Our Excellent Staff

Mary Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and personality to Jewell-Rittman that is much appreciated by the families we are honored to serve. She primarily assists with family follow-up, after the service and ensuring that the funeral home locations are always looking their very best.

Mary Beth spends much of her free time volunteering in the community. She is actively involved in the Boys & Girls Club of Morgan County, as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors. An avid reader, she has served on the Literacy Coalition Board of Directors and on the school commission at Saints Francis & Clare Catholic School. Mary Beth is always available to assist our families in their time of need.

David is originally from Versailles, Indiana. He graduated from South Ripley High School in 1971 and Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1973. After 12 years in funeral service David began a 27 year career with UPS. After his retirement in 2013 he joined the staff at Jewell – Rittman.

David is a member of Versailles Masonic Lodge #7, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, and Sons of American Legion #173. He and his wife, Karen have two children, Matt Akers and Becky Brown and four grandchildren.

Kyra King has been serving families at Jewell-Rittman since 2020. She values the opportunity to support and uplift her community during some of the most difficult moments in their lives and takes pride in offering care that honors each family’s unique needs and traditions.

Kyra appreciates the diversity of Columbus and the chance to learn from the many cultures represented in the community. She is passionate about local outreach programs such as Columbus Mutual Aid, Fireman’s Cheer Fund, and Love Chapel, organizations that once helped her when she was a young single mother and that she continues to admire today.

Her ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, combined with her cosmetology experience, helps her serve families with understanding, comfort, and confidence.

Outside of work, Kyra is deeply committed to reconnecting with her Indigenous roots. She and her son enjoy traveling to historical sites, attending powwows, and participating in cultural events. She is also a professional artist who specializes in bead and quill work, painting, woodburning, and other creative mediums. Time in nature, sunshine, and continual learning are central to her life and passions.

Emma Bush joined the Branson family of funeral homes in 2025 and serves families across Jewell-Rittman, Carlisle-Branson, and O’Riley-Branson. She values the close-knit staff and welcoming communities she works alongside, and she strives to be a steady, comforting presence for families while also bringing a thoughtful perspective on death culture. For Emma, this field offers continual opportunities to learn, grow, and better serve others.

Raised in Columbus and a graduate of Columbus North High School, Emma believes being a local has helped her understand what families in the area need most. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Lindsey Wilson University and an associate degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She began working in the funeral profession in 2022 while in school, building a strong foundation of experience guided by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to creating meaningful, personalized services.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, as well as cooking and thrifting. She has lived in Franklin since marrying in May 2025.

Steve Fushelberger has been part of the Jewell-Rittman and Branson team since 2018. He finds deep fulfillment in supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and values the opportunity to assist people from many different backgrounds. Steve’s role includes providing on-call support to funeral directors, responding to death calls at various locations, transporting remains, guiding families through pre-need and at-need arrangements, welcoming guests at services, and assisting at gravesides and burials.

A longtime resident of Columbus, Steve appreciates its unique character and the richness it offers in architecture, the arts, and community collaboration. He is proud to live in a city known for world-class mid-century modern design and exceptional local music organizations, and he values the strong partnerships that have helped the community flourish.

Steve’s background includes a degree from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a distinguished career in marketing, communications, and corporate relations. His professional experience spans global companies such as Rolls-Royce, Cessna Aircraft Company, United Airlines, and General Mills. His work has earned national awards, and his client list includes major organizations across corporate, educational, and nonprofit sectors. A U.S. Army and Indiana Army National Guard veteran, Steve also holds an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multiple ratings and is an active member of several aviation and professional associations.

Recreation, travel, and community service have always been important to Steve. Aviation has long been both a career and a personal passion. He enjoys hiking state parks across Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, was among the first local pickleball players, and has traveled to four continents. He also helped lead Employment Support Ministries in Indianapolis and Columbus, assisting more than 500 people in finding new jobs. Steve’s parents are deceased, and his sister, his only sibling, also resides in Columbus.