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January 29, 2009
Kenneth Leitch, Jr., 83, a resident of Churubusco died at 9:07 p. m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had been in declining health for some time.
Donna M. Cartwright, 83
Donna M. Cartwright, 83, a resident since 2007 of the Hickory Creek Nursing Center in Kendallville, died there Saturday January 24, 2009 following an extended illness.
She was a former longtime resident and business professional in LaOtto, Indiana.
Donna was born April 13, 1925 in Huntertown, Indiana a daughter of the late Thomas E. and Elnora Mae (Vermillian) Buchanan. She was a graduate of the Huntertown High School with the class of 1943.
She was united in marriage on April 20, 1943 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Robert D. Cartwright who passed away on February 25, 2000.
Donna was a bookkeeper for 27 faithful years for the Cartwright Service Station in LaOtto and served as a precinct committee woman for the Noble County Republican Party, and loved to bowl, travel and cook. She was a member of Sugar Grove Church of God.
Her survivors include, 3 children, Terry (Marsha) Cartwright of LaOtto, Jacque (Jesse) Hand of Garrett, Richard L. (Barbara) Cartwright of Albion and also eight grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Charles Forrest “Todd” Buchanan, Katherine L. “Jabe” Lomont, Gerald Dwight “Histy” Buchanan, Mary Rose “Dit” Connell, James L. “Dud” Buchanan, Betty Jean Buchanan; Violet Fern “Boots” Loew, Norma Jean Byerley West, and a grandson Daniel Smith Cartwright.
Funeral services were held January 28, 2009 in the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, Indiana with Pastor’s Tim Grable and Chris Mosley officiating. Burial followed in Swan Cemetery North of LaOtto in rural Noble County, Indiana.
For those who wish memorials may directed to; The Sugar Grove Church of God Building Fund, LaOtto Volunteer Fire Department, or Hichory Creek Nursing Center Activities Fund.
Martin A. "Marty" Simmons, 50
Martin A. "Marty" Simmons, 50, of Albion, died at 11:03 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2009 at his home.
He was born June 23, 1958 in Brazil, Indiana a son of Wally E. and Martha L. (Hayden) Simmons. As an infant, his family moved to Washington Township, Whitley County. He completed his education at Columbia City Joint High School.
On April 22, 1978 he was united in marriage to Edith Lancaster. They made their home in Kentucky and Arkansas before moving to the Columbia City area in 1979. For the past six years they have made their home in the Albion area.
He was a heavy equipment operator and trucker with over 30 years at Simmons Equipment.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Edith; four children, Laura Riemersma of Columbia City, Jason (Hollie) Simmons of Franklin, Kentucky, Nikki (Kenneth) Parke and Chantry Simmons, both of Columbia City; seven grandchildren; his parents, Wally and Martha Simmons of Columbia City; and six sisters, Melanie Sandman of Fort Wayne, Kathryn Simmons of Indianapolis, Cynthia Hall of Uniondale, Tami Maslyk of Carmel, Pamela Henthorn of Trafalgar and Lori Bielko of Columbia City.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2009 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor D.E. Keller officiating. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be directly to the final expense account at Smith & Sons Funeral Home.
Connie “Sue” Glessner
Connie “Sue” Glessner of Avilla went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, January 27, 2009.
Born March 26, 1934, in Willshire, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Marie (Topp) McBride.
She was united in marriage to Philip H. Glessner on May 10, 1952 for a loving 57 years together; he survives.
Also surviving are her children, Alan (Valerie) Glessner of Avilla, Greg (Windi) Glessner of Battle Creek, Michigan and Colleen (Wade) James of Churubusco; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Marge Opliger; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial service is 4 p.m. Friday at Midwest Cremation Society & Memorial Chapel, 4602 Newaygo Road, Fort Wayne, where family will also greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Memorials to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 1836 Ida Red Road, Kendallville, IN 46755.
Alan Terrence Jackson, 63
Alan Terrence Jackson, 63, of Syracuse passed away at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at his residence.
Born on February 18, 1945 in Ironwood, Michigan, he was the son of Bernard C. and Violet V. (Peltonen) Jackson.
He graduated with the Class of 1963 from Bishop Union High School, Bishop, California, and he attended the University of Wisconsin at Superior and Platteville, Wisconsin. For the past 11 years, he resided in Syracuse.
Survivors include his daughter, Colleen (Kevin) Genthe of Monroe, Wisconsin; his mother, Violet V. Campy of Platteville, Wisconsin; sisters, Heather Castagna of South Whitley and Rochelle (Kenneth) Backman of Platteville, Wisconsin; brother, Jack (Karen) Jackson of North Glenn, Colorado; a step-brother, Mike (Sheri) Campy of South Range, Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Brittany Popple and Elaina and Paige Genthe all of Monroe, Wisconsin.
His father, Bernard C. Jackson, preceded him in death.
There will be no visitation. Private burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, Wisconsin. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Dorcas Jean Berry, 85
Dorcas Jean Berry, 85, of Elkhart passed away at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Riverside Village Nursing Home.
Born on May 24, 1923 in Nappanee, she was the daughter of Fred F. and Mable Inez (Wise) Maust.
She moved to Elkhart at the age of 18 and she lived the majority of her lifetime in Goshen before moving to the nursing facility in Elkhart last year.
She graduated from New Paris High School with the Class of 1941. She worked at Chicago Telephone Systems for 3 years, retiring from Whitehall Lab in Elkhart after 30 years.
A member of the Union Center Church of Brethren, Moose Lodge of Elkhart and the Disabled American Veterans, she enjoyed house plants and sun bathing.
Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer J. (Richard) Huffman of Goshen; two sons, Steve Berry of Gulf Port, Mississippi, and Jeff (Terri) Berry of Edwardsburg, Michigan; four sisters, Gertrude Gerkey of Decatur, Michigan, Audrey (William) Warren of Elkhart, Beverly Morris of Elkhart and Patricia (Philip) Hochstetler of Nappanee; two brothers, William and Fred Maust both of Nappanee; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Chuck Maust and her sisters June Silvers, Kathern Maust, Margaret Weaver and Virginia Hoke and a great-grandson, Robert Huffman.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, with certified funeral celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating.
Memorials may be given in memory of Ms. Berry to the National Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Forest C. Felger, 87
Forest C. Felger, 87, formerly of Arcola, passed away at 7:25 pm Friday, January 23, 2009 at Kingston Care Center, Fort Wayne. 
Born on May 31, 1921 in Lake Township, Allen County, he was the son of J. Alfred and Flavia (DePoy) Felger. He lived at the same residence his entire life and graduated from Arcola High School with the Class of 1939.
In 1948, he married Mary Jane Scott in Fort Wayne and on May 6, 1961, he married Marjorie E. Habegger in Berne.
He was a farmer his entire life and a devoted Christian husband and father. He was a member of the Dunfee Missionary Church, Dunfee, where he served as Chairman of the Board for over 17 years and long-time Sunday School Teacher and was also a member of the Arcola Lions Club.
Survivors include his 7 children, Charles (Melody) Felger, Fort Wayne, Max (Linda) Felger, Arcola, IN, Ruth (Charles) White of Willshire, OH, Mark (Ann) Felger of Fort Wayne, Mary (Fred) Whitehurst of Berne, Larry (Bonnie) Habegger of Kokomo, Ruth (Gray) Cox of Maryville, Missouri, 19 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary Jane Felger, who passed away on April 2, 1951, his second wife, Marjorie E. Felger, on December 24, 2005; 5 sisters, Hattie Auld, Ella Krauskopf, Mary Felger, Agnes Becher and Viola Felger and 2 brothers, Frank and Charles Felger.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Rowe of the Dunfee Missionary Church officiating. Burial followed at Eel River Cemetery, Carroll Road, rural Allen County.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Felger to Dunfee Missionary Church Building Fund.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
January 25, 2009
Donna J. Anderson Yoder, 78
Donna J. Anderson Yoder, 78, of Columbia City, died at 11 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2009 at her home. 
She was born January 16, 1931 in Bowerstown, Huntington County, the only child of Ervin J. and Mable L. (Edgington) Bair. Her formative years were spent in Flora. She graduated from Lancaster High School and later Purdue University in 1972. She then moved to Churubusco and later received a Masters degree from St. Francis University.
In addition to substitute teaching for 12 years, she was a director of American Red Cross and worked part time at Wal Mart.
On July 2, 1986 she was united in marriage to Lawrence J. Yoder. They have always made their home in Columbia City.
She was a member of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Larry; four daughters, Deborah (Michael) Taylor of Fort Wayne, Damaris Anderson of Morrisville, PA, Jael Ann Donate and Candace Anderson, both of Indianapolis; two sons, Paul E. Anderson of Asheville, NC and Steve (Brenda) Anderson of Tri Lakes; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; five step children, Linda (Robert) Bixler and Cheryl Swihart, both of Columbia City, Pat (Mark) Call of Canandaigua, New York, Janet (Phil) Hull and Brad (Linda) Yoder, both of Columbia City; 16 step grandchildren; and 17 step great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Church of the Nazarene, 506 N. Main Street, Columbia City with Rev. Thomas Beers, church pastor, officiating. The burial will be in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Huntington. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Columbia City Church of the Nazarene Youth.
Roger Lee Mullins, 40
Roger Lee Mullins, 40, of South Whitley, died at 11:53 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, where he had been taken by Whitley County EMS suffering an apparent heart attack. 
He was born August 2, 1968, in Whitley County, IN a son of Cleadis and Gladys (Bailey) Mullins. A life long resident of Whitley County, his formative years were spent in South Whitley where he attended elementary school. He attended Whitko High School. He received his GED in August 2005.
His employment history included the former Fibre Form of Columbia City, Robert Bosch, LLC of Albion from 2001-2005, a truck driver for Jasper Trucking and DeWald Trucking. He began his employment with Indiana Department of Transportation, Fort Wayne District, in November 2007. He was a member of the road crew. .
On July 2, 2005 he was united in marriage to Rachel A. King. They made their home in South Whitley.
He was a former member of the Cleveland Township Volunteer Fire Department. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and other outdoor activities. He was a protective and loving husband and father. His insistent humor was enjoyed and cherished by his family.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Rachel; a son, Cody; Churubusco, daughters, Bailee, Alyssa and Ashley; his mother, Gladys Mullins of South Whitley; brother, Ralph (Deb) Mullins of Salyersville, KY; four sisters, Carolyn (Chuck) Beckman, Leipsic, Ohio, Kay (Ed) Sklenar, South Whitley, Cheryl (Troy) Sword, Jackson, Kentucky, and Kathy (Tom) Wheeler, Pierceton; and 12 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cleadis Mullins.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 26th at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Pastor Ward "Etsie" Allen of United Baptist Church of Sidney officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Mullins Children Educational Fund.
January 24, 2009
Melba E.Shirey, 73
Melba E.Shirey, 73, died Wednesday evening, January 21, 2009, in the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
She was born on May 3, 1935 in Whitley County a daughter of Charles E. and Mary C. P. Gaff Schrader. Her formative years were spent on the family farm in Union Township and she was employed by the Blue Bell Corporation while attending the Coesse High School. After graduating with the Class of 1953, she started her employment with Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne, retiring July 1, 1992 as assistant vice president with thirty-nine years of service.
On September 8, 1956, she was united in marriage to Earl E. Shirey.
She was a member of the Columbia City Congregation of Jehovah’s Witness.
In addition to her husband, Earl, she is survived by a daughter, Melinda K. (Alan) Jung residing in Ohio; six brothers, Clifton W. Schrader, Grant Pass, Oregon, Jack E. (Maralee) Schrader, Columbia City, Roger A. (Lucy) Columbia City, Franklin (Betty Woodard) Schrader, Astatula, Florida, Otto Frederick (Dee) Schrader, Mesquite, Nevada and Richard L. (Sandy) Schrader, Surprise, Arizona; two sisters, Ellen M. Strong, Fort Wayne and Dottie (Lynn) Feller of Carmi, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gilbert A. Schrader.
In keeping with the wishes of Mrs. Shirey, there will be no visitation and a family service will be held at a later date.
January 22, 2009
Dr. W. Ronald Phillips, 77
Dr. W. Ronald Phillips of Fort Wayne died Sunday, January 18, 2009, at home. 
Born August 19, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, he founded the first Health Education Center in the country in Hinsdale, Illinois, and preceded to found the McMillen Center for Health Education, Fort Wayne.
He fell in love with Fort Wayne and moved to that community over 30 years ago.
He was the Director of Northeast Indiana Governor's Commission for a drug free America from 1989 to 1991. He was Director of The Indiana Council on Problem Gambling for seven years. He taught residents at the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program. He opened Health Images in 1988 where he did counseling for the Allen County Prosecutors Office for underage children with addictions.
He was a member in many organizations and was president or director of many: YMCA, Kiwanis, Quest Club, United Way, Pathways, Anthony Wayne Rotary Club, Fort Wayne Scottish Cultural Society, Indiana Highland Games and Mizpah Shrine; a life member of Scottish Rite; a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Boy's Club; and was co-founder and Past Master of the Masonic Highland Lodge 762 and a 33 Degree Mason.
He played King Balthasar for 26 years at the Plymouth Congregational Boars Head Festival.
He had a beautiful voice and sang in many choirs and musicals as well as serving as a church choir director for many years. He had a passion for traveling, reading, dancing, woodcrafting, music and learning.
His first wife, Joan, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his second wife, Linda. Each partner came into the union with three surviving daughters including Diane Phillips of Seattle,Washington, Cindy (Phillips) Bilek-Halik of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Kay Phillips-Alms of Illinois, Angelique Hamrick, Danielle Vachon and Kacie Grace, all of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren.
A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, with calling one hour prior.
Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne Street, with a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Contributions may be given in Dr. W. Ronald Phillips memory to the Fort Wayne Scottish Cultural Society, 6226 Popp Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845.
January 21, 2009
Leon E. Long, 66
Leon E. Long, 66, of Pierceton , IN passed away at 1:05 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital , Columbia City. 
Born on November 15, 1942 in Plymouth, Indiana, he was the son of Robert and Dessel (Bach) Long.
He graduated with the Class of 1960 from Larwill High School and he attended the University of Kentucky for one year.
On November 30, 1963, he was united in marriage to Sally Jo Widman in Pierceton. She passed away March 4, 2006.
A lifetime Pierceton resident, he owned and operated Long Farms in Whitley County.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Pierceton.
Survivors include daughters, Kathleen J. (Layne) Evans and Julie L. (Dana) Hewitt; son, Christopher L. (Molly) Long, all of Pierceton; sisters, Patricia (Thomas) Pulliam of Fountain Hills, Arizona and Nellie (Herman) Conley of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Michael Evans, Nolan Evans, Zachary Hewitt, Sarah Hewitt and Isaac Long; sisters-in-law, Shirley Long of Columbia City and Patsy Howard of Sebring, Florida.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sally J. Long, brother, James A. Long and grandson, Samuel W. Long.
Visitation is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity, IN. Funeral mass is Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 408 W Catholic Street, Pierceton. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. Memorials may be given in Mr. Long's memory to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
January 20, 2009
Jerry L. Griffith, 80
Jerry L. Griffith, 80, passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
Born in Huntington, he proudly served as a member of the For Wayne Police Department in capacities from patrolman to captain of juvenile aid for 20 1/2 years, retiring in 1973. He was employed with Lincoln National Bank for 17 years.
He graduated from South Side High School in 1946; was a lifetime member of FOP and American Legion Post 241 Waynedale; and was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran.
He loved his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was an avid sports fan.
He married Shirley A. (Kilty) Griffith on March 17, 1951; she survives. Also surviving are his children, Sandra L. (George) Juillerat of Ossian, LeeAnn (Mike) Richter of Columbia City, Guy W. (Eileen) Griffith, Richard N. (Tina) Griffith, and Bret A. (Deborah) Griffith, all of Fort Wayne; 17 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gayle and Opal Slater Griffith; and a granddaughter, Melinda Rybolt.
Service is 2 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave., with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Police Athletic League or Police Museum.
Donna C. Aker (Brown), 67
Donna C. Aker (Brown), 67, of Fort Wayne, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2009, at her home. 
Born in Dover, Kentucky, she was the daughter of James W. and Elizabeth E. Hale.
She was a waitress with the Rib Room on East State and a former waitress at Hall's Guesthouse, Marriott and Cafe Johnell.
She was first married to Howard J. Aker and later to Alvin Brown. Mr. Brown preceded her in death in 1994.
She was an avid collector of cow memorabilia.
Survivors include her children, Robert (Lourdes) Aker of Pahrump, Nev., Marcy (Leslie) Gaerte of Columbia City, James (Michele) Aker of Kettering, Ohio, and David Aker of Fort Wayne; sisters, Marjorie (Jule) Hale of Leo and Connie (Tom) York of London, Kentucky.; brother, James W. Hale of Orlando, Florida; grandchildren, Carolyn Walker and Ashley Aker, both of Fort Wayne, Adam Aker, Josh (Jen) Willis, Krystal Kreusch, and Donna C. Aker, all of Kettering, Ohio, Robert Aker, Ricardo Aker, Rachel Aker, and Rylan Aker, all of Pahrump, Nevada; nine great-grandchildren; and her former husband and life long friend, Howard J. Aker of Fort Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Brown, in 1994; and parents, James W. and Elizabeth E. Hale.
Service is 2 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road. The Rev. Russell Riley Officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the family of Donna C. Aker (Brown) in care of Marcy Gaerte.
Lois Esteline Lothamer, 85
Lois Esteline Lothamer, 85, died Sunday evening January 18, 2009, in the Provina Sacred Heart Home in Avilla following an extended illness. She had been a patient there for about six years.
Lois was born December 22, 1923 in rural Zanesville, a daughter of the late Valentine and Frieda (Jacobs) Hanauer. Her formative years were spent in Wells County, and as a young girl she attended and graduated from the former East Union High School in Zanesville with the class of 1941.
She had worked for the General Electric Company from 1941 to 1949, and retired in 1980 from Standard Packing both in Fort Wayne. She was united in marriage on June 5, 1948 in North Liberty to her husband of 60 years, Richard L. Lothamer. They moved to Clear Lake near Fremont in 1972 and had lived at their present home in Steuben County since 1994.
The survivors include her husband Richard of Angola; their daughters Linda (Larry) Weatherholt of Churubusco and Marge Dahm of Indianapolis; and four granddaughters. Also surviving are two brothers John (Jan) Hanauer of Arizona, and Joe (Barbara) Hanauer of Markle; and her sister Janice Sollberger of Fort Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and by a brother Richard Hanauer.
Respecting Mrs. Lothamer’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service.
Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is entrusted with the arrangements.
January 19, 2009
Brandi Ann Bender, 23
Brandi Ann Bender, 23, and her three sons, Nicholas Ryan Adkins, age 5, Peyton Lee Bender, age 4, and unborn infant son, Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton passed away Saturday, January 17, 2009 in a house fire in Fort Wayne. 
Born on June 28, 1985 in Whitley County, Brandi was the daughter of Charles L. and Anita A. (Goff) Bender.
She attended Whitley County Consolidated Schools and finished her education through home schooling. She graduated with an associates degree in medical billing from Penn Foster and an associates degree in medical assisting from Brown Mackie.
She was a lifetime Whitley County resident until the past year when she moved to Fort Wayne. She was a devoted full-time mother to her sons.
Survivors include her parents, Charles L. and Anita A. Bender of Larwill; sisters, Kelli Bender of Fort Wayne, Karly and Scarlet Bender both of Larwill; fiance` Carlos Wheaton of Fort Wayne; grandparents, Charles and Wilma Bender of Columbia City, Carl (Judy) Goff of New Haven; grandmother, Sandra Goff of Fort Wayne; uncles, Jerry Goff and Daryl Bender both of Fort Wayne; aunts, Charla Higgins of Fort Wayne, Julie Quiring of Decatur, Texas, and Kathy Paseka of Columbia City.
Surviving infant her infant son Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton are his father, Carlos Wheaton of Fort Wayne; grandparents, Charles L. and Anita A. Bender of Larwill, Alvin Wheaton and Baba Brahlek of Fort Wayne; great-grandparents, Charles and Wilma Bender of Columbia City and Carl (Judy) Goff of New Haven; great-grandmother, Sandra Goff of Fort Wayne.
A combined visitation for Brandi, Nicholas, Peyton and Justice is Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Pride of Eagle Quest Church officiating. Burial will follow at Stough Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Brandi, Nicholas, Peyton and Justice to B.A.B.E. of Columbia City with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register.
Nicholas Ryan Adkins, 5
Nicholas Ryan Adkins, 5, passed away in a house fire with his mother, Brandi Ann Bender, and brothers, Peyton Lee Bender and unborn infant, Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton on Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Fort Wayne. 
Born on May 2, 2003, in Columbia City, he was the son of James A. Adkins and Brandi Ann Bender.
He attended kindergarten at Northern Heights School until October of 2008 when he began attending kindergarten at Mary Raber Elementary School , Columbia City. He also attended the Head Start program for two years.
Nicholas enjoyed playing Nerf guns with his brother, Peyton.
Survivors include his father, James A. (Amanda Welch) Adkins of Columbia City; sisters, Kassidy and Mariah Adkins of Columbia City; grandparents, William and Mary Adkins of Columbia City and Charles and Anita Bender of Larwill; great-grandparents, Victor and Marge Adkins of Columbia City, Delores Matthews of Columbia City, and Gary & Jean Butler of Fort Myers, Florida; aunts, Jennifer and Teresa Adkins both of Columbia City, Kelli Bender of Fort Wayne and Scarlet and Karly Bender both of Larwill; cousins, Amanda Goff of Columbia City and Amy Goff of Mentone; special family friends, Howie and Chris Welch of Columbia City.
Combined visitation for Nicholas, his mother, Brandi Bender, brothers, Peyton Lee Bender, and unborn infant, Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton is Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , Columbia City. Funeral service is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Pride of Eagle Quest Church officiating. Burial will follow at Stough Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Nicholas, Brandi, Peyton and Justice to B.A.B.E. of Columbia City with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register.
Peyton Lee Bender, 4
Peyton Lee Bender, 4, passed away in a house fire with his mother, Brandi A. Bender, and brothers, Nicholas Ryan Adkins, and unborn infant, Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton on Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Fort Wayne. 
Born on October 2, 2004 in Columbia City, he was the son of Richard L. Shoemaker and Brandi A. Bender.
He lived in Whitley County for three years and for the past year, he resided in Fort Wayne. He enjoyed playing Nerf guns with his brother, Nicholas.
Survivors include his father, Richard L. (Cassie Hoffman) Shoemaker of Columbia City; aunts, Jaime (William) Burton and Mariah Heckman both of Columbia City, Kelli Bender of Fort Wayne, Karly and Scarlet Bender of Larwill; uncle, Jason (Amanda) Shoemaker of Larwill; grandparents, Denise (David) Heckman of Columbia City, Charles and Anita Bender of Larwill and Ron (Diana) Shoemaker of Columbia City; great-grandmothers, Augusta Carner of Columbia City and Sandra Goff of Fort Wayne; great-grandparents, Gene and Karen Heckman of Columbia City, Charles and Wilma Bender of Columbia City, Carl (Judy) Goff of New Haven; great-great grandmother, Ada Vandemon of Columbia City; cousins, Jordan, Erin and Taylor Shoemaker, Amanda and Amy Goff.
Combined visitation for Peyton, Brandi, Nicholas and Justice is Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Pride of Eagle Quest Church officiating. Burial will follow at Stough Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Peyton, Brandi, Nicholas and Justice to B.A.B.E. of Columbia City.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
January 18, 2009
Esther Christina Frank, 94
Esther Christina Frank, 94, formerly of Columbia City, died at 2:45 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Towne House, Fort Wayne, where she had been a resident since April 2002. 
She was born August 19, 1914 in Los Angeles, California, the only child of Joseph and Jessie (Stout) Stephens. Her formative years were spent in Oregon and California. She graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1932, attended Los Angeles Junior College in 1933 and graduated from Bethany Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago in 1937.
She worked as a registered nurse at Torrance Hospital in Torrance, California, in 1937 prior to her marriage to Hugh H. Frank on September 12, 1937. They always made their home in Columbia City where she assisted her husband with his family’s operation of H.R. Frank & Sons Greenhouse. Hugh died March 21, 1992.
As a registered nurse, she worked as the county health nurse, and later at Linvill Hospital, Whitley County Memorial Hospital and Miller’s Merry Manor. Following her retirement she was a volunteer for hospice through Whitley County Memorial Hospital.
She was a member of Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, sang in a church trio, enjoyed singing and helping people.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Patricia (Dennis) Grigar of Fort Wayne; two grandsons, Jeffrey Bender of VanWert, Ohio and Shannon Bender of Avilla; and four great-grandchildren, Michael, Amber, Julia and Elyssa Bender; two step-grandchildren, Emily Grigar of Fort Wayne and Dylan Grigar of Bloomington; and step-great-grandchildren, Evelyn Grigar.
The funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Focus on the Family.
Marvin Piebenga, 82
Marvin Piebenga, 82, who walked with God on Earth, now walks with his Lord in Heaven, Thursday, January 15, 2009, at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he worked at Magnavox Electronics for 40 years, retiring in 1988. He graduated from Wyoming High School, attended Electronics College in Louisville, Kentucky, and was a Second Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He was a member of Aboite Missionary Church.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Louise (Azar) Piebenga of Fort Wayne; daughter, Delmarie Vincenti of Fort Wayne; son, John (Mary) Piebenga of Columbia City; grandchildren, Leslie, Rachael and Emi; and great-grandson, Braiden.
He was preceded in death by parents, John and Agnes Piebenga; and brothers, Albert and Bernard.
A service was held Sunday, January 18, 2009, at Aboite Missionary Church in Fort Wayne with Rev's Duane Burris and Dave Biberstein officiating. Burial was in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Memorials to Aboite Missionary Church.
Charlotte Ann Krueckeberg, 82
Charlotte Ann Krueckeberg, 82, of Kendall-ville, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, at Shepherd of the Hill in Kendallville.
She was born June 6, 1926, in Vallejo, California to Max Dix and Mary Blanche (Crain) Smith Sr.
She first married O.C. "Cal" Hershberger in Fort Wayne; he preceded her in death on June 25, 1977. She later married William Carl Krueckeberg; he also preceded her in death on Oct. 21, 2002.
Char was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She was also a secretary at Lutheran Hospital and had worked at Sears and Hutner's Paris in Fort Wayne. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Corunna, she loved fishing, reading and gardening.She was also a member of American Legion Auxillary Post 86 of Kendallville.
Survivors include daughters, Claudia Lynn and Denny Beck of Butler, Mary and Mick McOmber of Columbia City, Carol Ann Hershberger of Fort Wayne, Joey and Mike Bak of White Lake, Michigan, Diane and Art Suever of Fort Wayne and Debbie Hershberger and her fiancé, Denny Miller, both of Huntington; stepson, Jay and Lori Krueckeberg of Columbia City; stepdaughter, Anne and Lenny Duff of Fort Wayne; seven granddaughters, Lori and Ryan Sholl of Hicksville, Ohio, Holly and John Sherman of Columbia City, Wendy and Chuck Rasche of Jasper, Jody and Joe Paris of White Lake, Heather and Tim Fry of Fort Wayne, Angela and Tony Ritchhart of Fort Wayne, and Melissa and Paul Miller of Indianapolis; three grandsons, Bob Beck of Butler, Kevin Bak of Orlando, Florida and Mark and Diana Bak of Tucson, Arizona; 16 great-grandchildren, Kameron Beck, Colin Sholl, Taylor Gatwood, Dillon Rasche, McKenna Sherman, Lauren and Shea Paris, Logan and Landon Fry, Savannah and Preston Ritchhart, Natalie Miller, Riley Krueckeberg, and Camille, Danielle and Dillon Duff; and sister, Patricia and William Forry of York Haven, Penn. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Max Dix Smith Jr.; sister, Karen Vose; lifetime friend, Darlene Heare; and great-grandson, Elliott Rasche.
Funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, 0389 County Road12, Corunna, Indiana, with visitation one hour prior at the church. Rev. Al Wingfield officiating. Visitation also from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville. Burial in Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Casketbearers will be Char's sons-in-law and grandsons.
Preferred memorials to Zion Lutheran Church. View a video tribute by Sunday or send condolences to the family at www.hitefuneralhome.com
Frona Alberta Cochren, 90
Frona Alberta Cochren, 90, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, January 15, 2009, at her home.
Born in Churubusco, she was a cook with Fort Wayne Community Schools for 15 years, retiring in 1978. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 499 Auxiliary and V.F.W. Post 2457 Auxiliary.
Survivors include her daughters, Sandra K. (Ron) Hettinger, Karen S. (Robert) Hettinger and Nancy A. (Arthur) Brock, all of Fort Wayne; stepson, Lawrence J. Cochren of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Esther Violet Blessing of Fort Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur J. Cochren, in 2005; brothers, Perry and Jesse Jeffries; and sister, Clara J. Reinking.
Service is 10 a.m. Monday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road. Rev. Stephen Cain officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial in Eel River Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church.
January 17, 2009
Amber “Loretta” Goings, 77
Amber “Loretta” Goings, 77, of New Haven, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at home. Born in Churubusco, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Dollie Gordon. She was a member of Grace Gathering, New Haven.
She waitressed for over 20 years and retired from Don Hall's Restaurant, Georgetown, in 1996.
She is survived by her husband, Dale "Richard" Goings; children, Glenna (John) Martin of New Haven, Gary Tanner of Yoder, Peggy (Wally) Collier of Columbia City, and Ernest Beetham of Fort Wayne; stepson, Richard Goings of Columbia City; stepdaughters, Cindy (Steve) Evans of Corpus Christi, Texas and Debbie (Tom) Goodrich of Columbia City; sister, Naomi Frazier of Churubusco; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Sanford Gordon. A service was held Saturday, January 17, 2009, at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home in New Haven. Pastor Dan Brusco officiated. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.
Preferred memorials to Grace Gathering Building Fund.
January 16, 2009
Eugene Allen Garwood, 86
Eugene Allen Garwood, 86, passed away at 8:55 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
Born on September 28, 1922 in Huntington, IN he was the son of Robert C. and Mary M. (Cordel) Garwood. He graduated from Bippus High School, Huntington County, with the Class of 1941. Raised in Huntington County, he moved to Dunlap, Tennessee, for one year and lived in Bippus for 5 years.
From 1944 to 1948, he served in the United States Army.Since 1948, he has resided in Whitley County. On September 24, 1948, he married Mildred Pauline Johnston. She passed away in 1974.
A factory worker at Phelps Dodge, Fort Wayne, IN he retired after 35 1/2 years of service. He attended Thorncreek Bethel Church of God in Columbia City, Larwill Methodist Church and Larwill Wesleyan Church.He was a member of the Larwill Lion’s Club and a lifetime member of the Huntington VFW Post #2689. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, crafts with rocks, and making jewelry.
Survivors include sons John (Judy) Garwood and Michael (Lou Ann) Garwood, both of Larwill; stepson Paul (Pat) Johnston from Warsaw; a daughter-in-law, Eileen Wineland of Columbia City; 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Jane) Garwood from La Fontaine, Indiana.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Lewis Garwood; sister, Elizabeth Holland; a stepson, Phil Johnston; half-sister, Ruth Dodson.
Visitation is Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral service is Monday, January 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Beck of Larwill Wesleyan Church officiating. Graveside military rites will be presented by Huntington VFW Post #2689. Burial will follow at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Coesse, Whitley County.Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Garwood to the Larwill Lion's Club. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register.
January 13, 2009
Christopher Todd Mullins, 21
Christopher Todd Mullins, 21, of South Whitley died on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 12:35 a.m. in Fort Wayne.
He was born on May 4, 1987 in Columbia City, the son of James and Dorothy (Hackworth) Mullins. He was employed by McDonalds in Churubusco.
He is survived by two children, Alexia and Autumn Studebaker, both of South Whitley, his parents, James and Dorothy Mullins of South Whitley, a brother, Cody Mullins, also of South Whitley, his grandparents, including Alyce Hackworth of Pierceton, Jackie Mahaska of Palestine, Indiana, and Claude Mullins. He was preceded in death by two sisters, a brother and his grandfather.
A service was held on Monday, January 12, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home in Pierceton with Pastor Tom Coltrain as the officiate. He was buried in the South Whitley Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Fund for Christopher Mullins in care of Lake City Bank, 108 South First Street, Pierceton, IN 46562.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, a brother and his grandfather.
A service was held on Monday, January 12, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home in Pierceton with Pastor Tom Coltrain as the officiate. He was buried in the South Whitley Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Fund for Christopher Mullins in care of Lake City Bank, 108 South First Street, Pierceton, IN 46562.
V. Pauline Perry, 86
V. Pauline Perry, 86, of Columbia City, died at 5 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2009 at The Oaks Living Center where she had been a resident since May 3, 2007. 
She was born August 9, 1922 in Columbia City, a daughter of John F. and Rosena A. (Hartman) Karst. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City. She graduated from Columbia City High School.
On April 23, 1949 she was united in marriage to Clifford Dale “Bud” Perry. They made their home on Meridian Road south of Columbia City from 1961 until 2003. In April of 2003, they moved into Columbia City. Mr. Perry died August 26, 2006.
She was employed at Blue Bell for six years, Evard Cleaners and later was a teacher’s aide at Columbia Township School for 10 years, retiring in 1983.
Her memberships included Eberhard Lutheran Church, where she served as a council member for six years and was a member of the Ladies Aid.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Rebecca Sue (Jed) Burlingham of Platte City, Missouri; two granddaughters, Stacey Staggs and Monica Henry; three great granddaughters, Ashley Staggs, Victoria and Makayla Henry; and three sisters, Edna McCoy of Columbia City, Juanita McConnell of Tri Lakes and Geraldine Reiff of Pierceton.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Daniel Dean Perry; six brothers, Raymond Karst, Henry Karst, Frank Karst, Julius Karst, Robert Karst and Gerald Karst; and a sister, Katherine McCoy.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Eberhard Cemetery. The visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Arthritis Foundation.
Thomas E. Riordan, 71
Thomas E. Riordan, 71, of a resident of Miller’s Merry Manor, Huntington, died at 4:02 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Parkview Huntington Hospital, where he had been admitted on Wednesday.
He was born November 16, 1937 in Howard County, Indiana a son of James H. and Virginia (Binnion) Riordan. His formative years were spent in Huntington.
Surviving relatives include two brothers, James (Elaine) Riordan, Jr. of Garden Grove, California, and Michael (Vicki) Riordan of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Virginia (Kurt) Wall, Coppell, Texas, and Margaret Crouch of Syracuse.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Susan Riordan.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, January 12, 2009, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City, with Father Larry Kramer as the officiant. Burial took place in the Catholic Cemetery, Columbia City.
Arrangements were handled by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Huntington.
January 12, 2009
Paul Brian Stidham, 82
Paul Brian Stidham, age 82, of Columbia City , IN passed away at 6:45 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2009 at his residence. Born on October 28, 1926 in Breathitt County , KY , he was the son of William Blaine and Isabelle (Lovely) Stidham.
Raised in Kentucky until the age of 5, he lived the majority of his lifetime in Whitley County. He graduated with the Class of 1945 from Larwill High School, Larwill . On September 19, 1948 he was united in marriage to Melba Joan Evans in Columbia City. A lifetime farmer, he owned and operated Stidham Farms and worked for LML Corporation, Columbia City .
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Melba Joan Stidham of Columbia City; sons, Randall Stidham and David (Carolyn) Stidham, both of Columbia City; daughters, Marlane Stidham of Sarasota, Florida, and Margaret Carlin of Columbia City; sisters, Madelyn France of Medina, Ohio, Flossie (James) Slough of Bourbon, Indiana, and Barbara Sue Rhodes of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Marsha Eileen Stidham, brothers, Luther, Lawrence, Earl and John Stidham, sisters, Opel Koontz, Kaye Perle, Grace Rebstock and Hattie McDaniel.
There will be no visitation. Graveside service is 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at South Park Annex Cemetery , 1500 South State Road 205, Columbia City , IN with Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Stidham to Parkview Home Health and Hospice with envelopes available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the register book.
Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Andrea Nicole Roy, 24
Andrea Nicole Roy, age 24, passed away at 7:54 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Lutheran Hospital of IN, Fort Wayne . Born on January 13, 1984 in Columbia City , IN she was the daughter of Michael J. and Deborah S. (Hilligoss) Roy. 
A lifetime resident of Columbia City , she graduated with the Class of 2002 from Columbia City High School . She earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from International Business College graduating in 2005. From 2006 to 2008, she worked for the Alumni Department of the University of St. Francis as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to 2006, she worked for Copp Farm Supply in Columbia City . She was a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City , where she had been active in the youth group.
Survivors include her parents, Michael J. and Deborah S. Roy of Columbia City, sister, Angela “Angie” Roy of Fort Wayne; grandmother, Betty Hilligoss of Columbia City; boyfriend, Joe Mahan of Fort Wayne; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert Hilligoss, Ernie and Trudy Roy and an uncle, Chuck Roy.
Visitation is Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 2 to 8 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral mass is Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line Street, Columbia City, IN with Father Larry Kramer presiding. Burial will follow at St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery , Columbia City .
Memorials may be given in memory of Andrea to Whitley County Relay for Life with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register book.
