Sheldon B. Botsford

Sheldon B. Botsford, age 101, of Centerville, died Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Reid Hospital. Born November 23, 1911, in Shelby County, Indiana, to George Ray and Goldie Huffman Botsford, he moved to Richmond in 1942 and to Centerville in 1951 to the farm, where the family raised horses, cattle, and pigs. Sheldon was a 1930 graduate of Greenfield High School. He was a foreman at Perfect Circle/Dana until his retirement in 1976. Sheldon was a member of Hiram Lodge #417 in Centerville and was a Mason for 75 years. He was named Mason of the Year in 2011. Sheldon was selected as Boss of the Year in 1965 by the American Business Women’s Association of Richmond. He served as a reserve deputy for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department where he was a founding member of the Mounted Patrol. Sheldon assisted in patrolling during the 1968 explosion in downtown Richmond, as well as other crisis situations. He loved people and had a unique ability to recall special moments in the lives of those who were close to him. Sheldon and Martha could always be found ringside at horse shows, soccer fields, swimming pools, and the county fair, cheering on their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing euchre, and experiencing new things. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon A. Moyer of Oak Park, Illinois, and Marcia D. (Chip) Foster of Centerville; four grandchildren, Jacqueline Moyer-Padilla of Brunswick, Georgia, Sheldon Sean (Sarah) Moyer of Brooklyn, New York, and Thomas Foster and Ashley Foster, both of Centerville; three great-grandchildren, Riley, Aiden, and Io; nieces; nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Hilton Botsford, to whom he was married in October 1936 in New Castle, Indiana; son, Bradley Botsford; parents; and sister, Dorothea Botsford. Memorial visitation for Sheldon B. Botsford will be from 2 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville, followed by a Masonic Service at 5p.m. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home with Chaplain Jon Hudnall officiating. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to: Help the Animals, P.O. Box 117, Richmond, IN 47375 or Centerville Abington Dollars for Scholars, 507 Willow Grove Road, Centerville, IN 47330. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Sheldon B. Botsford

November 23, 1911 - April 4, 2013