INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ
Held with Lone Valley Church
Sellersburg, Indiana
August 31, September 1, 2, 1990

OBITUARIES

Provided by Peggy Mullins Brock

Bedwell, Mildred C. - the daughter of William Curt Caudill and Mary Susan Hyden Caudill, was born April 13, 1930 at Whitesburg, KY. She passed from this life November 10, 1989 making her life here on earth 59 years, 6 months and 27 days. She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Spencer Bedwell to whom she was married on September 10, 1950. Also 3 sons, Spencer Bedwell, Jr., Edwin Deane Bedwell, John P. Bedwell. Three daughters, Patricia Ann Mullins, Doreen Noble and Jenny Mae Taylor. Four brothers, James Caudill, William Riley Caudill, Curt Caudill, Jr., John David Caudill; two sisters Mavis Brown, Irene Getchel; 8 grandchildren, 5 aunts, 2 uncles. Mildred was preceded in death by 3 sons, Robert Lee, Roger Dale, James Harold. Early in life, Mildred felt the need of a saviour and was, I believe, born into that Heavenly Peace and joined the Indian Bottom Church and later took her letter to the Sandlick Church where she served as a faithful member the rest of her life. Mildred loved every one she met, but didn't like some of their ways and I believe everyone loved her. She liked to talk to young children and tell them about the danger out in the world. She loved for people to come talk to her and sit at the table and eat with the family. We had 39 years together and we had our ups and downs but she was a devoted wife and mother. Now she is resting under the alter of God waiting for him to say, Son go down and get my children. Then she will be united with a perfect body where all will be peace, joy and happiness. So children, if you want to be with Mother again, make your peace with God while you have the chance.
Written by her Husband and Brother In Hope, Elder Spencer Bedwell

Caudill, Elder Alva -entered eternal life February 13, 1990. He was born January 10, 1897, making his stay on earth 91 years, 1 month and 3 days. Alva was the son of James and Sis Caudill. Surviving are two brothers, Herbert Caudill and Dempsey Caudill both of Premium, KY. Three sisters: Maggie Fields of San Bernardino, California, Alma Bryant of Franklin, Ohio, and Lillian Amburgey of Premium, KY. Of his and Betty Caudill's family; four sons survive: Sterlin, James Lowell, Elmer -all of Jeremiah, KY, and Henry B. of Oxford, Ohio. Two daughters: Dorothy Brown of Jeremiah, KY and Evalee Blankenship of Lebanon, Ohio. Those that proceeded him in death are AD Caudill, Bufford Dale Caudill and Lora Hampton; along with his wife, Betty Caudill. Elder Alva Caudill was a member of the Doty Creek Church of Old Regular Baptist for 57 years. He was an ordained minister and thus became on Saturday, July 2, 1938. He was a faithful minister and member for all those years. I never heard him preach anything that I couldn't see with. He was one that went far and near holding up the blood stain banner of King Jesus. We have traveled together for many miles and walked and talked. Nowadays people get in a car and the journey is soon over, with little chance of talking. The Doty Church will sure miss him as well as all the churches of the Old Indian Bottom Association. There is very few of the ministers that have been ordained that he has not laid his hands on in the Old Indian Bottom Association. I could always count on him to help me when I needed him. He was a true brother, always willing to pray with and for his brothers and sisters in the faith. He not only prayed for his brothers and sisters, but for the world of mankind. Why do we mourn departing friends? Or shake at death's alarm, 'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends, to call them to his arms. Written by: Elder Monroe Caudill

Caudill, Willie H. -son of James and "Sis" Whitaker Caudill was born December 3, 1898. He departed this life July 6, 1989, making his stay on earth 90 years, 7 months and 3 days. Early in life he met and married Cinda Adams Caudill; to this union, three children were born. Two proceeded him in death. > Surviving are 1 son, General Caudill of Premium, KY. Also surviving are three brothers, Alva Caudill of Jeremiah, KY; Herbert Caudill and Dempsey of Premium, KY. 3 sisters, Maggie Fields of San Bernardino, California, Alma Bryant of Franklin, Ohio and Lillian Amburgey of Premium, KY. Also 5 grandchildren and 12 great grand-children along with a host of other relatives and friends.Brother Willie joined the Old Doty Creek Church of Old Regular Baptist 60 some odd years ago. He was a faithful member as long as he could attend. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a joy to work with in the church. During the 33 years I have been Moderator of the Doty Church, he has stood behind me and helped defend the old cause. So General, grandchildren and great grandchildren you had one to be glad to follow in his footsteps. Some of his brothers are glad to march along in the good old way and I pray God will help his brothers and sisters to do likewise.
Written by: A Brother in Hope of Eternal Life Elder Monroe Caudill

Hagans, Luellean-With God's great love and help I will try-to write the obituary of our beloved Sister. I remember in the year 1938 in the head of this creek where I live today, my dear Mother joined the Little Home Church at Sister Luellean and Brother Dewey's home. I was eleven years old at that time. It takes someone with God's saving grace to live the life God wants them to. Everyone who knew her knew she kept the faith. She could not be moved from her belief in God and in the old time Regular Baptist faith. Over the hills, through snow, rain, sunshine, hail and mud she traveled to church all over Eastern Kentucky and parts of Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, trying and serving her Lord. I believe one day she promised the Lord that she would do his bidding and no one that knew her can't say she didn't try to keep that promise to God. Hospitality, if you knew Sister Lue then you surely know what hospitality means. Her home, food, beds, water and love was yours if you would come and visit her. The Little Home Church and the Old Indian Bottom Association have lost a great soldier. Sister Lue was born in June, 1900. She died September 30th at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY. She was the daughter of William Ison and Rachael Christian Ison. Preceding her in death was her Father, Mother, seven sisters (including Sister Mary Bell Hagans), six brothers and her husband Brother Dewey Hagans. Sister Lue joined the Little Home Church in the thirties and was ordained July 7, 1947 with Brother Dewey as Deacons in the Little Home Church. She preached her own funeral as she went through this life. We will miss her. I hope and believe she is now singing with the angels.
Written by a Brother who hopes to sing with her one day in Heaven above, Brother Bennett Adams

Fuller, May-With a sad heart I will try to write the obituary of our Sister May Fuller. Sister May Fuller was born April 14, 1905 being here on earth, God's Footstool 85 years, 2 months and 27 days at the time c-f her passing away on July 11, 1990.Sister May is survived by three sons: Litten, Fred and Claude. She is also survived by five daughters; Ruby Tramell, Josephine Grigsby, Aileen Egge, Jacquleen Gardner and Sandy Owens. Also surviving are 26 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends who mourn her passing. We will all miss her at the Old Regular Baptist Clear Creek Church where she had been a member for many years. For in her passing she left an empty place in our church where she sang and worshipped God with us. But I believe her earthly loss is Heaven's gain. I hope she has left footprints behind so that all her family, friends and children will follow after her to be in Heaven someday where there will be peace and happiness forever.
Written by her Brother in the Church, John Patrick

Gibson, Lois-With a broken heart, I will try to write the obituary of my wife, Lois Gibson. She was born February 24, 1925 and passed from this life on January 18, 1990, making her stay on earth 64 years, 10 months and 18 days. She was the daughter of the "Bum" Everage and Maggie Everage, who both preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was one son, James Lowe 11 Gibson. Left to mourn are her husband, Sam, two sons, Gene and Bobby, two daughters, Yvonne and Anne, five grandchildren, three brothers, three sisters and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be missed badly by her husband and children. Children, if you want to be with Mother, you will have to change your ways and live for God. Mother is at rest, in peace, just waiting for judgment day, then she will rise and put on the white robe and live forever.
Written by her broken hearted husband, Sam Gibson

Hagans, Maxine Elizabeth Richmond-With aching hearts we will try to write the obituary of our blessed Mother. Mom was born on September 16, 1927, she died on March 17, 1989, making her 62 years and 6 months at the time of her death. Her parent were Jess and Mallie Richmond, both whom preceded her in death. Mom had two sisters, Roberta Walker and Pearl Walker both preceded her in death. She left to mourn her passing, her five brothers, Jess and John Richmond of Akron, Ohio, Cornealous Richmond of Cincinnati, Ohio Arthur Richmond of Lexington, KY and Robert Richmond of Hazard, KY; 1 stepsister Beulah Thomas and 1 stepbrother Marvin Hagans of Dayton, Ohio. She met and married Elbert Hagans, her husband of 42 years. Unto this union were born 8 children; her 3 sons -Andy Hagans of Tullahoma, Tennessee, Elbert and Shelby Hagans of Hazard, KY. Her 5 daughters - Josephine and Sandra Hagans of Hazard, KY, Necha Williams of Red Fox, KY, Barbara Hagans of Lexington, KY and Yvonne Peters of Georgetown, KY, 1 honorable daughter, Carolyn Jackson of Richmond, Ind., 7 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of church brothers and sisters. Mom joined the Little Home Old Regular Baptist Church in 1975, where she was a faithful member until death. She said before she died, "I want to go home and live with Jesus." Mom, we miss you, but we believe that our loss is heaven's gain. This poem that Yvonne wrote for her expressed how we feel.
SWEET DREAMS DEAR MOTHER
As I sit here weeping by your side Mom, I'm reminded of all the things you mean to me, your laughter, your smile, are like flowers in the spring. For when I think of you, I see a beautiful white dove. You are faith, you are hope, you are love, a guardian, a friend sent from God above. I'll never forget the sad times when I felt so alone, you never knew what was wrong, yet you held my hand and cried with me and somehow I managed to go on. In the Bible it asks the question, A virtuous woman, who can find? Finally, I understand what it means, for you are a person that gives to family, to life and to friends her love and support unconditionally. For as I walk through life, I know you'll walk with me. I'll always miss you Mom an I'm struggling to let go; oh, Mother please always remember, indeed I love you so! No one on this earth can ever take your place. Even now as I look in the mirror, in me I see your face. So this is my farewell, my last and final goodbye sweet dreams Mama, I'm trying so hard not to cry, but at this moment I must admit it, I feel a little empty inside and as the tears are flowing down my face, I hear a familiar voice in a distant place, please dry your eyes my daughters, my sons, my husband, my brothers, my friends, don't grieve for me for as you grieve, my Jesus gives me peace in Heaven's eternity.
Written by her lonely children and companion

Page, Ervin - was born April 3, 1902. Passed away November 16, 1989. He was a retired coal miner and a long time resident of Marlow, KY. Having been a resident of Floyd County since 1964. He was a member of the Old Sandlick Regular Baptist Church. He joined July 18, 1954 and was baptized by the Moderator, Elder Curtis Caudill and Elder Dewey Cornett. There is a path that leads to God all others go astray.

Page, Caldonia Reynolds -was born August 11, 1911 in Floyd County, KY and passed away July 23, 1990 at the McDowell Hospital in Floyd County, Ky. She was married to Ervin Page early in life and to this union eleven children were born: Wid Page, Whitesburg, KY; Ed , Ellis, Charles, William, and Bobby Page of McDowell, KY; five daughters: Reba Kuchinski, Cleveland, OH; Dina Collins of Topmost, KY; Bertha Dye of McDowell, KY; Margaret Caudill of Whitesburg, KY and Verna Jones of Prestons-burg, KY and 35 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren. She was also a member of the Sandlick Old Regular Baptist Church. A place in the home and a seat in the church are empty. But God needed this Brother and Sister around his throne and called her home.
Written by their Grandson, William Ervin Caudill

Ritchie, Robert Carson -On June 5, 1990, Robert Carson Ritchie passed from this troubled world. His stay on this earth was 82 years, two months and fifteen days. He was preceded in death by twin daughters, Lilly Mae and Tessie Faye. His wife, Dora was also taken before him, several years ago, leaving him behind to endure many more trials. He had many operations and, as a result of some of these, was a double amputee. Many of the problems he had to face would have caused a lot of us to give up years ago. Robert Carson Ritchie was born in Knott County on March 20, 1908, to Marion and Clerinda Ritchie. He married Dora Campbell in the late twenties. He left his home, his wife and seven children to serve his country during World War II. He served loyally and proudly. When he returned home, he and his wife had another daughter, making a family of five daughters and three sons. He is survived by three daughters: Louise Fremanis, of Indiana; Elmira Fuston and Norma Lass, both of Chicago, Illinois; Three sons: R.B. of Beattyville, KY, Herman and Dennis, both of Fisty, KY. Also surviving, is a grandson, Urban Logan demons, whom he raised as his own. Robert loved everyone and always had a smile for you. He was a firm believer in the word of God. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church and was baptized into the Clear Creek Church of Fisty, KY, on May 6, 1976. During his last days, he was too ill to sit up and read much, but he kept the Bible by his side. He always went to church services held at the nursing home, where he lived at his death. We feel sure that Robert has a home in Heaven. Although we will miss him very much, we are glad his suffering is over.
Written by his sister, Emma Johnson

Slone, Vernon -With much weakness and by the help of God, I will try to write the obituary of our dear friend and Brother in the Lord, Vernon Slone. Vernon was born in the home of Lawrence and Bertha Slone, September 4, 1928. He passed from this life May 2, 1990. He just left a world of trouble and sorrow and went to a home of joy and peace. Vernon was married to Hattie Slone, the daughter of Elder Marion Slone and Ettie Sparkman, September 13, 1952. They have worked, prayed, cried and laughed together all these many years. He leaves his loving wife and seven children to mourn his loss. Four girls and three boys: Sharon Slone, Delia Slone, Bronita Slone all at home, and Delinda Huff, Garrett, Kentucky; James, Randy, Cecil Leo and Rodney Daryl all at home. He also leaves to mourn his loss, his son-in-law, Everett Huff; his mother, Bertha Slone; stepfather, Marion Slone; four brothers, Amos, Glen, Arthur and Charles; one sister, Betty Slone, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Slone, and two sisters, Marie Slone and Dixie Harris. This is so hard on Sister Hattie and the children to give Husband and Father up but we all feel that he is resting in the arms of Jesus in Heaven where all is peace and joy. Vernon left such a good witness. His only regret was that he failed to join the Old Regular Baptist Church. But he was added to the Church up above. It takes God to add to that Church. He loved the old Church and the old time way and he loved the old time songs. So dear family, friends and neighbors if you haven't repented, fall out with sin and repent of your sins and be born again and meet Vernon in Heaven when this life is over.
The Family and Elder Murl F. Caudill

Whitaker, Henry B. -Dad was born February 18, 1902 and departed this life December 16, 1989 at the Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford, Kentucky. His stay on earth was more than 87 years. Dad was, the son of George and Rebecca Hampton Whitaker and had two brothers who preceded him in death - Solomon and Robert. A sister Lola Whitaker Caudill also preceded him in death. He has one sister, Sarah Massey who is left to mourn his passing. His father was killed in a mining accident. Later his mother remarried Jim Dixon and to this union was born two sons, Boyd who died in his teens and Lee who lives in Sellersburg, Indiana. At the age of 20 Dad met Mattie Caudill and they were joined in holy matrimony in 1922. They were blessed with 64 years of love and sharing. To them were born four daughters: Eola Caudill, Ila Adams, Ranie Mae and Kathleen Bridges and five sons: Delmer, 'Clarence, Arnold, Billy George, Shelby Gene and Otis Dean. Delmer and Ranie Mae died as infants. They set good examples before their children with bright and shining lives. Early they found peace with God and joined the Doty Creek Church in their twenties. Dad was a minister for over 50 years. Dad traveled many miles preaching, as John the Baptist, "Repent ye for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand". His walk, his talk and his ways let his light shine before the world of mankind. His life has come to an end but I feel that the example he set will follow him as long as anyone who knew him shall live. "How beautiful are the feet of them who preach the gospel". Surely those who knew Dad will have little doubt that he has gone up higher in answer to that call. After Mom died about three years ago. Dad has led a lonely life. All his children and grandchildren loved him but his desire was to go on to be with Mom. Most of the last few years were spent with his daughters: Eola and Ila. They and their husbands, Murl and Ellis were good to him yet he longed to go on. He has now been granted that request. To all who were so good to visit Dad we say thank you and continue to remember us in your prayers. To the family may you always remember the good counsel he gave you and if you have not already done so take heed to that Light, believe in that Light that you may become the children of the Light that when that death angel comes, we too may go on to meet God in peace.
A loving son and Brother in Hope Arnold Whitaker