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May 30, 2009
Thomas E. White, 65, of Columbia City, died at 4:05 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009, at Sunrise Assisted Living, Fort Wayne where he was admitted in December.
Robert D. “Doug” Moore, 46
Robert D. “Doug” Moore, 46, died Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at his home in Nappanee.
He was born October 4, 1962 in Bay County, Florida, a son of Herman and Ruth (Maddox) Moore. His formative years were spent in South Whitley where he attended South Whitley Elementary School and Whitko High School. He completed his GED in the 1990s.
He spent his work career in the Recreational Vehicle industry with over ten years at Explorer Van in Warsaw and for the past eight years with Forest River in Elkhart.
He is survived by his mother and step-father, Ruth (Bill) Sitts of Mentone, a daughter, Chelsea Moore of Claypool; two brothers, David (Darlene) Moore of Ossian and Curt (Joni) Moore of Warsaw; and a sister, Teresa (Kevin) Steffe of Warsaw.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. A graveside service with be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at South Park Cemetery 1500 S. State Road 205, Columbia City, with Rev. Barry Faucett officiating.
Memorials may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital.
May 28, 2009
Jack Lee Morgan, 58
Jack Lee Morgan, 58, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. 
Born on September 17, 1950, in Jackson, Ohio, he was the son of John Edward and Ida Fern (Brunton) Morgan.
On April 7, 1990, he married Sherry Renee Jones in Greencastle, Indiana.
A former resident of Jackson, Ohio, Ossian and Greencastle, Indiana, he was a Columbia City resident since 1992.
He was a former employee of Jackson Corporation in Jackson, Ohio, Johnson Controls in Fort Wayne, Lear in Greencastle, and United Tech which later became Lear in Bourbon, Indiana. He was most recently employed in engineering management for Plastech now Johnson Controls Inc. of Bryan, Ohio.
In Jackson, he was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Police and an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff, in Coalton, Ohio, a former volunteer for the fire department, in Ossian, a former auxiliary city police officer and EMS volunteer. He was a member of Zion Methodist Church, Huntington County.
Survivors include his wife, Sherry Morgan of Columbia City; a son, Shannon L. (Dawn) Morgan of Markle; daughters, Jennifer D. Hobrock and Erin M. Morgan both of Columbia City ; 2 granddaughters, Jessica D. Morgan and Lylla J.R. Lackey; a brother, Bill (Tiny) Morgan of Wellston, Ohio; a sister, Peggy Morgan of Wellston, Ohio ; several nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation is Friday, May 29, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Rapp officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Morgan's memory to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Garner E. Murphy, 80
Garner E. Murphy, 80, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:42 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City.
Born on September 9, 1928 in Kosciusko County, he was the son of Curtis and Mable (Rhodes ) Murphy. He attended Washington Township School in Noble County.
He lived in Cromwell, and later moved to Columbia City in 1994.
On November 5, 1949, he married Dorothy M. Mosher in South Whitley. He worked at Dalton Foundry, Warsaw, for 2 years and the feed mill in Syracuse for 20 plus years. He is a former member of South Whitley Church of God, South Whitley.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy M. Murphy of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
At the request of Mr. Murphy there will be a private family visitation with burial following at Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Murphy to any Whitley County food pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Franklin L. Myers, 72
Franklin L. Myers, 72, of Columbia City, passed away at 3:30 p.m. at his home on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. 
Born on August 14, 1936 he was the son of Walter D. and Helen B. (Roebuck) Myers.
A lifetime Columbia City resident, he graduated from Columbia City High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1957.
On September 3, 1960, he married Carolyn Sue Gawthrop at the Free Methodist Church.
He retired as a supervisor from United Tech/PTG/Dana, Columbia City. For over 20 years, he sold Riveria Cruisers for LML Corporation, Columbia City.
His memberships included the American Legion Post#98, Eagles Lodge#1906 and the VFW#5582, all located in Columbia City. In his spare time, he was an avid reader, a sports fan especially of Indiana University basketball and he enjoyed listening to talk radio.
Survivors include his daughters, Tami L. (Len) Fry and Tina (John) Lemon both of Columbia City; son, Todd (Julie) Myers of Columbia City; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild with one on the way; a sister, Sally Stevens of Greenfield, Indiana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn S. Myers, and a sister, Donna Perry.
Visitation is Monday, June 1, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Funeral service is Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Boyle of Coesse United Methodist Church officiating. Graveside military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post#98 with burial to follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Myers to the Whitley County Humane Shelter.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
May 26, 2009
Rickey L. Barnhart, 56
Rickey L. Barnhart, 56, of Richland Township, Whitley County, was found dead at his home on Monday, May 25, 2009.
He was born August 3, 1952 in Columbia City, a son of John N. and Wilma June (Dilts) Barnhart. His lifetime was spent in Richland Township.
He repaired small engines through the years for several friends and neighbors.
He attended New Hope Wesleyan Church and was a member of Eagles #1906.
Surviving relatives include a brother, LeRoy Redman of St. Cloud, Florida; a sister, Dawn Kilgore of Columbia City; and special friends, Terry & Kathie Ward, David Ball and Patrick Ball, all of Columbia City.
There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.
Preferred memorials are to Riley Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
May 23, 2009
Milda Dittmer, 99
Milda Dittmer, 99, formerly of Union Township, Whitley County, died at 2:58 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2009 at the Hospice Home where she was admitted on May 12.
She was born March 8, 1910 in Adams County, Indiana, a daughter of Ernst and Julianna (Conrad) Scheumann. She attended a parochial day school in Decatur at Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church where she was confirmed on April 13, 1924.
On September 9, 1944, she was united in marriage to Victor Dittmer. They made their home on a farm in Union Township. On December 13, 2001, Milda moved into the Lutheran Home in Fort Wayne. Mr. Dittmer died March 30, 2002.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and its Dorcas Society. She also served on the funeral dinner committee for many years.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Raymond (Laura) Dittmer and Verlin (Connie) Dittmer, all of Columbia City; a daughter, Elaine (Don) Kincaid of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Adele Scheumann, Malinde Scheumann and Velma Dittmer; and six brothers, Henry, Reinhard, Wilbur, Clarence, Lawrence and Arnold.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lutheran Home Chapel, 6701 S. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne with one hour of visitation prior to the service in the chapel. The burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery, Columbia City. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Hospice Home or Lutheran Home Chapel.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Murray Lender Rowland, 85
Murray Lender Rowland, 85, a Noble Township, Noble County farmer, died at 4:53 am Friday, May 22, 2009 in the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
He was born at Blue Lake near Churubusco on March 14, 1924, a son of John William and Lalah Zolman Rowland. His formative years were spent in Noble and Whitley counties and he graduated from the Columbia City High School in 1942.
In June 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Marines and served until June 1946.
In addition to farming, he was employed by the Dana-Weatherhead Corporation in Columbia City, retiring as a machinist with forty-four years of service.
On February 3, 1951 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Stump and they spent their married life on the same farm near Burr Oak. She preceded him in death on April 5, 2005.
He was a member of the Albion American Legion Post #246.
The surviving relatives include two sons, John E. Rowland, Winston-Salem, NC and Dennis J. Rowland, Burr Oak; two brothers, Walter Rowland, Columbia City, Curtis Rowland, Warsaw; two sisters, Clara Belle Ressler, Columbia City and June Wilson, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ellis Cunningham and Mark Rowland; three sisters, Nellie Duggins, Jean Hansen and Shirley Rowland.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery at Merriam with the Albion American Legion Post presenting military honors. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Combined Service for Bud & Dot Rodgers
The memorial service for Dorothy L. “Dot” Rodgers and Charles B. “Bud” Rodgers, has been set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Ormas Baptist Church, 8962 N 300 W, Columbia City. The family will receive friends after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Surviving relatives include three children, Charles W. (JoAnn) Rodgers of Fowlerville , Michigan , Richard L. (Melodie) Rodgers of Syracuse and Marsha (Boyd) Zickafoose of Columbia City; eight grandkids; 11 great grandkids; and two great great grandkids
Preferred memorials are to Ormas Baptist Church or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Dot, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 3, 2009 and Bud, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City .
Condolences may be sent to smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
May 21, 2009
Charles B. “Bud” Rodgers, 90
Charles B. “Bud” Rodgers, 90, of Loon Lake, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. 
He was born May 9, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Charles Newton and Hattie Marie (Serier) Rodgers. He graduated from Central High School.
On May 23, 1942 he was united in marriage to Dorothy L. “Dot” Rodgers in Fort Wayne. They have resided at Loon Lake since 1960 and have welcomed youth to their beach front for many generations. Mrs. Rodgers went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2009.
On February 3, 1943 he entered the United States Army, serving in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. On November 3, 1945 he was honorably discharged, receiving a Bronze Star during his duty.
An electrician, he retired in 1987 from Local 305 I.B.E.W.
He was a member of Ormas Baptist Church, the Electricians Retiree Club and I.B.E.W. member for 66 years. He volunteered at Whitley County Hospital for 13 years and helped with many services in the community including Kids Dreamland, Loon Lake Association and helped start Whitley County Recycling Center.
Surviving relatives include three children, Charles W. (JoAnn) Rodgers of Fowlerville, Michigan, Richard L. (Melodie) Rodgers of Syracuse and Marsha (Boyd) Zickafoose of Columbia City; eight grandkids; 11 great grandkids; and two great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Morris Rodgers, Robert Rodgers and Arthur Rodgers and five sisters, Lucille Longardner, Gladys Currall, Neoma Sucie, Alice Hable and Helen Reynolds.
A memorial service for Dot and Bud will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Ormas Baptist Church, 8962 North 300 West, Columbia City. The family will meet guests at 10 a.m. at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Ormas Baptist Church or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
May 19, 2009
Martha A. Hively, 88
Martha A. Hively, 88, of Shriner Lake, died at 8:05 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Nora Hively.
She was born October 22, 1920 in Columbia City, a daughter of Carl H. and Fannie Jane (Herron) Salesman. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City.
On January 25, 1946, she was united in marriage to George William Hively. They made their home in Columbia City and later Noble County before moving to their home on Shriner Lake in 1953. Mr. Hively died January 17, 2000.
Surviving relatives include two children, Richard (Nora) Hively and Susan (Stan) Schmitt, all of Shriner Lake; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. There will be no public visitation. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Matthews Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Thelma Keister, 80
Thelma Keister, 80, of Columbia City, died at 11:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday.
She was born March 12, 1929 in Middletown, Ohio a daughter of John H. and Nellie (Wells) Kring. Her formative years were spent in Middletown. She graduated from Middletown High School.
On December 6, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert W. Keister. They always made their home in Whitley County. Mr. Keister died December 28, 2004.
She was employed at Weatherhead, LML, Home Loan & Savings in Fort Wayne and Whitley Medical & Associates. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, camping, traveling and mushroom hunting.
She was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church and its Dooley Gals Circle, Happy Homemakers Home Demonstration Club, a former member of Business & Professional Women, a former leader for Girl Scouts and a former camp counselor for St. John’s EUB Church. She volunteered in many capacities throughout the county including Meals on Wheels.
Surviving relatives include three children, Beverly Sue (Michael) Zuhl of Portland, Oregon, Ronald Alan (Marilyn) Keister of Columbia City and Linda Kay (Doug) Robison of Portland, Oregon; two granddaughters, Kristen Anne Zuhl and Rachel Lauren Zuhl; a sister, Betty Jean Gentry of Kissimmee, Florida; and her beloved cat, Misty.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John Kring Jr. and Joseph R. Kring.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in St. Matthews Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church or Hospice Home.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
May 18, 2009
Wanda Lee Worley, 72
Wanda Lee Worley, 72, of Larwill, passed away at 9:15 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital , Columbia City, IN. Born on November 20, 1936 in Columbia City , she was the daughter of William and Helen (Ramsey) Brunner. 
As a young girl, she attended the public school system of Columbia City. On March 1, 1966, she married Donald R. Worley in Warsaw. A longtime resident of Columbia City, she was a housewife and mother moving to Larwill in 1972.
Survivors include her husband, Donald R. Worley of Larwill; a son, Christopher Worley of Larwill; a daughter, Emiley (Randy) Gaskill of Monroe, Indiana; her grandchildren, Aaron, Brandon and Craig Gaskill all of Monroe, Indiana, Teri Jo Brunner of Indiana; and two great-grandsons; sisters, Lu Cinda (Robert) Schlarb of Ligonier and Pansey Shady of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her parents, William Brunner and Helen Brunner-Fulford, she was preceded in death by sons, Timothy Bonar and Scott Feighner, brothers, Robert and John Brunner, infant sister, Rose Brunner, infant granddaughter, Sarah Pingry, and her step-father, Robert Fulford.
Visitation is 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , ColumbiaCity, IN. Pastor Stephen Johnson of Oak Grove Church of God will officiate. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Worley to the Worley Family or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Logan Richard Maloney, 20
Logan Richard Maloney, 20, of Columbia City, died Sunday, May 17, 2009.
He was born July 27, 1988 in Columbia City, Indiana a son of William and Sherry (Carpenter) Maloney. His formative years were spent in Churubusco. In 2004 he moved to Columbia City and graduated from Columbia City High School.
Surviving relatives include his mother and step-father, Sherry & Bob Sausaman of Columbia City; a sister, Sarah (Will) Long of Arlington, Texas; a brother, Mitchell Maloney of Columbia City; and his grandparents, Marilyn Maloney of Fort Wayne, Judy Bowers of Columbia City and Walt & Jeanne Carpenter of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his father and a grandfather, Richard Maloney.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
May 17, 2009
Sharon J. Gharib
Sharon J. Gharib, age 68, of Columbia City died at her residence Thursday, May 14, 2009. 
She was born in Des Plains, Illinois, on November 1, 1940, to Joseph H. and Lydia H. (Herzog) Melzer. She graduated from Main Township High School in Chicago with the Class of 1958. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology in 1962 from the University of Oklahoma.
She was born and raised in Des Plains, Illinois, moving to Glenview, Illinois, as a young teenager. She relocated to Columbia City in 1972. She was the former owner of C & S Chaparral Restaurant in Columbia City from 1981-1995 then owned and operated A Stones Throw Away in Columbia City from 1995 until her retirement in 2004.
She is survived by her son, Clint (Laurie Bivona) Gharib, Atlanta, Georgia, a daughter, Lydia (Brad) Wheeler of Columbia City; 4 grandchildren, Melissa Sue, Melinda Dawn, Michelle Rene and Madaya Joe Wheeler all of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity, IN. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the funeral home with Chaplain Karen Kosberg of Parkview Home Health & Hospice officiating. Burial will be private.
Memorial bequests may be given in Ms. Gharib’s memory to the American Indian College Fund or the Salvation Army. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family or sign the guest register book please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Fern E. “Peg” Tripcony, 83
Fern E. “Peg” Tripcony, 83, of Columbia City, died at 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital where she had been a patient since May 5. 
She was born September 3, 1925, in Whitley County, a daughter of Grover M. and Louise R. (Smith) Labar. Her formative years were spent in Washington Township where she attended school graduating from Washington Township High School in 1943.
On August 9, 1944, she was united in marriage to John Tripcony. They were life long residence of Whitley County. Mr. Tripcony died March 8, 1999.
She began her work career at the former Weatherhead, Columbia City in 1943, in 1953 she began work with Ion Capacitor Corp. In 1960, she became the Columbia City Sears Roebuck catalog manager. In 1965, she began her work for Holmes & Company. In 1972, she went to work for Reelcraft, where she retired in 1988.
Her memberships included, Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City Business and Professional Women, Little Turtle Trailseekers and National Campers and Hikers Association. She was also a loyal blood donor to the American Red Cross.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Gordon L. (Judy) Tripcony of Pleasant Lake and Dennis E. (Kathy) Tripcony of Fort Collins, Colorado; four grandchildren, Joy Tripcony, Timothy Tripcony, Andrea Glasscock and Matthew Roemke, and 10 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Labar and Robert Labar; three sisters, Berneice Labar, Dora Belle Labar and Marie Sims.
The funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, 101 E. North Street, Columbia City with Rev. Jerrold Nichols, church pastor, officiating. Visitation was held Sunday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church.
May 14, 2009
Mary H. Hyndman, 93
Mary H. Hyndman, 93, of Churubusco passed away at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. 
Born on February 2, 1916, in Larwill, she was the daughter of Shanton and Dora (Schuman) Trachsel.
She graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1933 and attended Wayne Beauty College, River Rouge, Michigan.
On October 1, 1949 she married Harold H. "Spud" Hyndman in Monon, Indiana. A native of Larwill, where she lived for her first 16 or 17 years of life, she moved to River Rouge, Michigan, to attend college.
At the time of her marriage, she and her husband moved to Cleveland , OH until his job transferred them to South Bend. They later moved to Blue Lake and Churubusco.
During the winters, they resided for 20 years in Naples, Florida. She owned and operated Mary's Beauty Shop in Larwill and Orchard Lane Beauty Shop in Churubusco.
A long-time member of Eel River Baptist Church , she was also a member of the Eastern Star of Larwill and Churubusco.
In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards with the ladies card group, gardening, especially raising roses and violets. She also enjoyed watching NBA Basketball, especially the now retired American NBA basketball player, Larry Bird.
Survivors include one daughter, Dianna L. Sloffer, Churubusco; a grandson, Dr. Chris (Melanie) Sloffer of Ada, Michigan; a granddaughter, Lisa (Nathan) Herber of Churubusco; great-grandson, Landon Pearson of Churubusco; a great-granddaughter, Mallory Pearson of Churubusco; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold H. "Spud" Hyndman, sisters, Florence Faurote and Anna Rollins, half sisters, Lucile Thompson and Phyllis Ward-Garber.
Visitation is Friday, May, 15, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Lane Burgland of Faith Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mrs. Hyndman to the American Heart/Stroke Association or the American Diabetes Association with envelopes available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolence or sign the guest register book.
May 12, 2009
Colten Robert Graves, infant
Colten Robert Graves, infant son of Chad Michael and Cara Rachelle (Blakley) Graves, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday morning, May 9, 2009.
Survivors include his parents of Columbia City; big brother, Chase Michael Graves of Columbia City; maternal grandparents, Robert "Tobie" & Carla Blakley of Columbia City; paternal grandparents, Betty & Tony Mishler of Columbia City, Michael "Murr" & Candy Graves of Claypool; great-grandparents, Carl "Fritz" & Joyce Kessie of Columbia City; John & Martha Blakley of Larwill, Jack & Bonnie Sleighter of South Whitley and Betty Grant of Indianapolis; uncle, Jason (Leslie Harris) Blakley of Columbia City.
Private family burial was at Troy Presbyterian Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Colten to B.A.B.E., 202 W Van Buren Street, Columbia City, IN 46725 or The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation, 7201 S Broadway, Suite 150, Littletown, CO 80122. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the online guest register.
Arthur B. Parks, 43
Arthur B. Parks, 43, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009 at his home in Fort Wayne. 
Born in Fort Wayne, he was a 1983 Bishop Dwenger graduate where he was the football manager and was active in scouting.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Parks of Fort Wayne; daughter, Kaylee Parks of Columbia City; his sisters, Ann Linn of Winter Park, Florida, Katie (Greg) Reader of Fort Wayne, and Mary Parks of Columbus; his brothers, Greg (Ann) Parks, John (Jennifer) Parks all of Fort Wayne, Mike (Amy) Parks of Dayton, Ohio, and Nick (Gabriela) Parks of San Diego, California; his step-father, Andrew Butler of Fort Wayne; step-sister, Pam (Rod) Conrad of Indianapolis; and step-brother, Dan Butler of Vermont.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Parks and Barbara Butler.
Mass of Christian Resurrection is 10 a.m. Saturday at St Mary Catholic Church, E. Jefferson at Lafayette with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Arthur Parks children c/o Katie Reader.
To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com
May 08, 2009
Norwin Hoover, 85
Norwin Hoover, 85, of Columbia City passed away at 12:37 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. 
Born on January 26, 1924 in Huntington, he was the son of Howard G. and Demma (Bell) Hoover. He has spent his adult lifetime in Whitley County.
On December 31, 1944 he married Vera Eugenia Cobbs at Columbia City United Methodist Church. He also served in the United States Marines. He worked at Daniels Meat Packing, Columbia City, International Harvester, Fort Wayne, and Briggs Fertilizer (Farm Bureau) where he retired and then became a security officer for Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne. His hobbies included fishing and gardening.
Survivors include his wife, Vera Eugenia Hoover of Columbia City; two sons, Norwin Eugene "Gene" (Sandy) Hoover of Columbia City and Dan (Peggy) Wayne Hoover of Casa Grande, Arizona ; a daughter, Deborah J. (James) Aldrich of Columbia City; a twin brother, Norman (Beatrice) Hoover of Boynton Beach, Florida; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bernard Hoover and a granddaughter, Natasha Ann Dingus.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2009 at the funeral home with Funeral Celebrants Eddie Beagles and Sharon Brockhaus officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Coesse. Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Hoover's memory to the American Diabetes Association.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
May 07, 2009
Helen Faye Sheppard, 86
Helen Faye Sheppard, 86, of Columbia City and formerly of South Whitley, passed away at 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. 
Born on March 31, 1923 in Lynn, Indiana, she was the daughter of Arnold and Bernice (Conner) Bales.
She graduated from Modoc High School with the Class of 1941 and Ball State University in 1945 with a teaching degree. On November 22, 1945 she married Eugene Gilbert Sheppard, DDS, who passed away in December 1990. She first lived in Indianapolis and then moved to South Whitley. During her husband's military service, they lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1952, she and her husband moved back to South Whitley where he opened his dental practice. She recently moved to Columbia City. She was a homemaker and a member of the South Whitley United Methodist Church, South Whitley.
Survivors include her four children, Cheryl Ann Loughlin of Warsaw; Stanton (Vicki) Eugene Sheppard of North Manchester; Brent William Sheppard of Dallas , Texas ; Jody Janelle Sheppard of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eugene Gilbert Sheppard, DDS, a half-brother, George Bales and a sister, Mabel Teeters.
At the request of Mrs. Sheppard there will be no services. A private family burial service will be at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Sheppard's memory to 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.
May 06, 2009
Maybelle Marie Feasby, 85
Maybelle Marie Feasby, 85, of Columbia City passed away at 3:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
She was born on October 29, 1923 in Monroeville. She was the daughter of Elmer A. and Cecilia R. (Mourey) Oberley. She moved from Zulu, Indiana, to Fort Wayne and then to Goose Lake, Whitley County, in 1969.
She attended St. Louis Besancon School.
On September 14, 1946, she married Billy F. Feasby in Zulu, Allen County. She worked at Farnsworth until 1956 and was also a homemaker and housewife.
She was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City, and the VFW Post 4717, Wolf Lake.
Survivors include her son, Larry (Patricia) Feasby of South Whitley; a daughter, Cheryl (Randy) Ottinger of Columbia City; sisters, Jeanette Castle, Mary Ann Walker and Carol Rose (Jerry) Mills all of Fort Wayne; 5 grandchildren, including Joshua, Kimberly and William Cord Feasby and Loren and Weston Ottinger.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Billy F. Feasby, who passed away in 1992, an infant daughter, Karen Feasby, brothers, Harold "Tod," Gerald "Jack," Donald, Richard and Elmer "Bugs" Oberley, a twin sister, Marcella Felger, sisters, Doris Sephel and Phyllis Alberding.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 from 4-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the funeral home with Father Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, 625 W 350 S, Ormas.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Feasby's memory to Northeastern Indiana Reading Radio Service for Visually Impaired or Parkview Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Matthew Wayne Miller, 41
Matthew Wayne Miller, 41, a resident of Huntertown, died unexpectedly at 2:55 p. m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the family residence. 
Born in Kendallville on May 27, 1967, he was the son of Jerry W. and Charsie L. (Stewart) Miller. He spent most of his life in Huntertown, and graduated from Carroll High School in 1986.
Surviving besides his parents in Huntertown is a sister Stephanie Sue Miller of Oklawaha, Fla; his maternal grandmother Audrey Downing of Wolcottville; a nephew Tyson Allen; a niece Tia Allen; and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m. Thursday, May 7, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with his uncle David Stewart, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Thursday morning beginning at 11 a. m. until the time of the service.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, Allen County.
Betty L. Waltenburg, 71
Betty L. Waltenburg, 71, a resident of New Haven, died at 4:25 a. m. on Friday, May 1, 2009, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She had been in failing health since November.
Ms. Waltenburg was born on December 5, 1937 in Burr Oak, Michigan, a daughter of Donald D. and Harriet E. (Cork) Wiard. She moved to Fort Wayne with her family as a young person and graduated from Northside High School in 1957.
In her early years she was trained as an airline stewardess, and later took training to become a certified nursing assistant. She was employed at Canterbury Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne, retiring in March due to ill health.
She was a member of the New Haven VFW Ladies Auxiliary and TOPS #755 in New Haven.
The surviving relatives include her children Fred (Laura) Waltenburg of Fort Wayne and Tracy Waltenburg of Mesa, Ariz; her mother Harriet E. Wiard of Fort Wayne; a sister Phyllis A. Arvola of Fort Wayne; two brothers Robert (Joy) Wiard of Churubusco and Richard Wiard of Fort Wayne; and two grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father Donald D. Wiard on September 5, 1997.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Monday, May 4, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Mike Drury, pastor of Pine Hills Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary beginning at 9 a. m. Monday until the time of the service.
Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery, north of Ligonier.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Cancer Services of Allen County or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Edna E. Goodyear, 91
Edna E. Goodyear, 91, a former resident of the Churubusco-area and widow of Leston E. Goodyear, died at 8:50 a. m. on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at The Cedars in Leo. She had resided at the nursing home for the past six years. 
Mrs. Goodyear was born on February 22, 1918 in Fulton County, a daughter of Charles E. and Ada (Swartzlander) Wood, and spent her formative years there. On April 9, 1939 she was married to Leston E. Goodyear in Fulton County, and lived there until moving to Whitley County in 1947, and later to the family farm in Green Township in 1951.
Mr. Goodyear preceded her in death on May 18, 1984. She moved into Churubusco in 1988 and lived there until entering the nursing home.
A homemaker, she was a longtime member of the Sugar Grove Church of God, north of Churubusco; and had been active in the former Green Township Home Economics Club for many years.
The surviving relatives include her son Roger (Gert) Goodyear of Churubusco; her daughter Phyllis (Bill) Doell of Fort Wayne; two grandchildren Chad (Angie) Goodyear of Churubusco and Leandrea Winchester of Tampa, Florida; three step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers and by two sisters.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Timothy Grable, pastor of Sugar Grove Church of God, officiating. Burial was in the Blue River Cemetery, Thorncreek Township.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Sugar Grove Church of God, 5019 East 500 South-57, Churubusco, IN 46723
May 05, 2009
Betty Delores Hawn, 82
Betty Delores Hawn, 82, of Columbia City passed away at 5:55 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
Born on May 31, 1926 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Glenn Alfred and Golda May (Staples) Foster. A longtime Whitley County resident, she attended West Ward Schools. On November 27, 1948 she married Carl E. Hawn in Columbia City. A devoted wife, mother and homemaker, she worked as a sales representative for Stanley Home Products for over 30 years.
She attended West Point Trinity United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Lakeview Club. Other memberships included Ruth Rebekah Lodge #341 where she was past District Deputy president and a member of the Past Noble Grands, she was also the recipient of the Declaration of Chivalry from the Ladies Auxiliary Patriarch Militant, Fort Wayne #17, of which she was a former member, the Columbia City VFW Auxiliary Post #5582. Survivors include daughters, Carla Clifford and Debora Sheets both of Columbia City; son, Ronald (Kim) Hawn of Fort Wayne; brother, Bill (Carol) Foster of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Angie (Joel) Vance of Columbia City, Nicole (Jason Renteria) Hawn of Marion, OH, Amber Hawn of Fort Wayne, Jacob (Malory Knott) Clifford of Garrett, Ryan Hawn of Fo
Survivors include daughters, Carla Clifford and Debora Sheets both of Columbia City; son, Ronald (Kim) Hawn of Fort Wayne; brother, Bill (Carol) Foster of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Angie (Joel) Vance of Columbia City, Nicole (Jason Renteria) Hawn of Marion, OH, Amber Hawn of Fort Wayne, Jacob (Malory Knott) Clifford of Garrett, Ryan Hawn of Fo
Margaret A. Hayes, 88
Margaret A. Hayes, 88, of Houston, Texas, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2009 at Houston Hospice, Houston, Texas. 
She was born on December 16, 1920 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois and was the daughter of Burton S. and Martha M. (Heck) Rupp. She has lived in Mishawaka and Gary, Indiana, Colorado Springs, Colorado, then Columbia City, Indiana, from 1965-2006 and from 2006 to present in Houston, Texas.
She graduated from Hyde Park High School with the Class of 1937 and went to LDS Business College, Salt Lake City, Utah for 2 years.
On May 2, 1941 she married James M. Hayes in Gary, Indiana. She worked at Sears Catalog Store, Columbia City, for 12 years and a long distance phone operator. She was a member of Newcomers Club, TOPS Club and Columbia City United Methodist Church, a Cub Scout Leader for 3 years and a Girl Scout Brownies leader for 3 years and President of the PTA when her children were in school.
Survivors include her son, James (Joyce) Patrick Hayes of Satsuma, Florida; daughter, Joanne Hayes-Terry of Houston, Texas; cousin, great grandchildren, Amber and Erica Smith of Jacksonville, Florida; Marjorie Specht of Pompano Beach, Florida; niece Susan Miller of Pompano Beach, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents,; husband, James M. Hayes, Brother, Burton L. Rupp and sister-in-law, Mary Rupp. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2009 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at the funeral home with Paul Arnold of United Methodist Church officiating.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Hayes memory to Columbia City 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.
Dorothy L. “Dot” Rodgers, 85
Dorothy L. “Dot” Rodgers, 85, of Loon Lake, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 3, 2009.
She was born February 4, 1924, in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of LeRoy and Ada Marie (McClain) Hapner. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. She roller skated with Roll Around Flyers.
She married Charles B. “Bud” Rodgers on May 23, 1942 in Fort Wayne. They have resided at Loon Lake since 1960. They have welcomed youth to their beach front for many generations.
A homemaker, she volunteered at Whitley County Hospital for 34 years. She also helped with many services in the community including Kids Dreamland, Loon Lake Association, helped start Whitley County Recycling Center and served as Whitley County Senior Citizen Queen.
She was a member of Ormas Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School secretary.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Bud; three children, Charles W. (JoAnn) Rodgers of Fowlerville, Michigan, Richard L. (Melodie) Rodgers of Syracuse and Marsha (Boyd) Zickafoose of Columbia City; eight grandkids; 11 great grandkids; and two great great grandkids.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Hapner.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Preferred memorials are to Ormas Baptist Church or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Ethel Gans, 85
Ethel Gans, 85, of Wolf Lake, died Monday evening, May 4, 2009 at her home. 
She was born March 25, 1924 in Hi Hat, Kentucky a daughter of Bert and Lillie Mae (Orsburn) Stanley. She completed her education in Wheelwright, Kentucky.
On May 17, 1943 she was married to Thomas David Reed. They always made their home in Wolf Lake. Mr. Reed preceded her in death.
A supervisor at Essex in Ligonier and Topeka, she retired in 1985 with 35 years of service.
On May 17, 1958 she married Irvin E. Gans. They always made their home in Wolf Lake. Mr. Gans died January 11, 1993.
Her memberships included Light House Tabernacle Church.
Surviving relatives include a son, Thomas L. (Phyllis) Reed of Columbia City; three grandchildren, Justin Reed, Todd Reed and Pamela Kreig; eight great grandchildren, Samuel Reed, Isabell Daylen Kreig, Hunter Reed, Kerrie Reed, Kaleb Reed, Tanner Reed, Kloe Kreig and Cody Hinen.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rhonda Faye Reed; three sisters, Elsie Newsom, Carmel Jean Mitchell and Jewell Hamilton; and a brother, Ishmal Caudill.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Dan Carlson officiating. The burial will be in Wolf Lake Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Robert L. Zumbrun, 74
Robert L. Zumbrun, 74, of Columbia City, died at 6:55 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor. 
He was born on November 6, 1934 in Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, a son of Owen R. and Fern A. (Quinn) Zumbrun. His formative years were spent on the family farm and he completed his education at Thorncreek Center School and Columbia City High School.
From 1952 to 1959, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After completing his military duty, he returned to Columbia City and started his career as a car salesman with the Clarence Knisley Nash-Rambler dealership, then worked for Tenney Motor Sales until he established his own business, Zumbrun Auto Sales in 1969. He retired in June 1997.
On July 15, 1973, he was united in marriage in Las Vegas to Elizabeth L. Harvey Truman and they have always made their home in Columbia City.
He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 98, Columbia City Eagles Lodge and the Tippecanoe County Club. "Honest Bob" enjoyed joking with his friends, playing golf and fishing.
The surviving relatives include his wife, Betty, two daughters, Mary June (Dan) Avery, Fort Wayne and Jerry Lynn McGhghy, Fowler, IL; ; five grandchildren, Brian, Geoffrey and Matthew Avery, Adam Price and Travis Sloan; a step son, Barry (Kathy) Truman, Columbia City; six step grandchildren, Beth Brady, Blake, Brandon and Bryce Truman and Heather Rush and 12 great grandchildren; three sisters, Jean Tenney, Columbia City, Annabel Hanna and Betty Sanders both of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by a step son, Bryan Truman and a sister, Lois Schrader.
The funeral service will be held at 2 pm Wednesday in the Smith & Sons Funeral, Columbia City with longtime friend, Rev. Phil Blake, officiating. The burial will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery at Merriam with the American Legion Post 98 presenting military honors. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Columbia City United Methodist Church.
Charles H. Treece, 77
Charles H. Treece, 77, of Columbia City, died at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009 at his home. 
He was born June 23, 1931 in Huntington, Indiana a son of Claude and Alice (Reed) Treece. He began his schooling in Columbia City and graduated from Columbia City High School.
He served with the U.S. Air Force receiving his honorable discharge December 12, 1956.
Upon his return to Columbia City, he was employed by the city electric utilities where he worked until his retirement in 1992.
On June 25, 1966 he was united in marriage to Barbara Braden. They always made their home in Columbia City.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Barbara, two daughters, Joni Walters, Columbia City and Carla (Don Miller) Treece, Avon, IN; two grandchildren, Alisha (Adam Thompson) Treece and Marla Walters both of Columbia City; two great grandchildren, Dillon Thompson and Karter Thompson; a brother, Tony (Helen) Treece, Columbia City; two sisters, Margaret (Elmer) Schrock of Kansas and Beverly (Paul) Chappel, Columbia City and a sister-in-law, Betty Treece, Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Roger Treece.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home with Pastor John Cummings of Community Bible Church officiating. Burial will be in Nolt Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Home Health and Hospice.
Aileen Margaret Dupen, 73
Aileen Margaret Dupen, 73, of Columbia City, died of natural causes on Monday, April 20, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri while attending a ministry training seminar. 
She was born April 18, 1936 in Knutsford, Cheshire, United Kingdom a daughter of George Samuel and Edna (Clarkson) Allsop. She graduated from Altrinchham Grammar School for Girls and completed her nurse’s training at West London Hospital.
On September 5, 1959 she was united in marriage to Clive F.G. Dupen. They made their home in Britain until May 1967 when they moved to the United States. Residing in Rhode Island, San Diego and Connecticut, they moved to Columbia City in 2005 to be near family.
A registered nurse, she worked in hospital and nursing facilities retiring as a home health nurse in Connecticut.
As a member of Grace Lutheran Church, she was active in Choir, Bell Choir, Helping Hands Quilters, Prayer Shawl Ministry and Stephen Ministries. She taught knitting and crocheting at the Whitley County and Elkhart County fairs. She will be missed by many, including the aquafit class members of Whitley County YMCA.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Clive; three children, Barry (Julie Davidson) Dupen of Columbia City, Roger (Rogério Barão) Dupen of São Paulo, Brazil and Stephanie (A.J.) Gooch of Cleveland, Ohio; three grandchildren; two sisters and a brother, Susan Das of Muskegon, Michigan, Thomas Allsop of Punto Fijo, Venezuela and Janet Huddy of Plymouth, England.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Grace Lutheran Church.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
May 01, 2009
Donna V. McCoy, 78 -- MEMORIAL SERVICE
