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February 28, 2009
Kenneth Leroy Stauffer, 63
Kenneth Leroy Stauffer, 63, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, February 26, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital.
Born Oct. 15, 1945, in Allen County, he retired from GE after 39 years of service in 2005.
He was a member of Broadway Christian Church and GE Quarter Century Club.
Surviving are brothers, DuWayne W. Stauffer of Spencerville, Marvin J. (Linda Sue) Stauffer of Churubusco and Larry A. (Linda K.) Stauffer of New Haven; and nieces and nephews, Teresa Snyder, Doug Stauffer, Cheri Edger, Chester Stauffer, Colleen Doberstein, Curt Stauffer, Kristi Tester, and Jim Stauffer.
Funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, with calling one hour prior. Pastor Jason Baeuerle officiating. Calling also from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery.
Preferred memorials to the church.
February 26, 2009
Helen L. Hazen, 83
Helen L. Hazen, 83, of Columbia City , passed away at 6:51 a.m. on Wednesday morning, February 25, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
Born in Whitley County on April 25, 1925 she was the daughter of Earl E. and Zora S. (Shock) Gipe.
She graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1943. On May 20, 1945 she was united in marriage to Earl L. Hazen at the Columbia City Presbyterian Church.
She and her husband owned Tri-Lakes Grocery and Hazen’s Confectionary in Columbia City for approximately five years.
A devoted wife and mother, she retired from Farmers Loan & Trust with 35 years of service in the banking industry.
A lifetime Whitley County resident, her memberships included St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church where she served as the Financial Church Secretary for many years and various church committees. She was a member of Tri-Kappa Sorority.
Survivors include her daughters, Jari (Kent) Davison of Canton, Ohio, and Jody (Howard) Lowen of Columbia City; and five grandchildren, including: Josh (Abbe) Davison of Columbia City, Wes Davison of Naples, Florida, Nathan Lowen of Indianapolis, Gabe Lowen and Naomi Lowen both of Columbia City; two great-grandchildren, Skylar and Jaxon Davison of Columbia City; sisters, Evelyn M. Tolliver of Fort Wayne, Dortha Mae (Howard) Marsh of Columbia City and Carol (Jim) Bower of Clemmons, North Carolina; a brother, William L. (Sandy) Gipe of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, who died on October 28, 1998, an infant son, John David Hazen, and sisters, Bonita Miller and Eileen Fox.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the funeral home with Reverend Michael Dillon of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at St. Matthew’s Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Hazen to St. Matthew's United Methodist Church or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Gladys V. Gipson, 89
Gladys V. Gipson, 89, of Columbia City, died at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since June 28, 2008. 
She was born August 6, 1919 in Illinois a daughter of Walter and Mary (Marshal) Kettelkamp. She attended school in Illinois.
On November 18, 1936 she was united in marriage to Carl R. Gipson. They made their home in Illinois until 1941 when they moved to Northeast Indiana. In 1943 they moved to the Columbia City area. Mr. Gipson died December 27, 1984. In 1989 Gladys moved into Columbia City.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Rolland (Patricia) Gipson of Churubusco and Carl “Butch” (Jacqueline) Gipson of Rome City; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by four grandsons; a brother, Everett Kettelkamp; and three sisters, Doris Kettelkamp, Mildred Puckett and Florence Puckett.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Gene Rohrer officiating. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the donors’ favorite charity.
Charles G. “Chuck” Richey, 71
Charles G. “Chuck” Richey, 71, of High Lake, died at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted earlier in the day. 
He was born June 16, 1937, in Marion, Indiana, a son of Gerald G. and Viola S. (Musick) Richey. His formative years were spent in Marion and graduated from Marion High School.
On June 24, 1956 he was united in marriage to Mary G. Shipp. They made their first home in Marion. They later resided in Chicago, Bear Lake and Mansfield, Ohio. They made their summer home at High Lake their permanent residence in 1999. Mrs. Richey died September 9, 2005.
He was employed at Atlas Foundry in Marion, Apex in Anderson, Mansfield Brass & Aluminum and Batesville Products Inc.
His memberships included V.F.W. Post #5582 and formerly Eagles Lodge #1906.
Surviving relatives include three children, Charles E. (Kathy) Richey of Aurora, Marla (Thomas) Moore of Gaston and Jodi (Bill) Almack of Albion; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Barbara Ditsler of Jonesboro, Carrie Johnson of Tennessee and Verna Burnett of Swayzee; and a special friend, Jerry Blessing of Dayton, Ohio.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Worden.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Steve Colter officiating. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Bobby Ray Casey, 74
Bobby Ray Casey, 74, of Columbia City, died at 7:56 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor where he had been a resident since October 16, 2006. 
He was born July 12, 1934 in Wayne County, North Carolina a son of Raymond Herman and Lorena May (Taylor) Casey. His formative years were spent in Grantham, North Carolina. He graduated from Grantham High School in 1952.
In 1967, he moved to Churubusco. He then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, then Glen Ellen, Illinois, before returning to Grantham, North Carolina. In April 2006, he moved to Columbia City to be near his sister, Sharon Whittaker.
A United States Air Force veteran, he managed drug stores and worked in the mailroom at Kemp Furniture Factory in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Surviving relatives include two sisters and a brother, Sharon Whittaker of Churubusco, John Casey of Cleveland, North Carolina and Ruby Boyette of Goldsboro, North Carolina.
There will be no visitation or service.
The burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Falling Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery in Grantham, North Carolina.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Betty J. Whaley, 76,
Betty J. Whaley, 76, a resident of rural Albion and wife of Ralph Whaley, died at 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at the family residence in Noble Township following an extended illness. 
Mrs. Whaley was born in Angola on December 12, 1932, a daughter of Cecil and Mildred (Morrison) Kime. She spent her formative years in Williams County, Ohio, and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1948.
As a young woman she worked as an executive secretary, and was married on July 28, 1951 in Angola to Ralph Whaley. The couple spent a brief period in Ohio and in LaGrange before moving to their present home in Noble Township in 1956.
A homemaker for most of her adult life, she had also been an Avon representative. However, the labor of love in her life was operating the Happy Hill Feline Haven–a rescue shelter for cats.
She was a member of the Merriam Christian Chapel, and had served as the church’s missions secretary for many years.
The surviving relatives include her husband Ralph, to whom she was married for over 57 years; her daughters Linda (Roger) Wirt of Duchesne, Utah and Rita Whaley of Quito, Ecuador; a sister Donna Vreeland of Reading, Mich; and a brother Victor (Kathy) Yoder of Delton, Mich.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Larry Yoder.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a. m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Merriam Christian Chapel with Pastor Terry L. Zolman, officiating.
The family will receive friends in the church multi-purpose room immediately following the services.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Merriam Christian Chapel Mission Fund, or to the Noble County Humane Shelter.
Karen Anne Hoffman, 62
Karen Anne Hoffman, 62, a resident of rural LaOtto and wife of Danny K. Hoffman, died at 10:50 a. m. on Monday, February 23, 2009, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She had been in declining health for only a short period and had entered the hospice home two days ago. 
Mrs. Hoffman was born on July 5, 1946, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Robert F. and Marjorie (Anderton) Loechner, and spent her formative years there. She graduated from Northside High School in 1964, and later earned an associates degree from International Business College.
On September 6, 1969 she was married in Fort Wayne to Danny K. Hoffman. The couple spent the early years of their marriage in Fort Wayne and moved to Noble County in 1978.
Employed as a merchandiser at Source Inter Link, she was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne where she had served as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Church Council. In her leisure time she had enjoyed playing adult volleyball and also playing Euchre.
The surviving relatives include her husband Dan; her children Jeffrey M. (Sarah) Hoffman of LaOtto and Julie (Gregory) Brubaker of Fort Wayne; her mother Marjoie Loechner of Fort Wayne; two brothers Steven (Patricia) Loechner of Roanoke and William (Betsy) Loechner of Fort Wayne; a sister Janet (Adam) Kidston of Naperville, Illinois; and a brother-in-law Randy (Pam) Hoffman of Napanee.
Services were held Thursday, February 26, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne with Pastor Dale Henderson officiating.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco handled the arrangements.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
Rhonda Lahrman Corson, 35
Rhonda Lahrman Corson, 35, a resident of Fort Wayne, died unexpectedly on Friday evening, February 20, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. 
Born on April 7, 1973 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Kenneth D. and Jean (Eiler) Lahrman, and spent her formative years in Eel River Township. She graduated from Carroll High School in 1992, and earned her medical assistant’s degree from the Indiana Business College.
On October 17, 1996 she was married to Rodney L. Corson in Fort Wayne and was currently employed in the offices of Pediatric Associates, Inc. at Lutheran Hospital.
In her leisure time she enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband and daughter.
The surviving relatives include her husband Rodney; a daughter Madelyn Claire Corson, age 7; her parents Kenneth and Jean Lahrman of Churubusco; a brother Scott (Kristi) Lahrman of Fort Wayne; her in-laws Thomas and Kathleen Corson of Avilla; her paternal grandparents Dale Lahrman of Pamona Park, Florida, and Beatrice (Harold) Morgan of Columbia City; a former sister-in-law Carmen Lahrman of Fort Wayne; a nephew Thomas John Lahrman; and two nieces Tori Coon and Madison.
She was preceded in death by a brother Thomas J. Lahrman on June 1, 1990; and by her maternal grandfather James Eiler.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Lane Burgland, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, officiating.
Interment will be in the family plot at Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to her family.
February 23, 2009
Una Dell Smith, 86
Una Dell Smith, 86, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 at The Oaks Living Center where she had been a resident since Friday, February 13. 
She was born July 29, 1922 in Indiana a daughter of Donald and Lucille (Smyser) Bowman. She graduated from Columbia City High School.
On September 20, 1941 she was united in marriage to Franklin J. Smith. They always made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Smith passed away May 11, 1987.
She was employed a short time at Blue Bell.
St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church was her church of membership.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Jerry L. (Marilyn) Smith of Columbia City and Edward K. Smith of Franklin; a daughter, Brenda (Danny) Murphy of Columbia City; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Pat Bowman of Columbia City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald Bowman Jr., Billy Bowman and Barkley Keith Bowman.
The funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul of The Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line Street, Columbia City with Father Larry Kramer as celebrant. The burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery. 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 St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
Dale J. Gamble, 78
Dale J. Gamble, 78, of Columbia City passed away at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009, at his residence after a brief illness. 
Born on April 19, 1930, in Whitley County, he was the son of Omer E. and Opal M. (Edgington) Gamble.
He was a lifetime resident of Whitley County and attended Washington Center High School where he became an excellent athlete.
On December 9, 1950, he married Gladys E. Walker in Columbia City.
He retired from Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne, with 30 years of service.
For many years he coached and umpired for the Columbia City Boys Little League Baseball. Other past memberships included the UAW. His hobbies included woodworking, golfing and Dale was also an avid baseball fan and his favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys E. Gamble of Columbia City; four children, Peggy M. (Philip) Mallane of Columbia City; Stanley D. (Victoria) Gamble of Fort Wayne; Patricia A. (Mark) Lefkowicz of Arcadia, Indiana; Gwyn D. Carpenter of Columbia City; a daughter-in-law, Patricia L. Gamble of Bear Lake in Albion; four brothers, Duane O. (Edna) Gamble of Warsaw; Paul E. Gamble, of Columbia City; Gerald E.(Bonita) Gamble, Columbia City and Verlin E. Gamble, Huntington; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Steven L. Gamble, a granddaughter, Julie Ann, a sister, Waneta Hesting and a brother, Doyle Gamble.
Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus and Eddie P. Beagles, Jr. DeMoney-Grimes, Certified Funeral Celebrants, will be officiating. Burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery , rural Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Gamble to Parkview Whitley Home Health 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.
February 18, 2009
Joseph C. Shoaff, 85
Joseph C. Shoaff, 85, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at University Park Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Born Sept. 3, 1923, in Fort Wayne, he was a World War II Navy veteran and member of VFW Post 857.
He had worked for Slater Steel.
He is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Greg) Hartwig of Fort Wayne; sister, Esther Coleman of Churubusco; and a granddaughter, Nicole Rothgeb of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Shoaff, in 2000. A private family service has been planned. Entombment in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road.
Helen I. Grubb, 78
Helen I. Grubb, 78, of Big Long Lake, LaGrange County, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at her residence.
Born Aug. 8, 1930, in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Ralph E. and Mary E. (Atchison) Brown. She married David A. Grubb on Nov. 7, 1953, in Fort Wayne. She worked in the insurance industry in Fort Wayne following college and retired in 1983 as an administrative manager for Yaste, Zent, & Rye, Inc., Fort Wayne.
During her working years, she was past president and treasurer of the Insurance Women's Association of Fort Wayne.
She and her husband moved to Big Long Lake in 1980 and loved life on the lake. She was director of the Big Long Lake Association for five years.
Survivors include husband, David A. Grubb of Big Long Lake; son, Joseph Grubb of Fort Wayne; daughter, Julie (Dennis) Waybright of Fort Wayne; three grandchildren, Ryan, Stephanie and Sarah Waybright, all of Fort Wayne; three step-grandchildren, Trent, Corey and Amanda Waybright; five step-great-grand children; and sisters, Alice Hughes of Bryan, Ohio and Betty (Burt) Newell of Fort Wayne.
Funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday at Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. The Rev. Phil Paino officating. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville.
Preferred memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Suzette Ann Graf Trier, 73
Suzette Ann Graf Trier, 73, of Washington Township, Whitley County, died at 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2009 at her home.
She was born June 13, 1935 in South Whitley, Indiana a daughter of Harold E. and Cleo (Bechtold) Graf. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, she graduated from South Whitley High School.
On March 17, 1956 she was united in marriage to Walter A. Trier. They have always made their home in Washington Township, moving to their present home in 1958.
In addition to assisting with the farming, she worked at United Telephone in South Whitley for six years and First Class Daycare Center for three years.
A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and its Adult Bell Choir, she was also a Lady Democrat.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Walter; a son, Chris A. (Martha) Trier of South Whitley; a daughter, Sabrina A. Trier Byer of Columbia City; three grandchildren, Carissa (Chris) Trier Jackson of South Whitley, Chelsie Byer and Jacob Trier Byer; two great grandchildren, Emma and Kyle Jackson; a nephew, Martin (Debbie) Hiles of Florida; and four nieces, Jacqueline (Edward) Hiles Bacon of New Bern, NC, Teresa Thomas, Sherrie Harkins and Lisa Graf
She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jean Hiles and a brother, Clark Graf.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Whitley Hospital Foundation, Worship for Shut-ins or the donor’s favorite charity.
Paul M. Leitch, 84
Paul M. Leitch, 84, of Albion, died at 9:45 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2009 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Terry Marker, in Silver Lake.
He was born May 7, 1924 in Avilla, a son of Merl O. and Fannie (Hossinger) Leitch. His formative years were spent in Churubusco. He graduated from Churubusco High School.
On August 28, 1943 he was inducted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart and Bronze Stars on December 30, 1945.
On February 19, 1944 he was united in marriage to J. Maurine Willits. They made their first home in Churubusco. In 1961 they moved to Albion, moving to their present home in 1986.
While residing in Churubusco, he managed the Churubusco Feed Mill. From 1961 until 1979 he owned and operated the Albion Locker Storage. Following his retirement, he worked for Trailer Express for a few years.
A former Churubusco fireman, he was a member of American Legion Post #246 and Repeater 21 Amateur Radio Club.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Maurine; three children, Nikki M. (Terry) Marker of Silver Lake, Douglas M. (Jinna) Leitch of Albion and Kim (Jeff) Hoover of Ligonier; five grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a sisters, Phyllis (Robert) Zolman of Churubusco; a sister-in-law, Ilene Leitch of Churubusco; and special friends, Joe and Deb Halsey of Albion. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Watson and a brother, Everett Leitch.
The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Bill Farmer officiating. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Hospice of Kosciusko County.
February 15, 2009
Larry Lee Line, 61
Larry Lee Line, 61, of Columbia City passed away suddenly Friday, February 13, 2009, at his residence.
Born on September 27, 1947, in Wolf Lake, he was the son of Kenneth L. and Naomi E. (Mitchell) Line. 
A lifetime resident of Whitley County he graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1965. He served in the United States Army from 1967 until 1969 where he served in the Vietnam War.
He worked at Precision Plastics, Fiber Form, and Whitley County Hospital before beginning a 32 year career as a machinist with Dana Weatherhead/C.F. Gomma where he retired from in 2003. After his retirement he worked part-time at CITGO and Pak-A-Sak in Columbia City.
He was a member of the South Whitley AMVETS and enjoyed golf, was an avid card player and was known for his outdoor culinary skills.
