Obituaries
J. HENRY RUSIE
Resident of Town for Seventy Nine Years
On Wednesday afternoon, the citizens of our town paid their last respects to a pioneer citizen, John Henry Rusie, aged eighty-eight years who died on Sunday evening at the home of his sons, Fred W. and James H. Rusie, Parkview Avenue, Indianapolis. He came here with his parents from Virginia in 1836 when one year old and lived in Mooresville for seventy-nine years continuously. A failure of his eyesight near eighty years compelled him and his companions to break up their home and lives with their sons. Mr. Rusie enlisted in the army in 1861 and served as first lieutenant with Company E, 12th Indiana Volunteers until the close of the war. He was engaged in the tinner's business and later in the furniture and undertaking business for a number of years. His oldest son, James was associated with him in the latter business. He always took an active interest in civic affairs and served as a member on the school board for a number of years. He was a Mason, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and the L.K. Harriman Post of the G.A.R. Funeral services were held in his home church Wednesday afternoon conducted by Geo. R. Scruggs, a friend of many years. Hymns "Rock of Ages" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer" were sung by the church choir and Ralph Cook sang a solo "Face to Face" all accompanied by Mrs. B. T. Jones. The obituary was prepared by Mrs. Almira Hadley and read by H.C. Scearce. The honorary pall bearers were H. H. Leathers, Amos Stafford, John Hutton, Thomas Bray, Fred Beeler and Columbus Cox. The active pallbearers were H. W. Lindley, B. H. Cooper, Ad Sellars, Chas. Flater, Frank Morgan and H. C. Searce. The Masons attended in a body and performed their rites at the cemetery where he was laid beside his wife who preceded him two years ago. Besides the two sons he is survived by three grandsons, Harry of Frankfort, Horace of Martinsville and Homer of Indianapolis, one great grand daughter and one great grandson. A number of relatives and friends from Plainfield and Indianapolis attended the funeral.
Posted by Jim Rusie
CHARLES RUSIE
Charles Rusie was born in Prince William County, Virginia, August 17, 1824 and died in Mooresville, Indiana April 13, 1885, being sixty years, seven months and twenty six days old. Mr. Rusie landed in Mooresville, December 25, 1836 since which time he has been a resident of our town. He was united in marriage with Minerva Shrake December 18, 1846. Nine children have blessed this union, six of whom are still living. This union was happy and consequently home has been happy. The subject of this sketch was converted and united with the M.E. Church when a young man although at the time of his death he was not a member. Mr. Rusie spent nearly ten months in the service of his country during the late war being a member of Co. C. 29th Indiana. He has suffered more or less ever since coming out of the army. For some time his friends have noticed his failing health. During the past winter he has been closely confined to his room but hoped for the better in the Spring. Spring has come but instead of health it has brought death. The sufferings of the past winter have been borne without murmuring and when the death angel came there was perfect readiness. This morning, no doubt he is enjoying the blessedness of heaven.
Posted by Jim Rusie
H. ROBERT RUSIE
H. Robert Rusie, 83, of Martinsville, died at 7:55 am September 30, 2000 at the Waters of Martinsville. Born September 27, 1917 in Martinsville he was the son of Horace F. and Beryl (Hart) Rusie. He married Ruth L. Ritz June 28, 1941. She survives. Rusie was a graduate of Martinsville High School in 1935 and Depauw University in 1939, where he majored in economics. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Theta Pi, Martinsville Elks and American Legion Post 230. He was a past president of the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville School Board, past elder, deacon and treasurer of the church, past president and treasurer of the Martinsville Kiwanis Club, past YMCA Man of the Year in 1980, past board member of the Morgan County Foundation, Morgan County Library and Kennedy Living Center and active with various state and national committees for the savings and loan. He attained the rank of major in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, was a Red Cross volunteer driver and helped deliver Meals on Wheels. Other survivors include three sons, James Frederick Rusie of Bloomington, David Robert Rusie of Zionsville and John Lindley Rusie of Richmond; and six grandchildren, Andrew P, Michael J. Allison C, Kevin D, Brian P, and Laura K. Rusie. A sister, Lillian Louise Rusie preceded him in death. The service will be 11 am Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Christy Wareham will officiate. Entombment will be at Nebo Memorial Park. Friends may call from 4 to 8 o'clock today at Costin Funeral Chapel and 10 am until service time Tuesday at the church. Military rites will be conducted at graveside by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreigns Wars and Sons of the American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.
Posted by Jim Rusie