Beverly (Cowles) Smith-Pullen, 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at her home on her beloved Shriner Lake.  Born October 17, 1930 in LaOtto, IN, she was the daughter of Ed and Eleanor (Walda) Cowles.
She attended South Side High School, Fort Wayne. She married John R. Pullen in 1975 and lived most of her life in Allen and Whitley Counties.  Bev worked at G.E., Fort Wayne, for more than 25 years and was a member of Elex Club, Zion Lutheran Church and United Community Traveler's of America.
Survivors include her husband of 37 years, John R. Pullen of Columbia City; children, Steve (Beth) Smith and Deb Morrone both of Fort Wayne; Phil Smith of Weatherford, TX; Mike (JoAnn) Pullen of Columbia City and Cynthia (Al) Keuhnert of Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Della Davenport of Memphis, TN; brother, Gerry Cowles of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Gloria Cowles of New Haven; and dozens of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Leon Smith, daughter, Kristine Pullen and 8 brothers and sisters.
Beverly invited many into her life and her caring spirit and loving manner will always be remembered.  She made a positive impact on all who met her and leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness and generosity.
According to her wishes, her Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City, with Reverend Phillip R. Rittner II officiating.  Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Pullen to Paw Pals Animal Rescue, 1632 S, CR 180 E, Frankfort, IN 46041 or Zion Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Helen E. "Gene" Lahr, 93, of rural Columbia City, died Friday morning, May 18, 2012 at Renaissance Village where she had been a resident since January 16, 2001.
She was born September 21, 1918 in Garrett, Indiana a daughter of John F. and Florence (Ladig) Osterman. Her formative years were spent in the Garrett and Huntertown areas.
In 1936 she was united in marriage to Floyd Ervin Hall. They made their home in Wallen. Mr. Hall died in 1944.
On May 21, 1945 she was united in marriage to Lester E. Lahr. They made their home in Fort Wayne, later purchasing a farm near Churubusco where they resided nearly 20 years. In 1971 they moved to rural Columbia City. Mr. Lahr died September 28, 1995.
She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church Women, V.F.W. Post #5512 Auxiliary and former member of Women of the Moose where she held all chairs and was Senior Regent.
Surviving relatives include two children, Carol (Ronny) Gillum and Robert (Karen) Lahr, all of Churubusco; three grandchildren, Sherri (Steve) Crawford, Amy (John) Mickle and Jeremy (Michele) Lahr; five great grandchildren, Jacob Crawford, Abby Mickle, Madison Lahr, Alexandria Lahr and Mitchel Lahr; and a brother, Martin "Bud" Osterman of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, Floyd Leon Hall and a brother, Alva Osterman.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery, New Haven. The visitation will be from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Hope Lutheran Church Building Fund.

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Helen Marie Williams, 84, of rural Columbia City, died at 12:24 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Wednesday.
She was born June 26, 1927 in Monroeville, Indiana a daughter of Cecil E. and Carol L. (Dager) DeWert. She completed her education at Monroeville High School.
On November 11, 1949 she was united in marriage to Thomas J. Williams Jr. From 1953 until 1978 they made their home at Blue Lake before moving to Colorado for two years. In 1980 they returned to the rural Columbia City area.
Surviving relatives include her husband of nearly 63 years, Thomas; a son, Donald E. (Shirley) Williams of Columbia City; a daughter, Anita Fletcher of Hudson FL; six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a great great grandson; two brothers, William F. DeWert of Quincy FL and Allen Wayne DeWert of Rincon GA; and four sisters, Roberta Gerardot of Monroeville, Mary Royston of Hudson FL, Anita Eldred of Homer MI and Susan Lees of Oldsmar FL.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward DeWert and two sisters, Gloria Davis and Joyce Jones.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

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Jessie Maxine Romine, 87, of Columbia City, died at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Parkview Oaks where she had been a resident since July 2011.
She was born April 4, 1925 in Branch County, Michigan a daughter of Ray and Delilah (Hulse) Brown. As a teenager, her family moved to Auburn. She graduated from Auburn High School.
Following her high school graduation, she worked for the principal at Auburn High School for three years, Warner Gear for three years and Royal Industries for three years.
On March 27, 1948 she was united in marriage to Billie Romine. They made their home in Dekalb County until 1995 when they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Romine died on April 17, 2009.
She was a member of Big Lake Church of God.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Janet (Larry) Reed of Columbia City, Cheryl (Tim) Bracht of Huntertown and Sarah (John) Winters of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a brother, Edward Ray Brown of Auburn.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Reed; a brother, Herbert John Brown; and five sisters, Pauline Watters, Edith Pearl Brown, Helen McCurley, Esther Boise and Dessie Marie Crooks.
The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. The visitation will also be from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer's Association or Big Lake Church of God.

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Phyllis J. Harrold, 84, of Columbia City, died at 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 13, 2012 at Parkview Oaks where she had been a resident since May 7, 2005.
She was born April 2, 1928 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Harold and Gladys (Pontzious) Beard. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. She graduated from North Side High School.
On December 31, 1949 she was united in marriage to Richard L. Harrold. They made their home in Thorncreek Township until 1964 when they moved into Columbia City. Mr. Harrold died August 24, 1992.
She was employed at Shooks Dairy Queen for 25 years.
Her memberships included First Church of God.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Warren (Patricia) Harrold of Endicott NY and Brent (Patricia) Harrold of Columbia City; three grandchildren; six step grandchildren; and 13 step great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Blue River Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to First Church of God.

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Jean Ann Tschantz, 64, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 1:59 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2012 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. Born May 28, 1947 in Huntington, IN, she was the daughter of Carl Raymond and Lois Maxine (Deal) Bruch.
She graduated from Clear Creek High School with the Class of 1965 and attended business college in Indianapolis. On October 11, 1969 she married John F. Tschantz in Warren. She lived in Goblesville until 1969; moving from South Whitley in the mid 70's to her current Fort Wayne home. She worked at Old Crown Brewery, Fort Wayne, as a secretary; Dawn Donuts, Fort Wayne, as a manager; Alcoils, Columbia City; Seamco, South Whitley; and Wendy's, Fort Wayne, as a prep person and salad bar manager for almost 16 years. She was a member of The Chapel where she served as a greeter and attended the Senior Connection Group. A great caretaker, believing family always came first, she was also a floral designer, avid reader, collected Dicken Villages and enjoyed traveling.
Survivors include her husband of 42 years, John F. Tschantz of Fort Wayne; 2 daughters, Mindy Tschantz and Kristy (David) Gottfried both of Fort Wayne; granddaughter, Megan Tschantz of Fort Wayne. Her parents preceded her in death.
Visitation is Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Tschantz to the American Cancer Association or Megan Tschantz's Education Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

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Cheryleen Sue Ressler, 65, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Parkview Oaks, Columbia City. 
Born on September 18, 1946 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Herbert I. and Cathaline "Katie" C. (Adkins) Ressler.
She was a lifetime resident of Whitley County and attended Etna Troy Grade School and Indiana School for the Blind.  She worked at Passages, Inc. for 30 years.
Survivors include her mother, Cathaline "Katie" C.  (Adkins) Ressler of Columbia City; sister, Billie D. Ressler of Columbia City; brother, Gary L. (Diane) Ressler of Fort Wayne; several nieces & nephews and several great nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert I. Ressler and brother, Tony J. Ressler.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 3-8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant, officiating.  Burial will follow at South Park Original Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in  Ms. Ressler's memory to Passages Inc. or Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Madelyn J. France, 92, formerly of Columbia City, IN passed away at 2:10 a.m. Friday May 11, 2012 at Western Reserve Masonic Community, Medina, OH.  Born November 26, 1919, she was the daughter of William and Isabelle (Lovely) Stidham.
On February 8, 1941 she married Robert D. France in Columbia City.  A wife and mother, she was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her 2 daughters, Gina (Ted Ricci) France of Medina, OH and Roberta Kaye (Thomas) Huckle of Cadillac, MI; 2 grandchildren, Laura (Steve Betteley) Huckle of Wyoming, MI and Thomas Christopher (Katy) Huckle of Cadillc, MI; 4 great grandchildren, Carson Huckle Betteley, Avery Huckle Betteley, Thomas George Huckle and Susan Kay Huckle.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert D. France.
A private graveside service was held Monday, May 14, 2012 at South Park (Annex) Cemetery with Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant, officiating.  Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. France to the donor's choice of charity.  Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Larry L. Crawford, 62, of South Whitley, died at 2:08 a.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Wednesday.
He was born October 12, 1949 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Phil M. and Genevieve L. (Hertsel) Crawford. He was a lifelong resident of South Whitley with the exception of a year near Larwill. He graduated from South Whitley High School.
On October 17, 1970 he was united in marriage to Alice F. May. Mrs. Crawford died August 25, 2011.
He was a bassoon and oboe maker for Fox Products for 34 years.
Surviving relatives include four children, Melissa "Missy" Schreiner of South Whitley, Matthew (Marcia) Crawford of Leo, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Loe of Harlan and Angela (David) Schubert of Tipp City OH; 11 grandchildren; and a sister, Carole (Dennis) Cripe of Larwill.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, DeWayne M. Crawford and Galen L. Crawford.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to American Cancer Society.

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