Smithville High School Alumni Association, Smithville, Indiana

05/24/2018

Smithville High School Alumni Banquet is June 23, 2018. Come join us! The best of times visiting with your fellow classmates and friends. We'll do some business, then eat delicious chicken and BBQ, and just enjoy the evening in the old gym. Danny Todd will be there and share his DJ abilities, prizes, and a quick question and answer on SHS/Smithville history. It's a great way to spend a Saturday night and we'd love to share it with you. If you haven't received a registration form, please send a message to me with your address, Linda McCammon, and I'll get one to you ASAP. Come join us!!

04/20/2018

Leonard ‘Bud’ Clarence Chambers, 72

MAY 5, 1945—APRIL 18, 2018

GOSPORT — Leonard “Bud” Clarence Chambers Jr., age 72, of Gosport, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Clearwater Commons Assisted Living in Indianapolis. He was born May 5, 1945, to Leonard and Marjorie (Jones) Chambers.

He was a graduate of Smithville High School (class of 1963) and worked for his father’s Phillips 66 station with his brother, Tom, until he went to serve in the U.S. Army in Killeen, Texas. He served as a lineman for more than 20 years at Public Service Indiana in Bloomington. He enjoyed politics, reading, NASCAR, cooking for his family, and being the neighborhood handyman. He would often volunteer his time helping out at the high school and political campaigns. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit and his creative use of colloquialisms, but above all else, his enormous love of family.

Cherished by his children, Crisinda Mann (Michael), Jeff Terrell (Kristin), Julie Travis (John), and April Carlon (Scott); grandchildren, Sam, Cheyenne, Olivia, Eli, Will, Eleanor, Ally and Gabriel; twin sister Leona Chambers and sister Peggy Crouch (Henry); as well as several nieces and nephew. Preceded in death by his parents; as well as his brothers, Roy, Jack, Tom Sr., and Ora (Wayne).

Funeral services for Leonard will be held at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville on Monday, April 23, 2018, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Mac Burberry officiating. Burial is to be at Valhalla Memory Gardens with Military Honors provided by the Monroe County Honor Guard. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Share condolences, memories and more with Leonard’s family at www.chandlerfh.com.

04/19/2018

SEPT. 7, 1946—APRIL 17, 2018
BLOOMFIELD — Carl Eugene Pelston Sr. 71, of Bloomfield passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington, Indiana, with his family by his side.

He was born September 7, 1946, in Monroe County, Indiana, the son of James Russell and Naomi Ruth (Thomas) Pelston. He was a 1964 graduate of Smithville High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He married the love of his life, Rhonda Kay Henderson, in May of 1966; they were married 51 years.

Carl worked for Indiana Gas/Vectren Gas as a serviceman for over 40 years, and retired as a work coordinator and supervisor on December 1, 2008.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #18 in Bloomington, Moose Lodge #1081 in Bloomington, and The Eagles #1085 in Bloomington. He loved playing cards, riding his motorcycle, going on motorcycle rides all over the country with his Gold Wing Club; he enjoyed watching sports and NASCAR racing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was loved, and will be greatly missed by all those lives he touched.

Carl is survived by his wife, Rhonda K. Pelston of Bloomfield; his children, Carl Eugene (Debbie) Pelston Jr., April Renee (Matthew) Grubb, Alice Rachel (Thomas) Pope, all of Bloomington; five grandchildren, Kirstin Renee Pelston, Carl E. Pelston III, Ashley Renee Grubb, Dylan Alexander Pope and Hunter Maxwell Pope; one great-grandson, Carl E. Pelston IV; one sister, Nancy (Harold) Pelston-Prince of Nashville, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, James and Naomi Pelston, and one brother, James Morton Pelston, preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Allen Funeral Home & Crematory, 4155 S. Old St. Rd. 37, Bloomington, with Gene Hopkins officiating. Burial will follow at the Gilgal Cemetery in Heltonville. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2018, and Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 10 a.m. to service time at the funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to the family at

Allen Funeral Home and Crematory | Funeral & Cremation Services for Bloomington, IN - Residents

04/03/2018

Obituary for Norma Lou Mackey

Norma Lou Mackey passed away on April 2, 2018 at the I.U. Hospice House.

She was born September 3, 1938 to Paul and Helen (Waterford) Deckard at her grandparent’s farm on South Highway 37. She graduated from Smithville High School where she was a “SKIBO” Cheerleader.

Norma worked at the former RCA factory where she retired after 31 years of service.

Norma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She loved her family beyond words.

Norma was married to Wilbur Mackey for the past 43 years. She was blessed with three children from a previous marriage, Rick Head, Robin (Head) Egan (Doug) and Randy Head. She also raised a grandson, Christopher N. Head who was as a son to her. Her grandchildren are William Paul Head, Rachel Head, Kellan Head, Bryce Head and Allison J. Head. Great-grandchildren are Bentley and Braxton Head.

Norma is survived by her sister, Linda Jo Pitman (Bobby) of Bloomington.

Norma enjoyed family gatherings, especially at the Waterford Family Farm. She was an excellent cook and loved to hunt and eat mushrooms.

Norma was of the Christian faith. Norma’s trust in the Lord is what inspired her through these past few years of difficulty. She will be truly missed by family and friends. Remember this – A Mother is she who can take the place of others but whose place no one else can take.

Viewing will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018 at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday April 6, 2018 at The Funeral Chapel with Pastor Jud Sears officiating. Burial will follow at Clover Hill Cemetery in Harrodsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the I.U. Hospice House in memory of Norma.

03/28/2018

Brenda Hoshaw to Smithville High School Alumni Association, Smithville, Indiana: I would like to find my classmate and friend Elaine Chambers

03/15/2018

David L. Myers, Sr., 72
BLOOMINGTON — David L. Myers, Sr., 72, of Bloomington, died Monday, February 12, 2018.
He was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Merle, Sr. “Bud,” and Betty (Thomson) Myers.

David graduated from Smithville High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a diesel mechanic aboard the USS Wilhoite during the Vietnam War. He was a member of VFW 604, American Legion Post 18, and Masonic Lodge, Stanford 182.
David worked for several years for L&N and CSX Railroads. He also worked for Stewart Electric, General Electric and Otis Elevator.
Survivors include his sons, David L. Myers, Jr., (Dina) and Travis M. Myers, Sr.; one brother, Merle (Moose) Myers, Jr.; three grandchildren, Aubrey DeLawter-Myers, Madison Myers, and Travis Myers, Jr., all of Bloomington. Other important close family and friends include his cousins, Dow and Chuck Myers of Bloomington; and his best friend and “partner in crime,” Orville Hunter of Stinesville.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, John C. Myers; and infant brother, Jackie.
A celebration of life will take place at American Legion Post 18 at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice of Bloomington and/or American Legion Post 18.

03/08/2018

I'm looking for SHS students who helped paint the Skibo Room mural. Was it you? Do you know anyone who did some of the painting? Altogether there were about 100 students involved. I'd love to hear from you. We have a project underway to preserve the mural and would like to hear your story... how were you involved? If you were in one of Mrs. Bennett's art classes, we want to hear from you. Just post a comment. Thanks!!

03/06/2018

The Class of 1969 is one year and 3-months away from celebrating their 50th graduation anniversary. Not too early to begin planning a big get together for the class and all the SHS alums. Joe East recently shared this photo of an 'Oscar' for his performance in the Skibo version of 'Lil Abner' in 1969. Any 1969 grads out there who also won Oscars? Or, maybe participated in their Junior and/or Senior play? I did, my senior play character's name was "Goldie, don't remember my character's name in the junior play. But, what fun being in those plays were -- the whole class was involved. Such needful things like costumes, stage design, finding furniture and other props was like a scavenger hunt. But we did it and loved every minute. How about you?

12/31/2017

Obituary for Gloria "Jody" Ramsey (Frantz)

Gloria Joan "Jody" Ramsey, 93, of Bloomington passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 at IU Health Hospice House.
Born, September 9, 1924 in Monroe County, she was the daughter of George Taylor and Margarette Lucille (Nichols) Frantz.

Joan fondly recalled growing up in the country on Dutch Ridge. She began school at Sanders, later moving to Blackwell School where her grandfather, Charles Nichols was one of the teachers. She was a proud graduate of Smithville High School and for many years was active on the committee responsible for organizing the school's annual reunion.

Throughout her life she was a member of Rebecca Lodge and was a Past Noble Grand. She was also a member of Helpful Hannahs Home Extension Club, and the Phi Chapter of Omega Phi Tau Sorority. She was a PTA member, and chief chauffeur and booster for her children's activities during their school years.

Before becoming a mother, she worked for Bloomington Basket Company, Bureau of Public Discussion at Indiana University, and USNAD Crane. After her years as a full-time homemaker, she reentered the workforce as a cook for MCCSC (she still enjoyed seeing her "lunch line kids"), followed by time at the IU Microfilm Department, Morgan Packing, and finally retiring from the IU Bursars Office.

She resided at Hearthstone where she especially enjoyed attending music (Robin) of Albuquerque, programs and working jigsaw puzzles.

Survovors include three children, Sarah Murphy (Tommy) of Houston, TX; Margaret Richardson (Ricky) of Bloomington, and Roger Ramsey NM.

Joan was a proud grandma of Jesse Murphy (Amber), Jodie Chevez (Erlin), Rachel Richardson, Matthew Richardson, and Isaac Ramsey, and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Murphy, Brooklyn Chevez, and Blaze Chevez.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, William G. Ramsey, and two sisters, Marcene Byrd and infant Barbara Jean Frantz.

Visitation will be 11am-1pm Friday, January 5, 2017 at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St. in Bloomington.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm Friday at The Funeral Chapel with Pastor Harold Godsey officiating. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens.

The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc. or IU Health Hospice House.

12/23/2017

May the gifts of Christmas, happiness and love, be yours now and throughout the coming year.....

12/22/2017

2018 marks Monroe County's bicentennial and our new exhibit that opens up January 14th will tell the stories of how six communities outside Bloomington helped build the county into what it is today.

Stinesville Mercantile Bloomington: Remember When Kirksville, Indiana Ellettsville, Indiana Harrodsburg, Indiana Unionville, Indiana Monroe County Public Library (Indiana) Smithville, Indiana Monroe County Bicentennial Monroe County Bicentennial Opening Celebration Smithville High School Alumni Association, Smithville, Indiana

12/10/2017

Smithville, IN Community Center, December 8, 2017