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June 30, 2008
Mary A. Mazelin, 80
Mary A. Mazelin, 80, of Ossian, died Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Ossian Health Care.
She was born on July 27, 1927, in Noble County to Leonard and Mary (Barr) Johnson.
On February 5, 1948, she married Raymond R. Mazelin. Mr. Mazelin died September 20, 2003.
She was the owner of Big M Restaurant in Fort Wayne, along with other businesses before retiring to Arizona in 1977. She had been a member of Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda (Ed) Herman of Ossian and Carla (Bob) Maggard of Herriman, Utah; brothers, Norman E. Johnson of Fort Wayne and James L. Johnson of Columbia City; four grandchildren, Adam McCamis of Florida, Lauren Camp of Colorado, Cache Limbaugh and Alexandra Garn, both of Utah; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Mazelin, her parents, Leonard and Mary (Barr) Johnson; sisters, Virginia Johnson and Eunice Johnson; and brother, Donald S. Johnson.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene, 1515 Clark St., Bluffton, with visitation two hours prior at the church. Burial in Mazelin Cemetery, rural Adams County. Arrangements by Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, Ossian Chapel.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Edna C. Orr Lower, 94
Edna C. Orr Lower, age 94, passed away Friday, June 27, 2008, at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.
Born on May 9, 1914, in Celina, Ohio, she moved to Fort Wayne in 1932 and graduated from International Business College.
She met and married Fay A. "Pete" Lower in 1934, in Columbia City.
She was a secretary with G.C. Murphy Company for 16 years, retiring in 1972.
Survivors include son, Dave (Joyce) Lower of Memphis, Tennessee.; daughter, Jana (Michael) LaSalle of Naperville, Illinois.; three grandsons, Nick A. (Elizabeth) Wetmore of New Lenox, Illinois., Neal T. (Melanie) Wetmore of Tinley Park, Illinois., and Dean (Meredith) Lower of Tampa, Florida.; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband, Pete; parents, Charles and Esta Orr; a brother; and two sisters.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Memorials to may be given to: ADOPT (Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment), 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563.
John Eldon Bainbridge, 78
John Eldon Bainbridge 78, longtime Speedway, Indiana, resident passed away on June 26, 2008 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
John grew up in Columbia City. He was a graduate of Ball State University where he majored in education and where he met his devoted wife of 53 years, Betty. Prior to beginning his distinguished, 41-year career in education, John served in two branches of the military, the US Army and the Marine Reserves.
John began teaching in the Muncie public school system in 1954. He moved into administration and became the Principal at Frank H. Wheeler Elementary School in 1956. He ultimately retired as Principal of Speedway High School in 1995. After retirement John had a second career in politics. He served on the Speedway Town Council for 4 years as well as the Indianapolis City County Council for 4 years. John had a strong sense of civic duty and was actively involved with the Speedway Lions Club, Indiana Swimming, Speedway Chamber of Commerce and Speedway Dollars for Scholars. He was also the recipient of the Sagamore Of The Wabash award.
Most importantly he enjoyed being "Poppy" to his cherished grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Connie (Scott) Schreiber Harris; son, Bradley (Anthony Burns) Bainbridge; grandsons, William Riley Schreiber Harris and Jackson Bainbridge Harris; sister, Janis Magnus of Cromwell, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.
Because much of John's life work and passion revolved around providing a quality public education to the people of the Town of Speedway, the family requests supporting Speedway Dollars for Scholars in lieu of flowers. This program provides financial assistance to Speedway High School graduates to attain further education. Speedway Dollars For Scholars, Speedway Public Schools—Administrative Office, CO J. Bainbridge Scholarship Fund, 2335 West 25th Street, Speedway, IN 46224. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 3-6 p.m. with a memorial service celebrating John's life to follow at 7 p.m., both at the Speedway High School Auditorium, use southwest entrance.
Arrangements are being handled by Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Home, Indianapolis. Visit their website at www.flannerbuchanan.com
After retirement John had a second career in politics. He served on the Speedway Town Council for 4 years as well as the Indianapolis City County Council for 4 years. John had a strong sense of civic duty and was actively involved with the Speedway Lions Club, Indiana Swimming, Speedway Chamber of Commerce and Speedway Dollars for Scholars. He was also the recipient of the Sagamore Of The Wabash award.
Most importantly he enjoyed being "Poppy" to his cherished grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Connie (Scott) Schreiber Harris; son, Bradley (Anthony Burns) Bainbridge; grandsons, William Riley Schreiber Harris and Jackson Bainbridge Harris; sister, Janis Magnus of Cromwell, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.
Because much of John's life work and passion revolved around providing a quality public education to the people of the Town of Speedway, the family requests supporting Speedway Dollars for Scholars in lieu of flowers. This program provides financial assistance to Speedway High School graduates to attain further education. Speedway Dollars For Scholars, Speedway Public Schools—Administrative Office, CO J. Bainbridge Scholarship Fund, 2335 West 25th Street, Speedway, IN 46224. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 3-6 p.m. with a memorial service celebrating John's life to follow at 7 p.m., both at the Speedway High School Auditorium, use southwest entrance.
Arrangements are being handled by Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Home, Indianapolis. Visit their website at www.flannerbuchanan.com
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 3-6 p.m. with a memorial service celebrating John's life to follow at 7 p.m., both at the Speedway High School Auditorium, use southwest entrance.
Arrangements are being handled by Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Home, Indianapolis. Visit their website at www.flannerbuchanan.com
June 29, 2008
Kevin Michael Lowen, 47
Kevin Michael Lowen, age 47, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:05 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008, at his Thorncreek Township residence, after a long time battle with a brain tumor. 
Born on May 18, 1961, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Howard E. and Rosemary L.(Carney) Lowen, Sr.
He was a lifetime resident of Columbia City, graduating from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1979, where he played on the high school football team.
On June 13, 1981, he married Gloria L. Minnick in the Columbia City United Methodist Church.
He worked for Columbia City Municipal Utilities as the Supervisor of the Street and Sewer Department of Columbia City for 22 years.
He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and playing poker, but most importantly, his role as a husband and dad.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria L. Lowen of Columbia City; a son, Taylor (Brittany Downing, fiance’) M. Lowen of Columbia City; his parents, Howard E. and Rosemary L. Lowen, Sr., of Columbia City; two brothers, Jeffery L. (Suzanne R.) Lowen of Punta Gorda, Florida; and Howard E. (Jodi) Lowen, Jr. of Columbia City; his father-in-law, Nick Minnick of Fort Wayne; his mother-in-law, Sharon R. (Dale R.) Coffelt of Columbia City and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Edrie Carney, and paternal grandparents, Eugene and Leah Lowen.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at funeral home with Rosie Coyle, Clerk of Columbia City, officiating, along with DeMoney-Grimes funeral celebrants. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, Noble County.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Lowen to Riley's Children Hospital, Brain Tumor Research at Indiana University or to Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
June 28, 2008
Marcella M. Schaefer, 80
Marcella M. Schaefer, 80, a resident of rural Washington Township in Allen County and wife of Elmer H. Schaefer, died at 4:55 p. m. on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She had been in failing health for the past two years, and had been a patient at the hospice home for the past week. 
Mrs. Schaefer was born on November 2, 1927, in Lake Township, a daughter of August and Mildred (Weisenburger) Felger. She spent her formative years in Lake Township, and was a graduate of Arcola High School.
On September 17, 1949, she was married in Lake Township to Elmer H. Schaefer. The couple spent the early years of their marriage in Fort Wayne, and had lived at their present home in Washington Township since 1972.
A homemaker all of her adult life, she was a member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, west of Fort Wayne. In her leisure time, she enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens, canning, cooking and baking, and most especially loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren.
The surviving relatives include her husband Elmer; her children Dennis L. (Linda) Schaefer, Deborah (Michael) Reinking, and Diana (David) Greener, all of Fort Wayne, and Dalene (Mark) Thompson of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; a brother Delmar E. “Bud” (Marilyn) Felger of Fort Wayne; ten grandchildren, including Zachary and Brooke Schaefer, Brad, Julie, and Jonathan Reinking, Danielle (Brian) Bostwick, Matthew and Melissa Greener, and Casey and Jacob Thompson; and a great-grandson Andrew Bostwick.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Tuesday, July 1, at the Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 W. California Road, with Pastors Jerry Nichols and Norman Aman, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church after 9:30 a. m. Tuesday.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the church air conditioning fund, the church school tuition assistance fund, or to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net
George Greenwell, Jr., 81
George Greenwell, Jr. age 81, a former long time resident of Bear Lake near Albion, died Thursday morning June 26, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home in Columbia City. He had been a patient in the facility since 2004.
George was born May 7, 1927, in Eel River Township, Allen County, a son of the late George and Orpha E. (Johnson) Greenwell, Sr.
He lived much of his life in the Churubusco area, and spent many years at Bear Lake. As a young man he served in the U. S. Army from 1952 to 1954. While serving in Korea he was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the United States Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He formerly worked at Marhoffer Packing Co. in Fort Wayne for four years, the Allen County Power Plant for 18 years, and tended bar at the Churubusco American Legion Post and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, both for 10 years. He was also a member of both veteran’s organizations.
The survivors include his former wife Evelyn Rollins of Columbia City; two daughters Susan (John) Helblig of Huntington, and Alice (Merlin) Rice of Wolf Lake; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday June 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Kerry L. Niman of Eel River Baptist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Sunday from 2 to 5 p. m.
Burial with military graveside rites will follow at the Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Shirley Ann Call, 71
Shirley Ann Call, 71, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 12:58 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008 at her home surrounded by her family. 
She was born October 7, 1936, in Green Township, Noble County. As a young girl, her family moved to Jefferson Township, Noble County. She graduated from Albion High School.
On December 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to Gilbert “Dean” Call. They made their home in Green Township and Albion before moving to Columbia City in 1964. They moved to their present home in 1973.
She was a member of Green Center United Methodist Church and had been attending Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Gilbert “Dean”; four daughters, Karen (Steve) Briggs of Columbia City, Paula (Jim) Davis of Columbia City, Lisa Dean (Charles) Coults of Beverly, Mass. and Tina (Ryan) Wood of Columbia City; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly (Jack) Manor of Cherokee Village, Arkansas.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 N. Main Street, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation will also be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Rehoboth Cemetery, Noble County.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be left at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 26, 2008
Tamara S. Kyler, 46
Tamara S. Kyler, 46, of rural Larwill, died at 3 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at her home. 
She was born May 24, 1962 in Whitley County Memorial Hospital, Columbia City a daughter of Don A. and Marilee (Metzger) Kreider. Her formative years were spent in Etna Troy Township and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School. She received her degree in cosmetology from Ravenscroft Beauty College.
A hair stylist for many years, she served her clients at Looking Good and Snippers.
On February 27, 1988 she was united in marriage to Timothy J. Kyler. They always made their home in Richland Township, moving to their present home 12 years ago. She was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church and formerly the pianist for many years for South Whitley United Methodist Church Praise Team. In her 14 years of cancer survival, she comforted many others as she continued to face additional health complications.
Surviving relatives include her husband of 20 years, Tim; three daughters, Tiffany J. Kyler of Warsaw, Tisha L. Kyler and Tory L. Kyler, both at home; her parents, Don & Marilee Kreider of Columbia City; a brother, Tim Kreider of Fort Wayne; a sister, Teresa Bauer of Spencerville; and her in-laws, Lynn & June Kyler of Clermont, Florida.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2008 at New Hope Wesleyan Church, 971 N. 400 West, Columbia City with viewing one hour prior to the service. Viewing will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Adams Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to New Hope Wesleyan Church.
Messages of condolence my be posted below or by visiting www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
James L. "Jim" Crouch, 69
James L. “Jim” Crouch, 69, of South Whitley, died at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
He was born October 10, 1938 in Warsaw, Indiana a son of Charles R. and Helen E. (Gaskill) Crouch. His formative years were spent in Pierceton. He graduated from Pierceton High School.
An United States Army veteran, he worked on the railroad and for Snell Truck Lines.
On November 1, 1969 he was united in marriage to Patricia K. Myers. They have always made their home in South Whitley at their present address.
He drove truck for 38 years before his retirement, primarily for South Whitley Trucking.
He enjoyed fishing.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Patty; a daughter, Christine Crouch of South Whitley; three granddaughters; a brother, Joe Crouch of Anderson; and a sister, Janet Mishler of Warsaw.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2008 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. James Clifford officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour before the service on Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Heart Association.
June 25, 2008
Virginia D. Riordan, 89
Virginia D. Riordan, 89, of rural Columbia City, died at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Goshen General Hospital, Goshen. 
She was born July l2, 1918 in Franklin, Tennessee, a daughter of John and Myrtle (Hale) Binnion. Her formative years were spent in Kokomo where she attended elementary school and graduated from Kokomo High School.
On November 27, 1935, she was united in marriage to James H. Riordan. They made their first home in Kokomo. In 1938, they moved to Huntington where they resided until moving to Richland Township in Whitley County in 1953. Mr. Riordan died January 20, 1997.
She was employed by the Oakwood Center in Syracuse where she retired with over 10 years of service. She was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
Surviving relatives include three sons, Thomas Riordan, Huntington, James (Elaine) Riordan, Jr. Garden Grove, California, Michael (Vicki) Riordan, Fort Wayne; two daughters, Virginia (Kurt) Wall, Coppell, Texas and Margaret Crouch, Syracuse; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Riordan.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 28, 2008, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line Street, ColumbiaCity, with Father Larry Kramer, the officiant. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday June 27, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour prior to the funeral at the church.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 22, 2008
Harry Sheets, 88
Harry Sheets, 88, of Jefferson Township, Whitley County, died at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted on Monday, June 16. 
He was born April 1, 1920, in Whitley County, a son of Loyal Earl and Rebecca Olive (Mallott) Sheets. His formative years were spent in Washington Township. He completed his education at Washington Center High School.
He was united in marriage to Annettia Jane Hill. They made their home on a farm on State Road 14 in Washington Township. Mrs. Sheets died July 12, 1956.
In the fall of 1967, he moved to his present home on a farm east on State Road 14 in Jefferson Township. Since the mid-1970s, he has spent his winters in Bradenton, Florida, where he enjoyed riding his bicycle, playing cards and dominos with his good friends.
On October 14, 1978, he was united in marriage to Mildred J. (Dafforn) Young.
While he engaged in general farming, he raised cattle, sheep and chickens. The barn was struck by lightning, burnt to the ground and he was badly burned trying to rescue the animals and the farm equipment. At the time, it was the largest barn in Whitley County.
He enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, which he road to Key West on his honeymoon with Annettia. He often showed off his riding skills and was quite daring to many as he spent many hours on the Harley with his three children. Boating at Big Turkey Lake and Huntington Reservoir on Sunday afternoons was a favorite past time. An avid mechanic, he could fix anything including cars, tractors, machinery and toys. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor and loved to tease. Many recall items rearranged at their front door step while away. He was a tough nut to crack, but mellowed and softened over the years, especially with his granddaughters, Kari and Karman, who could truly make him smile.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Mildred; three children, Kaydean Blackman of Columbia City, Harry DeWayne Sheets of Columbia City and Nancy Sue Sheets of Rhode Island; two step daughters, Margaret Ann Ross of Avilla and Janice Elaine Bozarth of California; two granddaughters, Kari Freshour and Karman Whiteneck; five step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; and several step-great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Wilson Sheets and Lloyd Sheets.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Whitley County Community Foundation.
Messages of condolence may be left below or at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 20, 2008
Archie O. Downs, 88
Archie O. Downs, 88, a resident of rural LaOtto, died Thursday morning, June 19, 2008, at his home. He had been in declining health for some time, but his death was unexpected. 
Mr. Downs was born on December 24, 1919, in New Haven, a son of Frank and Goldie (Bieber) Downs, and spent his formative years in New Haven and Columbia City. He was married in Fort Wayne on April 29, 1944, to Clara M. Wells, and spent most of his adult life in the Huntertown-area.
He was employed as a truck driver for the Teamster’s Union for many years, and retired from the former Elway Freight in Fort Wayne.
Mrs. Downs preceded him in death on February 8, 2003.
The surviving relatives include his children Michael R. (Pat) Downs of Churubusco, and Melody K. Plummer of Huntertown; four grandchildren Nicholas (Peggy) Downs, Melani (Gary) Middaugh, Dustin Downs and Matt (fiancee Aimee Nix) Plummer; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Monday, June 23, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Sunday from 2 to 6 p. m.
Interment will be in Huntertown Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.
Messages of condolence may be left at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Dorma Jean "Jeannie" Hull, 87
Dorma Jean "Jeannie" Hull, age 87, of Columbia City, passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2008, at Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake. 
Born in Noble County, IN on May 23, 1921 she was the daughter of Fred and Ruth (Wineland) Stump.
She attended Washington Center School, Noble County, and she graduated with the Class of 1939 from Wolf Lake High School.
During the time her husband was in the Navy, she lived in California for a year. She lived in various parts of the country including Auburn, New Buffalo, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin for seven years, LaPorte, Indiana, for 20 years and in 1997, she returned to Columbia City.
On September 8, 1940, she married Keith A. Hull in Pierceton. Mr. Hull passed away on December 19, 1992.
A devoted housewife and mother, she also worked in a local factory. She was a member of VIM of American Legion in Illinois and the Moose Lodge, North Manchester.
Survivors include her daughter, Peggy (Charles) Dorwick of Dillsboro, Indiana; five sons, Larry Lee Hull of Cedar Lake, Indiana, Ronald D. Hull of Columbia City, Max McKinley of Paris, Michigan, Richard D. Hull of Garrett, and Harry A. Hull of New Buffalo, Michigan; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 31 foster children and seven adopted children; a brother, Dick Stump of Fort Wayne; four sisters, Wanda Murphy of South Charleston, Ohio, Carol Jane Hinton of Huntington, Bonnie Jo Blair of Fort Wayne, and Brenda Rock of Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, Paul E. Hargrove and McClellen Lockard, a sister, Hazel Annadell Darby, sister-in-law, Virginia Hull and brother-in-law, Phil Hull.
Visitation is 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 11 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2008 at the funeral home with Chaplain Glenn Byers of Grace Village Retirement Community officiating. Burial will follow at Stough Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorials be given in Mrs. Hull's memory to the donor's choice of charity. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
June 18, 2008
Larry M. Brunson, 72
Larry M. Brunson, 72, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at his home.
Born Feb. 21, 1936, in Fort Wayne, he was
The son of the late Ray and opal (Forrest) Brunson, he was born February 21, 1936, in Fort Wayne.
He worked at NIPSCO, Fort Wayne for 39 years and retired in 1994. He was a U.S. Army Korean Conflict veteran. He was a member of the 9 Mile Horseshoe League. He loved to fish and was an avid bowler for 40 years in different leagues in the area.
He married Barbara A. Milks on Aug. 4, 1956, in Fort Wayne; she survives.
Also surviving are a son, Gary (Char) Brunson of Auburn; a daughter, Lisa Biggins of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren, including Jacob and Jennifer Biggins and Grace and Hannah Brunson; a brother, Jim (Marilu) Brunson; and a sister, Rebecca Ambrose of Columbia City.
He was also preceded in death by seven brothers, Vaughn, Darrell, Hugh, Forrest, Garth, Ray, and Leigh Brunson.
Memorial service is 7 p.m. Monday at Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Shriner's Hospitals for Children.
Beverly J. Romine Gordon, 62
Beverly J. (Romine) Gordon, 62, a resident of Knapp Lake and a native of Churubusco, died at 12:10 a. m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She had submitted to surgery, and had been in failing health for nearly eight months. 
Mrs. Gordon was born on October 25, 1945 in Kendallville, a daughter of Leo E. and Edith M. (Clouse) Romine. She spent her formative years in Churubusco, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1964.
On April 6, 1965 she was married in Churubusco to Allen C. Gordon. The couple lived in Garrett for a period, spent 11 years in St. Paris, Ohio, and had lived at their present home on Knapp Lake in Noble County since 1999.
She had been employed as a nurse’s aid at Miller’s Merry Manor in Garrett, had worked as a waitress and cook at the Top Hat Restaurant in St. Paris, Ohio, and for 14 years worked as a teacher’s aid for disabled children with Fort Wayne Community Schools. In her leisure time she enjoyed collecting turtles, enjoyed the wildlife at Knapp Lake, and was a proud mother and grandmother.
The surviving relatives include her husband Allen; three children Timothy (Gail) Gordon, and Tammi (Rex) Durst, both of St. Paris, Ohio, and Petty Officer 1st Class Terry Gordon of Virginia Beach, Virginia; her mother Edith Romine of Churubusco; two sisters Linda (John) Barrett of Churubusco and Bonita (Steve) Abshire of Columbia City; seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her father on July 7, 1979.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Churubusco American Legion Post 157 or American Diabetes Association.Online condolences may be left at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Lola Shoup, 86
Lola Shoup, 86, of Churubusco, passed away Monday, June 16, 2008. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. at Merriam Christian Chapel, Merriam, with the Rev. Steven Pulley officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow a graveside service at the Swanton Cemetery, Swanton, Ohio.
Memorials may be given in Lola Shoup's name to: Noble County Gideons International, P.O. Box 863, Kendallville, IN 46755.
Margaret Linette Kilgore Guenther, 72
Margaret Linette Kilgore Guenther, 72, of Albion, died at her home on June 13, 2008.
A daughter of Stanley Vernon and Mary Lee (Sturgill) Kilgore, she was born in McRoberts, Kentucky, on November 16, 1935. She graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1954. Following graduation, she lived in Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Hawaii and Florida. She returned to Indiana in 2004.
Survivors include a son, Brian (Laura) Sudis of Kansas; Wanda Sudis and Kathryn Walford, both of Albion; four step-children, including Jonathon Guenther, James Guenther, Julie Mullins and Scott Guenther, all of Texas; her husband, Henry (Red) Guenther; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and eight step-grandchildren. Additional survivors include brothers Robert Kilgore of Arizona and Bill Kilgore of Fort Wayne; and four sisters, including Una Rondeau of Wisconsin, and Elizabeth Sponaugle and Rita McElroy, both of Columbia City, and Emma Spink of Auburn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Mary Jeanette Kilgore Bowling, a sister, Barbara Louise Kilgore; brothers-in-law, Richard Rondeau, George Sponaugle and Charles McElroy, a nephew and a stepson.
A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Columbia City Church of the Brethren with calling one hour prior.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Parkview Whitley Hospice.
David Schwartz, 86
David Schwartz, 86, of South Whitley, passed away suddenly Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at his home.
A son of John and Rosie (Schumaker) Schwartz, he was born in Allen County on June 2, 1922. A lifetime farmer, he moved to his present home in Cleveland Township, Whitley County in 1975.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Anna Irene Miller Schwartz; six sons, John Henry (Margaret), Rueben, Samuel (Amelia), Michael (Margaret), Amos (Emma), and David (Marie) Schwartz, all of South Whitley; six daughters, Clara (Jesse) Graber of Goshen, Rosa (Jonas) Zehr, Mary (Jacob) Miller, Anna (Jacob) Schwartz, all of Grabill; Sarah (Edwin) Schmucker of New Haven, and Susan (Joe) Steury of Quincy, Michigan; 91 grandchildren; 203 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and a brother, Sam (Marie) Schwartz of New Haven.
He was preceded in death by daughters-in-law, Martha and Wilma; six grandchildren; four sisters and a brother.
The funeral service is at 9 a.m. Saturday at the family residence, 6180 West County Road 1000 South, with Bishop Lavern Schmucker officiating. Burial is at the Cleveland Township Amish Cemetery. Visitation is after 2 p.m. today at the family residence until the hour of the service.
Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Miller Chapel in South Whitley.
June 16, 2008
Richard "Paul" Bianski, 81
Richard “Paul” Bianski, age 81, passed away Tuesday June 3, 2008 in Mission, Texas. He was born December 1, 1926, in South Bend, a son of the late Frank Joseph and Leona (Richards) Bianski. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served one submarine tour.
He served as a Commander of the Churubusco American Legion Post # 157. He lived in Minneapolis from 1959 until 1992, when he moved to Foristell, Missouri. He retired from the United States Postal Service in Minneapolis in 1987.
Paul was an avid golfer and spent his winters in Mission, Texas. Until last year, he bowled regularly recording four sanctioned 300 games and an 801 series. He was voted into the Minneapolis District American Bowling Congress (ABC) Hall of Fame in 1999.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years and former Churubusco resident, Patricia (Jones) Bianski, children Paula (Jim) Kilmer, Richard “Joe” (Penny) Bianski Jr., and Julie Stone, all from the Minneapolis area; granddaughters Amy (Brady) Anderson, Sara (Dennis) Stapf, Lindsey (Allen) Quinn and great-grandson Cameron Quinn. Brothers James (Phyllis) Bianski of La Otto, Indiana, Frances “Jr” (Janet) Bianski of Avilla, Indiana, sister-in-law Mary Louise “Suzy” Bianski of La Otto, Indiana and brother-in-law Russell Gienger of Avilla, Indiana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Helen Kostielney, Catherine Miller, Joan Gienger and his brother Ralph Frances Bianski.
He loved life and had many friends and will be truly missed.
A memorial service and mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ege, Indiana, on June 28, 2008 with Father Danney Pinto officiating.
For those who wish, memorial masses may be directed to the church. A “Celebration of his Life” will be held in the Twin City area later in the summer.
Sheets and Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Dale E. Crawford, 101
Dale E. Crawford, 101, of South Whitley, died at 9:50 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2008 at the Haven Hospice Swanee Valley Care Center in Lake City, Florida.
He was born September 26, 1906 in Huntington, the first son of William P. and Elsie P. (Roach) Crawford. His formative years were spent in Huntington County. He graduated from Union Township High School.
On October 5, 1929, he was united in marriage to Georgia L. Smith. They made their home in Logansport for a year and Garrett for three years while he completed his six years of employment with Indiana Service Corp. They then moved to Huntington County where they owned and operated the Simpson Grocery for 10 years. In 1943, they moved to a farm in Huntington County and began farming. In 1953, they moved to their farm south of South Whitley and continued farming there. Mrs. Crawford died July 29, 2000.
He was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include a son, D. Eugene (Monica) Crawford of Lake City, Florida; two daughters, Georgene (Theron) Swank of Kansas City, Missouri, and Corine (Richard) Austin of South Whitley; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by infant children, Jane and James; a granddaughter; two brothers, Ora Crawford and Richard D. Crawford; and two infant sisters, Berthene and Louise.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. Paul Burris and Rev. David Wagner officiating. The burial will be in Star of Hope Cemetery, Huntington. The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to South Whitley United Methodist Church or Haven Hospice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Gene F. Jackson, 79
Gene F. Jackson, 79, of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2008. 
Born April 18, 1929, in Carlos, Randolph County, Indiana, he was the son of Irvin and Lillie Russell (Strahan) Jackson. He attended school in Lynn, Indiana.
He was very enthusiastic about aviation and served as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Gene worked for Boeing Aircraft, Cessna Aircraft, Magnavox Corp., General Dynamics and ITT, as well as owning his own business of American Equity Builders, Inc. in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He was a proud member of many organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, Shrine Temple, National Aviation Club, The Republican Senatorial Inner Circle and the American Legion.
He is survived by his four daughters, Marta (Michael) Vaillancort of Fort Wayne, Laura (Michael) Champion of Delton, Michigan, Rhonda (Michael) McClure of Churubusco and Gina (Toney) Malloris of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A private family service to be held Wednesday at Thomas Memorial Chapel of Lynn, Indiana. Burial to follow at Buena Vista Cemetery of Unionport, Ind.
Donations may be given in Mr. Jackson’s memory to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
John E. Cornelius, 71
John E. Cornelius, 71, of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at his home.
Born in Columbia City, he was employed by ITT as an Electronic Technician for 40 years, retiring in 1997. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, retiring in 1990.
He was also a member of Maplewood Mennonite Church.
Surviving are two sons, Michael E. Cornelius and David L. Cornelius, both of Fort Wayne.
Graveside service is 10 a.m. Tuesday in Wolf Lake Cemetery, Noble County.
Arrangements by Tom Mungovan Funeral Home.
June 14, 2008
Lonnie A. King, 33
Lonnie A. King, age 33, a resident of Orchard Lane in Churubusco, Indiana lost his courageous fight against cancer on Thursday afternoon June 12, 2008, in the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has been in failing health for about two years. 
Lonnie was born November 16, 1974, in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Robert D. and Arlene M. (Crabill) King. As a young man he graduated from the Churubusco High School with the class of 1994 and attended Ivy Tech. College for 3 years. He lived his entire life in the Fort Wayne and Churubusco area.
He was united in marriage in Churubusco on December 13, 2003, to Renata C. Crooks. He had worked for five and a half years for C&A Tool Company in Churubusco, and most recently worked for Steel Dynamics Co. in Columbia City.
He attended Sugar Grove Church of God. He was an avid Miami Dolphins football fan and loved to fish.
He is survived by his wife Renata, their lovely daughter Madison Grace, at home, his parents Robert and Arlene King of Churubusco, sister Rachel (Roger) Mullins of South Whitley, his grandmother Betty Crabill of Columbia City, and mother and father-in-law Roger and Rhonda Crooks of Churubusco. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law; Sephora (Shawn) Lortie of Churubusco and Zach (Jennifer) Crooks of Huntington, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by two grandfathers and a grandmother.
Funeral services for Lonnie will be held Tuesday June 17, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, with Pastor Timothy Grable officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery located Southeast of Churubusco in Allen County, Indiana. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
For those who wish memorial contributions may be directed to his daughter, Madison Grace King, in care of Renata King. Envelopes will be available in the funeral home.
Messages of condolence may be left below or at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Lorena M. Amburgey, 81
Lorena M. Amburgey, 81, of Columbia City, died at 3:45 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2008 at her home. 
She was born April 25, 1927, in Verde, Kentucky, a daughter of Wendell and Della (Hatmaker) Crutchfield. Her formative years were spent in Vicco, Kentucky.
On March 23, 1945, she was united in marriage to Arvel Amburgey. They made their home in Kentucky until 1964 when they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Amburgey died May 6, 1993.
She was employed at the former Blue Bell and Fibre Form in Columbia City. She was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Joann Parquette of Fort Wayne, Glenda Anglin of Columbia City and Nancey Hall of Hazard, Kentucky; three sons, Rick (Bonnie) Amburgey, Len (Kim) Amburgey and Ellis (DeDe) Amburgey, all of Columbia City; one brother, Clyde Crutchfield of Columbia City; three sisters, Ada Stair of Miami, FL, Beulah McIntosh and Lousie Byrd both of Lake City, TN.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Bill Smith of Free Will Baptist Church, officiating. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday May 16th at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.
Messages of condolence may be left below or by visiting www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 13, 2008
Edith Louise Keller, 89
Edith Louise Keller, 89, was gently called home, Tuesday morning, June 10, 2008. She passed of natural causes, or as she would say, "her room was ready".
Edith was born on Sept. 8, 1918 in Ohio and graduated from Spencerville High School in 1936. She moved to the Fort Wayne area during WW II. She was a former Insurance Agent with Funk & Associates and Colonial Mortgage. In 1952, Edith joined and later became a lifetime member of Phi Beta Psi, a sorority dedicated to raising money for cancer research. She recently received special recognition for over 50 years of service to the American Cancer Society and Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. In addition, she was a treasured member of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) with over 20 years of service and 4, 229 volunteer hours to 12 different local agencies, including Lutheran Hospital, League for the Blind & Disabled, the Botanical Conservatory and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Edith also attended church at The Chapel.
She is survived by her sister, Betty Shimp (Max), Orlando, Florida; her children, William & Jean Webster of Fort Wayne, James & Bobbie Webster of Columbia City, Sandra & Aaron Kessler, of Fort Wayne, and Jerry & Roxanne Keller, Joshua, Texas. She was a grandmother of 12, great-grandmother to 22 and great-great-grandmother to four.
She is preceded in death by daughter, Sharon Louise Webster. Edith's family was her pride and joy.
Celebration of Life Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Rdin Room 102, Door 2. A gathering of family & friends will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Phi Beta Psi, Cancer Research or Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.
Michael Lee Gaffer, 65
Michael Lee Gaffer, 65, passed away Sunday, June 08, 2008, at VA Northern Indiana Health Care System in Fort Wayne. He 
was a maintenance man with Irene Byron Health Center for 20 years. He was a former member of VFW, Eagles and was U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He enjoyed fishing, playing chess and Jazz music.
Survivors include sisters, Cathy (David) Putman of Rome City, Lina Mae Rice of Roanoke, and Roberta (David) Osterman of Columbia City; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. and M. Eleanor Rice Gaffer; and brother, Robert Joseph Gaffer in 1980.
Mass of Christian Resurrection 10 a.m. Thursday, June 19th at St. Gasper Catholic Church, 10871 N. SR 9, Rome City, Fr. Matthew Jozefiak officiating. Arrangements by Mungovan & Sons Memorial Chapel, 2114 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne. Burial in St. Gaspar Cemetery, Rome City with full Military Honors at graveside.
Memorials to American Diabetes Association, American Legion Post 301- Rome City or VA Hospital.
Patricia J. Bryie, 72
Patricia J. Bryie, 72, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2008 with her loving family present. Born in Laddie, Ohio, she was a homemaker. She was an avid Snider High School Panther fan.
Survivors include husband, Kenneth Bryie of Fort Wayne; daughters, Barbara (David) West and Chris (John) Gruber, both of Fort Wayne, and Kathie (Jon) Woodruff and Stacie (Jim) Millikan, both of Churubusco, Vickie (Terry) Crooks of New Haven, and Kendra (Jeff) Dobrick of Fort Wayne; step-son, Steve Bryie of Encinada, California; sister, Geneva Ellis of Van Wert, Ohio; brother, Rex Decker of Pandera, Texas; 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Dee Simpson; and brothers, Robert and Jim Decker.
Service is 10 a.m. Saturday at First Eel River Baptist Church, 11022 Carroll Road, Churubusco with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue. Burial in Riverview Cemetery, Allen County.
Memorials to Riley Children's Hospital.
Margaret E. Teghtmeyer, 90
Margaret E. Teghtmeyer, 90, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw. She was born on August 30, 1917, in Warsaw, to Edward & Alta (Herron) Mauzy.
On November 26, 1936, she married Earl L. Teghtmeyer. He preceded her in death in 1966.
A lifetime area resident, she retired in 1978 from Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware that she and her late husband started in 1944.
She was a member of the North Webster Church of the Brethren, a 30-year volunteer with the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross, where she received a Governor's Commendation for volunteerism. She was also a charter member of the Warsaw Chapter of Altrusa.
Survivors include a son, Larry E. (Cathy) Teghtmeyer of Tippecanoe Lake, a daughter-in –law, Connie Nestle of Arizona; 10 grandchildren including Nickey Teghtmeyer, Alicia (Doug) Johnson, Lori (Jim) Pfeiffer, Jennifer (Josh) Boren, Tammy (Warren) Hawkins, Adam Suchecki, Angela (Eric) Irwin, Tricia (Mike) Welk, Eric (Laura) Suchecki, Greg Techtmeyer; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, James E. Teghtmeyer, and her sister, Harriet.
Services will be private. Burial will take place at the North Webster Cemetery, Mock Addition. Friends may call from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2008, at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, in Syracuse.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross or the Riley Hospital for Children.
June 12, 2008
Raymond Junior Miller, 81
Raymond Junior Miller, age 81, of Warsaw died at 8:36 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Born on August 9, 1926, in Washington Township, Whitley County, he was the son of Carl F. and Nila Irene (Schrader) Miller. 
He graduated with the Class of 1944 from Washington Center High School.
From 1944-1946, he proudly served in the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS Iowa and USS Yorktown.
On May 15, 1965 he was united in marriage to Wanda Jean Shawver in Columbia City, IN. He and his wife resided in Warsaw most of their married lifetime.
A retired Manager of Quality Farm & Fleet in Warsaw, he attended Christ's Covenant Church of Winona Lake and he was a member of American Legion Post #0049, John C. Peterson Post, Warsaw.
In his spare time, he enjoyed mowing, riding the tractor and watching Cubs baseball. Survivors include his children, Terry Lynn (David) Murray of Fort Wayne, Kenny E. (Lisa R.) Miller of Columbia City, Dale Miller of Peru and Steve (Angela) Miller of Fort Wayne; sister, Rosalie (Jim) Hazen of South Whitley; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Wanda J. Miller, brothers, Richard and Ronald Miller.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2008 at DeMoney Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Larry McCall of Christ’s Covenant Church officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by American Legion Post #0049, John C. Peterson Post, with burial to follow at Washington Union Cemetery, Pierceton, IN.
Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mr. Miller to Christ’s Covenant Church, 2090 East Pierceton Road, WinonaLake, IN 46590. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
December 6, 1930 in South Bend to Francis M. & Helen R. (Hossler) Parker II. 
