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November 30, 2008
Born on January 12, 1929 in Norwich, Chenago County, New York, she was the daughter of George and Francis M. (Smith) Tanner.
Jim A. Greer, 52
Jim A. Greer, 52, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008, at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. 
Born on June 30, 1956, in Whitley County, he was the son of Howard W. and Wynemia (McDonald) Greer. He graduated from Central Noble High School, Albion, with the Class of 1975.
In 1978, he moved from Noble County to Whitley County.
On October 4, 1996, he married Cindy S. Hively in Columbia City.
For 20 years he worked with Group Dekko, Kendallville. Since 2006, he has been co-owner, vice president and general manager of Electri-Tec, Angola.
His memberships included Sugar Creek Fellowship Church of the Nazarene Church, South Whitley, and the Elks, Columbia City.
Survivors include his wife, Cindy S. Greer of Columbia City; two step-sons, Ryan W. (Cara) Hively of Fishers, Indiana, and Brant R. Hively of Tempe, Arizona; his mother, Wynemia Greer of Albion; a twin sister, JoEllen (Randy) Reeve of Albion, sisters, Susan Sparks of Merriam and Cathy (Mark) Weeks of Vicksburg, Michigan; brothers, Ed (Stephanie) Greer, Jay B. (Patty) Greer and John (Tammy) Greer all of Albion; two grandchildren; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Del & Marilyn Auer of Columbia City; sister-in-laws, Lindy (Jim) Moule of New Hampshire and Sheila (Don) Jetmore of Columbia City; and a brother-in-law, Richard Porter.
His father, Howard W. Greer, preceded him in death.
Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. The funeral service is Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at 10 a.m. with one hour of calling prior to service at the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 N Main Street, ColumbiaCity, with Pastor Thomas Beers officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, Noble County.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Greer to Sugar Creek Fellowship Church or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send condolences or sign the guest register book.
Dorothy "Dot" Marie Hartman, 72
Dorothy "Dot" Marie Hartman, 72, of North Manchester, passed away at 12:08 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at Wabash Skilled Care, Wabash. 
Born on December 26, 1935, in Wabash County, IN, she was the daughter of Duard A. and Alice S. (Stangle) Conrad. She graduated from Burket High School, Burket, Indiana, with the Class of 1953. She attended Fort Wayne Beauty College for a year.
On July 31, 1970, she married Herbert D. Hartman at First Church of God, Columbia City.
She worked at Viking Corporation in Columbia City, retiring in 1993 with 30 years plus service. In 1994, she moved from Columbia City to North Manchester.
She attended First Church of God, Columbia City, Touch of Life Church, Warsaw, and Sweetwater Church, North Manchester.
Survivors include her three daughters, Karen (Jim) Hatfield and Kathy (Ray) E. Maggard both of Columbia City; Rebecca Chuck) See of Pierceton; three sons, Rex Hartman, Bradley (Jenny) Hartman and Brian Hartman all of Columbia City; 24 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Herbert D. Hartman, sister, Ethel J. Burns and an infant daughter, Serena Re Richardson.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Weller officiating. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Hartman to Korean War Veterans Organization. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com.
November 28, 2008
Donna M. Anderson, 82
Donna M. Anderson, 82, formerly of South Whitley, died at 4:55 a.m. Friday, November 28, 2008 at Timbercrest Home, North Manchester where she had been a resident since May 2005. 
She was born March 31, 1926 in Larwill, Indiana a daughter of Levi F. and Ruth M. (Menzie) Barney. As a young girl, her family moved to South Whitley. She graduated from South Whitley High School.
On October 4, 1946 she was united in marriage to John F. Anderson. They made their home in rural South Whitley until moving into South Whitley in 1993. They wintered in Florida from 1986 until 1991. Mr. Anderson died January 2, 2001.
She was employed at General Electric two years, Fox Products and assisted with the operations of Anderson Auto Supply.
Her memberships include South Whitley United Methodist Church and its Helping Hands Circle.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Cheryl (Danny) Wilkinson of South Whitley and Doris (Stan) Horne of Churubusco; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Bonnie Melick and LaVerne Parker.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 W. S.R. 14, with Rev. Paul Burris, church pastor, officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley and one hour before the service at the church on Monday.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to South Whitley United Methodist Church or Timbercrest Home Crestwood Addition.
Deloris M. McCoy, 86
Deloris M. McCoy, 86, of Jefferson Township, Whitley County, died at 7:50 a.m. Thursday, November 27, 2008 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.
She was born April 19, 1922 in Hicksville, Ohio a daughter of Harley and Bonnie (Sleesman) Byroade. As an infant, her family moved to Fort Wayne. She graduated from South Side High School in 1940. 
On June 28, 1941 she was united in marriage to Roy G. “Sam” McCoy. Six months after marriage, they moved to the McCoy family farm in Jefferson Township.
She was employed at General Electric a year and retired from Jefferson Center School cafeteria in 1989 with 28 years of service.
Her church affiliation was with Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Roy “Sam”; a son, Allen H. (Annette) McCoy of Columbia City; two daughters, Sharon (Dan) Kraft of Fort Wayne and Patricia (Randy Brower) Minnick of Columbia City; a daughter-in-law, Marcia McCoy of Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a brother, Delmar Byroade of New Haven.
She was preceded in death by a son, Edward L. McCoy; two infant grandchildren; a brother, Alvin Byroade; and a sister, Doris Miller.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Leonard King officiating. The burial will be in Jefferson Chapel 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 Whitley County Giving Circle.
Donald L. Bentz
Donald L. Bentz, of Tampa, Florida, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Friday, November 21, 2008.
He is survived by his parents, Verlin and W. Ilene Bentz of Columbia City; sons, Donald L. Bentz Jr. of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Robbie Bentz, of Tampa; a sister, Linda Leas of Columbia City; and three grandchildren.
A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at Garden of Memories, Tampa, Florida.
Ellen “Marie” Kerns, 86
Ellen “Marie” Kerns, 86, of Columbia City, died at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. ![[EllenMarieKerns.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NEldDvmT03Q/SS6q0Oqt8pI/AAAAAAAAAEE/5SI5r4cWTio/s1600/EllenMarieKerns.jpg "[EllenMarieKerns.jpg]")
She was born October 14, 1922, in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Ralph M. and Ruth (Patterson) Kistler. Her formative years were spent in Larwill and Jefferson Township, Whitley County. She graduated from Larwill High School and Wayne Beauty College in Fort Wayne.
Following the closing of Montgomery Ward in Columbia City, where she was employed over 28 years, she began working at Ward’s Warehouse in Fort Wayne, retiring from their Mishawaka location. Following her retirement, she moved to Liberal, Kansas, for four years at worked for Southwest Medical Center as a receptionist before returning to Columbia City. She also drove the Journal Gazette paper route for 16 years.
Her memberships included Big Lake Church of God, Women of the Church of God, Eagles #1906 Auxiliary where she was a past president, Sugar & Spice Home Demonstration Club, American Legion Post #98 Auxiliary and Women of the Moose #861.
Surviving relatives a son, Melvin E. “Ed” Kerns of Wichita, Kansas; three grandchildren, Karrie Jenneret, Melvin Kerns II and Matthew Kerns; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin Kistler of Columbia City and Bruce Kistler of Spencerville; and a sister, Barbara Lee Fuller of Lake Wales, Florida.
She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, DeIla Kerns; a great-grandson; and a brother, Merl.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Big Lake Church of God Building Fund.
Phyllis B. Turner, 88
Phyllis B. Turner, 88, of Round Lake, died at 6:19 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2008, at her home. She had been in failing health for the past year.
She was born January 2, 1920, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Albert and Grace (Gruber) Zickgraf. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. She graduated from North Side High School and continued her education at International Business College.
On April 11, 1942, she was united in marriage to Gordon S. Turner Jr. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1975 when they moved to their home at Round Lake.
She retired from Lincoln National Bank with 15 years of service.
A member of St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, she attended St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. She was also a member of Crooked Lake Ladies Golf League and Main Bowl Ladies League.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Gordon; a son, Stephen C. Turner of Carmel; a daughter, Linda E. (Brad) Kimmel of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bette Statz of Fort Wayne and Catherine McComb of South Bend.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Zickgraf.
The funeral mass will be held at 12 Noon Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line St., Columbia City with visitation after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. The burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Chain O’ Lakes State Park.
Wallace Harold Hill, 64
Wallace Harold Hill, 64, of South Whitley, passed away quietly Thursday, November 20, 2008, at home surrounded by his loving family. He had courageously fought cancer for the past several years.
He was born August 28, 1944 in Elyria, Ohio, a son of Harry N. and Marguerite (Tillson) Hill. He spent his formative years in Elyria where he attended elementary school and graduated from Elyria High School in 1962.
In June 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He became an aircraft mechanic and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
An accomplished mechanic, he worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington, before returning to the area where he turned his skills to automotive mechanic. He was employed by Umber Automotive, Fort Wayne for 16 years retiring in 2003.
He is survived by his mother, Marguerite Hill of Springfield, Ohio, three sisters, Aleta McHenry, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Louanna Delf, Burnsville, North Carolina and Barbara (Ron) Begue, Columbia City; seven nieces and nephews; 20 great-nieces and nephews, a great-great-niece and a great-great-nephew.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death his beloved companion, Kathy Foster, who died in 1999.
There will be no funeral or visitation. Arrangements are by Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.
Larry Dale Birk, 72
Larry Dale Birk, 72, of Columbia City passed away at 2:34 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. ![[LarryBirk.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NEldDvmT03Q/SSnxJR-OhsI/AAAAAAAAAB8/TAoO22GmVlo/s1600/LarryBirk.jpg "[LarryBirk.jpg]")
Born on January 11, 1936, in Mishawaka, he was the son of Elmer W. and Ruth L. (Zink) Birk. A resident of Fort Wayne and Whitley County for 42 years, he has resided in Columbia City since 1978.
He graduated from Mishawaka High School with the Class of 1954 and then attended DeVry University, graduating with an Associates Degree in Electronics in 1966. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1963.
In 1962, he married Marilyn LeClercq in Lakeville, Indiana.
He was employed with IBM for over 30 years as a customer engineer. He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Marilyn Birk of Columbia City; three sons, Gary (Valerie) Birk of Yorktown, Indiana, Daryl (Holly) Birk of Avilla and Brian Birk of Albion; a brother, Richard (Sandra) Birk of Granger, Indiana; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is Tuesday, November 25, 2008 from 3-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 10 am at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at South Park Annex Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Birk to Columbia City United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Sharon Kaye Young, 71
Sharon Kaye Young, 71, of Columbia City, however, currently residing at Miller's Merry Manor, Warsaw, passed away at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008. ![[SharonYoung.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NEldDvmT03Q/SSnydeGznUI/AAAAAAAAACE/TBZsl40STYQ/s1600/SharonYoung.jpg "[SharonYoung.jpg]")
Born November 14, 1937, in Kendallville, she was the daughter of Richard and Mary Jane (Eichelbaugh) Decker-Jackson. She lived the majority of her life in Noble County, moving to Whitley County in 1991.
She graduated from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1955. A Registered Nurse, she graduated from Indiana University School of Nursing in 1958. She worked at Whitley County Hospital from 1958-1976 and then worked for her brother, Dr. Jeffrey Decker until retiring in 1999.
She was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel and attended the Warsaw Community Church. She was also a devoted Warsaw Tiger basketball fan where she was affectionately known as "Grandma T".
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Wilford O. Young of Columbia City and Warsaw; 2 sons, Michael L. (Dana) Young of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Stuart L. (Courtney) Young of Charlotte, North Carolina; a daughter, Julie K. (Tim) Stout of Warsaw; and 9 grandchildren, including Jake, Jessica, Josh, James, Erin, and Emma Young and Kayla, Jared and Justin Stout.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Diane S. and Phyllis A. Decker and a brother, Dr. Jeffrey Decker.
Visitation is Tuesday, November 25, 2008, from 1-3 and 4-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Steven Pulley of Merriam Christian Chapel officiating. Burial will be private at Lakeview Cemetery in Kendallville at a later date. Memorials may be given in Mrs. Young's memory to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Timothy Wayne Jefferies, 49
Timothy Wayne Jefferies, 49, a resident of Churubusco, died Tuesday evening, November 18, 2008, at his home after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Jefferies served for three years in the Marine Corps, and was formerly employed by Bosch Automotive Motor Systems in Albion.
He adored his three children, loved to search for Native Indian artifacts, was an outstanding artist and always put others before himself.
He was born on December 3, 1958, in Goshen to Vonda L. (Knox) Barnes and Royal O. Jefferies, Jr., and graduated from Wawasee High School in 1978.
The surviving relatives include his three children Benjamin E. Jefferies and Norah C. Jefferies, both of Fort Wayne, and Tess A. Jefferies of LaOtto; his parents Vonda L. and Gary A. Barnes of Columbia City and Royal O. Jefferies, Jr. of North Webster; his former wife Ellen (Gilbert) Jefferies of LaOtto; his paternal grandmother Nina Jefferies of North Webster; two sisters Jill C. Miller of Churubusco and Lynn Ann Michel of Monte Vista, Colorado; two brothers Jonathan O. Jefferies of Columbia City and R. Jarrod Barnes of Albion; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 5 p. m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco. Pastor Barry L. Faucett of New Hope Wesleyan Church will officiate.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary after 3 p. m. Tuesday until the hour of the service.
Thomas L. Bare, 56
Thomas L. Bare, 56, a resident of Warsaw and formerly of Noble County near Merriam, died at 2 p. m. on Friday, November 21, 2008, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He had been a patient there since last Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack at his residence.
Mr. Bare was born on October 14, 1952, in Indianapolis, a son of Charles Thomas and Florence (Mead) Bare, and lived there as a youth before moving to Fort Wayne in his teen years.
He graduated from New Haven High School in 1972, and later served with the U. S. Army. He spent most of his adult life in the Merriam-area before moving to Kosciusko County in the last several years.
He owned and operated Bare’s Gas & Grocery in Merriam for a period, and had also worked at Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City. For the past several years he had been employed as a machinist at Zimmer, Inc. in Warsaw.
An avid fisherman, he enjoyed camping and other various outdoor activities. Most importantly he was a loving and caring father, grandfather and brother.
The surviving relatives include his six children, Bille Jo Bare of New Haven, Sarah (Jeff) Hoffman and Joan (Jason) Thomas, both of LaOtto, Benjamin T. Bare of Churubusco, Bill (Bettina) Bryan of Avilla, and Charlotte (Jon) Mosier of Columbia City; five sisters Charla (Cliff) Bitting of Albion, Doddie (Tony) Hart of Churubusco, Mindy Wert of Merriam, Libby Sherman of Summerfield, Fla., and Donita (James) Marlow of Albion; four brothers Charles G. “Ted” (fiancee Deborah) Bare of Indianapolis, Rick (Alicia) Sherman of Columbia City, Todd (Joyce) Sherman of Churubusco, and Chad Sherman of Wolf Lake; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by all of his parents including Lester and Lore Lee Sherman.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. George Cecil, pastor of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Tuesday.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the American Heart Association or to Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, Merriam.
Catherine M. Winter, 90
Catherine M. Winter, 90, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, at Heritage Park.
Born July 9, 1918, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Edward Hazelett Sr. and Cora (Benton).
She was a homemaker and member of Knights of Columbus, Rosary Society at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and American Legion Post 296.
Surviving are her sons, Ronald L. Winter of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Dennis L. (Carol) Winter and Bruce M. Winter, both of Fort Wayne, and Steven D. Winter of Sacramento, California; daughter, Deborah A. (John) Noll of Fort Wayne; daughter-in-law, Cathy Jo Winter; grandchildren, Mark, Joel, Erin, Shannon, Heather, Jill, Daniel, Johnathan, and Kalisa; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Herbert H. Winter; a son, Timothy A. Winter; a sister, Maxine Hazelett; and brothers Joseph Hazelett and Edward Hazelett.
Prayer service is 9:30 a.m. Monday at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Wells St. Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Monday at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, with Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Burial in Catholic Cemetery.
Preferred memorials to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and Southern Care Hospice.
Chris Saccomano, 79
Chris Saccomano, 79, passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, at her daughter's home in Fort Wayne.
Born in Silver Creek, New York, she was a realtor with Banks Roth for six years, retiring in 1975.
Survivors include a daughter, Jody (Robert) Hamm of Fort Wayne; a son, Michael Saccomano of Fort Wayne; grandsons, Ben (Stacey) Hamm of Columbia City and Todd (Britt) Hamm of North Manchester; great-grandchildren, Isaac, and Madeline Hamm; brother, Frank Favata of Boston, Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Nancy Diate Favata; husband, Joseph M. Saccomano; six brothers and two sisters. Private family services will be held at a later date in Silver Creek, New York.
Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
Mona Jean Blanchard, 77
Mona Jean Blanchard, 77, of Columbia City passed away at 11:41 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at Parkview ![[MonaJeanBlanchard.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NEldDvmT03Q/SSeDiXscqVI/AAAAAAAAABc/zzWaOohKY4g/s1600/MonaJeanBlanchard.jpg "[MonaJeanBlanchard.jpg]")
Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Born on October 13, 1931 in Ossian, she was the daughter of Howard E. and Beatrice (Bowman) Eastman.
She was born in Ossian and raised in the Arcola and Leo areas before moving to Whitley County in 1946. She attended Columbia City High School.
On June 11, 1950 she married J. Clifford Blanchard in Columbia City . For 32 years, she was a meat wrapper for Krogers in Columbia City retiring in February, 1994. She attended Oak Grove Church of God and she enjoyed her friendships with Red Hats and Old Bats.
Survivors include her 3 daughters, Becky (Dale) Orr of Columbia City, Reenae Lane of Fort Wayne and Shari (John) Timofeev of Oregon, OH; 5 grandchildren, Sarah Hollenbaugh of Larwill, Jessica Day of Melbourne, FL, Braden Lane of Fort Wayne, Matthew Lane of Fort Wayne and Austin Timofeev of Oregon, OH; 1 great-grandchild, Casey Day of Melbourne, FL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J. Clifford Blanchard, brother, Thomas Jay Eastman, granddaughter, Emily Briann Lane and son-in-law, Tim Hollenbaugh.
Visitation is Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Johnson and Pastor Robert Eatherton officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Compton Cemetery , Columbia City . Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Blanchard's memory to Oak Grove Church of God, the American Heart Association or Baptist Children's Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
November 19, 2008
Joann Louise Higgenbotham, 67
Joann Louise Higgenbotham, 67, of Corbin, Kentucky, died Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Baptist Regional medical Center.
Born December 30, 1940, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Roy Delbert and Ruth Lovin Sunderland.
She was a factory worker with Sheller Globe, Inc.; a member of Mt. Zion Church of God, Keavy, Kentucky; a member of Tops Weight, in Corbin and Fort Wayne; and ran Joann Flowers, in Corbin and Fort Wayne.
Surviving are her husband, Chester L. Higginbotham of Corbin; one son, Jon (Deborah) Haas of Coldwater, Mich.; one daughter, Cynthia Linn Imbody of Columbia City; two sisters, Sharon Norvell of Fort Wayne and Deloris Frantz of Columbus, Ohio; four stepsons, Chestle Higginbotham of Huntington, Howard Higginbotham and Ross Higginbotham, both of Fort Wayne, and Teddy Higginbotham of Monroeville; three stepdaughters, Geneva Faye Smith of Indola, Indiana, Marcella Higginbotham of Fort Wayne and Charlotte Smith of New Haven; one grandson, Steven J. Imbody of Columbia City; several nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends - who will mourn her passing.
Funeral service is 2 p.m. Friday at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, with calling from noon until time of service.
November 18, 2008
Jerry L. Griffin, 66
Jerry L. Griffin, 66, a resident of Harborside Health Care Center in New Haven for the past two years, died Friday evening, November 14, 2008, following an extended illness. Jerry was born February 2, 1942, in Rockwood, Tennessee, a son of the late Fred L. and Ruth (Worley) Griffin.
As a young man he graduated from Portage High School in Portage, Indiana, and soon after, enlisted in the US Army where he was awarded the Sharpshooter (M-14 Rifle) award and attained the rake of Spc.-4.
He had worked for 10 years at Bethlehem Steel and had lived in Marion, Indiana, and Avilla before entering Harborside.
The survivors include his daughter, Barbara L. (Durand) Courtney of Avilla, Indiana, his brothers Larry Griffin of Watervliet, Michigan, and Ronald (Joy Griffin of Valparaiso, Indiana. He is also survived by three grandsons, including Karsten Courtney, Christopher Hardwick and Alex Hardwick.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Robert L. Griffin.
Chapel services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel on the grounds of the Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana. Full military honors will be conducted by the US Army Ceremonial Honors Unit.
Arrangements are being handled by Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco.
Lucy L. Duncan Shlater, 95
Lucy L. Duncan Shlater, 95, a former resident of Churubusco, died Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. 
Lucy was born February 28, 1913. in Eel River Township Allen County, Indiana, a daughter of the late David C. and Blendina (Grayless) Hyndman. She was a graduate of Churubusco High School with the class of 1930, was a member of the New Haven United Methodist Church and was a homemaker.
Her first marriage was to Russell L. Duncan on April 7, 1934, and they lived in Fort Wayne, and New Haven for several years. Russell died in 1985. She was then married to Willis “Bud” Shlater on October 24, 1987, and they moved back to Churubusco, and also lived in Naples, Florida, for a period of time before moving to Fort Wayne in 1996. Mr. Shlater died in 1990.
The survivors include her son John (Gena) Duncan of Fort Wayne; her daughter Susan (Richard) Hill of Leo; her sister Ilene Miller of Fort Wayne; and three grandchildren.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Joseph Hyndman in 1954 and Harold “Spud” Hyndman in 1992; and by her sister Alice Redenbaugh in 1993.
Memorial services for Lucy will be held on Sunday November 23, 2008. at 5:00 p. m. in the reception room of the Georgetown Apartments, 1717 Maplecrest Roadin Fort Wayne. Pastor Marilyn Dunten will officiate, and Mrs. Dee Duncan will be the vocalist. Calling will be from 4:00 p. m. until service time.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed to the New Haven United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the memorial service.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
Carl Eugene Knuckles, 82
Carl Eugene Knuckles, 82, passed away at 8:35 a.m. Sunday, November 16, 2008, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. 
Born on February 3, 1926 in Forrest, Livingston Co., Illinois, he was the son of Atson E. and Ollie M. ( Taylor ) Knuckles.
Raised in Illinois, he moved to Allen County, Indiana, and in 1970 relocated to Whitley County.
He attended Lafayette Central High School. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the Korean War.
On November 14, 1954, he married Alice L. Mead in Fort Wayne.
In 1950, he started working for Commercial Motor Freight of Indiana where he retired in 1982 with 32 years of service. His memberships included the American Legion, Roanoke, Eel River Masonic Lodge, South Whitley, Eagles Lodge #1906, Columbia City, Shriners of Fort Wayne and Korean War Veterans Association Indiana Chapter 1 Fort Wayne.
Survivors include a son, Leo A. Knuckles of Indianapolis; daughters, Carla L. (Tim) Fulk of South Whitley and Brenda (Bill) Parker of Columbia City; seven grandchildren, Johnny (Jill) Couch, Tristan (Dawn) Boyles, Gary Woodard Jr., Dusty Knuckles, John Knuckles, Mindy Hicks and Crystal Sorg and 17 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jessie Maitlan of Berne, Betty Bliahue of Bluffton and Shirley Knuckles of Berne.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice L. Knuckles, daughter, Diane L. Sorg, grandson, Jeremy Boyles, infant great-grandson, brothers, Medford, Otha and James Knuckles, sisters, Lois "Pat" Clark and Joan Ellis.
Visitation is Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. with an 8 p.m. twilight service by the Masonic Lodge at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Robin LaRue of Heartland Hospice officiating. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Knuckles to Shriners Children Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Grace E. Branning, 80
Grace E. Branning, 80, of rural Larwill, passed away at 12:42 a.m. Sunday, November 16, 2008 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born on March 22, 1928 in the village of Collins, Whitley County, she was the daughter of Floyd and Mary (Knight) Trumbull.
Raised in Whitley County, she graduated from Collins High School with the Class of 1946. She married Conrad Walter Branning on November 20, 1948, in Columbia City. They moved to the Wawasee area for 1 1/2 years and then returned to Whitley County in 1952 living on CR 750 N and in 1964 she and her family moved to their present farm in Etna-Troy Township. She assisted her husband with the operation of Branning Construction Company. After her husband's death in 1986, she began her service with Parkview Whitley Hospital in the Food Service Department and retired in 1999.
She was a member of the Etna United Methodist Church where she taught Bible School and was also a member of the Etna Women's Club.
Survivors include her children, Sue Schuman and Roger Lee Branning, both of Larwill; five grandchildren including, Candy Pease, Columbia City, Jamie Branning, Columbia City, Courtney Richardson, St. Joe, Missouri, Jarod Schuman, Auburn, and Ryan Schuman, Larwill; 12 great-grandchildren and a sister, Mabel Creech of Churubusco.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Conrad Walter Branning and brothers and sisters including, Pauline Caskey, infant twin sisters, Marie and Helen Trumbull, Howard, Carl, Vaughn, Lewis and Dorothy Trumbull and Charlotte Creech.
Visitation is Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 2-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Karen Biddle of the Etna United Methodist Church and retired Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove-Snodgrass Cemetery, Larwill. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Branning to Etna United Methodist Church . Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
November 15, 2008
Barbara A. Childs, 82
Barbara A. Childs, 82, wife of Charles E. Childs and long-time Gaston businesswoman, died at 4:40 a. m. on Friday, November 14, 2008, at Muncie Health & Rehabilitation Center in Muncie. She had been in declining health after suffering a stroke over six years ago and had been a patient there for over five years. 
Mrs. Childs was born at Liberty Center in Wells County on June 9, 1926, a daughter of Alva Manford and Agnes (Markin) Rench. She moved to Gaston with her parents at age nine and graduated from Gaston High School in 1944.
After completing her education, she worked as the administrative assistant to O. W. Storer, president of the former Muncie Banking Company. She was later married in Gaston on September 9, 1945, to Charles Edward Childs of Matthews.
The couple spent the first months of their marriage in Columbia, South Carolina, where Mr. Childs was stationed with the U. S. Army. Following his military discharge, the couple returned to Gaston and have been lifelong residents and leaders of that community.
Shortly after returning to Gaston, the couple began working for Barbara’s father at the former A. M. Rench & Sons Lumber Company in Gaston. In 1961, they purchased an interest in the firm and later purchased the entire business in 1983. Together, they operated the Gaston-Rench Lumber Company for over 40 years, retiring in 1989.
In addition to her family and business concerns, her life was marked by the love and support of her local church. She was a member of the Gaston United Methodist Church and the GGG Church School class. She sang in the church choir for many years and had served as the Church School secretary. She was also a member of Purity Order of the Eastern Star in Hartford City.
The surviving relatives include her husband Charles, to whom she was married for over 63 years; a son and daughter-in-law C. Gregory and Dr. Jeanine Childs of Churubusco; three grandsons C. Andrew (Becca) Childs of Indianapolis, J. Perry Childs of Churubusco, and F. Joel Childs of Huntington; and a sister-in-law Esther Rench of Richmond.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers Eugene Rench, Rex A. Rench, and Robert S. Rench; a sister Dorothy F. Sollars; a brother-in-law Joseph P. Sollars; and a sister-in-law Fanniemae Gronendyke Rench.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Monday, November 17, 2008, at the Gaston United Methodist Church, 107 N. Main Street, in Gaston. The Rev. John Long, pastor of the church, will officiate.
The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 2 to 5 p. m., or one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Thompson Cemetery, west of Gaston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Gaston United Methodist Church, 107 N. Main St., Gaston, IN 47342; or the Taylor University Department of Music, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland, IN 46989
Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco.
November 13, 2008
Nicole M. Johnson, 23
Nicole M. Johnson, 23, a resident of Churubusco, died early Tuesday morning November 11, 2008, following a traffic accident on U. S. 33 south of Churubusco. 
Nicole was born December 13, 1984, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Bruce L. and Terri K. (Schlund) Johnson. She was a graduate of Churubusco High School with the class of 2003.
She had been employed in Fort Wayne by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for three years and also Logan’s Roadhouse for two years.
She is survived by her parents Bruce and Terri Johnson of Churubusco; her son, Kohen L. Johnson, at home; her maternal grandfather James F. Schlund of Indianapolis; her paternal grandmother Sandra Johnson of Syracuse; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Bill Johnson and Sharon M. Schlund.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at 5:00 p. m. in the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Van Horn officiating.
The family will receive friends in the funeral home also on Saturday from 1:00 p. m. until service time.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the savings account in Kohen L. Johnson’s name. Envelopes will be available in the funeral home.
Roger Wayne Crawford, 54
Roger Wayne Crawford, 54, of Dunedin, Florida, died suddenly Monday evening in Dunedin.
He was born October 24, 1954 in Fort Wayne, a son of Cecil and Elnora M. (Gaylord) Crawford Jr. In 1958, his family moved to Union Township from Jefferson Township, Whitley County. In 1969, they moved to Fort Wayne where he attended North Side High School and Elmhurst High School. In 1973, they moved to Loon Lake. 
He began his employment as a cook at S & L Truck Stop before starting a landscaping business in Fort Wayne, later transferring to the St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida, areas where his landscaping projects included the homes of Lucille Ball, Tony Bennett and Perry Como, several area airports and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Stadium.
For the past five years he was a realtor in the Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa areas, receiving Outstanding Realtor awards.
A member of Golds Gym, he was also a lifetime member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Club.
Surviving relatives include two daughters and a son, Taylor Crawford of Pembrooke Pines, Florida, and twins, Kiley and Kegan Crawford of Jenson Beach, Florida; his father, Cecil Crawford Jr. of Loon Lake; a sister, Sheryl (Steve) Hackett of Churubusco; a brother, Ronald (Darlene) Crawford of Pierceton; two nephews and two nieces.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ricki Duane Crawford.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Carroll McNutt officiating. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Bear Lake Church of God Camp.
Donald F. Deutsch, 69
Donald F. Deutsch, 69, passed away at 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.
Born in Collins, Whitley County, on December 10, 1938, he was the son of Clifford F. and Velma V. Deutsch. 
He graduated with the Class of 1957 from Columbia City High School. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963.
On May 20, 1983, he married Nancy Ann Reynolds in Columbia City. A lifetime Columbia City resident, he retired from the Whitley County Highway Department with 14 1/2 years of service.
He was a member of the Oak Grove Church of God and the American Legion, both of Columbia City.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Nancy A. Deutsch of Columbia City; daughters, Kristi L. (Jason) Smith, Columbia City and LeeAnn (Ernie) Confer of Asheboro, North Carolina; a son, Kim B. (Barb) Engle of Columbia City; brother, Gary (Emily) Deutsch of Columbia City; sisters, Nancy L. (Ed) Line and Janice M. (Chuck) Lowe both of Columbia City; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation is Friday, November 14, 2008 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Steven Johnson of Oak Grove Church of God officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Deutsch to Oak Grove Church of God or Parkview Whitley Home Health Care & Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
November 11, 2008
Catherine Gatchell, 83
Catherine Gatchell, 83, of Columbia City passed away at 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at her residence. 
Born on May 11, 1925 in Pontiac, Michigan, she was the daughter of Stanley and Agnus L. (Middleton) Ryan.
For 19 years, she was employed by Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne as a dietary cook. She retired in 1991. She was a member of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include a daughter, Susan (Jon) Parker of Columbia City; sons, William C. (Angela) Gatchell of Fort Wayne and Michael J. Gatchell of Ossian; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Visitation with the family is 2 to 4 p.m. with a memorial service following at 4 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City with Father Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church officiating. Private burial will be at a later date.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Gatchell to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Deloris I. Zink, 89
Deloris I. Zink, 89, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.
Born in New Haven, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Virginia Ryan.
She was a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, Fort Wayne. She retired from Luginbill Wire & Die after 15 years of service.
She is survived by her children, Joyce (Gerald) Boxberger of St. Joe, Janice Zink of Columbia City and Donald (Donna) Zink of Auburn; a sister, Elsie Alter of Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great- great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband, Orville C. Zink, in 1980; and sons, Thomas and William Zink.
Service is 10 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7215 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, with calling 30 minutes prior. The Father Mark Gurtner officiating. Calling also from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 St. Road 930 E., New Haven, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials to Masses.
Madalene A. Gaff, 93
Madalene A. Gaff, 93, a former resident of rural Churubusco and widow of Carl E. Gaff, died at 2:25 a. m. on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Provena Sacred Hearth Home in Avilla. She had been in failing health for a number of years, and had been a resident there for the past six years.
A native of Michigan, she was born on July 1, 1915, a daughter of Richard and Anna (Miesen) Beck. On July 24, 1954 she was married to Carl E. Gaff, and spent most of her adult life in the Churubusco-area.
She retired from U. S. Rubber in Fort Wayne, and attended the Churubusco United Methodist Church.
Mr. Gaff preceded her in death on November 23, 1996.
The surviving relatives include her brother and sister in-laws; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Corinne K. Boruff, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
Friends may call at the mortuary on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.
Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne.
Max G. Gross, 81
Max G. Gross, 81, a resident of rural Churubusco in Allen County, fell asleep in the arms of Jesus at 12:35 a. m. on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had been in declining health and had been seriously ill for the past five weeks. 
Mr. Gross was born in Noble County on August 12, 1927, a son of Ernest L. and Mildred (Owen) Gross, and spent his formative years in Eel River Township in Allen County. He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1945, and as a young man served with the U. S. Army.
On November 19, 1947, he was married to Lenora M. Hawk, and lived all of his adult life in Eel River Township. She preceded him in death on May 26, 1979.
A retiree of the Figel Construction Company in Fort Wayne, he was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, was past commander of Gilbert Davis American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco, and was a member of the Carpenter’s Union.
In addition to his parents and spouse, he was preceded in death by a son Allen Gross on October 12, 1954; and by a brother Ross J. Gross on October 17, 1981.
The surviving relatives include his children Roxie (Dennis) Gloyd, Jerrold “Jake” (Debbie) Gross, and Sue (Tom) Gilbert, all of Churubusco; five brothers Owen (Vera) Gross of Churubusco, Alton (Marilyn) Gross of LaOtto, Luther (Becky) Gross of Churubusco, Larry (Trish) Gross of LaOtto, and Roger (Susie) Gross of Churubusco; a sister Elaine (Rowland) Gilbert of Churubusco; a sister-in-law Linda Gross of Auburn; ten grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment with military graveside rites was in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church building fund or Churubusco American Legion scholarship fund.
Glen L. Davis, 77
Glen L. Davis, 77, of Columbia City passed away at 8 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.
Born on March 16, 1931, in Whitley County, he was the son of Arleigh and Alice (Shoda) Davis. Glen was a lifelong resident of Whitley County and attended Columbia City High School. 
He served during the Korean War from 1950-1953 in the United States Army.
Glen was a self employed contractor retiring in 1994 and worked for Morsches Lumber Company for 14 years. He was a member of the VFW Post #5582.
Survivors include children, Jeffrey (Nancy) Davis, Glenna (Michael) Fry and Tracey (Michael) Scott all of Columbia City. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Betty Davis, a brother, Walter Davis, and one son, Gregory Davis.
Per Mr. Davis personal request there will be no visitation or services.
Memorial donations may be given in his memory to the American Heart/Stroke Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
November 07, 2008
Nellie Laura Duggins, 73
Nellie Laura Duggins, 73, of South Whitley, died Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2008 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. 
She was born June 20, 1935, in Churubusco, a daughter of John William and Lalah (Zolman) Rowland. At the age of 12, Nellie then lived with Merritt and Beulah Bowers of Collamer. She graduated from South Whitley High School.
On August 28, 1955, she was united in marriage to Stanley Hobart Duggins in the Collamer Christian Church. They made their first home in Big Lake, moving to their present home on August 19, 1959.
She worked at Chamberlin Products and was co-owner, with her husband, of Whitley Motor Parts.
Her memberships included Collamer Christian Church. Surviving relatives include her husband, Stanley; a son, Lynn (Renee) Duggins of South Whitley; a daughter, Tina (John) Foust of Peru; five grandchildren, Shea Duggins, Callista “Calli” Duggins, Cole Duggins, Bill Foust and Haley Foust; and nine siblings, Walter (Carol) Rowland of Churubusco, Murray Rowland of Albion, Curt Rowland of Warsaw, ClaraBell Ressler of Columbia City, June (Guy) Wilson of Mattawan, Michigan, Tom (MaryEllen) Bowers of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Larry (Sue) Bowers of Spencerville and Marsha (Paul) Usher of Sweetser.
She was preceded in death by four siblings, Mark Rowland, Shirley Rowland, Jean Hansen and Ellis Cunningham.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2008, at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. David Wagner, pastor of Collamer Christian Church, officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Harriet E. Fisher, 85
Harriet E. Fisher, 85, a resident of Churubusco and widow of Charles B. Fisher, died at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Columbia City. She had been a patient there for the past month.
Mrs. Fisher was born in Churubusco on May 21, 1923, a daughter of Chester and Bertha (Richards) Tulley, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1941. 
On April 20, 1947, she was married to Charles B. Fisher and spent her entire lifetime in this community.
A former employee of Dana Corporation in Churubusco, she retired from there after 15 years. She was a member of the Beacon Light Chapel, east of Churubusco, and the Churubusco American Legion Post 157 Ladies Auxiliary.
Mr. Fisher preceded her in death on June 7, 1987.
The surviving relatives include her son Dennis (Susan) Fisher of Churubusco; a step-son Roger (Evelyn) Fisher of Columbia City; a sister Marilyn Owen of Churubusco; and a brother Kemal (Diane) Tulley of Fort Wayne. There are two grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, 20 step-great-grandchildren, and seven step-great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers Gloyd Tulley, Milo Tulley, and Carl “Ike” Tulley; and by a sister Phyllis Renkenberger.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rob McNary, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Saturday from 4 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Sunday.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
The family requests memorials be directed to Beacon Light Chapel.
Thomas Grant Lee, 67
Thomas Grant Lee, 67, of Kendallville died Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. 
Mr. Lee was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on March 11, 1941 to Archie E. and Lucy Ellen (Vaught) Lee.
He graduated from Brazil High School in 1959 and Indiana State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He continued his education and obtained a Master’s of Art & Teaching from DePauw University in 1970.
He married Sandra S. Marker on May 20, 1994 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Tom taught 6th grade at Indianapolis Public Schools for 2 years. He went on to teach and coach at Ridpath Elementary School in Greencastle for 10 years where coached basketball, track, and football, high school baseball at Greencastle High School.
He later changed careers in 1975 and became a commercial underwriter for TransAmerica Insurance. He was promoted to territory manager of the Fort Wayne office and transferred to the General Accident Insurance Company as territory manager of the northern half of Indiana, working there 14 years before retiring in 1996. He continued to work and went on to be employed with Centennial Wireless in customer service and as an auditor for about 6 years.
Tom was a member of the First Christian Church in Kendallville where he was active with First Christian Church choir, AWANA leader and participated in the men's golf league. In the past, he was an active member of the Big Lake Church of God, Columbia City and was a Boy Scout Master. He was active in the Big Lake Church of God choir, youth and adult plays, and home Bible studies.
Tom was past President and Vice President of the Greencastle Teacher's Association, past Chairman of the Negotiations Committee for 5 years and past Chairman of the Indiana State Teachers Association, Elementary Division. He also was on the Coordinating Council of the Indiana State Teachers Association and was selected "Outstanding Young Teacher" in 1969 by the Greencastle Jaycees. He was a past member and office holder of the Greencastle Jaycees and chaired the Jaycee Indiana State Tennis Tournament one year.
An avid reader, Tom’s other hobbies included golfing, geneology, boating, cruising Cree Lake on his pontoon, fishing, canoeing and photography.
Survivors include: Wife, Sandra Marker Lee of Kendallville. Son, Michael and Julie Lee of Indianapolis. Daughter, Laurie and Shawn Gobert of Greencastle, Indiana. Daughter, Kelly Lee of New Holstein, Wisconsin. Son, Jeffrey Kosteck of Columbia City. Daughter, Rachelle and William Neely of Columbia City. Eleven grandchildren. Niece, Jenna Esarey of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dom E. Lee, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will also take place on Monday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church. Funeral Services will be Monday, November 10, 2008 at 1:00pm at First Christian Church, at the corner of U.S. Hwy 3 and Waits Road in Kendallville. Officiating the funeral service will be Rev. Dr. Thomas Clothier, Pastor Robert Farmer and Pastor Nathan Parker. Burial will be at Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam, Indiana.
Casketbearers will be Tom Shepherd, Dave Langwell, Greg McNeal, Burt DeRusha, Mike Moran, and Glenn Minser. Preferred Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, Parkview Noble Hospice or American Cancer Society.
View a video tribute or send condolences to the family at www.hitefuneralhome.com
November 06, 2008
Ronald E. and Nancy L. Smith
Ronald E. Smith, age 67, and Nancy Lou Smith, age 69, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at Leesburg and O'Day Roads, Allen County, IN on Tuesday afternoon, November 4, 2008. 
Born on October 20, 1941, in Columbia City, Mr. Smith was the son of Harry N. and Jean E. (Leaman) Smith. He graduated with the Class of 1959 from Columbia City High School where he was an avid athlete involved in many sports which continued into adulthood. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper.
Mrs. Smith was born on June 6, 1939, in Whitley County, the daughter of Willis A. and Helen M. (Ruby) Walker. She attended Columbia City High School.
On October 25, 1964, the couple married in Columbia City at Grace Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Columbia City until a fire destroyed their home in 1984. At that time, they moved to their present home in Allen County.
Mr. Smith retired from Dana Corporation with over 38 years of service. An avid golfer, he was a member of American Legion Post #499, Fort Wayne, and he was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church.
A housewife and mother, Mrs. Smith was a former employee of Weatherhead, Columbia City, and a former member of Community Bible Church.
The couple is survived by their children, Regina Eryn (Michael) Braun and Ralph Edward Lehman, Jr. both of Fort Wayne, Russel Alton (Linda) Lehman of Columbia City, Ronica Elyn (Jack) Gideon of Grabill and Ryan Eugene (Jennifer) Smith of Fort Wayne; 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A son, Randall Earnest Lehman preceded them in death.
Also surviving Mr. Smith are his mother, Jean E. Smith and sister, Janis Kelly both of Columbia City; and 2 nephews. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father, Harry Smith.
Mrs. Smith is also survived by sisters, Jane A. Thomas of Kalamazoo, Michigan , Nila J. Goodwin of North Fort Myers, Florida, and Ruby M. Perez of Columbia City and a brother, Ernest A. (Delores) Walker of Columbia City; 11 nieces and nephews. Her parents, Willis and Helen Walker, preceded her in death.
Joint visitation for Mr. & Mrs. Smith is Monday, November 10, 2008, from 4-9 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Joint funeral services are planned for Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with retired Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #499.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Smith to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
