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March 31, 2008

J. David Bollinger, 66

J. David BollingerJ. David Bollinger, age 66, of South Whitley, passed away at 12:10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Hope Hospice, Fort Myers, Florida.
Born on March 22, 1942 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of William Byron and Marian E. (Enos) Bollinger.
He graduated with the Class of 1961 from South Whitley High. Following graduation, he served in the Air Force National Guard.
On January 23, 1965, he married Geraldine M. "Jerri" Huston in South Whitley.
A lifetime South Whitley resident, he was employed with Morsches Lumber, South Whitley, from 1958 to 1961, Mill Supplies Inc. for 35 years and he retired in 2007 from Northern Indiana Supply Company, Marion, with 7 years of service.
He was a member of the South Whitley United Methodist Church. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Geraldine "Jerri" Bollinger of South Whitley; sons, Richard E. "Rick" (Melissa) Bollinger of South Whitley and Mark A. (Kathy) Bollinger of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Brooke M. (Chad) Lincoln of South Whitley; his mother, Marian E. Bollinger of North Manchester; sisters, Sue Rose Grossman-Marker of Huntington and Julia Glass of Greenfield; five grandchildren, including Crystal, Chloe and Byron Kendal Bollinger, Yulia Bollinger and Isaiah Lincoln; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His father, W. Byron Bollinger, preceded him in death.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. with 1 hour of calling prior to service on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 W State Road14, South Whitley, with Reverend Paul Burris and Reverend Connie Payne officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial bequests be given in memory of Mr. Bollinger to South Whitley United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or Whitley County Relay for Life. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

 


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Paul M. Guyermelli, 81

Paul M. Guyermelli, age 81, of Columbia City, died at 1:50 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Paul Guyermelli
Born in Manhattan, New York, on May 13, 1926, he was the son of John J. and Aneilia (Podwalka) Guyermelli.
He lived in Hamilton Square, New Jersey and moved to Whitley County in June of 1990.
He graduated from the New York City Public School System and continued his studies at Columbia University. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. On July 4, 1960 he married Carrie V. Carley in West Palm Beach, Florida. He retired from Hamilton Hospital as a stationary engineer, Hamilton Square, New Jersey in 1990. He was a member of the American Legion Post #160, Roanoke, Indiana.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie V. Guyermelli, Avilla; two sons, Paul E. Guyermelli, Ocean City , New Jersey and Timothy M. Guyermelli, New Haven ; two daughters, Carol A. (Bill) Fausey, Columbia City and Mary D. (Bruce) Comer, Plum, Pennsylvannia; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joseph J. Guyermelli and his step-father, Edward Wedler.
At Mr. Guyermelli's request, there will be no visitation and no service.
To send the family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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March 29, 2008

Harry R. Harris, 72

Harry R. Harris, 72, of Tri Lakes, died Saturday, March 29, 2008 at his home. Harry Harris
He was born March 19, 1936 in Salisbury, Pennsylvania a son of Harry L. and Katherine L. (Landis) Harris. His formative years were spent in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. Following his high school graduation from Meyersdale High School, he moved to Winona Lake and received his Bachelor Degree in Education from Grace College. He received Masters of Arts Degree from St. Francis College.
On April 20, 1957 he was united in marriage to F. Anita Harris in California. They made their home in Pennsylvania for a few months before moving to Winona Lake. In 1964, they moved to their home on Little Cedar Lake.
On January 27, 1958 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Chinese linguist in Formosa for 18 months. He was honorably discharged on March 31, 1962.
From 1964 until 1994 he taught Junior High Social Studies, 6th Grade English and Mechanical Arts & Shop at Thorncreek School. He also coached football, basketball, volleyball and track.
He was a member of Tri Lakes Baptist Church, Whitley County and Indiana Retired Teachers Associations, served eight years on the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board and sang for 20 years with the Joyful Sound Gospel Quartet throughout Northeast Indiana.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Anita; three children, Misti Harris of Salinas, California, Susan (Matthew) Bowen of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Matt (Tracy) Harris of Panama City Beach, Florida; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Harris.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at Tri Lakes Baptist Church, 5679 N. Center Street, Columbia City with Pastor David Schiedel, church pastor, officiating. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.
The burial will be in Stough Cemetery with military honors presented by the Whitley County Korean Veterans Honor Guard.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Tri Lakes Baptist Church Building Fund.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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March 28, 2008

M. Margaret Zumbrun, 91

M. Margaret Zumbrun, 91, a former resident of Columbia City, died Thursday, March 27, 2008 in the Ephrata Manor Nursing Home in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. M. Margaret Zumbrun
She was born October 10, 1916 in Coesse, Indiana a daughter of Ray O. and Mary M. (Mossman) Staley. Her formative years were spent in Whitley County. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1935.
On July 11, 1936 she was united in marriage to Ted Zumbrun. They made their home in Noble County until 1958 when they moved to Whitley County. They moved into Columbia City in 1992. Mr. Zumbrun died March 10, 2003. Margaret moved to the Ephrata Assisted Living Home in May 2003.
A homemaker, she was employed at Blue Bell for 20 years.
Surviving relatives include a son, Lynn S. Zumbrun of Columbia City; a daughter, Jo Ellen Zumbrun of Lititz, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Tracy Zumbrun and Yvonne Nichols; and three great grandsons, Justin, Ethan & Evan Nichols.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2008 at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 E 700 North, Columbia City with Rev. Craig Myers, church pastor, officiating. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour before the service at the church on Monday.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Blue River Church of the Brethren.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Edward Reynolds, 98

Edward Melvin Reynolds, 98, of Wabash, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Edward Reynolds
He was born June 17, 1909 in Wabash to Edward Stanton and Ada Mae (Eltzroth) Reynolds.
Mr. Reynolds was a 1927 graduate of Wabash High School.
He worked for Container Corporation 18 years, was a self-employed trucker and also worked at Wabash Tool Rental. He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and owned Boxer dogs.
He is survived by his five children, Donna L. (Delbert) Johnson of Columbia City, Jay (Barbara) Reynolds of Century, Florida, Greg Reynolds of Indianapolis, Julie Green of Fort Wayne, and Darren Reynolds of Lebanon; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and twenty-three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nanette Ames, two great-grandchildren and a sister.
Funeral services will be held at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave. in Wabash on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 2 p.m. with David Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com

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March 25, 2008

Roger L. LaFevor, 63

Roger L. LaFevor, 63, a resident of rural South Whitley, lost his courageous fight against cancer at 5:30 p. m. on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at his residence with his loving family at his side. Roger LaFevor
Mr. LaFevor was born in Fort Wayne on March 27, 1945, a son of the late Louis H. and Laura L. (Fritz) LaFevor.
He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1963, and entered the U. S. Army later that same year, serving with Company B 1st Battalion 506th Infantry. He specialized in light weapons infantry, attended Airborne School, and was awarded the Parachutist Badge, Expert Badge (rifle M-14), and the National Defense Service Medal.
On September 14, 1968, he was married in Fort Wayne to Patricia L. Gebhart.
He worked as a wire drawer at General Electric in Fort Wayne, retiring from there in 1997 after over 30 years.
The surviving relatives include his wife of 39 years, Patricia; his children Doug (Marnie) LaFevor of Mitchell, and Christina (Albert) Donato of Fortville; two brothers Wendell LaFevor of Warsaw and Kenneth (Sharon) LaFevor of Auburn; a sister Wauneta (Bill) Perse of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
At Roger’s request there will be a Tribute to Life Gathering at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco from 10 a. m. until noon on Friday, March 28. Military rites will be conducted at noon by the U. S. Army Honors Unit and the Churubusco American Legion Post 157.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Christine T. Crawford, 93

Christine T. Crawford, 93, formerly of Columbia City, died at 1:03 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2008 at LuAnn Nursing Home in Nappanee where she had been a resident since December 19, 2007.
She was born December 3, 1914 in Latty, Ohio, a daughter of Clyde and Rosa (Rhoad) Ropp. Her formative years were spent in Latty. Following her graduation from Latty High School in 1932, she moved to Fort Wayne.
On February 15, 1935 she was united in marriage to Eugene “Bud” Crawford. They made their home in Fort Wayne, later purchasing a farm in Wells County. They later moved to a farm in Jefferson Township. Following their retirement from farming, they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Crawford died June 15, 2007.
In addition to assisting with the farms, she worked in the drapery department at Sears for many years and co-owned & operated the Lake Trails Miniature Golf Course in North Webster.
Her memberships included Latty Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include two sisters, Melvene Ahlersmeyer of Lafayette and Arlene Simpson of Nappanee.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Cleo A. Ropp, Glen E. Ropp, Jerry Ropp, Earl Ropp and Vern Ropp; and a sister, Irene Mees.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the activities department at LuAnn Nursing Home.

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March 24, 2008

Robert R. Hilligoss, 88

Robert R. Hilligoss, 88, Columbia City, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2008.
Mr. Hilligoss was born on May 10, 1919, and was married to his wife of 70 years, Betty (Ulrey) Hilligoss. Robert R. Hilligoss
He is also survived by his daughters Peggy (Terry) Krider of Decatur, and Deb (Mike) Roy of Columbia City, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, Max Hilligoss, and a sister, Miriam Rice.
He is preceded in death by his son, Ronald, and two grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Robert Hilligoss’s name can be made to the Columbia City Church of the Brethren Building Fund.

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Verda K. Shepherd, 98

Verda K. Shepherd, age 98, of Kansas City , Missouri, and a former Columbia City resident, died at 1:55 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2008 at Armour Home , Kansas City, Missouri. 
Born in Warsaw on February 14, 1910, she was the daughter of Henry and Maud Estella (Rowe) Oswalt.
She lived in Milford, Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Venice, Florida, before moving to Kansas City.   She graduated from high school and married Fred E. Shepherd on December 12, 1933.  She was a housewife and a member of Milford Christian Church, Milford , Indiana.
She is survived by her son-in-law, John E. Replogle of Venice, Florida; three granddaughters, Becky Replogle-Wilkes of Kansas City; Kathi Shaffer of Kingsport, Tennessee; and Brenda Replogle of Kansas City.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Fred E. Shepherd, a daughter, Nancy Replogle, three sisters, Helen Ruch, Pauline Marvel and Alta Shepherd and one brother, Francis Oswalt.
At the request of Mrs. Shepherd, there will be no visitation or funeral service.  Burial will be take place at South Park Cemetery , Columbia City .
Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , ColumbiaCity.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.demoneygrimes.com

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March 23, 2008

Woodrow "Woody" M. Underwood, Jr., 63

Woodrow “Woody” M. Underwood, Jr., 63, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 20, 2008, at home after a long bout with cancer. Woodrow Underwood
He was a well respected elder at The Edgewood Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
He was a tool maker and master machinist at Kunkle Valve for 29 years and also served as a C&C operator for Alliance Tool and Equipment for an additional 12 years.
"Woody was a kind and caring man known for helping everyone. He was also a dedicated family man and father who loved to travel. He will be missed much by his family and friends. You're a loved man Dad."
He is survived by his mother, Mary V. Underwood; brother, Mark D. Underwood; children, Jill (Bob) Romine, Janeen (Brad) Miller, Janet (Troy) Bennett, and Jonathan (Laura) Underwood; and nine grandchildren.
"We would like to give special thanks for the expert and professional care provided by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Their loving devotion and dedication towards Woody and the family was a true blessing. All nurses involved went far beyond the call of duty, treating him like he was their own."
A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Edgewood Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6427 Blackstone Drive, Fort Wayne.
The family respectfully requests that any memorials be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne IN 46814.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.covingtonmemorial.com

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Warner J. Ehrman, 90

Warner J. Ehrman, 90, of Columbia City, died at 7:55 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at Hospice Home on Homestead Road in Fort Wayne.
He was born on May 27, 1917 in Fort Wayne, a son of Edwin and Frieda (Nahrwald) Ehrman.
On February 3, 1940, he married Norma A. "Toni" Ehrman and they spent 59 loving years together. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1966 when they moved to Whitley County, making their home near Churubusco, later Columbia City and then South Whitley. Mrs. Ehrman died November 25, 1999. Early in his life he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and was very devoted as a volunteer minister. He loved taking road trips with his family and building kites and model airplanes. He was known for his sense of humor and genuine love for family and friends.
He was a retiree of Zollner with 33 years of service.
Surviving are three sons, Larry (Diane) Ehrman of Monroeville, Thomas (Linda) Ehrman of Fort Wayne and Jeff (Kay) Ehrman of Syracuse; two daughters, Julie (Walter) Smith of Fort Wayne and Marianne (Jan) Kuckuck of Columbia City; 14 grandchildren, one step grandchild; six great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Violet Meredith of Arizona.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers Leroy and Kenneth Ehrman.
A memorial service was held Sunday, March 23, 2008 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 500 N. Oak St., in Columbia City.
Arrangements were coordinated by Smith & Sons Funeral Home and messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

 


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March 21, 2008

Sandra "Sue" Bryan, 65

Sandra “Sue” Bryan, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, due to complications from Scleroderma.
Born in Whitley County on July 6, 1942, she was the daughter of Max and Dolores (Nix) Hilligoss.
She and her husband, Berton Bryan, were married 46 years.
Her professional hairstyling career spanned 33 years and her life was measurably enriched by her loyal clientele.
She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching their many sports and school activities. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed her friends through tennis leagues and bridge clubs as well.
She is survived by her husband, Berton; sons, Jeffrey (Dede) of Indianapolis and Gregory (Heather) of Kerikeri, New Zealand; daughters, Sheryl (Ric) Sorg of Fort Wayne and Shelia (Jimmy Jr.) Marley of Leo; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; her father, Max Hilligoss of Whitley County; sisters, Carolyn (Stanley Jr.) Fisher of Pleasant Lake, and Nancy (Steve) Josephson of Los Angeles, California; and brother, John (Deb) Hilligoss of Whitley County.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores (Nix) Hilligoss.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to service. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, with a prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Preferred memorials may be made to: Scleroderma Foundation, Attention: Donations, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923 or Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816.

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Ida Mae Staples, 78

Ida Mae Staples, 78, of Columbia City, died at 9:48 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
She was born December 15, 1929 in Sparta, Tennessee, a daughter of Samuel and Rosetta (Barker) Mitchell. Her formative years were spent in Sparta and she completed her education at Sparta High School.
On October 24, 1953 she was united in marriage to James L. Staples. They made their first home in Columbia City. They resided in Chicago for nearly 20 years, returning to Columbia City in 1973.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Jim; a son, James S. Staples of Columbia City; and two granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by a son, David Wayne Staples and a sister, Mildred Marie Bertolotti.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Whitley County Council on Aging Building Fund.

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Susan K. Sampson, 61

Susan K. Sampson, 61, of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at her home.
She was born March 27, 1946 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Charles H. and Alice Louise (Ladig) Davis Sr. As a teen, her family moved to Tri Lakes. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.
In July 24, 1965 she was united in marriage to Danny K. Wallace Sr. They lived most of their married life in Tri Lakes. Mr. Wallace died February 25, 1991.
On October 3, 1994 she was united in marriage to Lawrence Edward “Larry” Sampson. They made their home in Fort Wayne. Mr. Sampson died April 16, 2003.
She was employed at Blue Bell, S & L Truck Stop, Big Foot and Eaton Corp.
Surviving relatives include three sons, Danny K. Wallace Jr. of Fort Wayne, Rodney E. (Chris) Wallace and Dax E. (Lisa) Wallace, both of Churubusco; 9 grandchildren; a brother, Chuck Davis of Roanoke; and a sister, Alice Davis of Lake Elsinore, California.
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Rev. Thomas Beers, pastor of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, officiating. The burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. The calling will be from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon Monday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Lynn Rhoades, 50

Lynn Rhoades, 50, of North Manchester, died at 8:36 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Lynn Rhoades
A daughter of Norman and Pamela (Edmunds) Lightle, she was born in Indianapolis on February 6, 1958.
She was a 1976 graduate of Manchester High School. She graduated from Manchester College with a BA in accounting. During her junior year, she was a Laketon Lions Club exchange student to Japan.
During her career, she was an accountant at Celotex/BPB Amerigo in Lagro from 1996 to 2001; Kelly Box Inc. in Fort Wayne from 2001-2005; and at Vera Bradley in Fort Wayne from 2005-2007. She was, most recently, a human resources accountant at Halderman Farm Management in Wabash. Additionally, she was the owner and operator of L.T.S. Accounting in North Manchester.
In addition to being den mother for her son’s Cub Scout group, she was very involved in Business and Professional Women. She was a local chapter president and District Director of District 2 and a candidate for Treasury of State.
Survivors include a son, Chad M. Rhoades of North Manchester; her fiance, Steve Fries of North Manchester; two brothers, Chris Lightle of Claypool and Scott Lightle of North Manchester; a sister, Shawn Zinsmeister of South Whitley; her parents, Norman and Pamela Lightle of North Fort Myers, Florida.; and her paternal grandmother, Maxine Lightle of North Manchester.
The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary in North Manchester, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday. Burial is at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester.
Memorials may be directed to Indiana BPW Foundation,
Box 33, Knightstown, IN 46148
Please designate they be directed for Scholarship General in memory of Lynn Rhoades.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.delaughtermckee.com

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Doris Ellen Taylor, 73

Doris Ellen Taylor, 73, of Bear Lake and Nokomis, Florida., died on Friday, March 14, 2008, at Venice Regional Hospital in Venice, Florida. She had battled cancer for several years.
A daughter of Gerald and Golda Egolf, she was born on December 29, 1934 in Columbia City.
She married to Jimmie K. Taylor in Angola on December 29, 1953. Prior to retirement, the couple spent most of their married years together at their home at Bear Lake. Following retirement, the couple wintered in Nokomis, Florida.
She retired from the transportation department at Central Noble School Corporation in 1989 as a school bus driver. She had been employed by the corporation for 23 years.
She enjoyed crafting, gourds, reading and spending time with her family.
A member of Wolf Lake United Methodist Church, she was also a girls softball coach and was an officer of the Wolf Lake Baseball/Softball Association. She was a member of the Wolf Lake Park Board, the East Shore Conservancy and was also a member of the Florida and Indiana Gourd societies.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmie; two daughters, Jamie (Brian) Hull of Syracuse, Susan (Jeff) Ladig of Kimmell and a son, Mike Taylor of Cromwell; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and a brother Robert (Judy) Egolf of Fort Myers, Florida.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Egolf.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. on May 10, 2008, at the Wolf Lake United Methodist Church at Wolf Lake.
At the family’s request, memorials may be directed to the Wolf Lake Free Health Clinic, in care of Wolf Lake United Methodist Church,
P.O. Box 64
, Wolf Lake, IN.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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March 20, 2008

Theresa Ann Wallace, 59

Theresa Ann Wallace, age 59, of Columbia City passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at her residence.  Theresa Ann Wallace
Born on September 9, 1948 in Hartford City , Indiana , she was the daughter of Gerald E. and Glendora P. Macon.
She attended school in the Trenton School System, Trenton , Indiana. On June 19, 1991 she married Charles Wallace in Hartford City where she resided until 2004 when she moved to Columbia City. She worked for Key Plastics in Hartford City for 15 years.
Survivors include her daughters, Tammy (Harold McClure) Hoppas of Churubusco and Terry (Raymond) Heflin of Columbia City; sons, Troy (Annette) Brock of Garrett and Robert Brock of Columbia City ; and 11 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles Wallace, and a brother, Gene Macon. 
Services will be private. 
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Mrs. Wallace's memory to the American Diabetes Association.  Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City .
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

 


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March 19, 2008

Nancy S. Bonner, 68

Nancy S. Bonner, 68, a resident of Sawmill Lake, died at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at her home.
She was born January 17, 1940 in Gary, Indiana the 15th of 16 children of Peter Matthew and Lydia May (Conoway) Pavlik. Her formative years were spent in Gary. She graduated from Toleston High School.
On June 16, 1961 she was united in marriage to Harry M. Bonner. They made their home in Lake Station until 1977 when they moved to their home on Sawmill Lake. Mr. Bonner died January 19, 2003.
A homemaker, she was a former president of the Women’s Auxiliary for East Gary Volunteer Firemen and volunteered for many organizations including Crippled & Handicapped Children, Adult Basic Education, Goshen Hospital ER Department since 1999 logging in over 1600 hours, North Webster Elementary School, Polk Elementary School, North Webster Friends of the Library, Writer’s Group of North Webster and was a volunteer sponsor of CWA Club at Whitko Middle School.
Surviving relatives include six daughters, Laura (Duey) Thong-Umphai of Pierceton, Beth (Troy) Horvath of Granger, Lydia (Bill Dunbar) Conoway of Mountainview, California, Cass Bonner of Australia, Cindy (Joe) Gromala of Kendallville and Kathe Brooks of Hobart; three sons, Basil (Kelly) Bonner of Georgia, Pete (Kristin) Bonner of Leesburg and Kim (Carolyn) Bonner of Hobart; 14 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four sisters, Betty Urbanik of Hobart, Gloria Rhueman of Columbia City, Wanda Viars of Lafayette and Mary Dunn of Portage; and three brothers, Jack Johns of Valparaiso, Gene Pavlik of Las Vegas, Nevada and Bob Pavlik of Lake Station.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Christine Newman-Jacobs, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in the Mock Addition of North Webster Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Goshen Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

 


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Mary Jane Pepple, 90

Mary Jane Pepple, 90, of Tucson, Arizona, died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008 at the Villa Maria Care Center in Tucson where she had been a resident since November 17, 2002.
She was born February 26, 1918 in Aboite Township, Allen County, Indiana a daughter of Andrew J. and Sadie (McMillen) Coleman. As a teenager, her family moved to Eel River Township, Allen County. She graduated from the Eel River – Perry High School.
On November 25, 1937 she was united in marriage to Lloyd A. Pepple. They made their home in Eel River Township until 1960 when they moved to Columbia City. Following the death of Mr. Pepple on September 10, 1982, Mary Jane moved to Tucson.
She was a former charter member of Columbia City Church of the Brethren and had attended Desert Dove Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Tucson.
Surviving relatives include a son, S. Gene (Mary) Pepple of Columbia City; three daughters, Roselyn (John) Marsh of Tucson, Arizona, Margaret (Dean) Miller of Columbia City and Cathy Pepple of Tucson, Arizona; nine grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Hubert Coleman, Ralph Coleman and Harold Coleman.
To leave messages of condolence, visit www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Hazel C. Stanton, 85

Hazel C. Stanton, age 85, of Columbia City died at 11:17 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Hazel Stanton
Born in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia on December 3, 1922, she was the daughter of Charles T. and Martha M. (Glover) Collins.
She attended Bruceton Mills High School, West Virginia.
On May 11, 1973, she married Robert R. Stanton in Van Wert, Ohio, and in 1966, she moved from Grafton, West Virginia to Allen County and in 1982, she moved to Whitley County.
For 16 years, she was an employee of Container Corporation, Fort Wayne, where she retired in 1983.
She was a member of the VFW# 5582 Auxiliary.
Survivors included three sons, Charles G. (Claudia) Knight of Round Rock, Texas, Richard A. (Kathy) Knight of Albion and Keith C. (Carol) Knight of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; three daughters, Patricia A. (Kenneth) Foster of Columbia City, Karen S. Young of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and Linda (Richard) Dignan of Warren, Ohio; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James C. Knight, her second husband, Robert R. Stanton, a grandson, Kenneth D. Foster II, four brothers, James, Alvin, Floyd and Harold Collins, and three sisters, Margaret Copeman, Gladys Weller and Mildred Collins.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home,
600 Countryside Drive, Columbia
City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Woods of Burr Oak Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Stanton’s memory to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or Parkview Whitley Home Health & Hospice.
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send condolences, sign the family guest register book, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com

 


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March 18, 2008

Vera Pauline Moe, 99

Vera Pauline Moe, 99, of Warsaw, died at 8:16 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2008, at Grace Village Health Care in Winona Lake.
A daughter of Edward and Erma (Naber) Goehler, she was born in North Manchester on January 15, 1909.
On December 24, 1936, she was united in marriage to Fern A. Moe in Greenfield. Mr. Moe passed away on October 13, 1981.
An art and home economics teacher for schools in Pierceton, North Webster, Akron and for Whitko schools, she spent most of her life in Kosciusko County.
She was a member of First Church of Christ Scientist in Warsaw. She held memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, Pierceton, Retired Teachers of Kosciusko County and Retired Teachers of Indiana.
She is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Keith) Peoples of Columbia City, two granddaughters, a grandson, seven great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fern, two sisters and a brother.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 15, at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw. Bill Nichols officiated. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.
Memorials given in Mrs. Moe’s name may be directed at the discretion of the donor.

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Robyn A. Ihrie, 71

Robyn A. Ihrie, 71, of Columbia City, died Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Robyn A. IhrieParkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. The artist and poet was born in Fort Wayne to the late James R. and Anna Ihrie. She is survived by children, Aimee (Gary) Howe of Woodburn, Renee Ward of Fort Wayne, Andree (Tom) Workman of Orland, Hollee Garland of Fort Wayne and Matthew (Frankie) Gagnon of New Haven; sisters, Rita Harper and Tana Moses; brother, Bob Ihrie; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. No Services. Preferred memorials to the family, in c/o the funeral home. Arrangements by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy. 930 E., New Haven.


Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/18/2008.


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Anita A. Erne, 58

Anita A. Erne, 58, of rural Columbia City, died at 5:08 a.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008 in the emergency room of Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was transported from Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. Anita Erne
She was born April 14, 1949 in Ann Arbor, Michigan a daughter of Monroe and Virginia (Ackland) Phillips. Her formative years were spent in Milan, Michigan. She graduated from Milan High School.
On June 9, 2002 she was united in marriage to Douglas R. Erne. They have always made their home in Etna Troy Township, Whitley County.
Her memberships include Three Rivers Orchid Society.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Doug; two daughters, Jolie Marie Scheets of Georgia and Mischelle Gilliam of Riverside, California; two step daughters, Charity Myers of Fort Wayne and Julie McCormick of Avilla; five grandchildren; four step grandchildren; a great grandson; her father, Monroe Phillips of Roodhouse, Illinois; three sisters, Shirley Lewis of Pennsylvania, Virginia Oldham of Knoxville, Tennessee and Carol Hilbig of Livonia, Michigan; and two brothers, Monroe Phillips III of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Dwight Phillips of Alton, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will be from12 Noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the final expense account at Smith & Sons Funeral Home.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

 


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Donald E. Clingerman, 77

Donald E. Clingerman, age 77, of Temecula, CA, formerly of Columbia City, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2008.
Born on August 21, 1930 in Ormas, Noble County, he was the son of William F. and Ella I. (Heintzelman) Clingerman. In 1949, he married Ina Marie Long and his second marriage was to Linda Raper in 1966.
Employed by IWP in California, he retired in 1996 with more than 35 years of service as a steel worker. He also worked at Essex Wire, Ligonier, IN in the 1960's and for the State/County Highway Departments in the 1950's. Survivors include daughters, Roberta(Jason)Casanova of Temecula, California, Carla Jauregui of Redding, California and Ruth Galla of Thelon, California; sons, Donald (Sharon) Clingerman of Columbia City, David Clingerman of Silver Lake,  and Daniel (Beth) Raper of Paris, California; sisters, Ruth Douglas of Ormas, Jo Ann Marks of Huntsville, Ohio, Dixie "Sis" Nei of Columbia City, Nancy Wright of Florida and Mary Kay (Bud) Walls of Warsaw; brother, Tony (Janice) Clingerman of Kimmell; 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeff Raper and brothers, Benny F. and William Clingerman.
There will be no visitation. A graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, with Pastor Karen Biddle of Etna Methodist Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Clingerman family in care of DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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March 17, 2008

Lois T. Hyndman, 101

Lois T. Hyndman, age 101, of Columbia City, died at 4:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Lois Hyndman
She was born in Mattoon, Illinois on February 12, 1907, the daughter of Oscar L. and Clara Marie (Hamilton) Harris. When she was 15 years old, her parents moved from Mattoon to Smithville, Indiana. In 1928, she and her family moved to Kosciusko County and then to Columbia City in 1931.
In 1958, she went to Phoenix, Arizona, and returned to Columbia City in 1973. She graduated from the Smithville School System with the Class of 1925 and attended Phoenix College.
She married Ralph Edward Hyndman on September 3, 1937, in Whitley County. While in Phoenix, she retired as the head of the ladies fine apparel department of Diamonds Department store.
Since 1933, she has been a member of the Nazarene faith, and while in Phoenix, she was a Free Methodist licensed local minister. She and her father, Oscar L. Harris, were two of the organizers of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. She was a charter member of the church and she held every elective and appointive office in the church and its Christian education school including that of teacher, trustee and Bible school leader. In October 1945, the Rev. D.A. Glaze served as the officiating clergyman in licensing Mrs. Hyndman as a local minister in the Nazarene Church. For many years Mrs. Hyndman and her sisters were well known as the Harris Harmonettes, a sacred gospel music vocal trio. Survivors include her son, Jack D.(Cathy) Hyndman, Columbia City; daughter, Jill Green, Phoenix, Arizona, four granddaughters, Robyn D.(Eric) Ford, Fort Wayne, Adelle (Travis) Baker, Columbia City, Jodee and Jacolbee Green both of Phoenix; a grandson, Heath D. Hyndman, Albion; and two sisters, Audrey Holt and Mildred "Midge" Johnson, of Phoenix.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph Edward Hyndman, in May of 1989, three sisters, Marguerite "Peg" Irvin, Lucille K. Hoffman and Juanita Craw, and four brothers, William, Kenneth E., Conan D. and Carl "Pete" Harris.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the funeral home with Reverend Tom Beers and Reverend Phil Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Hyndman's memory to Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family, sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Wendell B. Noaker, 77

Wendell B. Noaker, 77, a resident of Albion, died at 2:30 a. m. on Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Hickory Creek at Kendallville. He had been in declining health since October, and had entered the nursing home on February 29. Wendell Noaker
Mr. Noaker was born on July 8, 1930 in Detroit, a son of Mervin and Florence (Burkman) Noaker, and spent his formative years in Wayland, Michigan.
As a young man he served with the U. S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, and was married in Breedsville, Michigan on February 24, 1983 to Anna L. Gray. The couple lived for 13 years in Bangor, Michigan before moving to Noble County in 1996.
Employed as the director of engineering at Du-Wel Metal Products in Bangor, Michigan, he retired from there in 1995 after 33 years.
The surviving relatives include his wife Anna; four daughters Sandra (Mitchell) Wells of Allegan, Michigan., Nancy Noaker of Lynchburg, Virginia, Lana Jackson of Albion, and Jill (Jeff) Lash of Columbia City; a son Wendell Roger Noaker of Orlando, Florida; a sister Ruth Pincomb of Avon Park, Florida; three brothers Wayne R. (Lois) Noaker of Avon Park, Florida, Lloyd C. (Beth) Noaker of Wakarusa, and David E. (Carol) Noaker of Orlando, Florida; and eight grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin sons Ronald Noaker and Donald Noaker; a daughter Dorothy Noaker; a brother Dan M. Noaker; and by a sister Wanda McDonald.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Lyle Calkins, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Thursday afternoon.
Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 111 E. Ludwig Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Barbara E. Mascho, 67

Barbara E. Mascho, 67, a resident of rural Churubusco, died at 10:15 p. m. on Friday, March 14, 2008 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She had been in declining health since Christmas, had entered the hospital on Monday.
Mrs. Mascho was born on August 20, 1940 in Steinhatchee, Florida, a daughter of David Franklin and Bessie Mae (Stephens) Gentry. As an adult she moved to Fort Wayne, and had lived at her home north of Churubusco since 1987.
She had retired from Raytheon (formerly Magnavox) after 30 years.
Her marriage took place in Kingsland, Georgia on July 8, 1975 to Gerald A. “Jerry” Mascho. He survives.
Also surviving is her daughter, Jana Vachon of Churubusco; a son, Marty (Alicia) Peacock of Monroeville; five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
At the request of the family, there will be private family services at a later date.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Mrs. Mascho’s great-grandchildren’s educational fund.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

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March 14, 2008

R. Wiladene Drudge, 94

R. Wiladene Drudge, 94, Silver Lake, IN died at 12:45 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2008 at home.
She was born January 19, 1914 in Wabash County, to Charles and Rosa (Albright) Blickenstaff.
On January 19, 1935 she married Harley M. Drudge. He died November 13, 1964.
She was a member of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake. She retired from Controls Co., North Manchester, after 20 years of service.
She is survived by one son, Roger A. (Lynne) Drudge of Columbia City; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Marilyn Sue) Sterk, Silver Lake; Peggy Ann Boggs, North Manchester; and Mrs. Jerry (Elaine Kay) Rager, Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter and one sister.
Services will be held Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. in the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, 2507 East State Road 14, Silver Lake. Calling will be held on Saturday, March 15, from 2-8 p.m. in Delaughter-McKee Mortuary in North Manchester and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Andy Airgood and Pastor Harriett Finney will officiate. Burial will be in Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, Inc., 902 Provident Dr. Warsaw, IN 46580.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.delaughtermckee.com

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Nancy K. Green, 59

Nancy K. Green, 59, a resident of rural Churubusco and wife of Jack L. Green, died at 6:25 a. m. on Friday, March 14, 2008, in the comfort of her home following a valiant 15 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Nancy Green
Mrs. Green was born in Fort Wayne on May 7, 1948, a daughter of Robert B. “Beany” and Erin A. “Mick” (Neufer) Schenher, and spent her formative years in the Churubusco-area. She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1966 and later earned her R. N. from IPFW in 1968.
Following her college graduation she worked for a year as a Vista volunteer in Oklahoma, was married at Ege on August 7, 1971 to Jack L. Green, and spent most of her life on the family farm west of Churubusco.
Employed as a nurse in the office of Dr. Linus Minnick in Churubusco for over ten years, she also worked as a postal carrier at the U. S. Post Office in Churubusco, and later did painting along with her father.
A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ege, she was its CCD director for several years.
She was a great Chicago Cubs baseball fan, enjoyed all kinds of yard work and gardening, and enjoyed taking walks. Next to her Heavenly Father, her family was the most important thing in her life, and she loved and cherished time spent with them.
Throughout her 15-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis and also the tragic loss of her daughter and death of her parents, she always held a positive attitude, never complained, and was an inspiration to her family and all who knew her.
The surviving relatives include her loving and caring husband Jack; three children Jon (Angie) Green of Churubusco, Emily Green of St. Louis, Mo., and Brett “Andy” (Tara) Green of Churubusco; her in-laws John William “Bill” and Almetta Green of Churubusco; three brothers Stan (Linda) Schenher of Indianapolis, and Jeff (Vicki) Schenher and Curt (Dawn) Schenher, both of Churubusco; two sisters Susie (Eric) Johnson of Elk Grove, Calif., and Sally (Jim) Panyard of Angola; and three grandchildren Jessie Green, Allison Green, and Katelyn Green.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter Leslie E. Green on June 28, 1993.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ege with Father Danney Pinto, the celebrant.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday from 5 to 8 p. m., on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or on Wednesday morning from 8:30 a. m. to 9:30 a. m. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p. m. Tuesday at the mortuary.
Interment will be in the Ege Catholic Cemetery, Noble County.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Leslie Green Scholarship Fund or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ege.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

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March 13, 2008

Raymond Gene Mettert, 73

Raymond Gene Mettert, 73, a resident of Churubusco, died at 8:16 p. m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had battled a heart condition for many years and had been hospitalized since March 1. Raymond Mettert
Mr. Mettert was born on November 21, 1934, in Fort Wayne, a son of Alvey Kenneth and Mabel (Worman) Mettert, and spent his formative years there.
On June 12, 1954, he was married in Fort Wayne to Carol J. Lamley, and spent the early years of his marriage there until moving to rural Roanoke in 1963. The couple later lived at Big Lake for several years until moving into Churubusco six years ago.
An employee of Zollner Corporation in Fort Wayne for 32 years, he retired from the maintenance department in 1990. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending summers at their cottage in Osage, Minnesota. Most importantly, he loved and enjoyed his family.
The surviving relatives include his wife Carol, to whom he was married for over 54 years; a son Steven R. (Karla) Mettert of Churubusco; a daughter Sandra (Bradley) Scare of Kendallville; two brothers Don (Mona) Mettert of Fort Wayne and Tom (Lottie) Mettert of Osage, Minnesota; two sisters Claretta (Owen) Nuttle and Helen (Dale) Archbold, both of Fort Wayne; a sister-in-law Lois Turner of Florida; four grandchildren Christopher (Kim) Mettert, Alan (Elizabeth) Mettert, Brandy (Ryan) Mizik, and Hillary Scare; and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry Mettert and Robert Mettert.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Father Danney Pinto, pastor of St. John Bosco Catholic Church, officiating. The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Sunday from 2 to 6 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Monday. Interment will be in the Thorn Cemetery at Ormas.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the American Heart Association,
3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

 


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Hazel B. Sweeney, 93

Hazel B. Sweeney, 93, of Columbia City, died at 12:27 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2008 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since February 13, 2008. Hazel Sweeney
She was born March 7, 1915 in Pierceton, Indiana a daughter of Frank and Florence (Anderson) Gebert. Her formative years were spent in Pierceton and she graduated from Pierceton High School.
In 1937, she was married to Harry Sweeney. He died in 1939.
On June 8, 1940 she was united in marriage to James L. Sweeney. They made their home in Larwill until June 1991 when they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Sweeney died March 3, 1999.
She served as assistant postmaster for the Larwill Post Office for 28 years, retiring in 1975.
Her memberships included Larwill United Methodist Church, Lady Shriner of Mizpah Shrine, Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star #65 and also served as former Worthy Matron of Larwill O.E.S.
Surviving relatives include a sister, Ruth Harris of Claypool.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Mort and Velma Leedy and a brother, Delmar Gebert.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Gene Rohrer, pastor of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. The visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
A twilight service conducted by Columbia City O.E.S. #65 will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Chester Krasienko, 86

Chester Krasienko, 86, of Huntington , passed away at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Parkview North Hospital , Huntington. Chester Krasienko, 86
Born on July 15, 1921, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of John M. and Mary (Marek) Krasienko.
He spent most of his lifetime in Fort Wayne and since 1973 lived in Huntington.   He graduated from Central High School , Fort Wayne , with the Class of 1940 and he graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  He served in the United States Army. 
On July 21, 1951, he married JoEllen Shanley at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Fort Wayne.   He was an engineer at General Electric in Fort Wayne for 36 years while also owning and operating the family farm.  He was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Fort Wayne Engineers and active in a variety of sports.
Survivors include his wife, JoEllen Krasienko of Huntington;  two daughters, Mary Francine (Michael) Hahn of South Bend and Jane (Mark) Trabert of Columbia City; a son, John (Terri) Krasienko of Ponte Verde, Florida; five grandchildren, Adam, Marie,  Chelsea, Kyle, and Alan Trabert;  two sisters, Genieve Ditton of New Haven and Regina Morris of Fort Wayne.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Stephen and Henry Krasienko.
Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2008 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Nix Settlement, State Road 9 South, Columbia City, with visitation from 9-10:00 a.m. and Father Larry Kramer officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Columbia City.  
Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Krasienko's memory to Alzheimer's Association Research or Masses.  To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Paul Howard Spoerke, 65

Paul Howard Spoerke, 65, a resident of rural Columbia City and retired Columbia City postal clerk, died at 5:15 p. m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He had been in failing health since November.
Paul Howard SpoerkeMr. Spoerke was born in Canton, Ohio on February 4, 1943, a son of Clarence J. and Renata (Buenzel) Spoerke. He moved to Columbia City as a youth with his parents, and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1961.
He later served with the U. S. Air Force, and was on active duty there until receiving a hardship discharge in order to return home and assist his mother in the operation of the Western Auto Store in Columbia City after his father had a paralyzing stroke. He continued in the Air Force Standby Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1970.
Employed by the U. S. Postal Service in Columbia City, he retired from there in 1998 after 33 years of service. He had also worked at the Shady Park Nursery in Columbia City, and had worked at the former Rochester Casket Company and for Plastic Veneering in Tunker.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and enjoyed making cabinets, furniture, and refinishing antique pieces for himself, friends and relatives. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting arrowheads and occasional visits to the casino. Most importantly, Paul was always ready to help anyone in need.
He was married on November 2, 1968 in Columbia City to Bonnie (Burk) Coverstone. She survives.
Other surviving relatives include three step-sons Rex Coverstone and Jeffrey (Robyn) Coverstone, both of Columbia City, and Dennis Coverstone of Fort Wayne; a sister Elaine (Charles) Stanley of Columbia City; a brother Carl (Joy) Spoerke of Interlachen, Florida; seven step-grandchildren, three step-great grandchildren; four nieces, three nephews; 13 great nieces and nephews; and two great-great nephews.
Private graveside services with military honors will be held at South Whitley Cemetery at a later date.   At the request of Mr. Spoerke, there will be no calling hours.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Humane Society of Whitley County, 951 S. Line St., Columbia City, IN 46725; or to Habitat for Humanity, 378-A N. Line St., P. O. Box 803, Columbia City, IN 46725.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Robert Harry Edwards, 80

Robert Harry Edwards, 80, of Shriner Lake near Columbia City, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2008 at his home. Robert Edwards
He was born in Kendallville on October 16, 1927, to Burl and Glendora (Weidman) Edwards.
He was a United States Army Air Corps veteran and served his country during WWII.
He first married Elmo Lucille Housholder on August 10, 1947, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla and she preceded his death in 1983. He later married Vivian Alice Marshall on June 14, 1984, at his residence on Shriner Lake and she survives.
Mr. Edwards was a farmer early on in his life and employed with J.O. Mory. He went on to own and operate Edwards Heating & Plumbing during the early 1970's. Later, he was custodian for the Noble County government offices in Albion. He was a Kendallville Volunteer Fireman for many years.
In his freetime, Mr. Edwards loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending all of their activities. He enjoyed teasing them and "chewing their ears".
He loved to go fishing and share his “fish stories”. He enjoyed woodworking and making Christmas gifts for his family. He was a big Purdue fan and looked forward to daily walks with his best friend and neighbor, Porky.
He was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church both in Kendallville and Columbia City.
Survivors include his wife, Vivian Edwards of Shriner Lake, a daughter, Liz Edwards of Fort Wayne, a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Randy Musolff of Sturgis, Michigan, a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Carolyn Edwards of Kendallville, and a daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Shaun Clarke of Oscoda, Michigan. He is also survived by two step-daughters, Deb (Jim) Straub and Cheryl (Steve) Mangan, of Columbia City, 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. A sister, Vada Shepherd of Kendallville, and a brother, Gene Edwards of Corpus Christi, Texas, also survive.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and John Edwards, and a sister, Doris Gose.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12, 2008, from 4-9 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will also be on Thursday one hour before the funeral service.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at Hite Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Kumfer of Big Lake Church of God will lead the service and Judge Robert Probst gave his eulogy. Burial will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Avilla.
Preferred Memorials may be made to American Cancer Association, American Heart Association or to the donor’s choice.
Casketbearers will be Gary Hite, Jason Hite, Michael Masters, Ashley Straub, Adam Straub, Aric Straub and Andy Straub. .
To view a video tribute or send condolences to the family, visit www.hitefuneralhome.com

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March 12, 2008

Vernelle Zurbrick, 84

Vernelle Zurbrick, 84, of North Fort Myers , Florida and formerly of Columbia City , died at 8:55 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Consultant Health Care, North Fort Myers, Florida. Vernelle Zurbrick
She was born in Larwill on April 24, 1923, she was the daughter of Fred L. and Lydia (Schuman) Binkley.
From 1945-1954, she was a resident of Union Township , Whitley County and from 1954-1972 she lived in Larwill. In 1972, she moved to Fort Wayne and since 1980 she has lived in Florida . 
She graduated from Larwill High School . She married John P. Zurbrick on April 14, 1945 in New Haven. She was employed as a secretary in the offices of Larwill and Whitko School Administration offices, Pierceton , and later became a secretary at Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne (IPFW).  She was a member of the North Fort Myers United Methodist Church .
She is survived by her granddaughter, Leslie (Jeremy) Luther of Columbia City; a grandson, Jon Zurbrick of Pierceton; 4 great-grandchildren, Chase Zurbrick of Pierceton, Molly Luther of Columbia City, Hannah Zurbrick of Pierceton and Jackson Luther of Columbia City;and a daughter-in-law, Terri Zurbrick-Cabeen, of Kokomo. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John P. Zurbrick, son, Fred J. Zurbrick, 2 brothers, Keith E. and Tom S. Binkley and a sister, Ilene Sievert.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  The funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, March 15 at the funeral home with Reverend Barry Faucett of New Hope Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial will follow at Lindenwood Cemetery , Fort Wayne. Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Zurbrick's memory to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Columbia City. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences, or to sign the family guest register book, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com.

 


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March 11, 2008

Catharine G. Shinn, 89

Catharine G. Shinn, age 89, of Columbia City, died at 11:50 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. Catharine G. Shinn
Born in Van Wert, Ohio, on October 21, 1918, she was the daughter of Eugene and Helen L.(Webber) King.
She graduated from Van Wert High School with the Class of 1936 and she attended International Business College for a year.
On July 30, 1939, she was married to Paul H. Shinn in Van Wert. From 1953 to 1974, she resided in Fort Wayne, moving to Whitley County in 1974. She moved to Columbia City in 1998.
A bookkeeper and accountant, she was employed by The Rental Center, Fort Wayne, until her retirement when the business was sold in 1974.
She was an active member of Big Lake Church of God, Columbia City.
Survivors include sons, Charles Shinn of New Haven and Ray (Doris) Shinn of Youngstown, Florida; 4 grandchildren, Paul (Kimberly) Shinn of Woodburn, Mark Shinn of Toledo, Ohio, Diane Shinn of Spring Lake, North Carolina and Deborah (Bryant) Larimore of Fort Rucker, Alabama; and 5 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Howard Shinn, brother, Richard Webber King and a sister, Louise L. Wallace.
Visitation with the family will be held at 9 a.m. and at 10 a.m., the funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at Big Lake Church of God, 6955 State Road 109, Columbia City. Pastor Tim Kumfer of Big Lake Church of God will officiate. Burial is at Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne. Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Shinn's memory to Horizon International. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences or to sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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March 10, 2008

Michele Roby Eastman, 38

Michele (Roby) Eastman, 38, of Churubusco ended her valiant battle with cancer March 6 at home surrounded by her loving family and Pastor.
She was well known and thought fondly of her tireless involvement with school and church activities. Michele was a dedicated member of the Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church where she was Treasurer for the United Methodist Women. She grew up in the Times Corner Neighborhood of Fort Wayne's southwest side where she was a member of local Girl Scout and Brownie troops. Michele graduated from Elmhurst High School where she was a member of the marching band and earned an Early Childhood Development Certificate from IPFW. She loved being with children as she was a teacher at TLC Preschool and a Teacher's Aide at Huntertown Elementary School. Michele enjoyed stamping, scrap booking, cross-stitching, baking cakes and cookies for family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Brian; daughter, Emmily; son, Sammuel; parents, Edgar and Carolyn Roby; siblings, Jeffrey Roby, Christopher Roby, and Cynthia Murphy; nieces Miranda and Kayla Murphy; nephews, Benjamin and Trever Roby; parents-in-law, Ronald and Rebecca Eastman; brothers-in-law and family, Benjamin, Hope and Nicholas Eastman, Christopher, Jill and Haven Eastman.
Service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 13733 Wesley Chapel Roadwith calling one hour prior, Larry Smith officiating. Calling is also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Rd.Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family by clicking here.

 


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Helen Louise Fugate, 83

Helen Louise Fugate, 83, passed away Friday, March 7, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.
Born in Roann, she was employed with Atz for 15 years, waitress at Azar's for several years and worked in the cafeteria with Aramark Food Services for 15 years, retiring in 2005. She graduated from Chippawa High School in Wabash. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Columbia City.
She enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid fan. She loved to travel hundreds of miles to attend country music concerts.
Survivors include sons, Larry (Dawn) Moyer of Brandon, Florida, Arnie (Jennifer) Fugate of Richey, Florida; daughter, Karna (Joe) Heck of Columbia City; step-son, Ronnie (Fran) Lowe of Vanwert, Ohio; 9 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; and sister, Debbie Ann in 1955.
Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue with calling one hour prior, Thomas Beers officiating. Calling is also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Memorials to Cancer Services of NE Indiana or Riley Children's Hospital.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family by clicking here.

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Virginia E. Reckeweg McMullen, 90

Virginia E. (Reckeweg) McMullen, 90, of Fort Wayne and a former Columbia City resident, died at 7:55 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008 at St. Anne’s Home, Fort Wayne. Virginia McMullen
She was born in Wabash on May 21, 1917, the daughter of Nicholas A. and Elva Jane (Nusbaum) Wilkenson. She grew up in in Fort Wayne, before moving to Whitley County in 1953 and lived here until 1992, returning back to Fort Wayne. She attended Central High School, Fort Wayne, and graduated from the Beauty College in Fort Wayne.
She served in the United States Navy during WWII, as a Specialist Q in communications and code work. She married John Elton McMullen on July 13, 1973 in Columbia City at Grace Lutheran Church. Mr.McMullen passed away on February 25, 1990.
She owned the Lake Breeze Beauty Salon on Big Cedar Lake, Tri-Lakes, in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and she was employed at Bowmar Electronics in Fort Wayne, until her retirement in 1975. At that time, she went into the antique business selling orientals in Grabill and did road shows.
Survivors include her son, Jon C. Reckeweg of Traverse City, Michigan; a brother, Fred (Carol) Funkhouser, Sebastian, Florida; 2 granddaughters, Dawn (Doug) Gle and Brianna Reckeweg and a great-grandson, Carter Michael Gle. She is preceded in death by parents and husbands, Carl Henry Reckeweg and John Elton McMullen. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with funeral service at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 with Dr. C. James Cress of Grace Lutheran Church, officiating. Committal services will be held in the chapel of Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington Road, Fort Wayne.
Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. McMullen’s memory to the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family or to sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

 


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March 08, 2008

Anna Lynn Long

Anna Lynn Long, infant daughter of Josie M. Long and Henry Gibson was stillborn on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the DeKalb Memorial Hospital in Auburn.
Survivors include her mother Josie M. Long of Churubusco, father Henry Gibson of Garrett, loving grandparents Douglas and Margie Long of Churubusco, Art and Sally Gibson of Waterloo, maternal great-grandmother Pat Buckler of Marion. She is also survived by an aunt, Joy (Richard) Justice of Fort Wayne and an uncle Douglas Long, Jr. of Garrett. Also surviving are great-aunts and uncles; Kelly Buckler, Scott (Shella) Buckler, Rhonda Williams, Candy (Dennis) Walter, Mary (Bobby) Knight, James Martin Long, Jr., Sandra K. (Edward) Rodabaugh, Rex (Ruth) Foreman, Dennis (Pam) Foreman, Marilyn (Manuel) Cox, Dorothy Harris, Ralph Long, Margerie (Gene) Elliot, Debbie (Carlos) Snyder and many cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Eel River Baptist Church on Carroll Road with Pastor Kerry L. Niman officiating. Burial will follow in the Eel River Cemetery, next to the church. The family will receive friends in the church on Monday from noon until service time.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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March 07, 2008

Richard Dennis Grunstad, 61

Richard Dennis Grunstad, age 61, of Columbia City, died at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. He had been in failing health for the past year. Richard Dennis Grunstad
He was born in Fort Wayne on March 23, 1946, the son of Chesleigh Scott Grunstad and Joann Marie (Dimmick) Tom.
He lived his entire life in the Whitley County area and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1964. He served in the United States Army from 1965-1967 in the Vietnam War. He worked from 1965-1973 at Weatherhead Company, Columbia City and from 1973 to 1977 he owned Bamboo Lounge in Columbia City and in 1977 he operated the Clugston Hotel and then became a self employed cabinet maker and also operated the Grunstad Mowing and More.
He was a member of the American Legion #98 and Elks Lodge both of Columbia City.
Survivors include his son, Chandler Richard Grunstad of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Karen Grunstad, of Fort Wayne; his mother, Joann Marie Tom of Columbia City; 2 sisters, Beth Shoda and Jeanne Pfeiffer, both of Columbia City; several nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles, Jim & Carol Dimmick of South Whitley, Jerry & Jan Dimmick of Coldwater, Michigan, and Larry & Linda Tackitt of South Whitley.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Tom, grandparents Richards and Russell and Wanda Dimmick and his step-father, Vassie Tom.
Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with funeral service following at 5 p.m. Sunday with Funeral Celebrants Eddie Beagles and Sharon Brockhaus officiating.
Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Grunstad's memory to Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family or to sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Arthur Edward Bates, 67

Arthur Edward Bates, 67, formerly of Columbia City, died of cancer on November 14, 2006,in Mexico.  Arthur Edward Bates, 67
Born in Columbia City on August 14, 1939, he was the son of Kenneth and Edna E. (Sievers) Bates.  
Survivors include sons, Jay Wayne Rubrake of Columbia City and Arthur Bates, Jr. of Maryland; daughter, Paula Mitchell of Sylvania, Ohio, his mother, Edna E. Bates of Columbia City; 4 grandchildren; brothers, Charles Bates of Oxnard, California, Thomas Bates of Fort Wayne and William Bates of New Ulm, Minnesota, sisters, Barbara Thomas of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Dorothy Pressler of Churubusco. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
His father, Kenneth Bates, preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Chaplain Richard Sievers of Fort Wayne will be officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in the community room of DeMoney-Grimes. Burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery , rural Columbia City.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Richard P. Knotts, 69

Richard P. Knotts, 68, a former resident of rural Churubusco in Allen County and more recently a resident of Harlan, was surrounded by his loving family when he left for Heaven on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11:24 a. m. at his residence. He had been valiantly fighting cancer since November. Richard Knotts
Mr. Knotts was born on November 26, 1939 in Wabash, a son of Ralph and Dorothy (Black) Knotts. He spent his formative years there and graduated from Wabash High School in 1957. As a young man he served in Germany with the U. S. Army, and was married in Wabash on November 21, 1965 to Jeannine Durnbaugh.
The couple moved to Allen County in 1966, and lived in Eel River Township near Churubusco for 20 years. Following his retirement, they lived in Florida for a period before returning to Allen County and moving to Harlan in 2004.
He was employed at CSR Masolite in For Wayne for over 37 years, retired as their sales manager of the concrete block division in 2004, and was well-known by architects throughout northeast Indiana for his knowledge of concrete masonry products.
A member of the Churubusco United Methodist Church, he was a member of the National Concrete Masonry Association, was past president of Indiana Concrete Masonry Association, past treasurer of the Fort Wayne Chapter of Concrete Specified’s Institute, and was a member of the program committee of the Building Contractor’s Association.
After returning to Indiana, he owned and operated Rich’s Rides, a transportation service for the Amish community. A lover of bird watching an all of nature, he enjoyed golf, had a wonderful sense of humor, and never met a stranger. Most importantly, he was a loving and supportive husband and father.
The surviving relatives include his wife Jeannine; his daughters Molly Rennaker of Harlan, and Meegan (Mark) Siegwarth and Dinah (Michael) Keeterle, both of Fort Wayne; a brother Michael (Lindal) Knotts of Clermont, Fla; a sister Sandra Black Haneline of Indianapolis; three grandchildren Donovan Rennaker, Lauren Siegwarth, and Ryan Siegwarth; and two step-grandchildren Shane Keeterle and Sarah Keeterle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Phyllis Lombard.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main Street, Churubusco, IN 46723; or to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Condolences may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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March 06, 2008

Zachariah D. "Zach" Gann, 17

Zachariah D. (Zach) Gann, 17, of Pierceton died Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. at the home of his grandparents in Goshen. He was born on September 29, 1990 in Maynard, Arkansas, to Eddie D. Gann and Julia L. (Hughes) WozniakZachariah Gann.
He was a lifetime Syracuse/Pierceton area resident. He was a sophomore at Whitko High School in South Whitley, IN and attended the North Webster Church of God.
He is survived by his mother, Julie Wozniak of Pierceton, his father, Eddie D. Gann of Maynard, Arkansas, two half-sisters,  Alicia Gann and Latasha Gann, both of Maynard, Arkansas, his maternal grandparents, James and Juanita Hughes of Goshen, a paternal grandmother, Opal Henderson of Kansas City, Kansas, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a half-sister, Heather Gann, and his paternal grandfather.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008 at the Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington Street in Syracuse. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Boyer of the North Webster Church of God and Pastor Gary Lewis of the Cross-Wind United Methodist Church of Logansport officiating.
Memorial bequest may be given to the Regional Autism Center at Logan, P.O. Box 1049, South Bend, IN 46624. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family in memory of Zachariah D. (Zach) Gann please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com

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March 04, 2008

Janis "Jan" Elaine Miller, 65

Janis Elaine Miller, 65, died at 5:08 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born in Wolf Lake, Noble County, on January 7, 1943, she was the daughter of Ermal Avon "Dutch" and Cynthia Olof (Hickman) Gordon. Janis Elaine Miller
She graduated with the Class of 1961 from Churubusco High School, Churubusco, IN and from Fort Wayne Community Schools with a LPN degree.
On November 12, 1966, she was united in marriage to Lloyd E. "Pork" Miller at Grace Lutheran Church in Columbia City. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, her career as a nurse spanned more than 40 years between Whitley County Hospital, Alfran Nursing Home, a plant nurse for Dana Weatherhead, a private duty nurse and as a head nurse for Dr. Willyard in Churubusco, retiring in 1994.
Survivors include a daughter, Joni (Robert) Karp of Fruita, Colorado; brother, Gary Lynn (Ann) Gordon of Churubusco; brother-in-law, Bill Miller of Fort Wayne; several nieces and nephews; and close family friends, Randy and Kim Davis of Churubusco.
Her parents and husband preceded her in death. Visitation is 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home,
600 Countryside Drive, Columbia
City, IN. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the funeral home with Julie Turla, a niece, officiating. Committal service will follow at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Miller to the Churubusco United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or to sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Geneva Burnis Christlieb

Geneva Burnis Christlieb of Columbia City, died Thursday, February 28, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Born on May 17, 1924 in Churubusco, she was the daughter of Silas Jay Keister and Vera Berniece (Bills) Keister Cummins. She graduated with the Class of 1942 from Churubusco High School, Churubusco. On October 20, 1946, she was united in marriage to Charles E. Christlieb in Columbia City.
She was a former resident of Fort Wayne, Chicago and Plymouth. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1998.
In addition to being a devoted wife, homemaker and mother, Mrs. Christlieb was employed for 6 years as a cannery machine operator at Pilgrim Farms in Plymouth. She was a member of the Union Church of the Brethren and AARP.
Survivors include sons, A. Duane (Betty) Christlieb of Airgood, South Dakota, Andy Christlieb of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jay Edward Christlieb of Hanletsburg, Indiana; daughters, Barbara (Levin) Robbins of Somerset, Kentucky, Phyllis Croff of Bronston, Kentucky, and Frances Mattern of Jacksonville, Florida; step-son, Bernard Christlieb of Fort Wayne; step-daughters, Virginia Lincoln of Fort Wayne and Janice Smith of Auburn; 45 grandchildren, 112 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Garland K. (Betty) Keister of Poe, Indiana, Arthur Orin (Cindy) Cummins of Columbia City; sister, Georgia Marie (Larry) Lock of Larwill.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, Lowella Cummins, step-daughter, Georgia May Christlieb Seizemore, step-sons, Leonard, Kedrick and Edward Christlieb, and granddaughter, Tiffany Gashorn.
Visitation is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity, IN. DeMoney-Grimes Certified Funeral Celebrants, Eddie P. Beagles and Sharon Brockhaus will officiate. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, Noble County.
Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Christlieb's memory to the Whitley County Senior Center. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

 


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March 03, 2008

Timothy Allen "Tim" Wagner, 44

Timothy Allen "Tim" Wagner, 44, of Albion, died suddenly Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at his home. Survivors include his mother and father, Nancy J. and William Smith of Columbia City, and stepmother, Barbara Wagner of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Wagner. Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Brazzell Funeral Home, 209 E. Main St., Albion. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the funeral home. Arrangements have been handled by Brazzell Funeral Home in Albion.

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Gladys Irene Lane, 89

Gladys Irene Lane, 89, formerly of  Northeast Miami, Florida and of Markle died at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2008, at Heritage of Huntington. Gladys Irene Lane
Mrs. Lane was born on August 2, 1918, in Baileyton, Green County, Tennessee to Claude C. and Lucy Ann Smith Bailey.  Her parents preceded her in death. A homemaker, she was married to Ballard Earl (B.E.) Lane. He preceded her in death on April 16, 1984.  She was affiliated with the Methodist Church, Markle, Indiana.
Prior to moving to this area she traveled with her husband extensively through the United States, where he was involved in the construction of Atomic and Nuclear Power Plants and Holiday Inns. During her residence at Heritage of Huntington she served as president of the Resident’s Council. Additionally, she served as a volunteer at Huntington County Hospital for many years.     Survivors include a son, Millard Jack (Joan) Lane of Columbia City, three grandsons, Robert Eugene (Sandra) Lane, Richard Alan (Jill) Lane and Charles Ballard (Dr. Anette) Lane, a grand-daughter Teresa Kay (Scott) Shelley and  8 Great-Grandchildren. She is also survived by a daughter–in-law, Carolyn (Mark) Hamilton of Markle.     
She was preceded in death by a son, Ron Norris Lane, a grandson, David Joseph Lane, a brother Cecil Bailey and two half-brothers, Emmett and Charles Bellamy.
Calling hours will be Thursday, March 7, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service on Friday at the McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.
Funeral services will be held  at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at the McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home with Rev. Gus Hacker officiating.  Burial will be in Star of Hope Cemetery in Huntington.  Memorials may be made to the Cornea Foundation of America in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson  Street, Huntington, IN  46750
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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March 02, 2008

Ruby B. Bailey, 88

Ruby B. Bailey, 88, a resident of rural Huntertown and wife of Eldon W. Bailey, died at 5:32 p. m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at her residence.  She had been in declining health since November. Ruby Bailey
Mrs. Bailey was born in Eel River Township on January 30, 1920, a daughter of James Franklin and Goldie (Hewen) Arnold.  She spent her formative years on the family farm there, and graduated from Huntertown High School in 1937.
On February 29, 1940 she was married in Huntertown to Eldon W. Bailey, and the couple have lived at their present home in Perry Township since 1955.  She had been employed as a custodian with the Northwest Allen County Schools for 26 years, retiring from there in 1982.
She was a member of the Huntertown United Methodist Church, and in her leisure time enjoyed mowing grass, gardening, her flowers, and visiting with friends.  She especially loved and enjoyed her family.
The surviving relatives include her husband Eldon; a son Arnold (Corine) Bailey of Fort Wayne; two daughters Gay (David) Inkrote of Dallas, Tx., and Kathy (Raney) Bouthot of Fort Wayne; a brother George Arnold of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren Shannon Bouthot of Fort Wayne, Nicole Bouthot of Tampa, Fla., Thane (fiancee Tanya Fee) of St. Louis, Mo., and Justin Bailey of Huntertown; and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters Fern Arnold and Fanny Burns; and by a brother Sidney Arnold.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Thursday, March 6, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastors Greg Hiatt and Sherri Long of Huntertown United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m., or one hour prior to the service Thursday.
Interment will be in the Huntertown Cemetery.
The family requests memorials be made to Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana, 265 W. Water St., Berne, IN  46711 or Huntertown United Methodist Church, 16021 Lima Road, Huntertown, IN  46748
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

 

 

 

 


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March 01, 2008

George "Bob" Robert Swinehart, 81

George “Bob” Robert Swinehart, 81, a resident of rural Churubusco, died at 2:45 p. m. Friday, February 29, 2008, at Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne after an extended illness. George "Bob" Swinehart
Mr. Swinehart was born in Noble County on August 7, 1926, a son of Walter C. and Wilma Elizabeth (Slagle) Swinehart. As a young man he served his country in the U. S. Army during World War II, serving in the 35th Infantry as a light truck driver and sharpshooter.
Following his military discharge he was married in Fort Wayne on January 9, 1949 to Eleanor J. Nicolet. The couple spent their married lives on the family farm in Green Township, north of Churubusco.
Engaged in farming for many years in Green Township, he retired in 1990 as an operating engineer at the Falstaff Brewing Company in Fort Wayne, and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 19 in Fort Wayne.
Always an intensely patriotic American, he was a member of American Legion Post 82 in Fort Wayne and the Churubusco Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Turtle Post 3846.
The surviving relatives include his wife Eleanor, to whom he was married for over 59 years; his children Billy Gene (Cherii) Swinehart of Churubusco, Cheryll Lynn (Bob) Fiorendino of Lantana, TX., Susan Marie (Kevin) Howlett of Asheboro, NC., and Robert Charles Swinehart of Peoria, IL; a sister Joan Parks of Kendallville; and six grandchildren Adam Swinehart, Malinda Neith, Jaimee Granberry, Andrew Howlett, Allison Neith, and Austin Howlett.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Billy Jean Swinehart in World War II. Also deceased are five sisters Thelma Kruse, Violet Milford, Betty Swinehart, Norma Spriggs, and Carol Boyles; and a grandson Nickolas Swinehart.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Tuesday, March 4, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Christine Newman-Jacobs, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Monday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service.
Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Leo Cemetery, Leo.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main Street, Churubusco, IN 46723. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Columbia City Parks Department or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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