suzanne Fuson

Don & Peggy Garver

Dinah Geiger

Candace Genda

Leroy Gentry

Brian & Niki Gessler

Rick & Lois Giesler

John & Lisa Gillaspy

Nick Gillaspy

Tom & Valarie Gillaspy

Abby & Deborah Gitlitz

Kenneth & Mary Margaret Goldstein

Mitchell Goon

Gosport Apartments LLC

Gosport Baptist Church

Gosport Business Association

Gosport Dental Clinic

Gosport Lazy Days Festival

Gosport Lions Club

Joyce Graham

Ted Green

Green Dental

The Greencastle Civic League

Stanley & Nancy Griffith

The Grounds Family

Beth Guerrettaz

John & Cindy Hackworthy

Bobby & Mary Jo Hall

Pete Halstead

Jennifer Bass & Michael Hamburger

Bruce & Marlin Hamlin

Don & Evelyn Hamilton

Dylan Wyatt Hammond

Hammond’s Florist

Todd D. Handy

Kyle & Shawn Hannon

Dean P Hansen

Randy & Karen Harmon

Melanie Jo Harper

Valerie A. Harrell

Stephen & Kathleen Harriman

Harriman Farms

Stan & Linda Harris

Erich, Jennifer, & Reagan Hart

Marilyn A Hart

Diana Langley Hart

Jacob & Dana Hauser

Tina Hayden

Rebecca Hayes

James L Hays

John & Deanna Heckman

Joe & Judy Heinmiller

Dean Heinhold

Connie & Jeffery Helderman

Joy Hellman

David & Ann Henk

Doris Anna Herring

Scott & Heather Herrington

Cindy & Roger Herrington

Patricia Herron

Mark & Lois Hetser

PC Hickam & Lorenz

Ed Hines

Robin Hines

Rex Hinkle

Dale & Amanda Hinthorn

Sam & Michelle Hobbs

Mary Frances Hochstetler

Luella Holcomb

Lana Halfhill Honn

Cynthia A Houston

Edward Howard

Patricia Huber

Huffman Productions Inc.

Beth Hull

Lee & Karen Huss

Hydrogeology LLC

IIES Kentucky LLC

Indiana Uplands Realtor Association, Inc.

Jim Luzar & Ella Ingram

Insurance Pros - Brinson Agency

Insurance Services, Inc

Interstate All Battery Center

IU Office of Enrollment Management

JDon & Marilyn Jackson

Jasper High School Class of 1969

Judy Jenkins

Shane & Connie Jennings

George & Teena Jennings

Hal D Job

John J Fuhs Attorney at Law

Larry & Nannette Johnson

Marc & Brandy Johnson

Rebecca Johnson

Jolly Homemakers

Jeff & Ruth Jones

Mary Larissa Jones

Leslie & Deborah Jordan

KJack & Jane Kabbes

Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. - Alpha Delta Chapter

Kappa Kappa Sigma

Richard & Connie Kay

Tyler Kay

Kay’s Lawn Service & Landscaping

Dr. Trevor Keck

Anne Keeler

John Keeler

Becky Long Keesling

Dave & Heather Keith

Verl & Debbie Keith

Timothy Travis Keller

The Keller Family

Melanie Keller

Christy Kelley

The Kenfield Family

Ken A Kesler

Jesse Kestenman

Benjamin Kim

The Kimmell-Gorman Family

Joe & Brenda King

Jeff & Renai King

Brad & Cara King

Brad & Robin King

Vic & Shirley Kinney

Kim Rogers & Gloria Klass

Lisa Sample Knapp

David & Kathleen Knight

Jeff & Ginger Kohr

Donors

Patricia Kollman

Johnna Kosnoff

The Kroger Co

LLa Campagne Ministries

Larry & Virginia LaGrange

Aaron & Sarah LaGrange

Trudy Land

Languell Abstract & Title Corp

Law Office of Richard Norman

Harriett Ann Lawson

Susan Savastuk & Glorianne Leck

John & Sherri Lehmbeck

Daniel & Stephanie Letman

Michael T Lewis

Lewis-Worman Owners Association

Heather Light

Jennifer Light-Holets

Joyce A. Lindstrom

Westin & Cassie Linville

Bob & Carolyn Livingston

David Livingston

Locust Lake HOA

Janet Long

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

Diane Lukowski

Sharon & David Lutz

William & Nancy Lynch

MJoyce Mackey

Terrie & Frances MacMorran

Charles & Bonnie Macy

Steve & Lynn Mader

Mader Construction

Stephania Major

Bill & Cheryl Maners

Jerry Maners

Maners Rentals

Mark of Discipleship Inc

Jocelyn Maul & Terran Marks

Jeff & Christine Marks

James Marshall

Tom & Johnna Martin

Brenda Mauder

Jeff & Renny Mauder

Bonni & Crystal Maxwell

Melissa Maxwell

Robert & Alice McAuley

Felix McBeath

Bill & Michelle McCarter

TJ & Leslie McClure

Jane McCollum

The McCord-Riley Family

Peggy McCrary

McDonald’s of Spencer

The McDonald-Brumm Family

Alan & Donna McElroy

The McHaley Family

John & Helen McHaley

Michael & Allie McHaley

Shelley Harriman & Evan McKalip

Estate of Jill McKay

Kevin McKay

Jennifer Mckenzie

Daniel & Kimberly McMains

Berta Medicus-Moore

Don Meek

Kurt & Melissa Meier

Philip & Jacqueline Merk

Larry Metzler

Ann Michael

Renee Millar

Mike & Tina Miller

John & Wanda Miller

Clinton & Kimberly Miller

John & Wanda Miller

Millie McGee’s Gosport Diner

Grant & Colleen Minnemeyer

Maggie Minnemeyer

Mark Minton

Marsha Minton

Pamela Sue Mitchner-May

Rebecca K. Mlynarczyk

Wayne & Emily Mobley

Mary Elftman & Cynthia Molthan

Craig & Julie Money

Terry Moore

Bruce & Anita Morgan

Karen Morgan

Kyle & Tracy Motes

Joe & Anne Mueller

Donna Murdock

CJay & Connie Murphy

Terry & Kathyrn Murphy

Mutual Savings Bank

NCynthia Nassim

Larry & Jo Ann Neal

Anton & Shannon Neff

Tony & Victoria Neff

Ella & Ronald Neibel

Emily Nestel

Charles & Marge Neumeyer

Patricia Newforth

Sue Nichols

Marcia L. Niemerg

Alvaro & Leslie Nieves

Richard & Lisa Norman

OEd O’Brien

Gail O’Connor

Maria O’Connor

Old National Bank

Tony Overholt

Lorrie Chandler Overton

Owen County Adult Education and Life Long Learning Center

Owen County Chamber of Commerce & EDC

Owen County Democratic Party

Owen County Family YMCA

Owen County Farmers’ Market

Owen County Humane Society Inc

Owen County Preservations, Inc

Owen County Sheriff’s Office

Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District

Owen County State Bank

Owen Valley Flooring

Owen Valley High School

Owen Valley High School Class of 1971

Owen Valley High School Teachers

PWandajoe Pace

Mark & Julie Parmenter

Steve & Alice Parrish

Ronald & Sharon Partyka

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Nicholas & Alicia Pellegrino

Nathan Pendill

Alexandra Peot

Perfect Timing Race Management

Vernon Petri

Thomas Petry

Christa Kay Petzke

Larry & Glenda Plummer

Plywood King

Natasha Pointer

Ian & Angela Portteus

Lan & Kristen Portteus

Patricia M. Powell

Ted & Jody Powell

PVACAG

QJeffery Tim Query

Lori & Gary Quillen

RDonald & Patricia Rahke

Fawn & Shanna Ramey

Bill & Chris Ranard

Richard Ranard

Tamra Ranard

Garold & Shirley Rawley

RD Productions, LLC

Richard P Rechter

Debra Reed

Sherry Reed

Donna Fay Reeves

John & Sheila Reeves

Donors

R

RE/MAX Select Associates

Carol Reynolds

Tom & Alyssa Rice

Charles & Lynne Rice

Mary Jean Rice

Nathaniel J Rice

Tim & Connie Rice

Diane Richards

Janice Rickert

Ridgeline Veterinary Services

Olivia Riedling and Family

Gary & Rita Ringler

Nancy Ellen Roberts

The Roberts Family

Heather Robertson-Devine

Marcus & Kirsten Robinson

Bryan Rogers

Mark & Pennie Rogers

Pam Rogers

Randy J Rogers

Michael & Carole Rohleder

Debra Rose

Kurt & Jill Rosenberger

Cathy Ross

Michelle Roy

David & Jane Rubeck

Richard Rubeck

Summer McKay Rubin

Lori Rudzinski

Elizabeth Ruh

Janet Rummel

SWalter Sadler

Ronald Sample

Tom & Ellen Sanders

Jeffery & Constance Sands

Devin Savage

Kenny & Rhonda Schafer

Marlene Schepers

Dodie Schinske

Ken & Anne Schmidt

Bryana Dee Schreiber

John & Rebecca Schrock

Peggy Schrougham

Megan J. Schueler

Kathleen Sclight

Marvin & Doris Seger

Ben Shaw

Brooke Sheese

Phillip & Devota Sheffield

Jay Shelton

Casey Shively

Meredith Short

Kristin S Shorter

Karen Johnson & K Shortridge

Kathryn Shumate

Kathleen Sideli

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Tom Simpson

Carla D Sims

Theresa G Skaggs

David Robertson & Janice Smith

Laura Smith

Mary Ellen C Smith

Sue C Smith

Mark & Nancy Snapp

Sons of American Legion

Spencer Elementary School

Spencer Exchange Club

Spencer Fraternal Order of Police

Spencer High School Class of 1953

Spencer High School Class of 1958

Spencer High School Class of 1959

Spencer High School Class of 1968

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Spencer Lions Club

Spencer Main Street

Spencer Owen Ed Assoc

Spencer Presbyterian Church

Spencer Pride, Inc

Spencer-Owen School Staff

Mike Spinks

Dom Lamm & Kathy Spinks

St Jude Catholic Church

The Staggs Family

Jon & Lisa Stantz

Ed & Joani Staubach

John & Tina Stearley

Patricia Steele

Mark & Eleanor Steiner

Janet Stenftenagel

Gena Stephens

Brian & Amy Stephenson

Angela Stevens

Michael R. Stevenson

Suzanne Stewart

Steven & Deana Stickels

Jacqueline R Stigall

Dan & Julie Stines

Todd & Donna Stipp

Hunter M Stogsdill

Ronda L. Stogsdill

Cynthia P. Stone

Ronald & Ramona Strohe

Suzanne Sturgeon

Clint Sturgeon

Jeremiah Stwalley

Michael Sudol

Denise Sudol

Suzanne B. Sullivan

Damon & Suzi Summerlot

Roy Summers

Mike & Kimberly Swafford

Jacob F Sweatman

Kathy Sweatman

Samantha Sweatman

Sweet Owen Convention & Visitors Bureau

Melinda M Swenson

T10 Sports Inc

Jenniger Hurtubise & Kate Tavernier

Donald M Taylor, Jr

Brian & Beth Taylor

The Tebbe Family

Curt & Benita Thacker

Fred & Mary Jo Thatcher

Amy & James Thomas

Bill & Darla Thomas

Connie Thomas

Thomas Farms GP

Laura Thorson

Al & Bonnie Tinsley

Sharon Ruble Tinsley

Tracy Tinsley

The Tivoli Theatre

Don & Gloria Townsend

Trinity Lutheran High School

Trippin’ with Michelle

Eric & Cindy Truax

Robert F Truesdel

Marilyn Truesdel

Truesdel Heating Cooling and Maintenance

Sandra L. Truex

Phyllis Tucker

Kim Tucker

Al & Joan Tucker

Darin & Carol Tucker

Dirk & Sherry Tucker

Doug & Judy Tucker

Julia Turnbaugh

Twin Springs Counseling

U

United Way of Bartholomew County

United Way of Central Indiana

Unraveled Quilt Store

Terry Urban

Vandalia Community Preservation Association Inc

VanDerMoere & Co Family Farms

Susan Jeanenne Vaughn

Tom & Karla Vedder

Ventfest, The International Ventriloquism and Arts Festival

Tim & Susan Vest

VFW Post 1405

Pam Vollmer

Annabelle Vosmeier

Donors

Dean Walker

Sarah Wall

Linda M Wallace

Tim Wallace

Tom & Becky Wallace

Julia Jones & Marilyn Walters

James & Linda Walton

Walton Funeral Services, Inc.

Brenda Wampler

Kevin & Debbie Wampler

Michael & Pamela Ward

Norman & Lori Warner

Paul Watts

David & Karen Weaver

Jeffery & Deborah Webb

Silja Weber

William & Cathleen Weber

Sheryl & Jeff Weisman

Ben & Kristen Fuhs Wells

Karen Maners Wells

Gordon & Diane Wells

Gerald Wells

Quinn Harmon & Stefan Welsh

Bobby & Hope Whaley

Darrell & Loretta White

George & Nancy White

Mariann Synder White

Robert & Cindy White

Stephen & Nancy Wichman

Shawn & Lisa Williams

Susan Williams

Carol Williams

John & Virginia Williams

Tad Wilson

Barbara L Winders

Kathy Wisley

Steve Withem

Karen Williams & Wendy Wonderly

Michael & Beth Wood

Tim & Mary Wood

Giving Back

An individual, family, business, or charitable organization makes a tax-deductible gift of cash, securities, real estate, or other property.

Funds are invested prudently for long term growth and overseen by an investment committee of local professionals

Jack & Catherine Woodruff

Lynn E Woods

Don Wooldridge

Steve & Ann Worland

Leonard & Joan Wray

Julie Wright

Terry & Sally Wright

YThe Yang Family

Sharon Yarber

David & Janet York

Brenda Young

Donna Young

Kimberly Young

Mary Jordan Young

Elaine Zacharias

Donna Zamber

Todd & Deborah Zellers

Your gift adds to a charitable fund to benefit causes now or in the long term Human/animal welfare, education, human services, the environment, church of your choice, or any cause of your choosing

Gifts

Gifts such as cash, securities, real assets, retirement funds, insurance, and bequests No gift is too small!

Distribution

The support your fund provides to nonprofit projects, organizations, and student scholarships strengthens our community while creating your lasting legacy of giving Passion

Meet with donors to fund a fund right for them We help with giving gifts, growing funds, offer expertise on community needs, preserve donor wishes in perpetuity, and provide regular statements on funds

Why We Give The Brown Family: A Legacy Rooted in Faith, Hard Work, and Education

In Gosport, legacies aren’t built overnight. They are built over fields tilled for decades, pews faithfully filled, roads constructed by hand, and children encouraged to aim higher than the generation before them For the Brown family, that legacy begins with Mearl “Peanut” Brown and LaVerne (Lewis) Brown

Mearl was born in 1913 in Monroe County and spent more than forty years farming in the Gosport area In addition to working the land, he helped build Highway 67, contributed to road construction in McCormick’s Creek State Park and Cagles Mill, assisted in building barracks at Ft Harrison, and worked as a carpenter at Bridgeport Brass in Indianapolis His hands quite literally helped shape the infrastructure of southern Indiana

LaVerne, born in 1922, assumed adult responsibilities early in life after the death of her mother when she was just twelve years old In 1937, she moved to Spencer to help her brother operate a gas station and snack shop, where she met Mearl They married in 1938 and built a life together on a farm near Gosport

For seventy years, they farmed side by side, raised livestock, and raised four children: Tony, Jack, John, and Joan, instilling in them a steady work ethic, strong Christian faith, and a deep commitment to serving others

Both were longtime members of Gosport Baptist Church Mearl served as a deacon for many years LaVerne taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, contributed faithfully to the church’s missionary society, and was known for generously sharing her canned goods and baked treats at community gatherings Their home and table were always open

While neither Mearl nor LaVerne pursued higher education themselves, they insisted their children do so They believed education opened doors, and that belief would shape their family’s future for generations

Dr John Brown, and Carol (Brighton) Brown have also honored their families through philanthropy at the OCCF In 1998 they established the Mearl & LaVerne Brown Scholarship Fund and the Lyle & Marion Brighton Scholarship Fund, recognizing both the Brown and Brighton families’ deep ties to the Gosport and Owen County communities

Carol is a seventh generation Goss, and the Alexander Cemetery is in Wayne Township on land that John & Carol own John and Carol have also made contributions to the Gosport Town Park revitalization project Their giving also preserves history and place John & Carol have recently created the Alexander Cemetery Restoration Fund and the Goss Cemetery Restoration Fund, ensuring that the stories of those who built the community will not be forgotten

In 2025, Tony Brown established his own scholarship fund, called the Mearl & LaVerne Brown and Tony & Sherry Brown Scholarship, honoring both his parents and his late wife Sherry (Johnson) Brown The new scholarships will be awarded in the spring of 2026, extending the Browns’ commitment to education to future Owen County graduates

The Brown family’s philanthropy reflects the same qualities that defined Mearl and LaVerne’s lives: steadiness, faithfulness, and a commitment to community

From building roads and farming fields to teaching Sunday School and encouraging college degrees, their influence was never loud, but it was lasting

Through scholarships and restoration funds, that influence continues Students will pursue higher education because of their example Historic cemeteries will be cared for because of their foresight Gosport’s heritage will remain visible because their family chose to give back to the place that had shaped them

It is a legacy rooted in faith, strengthened by hard work, and sustained through generosity

And it is still growing

Mearl & LaVerne Brown

Memorials

We received the following Memorial gifts from January 1 through December 31, 2025 The name of the person being memorialized or honored is in bold.

Mary Ackerman

Anonymous Donors

Michael C Ackerman

Lt. Colonel Dave Allen

The Allen Family Anonymous

Aaron & Sarah LaGrange

George Allison Anonymous

The Armstrong Family

Babbs Supermarket

Craig & Margo Brighton

Ken & Maryanne Brighton

Becky Brown

Linda Childs

The Biszantz & Clapper Families

Barbara Cooper

Nancy L Deal

Darby DeFord

Michelle DeFord

Wally & Kathy DeFord

John & Sylvia Dyar

Richard & Myrna Fields

Nancy Fuhs

John & Deanna Heckman

Roger & Cindy Herrington

Ed Hines

Robin Hines and Family

Hickam & Lorenz, P.C.

Insurance Services, Inc

Don & Marilyn Jackson

Jeff & Ruth Jones

Mutual Savings Bank

OCCF Board & Staff

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Kim Prunty

Lori Rudzinski

Tom & Ellen Sanders

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Sons of American Legion - Post 285

Ronda Stogsdill

Doug & Judy Tucker

Kim Tucker

Phyllis Tucker and Family

Tom & Karla Vedder

Tom & Becky Wallace

Gerald Wells

Gordon & Diane Wells

Kristen Fuhs Wells

Jack & Catherine Woodruff

Barron Barnett

Richard & Lisa Norman

Jim Baughn

Spencer High School Class of 1958

Ruth Beach

Craig & Margo Brighton

Joe, Kimberly, Michael, & Alyssa King

Linda Bean

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Joe Carmichael & Gary Boruff

Sons of American Legion - Post 285

Bev Bowen

Anonymous

Eugene & Robert Bowen

Adam & Jenna Bowen

Roger & Barbara Bowen

Paul & Dana Cummings

Lyle & Marion Brighton

Brighton Developments, LLC

Maryanne Brighton

Mearl & LaVerne Brown

Maryanne Brighton

Tony Brown

Shirley Burke

Kay Calvert

Gosport Baptist Church

Ken A Kesler

Richard & Lisa Norman

Mary Ellen C Smith

Thomas Farms GP

Brenda Wampler

Kevin & Debbie Wampler

Sherry Brown

Tony Brown

Glena Bucy

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Peggy Burks

Jace & Sally Burks Elmore

Charlotte Burnett

Ken & Maryanne Brighton

Tristan Calvin

Ann Calvin

Richard & Koreenia Calvin

Landon & Amber Curtis

Shane & Connie Jennings

Aaron & Sarah LaGrange

Perfect Time Race Management

Carrie & Tolman Roberts

Theresa G Skaggs

David & Karen Weaver

Donnie Lee Campbell, Jr.

Anonymous Donors

BBP Water Corporation

Kyra Cerullo

Eric Edwards

EIS Fifth Grade Teachers

Edmund & Teresa Entrekin

Robin Hines and Family

Insurance Services, Inc

IU Office of Enrollment

Management

David & Kathleen Knight

Stephanie Letman

Jerry Maners

OCCF Board & Staff

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Nathan Pendill

Patricia M. Powell

Ted Lee Powell

Richard P Rechter

Olivia Riedling and Family

Dan & Julie Stines

Brittany Van Hook

Tom & Becky Wallace

Paul J Watts

Ralph & Velma Carie

Tom & Johnna Martin

Jolly Homemakers

Glenda S Plummer

Misty Chapman

David Friedel & Ann Mahrdt

Jack Childers

Kevin & Debra Wampler

Stephen Close

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Delores M. Clouse

Gosport High School Class of 1946

Mary Ellen C. Smith

Brad Cooper

Renee Millar

Charles T. Cooper

John Hackworthy

Gary Cooper

Mike & Becky Applegate

Shirley & Michael Burke

Michael & Melinda Campbell

Randy Feeback

The Grounds Family

Scott & Heather Herrington

The Tommy Martin Family

Terry & Kathyrn Murphy

Owen County Family YMCA

Ronald & Sharon Partyka

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Norman & Lori Warner

Susan Coulter

Susan Cernek

Judy C. Crider

Stanley & Nancy Griffith

Star Curtis

George & Diane Richards

Mike Daffron

Tom & Becky Wallace

Jack & Marilyn DeFord

Bret & Beth Eaton

John Hackworthy

Steve Withem

Mrs. Dellacqua

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Geneva Dick

Phil & Jackie Merk

Martha Ann Drescher

Steve & Peggy Cradick

Judy Drescher

Travis & Amberly Drescher

Travis & Jaren Drescher

Joyce Graham

Lana Halfhill Honn

Jeff & Renai King

Richard & Lisa Norman

Ronald & Romona Strohe

Susan Vaughn

Chuck Durbin

Merea Durbin

Dick & Sue Dyar

John & Sylvia Dyar

Harold & Mary Dyar

John & Sylvia Dyar

Doris Lee Dyer

Susie & Barry Clarke

Suzanne & Scott Fuson

Mike & Tina Miller

John & Virginia Williams

John Dyer

John & Virginia Williams

Lebby Dyer

John & Virginia Williams

Judi Epp

Anonymous Donors

Jean Capler & Jenny Auston

Jonathan, Jacob, and Truman Balash

Fred & Kathy Balash

Marion Banzhaf

Barrett Enterprise LLC

Robene & Sienna Jasmine Bates

Amy Benckart

Bill & Glenda Breeden

Cecilia Bright

Becky Brown

Wren Brown

Dean & Marcia Bruce

Linda Bruce Bucklin

Alex Butrum-Griffith

Mary Heldt & Linda Campbell

Cataract Lake Getaway

Angela Cornett

Patricia G Cowin

Dawn Ollila & Jefferson Davis

Carl P Deitchman

Darla Dennis

Linda Duncan

The Ebrahim-Sader Family

Kathy Kessler & Chad Eppelheimer

Kimberly Anne Fidler

Suzanne Fortenberry

Girl Scout Troop 2266

Abby & Deborah Gitlitz

Kris Kimmell & Marnell Gorman

Jane E Barker & Melinda S Haag

Jennifer Bass & Michael Hamburger

Dean P Hansen

Marilyn A Hart

James L Hays

Barbara LaMere Heck

Joy Hellman

David & Ann Henk

Robin Hines

Cindy Houston

Don & Marilyn Jackson

Karen Johnson

Mary Larissa Jones

Christy Kelley

Isaac Epp & Kerry Laws

Bob Marshall

Bonni & Crystal Maxwell

Melissa Maxwell

Felix McBeath

The McCord-Riley Family

Berta Medicus-Moore

Mary A Elftman & Cynthia Molthan

Terry Moore

Cynthia Nassim

Alvaro & Leslie Nieves

Ed O’Brien

Owen County Chamber of

Commerce & EDC

Julie Parmenter

PVACAG

Fawn & Shanna Ramey

Donna Fay Reeves

Janice Rickert

Glorianne Leck & Susan Savastuk

Casey Shively

Meredith Short

Karen Johnson & K. Shortridge

Kathyrn Shumate

Kathleen Sideli

Laura Smith

Kathy Spinks

Michael R Stevenson

Ronda Stogsdill

Cynthia P Stone

Melinda M Swenson

Jennifer Hurtubise & Kate Tavernier

Barb Thompson

Annabelle Vosmeier

Silja Weber

William & Cathleen Weber

Lee Formwalt & Rich Weichert

Wendy Wonderly & Karen Williams

Don Wooldridge

Sharon Yarber

Brett Evans

Tom & Becky Wallace

Sandra Featherston

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Hickam & Lorenz, P.C.

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

Don & Gloria Townsend

Samuel Parker Fields

Richard & Myrna Fields

Marilyn Fisher

Richard & Myrna Fields

Dave & Heather Keith

OVHS Teachers

Marilyn Fisher

Richard & Myrna Fields

Dave & Heather Keith

OVHS Teachers

David Flater

Stanley & Nancy Griffith

Tiffaney Foster

Robert Asher

The Barnett Family

Erich, Jennifer, & Reagan Hart

Rebecca K Mlynarczyk

Lorrie Chandler Overton

Julia Turnbaugh

Carol Williams

Clarence Franklin, Jr.

Spencer High School Class of 1959

Gordon Franklin

Owen Valley High School Class of 1971

Marsha Franklin

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Memorials

Mike Frye

Penny Dunning

Spencer High School Class of 1968

John J. Fuhs

George Allison

Robert & Jamie Andree

Anonymous

Bill & Rebecca Applegate

Rob & Cassie Babbs

Babbs Supermarket

Paul & Paula Binkley

Craig & Margo Brighton

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Dean & Marcia Bruce

Terry & Jill Brush

Mace & Ellen Clark

Dr Charles & Kay Cochran

Frank & Julie Coffin

Jim & Ginny Coppedge

Chad & Karen Crosby

Laura Cummings

Rick & Renna Cummings

Wally & Kathy DeFord

Yankee Joe Drescher

Eden Lodge 99

Deb Egemo

John, Jill, & Matt Emmons

David Friedel & Ann Mahrdt

Friends of the Park Board of Directors

The Fuhs Family

Candace Genda

Rick & Lois Giesler

Marilyn A. Hart

Mark & Lois Hester

Hickam & Lorenz, PC

Beth Hull

Insurance Services, Inc

Don & Marilyn Jackson

Jasper High School Class of 1969

Timothy Travis Keller

Susan Kenfield

The Kenfield Family

Vic, Shirley, & Jason Kinney

Languell Abstract & Title Corp

Locust Lake HOA

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

LSN Team

William & Nancy Lynch

Mark of Discipleship Volunteers

Dave & Kim McDonald-Brumm

Alan & Donna McElroy

Kevin McKay

Jen McKenzie and Family

Kurt & Melissa Meier

Frank & Brenda Nardi

Sue Nichols

Richard & Lisa Norman

OCCF Board & Staff

Owen County Court Services

Owen County Family YMCA

Steve & Alice Parrish

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Vernon Petri

Lori & Gary Quillen and Family

Donald & Patricia Rahke

Sherry Reed

Mary Jean Rice

Michael & Carole Rohleder

Janet Rummel

Peggy Schrougham

Megan Scheuler

Marvin & Doris Seger

Tom Simpson

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Mark & Nancy Snaop

Sons of American Legion - Post 285

Spencer Exchange Club

Joani & Ed Staubach

Janet Stenftenagel

Ronda Stogsdill

Suzanne Sturgeon

Damon & Susan Summerlot

Charles & Mary Jo Thatcher

Don & Gloria Townsend

The Greencastle Civic League

Amy Thomas

USATF Indiana Officials

Pam Vollmer

Tom & Becky Wallace

Sheryl & Jeff Weisman

Karen Wells

Wells & Colvin Family

Robert & Cindy White

Stephen & Nancy Wichman

Steve Withem

Terry & Sally Wright

David & Janet York

Jim Fulford

John Hackworthy

John & Meme Gillaspy

John Hackworthy

Connie Gray Gooding

Spencer High School Class of 1958

Linda Hine Goodlett

Insurance Services, Inc.

Cindy Hackworthy

John & Sylvia Dyar

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

Jim Hammond

Martha Jean Buis

Steve Hancock

Tom & Jennifer Abrell

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Tom & Becky Wallace

Noah W. & Ruth A. Walbring Harris

Stan & Linda Harris

Susie Parrish Harris

Steve & Alice Parrish

Loretta Heidrick

David Livingston

Ronnie & Shirley Heidrick

Kim & Dan McMains

Peggy Hines

Dr Stuart Chen-Hayes

Richard & Lisa Norman

Larry Huffman

George Allison

John & Sylvia Dyar

Lana Halfhill Honn

Owen County Family YMCA

Tom & Becky Wallace

Davis Hutton

Friends of the Owen County Family YMCA

Loretta Johnson

Jace & Sally Burks Elmore

Elizabeth R. Jones

Robert T Jones

Betty Jordan

Ellen Fagan

Dean Heinhold

Johnna Kosnoff

Susie Lovett June

Owen Valley High School Class of 1971

Jacob Keller

The Keller Family

Evan Michael Kelley

Brandon & Christy Butcher

Randy & Karen Harmon

John King

Brad & Robin King

John & Tina Stearley

Anne Kirchgraber-McKee

Michael C Ackerman

Thomas Barclay

Eleanor Coffin

Frank & Julie Coffin

Devin Savage

Peggy Schrougham

Jay Shelton

Ale Young

Michael Kite

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Karen Sue Hahn Kitts

Lori & Gary Quillen and Family

Barbara & Jack Langley

David Livingston

Elena Lewis

Babbs Supermarket

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Bob Livingston

David Livingston

Robert & Patty Livingston

David Livingston

Martha Long

Spencer High School Class of 1958

Rosalie Lucas

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

Ronald Marsh

Kevin & Debra Wampler

Kathleen Maupin

Teena Jennings

Gary McCarter

Bill S. McCarter

TJ & Leslie McClure

Leonard & Joan Wray

Bob & Virginia McKay

Craig & Margo Brighton

Jill McKay

Anonymous Donors

KR & Karen Armstrong

Rob & Cassie Babbs

Ken & Maryanne Brighton

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Dr. John & Carol Brown

Shirley & Michael Burke

Dr Charles & Kay Cochran

Donald & Sue Conder

Jim & Ginny Coppedge

Laura Cummings

Ed & Diana Curry

Nancy L Deal

The Devine Family

Glen & Dorothy Dillman

Paul & Suzie Dubois

John & Sylvia Dyar

Jennifer Foland

Irma Jean Franklin

John & Nancy Fuhs

Tom & Valarie Gillaspy

Bobby & Mary Jo Hall

Don & Evelyn Hamilton

Stephen & Kathleen Harriman

Joe & Judy Heinmiller

Doris Anna Herring

Jim & Donna Huffman

Huffman Productions Inc

Insurance Services, Inc

Don & Marilyn Jackson

Nikki Kathol

Richard & Connie Kay

Dave & Heather Keith

Jesse Kestenman

Vic, Shirley, & Jason Kinney

Joyce A Lindstrom

Charles & Bonnie Macy

Kevin McKay

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Nancy Ellen Roberts

David Robertson & Janice Smith

David & Jane Rubeck

Brad, Summer, Zach, & Kam Rubin

Kenny & Rhonda Schafer

Dodie Schinske

Kathleen Sclight

Mark & Nancy Snapp

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Steven & Deana Stickels

Connie Thomas

Don & Gloria Townsend

Trinity Lutheran High School

Trippin with Michelle

Darin & Carol Tucker

Linda M Wallace

Tom & Becky Wallace

Gerald Wells

Gordon & Diane Wells

Kathy Wisley

Steve & Cynthia Withem

YMCA Friends

ZB Social Science Department

Dennis McKee

Anonymous

Jim & Ginny Coppedge

Fred Drescher

Myrna & Rich Fields

John & Nancy Fuhs

Lana Halfhill Honn

Jay & Diane Tebbe

Jack & Althea Money

John & Sylvia Dyar

Karen Morley

Anonymous

John & Sylvia Dyar

Hal D Job

Pegg McCrary

Spencer High School Class of 1970

George & Nancy White

Pamela Sue Eaton Nash

Mary Ellen C Smith

Andrew O’Connor

Anonymous

Gail O’Connor

Carman Page

Tom & Becky Wallace

Albert Pagliaro

Lewis-Worman Owners Association

Michael Parks

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Sharon, Raymond, & Michael Parks

Steve & Alice Parrish

Flona Everly Query

Peggy & Don Garver

Jeffery Tim Query

Sandra L Truax

Walter Reynolds

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Floyd & Cynthia Richards

John & Sylvia Dyar

Dan Riffel

Owen County Family YMCA

Phyllis Root

Robert T Jones

Don Rudzinski

John & Sylvia Dyar

Patty Sadler

Walter Sadler

Zachariah G. Savage

Brenda Brown

Lester Schenck

Tom & Becky Wallace

Carol Schwartz

Doug & Rhonda Dyer

Barbara Sheese

Tom & Becky Wallace

Stu Sherfick

Don & Gloria Townsend

Fritzi Sips

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Doug & Rhonda Dyer

Patricia Query Newforth

Al & Joan Tucker

Darin & Carol Tucker

Dirk & Sherry Tucker

Phyllis Tucker and Family

Michael & Barbara Spinks

Anonymous Donors

Leslie Bolinger

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Memorials

Michael & Barbara Spinks

Dean & Marcia Bruce

Shirley Burke

Mace & Ellen Clark

North Central High School - Sullivan

County Class of 1961

Charles & Kay Cochran

Chris & Danielle Conner

Kerri Cosby

Peggy & Stephen Cradick

Cynthia J. Curvin

Darby DeFord

Elizabeth Dreyer

John & Sylvia Dyar

Tom & Kaye Erney

John Hackworthy

Bobby & Mary Jo Hall

Kristi Hansel

Marilyn A Hart

John & Deanna Heckman

Lois & Mark Hetser

Ed Hines

Luella Holcomb

Pat Huber and Family

Don & Marilyn Jackson

Debbie & Verl Keith

Vic & Shirley Kinney

Jane McCollum

Allie & Claire Cogan McHaley

The McHaley Family

Shelley Harriman & Evan McKalip

Kevin McKay

Kurt & Melissa Meier

Bruce & Anita Morgan

Owen County Family YMCA

Steve & Alice Parrish

Steve & Becky Pedigo

Karla Priest

Don & Trish Rahke

Nancy Roberts

Gloria Klass & Kim Rogers

Mark & Nancy Snapp

Kathy Spinks

Denise Sudol

Bill & Darla Thomas

Don & Gloria Townsend

Marilyn Truesdel

Dirk & Sherry Tucker

Doug & Judy Tucker

Kim Tucker

Tom & Becky Wallace

Gordon & Diane Wells

Marianne Snyder White

Kathy Wisley

Nancy Woodard

Jack Woodruff

Jack Steele

Heather Light

Jasmine St. John

Tom & Becky Wallace

John & Joanne Stahl

Tom & Becky Wallace

Paul Stanley Stephens

Patricksburg High School Class of 1966

Gena Stephens

Kirby Stogsdill

Mike & Judy Boyd

Insurance Services, Inc

Marcus Robinson

The Stogsdill Family

Brittany Van Hook

John Summerlot

Spencer High School Class of 1958

Chad Sweatman

IES Kentucky LLC

Larry Metzler

Jake, Amanda, Elizabeth, & Claire

Sweatman

Kathy Sweatman

Samantha Sweatman

Dennis Taylor

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Pauline Thatcher

John & Sylvia Dyar

Judy Jenkins

Fletcher Thatcher, Jr.

John & Sylvia Dyar

James “Kevin” Thompson

Mark & Robyn Ruark

Brian & Beth Taylor

Jeffery & Deborah Webb

Ofc. David A. Tinsley

Albert Tinsley

Margie Tucker

Tom & Jennifer Abrell

Anonymous

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Frank & Julie Coffin

John & Sylvia Dyar

John & Nancy Fuhs

Marilyn A Hart

Don & Marilyn Jackson

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

Jane McCollum

Anton & Shannon Neff

Richard & Lisa Norman

OCCF Board & Staff

Owen County Democratic Party

Lori & Gary Quillen and Family

Oscar & Marlene Schepers

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Curt & Benita Thacker

The Association of Indiana Counties

Board of Directors

Don & Gloria Townsend

Al & Joan Tucker

Darin & Carol Tucker

Dirk & Sherry Tucker

Phyllis Tucker and Family

Tom & Becky Wallace

Gordon & Diana Wells

Gib Tucker

Phyllis Tucker

Zachary Tucker

John Hackworthy

Phyllis Tucker

Ray Unger

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Jim & Sally Vance

John Hackworthy

Jack & Delores Vaughn

Susan Vaughn

Harry & Martha Wall

Anonymous

Kenny & Barbara Wallace

Tom & Becky Wallace

Erika Wells

Robert & Cindy White

Ruth Ann White

Spencer High School Class of 1970

Shirley Wilson

John & Sylvia Dyar

Roma Wilson

John Hackworthy

Cindy Withem

Lana Halfhill Honn

Vic, Shirley, & Jason Kinney

OCCF Board & Staff

Owen County Family YMCA

Spencer Exchange Club

Claude Wood

Tim & Mary Wood

PFC Brett Wood

Nancy L Deal

Donna Woodruff

Dave & Barbara Brinson

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Spencer Presbyterian Church

Tributes

The Allison Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

Rob & Cassie Babbs

Wally & Kathy DeFord

John & Sylvia Dyar

Insurance Services, Inc

Phil & Jackie Merk

Steve Withem

Darrell Bault

Don & Gloria Townsend

Tad Wilson

Robin Bean

Tad Wilson

Craig & Margo Brighton

Kay Calvert

David & Barbara Brinson

Gayle E Brinson-Wright

Becky Brown

Susan Summerlot

Pam Browning

Ed & Joani Staubach

Kay & Dave Calvert

Craig & Margo Brighton

Erin Carpenter

Steve & Alice Parrish

Penny Carpenter and Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

The Cheeseburger Guys at the Sons of American Legion Post - 285

John & Sylvia Dyar

Frank & Julie Coffin

Elizabeth Coffin

Julie Coffin

Steve Withem

Steve Redenbaugh & Melva Cooper

John & Sylvia Dyar

Tony Craig

John & Sylvia Dyar

Charles & Doris Crum

Tad Wilson

Wally & Kathy DeFord

John & Sylvia Dyar

Craig D Money

Rick & Kathy Dyar and Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

Tammy Ewbank

John & Sylvia Dyar

John Hackworthy and Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

Insurance Services, Inc

Brian & Amy Stephenson

Sandra Farr

The Homemakers

Beth Guerrettaz

Ben Shaw

Larry Higgins

Anton Karl Neff

Judy Dyar Jenkins and Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

Buck & Nan Johnson

John & Sylvia Dyar

Joe & Brenda King

Nathaniel J. Rice

The Knapp, Wilson, & Sample Families

Lisa Sample Knapp

Richard & Nancy Lorenz

Insurance Services, Inc

Ann Mahrdt

Debra Reed

David Friedel & Ann Mahrdt

Steve & Kathleen Harriman

Pat Newforth

Susan Summerlot

Jack & Karen Newsom

John & Sylvia Dyar

Jack & Karen Noel

John & Sylvia Dyar

Maria O’Connor

Susan Summerlot

OCCF Board & Staff

John & Sylvia Dyar

Alice Parrish

Penny Carpenter

Lauryn Parrish

Steve & Alice Parrish

Shawn & Aimee Parrish

Steve & Alice Parrish

Steve Parrish

Alice Parrish

Honoring a Loved One Through the OCCF

Steve & Alice Parrish and Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

Steve & Becky Pedigo

John & Sylvia Dyar

Steve & Alice Parrish

Charles Rice, Sr.

Charles Jr. & Lynne Rice

Andy & Darlene Richards

John & Sylvia Dyar

Mark & Pennie Rogers

Insurance Services, Inc.

Lori Rudzinski and Family

John & Sylvia Dyar

Dave & Doris Scully

Insurance Services, Inc

Ray & Mindy Sieradzan

Steve & Alice Parrish

Jack & Linda Simmerman

Insurance Services, Inc

Spencer High School Class of 1953

Tad Wilson

Spencer Main Street Board

John & Sylvia Dyar

Rev. Ron & Sue Strohe

John & Sylvia Dyar

Anthony C. Sudol, Jr.

Mike Sudol

Phyllis Tucker

Insurance Services, Inc.

Tom & Becky Wallace

John & Sylvia Dyar

Irma Jean Franklin

Bobby & Mary Jo Hall

Trippin with Michelle

Gordon & Diane Wells

John & Sylvia Dyar

Insurance Services, Inc

Robert & Cindy White

Kristen Wells

Emily Nestel

Tad Wilson

John & Sylvia Dyar

Steve Withem

John & Sylvia Dyar

Karen Wood

Tim & Mary Wood

Did you know that each time a gift to the OCCF is made in honor or memory of someone, a card is sent to that individual or their family notifying them of your thoughtful tribute? A gift to one of the Foundation’s 180+ funds ensures that a loved one’s legacy continues to make a meaningful difference in Owen County. To make a tribute gift, simply include the individual’s name in your check memo or note it when giving

Thank You for Your Service

Tom

Wallace: Former Chairperson

Tom Wallace’s dedicated leadership as Chairperson of the Owen County Community Foundation Board of Directors has left a lasting and meaningful mark on our community As his term concluded at the end of 2025, we reflect with gratitude on the steady guidance, vision, and heart he has brought to the Foundation During his tenure, OCCF has continued to grow its permanent assets to more than $18 million, awarded over $12 5 million in grants to charitable causes, and invested $3 2 million in education, progress rooted in collaboration and a shared commitment to Owen County’s future

Tom’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom For two decades as an agriculture teacher at Owen Valley High School, he mentored and inspired generations of students through 4-H

and FFA. His volunteer service to a multitude of civic organizations reflects a lifelong dedication to strengthening the fabric of our community. He has consistently led with humility and faith, always placing the needs of others and the long-term well being of Owen County at the forefront of every decision His example of servant leadership sets a standard that will guide the Foundation for years to come Tom’s years of contributions will always be treasured and will continue to inspire the Board and staff alike as we carry out our mission with integrity, compassion, and purpose

Thank you for your service, Tom

Remembering a Founding Member

George Allison 1932 - 2025

George L Allison’s life was defined by steady leadership, generous service, and an unwavering love for Owen County As a Founding Director of the Owen County Community Foundation, George helped lay the foundation for an organization that continues to strengthen our community today His vision and commitment to service ensured that local generosity would have a lasting impact for generations to come, and his influence can still be seen in the Foundation’s work across the county

A respected community banker, George devoted 57 years to Owen County State Bank, serving as President and CEO and later as Chairman of the Board. His career was marked not only by longevity but by integrity, wisdom, and a genuine care for the people and businesses he served He also provided leadership at the state level through the Indiana Bankers Association, serving as Chairman in 1996–1997, and was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash and the IBA Leaders in Banking Excellence Award. These recognitions reflected what our community already knew: George was a trusted and principled leader.

His dedication to Owen County extended far beyond banking. George was instrumental in the start-up of the Owen County Family YMCA and served 35 years with the Spencer-Owen Chamber of Commerce, including two years as President. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors of Bloomington Hospital, offering his time and expertise to strengthen regional healthcare. In every role, he brought thoughtfulness, steady guidance, and a servant’s heart George’s faith was central to his life, and he was a longtime member of Spencer United Methodist Church, later also attending Spencer Christian Church During the holidays, many families delighted in seeing him don a special red suit and snowy white beard, spreading joy to children throughout the county Above all, George treasured his family and the time he spent with them His legacy is one of quiet strength, enduring generosity, and faithful service The Owen County Community Foundation is deeply grateful for his leadership as a Founding Director and for the lasting example he set for our community