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Ruth Marie Linville, 90, died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Wright Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Fairborn, Ohio.
Born August 17, 1918 she was the daughter of Fred and Weltha "Goldie" Gebert. 
Mrs. Linville's formative years were lived on the family farm between Pierceton and Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, Indiana. She moved from there to another farm on 400 West in Whitley County where she lived until 1987. At that time, she moved to Whitley Trailer Courtin South Whitley. In July 1996, she moved to the Wright Rehabilitation and Nursing Home to be closer to her son.
She received her formal education in the public schools of Kosciusko County, graduating from Pierceton High School with the Class of 1936.
In addition to being a homemaker, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Linville was an employee of the Fibre Form Corporation in Columbia City in the 1960's and prior to that she worked for Eckrich Company in Fort Wayne.
Mrs. Linville was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and attended both the United Brethren and United Methodist churches.
In 1936, she married Frank W. Hoffman who preceded her in death and later she married George Linville who also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her son, Wayne Hoffman of Bell Center, Ohio; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by her son, Glen W. Hoffman, grandsons Michael and Victor Hoffman, a sister, Francis Bemont and a brother, Ralph Bruce.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 4, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. A graveside service will follow at South Park Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Linville to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, IN. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.
Bonnie J. Taylor, 80, of rural Columbia City, died at 4:15 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2008, at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday afternoon. She had a 14-month battle with cancer. 
She was born December 11, 1927, in Richland Township, a daughter of Alvin D. and Vada L. (Gable) Schuman. Her formative years were spent in Richland and Columbia Townships. She graduated from South Whitley High School and Ravenscroft Beauty College, Fort Wayne.
On June 4, 1949, she was united in marriage to Glen E. “Pete” Taylor. They made their first home in Columbia City, moving to a farm in Jefferson Township in 1950. Mr. Taylor died March 30, 1989.
A beautician, she worked at LaCharme Beauty Shop for a short time.
Her memberships include Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir for many years and was active in United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Twilight Home Extension Club, serving as a past president and held several former offices for Whitley County Home Extension Club. A soloist, she performed for many special occasions.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Susan (Art) McClish, Kristine (Ron) Richey and Dana (Kevin) Jagger, all of Columbia City; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly Taylor-Shaw; a sister, Lois June Tschantz; and three brothers, Robert Dale Schuman, Lowell LaMar Schuman and Larry Phil Schuman.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 1, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Jeffery Boyle, pastor of Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or Hospice Home.
Marine Corporal Brandon M. Stewart, age 22, of Larwill, passed away as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at Camp Lejeune , North Carolina. 
Born in Larwill, on June 26, 1986, he was the son of Bobby and Joni (Haegert) Stewart.
A lifetime resident of Larwill, he graduated from Whitko High School with the Class of 2004.
A Military Police Officer, he was enlisted in the United States Marines Corps for 4 years with 7 months from discharge with weapons and training battalion and served two tours of duty in Iraq. An avid rifleman, he also enjoyed riding 4 wheelers and paintball.
Survivors include his parents, Bobby and Joni Stewart of Larwill; a sister, Sheena Stewart of Warsaw; 2 nieces, Hayleigh Stewart and Emily Baldwin both of Warsaw; a grandfather, Fritz Haegert of Larwill; and a grandmother, Myrna Mullen of Akron, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Juanita Claxton and Carol Haegert, and an aunt, Lynn Sroufe.
Visitation is 2-8 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , Columbia City. Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the funeral home with Navy Chaplain Commander Daniel Gard officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by the United States Marine Corps with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.
Memorials may be given in Brandon’s memory to the Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Leonard E. “Coxie” Cox, 92, of Columbia City, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at Covington Manor. 
He was born on May 26, 1916 to Henry and Alma Cox.
He enjoyed life along with bowling, horseshoes, and sponsoring a team in the Arcola Women’s Softball league.
“Coxie” is survived by his grandchildren Len Lampe of Churubusco and Sue M. Dant of Cromwell; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; an infant son; and daughter Carolyn Lampe.
Funeral service will be on Saturday 1:00 p.m. at Covington Memorial Funeral Home with calling there two hours prior.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Saturn Christian Church Building fund or to the Salvation Army.
Edward A. Walker, 91, a resident of South Whitley, died at 1:30 am Thursday, August 28, 2008, in the Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City, where he had been a resident since February 2008. 
He was born July 1, 1917, in Whitley County, a son of William and Ora (Pence) Walker. He attended elementary school in Columbia City and graduated from Larwill High School in 1936.
On November 9, 1940, he was united in marriage to Edith Faye Coverstone. They made their home in Columbia City. In 1957, they moved to South Whitley.
In addition to part-time farming, he began his work career with the State Highway Department. Later he was employed by the former Gripco, South Whitley, for 26 years retiring in 1983 as a Maintenance Mechanic.
He attended Collamer Church of God.
The surviving relatives include his wife of 67 years, Edith Faye; two daughters, Shelby (Tom) Stump and Carol (William) Harter, both of South Whitley; a son, Terry (Anne) of Larwill; one sister, Louise Kern of Kendallville; six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Willard, Arland and Harold Walker; a sister, Jeanette Schilling, and two grandsons.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. Tom Coltrain, pastor of Collamer Church of God officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Collamer Church of God.
Beulah Mae Kessie, 81, a resident of Columbia City, died at 1:10 am today, August 27, 2008 in the Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since May 2006. 
She was born May 6, 1927, in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Edward L. and Bertha M. (Watson) Holycross. Her formative years were spent in Richland Township and she graduated from Larwill High School.
On June 23, 1946, she was united in marriage to Jack H. Kessie. They have always made their home in Whitley County, moving to their home in Columbia City in November 1993.
She was a member of Troy Presbyterian Church.
The surviving relatives include her husband, Jack; a son, Gary (Jolene) Kessie of Columbia City; two daughters, Linda Diane VanVoorst of Fort Wayne and Shirley Darlene Carpenter of Hendersonville, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Brent Carpenter, Krista Carpenter, Danyelle Estep and Adam Kessie; four great grandchildren, Michael, Cameron and Ashton Estep and Riley Kessie and two sisters, Louise Walter and Carol Watson, both of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Sue Kessie, three brothers, Eudolph “Doc” Holycross, Ralph Holycross and Glen Holycross; and four sisters, Ida Wilkinson, Viola Bondehagen, Dorthy Berk and Irene Holycross.
The funeral service will be held at 11 am Saturday, August 30, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City with Rev. Howard Compton, pastor of Troy Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in St. Matthews Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Parkview Home Health and Hospice.
Larry L. Shenfeld, Sr., 73, of Woodburn, passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at his home.
Born May 15, 1935, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Chester and Grace Shenfeld.
He was a U.S. Army Paratrooper in the Korean War Conflict.
He worked at Schenkle Construction and Martin Enterprise for several years, retiring in 1983.
Survivors include son, Larry (Paula) Shenfeld Jr.; brother, Frank (Marilyn) Shenfeld of Columbia City; twin brother, Jerry (Mary) Shenfeld of Fort Wayne; brother, Chester Shenfeld of Wabash; sisters, Willimette Clark and Betty Pietzack, both of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Norma Shenfeld of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Kalan, Kaz and Kierra Shenfeld; great-grandchildren, Ayriana and Kenyon Kyler; and his former wife, Esther Rumpff of Woodburn.
He was preceded in death by brother, Dick.
Service is 2 p.m. Thursday, with calling from noon to 2 p.m., at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave.Burial in Harlan Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to V.A. Medical Center of Fort Wayne.
David L. Pippenger, 68, a resident of Blue Lake near Churubusco died early Sunday in his residence following a lengthy illness. He was receiving care from Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice Home and his loving and attentive family
David was born May 15, 1940, in Noble County, a son of the late Ted and Carnie (Herron) Pippenger.
As a young man he formed an avid interest in airplanes and became a certified pilot. He went on to fly and own many airplanes and was very skilled in his aviation endeavors. He also greatly enjoyed boating, NASCAR and his beloved Canada.
On October 10, 1970, he was united in marriage to his wife of 37 years, Betty Jane Schiek. They lived at Blue Lake for many years.
His survivors include his wife Betty, their children Randy (Sandra) Pippenger of Rome City; Les (Laurie) Hossinger of Fort Wayne and Teresa (Richard) Hyser of Roanoke. He is also survived by four brothers, Phillip (Norma) Pippenger, Jim (Carolyn) Pippenger, Ted (Terri) Pippenger all of Churubusco, and Dan (Linda) Pippenger of Gibson, Florida; and four sisters, Esther Anderson, Dorcas (Tod) Pressler both of Fort Wayne, Ruth Pressler of Columbia City and Naomi (Paul) Coats of Fort Wayne. Additionally he is survived by seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Paul Pippenger.
There will be no calling hours or services. Sheets and Childs Funeral Home of Churubusco has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Sandra Lee Miller, 62, of Kimmell, died Saturday, August 23, 2008 at her home. She had been in failing health.
She was born December 3, 1945, in Niles, Michigan a daughter of Gerald Harrison and Harriet (Hargreaves) George. Her formative years were spent in Niles where she completed her education.
On September 23, 1974, she was united in marriage to Frank S. Miller. They moved to their home west of Kimmell in 1975. Mr. Miller died January 19, 1993.
She was employed at Weatherhead for 30 years, retiring March 31, 1999.
Her memberships include Wolf Lake Baptist Church.
Surviving relatives include six children, Antonette M. (Jesse) Rollins of Cromwell, Forrest R. (Trishia) Knisely Jr. of Disputanta, Virginia, a daughter, Melissa L. Stanley of Ligonier, Micheal S. (Mari) Miller of Kimmell, Gerald P. Miller of Kimmell and Vince A. (Marie) Miller of Waterloo; two step-sons, Barry (Jackie) Miller of Churubusco and Matt (Michelle) Miller of Huntertown; 26 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, James B. George of Nappanee; and six sisters, Florence I. Bush of Niles, Michigan, Beverly J. Konkle of Warsaw, Patricia J. Scanlon of Niles, Michigan, Phyllis A. Grice of Mishawaka, Dorothy D. Bentley of Kimmell and Harriet D. George of Niles, Michigan.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald George and Robert George and a sister, Norma Beadle.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Dan Carlson, pastor of Wolf Lake Baptist Church, officiating. The burial will be in Wolf Lake Cemetery. 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 Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.
Eugene R. Wiegman, 83, of North Webster, died at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City where he was admitted on Monday, August 18. He was born October 8, 1924 in Decatur, Indiana a son of August J. and Martha (Doerhman) Wiegman. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. He graduated from South Side High School. 
In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He traveled around the world seven times while serving 17 years aboard three ships, USS Windlass, USS Wallace L. Lind and USS Oglethorpe. He also served as a recruiter three years in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Following his discharge on October 1, 1962 as a Chief Petty Officer, he served as chief engineer at ITT Sheraton Corp until 1976 and a consultant engineer for Service Master Industries until retiring in 1994.
On December 29, 1956 he was united in marriage to Agnes M. “Ann” Peoples. They made their home in Fort Wayne, the Philadelphia area, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for four years, Loon Lake for seven years, Irish Lake for seven years and North Webster for the past ten years.
A former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Lake Township, his current memberships include Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Syracuse and North Webster American Legion Post #253.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Ann; a son, Gary J. (Debra) Wiegman of Clayton, New Jersey; a daughter, Martha J. (Eugene) Shaw of Aloha, Oregon; three grandchildren, Kelli (Justin) Thomas, Ryan (Bobbi) Shaw and David M. Wiegman; two step-grandchildren, Jessica & Stephanie; and a great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Dawn Marie Wiegman; and two brothers, Kenneth Wiegman and A. Lester Wiegman.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastors Wendy Piano and Ralph Esterhaus officiating. The visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
The burial will be in Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco with military honors presented at the cemetery by North Webster American Legion Post #253.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.
Robert E. Shlater, 80, a resident of Churubusco, died at 7:29 a. m. on Friday, August 22, 2008, at his residence. He had been in failing health for the past two years, and had been seriously ill for the past week. 
Mr. Shlater was born in Fort Wayne on June 3, 1928, a son of Willis and Mildred (Schroeder) Shlater. He moved with his parents to Churubusco in 1932, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1946.
As a young man he worked as a car salesman for the former Floyd’s Auto Sales in Churubusco, and later for other auto dealers. He owned and operated Bob’s Auto Sales in Churubusco from 1971 to 1997.
An avid pilot, he had been a successful flight instructor for many years. He enjoyed motorcycles and car racing, and was a former track champion at the Warsaw Motor Speedway. A member of the Churubusco Town Council from 1992 to 2000, he was a member of the Fort Wayne Greater Aviation Museum.
On March 24, 1947 he was married in Columbia City to Betty J. Weigold. She preceded him in death on May 22, 1978. He later married Jeannette “Jan” (Derrow) Hollopeter in Fort Wayne on September 15, 1984. She survives.
Other surviving relatives include his children Stephen L. Shlater of Markle, Robert L. (Karen) Shlater of Huntington, William E. (Becky) Shlater of Port Orange, Florida, Sondra Shlater of Churubusco, and James A. (fiancee Jan Shamo) Shlater of Fort Wayne; his step-children Wesley (Carrie) Hollopeter, Shane Hollopeter, and Kimberly Hollopeter, all of Fort Wayne, and Tonya Hollopeter of Houston, Texas; a brother James (Bobbie) Shlater of Columbia City; a sister Sue (Wayne) Putt of Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by a son Richard C. “Duke” Shlater on July 23, 1974.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Paul D. White, pastor of Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 2 to 8 p. m. on Tuesday.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 2270 Lake Avenue, suite 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46805; or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-4401.
Arthur Nicholas Keister, 60, and Pamela Sue Keister, 57, of rural Albion in Green Township, died Wednesday evening at State Roads 40 and 60 near Jones, Michigan, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. 
Mr. Keister was born on December 1, 1947 in Wolf Lake, a son of Arthur L. and Betty (Brackney) Keister. He spent his formative years in Noble Township, and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1966. As a young man he served in Vietnam with the U. S. Army, and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Mrs. Keister was born on June 17, 1951 in Huntington, a daughter of Floyd and Waneta (Kennedy) Brown, and spent her formative years near Mount Etna. She graduated from Huntington North High School in 1969, earned her bachelor’s degree from Taylor University in 1973, and received her master’s degree from IPFW. As a young woman she was employed as an elementary teacher at the Wolf Lake Elementary School.
On February 5, 1977 the couple were married in Merriam, and lived all of their married lives in Noble County. In recent years they both operated a small produce farm in Green Township.
Mr. Keister had been employed at BAE Systems in Fort Wayne for 38 years, retiring from there in 2005. He was a member and deacon of the Merriam Christian Chapel, and was an AWANA leader. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing and playing basketball, and most especially loved his family, his church, and his Lord.
A member and deaconess of the Merriam Christian Chapel, Mrs. Keister was also a member of the church’s Sarah’s Circle, and was an AWANA leader. She enjoyed cooking, and most importantly loved her family, her church, and her Lord.
The couple are survived by their children Dr. Jennifer (Michael) Lortie of Kimmell, and David N. (Lindsay) Keister of Wolcottville.
Also surviving Mr. Keister are his parents Arthur L. and Betty Keister of Albion; a twin sister Jane (Harold) Weaver of Albion; a brother Dan (Mary) Keister of Albion; his in-laws Floyd and Waneta Brown of Warren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Keister is also survived by her parents Floyd and Waneta Brown of Warren; a sister Karen Brown of Roanoke; two brothers Terrill (Teresa) Brown of Pierceton, and Steve (Jayne) Brown of Cortland, Ohio; her in-laws Arthur L. and Betty Keister of Albion; and several nieces and nephews.
Joint funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Keister will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, August 26, at the Merriam Christian Chapel, with Pastor Terry L. Zolman, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church multi-purpose room on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Merriam Christian Chapel, 3985 South U. S. 33, Albion, IN 46701; or Gideon’s International, P. O. Box 863, Kendallville, IN 46755
Joshua Joel McCoy, 29, a resident of Union Township, died Wednesday morning, August 20, 2008.
He was born on August 31, 1978, in Columbia City, a son of Michael William and Judie Kay Manter McCoy. He attended Coesse Grade School, later moving to Michigan where he graduated from the Akron-Fairgrove High School in 1997. 
On March 20, 2004, he was united in marriage to Annie Ryers. They made their home in Port Hope, Michigan, until August 2006 when they moved to Indiana where he joined his father, Mike and brother, Travis, in the operation of the McCoy Farms in Union Township.
He was a member of the Arcola basketball league.
The surviving relatives include his wife, Annie; two daughters, Indyna and Ellymae McCoy; his father and step-mother, Michael and Pamela McCoy, Columbia City; mother and step father, Judie and Richard Roller, Indianapolis; a brother, Travis (Renne) McCoy, Columbia City; three sisters, Jodee McCoy, Traci McCoy and Jessica McCoy, all of Indianapolis; grandparents, Bill and Mimi Manter, Indianapolis; his in-laws, Reicke and Lee Ann Ryers of Reese, Michigan; two sister-in-laws, Richelle Ryers and Renee (Travis) Parrish, both of Reece, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his grand parents, Max and Katherine McCoy.
A celebration of life will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastors Bob Siegrist and Gary Manter officiating. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral Home.
An additional service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Trinity-St. James Lutheran Church in Munger, Michigan, with the Rev. Theodore E. Voll, officiating. The burial will be in the Gilford Township Cemetery, Gilford, Michigan.
Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home in Reese, Michigan.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Educational Fund for Indyna and Ellymae McCoy.
Frances Geneva Western, 79, of Etna Troy Township, died at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Monday, August 11. 
She was born September 14, 1928, in Thorncreek Township, a daughter of Jesse F. and Laura (Pheister) Braddock. Her formative years were spent in Thorncreek Township where she completed her elementary education. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1946.
On July 31, 1949, she was united in marriage to Glenn A. Western at the First Church of God on N. Washington Streetin Columbia City by Rev. Festel E. Link and Rev. Alvin Link. They made their first home at Loon Lake moving to their farm in Etna Troy Township in December 1951.
She worked at City Hall for Columbia City Utilities from 1946 until 1960, was Etna Troy Township Clerk from 1976 until 2002 and Etna Troy Township Deputy Assessor from 1976 until 2002. Her memberships include Troy Presbyterian Church and it’s Women’s Association where she served as moderator from 1992 to 1993. She served on the Whitley County Extension Board of Directors and was a member of the Etna Troy Extension Homemakers. She also was a member of Whitley County Farm Bureau, served on its Board of Directors and was awarded Indiana Farm Bureau farm wife of the year in 1981. In addition to being a tutor for Whitley County Literacy Council, she served on the Board of Directors, was secretary and student coordinator.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Glenn; two sons and two daughters, Steven R. (Jill) Western, Jeffrey G. Western and Gloria J. (Steven) Reimer, all of Columbia City, and Suzanne R. Western of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren, Jarrod and Justin Western, Rodney, Geordan and Mikalah Reimer; a great-granddaughter, Cora Western; and six sisters, Phyllis Bowsman, Betty Dear, Dean Bowman and Sharon Rucker, all of Columbia City, Judy Fisher of Nappanee and Evelyn Egner of New Whiteland.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Egner.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Howard Compton and Chaplain Jeanine Nix officiating. The burial will be in Adams Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Troy Presbyterian Church, American Cancer Society or Hospice Home.
Roderic Charles Boehme, 79, of Columbia City, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at his daughter's house. 
Born Nov. 21, 1928, in Loyal Hanna, Pennsylvania, he was an Army veteran and member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco.
He retired in 1989 from Iron Worker's Local 147. Since retirement, he had been working for Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware, Columbia City.
Surviving are his daughters, Bonnie Marie (Rod) Miller of Fort Wayne and Maryann (Jeff) Thomas of Churubusco; a son, John Charles (Wanda) Boehme of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Loretta (Wayne) Hook of Knoxville, Tennessee; and brother, Robert Boehme of Waynedale.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret (Barba) Boehme, in 2003; a daughter, Brenda Louise Clem, in 2001; a sister, Alberta Lepper; and a brother, Eugene Boehme.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, Churubusco, with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Father Danney Pinto officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, with Rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Burial Highland Park Cemetery.
Preferred memorials for Masses or to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Faith L. Crawford, 90, a resident of Columbia Township, died at 1 a.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. 
She was born on July 25, 1918 in Thorncreek Township, a daughter of Oscar and Luella Cooperider Hill. Her formative years were spent on a farm in Thorncreek Township and she was educated in the township schools and graduated from the Columbia city High School in 1936.
She had been employed by the Sherman White Company in Columbia City for several years as a secretary.
On October 9, 1938, she was united in marriage to Jay A. Crawford and they spent their married life on a farm South of Columbia City on Indiana 9. Mr. Crawford died on January 19, 2000.
She was a member of the Oak Grove Church of God; the Whitley County Extension since 1959, holding several county and local offices; served two terms on the Whitley County Extension Advisory Council; member of the Farm Bureau and was District Farm Wife of the Year in 1979-80.
The surviving relatives include a son, Gene L. (Kandy) Crawford, Columbia City; a daughter, Brenda (Carl E.) Kent, Continental, Ohio, six grandchildren, Brandon, Wade, Chad Crawford and Abbey Crawford, Shelly Auch and Todd Kent; nine great-grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy Long residing in Wisconsin.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Patricia Ann.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 Saturday in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Carroll McNutt and the Rev. Steve Johnson officiating. The burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Oak Grove Church of God.
Betty L. Henline, 84, a resident of Fort Wayne and a native of Columbia City, died at 8:08 a. m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Although she had suffered a stroke earlier in the month, her condition was improving until she was stricken with another stroke on Monday. 
Mrs. Henline was born near Columbia City on May 21, 1924, a daughter of Levi L. and Grace V. (Smith) Harman, and spent her formative years in Whitley County. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1942, and attended the Fort Wayne Gospel Temple Bible College.
As a young woman she was employed in the baby department of the former Wolf & Dessauer Department Store in Fort Wayne, and was married on January 5, 1945, in Fort Wayne to Robert E. Henline.
She had taught for Child Evangelism for a number of years, and for many years was manager of the Fort Wayne Gospel Temple Book Shop.
A member of the Westview Alliance Church in Fort Wayne, she volunteered in the office there for ten years. She was also a member of the Senior Saints vocal ensemble.
Mr. Henline preceded her in death on June 28, 1983.
The surviving relatives include her children Gary L. (Sue) Henline of Phoenix, Arizona, and Sue Ellyn (Stephen) Dannenfelser and Caryn G. Freeman, both of Fort Wayne; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers Virgil Harman and Gerald Harman.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. on Sunday, August 24, in the Westview Alliance Church, 9804 Illinois Road, with Pastor Bob Petty, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a. m. until noon and from 1 to 3 p. m. There will also be calling one hour prior to the funeral on Sunday afternoon.
Interment will be in the Poe Cemetery, Allen County.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Westview Youth Scholarship Fund, 9804 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804; or Feed the Children, P. O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101-0036
Frank Harold Wade, Jr., 85, of Noble County, went home to be with The Lord at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2008 at his home.
He was born June 22, 1923, a son of Frank Harold and Mildred Mary (Harper) Wade. His formative years were spent in Wolf Lake. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School.
On January 27, 1951, he was united in marriage to Dorothy A. Barnes. They made their home in the Columbia City area until 1971 when they moved north of Ormas. In 1983, they moved to their present home.
In addition to farming, he was employed at Schuman’s Trucking, Heupel Transport Service, Richard Trucking, Motor Parts & Equipment, Victor Gasket and retired from LML in June 1983.
He was a former member of Columbia City Free Methodist Church where he served as church pianist for 22 years. His current memberships include Ormas Baptist Church and Noble County Farm Bureau.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Dorothy; a son and three daughters, Duane (Lori) Wade, Barbara (Lonnie) Halsey, Brenda Reynolds and Linda (Earl) Bromley, all of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Freshour Starkey and a great-grandson.
The memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Robin LaRue, chaplain of Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice, officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Ormas Baptist Church or Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice.
Kenneth Clair Ellenberger, age 80, died at 1:32 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at his residence. 
Born in New Haven on August 20, 1927 he was the son of Herman and Flossie (Calhoun) Ellenberger.
After attending Poling High School, he served in the Merchant Marines from 1949-1950 and then joined the United States Army. On June 11, 1960, he was united in marriage to Marjorie P. Brandenburg in Huntsville, Alabama.
Since 1972, he and his wife have resided in Claypool. In 1992, he retired from the Dana Corporation with 40 years of service. He attended New Hope Wesleyan Church, Columbia City .
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Marjorie P. Ellenberger of Claypool; children, Brian (Terri) Ellenberger of Holland, Michigan, Terri Ellenberger of Sparta, Tennessee, Rhonda (Mike) Anderson of Claypool, Dan Ellenberger of Kokomo, Dale Ellenberger of Marion, Diane Ford of Portland and Dorena Ellenberger of Columbia City; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; brothers, Loren (Norma) Ellenberger of Beckley, West Virginia, Larry (Vera) Ellenberger of Bryant, Mike (Gladys) Ellenberger of Bluffton and Stanley (Carol) Ellenberger of Geneva, Indiana; sisters, Iva Lou White of Hartford City, Indiana, Carolyn (Elwood) Rouch of Middlebury and Bonnie (Melvin) Fear of Fiatt, Indiana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Howard and Jerry Ellenberger and sisters, Arlene Mantle and Betty Hackett.
Visitation is 3-9 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2008 at the funeral home with Reverend Barry Faucett of New Hope Wesleyan Church officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard with burial at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley. Memorials may be given in Mr. Ellenberger's memory to New Hope Wesleyan Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Ali Elizabeth Yates, 16 months-old, of Pierceton, died on August 13, 2008, at 4:47 a.m. at Kosciusko Community Hospital. 
The daughter of Ryan and Liza (Stipp) Yates, she was born on April 13, 2007 in Fort Wayne.
She is survived by her parents and two brothers, Andrew and Ethan Yates, also of Pierceton. She is also survived by a paternal grandmother, Kandi Yates, and a maternal grandmother, Deb Neer.
Services will be held at New Life Christian Church, Warsaw, on Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor John B. Lowe II and Jamy Gregory will officiate.
Condolences may be left for the family by clicking here.
Perry Kay Short, 84, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, he was the former owner-operator of Shorts Ice Cream Company. More recently, he and his wife, Barbara worked together as remodeling contractors. 
He was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corp.
"Kay loved dogs, quiet times by water, chocolate and duct tape. His passion in life was helping other people. Thank you Dad, your love for your family was your greatest gift to us; a model for others and a lasting legacy."
Survivors include daughters, Barbee (David) Eberhart of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Emylu (Don) Osos of Columbia City; and grandchildren, Toph (Diane) Eberhart and Gretta Eberhart, both of Dallas, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, in 1983. Private services will be held. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Entombment in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Dorothy M. (Johnson) Schinbeckler, 89, died Thursday, August 07, 2008 at St. Anne Home in Fort Wayne.
Born in Fort Wayne, she retired from General Electric Company for 33 years, retiring in 1983. She was a member of North Christian Church, G.E. Quarter Century Club and the Partizan Chapter of the G.E. Elex Club.
Survivors include sons, Steven D. Johnson of New Haven, and Keith E. (Karen) Johnson of Fort Wayne; daughters, Patricia G. (Richard) (Ritter) Jennings of New Haven, and Rebecca A. (Art) Lee of Fort Wayne; step-son, David (Mary) Schinbeckler of Wisconsin; step-daughter, Sidney (Steve) Campbell of Columbia City; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine E. Parkins of Fort Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frederic S. Johnson; second husband, Robert L. Schinbeckler; granddaughters, Ann and Cindy Ritter; daughter-in-law, Sandra Johnson; son-in-law, Gerald Ritter.
A service was held Monday with Rev. Peggy Edge officiating. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Memorials to North Christian Church or The Rafiki Foundation for Missionaries Mike & Sherri Ritter.
Suzan "Suzie" Hofer, 42, of Fort Wayne, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Parkview North.
Born February 8, 1966 in Warsaw, she graduated from Northrop High School in 1984 and from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1987. She was employed as an obstetrics nurse at Parkview for eight years and was a former home health care nurse.
She was a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church where she was an occasional flutist, Bible School teacher and active in the children's choir. She volunteered as the nurse, uniform and guard mom for the Northrop Band and as a FOB mom. She also volunteered as room mother for her children's school activities and as a parent volunteer for the Northeast School of Dance Recital.
Survivors include her husband, Michael and children Stephanie, Phillip and Katie all of Fort Wayne; parents Vernon and Marcille Fawley; brother Gregory Fawley, all of Fort Wayne; in-laws John and Barbara Hofer of South Whitely; brothers-in-law Mark Hofer of Goshen; Herb Hofer of Valparaiso; Mark Clark of South Whitley; Jim Clark of Tallahassee, Florida and Chris Clark of Avilla.
A service was held Wednesday at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne with Pastor Phillip Emerson and Pastor Stacy Downing officiating. Burial was in Highland Park Cemetery.
Memorials to scholarship fund for Northrop "Big Orange Pride."
Ethel M. Hearn, 96, passed away, Monday, August 11, 2008 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born in Whitley County, she was a self-employed cosmetologist for 16 years, retiring in 1960.
She was a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Columbia City Chapter #65 O.E.S., Rebecca Lodge Fort Wayne, and Patriarchs Military Auxiliary.
Survivors include sons, Paul (Evelyn) Hearn of Fort Wayne, Vern (Olivia) Hearn of Portland, Oregon, and Allen (Nancy Nolan) Hearn of Lexington, Massachusetts; daughters, Garnet Burnworth of Fort Wayne, and Avis (Sam) Ostrem of Vancouver, Washington; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roscoe C. Hearn in 1980; son, Dale Hearn; brothers, Oscar and Carl Sheets; and sister, Mildred Updike.
Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Eastern Star Service 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Cancer Services Allen County.
Larry Phil Schuman, 72, of Del Norte, Colorado, died Aug. 7, 2008, at Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte.
He was born Sept. 7, 1935, in Whitley County to Alvin and Vada (Gable) Schuman.
Larry was very active in the community and served as the President of the Rio Grande/Mineral County Health District, as an Elder of the Pioneer United Church, a member of the American Medical Technologists, a youth leader in many different clubs, youth basketball coach and 4-H leader.
He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, four-wheeling, skiing and all sports in general. Most of all, Larry was very proud of his family and loved them very much.
His parents, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Schuman, Del Norte; five children, Monty (Mary) Schuman, Firestone, Colorado, Larilee (Jay) Yeager, Del Norte, Michael (Karlene) Schuman, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jill (Marvin) Martinez, Del Norte and Melissa (David) Lowry, Colorado Springs, Colorado; one sister, Bonnie Joan Taylor, Columbia City, 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many friends who loved him and will miss him dearly.
Funeral services to honor and celebrate his life were Monday, Aug. 11, at Pioneer United Church in Del Norte. Burial was in the Del Norte Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rio Grande Hospital Clinic in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home, 205 S. Broadway, Monte Vista, Colo. 81144.
Arrangements were by Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.
Catherine Elizabeth Perry, 65, of Kokomo died at 3:00 p.m., Monday, August 11, 2008 at her residence. 
Born Thursday, June 24, 1943, in Arcola, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Briggs Carter Sr. and Faye (Butler) Carter, who survives.
On January 7, 1999, in Kokomo, she married David A. Perry Sr., and he survives. She was employed at St. Joseph Hospital in housekeeping for the past 11 years. She loved fishing, gardening, NASCAR, and was an excellent cook.
Survivors include her husband, David A. Perry Sr. of Kokomo, her mother, Faye Carter of Columbia City; one son, Robert (Patty) Hilton III of Kokomo, three daughters, Denise (Jerry) Renkenberger of Kokomo, Teri (Abraham) Abubakr of Fort Wayne, Christina (Todd) Birkey of Kokomo; four step-sons, David Perry Jr. of Kokomo, Lonnie (Lissette) Perry, of Georgia, Todd (Shayne) Perry, of Georgia, Ryan (Michele) Perry, of Georgia, one step-daughter, Kristine (Noah) Short of Kokomo; two sisters, Pat (Mahlon) Peters of Churubusco, Stella (Dick) Egolf of Columbia City, two brothers, Larry (Dolly) Carter of Roanoke, Ralph (Marsha) Carter Jr. of Columbia City, one sister-in-law, Barbara Carter of Roanoke; 23 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded by her father, also one brother, James Carter.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2008, at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo. Reverend Ken Byland will officiate. Cremation will follow.
Memorials may be directed to the Howard County Unit of the American Cancer Society or to the St. Joseph Employee Assistance Fund. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Dennis L. Cramer, age 55, a resident of Churubusco, died suddenly Saturday night August 9, 2008, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne of an apparent heart attack. He had been treated in the past for heart-related illnesses.
Dennis was born March 27, 1953, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Wilbur L. and Catherine L. (Lynch) Cramer. For most of his life he lived in Churubusco, and as a young man graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne with the class of 1971. He worked at Precision Heat Treat Company in Fort Wayne for over 20 years and was the night supervisor. He loved coaching little league baseball in Churubusco for 20 years.
He is survived by his brother Michael (Marilyn) Cramer of Huntertown, Indiana; his sisters Lisa K. Miller of Fort Wayne, Monica (Thomas) Lang of La Otto, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Patrick T. Cramer.
Calling hours for Dennis will be held Wednesday August 13, 2008 from 3-7 p.m. in the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home where a rosary services will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Family burial will take place at a later date.
Wilma Vacie (Rutherford) Rodocker-Schamerloh, age 85, of Columbia City, passed away from a stroke at 5:35 a.m. Sunday, July 6, 2008. 
Born on September 9, 1922 in Huntington County, she was the daughter of William Henry Rutherford and Mary Forney (Pugh) Rutherford. She attended Spencerville High School, Spencerville. She spent her lifetime in Huntington and DeKalb Counties, Hicksville, Ohio, Fort Wayne and the past 5 years, at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City.
She was a seamstress and drapery maker. She volunteered at the Allen County Public Library in the Genealogy Department.
Survivors include her son, Robert C. (Nina) Rodocker of Columbia City; daughter, Carma J. Lucatero of Denver, Colorado; sisters, Nona R. (Harold) Harris of Huntington and Lou Ann Brown of Richmond, Virginia; brother, Thomas N. (LuAnn) Rutherford of New Haven; seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, William Rodocker and Arthur Schamerloh, a sister, Lois F. Fisher and a brother, William H. Rutherford.
A graveside service is at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, with Reverend Michael Courtney officiating.
Memorial bequests may be given to Gideon's International or Lighthouse Free Methodist Building Fund.
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
Rosalie "Rosie" Stresemann, age 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:35 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
Born on November 1, 1926, in Huntington, she was the daughter of Donald S. and Louise (Van Antwerp) Brown. She graduated with the Class of 1944 from Huntington High School.
On December 29, 1946, she married Carl Edward Stresemann. She and Carl lived in Huntington until 1955 when they moved to Columbia City. A homemaker until 1963, she was a former employee of Alcoils, Thornburg Drugs Store, The Garden Gift Shop and William's Grocery Store, all in Columbia City.
In 1983, she and her husband owned and operated BJ Arts & Crafts Store and the Gas House from 1984 to 1990. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Columbia City.
Survivors include her seven children, Cathy L. Brown of Fort Wayne, Richard A. (Mariann) Stresemann of Churubusco, Vickie (Harvey) Fry of Columbia City, Nancy A. Stresemann of Columbia City, William H. Stresemann of Fort Wayne, James R. Stresemann of Fort Wayne and Linda S. (Richard) Born, Sr. of Columbia City; a cousin, Marjorie Meyer of Indianapolis; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Edward Stresemann, four grandchildren and a cousin, Lorine Reynolds.
Visitation is 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Eatherton and Pastor Jim Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Lancaster Cemetery, Huntington. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Stresemann to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Paula Kim Woll, age 44, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:15 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2008 at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. 
Born on February 16, 1964, in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Carl W. and Lois Ann (Coulter) Downing.
A lifetime Whitley County resident, she attended Coesse Elementary School and she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1982.
She was employed by Whitley County Consolidated School Systems where she worked as the attendance secretary at Columbia City High School since 1998. She was a former employee of the Whitley County Health Department where she worked as a secretary, Dwyer of South Whitley, and Dana in Fort Wayne.
On January 1, 2007 she married Jeffery L. Woll in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She was a member of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include her husband, Jeffery L. Woll of Columbia City; a son, Trevor Shoda of Columbia City; 2 daughters, Darci (Trevor) Groves of Scott Air Force Base, Illinois and Whitney (fiance, Troy Hatfield) Shoda, Columbia City; her parents, Carl W. and Lois Ann Downing of Columbia City; a brother, Chad Downing of Columbia City; step-daughters, Alainna R. (Adam) Martin and Jaima L. (fiance, Mark Grabner) Woll all of Columbia City; paternal grandmother, Millicent Downing of Columbia City; mother-in-law, Velma Woll of Columbia City; and a grandchild, due in September.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Mark Downing and father-in-law, Ronald G. Woll.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2008. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. with 1 hour of visitation prior to service on Monday, August 11, 2008 at Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 North Main Street, Columbia City. Pastor Thomas Beers will officiate. Burial will follow at Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Coesse, Whitley County. Memorial bequests may be given in Paula's memory to the American Cancer Society for Lymphoma Research. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.
Dale R. Pankop, 77, a resident of Churubusco, died at 8:05 a. m. on Thursday, August 7, 2008, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He had been in failing health since September, 2007. 
Mr. Pankop was born in Fairfield Township in DeKalb County on July 5, 1931, a son of Herman Herbert and Henrietta Helena (Hasselman) Pankop, and spent his formative years near Corunna. As a young man he served with the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
He was married in Avilla on January 28, 1956, to Ada Louise Englert Pankop, and lived all of his adult life in Churubusco.
The owner and operator of Pankop Drainage & Excavating in Churubusco for 36 years, he retired from there in 1993, and was a member of the Gilbert Davis American Legion Post 157.
The surviving relatives include his wife Louise; his children Pam (Harold) Hill of Churubusco, Marsha (Warren) Worman of Wichita, Kansas, Vi (William) Sommers of Fort Wayne, Bob Pankop of Churubusco, Becky Coffelt of Columbia City, and Judy (Matt) Burrell of Garrett; a brother Eugene (Shirely) Pankop of Fort Wayne; a sister Norma Pankop of Fort Wayne; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers Donald Pankop and Wayne Pankop; and by two sisters Dorothy Bender and Eleanor Tressh.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday, August 10, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Timothy Grable and William Claxton, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Saturday from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Private family burial will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
Lance Edward Rice, age 25, of Columbia City , died Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at Parkview Hospital , Fort Wayne. 
To honor his brief life, he gave the gift of life to others as an organ donor. Born in Fort Wayne, on October 30, 1982, he was the son of Danny Lin and Judy Kaye (Burniston) Rice.
A native of Fort Wayne, he resided in Columbia City since 1997. For 7 1/2 years, he worked at Reelcraft, Columbia City. On May 17, 2003, he married Melissa S. Coverstone in Columbia City. His memberships included North American Hunting and Fishing Club and the National Rifle Association.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa S. Rice of Columbia City; son, Lance A. Rice, age 2, of Columbia City; parents, Danny and Judy Rice of Columbia City; sisters, Heather Rice of Columbia City, Renee Howell, Jennifer Fryback and Megan Rice all of Fort Wayne; brother, Roger Rice of Las Vegas, Nevada, Danny Rice, Jr. of Auburn and Jason Fryback of Columbia City; grandmother, Virginia Burniston of Kendallville; mother-in-law, Christina (Dan) Hummel of Columbia City; father-in-law, Rex Coverstone of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Frederick Fryback, grandparents, George and Vada Rice and grandfather, James Burniston.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2008, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. with 1 hour of visitation prior to service on Monday, August 11, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 N Main Street, Columbia City, with Pastor Tim Grable of Sugar Grove Church of God and Rev. Dr. C. James Cress of Grace Lutheran Church officiating.
Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, Noble County. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Rice Family Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or to sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Maxine L. Metzger, 95, of North Manchester died at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. 
She was born April 3, 1913, in Kosciusko County, Indiana to Bert and Agnes (Conroy) Roberts.
She married Budd Sleighter in Kosciusko County on December 6, 1932; he died March 5, 1965. She then married Don A. Metzger in North Manchester on August 12, 1972; he died February 2, 2000.
Maxine worked at Tri-Wec in North Manchester 8 years, retiring in 1972. She was a member of Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren, and she lived at the Timbercrest Senior Living Community since 1986. Maxine enjoyed quilting, cooking and being a caregiver.
She is survived by 2 sons, John R. "Jack" (Bonnie) Sleighter of South Whitley, Indiana, Paul H. (Linda) Sleighter of North Manchester; Daughter, Donna (Donald) Mort of North Webster; three Step-sons, Richard D. (Diane) Metzger of Fort Wayne, Rex L. (Betty) Metzger of North Manchester, Stanley (Kathy) Metzger of Palouse, Washington; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceeded in death by her daughter, Agnes L. Brown who died in 1984, four brothers and a sister.
Funeral Services will be held at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchesteron Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Kelly Beutler officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Timbercrest, and also one hour prior to the service Saturday.
Preferred memorials are to Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren or Timbercrest Senior Living Community.
Stephen R. “Whiskey” Wissler, 59, of New Haven, passed away Saturday Aug. 2, 2008, at his residence.
Born on June 29, 1949, to Robert O. and Imogene R. (Heit) Wissler, he attended North Side High School. He worked at Dana Corp. for 25 years, loved NASCAR and Drag Racing, and enjoyed spending time at the lake.
He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, life member of the Moose, American Legion Post 330, and member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include his companion, Maria Martinz; sons, Troy B. and T.J. Wissler of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Travis, Trent, Trey and Mataya; his mother, Imogene (Mike) Maldeney of Fort Wayne; sisters, Patricia (Frank) Akins of Monroeville, Peggy Lee of Fort Wayne and Cynthia (Steve) Cunningham of LaFontaine; and a brother, Ronald L. (Tess) Wissler of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Tim; and a sister, Barbara Jean.
Graveside Funeral Service was held Wednesday at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 1109 Hartzel Road, New Haven.
Preferred memorials to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or Disabled American Veterans.
Eldon W. Bailey, 90, a resident of Huntertown, died at 4:00 p. m. on Monday, August 4, 2008, at Coventry Meadows in Fort Wayne. He had been in failing health for some time, and had entered the nursing home on July 3.
Mr. Bailey was born on October 21, 1917, in Perry Township, a son of Harrison and Frances (VanDolah) Bailey. He spent his formative years there, and graduated from Huntertown High School in 1936.
On February 29, 1940, he was married in Huntertown to Ruby Arnold, and spent all of his adult life in Perry Township.
He was employed as the head custodian at Northwest Allen County School Corporation from 1955, until retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Huntertown United Methodist Church, Huntertown Lodge 689 F&AM, and the Huntertown Veteran’s of Foreign Wars.
Mrs. Bailey preceded him in death on March 1, 2008.
The surviving relatives include a son Arnold (Corine) Bailey of Fort Wayne; two daughters Gay (David) Inkrote of Dallas, Texas., and Kathy (Raney) Bouthot of Fort Wayne; a brother Carl Bailey of Huntertown; a sister Wilma Rebbe of Los Angeles, California; four grandchildren including Shannon Bouthot of Fort Wayne, Nicole Bouthot of Tampa, Florida., Thane (Tanya) Bouthot of St. Louis, Missouri, and Justin Bailey of Huntertown; two step-grandchildren Rick (Gail) Inkrote and Joelle Inkrote, both of Dallas, Texas; and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and spouse, he was preceded in death by a brother Ross Bailey; and by two sisters Doris Schlatter and Edna Bailey.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Saturday, August 9, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Sherri Long, associate pastor of Huntertown United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Friday from 2 to 7 p. m., or one hour prior to the service.
Interment with military graveside rites will be in 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
Carolyn A. Bills, age 70, of Thorncreek Township, Columbia City, IN passed away at 1:13 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN after a three month hospitalization following heart surgery. 
She was born on May 8, 1938, on Cider Mill Road, Smith Township, Whitley County, the daughter of Theodore Jacob and Coral A. (Barney) Miller. She was raised in Collins and on Riley Road and attended the Collins School. She then graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1956.
She was united in marriage to Larry R. Bills on January 21, 1961, in Fort Wayne by Pastor Hubert E. Miller. After her marriage she lived in Columbia City, then moved near Larwill on Whitley Road and then returned to Columbia City in 1966. In 1975, she moved to her present farm home in Thorncreek Township.
She was an active member of Blue River Community Church, where she sang in the church choir, served on the Whitley County 4-H Extension Board, was a former leader of the Thorncreek Shooting Stars, former leader of the Whitley County 4-H Horse and Pony Club and she also served on the advisory Board of the Horse and Pony and Poultry Clubs. She loved anything to do with animals and had a big heart for all people.
She formerly owned and operated the Coesse Store, was a clerk at the Hayloft Antique Store, former delivery person for Carriage House Flowers and Gifts and most recently was a greeter at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, all in Columbia City. However, her greatest accomplishment was being a wife and mother.
Survivors include her husband of 47 1/2 years, Larry R. Bills, Columbia City; four daughters, Teresa (Phillip) Smith, South Whitley, Shelly L. Bills, Ligonier, Carla S. (Mike) McIntosh, Whitestown and Tiffany L. (Joseph) Kinch, Claypool; a son, Todd R. Bills, Columbia City; six grandchildren including, Clayton Bills, Courtney McIntosh, James McIntosh, Travis McIntosh, Ryan Bills and Kyler Bills; four step-grandchildren including, Elaina Goins, Lindsay Lieneman, Leslie and Alex Smith; three step-great-grandchildren, Elijah Goins, Reagan and Ronan Lieneman.
Visitation will be held from 2-8:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2008 and after noon on Friday, August 8, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, August 8, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Brian Secor of Blue River Community Church officiating.
Memorials may be given to the Bills Family Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the family guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Kimberly J. Cramer, 43, of Columbia City, died Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2008. 
She was born February 4, 1964 in the Whitley County Memorial Hospital in Columbia City a daughter of Franklin D. and Gloria J. (Burke) Schrader. A native of the Columbia City area, she was educated at Columbia City Joint High School.
On November 21, 1981, she was united in marriage to Timothy A. Cramer. They made their home in Columbia City until 1983 when they moved to Fort Stewart, Georgia. Later Tim was transferred to Germany with the U.S. Army where they resided for three years. They resided in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for three years, Idaho and later Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Since 1996, they have resided at their present home north of Columbia City. She was branch manager for Citifinancial, where she has been employed since 1996. She was involved with Junior Achievement and was an organizer for Toys for Tots.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Timothy; a son, Kristopher A. Cramer of Columbia City; her father, Franklin (Betty Woodard) Schrader of Goose Lake; three brothers, Gary (Cindy) Schrader of Larwill, Rick (Vicky) Schrader of Columbia City and Brent Schrader of Barbee Lake; a sister, Kathy Hill of Columbia City; her in-laws, Larry & Jane Cramer of Columbia City; three sister-in-laws, Tam (Dave) Meinika of Columbia City, Kim Cearbaugh of Columbia City and Jodi (Jeff) Johnson of Fort Wayne; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her mother and grandmother who raised her, Loa Burke, she was preceded in death by a son, Dustin R. Cramer and a brother, Randy Schrader.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Dan Gregory officiating. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society or Humane Society of Whitley County.
Barton Lee Smolek, 49, of Albion, free-spririted and fun-loving "Bart" died doing what he loved Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, four weeks after a motorcycle accident. 
Born June 3, 1959, at McCray Manor in Kendallville, he was a truck driver for JAT Transportation for six years. He was a graduate of Central Noble High School and a member of New Heights Church.
He is survived by companion, Teresa (Speaker) Herron; children, Brian Lee (Sabrina) Smolek and Lisa K. Smolek; grandchildren, Cheyanne K. Smolek, Jordan J. Smolek, Sebastian K. Smolek and Colton L. Smolek; and siblings, Brook E. (Brenda) Smolek, Julie Newhouser, Bradley W. (Jerra) Smolek and Marna Morris.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur F. and Jacquelyn (Summers) Smolek; and a brother, Michael Smolek.
The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Lovings is officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials to his Grandchildren's Trust.
Nicholas Carson Linvill, age 21, of Columbia City, left this life in a traffic accident one mile from his Oliver Lake summer home, LaGrange County, Friday, August 1, 2008. 
The son of Steven and Kathleen Linvill, he was born on April 9, 1987, in Marion, Indiana.
As a junior in broadcasting and telecommunications at Ball State University, he was an on air personality of campus radio station WCRD.
At Columbia City High School, Nick was active in speech and debate, varsity swim team and band. He was a DeKalb County Tops 4-H winner and a 4-H exchange student to Japan, Mexico and Poland. He won many championships in showing horses, cats and baking. Nick was active in the LaGrange United Methodist Church presenting children's sermons. He was an avid reader and enjoyed music, video games and playing cards with friends.
He especially enjoyed water sports at Oliver Lake, swimming, sailing and his jet ski. He was a loving son and loyal friend and an inspiration to all. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Katelyn, 12; an uncle James Beaver of West Lafayette; uncle Tom (Nancy) Beaver of Kalamazoo, Michigan; aunt Ellen (Lannie) Maloney of Columbia City; a grandmother, Aimee Linvill of Columbia City; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by grandfather, Dr. Norman Beaver, a grandmother, Marjorie Beaver, and a grandfather, Marshall H. Linvill.
Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.
A celebration of life and music service is at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the LaGrange United Methodist Church, 209 W Spring Street, LaGrange. Burial will be at 3 p.m. in Blue River Cemetery, Whitley County. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Columbia City Speech & Debate Team.
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Marie Angeline Lahr, 91, of Huntington, died Thursday, July 31, 2008, at Norwood Nursing Home. 
Born September 14, 1916, in Huntington, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Grace Shideler Pence.
She married Paul Lahr on Oct. 6, 1940; he preceded her in death on Nov. 8, 1988.
She retired in 1981 from the Dietary Department of Huntington Memorial Hospital. She was a lifetime member of Faith Chapel United Methodist, Goblesville. She was active in mission work for the church.
Surviving are her two sons, Jay (Beth) Lahr and Gene (Donna) Lahr, both of Huntington; one daughter, Dorothy (Ray) Bishop of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Carl Pence of North Manchester and Dale (Marjorie) Pence of Columbia City; four grandchildren, Chris (Lara) Lahr, Casey (Hayley) Lahr, Jane (Jason) Allen, and John (Carrie) Bishop; two step grandchildren, Cassie (Kyle), Romine and Mandy (Kraig) Snowden; and seven great-grandchildren; and one step great-grandchild.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, D. L. Pence and George Pence; and two sisters, Mae McCombs and Helen Mickley.
The funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Faith Chapel United Methodist Church, Goblesville, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington. Burial in Shock Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Building Fund of Faith Chapel United Methodist, Goblesville, c/o McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN 46750.
Deborah L. Ivy, age 53, of Columbia City passed away at her home at 11:12 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008. 
Born on January 26, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of Roy H. and Mildred (Bush) Collier.
A lifetime Columbia City resident, she attended Columbia City Joint High School. Ms. Ivy worked at Village Cleaners and Lee's Inn both of Columbia City and Dekko for 13 years in South Whitley. She was a member of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include her sons, Joseph Eric Ivy of Columbia City and Fred Eugene Ivy of South Whitley; her parents, Roy H. and Mildred "Midge" Collier of Larwill; grandchildren, Felicia Osbourne, Chandler Ivy, Brett Ruckman, Draven Ivy, Atheena Ivy and Syrus Ivy; sisters, Brenda Duty of Pierceton, IN and Karen Brandel of Columbia City; a brother, Glen Collier of Columbia City.
A brother, Robert Lee Collier, preceded her in death.
Visitation is 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, August 4, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.
Memorials may be given in memory of Ms. Ivy to the American Cancer Society for cancer research. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Elster L. McWha, 92, a resident of Blue Lake near Churubusco and formerly of Huntington, died Wednesday afternoon, July 30, 2008, at Grandview Health & Rehab in Martinsville. He had been in declining health after suffering an apparent stroke in February.
Mr. McWha was born in Kirby, Arkansas, on April 29, 1916, a son of Jacob and Sarah Jane (Whisenhunt) McWha, and spent his formative years in Arkansas. He moved to Huntington in 1952 and lived there until moving to his present home on Blue Lake in 1983.
A tool and die maker, he retired from H. K. Porter in Huntington in 1979. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, near Churubusco, enjoyed fishing in his leisure time, and was a world-class woodworker. During his years in Huntington, he was active with Huntington County United Way.
His marriage took place on May 22, 1954, in Huntington to Dorothy Shaffer. Mrs. McWha preceded him in death on September 3, 1991.
The surviving relatives include his step-son Indiana State Police Superintendent Dr. Paul (Maralee) Whitesell of Martinsville; a brother William McWha of Hot Springs, Arkansas; a brother-in-law Basil (Linda) Shaffer of Churubusco; and two grandchildren Lt. Collin Whitesell, USMC, and Allison Whitesell.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Saturday, August 2, 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 Friday from 6 to 8 p. m.
Interment will be in Gardens of Memory, Huntington County.