« May 2009 | Main | July 2009 »
June 29, 2009
Mildred June Roberts, 80, of Columbia City, died Sunday afternoon, June 28, 2009 at Renaissance Village where she had been a resident since October 10, 2008.
Herman J. Landis, 83
Herman J. Landis, 83, of Columbia City, died at 4 a.m. Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor where he had been a resident since April 30. 
He was born May 31, 1926, in Monroe, Indiana, a son of Earl S. and Bertha L. (Fugate) Landis. His formative years were spent on a farm in Adams County.
On February 1, 1945, he entered the United States Navy, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged July 18, 1946.
On August 4, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary A. Baumgartner in Monroe. In 1952, they moved to Huntington County and, in 1963, moved to their home in Whitley County.
He worked at Memcor in Huntington and retired from Weatherhead Tool in Columbia City in 1989 with 25 years of service.
His memberships included Big Lake Church of God.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary; four children, Timothy A. (Kathy) Landis of Columbia City, Thomas A. (Kelly) Landis of Churubusco, Samuel H. (Julie) Landis and Ann M. (William) Evilsizer, both of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and four brothers, Arthur Landis, Willard Landis and Clifford Landis, all of Decatur and Cleo Landis of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Homer, Harvey and Leonard; and two sisters, Ruth Landis and Marie Mitchel.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in the Keister Section of Scott Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Big Lake Church of God.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 26, 2009
Ruth Darley, 90
Ruth Darley, 90, formerly of South Whitley, died at 5:25 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Peabody Retirement Community where she had been a resident since September 2008.
She was born May 19, 1919, in Mathews, Indiana, a daughter of Walter and Nancy (Lyon) Penrod. As a young girl, her family moved to Medaryville and later South Whitley. She graduated from South Whitley High School. 
On November 21, 1940, she was united in marriage to Morris W. Darley. They always made their home in the South Whitley area. In 1980, they moved to their home on River Road and began wintering in Naples, Florida, until 2007.
She was employed at Blue Bell.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Morris; four children, Janice (John) Whitt, Alan (Bethany) Darley, J. Rex Darley and Scott (Rhonda) Darley, all of South Whitley; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Nila Richards and Glee Eberly.
She was preceded in death by two sisters and a step-brother.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 W S.R. 14, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
The burial will take place at a later date at South Whitley Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to South Whitley United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 25, 2009
Lauretta I. Mowan, 75
Lauretta I. Mowan, 75, formerly of Smith Township, Whitley County, died at 3:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at Renaissance Village where she had been a resident since March 2007. 
She was born December 7, 1933, in Whitley County, Indiana, a daughter of Jesse and Rose (Witte) Simon. A lifelong Whitley County resident, she graduated from Columbia City High School in 1951.
On May 24, 1959, she married Billy J. Pence. Mr. Pence died May 27, 1977.
She was a Churubusco rural route mail carrier for 20 years, owned & operated the 33 Club in Churubusco for 13 years along with her husband Billy, worked at Farm Bureau Insurance for five years and Citizens National Bank for four years.
On January 11, 1986, she married Robert W. Mowan. Mr. Mowan died April 22, 1998.
Her memberships included Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco, V.F.W. Post #3846 Auxiliary where she was a past president, Eagles #2455 Auxiliary in Albion, American Legion Post #98 Auxiliary where she was a 50+ year member and National Rural Letter Carriers Association.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Timmy J. (Ruthanna) Pence and Mark A. (Donna) Pence, both of Churubusco; two step-sons and a step-daughter, Lewis A. (Deb) Mowan of Boise, Idaho, Robert L. (Susan) Mowan of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Judy (Sam) Sicola of Houston, Texas; a granddaughter; several step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Alice Simon Lincoln of Columbia City; and a brother, Jene Simon of Columbia City.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Davis; a step-daughter, Sandra Davis; a brother, Leroy Simon; and two sisters, Doris Simon and Rea Lambert.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Lane Burgland, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, officiating. The burial will be in Blue River Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Visiting Nurse & Hospice or Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 24, 2009
Carrol “Dean” Keck, 76
Carrol “Dean” Keck, 76, of Etna Troy Township, Whitley County, died at 2 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City where he had been a resident since Monday. 
He was born June 30, 1932, in Whitley County a son of Clarence W. and Vevia E. (Secrist) Keck. His formative years were spent Etna Troy Township. He graduated from North Webster High School in 1950. He received a degree from Radel College while working for Dana-Weatherhead in Syracuse.
He made his home on the family farm. He was employed at Dana-Weatherhead in Columbia City for two years, Syracuse for 22 years, Columbus, Ohio, for a year, Antwerp , Ohio, for four years, Kendallville for five years and then retired from the Angola plant in 1987.
On June 8, 1974, he was united in marriage to Donnabelle L. Mast. They made their home in Columbus, Ohio, returning to the family farm in 1975 and later moving to Angola from 1984 until 1987.
He attended Columbia City United Methodist Church, was a member of Due Guard Lodge #278 F. & A.M. (where he received his 50 year Master Mason pin in 2008), Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and Mizpah Shrine.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Donna; two sons, Michael D. Keck of Garrett and Douglas L. (Patricia) Keck of Phoenix, Arizona; two step sons and a step daughter, Bradley L. (Liza) Gaby of Woodland, California, Lois Ann (Donald Ray) Woods of Nappanee and Lane A. (Lisa) Gaby of Mishawaka; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a brother, Bob Keck of Leigh Acres, Florida.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Lee Keck and a grandson, Jason Michael Keck.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Paul Arnold, pastor of Columbia City United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
A Masonic service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Lung Association (due to his fight with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis), Shriners Hospitals for Children or Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 23, 2009
Virginia L. Neel, 88
Virginia L. Neel, 88, formerly of Oak Pointe, Columbia City, died at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Norwood Nursing Center, Huntington where she had been a resident since April 2009.
She was born June 21, 1921, in Laud, a daughter of Paul E. and Bessie (Kalb) Raber. She graduated from Jefferson Center High School.
On July 1, 1939, she was united in marriage to Frederick V. Neel. They made their home in Kokomo, Columbia City, Fort Wayne and Roanoke. Mr. Neel died February 28, 1978.
A bookkeeper, she retired from Hoffman Insurance Company.
Her memberships included Laud Christian Church.
Surviving relatives include a son, Vernon L. (Theda) Neel of Huntington; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a great great grandson; and a sister, Helen Avins of Columbia City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Frederick P. Neel and a sister, Mary Lou Alexander.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. James Clifford, pastor of Laud Christian Church, officiating. The burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Laud Christian Church or Heartland Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 22, 2009
Keith Q. Kissinger, 79
Keith Q. Kissinger, 79, died Sunday, June 21, 2009 at his home.
He was born on October 25, 1929, in Columbia City, a son of William L. and Delphia E. Mosher Kissinger. 
A lifelong resident of Columbia City, he attended the West Ward School and graduated from the Columbia City High School in 1948.
After completing his schooling, he was employed at the Garden Gift Shop until being inducted into the U. S. Army in January 1951 and served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany for seventeen months and was honorably discharged in January 1957.
Following his discharge from military duty, he was first employed at the Columbia Woolen Mill, later the Blue Bell and he retired as a maintenance employee for the City of Columbia City. A certified baseball and basketball official, he umpired baseball games for the Columbia City summer baseball league for twenty-five years and officiated many basketball games in the area. Mr. Kissinger was a loyal fan of the Columbia City High School athletic teams, the Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.
He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church and the Pierceton American Legion Post # 258. He was currently serving on the board of directors for the Columbia City High School Alumni Association.
He is survived by nieces and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Russell V. Kissinger, a sister, Beatrice Yant; two half sisters, Blanche Bolles, Ethel Meade and a half brother, David Ramsey.
The funeral service will be held at 3:30 pm Wednesday, June 24, 2009 with the Rev. Paul Arnold, pastor of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in the South Park Annex Cemetery with the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard presenting the military honors. The visitation will be from 1 to 3:30 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Columbia City United Methodist Church.
June 21, 2009
Pastor Sidney E. Bennett, 74
Pastor Sidney E. Bennett, 74, a resident of Fort Wayne, was pronounced dead on arrival on Friday, June 19, 2009, at 9:00 p. m. at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne after suffering an apparent heart attack at the family residence in Washington Township. 
Pastor Bennett was born on February 27, 1935, in Evansville, a son of Sidney and Deloris (Gentry) Bennett, and spent his formative years in Oakland City, Indiana. A man having three different careers, he served his country for 20 years in both the U. S. Marine Corps and the U. S. Army Reserves. Employed as a safety engineer at General Motors in Martinsburg, West Virginia, for 13 years, he retired from there in 1981.
At age 47, he answered God’s call to the ministry, and attended Boyce Bible College at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served two churches, the last being New Hope Community Church in Fort Wayne, retiring from there. He was later asked to return to the church, and had been its pastor emeritus for the past four years.
He had received the U. S. Army Commendation Medal for outstanding meritorious service as a citizen soldier of the U. S. Army Reserves, whose service was characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment during the period from May 4, 1983 to May 10, 1993. His contribution greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the “Ready Reserve.”
On April 18, 1958 he was married in Dade County, Florida to Naomi J. Caskey. She survives.
Other surviving relatives include his two daughters Noel [Dennis] League and Heather [Steven] Milom, both of Fort Wayne; three sisters Pat [Don] Umbach of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Barbara Blair and Pam Hatfield, both of Evansville; five brothers Samuel Price of Lafayette, William Hoover and Mike [Patsy] Hoover, both of Oakland City, Indiana, Norman [Brenda] Hoover of Haubstadt, Indiana, and Joe [Debbie] Hoover of Francisco, Indiana; and four grandchildren.
His parents both preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m. Tuesday, June 23, 2008, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 7810 St. Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne, with Pastor Tim Franklin, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday from 5 to 8 p. m., or at the church after 11 a. m. Tuesday until the hour of the service.
Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to New Hope Community Church, c/o Rozanna Niman, 1725 Kinsmoor, Fort Wayne, IN 46801.
Margaret J. “Peg” Hosler, 94
Margaret J. “Peg” Hosler, 94, a former resident of LaOtto and widow of Howard P. Hosler, died at 11:15 p. m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Kendallville. She had been a patient there for the past 17 years, and had been seriously ill for the past two weeks.
Mrs. Hosler was born on October 29, 1914, in Huntington, a daughter of Lewis and Ella (Keller) Zent, and spent her formative years in the Huntington and Roanoke area.
On August 20, 1937, she was married in Fort Wayne to Howard P. Hosler, and spent her married life in LaOtto. She was a homemaker.
Mr. Hosler preceded her in death on November 12, 1986.
The surviving relatives include her daughters Donna Griffis of LaOtto and Jane (Tom) Smith of Howe. There are ten grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers Albert Zent and Howard Zent; and by a great-granddaughter Rhoda Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m. Monday, June 22, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Sue Socha, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in LaOtto, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary after 10 a. m. Monday until the time of the service.
Interment will be in the Huntertown Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, LaOtto, Indiana 46763.
Clyde E. Crutchfield, 85
Clyde E. Crutchfield, 85, of Columbia City, died at his home on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. 
He was born August 24, 1923, in Knott County, Kentucky, a son of Wendell S. and Della (Hatmaker) Crutchfield. His formative years were spent in the Kentucky area.
In 1950, he was united in marriage to Billee Jean “Mick” Johnson. They resided in Kentucky.
He began work as a coalminer with Blue Diamond Mines in Leatherwood, Kentucky. He worked there for 22 years when the mine closed in 1965. The family then moved to Columbia City. He was employed by Plastic Composites, Fort Wayne, making the fiberglass buckets for utility boom trucks. He retired in 1985 and turned his talents to purchasing and renovating houses in the Columbia City area.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Billee Jean “Mick”, he is survived by a daughter, Karen (Dan) Willis of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two sons Clyde (Sue) Crutchfield Jr. and Howard (Sally) Crutchfield both of Columbia City; grandchildren Julie (Donald) Sparks, Columbia City, Tim (Amanda) Crutchfield, Columbia City, Melanie (Dr. Daniel) Nolan, Fort Wayne, Denise (Stephan) Ibanez, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Deana (Dr. Phil) Haines, Grand Rapids; 8 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Beulah McIntosh, Ada Staire and Louise (Kermit) Byrd all of Lake City; Tennessee, and special caregiver, Paula Nagel of St. Marys, Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Lorena Amburgey.
The funeral service was held Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Brandon Holler of The Chapel, Fort Wayne officiating. The burial was in South Park Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
June 18, 2009
Trenton Dean Nicodemus & Joshua Corbine Nicodemus
Trenton Dean Nicodemus and Joshua Corbine Nicodemus, twin sons of Daryl and Claudette (Tuley) Nicodemus of Holland, Indiana, were stillborn Saturday, June 13, 2009 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana.
In addition to their parents, the twins are survived by their maternal grandparents, Dennis and Karen Tuley of Dale, Indiana; paternal grandparents, William and Patricia Nicodemus of Columbia City; Great-grandparents Maurice Hall of Dale, Indiana, James O. and Bessie Tuley of Dale, Indiana, Keith and Frances Nicodemus of Columbia City and Martha Jane Johnson of Churubusco. They are also survived by many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 18, 2009, at the Mt. Olive General Baptist Church in Heilman, Indiana, with Rev. Theo Allen as officiant. Burial followed at Garrison Chapel Cemetery in Heilman, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials may be made out to family wishes.
June 15, 2009
Cruz Alejandro "Ethan" Combs, 1
Cruz Alejandro "Ethan" Combs, 1, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away at 2:33 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2009 at University Hospital in San Antonio. 
Born on May 20, 2008, in Columbia City, he was the son of Sarah R. Combs.
Survivors include his mother, Sarah R. Combs of San Antonio, Texas; a brother, Gary G. Combs of San Antonio; sisters, two sisters, Serinidee T. and Phaleisha A. Combs both of San Antonio; maternal grandmother, JoEllen Scott of South Whitley; maternal grandfather, Samule W. Scott, of San Antonio; great-grandparents, Norman and Uva Lesley of Columbia City; great-grandmother, Lillian Scott of Columbia City; and an uncle, Jason Edward Scott of South Whitley.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Beers of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Juanita Maurine Leitch, 84
Juanita Maurine Leitch, 84, of Albion, died at 12:20 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Nikki & Terry Marker, Silver Lake.
She was born February 11, 1925, in Tallahassee, Florida, a daughter of Guy Neil and Juanita Marie (DeMoss) Willits. As a young girl, her family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Tulsa High School and later received an Associate’s Degree in business.
On February 19, 1944, she was united in marriage to Paul M. Leitch. They made their home in Churubusco until 1961 when they moved to Albion. Mr. Leitch died February 13, 2009.
Surviving relatives include three children, Nikki M. (Terry) Marker of Silver Lake, Douglas M. (Jinna) Leitch of Albion and Kim (Jeff) Hoover of Ligonier; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a brother, G. Neil Willits of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and special friends, Joe and Deb Halsey of Albion.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Hospice of Kosciusko County.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 14, 2009
Anita F. Gordon, 53
Anita F. Gordon, 53, a resident of Smith Township, died at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. She had been in failing health for some time, and had entered the hospital earlier that morning.
Mrs. Gordon was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on June 8, 1956, a daughter of David Carrol and Delores (Allison) Berry, and spent her formative years in that area.
She was a homemaker, and was married in Collins to David H. Gordon on July 8, 2006. She was a member of the Gilbert Davis American Legion Post 157 Ladies Auxiliary in Churubusco.
The surviving relatives include her husband David H. Gordon; a son Jason (Kelly) Lane of Florida; two half-brothers David Mark Gordon of Columbia City and Lawrence W. Gordon of Fort Wayne; two grandchildren Chandler Lane and Brittney Lane; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Robert Priest, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Wednesday morning.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
Alan D. “Bud” Rantz, 76
Alan D. “Bud” Rantz, 76, of Noble County, died at 6:13 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2009 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. 
He was born December 2, 1932, in South Bend, a son of Harold and Alyce (Williams) Rantz. His formative years were spent in South Bend, Mishawaka and Granger. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1951.
In July 1976, he married Elsie Nemeth. They made their home in Granger and Goshen. Mrs. Rantz died October 1, 1997.
On July 2, 1998, he married Karin K. “Kay” (Florian) Lidecker. They made their home in Goshen until 2000 when they moved to their present home in Noble County.
In 1987, he retired from Bendix in South Bend.
His memberships included Columbia City United Methodist Church, Mishawaka Lodge #130 F. & A.M. and South Bend Valley Scottish Rite.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Kay; two children and two stepsons, Beverly (Mark) Sharp of Elkhart, John (Pam Nelson) Rantz of Syracuse, Jason (Liz) Lidecker of Bristol and Andy Lidecker of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Marilyn Weiser of South Bend, Eldora Potts of South Bend, Pat Kopczynski of South Bend and Sharon Paczek of Greenwood.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Rantz.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Columbia City United Methodist Church, 605 Forest Parkway, ColumbiaCity with Rev. Paul Arnold, church pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
The committal service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joe Valley Memorial Park in Granger.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Columbia City United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
June 11, 2009
Walter C. Eix, 86
Walter C. Eix, 86, a resident of Fort Wayne, died at 2:59 p. m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had been in declining health and had been hospitalized for most of the past month.
Mr. Eix was born on May 1, 1923, and spent most of his life in Fort Wayne. He served with the Army during World War II and was married in Fort Wayne on June 7, 1946, to Goldie Moyer.
He had been previously employed at Wayne Pump and at General Electric. He retired from Wayne Home Equipment. In his leisure time he enjoyed his vegetable garden, and growing roses and strawberries. Most importantly he loved and enjoyed his family.
He was a member of the Eel River Baptist Church near Churubusco.
The surviving relatives include his wife, Goldie; his children Richard W. (Marsha) Eix, David L. Eix, Stanley A. (Lorrie) Eix, and Laura (Jon) Arvola, all of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held June 6, at the Eel River Baptist Church, with Pastor Kerry Niman, as officiant. Internment was in the Eel River Cemetery, Allen County.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Eel River Baptist Church.
Elaine A. Felger, 69
Elaine A. Felger, 69, a resident of rural Fort Wayne in Lake Township and wife of Norman P. Felger, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, May 31, 2009, at her residence.
Mrs. Felger was born on October 19, 1939, in Monroeville, a daughter of Arthur and Margaret (Figel) Fuelling. She spent her formative years in the rural Monroeville area and graduated from Hoagland High School in 1957. On December 25, 1960 she was married to Norman P. Felger, and spent her married life in Lake Township.
She earned a degree in music from IPFW, was able to play 13 different musical instruments, and had privately taught hundreds of students piano, organ or guitar over the years. In addition, she organized the “Starlighters” band that specialized in square dances. She herself was an expert square dance caller, being able to call over 25 different dances. She also called dances for the Rupley’s Dixon Square Dancers.
Known as an expert bowler, she began serving on the Fort Wayne Bowling Association board in 1970, and is a past president. She was elected to WISBA in 1983 as a director, where she served in various offices and committees throughout the years. She was also inducted into the Fort Wayne Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1989 and the WISBA Hall of Fame in 2001 with Meritorious Service. In addition, she also enjoyed flower arranging and basket weaving.
A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church–Lake Twp., she played for the church’s contemporary service and served as the handbell director.
She had worked as general manager at the Comfort Inn in Fort Wayne from 1989 to 2003, and retired from the Sleep Inn in 2004.
The surviving relatives include her husband of 48 years Norman Felger; a daughter Cheri (Paul, Jr.) Meyers of Fort Wayne; and her three grandchildren Elijah, David, and Ariana. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services were held June 4, 2009, at St. John’s Lutheran Church–Lake Twp., with Pastor Ralph Easterhaus and John Cowan, as officiants. Interment was in the family plot at Eel River Cemetery, Allen County.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church–Lake Twp. Building Fund.
Donald L. Rothstein, 73
Donald L. Rothstein, 73, a long time resident of Fort Wayne and most recently of Waterloo, died at 5:30 a. m. on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at his home. He had been in declining health for some time and been seriously ill since March.
Mr. Rothstein was born in Chicago on December 8, 1935, a son of John and Mary (Spisak) Rothstein. He had resided at the Fort Wayne Developmental Center for 23 years, and for the past ten years had resided with his friends and caregivers, Chuck and Nikki Graham of Waterloo.
His parents preceded him in death.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at the Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne with Father Dave Carkenord, pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, officiating.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana, P. O. Box 13611, Fort Wayne, IN 46865
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco was entrusted with the arrangements.
Marie E. Jones, 90
Marie E. Jones, 90, a former resident of Churubusco and Fort Wayne and more recently of Columbia City, died at 4:15 p. m. on Friday, May 29, 2009, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Columbia City following a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Jones was born in Thorncreek Township in Whitley County on February 11, 1919, and spent her formative years there. On June 18, 1938, she was married in Columbia City to Virgil W. Jones. She lived in Fort Wayne from 1941 until 1985 when she moved to Churubusco.
Employed in the cafeteria at ARA Food Services in Fort Wayne, she retired from there in 1984 after 15 years. She volunteered as a chaplain’s assistant at Whitley County Hospital for several years, and had been a dedicated volunteer for the Whitley County Health Department’s Well Child Clinic. In 1998, she received a Whitley County Heart of Gold award for her years of volunteer service.
In addition, she had worked as an attendant at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco for 13 years until moving to Columbia City in 1998.
She was a member of Believer’s Bible Fellowship in Churubusco, the Green Township Home Economics Club, and had also attended the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. Her quiet and unassuming spirit of love and devotion will always be remembered by her family and all who knew her.
Mr. Jones preceded her in death unexpectedly on May 14, 1958.
The surviving relatives include her daughters Sue (Bill) Lewis of Churubusco, Marilyn Messmann of Columbia City and Sharon (Ron) Kelley of Deep Gap, North Carolina; a brother Marshall Smith of Columbia City; seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, and two step-great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters Mildred Downing and Mabel L. Smith; and by a son-in-law Dennis Messmann.
Funeral services were held June 2, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Rick Van Horn, officiating. Interment was in the Nolt Cemetery, Columbia Township.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Whitley County Well Child Clinic or to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
June 10, 2009
Bonnie Jean Cordill, 77
Bonnie Jean Cordill, 77, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:15 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Select Specialty Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Born November 22, 1931, in Kosciusko County, she was the daughter of Fred and Mildred (Bayman) Carter.
On May 2, 1991 she married Donald E. Cordill in Columbia City. A lifetime Whitley County resident, she was a former nurse at the Whitley County Hospital and also worked at Blue Bell and the S & L Truck Stop, as well as being a full time homemaker, wife and mother.
Survivors include her sons Brent Davis of Syracuse and Kent (Trisha Hively) Davis of Columbia City; a daughter, Kitty Thompson of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Kurt Davis, Mandy Gorski, Aaron Thompson and Le-Angela Colbert; and five great-grandchildren, Taylor Gorski, Noah Gorski, Aaron Thompson, Jr., Ariel and Brittany Harvey; brother Jack (Margaret) Carter and a sister, Caroline (Warren) Capper.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Donald Cordill on October 17, 2005.
Visitation with the family is Friday, June 12, 2009 from 1:30 pm until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Certified Funeral Celebrants Eddie Beagles and Sharon Brockhaus will officiate. Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to 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.
June 08, 2009
Geraldine Joy Coverstone, 85
Geraldine Joy Coverstone, 85, of Columbia City, died at 12:16 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009 in the Constant Care Unit at Parkview Whitley Hospital where she was admitted on Tuesday. 
She was born February 1, 1924 in Whitley County, a daughter of Archie B. and Maggie L. (Egolf) Coverstone. She attended Thorncreek School and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1942.
She was employed 11 years at Columbia Woolen Mills and retired from General Electric with 30 years of service.
Her memberships included Thorncreek Bethel Church of God where she served in several offices including organist since 1981, General Electric Elex Club and Quarter Century Club, the Harter Band that volunteered at Miller’s Merry Manor and the Peabody Home in North Manchester, AARP, Silver Striders, Whitley County YMCA, Parkview Hospital Club and a volunteer at the Humane Society of Whitley County since 2006. She was a life member of Whitley County Historical Society and Indiana Sheriff’s Association.
Surviving relatives include a sister, Edith Fay Walker of South Whitley; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Coverstone of Columbia City; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dale Coverstone.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Thorncreek Bethel Church of God or Humane Society of Whitley County.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
June 05, 2009
Betty M. Zolman, 88
Betty M. Zolman, 88, a former resident of Blue Lake near Churubusco and widow of Cline C. Zolman, died at 9:45 p. m. on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at The Oaks in Columbia City. She had been a patient there for over four and one half years.
Mrs. Zolman was born in Thornville, Ohio on September 29, 1920, a daughter of William V. and Adah M. (McManus) Grove. She spent her formative years in that area, and graduated from Thornville High School in 1938.
On January 8, 1945 she was married in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Cline C. Zolman of Churubusco. Following his military discharge, the couple moved to Churubusco and spent their married life at Blue Lake. They also wintered in Winter Haven, Florida for 23 years until 2003.
Employed in the offices of Dana Weatherhead in Fort Wayne, she retired from there in 1979 after over 20 years of service. She was a member of Churubusco Order of the Eastern Star 136, Gamma Alpha Eta Sorority, and the Churubusco American Legion Post 157 Ladies Auxiliary.
Mr. Zolman preceded her in death on November 17, 2003.
The surviving relatives include her children Patty (Don) Amber of Churubusco, Michael G. (fiancee Diane Perry) Zolman of Fort Wayne, and Gary W. Zolman of Blue Lake; five grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 1, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Corinne K. Boruff, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating. Entombment was at Covington Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Fort Wayne.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to The Oaks Activities Department, 411 N. Wolf Road, Columbia City, IN 46725
Dorothy Olive Maxwell, 97
Dorothy Olive Maxwell, 97, of Kendallville, died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla.
She was born in Perry Township, Allen County, on Feb. 13, 1912, to the late Frank Charles and Carrie (Vachon) Roy.
She married Laurence Edward Maxwell on Jan. 26, 1933. at the Precious Blood Catholic Church, Fort Wayne. He preceded her death Jan. 21, 1993.
Dorothy worked at Wayne Candies in Fort Wayne for about 15 years. After she was married, she was a farm wife and homemaker. Mrs. Maxwell was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville, where she belonged to the Rosary Sodality. She also was active in the 2nd Time Around Club at the Youth Center in Kendallville where she enjoyed getting together with her friends and playing cards. She loved to square dance and she never missed her favorite show, “The Lawrence Welk Show.” Dorothy loved spending time with her grandchildren and going out for pizza on Saturday nights after church.
Survivors include her son, Roger (Lois) Maxwell, Kendallville; daughter, Karen (Eugene) Slone, Warsaw; eight grandchildren, Sean Maxwell, Kendallville, Carrie (Hans) Huelsenbeck, Kendallville, Michael (Val) Slone, Warsaw, Jay Slone, Warsaw, Christine (Skip) Rash, Kendallville, Joel Maxwell, Fort Wayne, Dan (Karen) Maxwell, Kendallville, and Matt (Debbie) Maxwell, Fort Wayne; great grandchildren, Ava Maxwell, Kendallville, Kyla, Kennedy and Austin Slone, Warsaw, Jennifer Davis, Fort Wayne, Alex Maxwell, Kendallville, Nicholas Maxwell, Fort Wayne and Madison and Jarod Maxwell, Fort Wayne; step-great-grandchildren, Michaelle Chadwell, Indianapolis, Brian Rash, Indianapolis and Michael Tagtmeyer, Fort Wayne; great-great grandchild, William Davis; and step-great-great grandchildren, Elizabeth Chadwell and Addison Tagtmeyer.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Edward Gene Maxwell in 2002; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Elaine Maxwell in 2009; brothers, Wayne Roy and Francis Roy, and her sisters, Jeanette Johnson and Jessie Hobbs.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today with a rosary service at 5 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kendallville. Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. Casket bearers will be her six grandsons.
Memorials contributions may be made to Provena Sacred Heart Home, Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home or to masses.
Shirley A. Ottinger, 73
Shirley A. Ottinger, 73, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:50 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, at her home.
She was a homemaker, member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Roanoke, enjoyed camping, crafts, sewing and loved spending time with her family.
Shirley was born Sept. 23, 1935, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Clarence and Mildred (Park) Hyser. On Oct. 24, 1953, she married Billy L. Ottinger at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Columbia City. He survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Gloria (David) Pequignot of Columbia City, Patricia (Mark) Pequignot of Columbia City and Julie (Eric) Blakley of Zionsville; four sons, Terry Ottinger of South Whitley, Randy (Cheryl) Ottinger of Columbia City, Mark (Sonja) Ottinger of Cromwell and Todd (Diane) Ottinger of Uniondale; two sisters, Adena (Harold) Fairchild of Columbia City and Helen (Harold) Boze of Brooksville, Florida; one brother, Richard (Carol) Hyser of Roanoke; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by seven brothers, including Clarence, Tom, George, Norman, Gene, Britt and Johnny Hyser and two sisters, Judy and Luella Hyser.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Roanoke Memorial Chapel of Deal-Rice Funeral Homes. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Father Kenneth Sarrazine of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Roanoke officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Chapel Cemetery.
Preferred memorials may be given to Southern Care Hospice, c/o Roanoke Memorial Chapel, 240 Crestwood Dr., Roanoke IN 46783.
Mary K. DeBaillie, 84
Mary K. DeBaillie, 84, of Albion, passed away at 3:35 am Monday, May 25, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital Emergency Room, Columbia City.
Born on March 26, 1925 in DeKalb County, she was the daughter of Frank and Kate C. Bell. She attended school in Butler and then moved into Fort Wayne, living there until moving to her current Albion address in 1977.
On February 6, 1949 she married Leo P. DeBaillie in Huntington. Mary was homemaker her entire life.
She is survived by 5 children, including Steven E. (Vikki) DeBaillie of Albion, Pamela J. West of Grabill, Kathee J. Godsey of Albion, Jeffrey O. DeBaillie of Albion and Randall A. (Lori) DeBaillie of South Whitley; 11 grandchildren, including Stephanie, Steven, Clinton, Missty, Kellie and Riley DeBaillie, Alica Good, Roger West, Kriston Godsey and Angie and Trinton Tuttle; 8 great-grandsons and 10 great-granddaughters.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leo P. Debaillie, who passed away in 1975, 5 sisters, a brother and three close friends, including Rebeca McCormick, Delores Taylor and Dewitt Riley.
Private family visitation and services were held May 27, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Burial was at Eel River Cemetery in Churubusco. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. DeBaillie’s memory to Whitley County Humane Society or to Riley Children Hospital.
June 03, 2009
Fred Wayne Yant, 83
Fred Wayne Yant, 83, died April 27, 2009 in Mission, Texas. He was the son of Ward and Susie Yant and was born Oct. 12, 1926, on a farm north of Collamer.
With an eighth grade education and adventure in his soul, he moved with his mother to Harvey, Ill. after the death of his father and sale of the family farm. He worked at the Ice House, icing down freight cars, then at Perfection Gear as a milling machine operator, and showing his adventurous spirit, enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17, serving in the Pacific from March 29, 1944, to June 10, 1945. He saw action Guam, Iwo Jima and the Philippines, aboard a destroyer named the USS McCall under the command of General Halsey. He was honorably discharged on May 30, 1946.
In June of that year, he married his longtime sweetheart, Dorothy Mae Thomas. Many people in the Collamer area would remember her as the grandaughter of Tom and Nettie Conway, who visited her grandparents in the summers. They became parents of three daughters and a son, who eventually produced 10 grandchildren. There are 12 great grandchildren.
Also surviving is one sister, Ruth (and Phil) Krider of South Whitley.
He worked in the parts department of Kickert Buick in Harvey, Ill., then went on to be a salesman and eventually became the general sales manager. At the age of 62 he retired to care for his wife of 43 years. She died April 1989.
In 1992, he maried Mary Leahy and they did a lot of traveling, settling in Mission, Texas. They resided along a golf course which allowed him to enjoy his passion for golf. He remained there until his death.
Memorial services were recently held in Illinois.
Louise “Mary” Azar-Piebenga, 79
Louise “Mary” Azar-Piebenga, 79, died on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Coventry Meadows in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, she worked as a Sears customer service representative for 15 years.
She graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne and was a member of Aboite Missionary Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Delmarie Vincenti of Fort Wayne; one son, John (and Mary) Piebenga of Columbia City; three brothers, Walter, Charlie and Eddie Azar; three sisters, Della, Marquarite and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Leslie, Rachael and Emi; and great-grandson, Braiden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Mary Azar, and husband, Marvin, in January 2009.
Services were Sunday, May 31 at Aboite Missionary Church, 7222 West Jefferson.
Burial was in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Memorials to Aboite Missionary Church.
June 01, 2009
William Thomas Reese, 59
William Thomas Reese, 59, of Columbia City, passed away at 12:11 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2009 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born on May 20, 1950, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, he was the son of and William T. and Mary L. (Cross) Reese, Sr.
On September 3, 1988, he married Beverly V. Downing in De Graff, Ohio.
For 17 years, he was employed as a plumber at Airstream, Jackson Center, Ohio, and he was a former employee of North American Container, Bellefontaine, Ohio, and also Quincy Castings, Quincy, Ohio.
A lifetime resident of Ohio, he recently moved to Columbia City in January, 2009, to be near family. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Ohio.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly V. Reese of Columbia City; a daughter, Angel Reese of Sidney, Ohio; a brother, Paul Reese of Quincy, Ohio; a sister, Kathryn Skeen of Dayton, Ohio; a half-brother, John; a half-sister, Mary; a step-daughter, Michelle Byrley of Robinson, Illinios; a step-granddaughter, Kristy Daughtery of Robinson, Illinois.
His parents and a brother, Bert Reese, preceded him in death.
To honor Mr. Reese's wishes, there will be no visitation with a private family service at a later date.
Memorial donations may be given to the Reese family with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the register book.