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Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, IN (2026)

05/19/2026

Rosa Marie Puller, 72, of West Terre Haute, passed away May 18, 2026, in the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Union Hospital, with her family by her side. She was born March 15, 1954, to Milton Edward Andreas and Dorothy Stewart Andreas in Terre Haute, Indiana. She worked for West Vigo High School as a treasurer. She loved working at West Vigo. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her 5 granddaughters. Rosa always held a special place in her heart for 4-H. She was a leader of the Fayette Farmalls 4-H club for many years. She always enjoyed going to the fair to see her granddaughter’s projects and to watch them show livestock.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, brothers, Robert Dyer and Milton Andreas Jr., and a sister, Lillian Shipman, as well as in laws Lenabelle Bales Puller, and George Puller.
She is survived by her husband, Michael G. Puller, a son, Michael Puller Jr. (Amanda), daughter, Michele Stahly (Daniel), brothers, Kenny Dyer (Claire), Dennis Dyer (Paula), and Allen Shipman, sisters, Shirley Robins (Rick), and Sandy Dyer, grandchildren, Lenabelle Puller, Margaret Stahly, Molly Stahly, Paisley Puller, and Mildred Stahly, step grandkids, Madison Bales (fiancé Jermey Mix), Colson Bales, and step great grandchild, Wallen Mix, several nieces and nephews, as well as special friends, John and Vicki Collins, Breanna Franco, Dave and Jane Voils, Alisha Puller, and Karen Farmer and Emma Harlan.
Visitation for Rosa will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and again on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 11 am until 1pm. Services will begin at 1 pm on Wednesday May 27, 2026, with Tommy Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery.

05/18/2026

Sharon “Mamaw” Rose “Rosie” Throckmartin Porter, 85, walked through Heaven’s gates on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 6:50 am in the Vermillion Convalescent Center in Clinton, Indiana. She was born July 25, 1940, in West Terre Haute, Indiana, to Arthur Throckmartin and Shirley Maxine Perkins Throckmartin. She married Brooks Porter Jr. on December 29, 1963. She’s a lifetime member of the First Assembly of God in West Terre Haute. She worked for over 45 years at First Financial Bank. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, taking an annual trip to Holiday World, watching westerns, Saturday mornings watching the Gaither’s, camping, apple décor, the color red, eating popcorn, potato chips, almond joy, ice cream, and Coca-Cola. She was known for making tractor tire cinnamon rolls, feeding the squirrels and hummingbirds. She was steadfast in her faith, and knew exactly where she was going, when she passed.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, husband, brother, James Throckmartin, and sister, Loretta Branson. She is survived by daughter, Kristen Porter Nesha (Stephen), brother, Harold Throckmartin, sister, Deanna Sutton of Florida, grandchildren, Danielle Rose Reiter (Austin) of Anderson, Indiana, Brooke Porter (Robert Kozlowski) of West Terre Haute, and Courtney Harney of Stratford, Connecticut, great grandchildren, Nellie Joseph, Mason Kozlowski, Caroline Reiter, Ryan Kozlowski, and Benjamin Reiter, and Aunt Erma Simpson, many close friends from the bank and church, friend, Wayne Gene Shuman, and former son-in-law, Matthew Harney of Clinton.
Services for Sharon will be Friday, May 22, 2026, in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home at 1 pm, with visitation from 10 am until service time. Pastor Randy Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Black Cemetery.

05/18/2026

Christopher B. Higginbotham, Jr., 45 of West Terre Haute, IN passed away at Union Hospital on May 15, 2026. He was born on November17, 1980 to Chris and Tammy Higginbotham.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Chris Higginbotham, Sr. He is survived by his Mother, Tammy (Creasey) Higginbotham, his sisters Chastity Bedwell (Billy), and Latisha Minor (Mark), his nieces and nephews, Andy A. Matherly (Emma), Lexi Matherly, Levi Bedwell (Danielle), Donnie Snow, Isaiah Minor, and Gabriel Minor, along with several loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends.
Christopher was always “full of it” and a jokester. So many amazing stories of him being the life of the party, playing jokes and pranks on everyone, and making everyone smile. He had a true passion for music that he shared deeply with his father. He absolutely loved to rock out on his drums to Wipe Out, Guns N’ Roses and Metallica. He truly was one of the best drummers we’d ever seen and heard ourselves.
He is so very loved and will be missed by everyone who truly got to know him. He has battled a lot within himself over the last several years so we know he is now at peace but will forever miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 21st starting at 2:00 PM for family, 4:00 PM for public at West Side Christian Church located at 126 N. 8th St. West Terre Haute, IN.
The family asks that if anyone wants to help out in any way, to please do so with food donations. Drop offs can be made starting at 12 Noon at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

05/15/2026

Shirley Ann Clark, 89 of Terre Haute, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Union Hospital. She was born in Terre Haute on October 9, 1936 to William L. Phipps and Trella Victoria Marvel Phipps.
Shirley was a member of Apostolic Faith Tabernacle and loved doing crafts, crocheting afghans for family members, and reading to her daughter.
Shirley is survived by her children; William Carl Hillhouse, Jr., Kim Hillhouse (wife Tina), Marla Ann Clark, and Sandra Sue Clark, as well as 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend, Mary Jo Johnson, and Deborah Moore (Rawlins), who was like a daughter-in-law to her. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Clark, two sons, Steven Ray Hillhouse and Mark Clark, and her siblings; Charles Lloyd Phipps, William E. Phipps, Robert Phipps, Herbert Dean Phipps, Loren Phipps, Thelma Wood, Betty Berg, and Virginia Scarbrough.
Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Sam McCord officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

05/14/2026

Joseph Henry Wilt
December 5, 1943 – May 13, 2026

Joseph Henry Wilt, 82, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, patriotism, & hard work.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Freda Wilt, his brother, David Wilt, and 2 sons in law; Joey Bradley and Michael Hill.
He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Judy Wilt; his daughters, Kristie Bradley of Ringgold, Georgia, and Holly Hill of Ooltewah, Tennessee; and his son, Kevin Wilt (Morgan) of West Terre Haute, Indiana. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Melton, Virginia Tomey, Kitty Cannady, Gwyn Davis, and Violet Morgan, along with his sister-in-law, Jean Chance. Joseph was a proud grandfather to Kaylyn Bradley; Aedan and Brennan Hill; and Rylei, Ty, and Luke Wilt. He also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Joseph graduated from Marshall High School and later attended Indiana State University before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He proudly served during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life.
Following his military service, Joseph worked as an ironworker and welder before later becoming a truck driver. He was known for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and unwavering love for America.
Joseph enjoyed life’s simple pleasures — spending time talking with family, listening to the radio, reading, attending drag racing events, and cheering on Chevrolets as they outran the competition. Most importantly, he loved reading his Bible and living out his faith.
Though his family grieves his passing, they find comfort in knowing that Joseph has now gone home to meet his Savior. His memory, love, and example will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN 47885 on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow services.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

05/11/2026

Paul Thomas Akers Sr., 83, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away in The Gibson Center for Hospice Care on May 11, 2026. Paul was born October 14, 1942, in Terre Haute to Raymond Edward Akers and Lela Pearl Thomas Akers. He worked at the National Chemical Search as a dock worker. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving aboard the USS Long Beach as a cook from 1960 to 1965. Paul enjoyed reading especially Dean Koontz and James Patterson and doing word search puzzles. He was a member of the World Gospel Church for over 10 years. Paul was a member of the last graduating class of Concannon Highschool.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother and father, a sister, Pearl Akers, and a brother-in-law, Dick McCallister.

He is survived by a son, Paul Akers Jr. (Melissa), daughter, Stacy Akers, former wife, Taresa Adkins, brother, Dale Akers (Joan), sister, Clara McCallister, grandchildren, Phillip (Veronica), Tasha (Devin), Victoria, great grandchildren, Jayden, Tyrion, Ariana, Karina, Kinsley, Ella, Xander, Maddie, and Levi, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Services for Paul will be Friday, May 15, 2026, in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, at 1 pm, with a visitation from 11am to service time. Burial will be in Bethesda Memorial Park.

05/11/2026

Clara Ilene Shake Ralston

On Thursday, May 7, 2026 our Dad, George, came with the angels and took our Mom, Ilene, back with him to their mansion in our Father’s House.
Clara Ilene Shake was the oldest child born to Joseph Shake Sr. and Esther Kemper Shake on April 9, 1931 in Terre Haute. She was raised on the Avenues during the depression and World War II. She attended McKeen, Deming and Garfield schools, graduating in 1949 as a member of the National Honor Society. She was active in music, playing the piano and accordion and singing in the school and church choirs.
On December 24, 1948, she married her high school sweetheart George Ralston Jr. They were together for 58 years before the angels took him on December 19, 2006. They were the parents of three children, George III (Connie), Kathy Ilene Ralston Nicoson (Tom) and Richard (deceased).
She is also survived by six grandchildren. Mark Ralston II, Sara Ralston Clingerman (Mike), Tricia Ilene Nicoson Finney (Michael), Kristy Nicoson, Philip Ralston (Erin), Christina Ralston Cantrell (Jeff). Also, eleven great grandchildren, Mark Jr. Ralston, Audrey Ralston, Layla Ralston, Rachel Clingerman Williams (Phillip), Michael Clingerman, Morgan Ilene Finney (Jake Tanner), Madison Finney, Rashawn Nicoson (Anna), Samuel Carson, Connor Rayburn, Blake Ralston, Audrey Ilene Cantrell, Parker George Cantrell. Also expecting a great great grandchild in August.
She was very proud, along with her there were four other Ilene’s in her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and son. Also sister Mary Jo Shake Lemont (Bob) and brother Joseph Shake Jr. (Joann). Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews. A special great niece, Belinda Hawkins (BJ) for her extra loving care at Majestic North.

Ilene enjoyed bowling. Bingo, cards (bridge and poker), going to the casino and watching sports on TV, especially the Colts, Pacers, high school football and soccer. Especially Lucky Andy and Peyton Manning.
Ilene has been a member of Trinity Methodist church during her earlier years and was a member of First Baptist Church.
George and Ilene made 10 moves in 17 years in his job with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They made friends from McNeil Island, State of Washington to Washington DC in their travels. Also Milan, Michigan, Marion, Ill., Petersburg, VA., Springfield, MO. and Kansas City Mo.
There will be no service or visitation. There will be a private celebration of life at a later date. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Light House Mission or Humane Shelter.
The obituary was written by our mom after she had a stroke 9 years ago and moved in with her daughter and son in law.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

05/11/2026

Mark Harold Clark, 64, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away May 9, 2026. He was born July 26, 1961, in Terre Haute to Marvin Harold Clark and Shirley Ann Phipps Clark. Mark graduated from South Vigo High School. Mark worked as a laborer out of the Union Local 204. Mark was a member of Prairie Lodge #77 A.F & A.M. Mark loved mushroom and deer hunting, and fishing. Mark loved to make his family and friends laugh and have a good time. He was always quick with a joke and was the family comedian.
He is preceded in death by his father, and brother, Steven Ray Hillhouse.
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Ann Clark, son, Mark Everett Clark (Ashley), daughter, Morgan Renee Muir (Brian), siblings, William Carl Hillhouse Jr., Kim Elbridge Hillhouse (Tina), Marla Ann Clark, Sandra Sue Clark, partner, Deborah Moore, Nicole Hand (Ken), grandchildren, Warren, Merida, Arik, Payton, and Wade, special friend, Brandon Sankey, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services for Mark will be Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. with visitation from 11 am until service time at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, IN 47885. Mason services will be at 10:30 am. Pastor Chris Wilbur will officiate. Burial will be in Black Cemetery, Marshall, IL 62441. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Edgar County Humane Society.

05/07/2026

Virginia Benefiel, a devoted nurse, humanitarian, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was 99 years old.

Born on March 31, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Archibold Daniels and Ruby Aloysia Liva, Virginia grew up with a strong sense of compassion and service that would define her life’s work. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Benefiel, children Daniel, Steve, Carol, and Kenneth, four sisters and her parents.

Virginia dedicated her professional life to nursing. As a registered nurse, she worked tirelessly for the Carroll County Health Department as a Home Health Nurse until her retirement in 1994. Her career extended far beyond local boundaries; she participated in several medical missions to India, Thailand, and Peru through Tom Cox World Missions. These missions reflected her unwavering commitment to improving lives and providing care to those in need around the globe.

Her dedication to public health was evident through her involvement with numerous organizations. Virginia was an active member of the Women of the Moose, the Arkansas Public Health Association, the Arkansas Public Health Nurses Association, and the Arkansas State Employees Association. She also served as past President of the American Heart Association and contributed significantly to St. Anthony School of Nursing and Carroll County Drug and People Helping People initiatives. Additionally, she was a former board member of The Cradle.

Virginia’s passion for helping others extended into volunteer work. She served as a volunteer RN at the Little Flower Clinic (now Mission Clinic) and played an instrumental role in funding the Mission Medical Clinic alongside Dr. Murphy and Michael and Viola. Her efforts left an indelible mark on countless lives.

A woman of deep faith, Virginia worshipped at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Berryville, Arkansas. Her faith guided her actions and inspired her lifelong dedication to service.

Virginia is survived by her son; Stanley (Sandy) Benefiel of Atlantic, Pennsylvania; daughters Mary (Philip) Warren of Lincoln, Arkansas; Dorothy Bonner of Berryville, Arkansas; foster daughter Marilyn (Don) Campbell of Terre Haute, Indiana; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and even great-great-great-grandchildren who carry forward her legacy of love and kindness.

Virginia’s life was one of purpose and generosity. Her contributions to public health, global missions, and community service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory bring comfort to those she touched throughout her remarkable journey.

A visitation will be held here at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN, on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Immediately following the visitation a graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

05/07/2026

Linda Lee Hay Ayala

On May 4, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, Linda passed from this life.

Recently of Hope and formerly of West Terre Haute, Indiana, she was born on July 19, 1942, the daughter of Ernest Alfred and Ada Jane (Higginbotham) Hay Lemmons. On January 5, 1979, she married Joseph Michael Ayala, who preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of Valley High School in West Terre Haute and retired after 30 years with the Indiana State University Athletics Department.

She is survived by daughters Tina Marie Dean and her husband Michael of Hope IN, and Lititia Lynn Morris of Terre Haute, brother Timothy Byron Hay and his wife So Mi of Cibolo, Texas, sister Renee Yarbrough and her husband Donn of Terre Haute, Indiana, and sister of the heart Barbara Jean Jackson of West Terre Haute.

She left behind grandchildren Tanner H. Dean and his wife Audrey of Franklin IN, Mason Bradley Dean of Columbus IN, Carsen Rose Dean and her husband Benjamin Simpson of Carlton, GA, Lindsey Nichole Stillman and Devin Cole Anderson and his wife Sarah, all of Terre Haute.

She had eight great-grandchildren, Lilah Ann Dean of Plainfield IN, Jordyn Jo Dean, Raelynn Michael Dean, and Livy Rose Dean of Franklin IN, Joseph Michael-Ayala Elkins, Xzavier Cameron Anderson, Lincoln Cole Anderson and Emerie Lynn Anderson, all of Terre Haute IN.

Among her many nieces and nephews are Jane Neice Hann (Bill), Harvey T. Neice (Terri), Cathy An (Mino), Michelle Hill (Mike), DJ Yarbrough (Tiffany) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother William L. Hay, her sister Nancy Lititia Neice, her brother-in-law Harvey Neice, and her nephew Timothy Harvey Hay.

She greatly missed her longtime canine companion, Norman, and will be grieved by her more recent little friend, Reverend. She loved her family and was respected by all.

Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 12 Noon, with Pastor Chris Wilbur officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Monday from 11:00 AM – 12 Noon in the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

05/07/2026

Shelby Danyelle F**g, 36, of West Terre Haute, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2026, from a sudden brain aneurysm, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 27, 1989, Shelby was known for her radiant spirit, compassionate heart, and above all, her enormous love and unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ and the boys in her life, Joshawa, Corbin, Jayke, Cole, Gannon, and Koleson. She was a devoted Mommy and Meemaw who filled their home with laughter and so much love. Her favorite days were spent with family, church activities, and she loved being a football Mom.

Shelby is survived by her loving husband, Joshawa F**g; her cherished sons, Corbin (19), Jayke (12), Cole (10), Gannon (8); her new grandson, Koleson; her parents, Teri Day and Robert M Day (Tonya Heard); brothers, Michael and Jayce; Will and Liz F**g, her Father and Mother in law, along with loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind her cherished friends Daphne Delp and Tracy Hoopingarner.
She was preceded in death by grandparents, Brenda Lawson, Robert Day, and JoAnn Flanigan.

She loved her job as an Administrative Assistant/Caregiver for Tracy’s Girls where she spent the last 10 years.

Shelby’s final act of kindness was to save and heal lives through organ donation.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation was chosen, Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 222 North 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, IN on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5pm with Pastor Jim Dilger officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Monday from 3:00pm – 5:00pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations be made to Josh and the boys with envelopes available at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrickfuneral-home.com

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