Morton Memorial Alumni - Knightstown, Indiana

02/13/2025

Phil Grooms, Class of 1981
Phil Grooms, 62, of Danville, Illinois, passed away at home on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Phil was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on December 13, 1962, the son of Roy and Madeline Grooms. He was raised by David and Sharon Crane in Crawfordsville.

He married Carolyn Crawley in Greencastle, Indiana, on December 13, 1982. She died on September 13, 2011. He married Karen Cook on March 15, 2015, in Danville, Illinois. She survives.

He is survived by his bonus children Tabatha Huss, Katey Huss, and Blaine Huss, and his grandson Ayven Huss. Also surviving are his sisters Carol Grimes and Teresa Douglas, his brother Ray, his bonus siblings Thomas (Tracie) Crane, Cathy (Ivan) O'Neal, and Rhonda Crane, his sisters-in-law Kathy (David) Triplett and Nancy Cook, his brother-in-law Robert Cook, and his father-in-law Kenneth Cook.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Madeline Grooms, his bonus parents David and Sharon Crane, and his sister Elaine Grooms.

Phil worked for Allied Universal as a security guard at Genpact and McLane, and recently at Visco Fan in Danville, Illinois.

Phil enjoyed listening to 80s rock music, spending time with his family, traveling with his wife Karen, and special time with his beloved grandson Ayven.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

02/12/2025

I was so sorry to hear of Debra’s passing. She was always such a sweet & kind person. My love and Prayers go out to Donna and the rest of Debra’s family!
🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

Debra Eberts Obituary
Debra Lynn Eberts, 69, of North Vernon, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at her residence.

Born July 14, 1955, in Seymour, she was the daughter of the late Lewis Amis and Jo Ann (Allen) Uberin. She married David Eberts on January 26, 1974, at the Presbyterian Church in North Vernon; he survives.

Debra was a 1973 graduate of Morton Memorial High School in Knightstown. She provided companion care in homes and had previously worked 13 years as a clerk for North Vernon Wal-Mart and labor for Caltherm in Columbus for ten years. Debra was a member of Chestnut Street Community Church in North Vernon. She enjoyed knitting especially dish rags, playing bingo and spending time with her family.

Surviving with her husband of 51 years, David; are her daughters, Jennifer (Daniel) Schuck and Julie (Grant) Ramey, both of North Vernon; sisters, Donna (Bill) Allen of Rock Island, Illinois and several half brothers and sisters; and five grandchildren, Caitlyn Shuck, Ryan Schuck, Riley Ramey, Luke Ramey and Landon Ramey, all of North Vernon.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service for Debra will be at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon. The visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. Burial will be at a later date in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon.

Memorials in honor of Debra may be made through the funeral home to the St. Mary’s School, Freedom Hunt or Mercy Rescue and Adoption Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra Lynn (Amis) Eberts, please visit our floral store.

05/23/2024

William Edward "Eddie" Ferguson from the Class of 1961 passed away on Thursday May 16, 2024.

William "Ed" Edward Ferguson, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday May 16, 2024 at MPH Medical Center.
He was born January 11, 1941 in Knightstown, IN. to Galye Ferguson and Ruth (Martin) Ferguson.
Ed had a love for basketball. He enjoyed playing and later in life he found joy in coaching. He also enjoyed bowling. Ed was a big Elvis fan.
He is survived by his son, Michael Ferguson, his daughter, Renee Muelen; his grandchildren, Michael Ferguson, Kyle Price, Joshua Meulen, Danielle Muelen; his great-grandchildren, Brendon Tool, Austin Muelen, Adalyn Meulen, Kaden Ferguson, Jordan Ferguson and Bella Ferguson; his brother, Gael Gerguson; his sisters, Sandy Ferguson and Paula Ferguson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks, and Darin Schutt are honored to serve Ed's family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.

02/02/2024

Donna Sue (Webb) Colson from the Class of 1971. It makes me very sad to have to announce the passing of a my classmate and friend, Donna Webb. Donna was a very sweet and kind lady who will be greatly missed by her family, classmates and friends.
Click onto the link for her obituary:
https://www.popfuneralhome.com/obituary/donna-colson?lud=7D1F06F97877D0118BAE7B16F8DA7ACD

08/04/2023

Earl D. Lambert, 86, a lifelong resident of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, August 1, 2023, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, with family by his side.

He was born September 25, 1936, in Shelbyville, the son of James L. Lambert and Ruth Mae (Bausback) Smothers.

Being raised at the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home in Knightstown from 1945 to 1955, was a wonderful time in Earl's life. He was raised to respect others, offered a good education and made many friends. He met and married the love of his life, Charlene (Flint) Lambert, at The Home on June 8, 1957.

He began his career at Diamond Chain Company in Indianapolis, as a time clerk. Earl continued his education by obtaining an associates degree in accounting. He retired in 1996 from Diamond Chain Company, with 41 years of services, as the supervisor of cost accounting. After retirement, he worked for 10 years for Freeman Family Funeral Homes.

Earl was a devoted and founding member of the Town and Country Christian Church since 1974. He played an integral part in the construction of the church and served as treasurer, deacon and trustee for many years.

He served in the Indiana National Guard from 1956 to 1962.

Earl had a great passion for softball. He loved playing, coaching and cheering on his family. Earl enjoyed playing with multiple leagues including the Silver Foxes traveling team. Earl received recognition at the Blue River Memorial Park for being the Co-Founder of the 35/43 and Over Senior League.

He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, going fishing and playing cards. But, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Earl's call to serve others led him to volunteer at Major Hospital for over 10 years at the main entrance.

Earl is survived by his children, Linda Bacon and husband, Mark, of Milroy, Vickie Tillison and husband, Roby, of Shelbyville, Tina Weko and husband, Tim, of Indianapolis, Rick Lambert and wife, Misty, of Manilla, and Cheryl Higdon and husband, Tatum, of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Marla, Marci, Kyle, Melissa, Allison, Sarah, Kaleb, Jakob, Kaitlynne, Ethan and Chloe; great-grandchildren, Ella, Mason, Mitchell, Cora, Lincoln, Tyson, Laine, Libby and one on the way, Vance; and sister, Mary Kay Bush of Shelbyville.

In addition to Charlene, who passed on October 10, 2014, Earl was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Lambert.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Town and Country Christian Church, 2133 Tucker Road, Shelbyville.

Funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. Sunday, at the church, with Pastor Dennis Hirschauer officiating.

Interment will be at 10 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023, at Forest Hill Cemetery, 705 Morris Avenue, in Shelbyville, with military rites by the local military committee.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Major Hospital Foundation, 2451 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Earl's family at www.freemanfamily funeralhomes.com.

Published by The Shelbyville News on Aug. 2, 2023.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/shelbynews/name/earl-lambert-obituary?id=52610828&utm_source=webshareapi&utm_medium=share_button&utm_campaign=wsapimobile_beta

View Earl D. Lambert's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

03/24/2023

Elaine Carol (Grooms) Venable from the Class of 1977 passed away peacefully this morning at 10:35am from cancer. Elaine was born February 24th, 1958. She and her family, sisters Carol, Teresa and brothers Ray & Phil went to the Home in 1968. The last sibling left in 1976. She and her husband resided in West Lebanon, IN. She will be cremated. If there is a Service, I will post it later.
My love and sincere condolences to the Grooms Family.

10/06/2022

Ivy Young’s son Andrew posted this on his page. Respectfully I am reposting to inform all of you from the Home that loved this beautiful lady, she has passed.
From Andrew;
I lost my best friend yesterday, Ivy Marie Young. My mom was the greatest person I’ve ever known. The only person that ever truly loved me unconditionally, without question. She put me before herself no matter what. We were all each other had. She was the first person I wanted to call and tell everything too. She was the strongest person I’ve ever known. She was a SURVIVOR! She defied the odds from birth! Her own mother died while giving birth to her. She had beaten breast cancer early on in life. She had gotten through an aortic heart valve replacement. She broke her hip earlier this year and fought through it. But this time, pneumonia took ahold of her, and caused her body and all organs to shut down. She had been battling in the ICU for a month. The Dr’s and nurses thought I was crazy because I wouldn’t give up on her after things kept getting worse. Her body became septic because of a blood infection. She died holding my hand. I sat there holding onto her hand for two hours feeling it go from hot to cold. I just couldn’t believe it happened. The hospital allowed me to stay there with her after she passed. This has been the saddest time of my life. I choose to post this picture because it was the happiest time for us! We got to go on vacation together! It was the BEST of times!

09/20/2022

It saddens me to hear of John Weaver passing. He was so much fun, always teasing me. He will be missed!!

09/07/2022

Jean Robertson informed me that her Brother-In-Law Paul Wood (Jane's Husband) passed over this past weekend with cancer. The Service will be held online this evening at 6:30pm from New Zealand. Those from the Home can access the service at this link:
https://www.dreamproductions.co.nz/nsmp
My sincere condolences go out to the Robertson Family and Jane & Paul's children. Susie Jackson-Yagher

08/22/2022

George F. Browning of Sweetser passed away on Jan. 6, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born on March 6, 1934 in Windfall to Lawrence Andrew and Goldie May (Groover ) Browning in Windfall as one of twelve children. When George's mother passed at a young age, George was sent to the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children's Home in Knightstown where George attended Morton Memorial High School until leaving to help care for his father. During this time, George helped care for his father as they traveled about working a variety of jobs along with a few of his brothers.

In 1956 George was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as carrier equipment repairman at Ft. Bragg North Carolina. In August of 1957 he received an Honorable Hardship Discharge in order to care for his injured father.

After George's discharge from the service, he traveled the countryside with his father and a few brothers once again while working a variety of jobs before settling in Sweetser where he began his long career at the Marion General Motors stamping plant from September of 1957 until his retirement in July of 2006.

On March 13, 1965, George married Susan J. Peters to whom he remained happily married until his passing. George and Susan were proud and loving parents to Julie Ann Browning who tragically passed as an infant. In August of 1969, George and Susan gave birth to Tammy Jo who remains their loving and devoted daughter to this day.

George spent much time renovating his home when not working many hours at the GM Plant. His hobbies included caring for his many pets throughout his years as well as carpentry and woodworking. George was also an avid and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and followed closely the exploits of Indiana High School Basketball. George also was involved in the lives of his many nieces and nephews and at times lovingly provided for them and their needs. Susan and Tammy were always the center of George's life. He deeply loved all of his family. He had many cherished friends at his workplace who also enriched his life.

Survivors include wife Susan, daughter Tammy and her husband Tom. George leaves behind many nieces and nephews, his only remaining sister Garnet Seacott, many beloved pet cats and granddog Blossom. George's neighbors Cesar and Diane Martinez were some of George's best friends.

Services are pending at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, 216 W. Jefferson St. Tipton and will be updated at www.young-nichols.com when available.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, 505 South Miller Ave., Marion, Indiana, 46953

George's family would also like to express their deepest appreciation to all the staff from Heart To Heart Hospice for all their kindness and compassion while caring for George during his last days. Thank you Diane and Cesar for your love and help during this time. Thank you Tara, Vicky, Danielle, Justin and Christy at Wesleyan Health Care Center along with all of George's Therapy Team.

08/21/2022

Patty Graham Scarbrough, Class of 72
Patricia Nadine 'Nana" Scarbrough, 68, of Indianapolis, Indiana went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022. Patty was born December 10th, 1953 in Indianapolis, the daughter of the late Carl and Ruth Graham. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her grandchildren and their spouses. To know Nena was to love her. She could light up any room that she entered with her infectious smile and laughter. She enjoyed the small things in life; but if you caught her outside of her home she was either scarfing down a burger, cruising in her scooter while shopping, or pressing her luck on a slot machine at the casino. Patty and her late husband, Jimbo, owned and operated the family business, Scarbrough Auto Parts, for many years.

Patty is survived by her grandchildren: Ashley (Ben) Eiler, Jefferson Scarbrough, Mackenzie (Josh) Reid, Tommy (Olivia) Scarbrough and great grandchildren; Haydyn (7), Kahlani (2), Parker (2), and Willow (8 mos.), former daughter in-law Kimberly (Bobby) Agan, her dog, Ivy, who was lovingly by her side for almost 10 years, her half sister, Nadine Graham and many, many others whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her husband: Jimbo, her two sons: Jeffy & Billy, her aunt: Aileen Roberts, her childhood best friend, Pam Schwartzkopf, and many other loved ones.

A visitation for Nena will be held Sunday, August 28th, 2022 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at Family Funeral Care- Rockville West, 5791 Rockville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46224, followed by a celebration of life officiated by Chaplain House at 4:00PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.familyfuneralcareindy.com for the Scarbrough family.

08/21/2022

In Memory~Franklin Smith, Class of 1960
FRANKLIN SMITH OBITUARY
Franklin W. "Frank" Smith, 81, of Anderson, passed away August 16, 2022, at his residence in Anderson surrounded by his loving wife and sons following a brief illness.
He was born on December 3, 1940, in Warrick County, Indiana to Joseph Smith and Jennie (Hawkins) Smith.
Frank was raised in the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children's Home. He graduated from Morton Memorial High School in 1960. Frank furthered his education at Indiana University where he majored in Labor Studies. After high school, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force for 8 years where he went up in rank very quickly.
He retired in 1992 from Delco Remy Division of General Motors, where he was an active and ardent member of the UAW 662. After retiring from the factory, Frank started his favorite job as a substitute teacher at Lapel Junior Senior High School. After subbing, Frank worked as a security guard at numerous places, including Firestone with his son, Danny.
Frank was a proud Native American. He enjoyed woodworking and visiting the Dunson Family Homestead in Arkansas. Frank was a Charter Member of the Lapel High School Band "A Team". Above all, he was a family man and loved his family more than anything.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy (Dunson) Smith of Anderson whom he married on March 22, 1980; three children, Franklin (Simone) Smith, Jr. of Germany; Selenia (Ozzie) Smith-Vasquez of Ohio; and Daniel Council Smith of Anderson; Four sisters, Maudeline Shields of Kentucky; Virginia Renforth; Evangeline Frye; and Francis (Robert) Armstrong all of Anderson; Five grandchildren, Dustin (Rebecca) Smith, Hailey McGough, Tabea (Chris) Smith, Charlene (Patrick Fornacon) Smith, and Alexandra Smith; Four Great-Grandchildren, Kaleo; Ona; Lilly; and Zeke Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mildred Minnis, and three brothers, Leland, John, and Jim Smith.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Hersberger-Bozell Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel, Indiana 46051 with Rev. Gary Klinger officiating.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lapel High School Music Program.
Online condolences may be shared at: www.hersbergerbozell.com