R
PAGE A4 D M
APRIL 11, 2017
Take hope in Spring’s renewing qualities
Madeleine, another B C P Easter has arrived, which means a lot of things. The promise of eternal life is illustrated quite obviously in the Spring, and all we really need to do is go outdoors and observe nature. I am always awed and amazed by how the barren trees, bushes, and owerbeds can suddenly burst into riotous color. Yes, of course, there is a scientiďŹ c reason for how this works, just as there is for everything. However, I prefer to believe that it is an amazing design, geared to show primitive humans that there is hope in everything. This year our family has a lot going on, with a new baby due in Nashville any day now, three renovation projects, and lots of responsibilities. I am going to cook a yummy breakfast/brunch and forego any big meal this year. We are all busy but hopefully most of us can gather for the yearly egg hunt and to eat. I am always happy to have this large yard to hide the eggs. One of the best things about Easter and Spring is that it is pretty. It is in our DNA to appreciate things that are attractive, and this holiday is all about that. We should have put away winter clothing by now, and turned to the brighter, lighter colors of the warm months. Advertisements of almost everything feature bright colors like celery green, pink, yellow, orange, and so on. We are lured to buy new plastic plates and glasses for patio use. We march o to the garden store and buy new blooms for our pots, which probably still hold the withered brown remains of last year’s owers. This is not a necessity of life; it just brightens our mood, and makes the days of our lives happier. This is big business, and even though I always say I am not
going to plant so many pots of owers in the coming year, I always succumb. I may grumble by July, when it is a chore to lug water to the owerpots every day, but by now, I have made a commitment. I have always wanted to live in a Craftsman style home with a big wide front porch, and have a showcase for the ower pots. I always take notice of the homes that I pass and observe their dÊcor. Nobody can really see my house, so I rarely do as much as the folks who live right on the street. I, myself, rarely see my little front porch. However, I do like to have the back patio and entry door area look festive. Easter is the time that encourages me to pack away the winter things, and put out fresh linens, ceramic bunnies, and lots of owers. I do not put out all of the Easter dÊcor anymore, but I always choose a few things, leaving much of it in the big tubs. I will be late in doing that this year, because I left my Christmas wreath on the door of my workshop too long. Before I knew it, a mother and daddy bird had built a nest in it. Then came eggs and babies. So I cannot go into the building until they are grown up and y away. That is where most of my Easter dÊcor is stored away. They have now, of course, become more little creatures to worry about. I know that birds have been successfully raising babies forever without my assistance, but it is dierent now. I feed the squirrels and birds around my house, and this is another joy. We have lots of bird houses, and there are never vacancies. So, yes, Madeleine, we will once again, color eggs together, share a meal with as many family members as possible, and I will put out baskets of daodils and tulips. Despite everyone’s
individual religious beliefs about Easter, I don’t see how anyone can overlook the obvious. It should remind all of us that we need to see beyond chocolate bunnies and new shoes. Many people that I know have suered through illnesses and the deaths of loved ones in the past year. One Facebook friend of mine is trying to come to terms Issabella picking up eggs with advanced cancer. Even in 2014. when hope is in scarce supply, I hope that everyone can take the example of the earth’s own Spring renewal as what I believe it is intended. Every Autumn, we accept that soon the world will settle into bare branches and gloomy gray skies. However, we do this knowing that patience will be rewarded by the glorious colors Baby birds in the of another Spring, complete Christmas wreath. with baby birds and warm blue skies. Wishing everyone a joyous Easter from Cathy, Madeleine and the rest of the powers family.
Garretts lay five family members to rest in New Harmony The Garrett Family laid ďŹ ve family members to rest in New Harmony last Saturday following the memorial service of patriarch Jack E. Garrett, deceased in January 2017 in Fort Myers Florida. The ashes of Jack’s beloved daughter Deborah Garrett McBurnett (deceased 2012), Jack’s dear sister Jean Garrett Shane (deceased 2013), her husband Shane L. Shane (deceased 2013), and their son Martin Jon Shane (deceased 2016) were committed to the Garrett family plot with Jack at Maple Hill Cemetery. Family and friends were welcomed to the service from seven states by Mrs. Leora Garrett, Jack’s wife of 65 years (Fort Myers Florida). Local family included cousins Wilma Joyce Bailey (New Harmony), Tina and Kenny Slaughter (Evansville), Ed Peerman (Evansville), Shad English (Evansville), and Dirk and Renee English (Evansville). “We are grateful for the support and hospitality that has been extended to us by the people of New Harmony,â€? said Mrs. Garrett. “Philip Werry of Werry Funeral Homes has been nothing short of wonderful, handling the burial of my husband plus the ashes of our beloved daughter Deborah and Jean’s family.â€? “It's a great comfort to the Shane family to place the ashes of my mom, dad and brother in their ďŹ nal resting place in Maple Hill Cemetery,â€? said Patrice Shane Ayala,
Jack's niece. “Here they can rest in mom's home town, surrounded by family and friends.â€? “Deep thanks to the New Harmony High School friends of my dad, his sister Jean, and their younger brother Martin Ray who took time to attend our memorial service and introduce themselves,â€? said Stephen Garrett, Jack's son. “Their stories of the antics of the young Garretts in the 1940’s were such a pleasure to hear.â€? Jack Graduated from New Harmony High School in 1946, Jean in 1940, and Martin Ray (deceased 2007 in Cumming, Ga.) graduated in 1948. The family has Jack's ďŹ ve-year perfect attendance pin from Johnson United Methodist Church from grade school, so asked Pastor John Adams to preside. The service highlighted three of Jack’s favorite Kingston Trio spiritual arrangements: When the Saints Go Marching In, The Legend of Desert Pete, and Oh Mary Don’t You Weep Don’t You Mourn. Son Stephen played the 12-string guitar, dear friends Kira and Chloe Biles played percussion, and all assembled sang. At Maple Hill, the service continued and the group sang the canon round Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace). Family and friends stayed at the New Harmony Inn, and enjoyed a lovely dinner following the service at the Red Geranium. Many Kingston Trio songs were sung in
Birthdays April 11 - Bill Williams, Matthew Robinson, Sean Gebhard, Howard Gebhard, Josephine Hirsman, Lydia Deckard, Jayden Hulsey, Chris Kissel, Carol Underhill April 12 - Martha Wilkinson, Mike Wassmer, Brad Williams, Andrew Maynard April 13 - David Kirkpatrick, Ernest Patterson, Sally Sturgell, Mike Butler, KayLeigh Allbright April 14 - Kelly Armstrong, Patrick Deckard, Lee Ann Carroll, Sacheen Day April 15 - Owen Lewis, Jackson Schmitt April 16 - Kelsey Moye, Martin Ray Red-
man, Brent Renshaw, Betty Fisher, Mary Jane Kirkpatrick, Cara Stuckey, Chris PďŹ ster, Cory ScaraďŹ a, Dr. Matthew Lee, Amber N. Morse, Samantha Russler, Tara Hubbard April 17 - Timothy Cox, Danny Veeck, Rob Cooper, Tritan Ryn, Callie Sturgell, Carrie Allison, Zachary Weinzapfel, Rob Warensford If you have a name to be included in the birthday calendar, please send to: Posey County News, P.O. Box 397, New Harmony, IN 47631, or email: news@poseycountynews.com
Doris Ferguson-Jeries Doris L. (Hartmann) Ferguson-Jeries, 92, of Mount Vernon, Ind., passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 3, 1924 in Posey County, Ind., to Benjamin H. and Elizabeth (Niehaus) Hartmann. Doris attended Hartmann School, and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1941. She attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music until World War II began. After returning to Evansville, she then worked at the Evansville Shipyard where the famous LST’s were built. After the war ended, she married Roy M. Ferguson in January 1946. After Roy passed away, she married James Jeries. Doris was a member of Phi Beta National Music Fraternity at the Cincinnati Conservatory. She was a lifetime member of Immanuel UCC, where she served as pianist, organist, and choir director for 25 years. Doris was also a life member of Sunbeam Chapter 1, Order of the Eastern Star. She was employed at Midwest Federal Savings and Loan until retirement. After retirement, she was a volunteer at Welborn Baptist Hospital, serving as President of the Auxiliary and serving over 4,000 hours as a Pink Lady. Golf, bike riding, quilting, card playing, dancing and travel were a few of her passions. She also cherished her time with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; ďŹ rst husband, Roy Ferguson in 1969; second husband, James Jeries in 1988; and brothers, Robert F. and Paul B. Hartmann. She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Kevin) Boarman of Mount Vernon, Ind.; son, Ricky (Tammy) Ferguson of Wilmington, N.C.; grandchildren, Robert (Eliza) Boarman of Des Moines, Iowa, Dr. Kiersten (Mike) Cremin of Dallas, Texas, and Jonathan (Anzi Hu) Ferguson of Rockville, Md.; great-granddaughter, Ellery Ava Ferguson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 5812 Ford Road, Mount Vernon, Ind., with Pastor Doug Turner oďŹƒciating and burial to follow in Immanuel Cemetery. Visitation was held from 3 until 7 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2017 at Schneider Funeral Home, 512 Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ind. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel UCC Memorial Fund. Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.
Your news is always welcome heree! Please email news@ @ poseycountynews.com m or call 812-682-3950 500
The Garrett Family at Thrall's Opera House, front row, l to r: Kira Biles (10) and Chloe Biles (7). Middle row, l to r: Gisela Garrett, Tammy Biles, Nora McBurnett, Jenn Kratovil, Tina Slaughter, Leora Garrett, Gloria Garrett, Patrice Shane Ayala. Back row, l to r: Floyd Biles, Rusty McBurnett, Stephen Garrett, Shad English, and Stephen McBurnett. Photo submitted honor of Jack. Attending from out of state were Jack’s widow Leora Garrett (Fort Myers, Florida), Jack and Leora’s son Stephen Garrett and his wife Gloria Garrett (Centerville, Ohio), Jack and Leora’s son-in-law Roe McBurnett, widower of Jack and Leora’s daughter Deborah McBurnett (Bridgewater, NJ), Jack and Leora’s grandchildren Gisela Garrett (Long Island City, New York), Nora McBurnett (Concord, New Hampshire), and
P C H
J K Note: In case the reader missed last week’s article, the United States is at war with Germany as of April 6, 1917. Posey County Mass Meeting--Over one hundred Posey County farmers, bankers, teachers, and other citizens met at the courthouse in this city Saturday afternoon to discuss ways and means of increasing and conserving the food supply in the present crisis. Speeches were made by Attorney James Blackburn, Prosecutor Jesse Wade, Jacob Crombach,
Raymond Stratton Raymond Marion Stratton, 82, of Poseyville, Indiana, born to Raymond Lawrence and Beulah Mae (Bennett) Stratton on December 3, 1934, in Mount Vernon, Indiana, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Deaconess VNA Charlier Hospice Care Center in Evansville, Indiana. He was a Kentucky Colonel and Postmaster for 16 years who enjoyed hunting and Civil War Reenactments. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Poseyville, Indiana; the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Orphan Brigade Kin Folk. Surviving are his wife: Edna (Reynolds) Stratton; two sons: Daniel Stratton of Poseyville, Indiana and Dean Stratton of Evansville, Indiana; two daughters: Deborah Stratton of Evansville, Indiana and Denise Chenault of Newburgh, Indiana; brother: Basil Stratton; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; step-father: John Mueller and three grandchildren: Katie, Kaleb and Chance. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Poseyville, Indiana with burial in the church cemetery. Father Ed Schnur oďŹƒciating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2016, at the Werry Funeral Home in Poseyville, Indiana with a Rosary/Memorial service at 8 p.m. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 10 North St. Francis Avenue, Poseyville, Indiana 47633. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com.
Stephen McBurnett and his wife Jenn Kratovil (Bound Brook, New Jersey), Jack’s sister Jean’s daughter, Patrice Shane Ayala (Abilene, Kansas), and dear family friends Tammy and Floyd Biles with daughters Kira and Chloe (Thornton, Colorado). A white rose was placed on each grave. Headstones will be placed this summer. Both Jack and Shane are World War II veterans and bronze plaques will be aďŹƒxed to their headstones.
World War I - 100 Years Ago War News from The Western Star, April 12, 1917 - Mount Vernon
farmer and land owner, J. W. Gwaltney, the Posey County Corn King, County Agent Thad S. McCulloch, and Judge Herdis Clemens. These speakers discussed means of producing larger crops by more intensive cultivation, by proper use of commercial fertilizer, and by using all waste ground.
raised at Stewartsville, Indiana. I can speak, read, and write both English and German. I would be pleased to be one of your company. My age is against me, as I was born in 1858. But, I love old Posey County and the U. S. and am willing to give my service. Yours Respectively, L. D. Barth
A Recruit For Captain Menzies--This is a letter sent to Captain Menzies from L. D. Barth, FairďŹ eld, Illinois. I notice in the Mount Vernon Star that you are organizing a company of volunteers. I was born and
Captain Jack Flesher Oers Services--Captain Jack Flesher telegraphed the War Department early this week oering his services as a dentist. Captain Flesher just returned from Akron, Ohio, where he had a splendid dental business.
SEE PAGE B4 FOR PHOTOS FROM THE ‘MOCK TRIAL’ HELD MONDAY Stephen West Stephen John West, 44, of Mount Vernon, Ind., passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017. He was born September 1, 1972 in Mount Vernon, Ind., to the late Louis and Mary (Schoening) West. Stephen had worked for TMI in Mount Vernon. He was a member of the Eagles and the Sons of the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Floyd and Georgia Lee Schoening; and uncle, Floyd Schoening Jr. He is survived by his sons, Nick West of Evansville and Johnathon West of Mount Vernon; daughters, Hannah West of Mount Vernon, Madison Barnes of Mount Vernon and Kendra West of Elberfeld, Ind.; sisters, Margaret Stanley, Sally Hook and Stephanie Choate all of Mount Vernon. Psalm: 57 1-11. Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Mount Vernon General Baptist Church, 1717 North Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ind., with Pastor Matt Watson oďŹƒciating and burial to be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4:30 until 6 p.m., service time on Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to his children’s education fund. Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.