Clela Kneller Richard, 94, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in the Southcrest Hospital.
She was born February 22, 1917 in Washington Township, Whitley County a daughter of Sherman L. and Bertha H. (Luecke) Kneller. Her formative years were spent in Washington Township. She graduated from Washington Center High School.
While living in Indiana, she was employed with L.M. Berry selling yellow pages advertising. She retired in 1992 from Jenks Public Schools in Tulsa.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Brenda (Larry) Mauzy and Marsha (Spike) Cochran, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and Paul Kneller of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, George Kneller, Ray Kneller and Sherman W. Kneller.
The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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Dorothy Harl, 95, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 10:10 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2012 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
Born February 20, 1916 in Owensboro, KY, she was the daughter of George and Hattie (Burdette) Papon.
She attended school in Kentucky. On October 8, 1936, she married William Irvin Harl in Owensboro, KY. She lived in Fort Wayne until moving to Loon Lake in 1949. She and her husband remained at Loon Lake until they moved to the Westgate Addition, Columbia City. For many years, she and her husband were owners of the Loon Lake Resort. 
Survivors include her daughter, Donna K. Harl of Columbia City.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, William Irvin Harl, 2 brothers and 1 sister.
To honor Mrs. Harl's wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Harl to the Humane Society of Whitley County, 951 S Line Street, Columbia City, IN  46725. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book. Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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Luise Barbara Germann Pook, 95, passed away peacefully Friday night, January 27th, 2012 at home. She was born on February 11, 1916, in Cleveland, OH, a daughter of the late Dr. Albert F. O. Germann, Sr. and Ida Helene (Meinke) Germann.
A graduate of Cleveland East High School in 1933, she attended Flora Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University from 1933-36. After moving to South Whitley and helping start her father’s business, she completed her Bachelors degree at Manchester College in 1940.
She retired in 1977 from her teaching career, which was interrupted to raise her family. She also always supported in any way possible and was part owner of her family’s business founded by her father, Nutritional Research Associates, Inc., since it’s founding in 1934.
On June 4, 1944, she was united in marriage with Clarence Henry Louis Pook. To this marriage were born three daughters and one son: Mavelen (Thomas) Woodruff of South Whitley; Luana (Stephen) Carlson of DeWitt, MI; Alida (Joseph) Winkler of Greensburg, IN; and Jonathan Germann Pook of South Whitley.
Also surviving are one brother, Dr. Albert F. O. (Jean) Germann II; grandchildren Stephanie (Phil) Kowatch, Andrea (Joe) Meiser, Matthew Carlson, Elizabeth Woodruff, and Andrew (Rachel) Woodruff; five great-grandchildren, brother-in-law D. Ross Osborn, sister-in-law Velma (Pook) Hofmann, seven nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence on April 13, 1996, her parents, her two sisters Edith Osborn and Lucia Harley, and one nephew.
Barbara was called to her heavenly home just 2 weeks shy of her 96th birthday. A Christian funeral will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 3rd in the historical St. John Chapel at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2465 W. Keiser Road in Whitley County. Burial will be at the St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. on Thursday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, and 10 to 11 A.M. Friday prior to the Service at St. John Chapel.
Suggested Memorials are Worship for Shut-ins, The Lutheran Hour, or donor preference.

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Olga Wilson, 81, of Columbia City, died at 10:24 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 at Parkview Oaks where she had been a resident since November 12, 2011.
She was born August 28, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois a daughter of Bert and Albertina (Anderson) Fahlstrom. Her formative years were spent in Chicago.
On July 15, 1950 she was united in marriage to Lester F. "Red" Wilson in Chicago, Illinois. They moved to Columbia City in 1960. Red preceded Olga in death on April 26, 2006.
She enjoyed bowling and golf, participating in several leagues.
Surviving relatives include a son, Terry J. Wilson of Columbia City; two grandsons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph Wilson II, Jeremy Wilson and Ruthann Bateman, all of Hamburg, New York.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Wilson; three brothers, Albert Fahlstrom, Arthur Fahlstrom and Robert Fahlstrom.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be at a later date at Greenhill Cemetery.

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Delores Coyle Mathews, 83, of Columbia City, died at 10:50 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012 at her home.  She had been in failing health.
She was born November 7, 1928 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin a daughter of the late John and Josie (Ellington) Main. Her formative years were spent in Wisconsin.  She moved to Indiana at the age of 22 locating in Syracuse and then North Webster before moving to Columbia City in 1959.
She was employed in the laundry services of Whitley County Memorial Hospital for four years and then Bondflex Rubber for 24 years as an inspector.  She retired in May of 1989.
On November 4, 1978, she was united in marriage to Jay Mathews.  He died February 27, 2002.
Her memberships included Grace Lutheran Church.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Bruce (Lynn) Coyle and Daniel (Judy) Coyle both of Columbia City; a step-son, Brian (Yo) Mathews, Albion, Michigan; two step daughters, Mary (William) Adkins, Columbia City and Lori Fox, Pembrook Pines, Florida; grandchildren, Derek (Vickie) Coyle, Jennifer (Kyle) Stevenson, Jared Coyle, Jennifer Reffitt, James Adkins, Teresa (Brian Merta) Adkins, Crystal (Kevin) Yaw, Jonathan Mathews and Jessica Fox, and ten great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William Coyle and a grandson, Nicholas Ryan Adkins.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 North Main Street, Columbia City.  The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour prior to the service at the church
Preferred memorials are to Whitley County Humane Society or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.
Condolences may be sent to smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Carol R. Gambrell,  75, a resident of Columbia Township, died peacefully at 3:15 pm Saturday, January 28, 2012 at her home following a long battle with cancer.
She was born on October 18, 1936 in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Sherman and Martha Mercerschmidt Noll.  Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne, where her family owned a grocery store.  She graduated from North Side High School and received her nursing degree from the Parkview School of Nursing in 1958.  She was first employed by Dr. Schrader in Warsaw, then at the Whitley County Memorial Hospital and for many years worked in the office of Dr. Randall Carpenter in Columbia City retiring in January 2002.  She had also worked for the Whitley County E.M.S. for four years.
On September 15, 1972, she was united in marriage to James A. Gambrell and they have resided on the same farm since 1973.
She was a member of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Hannah Group, Parkview Nurses Alumni Association and she had a great passion for playing bridge.
The surviving relatives include her husband, Jim; sons Timothy (Cheryl) Anglin, Trenton (Pam) Anglin and Timothy (Susie) Gambrell all of Columbia City; a daughter, Jennifer (Jamie) Hankins, Paris, KY; ten grand children and 4 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Kelly Clark.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday in the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Joyce Gerwing, officiating.  The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour before the service at the church.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church or the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.
Condolences may be sent to smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Mary A. Kitson, 96, of Columbia City, died at 7:50 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the home of her daughter.
She was born July 2, 1915 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of the late Orson Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Roberts) Carmin. She graduated from Larwill High School in 1934.
Following her graduation, she worked at the former Blue Bell, Columbia City.
On February 12, 1938 she was united in marriage to Eugene Kitson. Mr. Kitson died January 21, 1985.
They were the owners of Columbia Dairy until 1971 after which they started a vegetable and fruit farm north of Columbia City. Her church membership was with Troy Presbyterian.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Linda (Phil) Lundblad and Dianna (Marvin) Ewing both of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and a sister Arlene Wince, Columbia City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Miller; an infant son; a sister, Ary Gibson; two brothers, Leon and Omer Carmin, and a grandson, Tad Ewing.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Howard Compton of Troy Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Troy Presbyterian Church.

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Joel Kenneth Kimmel, Sr., 69, formerly of Columbia City, died Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at his home in Peoria, Arizona. Born January 8, 1943, he was the son of Lois L. (Spaw) and Charles R. Kimmel in Fort Wayne, IN.
A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps two tours during his 13 years of service from 1960-1973.  He worked as a lathe operator at Deister Machine Company in Fort Wayne where he retired in 2001. Mr. Kimmel spent most of his life in Fort Wayne and Columbia City until moving to Arizona in 2002.
His first marriage was to Sharon L. Buckles on August 31, 1965 in Indiana.  His second marriage was to Barbara (Haver) Bretall, January 11, 2002, in Arizona.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Joel (Ruth) Kimmel, Jr. and a daughter, Robin (Matthew) Herendeen, both of Columbia City; a step-daughter, Dionda Bretall; two step-sons, Douglas and James Bretall, all of Arizona; 10 grandchildren, (6 in Columbia City and 4 in Arizona).  Also surviving is a sister, Amerida (Dan) Crow of St. Joe and a brother, Lonney (Bernie) Kimmel of Fort Wayne.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sharon Koester and two brothers, Irvin and Lynn Kimmel.
Military graveside honors and a celebration of life gathering will be scheduled at a future date.

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Mary Louise Zuber, 74, Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2011 at her residence. She was born on July 17, 1937 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Alexander and Dorothy (Kohel) Fox.
She attended school through the 8th grade.  She married Wayne A. Zuber on October 16, 1954 in Fort Wayne. She was a homemaker and lived in Fort Wayne until 1990 moving to their lake home in Wolcottville for 17 years and has lived in Columbia City the past 4 years. She was an artist who enjoyed ceramics, creating porcelain dolls, cross-stitching, beading and also she enjoyed playing dominos and cards. She was very active at the Woodland's Senior Center and was a member of the Old Bats and Red Hats, both in Columbia City and the Silver Striders and Domino Girls in Wolcottville.
She is survived by 3 children including, Lola (Phil Richards) Bendele, Sarasota, FL, James (Rita) Zuber, Fort Wayne and Julie (Joseph) Gruss, Columbia City; 5 grandchildren, John Bendele, Adam Zuber, Tim Zuber, Jessica Burkett and Marie Neer and 6 great grandchildren, Jacob Bendele, Milo Burkett, Felix Burkett, Alexa Zuber, Ann Neer and Jade Neer; 3 sisters, Janet (Harold) George, Martha Rose "Marty" Roberts and Nancy (Robert) Howey all of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wayne A. Zuber, brother, Ronald Fox and sister, Barbara Ann Campos.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 1-3:00 p.m. with funeral service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant will officiate. Committal service and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 at St. Gaspar's Catholic Cemetery, Rome City.

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Mary E. Grant, 90, of Columbia City, IN passed away peacefully with her loving family near her on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. Born April 23, 1921 in Columbia City,she was the daughter of Joseph and Bertha Ann (Bush) Sheets.
She was raised in Columbia City and has resided in Larwill, Blue Lake, Smith Township and South Whitley and Indianapolis, with son, Barry Graves before returning to Columbia City.  She was educated in the Coesse public schools. She married Arthur L. Grant.  She worked for 9 years as a welder at Ion Capicitor; as a beautician at the LaCharm Beauty Shop; and as a steamstress at Blue Bell for 10 years.
Survivors include her sons, Barry A. Graves of Indianapolis and Murray (Candy) Graves of Claypool; step-daughter, Lucratia Ruckman of South Whitley; 3 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Arthur L. Grant, sisters, Hattie Bridigan, Louella Richey, Hazel Treech, Effa Watson, Rose Hartman, brothers, John Wesley and William Buck Sheets and daughter, Cynthia Lee.
Memorial service is Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN., with Pastor Steve Briggs officiating with burial following service at South Whitley Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Grant's to donor's choice of chairty.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Stanley E. Buckles, 97, of rural Kimmell, died at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he had been admitted on Wednesday.
He was born April 11, 1914 in Allen County, IN the only child of the late, Carlos E. and Cecelia (Lawrence) Buckles. His formative years were spent in Washington Twp, Noble County. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School.
On December 25, 1940, he was united in marriage to Grace A. Coverstone. They made their home on the family farm in Washington Twp, Noble County. Mrs. Buckles died June 20, 1999.
A life-long farmer, he was also trained by the REMC as an electrician. He was a member of the workforce responsible for the electrification of rural homes and farms in Allen and Noble Counties. He served as Township Trustee for Washington Twp, Noble County. He also served on the Township Advisory Board, Noble County Library Board and West Noble School Board. He was a member of Ormas Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school, and a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau.
Surviving relatives include his children, Alice (Michael) Roberts, Kimmell, Walter (Starr) Buckles, Elkhart, Carlos (Carol) Buckles, Columbia City, Samuel (Ruth) Buckles, Cromwell, Esther Hartman, Columbia City, Wanda Pelton, Lafayette, and Anna (Larry) O’Cull, Westfield, IN; 22 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Arthur Pelton.
The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Walt Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Stringtown Cemetery. The visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Noble County Library.

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Galen R. "Johnnie" Johnson, 82, of Columbia City, died at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
He was born September 28, 1929 in Huntington County, Indiana a son of the late Andrew and Cornelia (Bauer) Johnson. His formative years were spent in Washington Township, Whitley County. He graduated from Washington Center High School in 1947.
He began his work career with Salisbury (Dana) Axle, Fort Wayne for ten years and then began work with Columbia Dairy as a local dairy delivery man for ten years. He then joined Production Credit, More Farm Store and over ten years with Martin Transportation as a charter bus driver. Coinciding with his day jobs, he worked for over 50 years as an auction clerk for Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company.
On September 29, 1990 he was united in marriage to Patricia J. Foster Roberts. They made their home in Columbia City.
For many years he was the official timekeeper for Columbia City Eagles Basketball. His memberships included, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1906.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Pamela (Lynn) Lehman, Fishers, IN and Ronda (Steve) Hurst, Carmel, IN; two step children, Nathan J.R. (Sue) Roberts, Columbia City and Darcy (Brian) Hyndman, Columbia City; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Stanley A. Johnson and a sister Gwendolyn Clark.
The funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 204 N Main St, Columbia City. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church

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Lois J. Preston, 89, of Columbia City, died at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Parkview Oaks where she was admitted on October 19th.
She was born August 30, 1922 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of William Thomas and Ione J. (Tucker) Perry. As a second grader, her family moved to a farm in Dekalb County from the Coesse area. She graduated from Butler High School.
On August 31, 1940 she was united in marriage to Arthur Thomas Preston. They made their home in Fort Wayne until September 1947 when they moved to their home in Columbia City. Mr. Preston died September 12, 1993.
She was employed at Magnavox for four years and Whitley Products for four years. In 1964 she began working in the Columbia Township Assessor office then Whitley County Assessor office and later Whitley County Recorder office. In January 1980 she began working as a realtor for Century 21, six years later transferring her license to Grable & Associates.
Her memberships include Grace Lutheran Church since June 1948, Eagles #1906 Auxiliary, American Legion Post #98 Auxiliary and Indiana Realtors Association.
Surviving relatives include two children, Larry L. Preston of Auburndale, Florida and Nancy D. Wait of Columbia City; five grandchildren, John Preston, Dan Preston, Alyssa Wait Fajardo, Justin Wait and Megan Wait; three great grandchildren; and three sisters, Phyllis Wood of Columbia City, Garnet Retter of Tri Lakes and Evelyn Fahl of Warsaw.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Louise Perry and Junelle Luther.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 North Main Street, Columbia City with visitation after 1 p.m. The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church.

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Clinton Brown, Jr., 69, of Columbia City, died at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.
He was born January 8, 1943 in Memphis, TN a son of the late Clinton and Melissa (Laird) Brown.
He began his work career in the construction trade and later became a machinist for Hoof Products in Chicago. In 1990, he moved to Winona Lake and was employed by Walmart, Warsaw until retiring in 1997 following a heart attack.
In 2007 he moved to Arizona. After a few years, he returned to the area, most recently living in Columbia City.
Surviving relatives include two sons, John (Christina) Brown, Columbia City and Clinton Brown III, Phoenix, AZ; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Almeda (Frank) Tasker, Chicago, IL and Mildred Shegog, Memphis, TN and a brother, Donald Brown of Memphis, TN.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Eddie Williams and Arlene Brown, and three brothers, Ronald Brown, Morris Brown, and George Brown.
At the request of the family, there will be no visitation or funeral.
Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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