Shelby County Indiana History & Genealogy, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Marshall

Freeman Family Funeral Home
Shelbyville, Indiana
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, 2026
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Paul Edward Marshall, of Rushville, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his home on May 3, 2026, at the age of 87. Paul was born on March 27, 1939, in Bentonville, Indiana, to Perry and Mildred (Case) Marshall. He worked at Ford in Connersville for 30 years before retiring. He married the love of his life, Frances Bernadette (Noel) Marshall on June 15, 1962 and she survives. Paul loved classic cars and enjoyed attending car shows during retirement, as well as tinkering in the garage with whatever classic car he had at the time. If you stopped by for a visit, he’d likely be watching an old Western or wrestling on TV while kicked back in his recliner. He never turned down a hand of Euchre at family get-togethers—and he was known as the fastest shuffler and dealer around. His greatest joy in life was his three children: Mary Agnes Harrison, Brian Edward Marshall, and Keith Alan (Kristi) Marshall. He was tremendously loved by his five grandchildren, Jamie (JD) Huffman, Willie Harrison, Kristian Marshall, Kameron (Katelyn) Marshall, and Maggie Marshall, and by his two great-granddaughters, Haylie Huffman and Olivia Huffman. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and three sisters. Freeman Funeral Home, Shelbyville, Indiana, is entrusted with handling Paul’s final arrangements. Visitation will be held from 12–2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Rushville, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences during visitation. Memorial contributions may be a charity of the donor’s choice in Paul’s memory. He will be dearly missed for his quick wit, his love of family traditions, and the way his one-liners and favorite sayings (How do!) could make everyone laugh—often when they needed it most. Online condolences may be shared with Paul’s family at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Freeman Family Funeral Home
Shelbyville, Indiana
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, 2026
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Cindy Ann Kuhn, 65, of Shelbyville, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her home. She was born on January 14, 1961, in Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of Charles L. and Caroline Sue (Laird) Willard. On September 26, 1986, Cindy married her husband of nearly 40 years, David Earl Kuhn, and he survives. In addition to David, Cindy is survived by her son, Matthew Kuhn and wife, Jenna, of Greenfield; granddaughter, Odelia; brother, Ed Willard and wife, Angie, of Shelbyville; sister, Connie Beyers and husband, Bob, of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents; and nephew, Eddie Bennett. In 1979, Cindy graduated from Shelbyville High School, where she participated on the gymnastics team for four years, was a cheerleader for four years, was on Homecoming Court her sophomore year; and Prom Court and May Court in 1979. She was a member of the Morristown Christian Church. Cindy formerly worked in the clerk’s office for the State of Indiana. She was the top fundraiser for American Diabetes for six years. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Morristown Christian Church, 209 S. Washington Street in Morristown. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the church, with Pastor Fred Hickman officiating. Interment will be at Hanover Cemetery in Shelby County. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morristown Christian Church, P.O. Box 387, Morristown, IN 46161 or Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Cindy’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Freeman Family Funeral Home
Shelbyville, Indiana
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, 2026
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Leah Jane Willman-Schuman Born Sunday, June 12, 1949 (because even then she liked weekends) – Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 Leah Jane Willman-Schuman was the daughter of Doris and Norman Wolverton and grew up in the bustling metropolis of St. Paul, Indiana (population: everyone knew your business). As Leah once perfectly summarized on Facebook: “I was born and raised in a small Indiana town back in the 1950s and 1960s when life as a child was fun with no worries or pressures.” And she meant it. Leah was a cheerleader, played tenor saxophone in the band, and graduated at the top of her class of 31 students—proving early on that she thrived in both leadership roles and small crowds. She went on to attend Ball State University, where she studied elementary education, was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority, and graduated early after earning what she liked to call her MRS degree, having met and married Larry Lee Willman in 1969. Leah worked for the State of Indiana in Indianapolis and later became the steadfast force behind a family constantly on the move. Married to Larry for 42 years, she followed his career trail from Indianapolis, IN, to Sewell, NJ, to Pittsburgh, PA, with a brief intermission in Lansdale, PA, and finally landing in Spring, TX—where she perfected both her tennis backhand and her hostess game. Some days, Leah proudly embraced life as a stay-at-home mother to four children: Kyle, Brett, Daren and Shannon Willman-Smith. She maintained her sanity (and competitive edge) by playing tennis two to three days a week for years at Memorial Northwest Swim and Racquet Club, where her backhand was legendary and not to be underestimated. Leah’s talents were many and specific: folding bed sheets so crisply they looked factory-fresh, baking Christmas cookies with military precision, and ensuring there was always an endless supply of Chex Mix for marathon family games of Ups and Downs. Leah delighted in her role as grandmother to 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson, and she was fiercely proud of her grandchildren’s accomplishments, celebrating every milestone, award and success as if it were her own. After the early loss of her first husband, Leah found love again with Richard Lee Schuman, gaining not only a partner but two additional daughters, Amber DiMaggio (Todd) and Amy Durnin (Paul), who loved and cared for her deeply. Leah seamlessly joined Richard’s Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity family, where her bubbly personality, social flair and unmistakable warmth made her an instant favorite. Leah Jane Willman-Schuman lived with humor, heart and a tennis racket always at the ready. Her legacy is one of successful children with strong values—kindness, resilience, loyalty and humor—values she instilled daily and lived out loud, whether at the kitchen table, on the tennis court or cheering proudly from the sidelines. That legacy also includes laughter, loyalty and perfectly folded sheets—proof that life is best lived with style, snacks and a strong backhand. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Paul Hill Cemetery in St. Paul. Refreshments will be served directly following the service at the Bruner Event Center in downtown St. Paul. Everyone is invited to come and share memories of Leah Jane. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com. Commemorative gifts are asked to be directed to: St. Paul Christian Church, P.O. Box 278, St. Paul, IN 47272, Attention: Mrs. Patty Pike.
Freeman Family Funeral Home
Shelbyville, Indiana
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, 2026
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Michael Dale Sandefur, 46, of Edinburgh, Indiana passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at University Hospital in Indianapolis. Born on September 16, 1979, in Shelbyville, Mike was the son of Dale and Sharon Sandefur. He was a 1998 graduate from Southwestern High School and Wyoming Tech in 2000. After years of working for the railroad, he opened Sandefur Performance Fabrication, where he built custom pulling tractors and drag racers. Mike attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and was a supporter of FFA and 4H. He was passionate about tractor pulling and piloted The Farmboy’s Fantasy. He later built Crusty and fell in love with drag racing. Mike enjoyed meeting new people and always found a familiar face in the crowd. His greatest achievement and love in life will always be his son, Jake. Mike enjoyed cheering him on from the front row of track meets and spending as much time with him as he could. Mike was always known for his sense of humor, mechanical skills, random knowledge and willingness to get into a bit of mischief. Mike is survived by his son, Jake, of Edinburgh; parents, Dale and Sharon Sandefur, of Edinburgh; brother, Steve (Jane) Sandefur of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; sister, Missy (Andy) Buhr, of Flatville; nephews, Cole Sandefur, Kyle Sandefur, Max Buhr; and niece, Annie Buhr. He was proceeded to his Heavenly reward by grandparents, Carroll and Dorothy Miller, and Burl and Pearl Sandefur; and numerous aunts and uncles. Last respects may be offered from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville; and from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 4449 South Smithland Road, Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at 11 am, Saturday, at the church. Final arrangements are being made by Freeman Family Funeral Home in Shelbyville and online condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is requesting any stories or photos to help keep every possible memory of Mike alive.
Freeman Family Funeral Home
Shelbyville, Indiana
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Martha Alice Marshal
Nov 4, 1950 — Jul 28, 2026
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Martha Alice Marshall, 93, of Morristown, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Walker Place in Shelbyville. She was born in VanBuren Township, Shelby County, on August 26, 1932, the daughter of Clyde and Edith Marie (Church) Purcell. On November 4, 1950, she married James "Richard" Marshall, and he preceded her in death on July 9, 2017.
Martha is survived by her daughter, Carren Sue Dieckmann and husband, Steven, of Osgood; son, Gary Todd Marshall and wife, Vickie, of Shelbyville; son-in-law, John Proctor and wife, Jan; grandchildren, Ryan Marshall, Joe Marshall, Cari Beggs and husband, Jeff, Alicia Simon and husband, Danny, Kyle Dieckmann and wife, Reyna, Megan Phares and husband, Randy; great-grandchildren, Adrianna, Kendall, Greta, Sadie, Brynlie, Rylin, Audrey, Victoria, Allison, Andrew, Ella Jo and Ryker; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Richard, Martha was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Constance Jo Proctor in 2000; granddaughter, Julia Proctor; brothers, Kenneth, Carl, Verl, Robert, Gene, Vincent, Clyde W., Max; sisters, Lorene Carley, and Ruby McMichael.
Martha was a 1950 graduate of Morristown High School. She was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of Little Blue River Baptist Church for 50 years. She joined the Morristown Christian Church, after retiring and moving to Morristown. Martha was an active member of the Homemaker’s Social Study Club since 1972 and Shelby County Farm Bureau, Inc. for several years. Martha and Richard loved their family. They enjoyed having family and church family get-togethers at their home. She enjoyed quilting, needle-work, decorating and reading. Martha loved music from the 40’s and 50’s and old time Gospel music.
Visitation will be from 10 to noon, Friday, July 31, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown. Funeral services will follow, with Pastor Fred Hickman officiating. Interment will be at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. Martha’s family would like to thank the staff of Walker Place for their loving care.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday, September 11, 2003
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Marjory Louise Marshall, 77, of Shelbyville, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, Beech Grove.
Born April 25, 1926, in Shelby County, d/o Frank B. and Milda P. (Mays) Mitchell. Married Maurice W. Marshall on Sept. 29, 1944, and he survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Joette Sullivan (husband, Mike) of Blue Ridge and Bonnie Stewart (husband, Larry) of Shelbyville; one sister, Betty Gahimer of Blue Ridge; three grandchildren, Jean Ann Lux, Lori Hight and Cory Sullivan; and six great-grandchildren, Tristen Lux, Trinity Lux, Trent Lux, Haley Hight, Cody Sullivan and Hannah Sullivan.
Preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
Lifelong Shelby County resident.
Homemaker.
Member of Blue Ridge Christian Union Church, in Blue Ridge.
Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road.
Revs. Dennis Hirschauer and James Farnsley officiating.
Burial will be in Blue Ridge Cemetery, in Blue Ridge.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Christian Union Church, in care of Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Tuesday, July 6, 1971
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Mrs. Marshall
Dies in Hospital
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Mrs. Gladys M. Marshall, 54, R.R. 2, Hope, died Monday at 6:15 a.m. in Bartholomew County Hospital in Columbus. She had been ill several months.
Services will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Barkes, Inlow and Weaver Funeral Home in Columbus where friends may call after 2 p.m. Wednesday. Graveside services will be Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in the Richland Cemetery in Rush County.
Mrs. Marshall was born April 18, 1917, in Kentucky, the daughter of Cleveland and Eppie (Abner) Means. She was married in 1932 to Charles Marshall who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Charles Marshall, Orleans, Jerry Marshall, Clearwater, Fla., and James Marshall, R.R. 2, Columbus; two daughters, Mrs. William Warner, Acton, and Mrs. Roy Backensto, Fort Wayne; 25 grandchildren; two brothers, Frank and Harold Means, both of Milroy, and a sister, Mrs. James Puckett, Cincinnati.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Sunday, January 6, 1963
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EX-COUNTY MAN
DIES AT HOME
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James Marshall, 68, of R.R. 4, Franklin, a former Shelby County resident, died suddenly of a coronary heart condition at 1:00 p.m. yesterday at his home. A son of Amos A. and Martha Jane (Bledsoe) Marshall, he was born July 16, 1894, and was a resident of Shelby County until 1947 when he moved to Johnson County.
In 1952 he married Daisy Fisher, who died in 1957. Mr. Marshall was a veteran of World War I. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Randolf of Shelby County and Mrs. Lura Ona Gibson of Galt Calif.
Funeral services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Vandivier-Parsley Funeral Home in Franklin. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. Thursday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday, March 8, 1962
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MRS. MARSHALL
DIES AT HOME
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Rites Saturday For
County Resident, 57
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Mrs. Stanley (Opal L.) Marshall, 57, died today at 6:20 a.m. at her home on R.R. 1 in Union Township, Mrs. Marshall had been ill three years and in serious condition for six months. Death was attributed to complications.
Mrs. Marshall was born in Marion Township on August 22, 1904, a daughter of James O. and Carrie Estella (Hedrick) Phares. She married Stanley Marshall on March 8, 1926, and he survives with the mother in Union Township and one son, Richard Marshall of Union Township. Also surviving are two brothers, Landy Phares of R.R. 6 and Paul M. Phares of Flushing, Mich. There are three grandchildren.
Mrs. Marshall was a member of the Little Blue River Baptist Church, Fairland Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and the Homemakers Social Study Club.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Carmony Funeral Home in Shelbyville. Rev. Norris Webster will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. Friday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Shelbyville, Ind.,
Monday, July 14, 1952
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Death Claims
J. K. Marshall
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James K. Marshall, 80, resident of the Boggstown community for many years.
Retired coal miner, former Bicknell resident; no immediate survivors.
Body moved to Poindexter and Wampler Funeral Home, Bicknell.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday September 6, 1944
Page 1 column 8
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FORMER RESIDENT DIES IN INDIANAPOLIS
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Rites for Aquilla Marshall Are Today
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Aquilla B. Marshall, age fifty-nine years, former real estate and insurance agent of this city, died at the City Hospital in Indianapolis Monday morning at 8:55 o'clock after an illness of three years. He had been confined to the hospital for the past eight months.
Mr. Marshall moved from this city to Indianapolis in 1921. He was affiliated with the American Estate Reality Company and was a member of the Indianapolis Real Estate Board and the Broadway Methodist Church. He was born in Blue Ridge on August 22, 1885, the son of Thomas J. and Ava Maffett Marshall.
He was married to Miss Norma McKay in 1907. Survivors with the widow are the aged mother; one sister, Mrs. George Kehrt, of Rushville, and two brothers, Louis C. Marshall, of this city, and Chez D. Marshall, of Indianapolis.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Flanner and Buchanan Mortuary today at 1:30 p.m. Friends may call at the mortuary at any time. Burial will be made in Forest Hill cemetery. The casket will be opened at the grave.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Bob McKenzie

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday Afternoon, November 16, 1931
Page 1
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MOTHER OF SIX
IS FOUND DEAD
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Body of Mrs. Harry Marshall Was Discovered
in Her Bed by Small Son.
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Box Found at Side of Bed
With Four Tablets Missing ----
Funeral Tuesday.
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Mrs. Ruth Marshall, age thirty-one, wife of Harry Marshall, was found dead in her bed at their home, 619 South Miller street, about 8 o'clock Sunday morning. A physician was called, but death had occurred some time before he was summoned. County Coroner Thomas H. Cartmel was notified of the death of Mrs. Marshall and plans to conduct an inquest Wednesday night.
The exact cause of the death will not be determined until the coroner completes his investigation and submits his report. It was the opinion of the physician that an attack of neuralgia of the heart muscles had resulted in the sudden death of Mrs. Marshall.
The fact that four headache tablets had been taken from a box beside the bed in which she died constituted the only apparent solution to sudden death.
One of the six children in the family tried to awaken their mother at about eight o'clock yesterday morning. Failing in his efforts, the small boy went to the father, sleeping by the mother's side, and awakened him with the cry, "Daddy, I think mother is dead."
Coroner Cartmel made an investigation on Sunday morning. Members of the family opposed the idea of conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Whether or not the headache tablets had been taken all at one time or at intervals may never be known.
Mrs. Marshall was born in Orange township, Rush county, August 21, 1900, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Thompson. She attended school in Rush and Shelby counties. For many years she had been a faithful member of the Blue Ridge M. E. church. Her marriage took place November 12, 1918. Her husband is the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. I. Marshall. Six children, the oldest of whom is only eleven, survive: Vera Iria, Mary Kathleen, Bruce, Robert, Glenn, and Ralph. The parents, now living at Blue Ridge, also survive, and a sister, Mrs. Kathleen Hungerford, of Blue Ridge.
Funeral services will be held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Dr. L. T. Freeland, past or the First M. E. church, officiating. The body will be placed in the Temple Hill mausoleum, C. F. Fix and Son in charge.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, November 12, 1925
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ACCIDENT WAS CAUSE OF DEATH
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Elbert N. Marshall Passed Away
At His Home In Waldron This Morning
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WAS INJURED WEEK AGO
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Elbert N. Marshall, age sixty-nine, well known resident of Shelby county, died Thursday morning at eleven o'clock at his home in Waldron. His death was caused by a fractured skull. Mr. Marshall was injured a week ago Monday while at work pitching pumpkins at the plant of the Waldron Canning Co. He was struck through accident by a fork in the hands of another employe. At the time it was not believed that he was badly hurt, but later the injury became serious. Mr. Marshall had been unconscious since Saturday. He was born in 1856 near Blue Ridge. Practically all of his life had been spent in Shelby county. He was a resident of Union township for many years, and at one time served as assessor of that township. He farmed for many years, and for four years was connected in the hardware trade. He had been a member of the Christian Union church at Ray's Crossing, but after moving to Waldron transferred his membership to the Waldron M. E. church. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Blue Ridge, and the Modern Woodmen at Ray's Crossing. Mr. Marshall leaves his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Mary Benning, of St. Paul; three sons, Edmund, of Muncie; Clarence, of Shelbyville and Stanley, at home; two step-daughters, and two brothers, Marion Marshall, of Waldron, and John Marshall, of Indianapolis. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Carmony Brothers. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at one-thirty o'clock at the Waldron M.E. church. Interment will be made in Forest Hill Cemetery, Carmony Brothers in charge.
Submitted by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday May 30, 1912
Page 5
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The funeral of Robert Marshall, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marshall, was held here Tuesday afternoon. Robert was one of a pair of twins born to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall three months ago [February 20, 1912] and until a few hours before his death was strong and bright. His death occurred Monday morning. The sympathy of the community is with these parents, who with the twin sister [Roberta] are left to mourn his loss.
[Buried London Cemetery]
Contributed by Barb Huff for Bob McKenzie

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, May 31, 1900
Page 2, column 6
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Laura F., wife of E.N. Marshall, died at their residence one and one-half miles west of Ray's Crossing, at 10 p.m. Saturday May 26th, of heart trouble, age 41 years. She was buried at Cynthiana Cemetery Monday, May 28. Services at the C.U. church at 2:30 o'clock in Cynthiana, by Rev. G. W. Hagan. Deceased has been ill about six years. She leaves besides her husband, three children. D. B. Wilson & Son funeral directors.
Submitted by Barb Huff

The Shelby Republican
Thursday January 23, 1896
Page 3 column 1
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Margaret Marshall died at the residence of her son, John R. Marshall, near Cynthiana, at eleven o'clock p.m., January 21, 1896, of bowel trouble, aged seventy-six years, five months and seventeen days.
She will be buried Thursday January 23, I896 at the Cynthiana graveyard, services at the C. U. church, in Cynthiana at 10:30 a.m. by the Rev. G. W. Hagans. Cortege will leave the house at ten a.m.
Deceased leaves ten children, six sons and four daughters. D. S. Wilson & Son, funeral directors.
[Margaret Robinson Marshall, wife of Freeborn Garrison Marshall, mother of Elbert Newton Marshall.]
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Republican
Friday January 20, 1890
Page 4 column 2
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Columbus Marshall died at his home in West York, Illinois, at 6 a.m. January 19 and the remains will arrive here at 7 o clock this evening and will be taken to Blue Ridge tomorrow. The funeral services will take place at the Christian Union church at 2 p.m. January 20. D. B. Wilson & Son, funeral directors.
[Buried Blue Ridge Cemetery]
Contributed by Barb Huff

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