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September 30, 2009
Born on May 29, 1933, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Gearheart and Carolyn Peppler.
Diana Lou Pressler, 69
Diana Lou Pressler, 69, of Columbia City, passed away at 3:23 am Monday, September 28, 2009 at her residence.
Born on October 20, 1939 in Goshen, she was the daughter of Reed Place and Alice (Benner) Place. 
She attended Jasper High School, Jasper, and married Leolan D. Pressler on September 27, 1958 in Syracuse, Indiana.
A Whitley County resident since 1958, she retired from General Electric, Fort Wayne, as a factory worker with 32 years service. She was a member of American Legion and Eagles Auxiliaries.
Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Leolan D. Pressler of Columbia City; children, Sue (Doug) Smith, Albion, Layne D. (Janine K.) Pressler, Columbia City and Monica (Ed) Maloney, Churubusco; 5 grandchildren, Lynn (Crystal) Pressler, David (Amber) Pressler, Mike (Krisa) Pressler, Camron Pressler, and Cady Pressler all of Columbia City; 4 great-grandchildren, Mathew, David, Rilee and Brennan Pressler, all of Columbia City; 4 step-grandchildren, Lori (Kent) Cunningham, Ligonier, Amy (Jay) Stringfellow, Middlebury, Jason (Sarah) Smith, Idaho and Dirk (Sara) Smith, Utah, and 6 step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Pat Jones, a brother, Al Placeand a step-grandchild, Angie Smith.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 10:00 am at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park funeral home with Pastor Barry Faucett, Assistant Pastor of New Hope Wesleyan Church, officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Pressler's memory to Humane Society of Whitley County. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Alice Annabel Phemister
Alice Annabel Phemister, 97, of Columbia City, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 3:00 a.m. Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, Columbia City. 
Born on March 27, 1912 in Columbia Township, she was the daughter of Charles Henry and Ruth L. (Hart) Miller.
Her early education was in the elementary schools of Collins and she graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1930.
She earned her R.N. degree in the Dixon State Hospital School of Nursing, Dixon, Illinois.
On March 27, 1936 she married Clyde Harold Phemister at her parents' home. She practiced her profession as a registered nurse in California , Texas and Oklahoma . When her husband was sent overseas with the armed forces in Okinawa and the Pacific Theatre, she returned to Indiana to be near her parents. Following her husband's 1946 discharge, they remained in Whitley County where they built a country home on SR 14 and Raber Road, Jefferson Township, to care for her elderly parents.
She continued her nursing career at Elkhart General Hospital, Linvill Memorial Hospital and the Whitley County Memorial Hospital, as well as in a local physician's office and as a private duty nurse in patient's homes.
Following the death of her husband, she moved to Blue River Apartments and later entered the nursing home.
She was a member of the Columbia City First Church of God.
Survivors include her daughter, JoEllen (Everett) Gaff of Columbia City; 2 grandsons, Shane and Jared Gaff of Columbia City; a great-granddaughter, Kiylin Gaff of Michigan and several nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clyde Harold Phemister, a sister, Olivia Miller Sovine and brothers, James, John and Lewis Miller.
A service was held Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , Columbia City, with Pastor Steve Johnson of the Oak Grove Church of God officiating. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery . Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Phemister to Oak Grove Church of God. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
September 21, 2009
Georgia A. Clark, 69
Georgia A. Clark, 69, of Jefferson Township , Whitley County, passed away at 9:10 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2009 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. 
She was born in Hillsdale, Michigan, on October 24, 1939, the daughter of George W. and Martha Estelle (Gittings) Littlefield.
Georgia was raised in Hillsdale and then moved to Osseo, Michigan. She graduated from Hillsdale High School with the Class of 1957 and then attended the Business College, Jackson, Michigan, for 2 years.
In 1960 she moved to Fort Wayne, moving to Whitley County in 1965. She married Thomas L. Clark on September 28, 1963, at the West Creighton Avenue Christian Church, Fort Wayne. In 1964, they lived in Munich, Germany, while her husband was in the service. She worked for Zabo Foods in the Café at Lincoln Life, Fort Wayne, later transferring to the Mail Room, Claims Processing and lastly the Print and Distribution Center all within Lincoln Life.
Her memberships included Laud Christian Church, former member of the Rebecca Lodge and Jefferson Township Home Demonstration Club. She was a leader for the Jefferson Hustler’s 4-H Club and was a leader for the Cub Scouts. She was an avid knitter, seamstress and bird watcher. She was also well known as Santa’s helper, always dressed in green, in the little house on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn every holiday season.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Thomas L. Clark; 3 children, Lillian L. (Robert C.) McKown and Martha J. (Matthew R.) Vance, both of Columbia City and Mark A. (Tanya) Clark, Avon, Indiana; four grandsons, Ryan L. and Craig A. Vance, Columbia City and Jonathon H. and Denzel T. Clark, Avon, Indiana; 3 sisters, Ellen Staley, Lakewood, Washington, Mabel Swager and Velma Clark both of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Hannah Leigh McKown.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 2-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor James Clifford of Laud Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow the I. O. O. F. Cemetery, 1109 Hartzell Road, New Haven.
Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Clark’s memory to Laud Christian Church. Envelopes will be available through the funeral home.
Please log onto www.demoneygrimes.com to send condolences to the family.
Robert L. “R.L.” McCoy, 84
Robert L. “R.L.” McCoy, 84, of rural Columbia City, died at 3:15 p.m. Saturday at his home.
He was born December 25, 1924 in Jefferson Township, Whitley County a son of Hubert and Edna (Schinbeckler) McCoy. He graduated from Jefferson Center School and continued his education at Tri State College. 
In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the 9th Armored Division of the 27th Infantry Battalion. During World War II, he served in the European Theater and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge/Rhine River. Decorated with three bronze clusters and a purple heart, he was honorably discharged in 1946.
On April 5, 1947, he was united in marriage to Donna V. Burns. They made their home in Columbia City until 1957 when they moved to their home east of Columbia City. Mrs. McCoy died April 4, 2009.
In 1961, he co-owned/operated a bridge and highway construction company, Heavy Construction Inc., which later became R.L. McCoy Inc.
He was a member of Elks, American Legion, V.F.W., Knights of Columbus and a charter member of Tri-State College Alumni.
Surviving relatives include three children, Michael (Sandi) McCoy, Marcie (Chuck) Bayman and Mark (Teresa) McCoy, all of Columbia City; two grandchildren, Margaret (Troy) Hershberger and Daniel (Hillary) McCoy, both of Fort Wayne; a brother and a sister, Roy “Sam” McCoy and Jeanette Schultz, both of Columbia City.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Watson and Clela “Sis” Esterline.
The Celebration of Life mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2009 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line Street, Columbia City. Fellowship will continue from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Sherri’s Place, 540 N. Main Street, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to Elks National Foundation, St. Paul of the Cross or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
September 17, 2009
Otis Junior Little, 53
Otis Junior Little, 53, of Fort Wayne, died at 5:47 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, he was born April 12, 1956, a son of Otis and Patricia J. (Kile) Little. 
He completed his education at Northrop High School.
He was a member of Wallen Baptist Church.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Patricia; two brothers, Bryan Little of Fort Wayne and Kevin (Kathy) Little of Churubusco; and three nephews, Kurtis Little and Kody Little, both of Churubusco and Jacob Folan of Fort Wayne.
His father and a sister, Rose Marie Little, preceded him in death.
The funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Wallen Baptist Church, 1001 W. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne with one hour of visitation prior to the service. The burial will be in Troy Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Wallen Baptist Church.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Marjorie I. Schneider, 86
Marjorie I. Schneider, 86, of Columbia City, died at 2:36 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2009 in the Constant Care Unit of Parkview Whitley Hospital where she was admitted earlier in the day. 
She was born April 9, 1923, in Columbia City, a daughter of Alton and Ruth (Zorger) Hively. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, she completed her education at Columbia City High School.
In 1941, she was united in marriage to Wilbur Eugene Egolf. They owned & operated Egolf TV & Appliance. Mr. Egolf died August 2, 1963.
On August 24, 1966, she was united in marriage to Kenneth C. Schneider. They made their home north of Columbia City a few years before moving to their home south of Columbia City.
After closing Egolf TV & Appliance, she worked at Viking and later as a cook at Marshall Middle School followed by Columbia Township School.
She was a member of First Church of God and American Legion Post #98 Auxiliary.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Kenneth; a son, Ronald L. (Penny) Egolf and two step sons, David K. (Sara) Schneider and Daniel P. Schneider, all of Fort Wayne; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Egolf and Richard Egolf; and two brothers, Gerald Hively and Merlin Hively.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. 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 First Church of God.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
September 16, 2009
Jerry Lee Bolinger Sr., 69
Jerry Lee Bolinger Sr., 69, of Albion, passed away at 10:41 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. 
Born on November 24, 1939 in Wells County, he was the son of Cloyce and Wilma (Raber) Bolinger.
He graduated with the Class of 1957 from Jefferson Township High School, Whitley County. On June 8, 1985 he married Norma Jean Birch-Hursey in Columbia City.
In 1990, he retired from Navistar (International Harvester) Fort Wayne and Indianapolis with 35 years of service.
A Whitley County resident for the majority of his lifetime, he resided in Noble County since 1990.
He was a member of Eagles Lodge #1906, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and North American Fishing Club. He was also a member of the Collamer First Church of God.
Survivors include his wife, Norma Jean Bolinger of Albion; children, Tammy (Doug) Gunn of Fort Wayne, Jerry L. (Cheryl) Bolinger, Jr. of Ossian, Brian L. (Kaylynn) Bolinger of Fort Wayne, Shannon (Brad) Newsom of Columbia City and Noah L. (Teresa) Jewell of Fort Wayne; a step-son, Gary W. (Debbie) Hursey of Columbia City; step-daughter, Tammy (Robert) Ramey of Columbia City; a brother, Richard (Donna) Bolinger of Columbia City; 18 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Radonna Roe and Nyla White, step-daughters, Cindy Slusher and Rhonda Hursey.
Visitation is Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Coltrain officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Wolf Lake.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the register book.
Harry R. Bogner, 80
Harry R. Bogner, 80, of Etna Troy Township, Whitley County, died at 5:56 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2009 at his home. He had been in failing health for the past seven years. 
He was born April 19, 1929, in Richland Township, a son of Melvin and Editha (Heltzel) Bogner. At the age of five, his family moved to Noble County. He completed his education at Kendallville High School.
On September 5, 1953, he was united in marriage to Norma R. Gage. They made their home in Albion until 1958 when they moved to Etna Troy Township.
He was grain & livestock farmer.
His memberships included Troy Presbyterian Church.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Norma; three children, William “Bill” Bogner of Larwill, Shari Schaeffer of Greenfield and David (Sherri) Bogner of Columbia City; eight grandchildren, Kory, Kassie & Kyle Vanderford, Jeremy, Christopher & Brenden Bogner, and Brooke & Ryan Bogner; a great-grandson, Aden Garrison; a sister, Virginia Bogner of Fort Wayne; and two brothers, Earlin Bogner of West Lafayette and Glenn Bogner of Auburn.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sara A. Bogner; a brother, Raymond Bogner; and a sister, Mary Muesing.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Troy Presbyterian Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or American Parkinson Disease Association.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Lois June DeLong, 89
Lois June DeLong, 89, of Fort Wayne, died at 8:15 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2009, at Regency Place where she had been a resident since December 2005. 
She was born June 20, 1920 in Allen County, a daughter of Francis P. B. and Minta L. (Hinzzey) Hull. Her formative years were spent in the Churubusco, Columbia City, Collamer and North Manchester communities.
On November 9, 1946, she was united in marriage to Chester DeLong. They made their first home in South Whitley, later moving to LaOtto. In 1972, they moved to Fort Wayne. Mr. DeLong died August 16, 1975
A homemaker, she was employed at General Electric for 11 years.
Surviving relatives include six children, Larry Hull of Texas, Janet Halsey of Garrett, Karen Geiger of Churubusco, Jack (Barbara) DeLong, Connie DeLong and Cindy Cochran, all of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Keel.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Servia. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Allen County Deaf Children’s Association.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Richard C. Bridge, 74
Richard C. Bridge, 74, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 2 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2009, at Bethlehem Woods, Fort Wayne. 
Born on February 15, 1935, in Whitley County, he was the son of Russell V. and Vera M. (Smith) Bridge.
He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1953. In 1954, he moved to Fort Wayne, where he attended GE Apprenticeship for 3 1/2 years. On August 6, 1954, he was united in marriage to Barbara J. Barnes. For 24 years, he worked at Bowmar Instrument Corporation, as a production engineer and for 19 years he worked at ITT where he retired in 2001 as the manager of the manufacturing engineering group.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara J. Bridge of Fort Wayne; daughters, Beth A. Bridge (Karen Rexroth) of Fort Wayne; Pamela K. (David) Brake of Pembrook Pines, Florida; a son, William R. (Betty) Bridge of Huntertown; a brother, Roger L. (Bev) Bridge of Rockville; he was a wonderful grandfather to Rachel Bridge of Fort Wayne and Joe and Ruby Brake of Pembrook Pines, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Ruby Morrow.
Visitation is Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 1 p.m. with one hour of calling prior at the funeral home with Pastor Robert M. Crouse of Faith Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Compton Cemetery , Columbia City.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Bridge's memory to Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Sharon A. Creager, 69
Sharon A. Creager, 69, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 1:02 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at her residence.
Born on October 27, 1939 in Kinderhook, Michigan, she was the daughter of Floren Smith and Edna Mae (Spade) Smith. 
She graduated from Jefferson Center High School with the Class of 1957. On February 14, 1959, she was united in marriage to Paul Eugene Creager at Saturn Christian Church in rural Whitley County. She was employed with the Allen County Welfare Department, Alcoils and Precision Plastics both in Columbia City, Lucky Steer in New Haven and retired in 2003 after 20 years at Indiana Institute of Technology where she worked in Creative Dining Services.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years Paul Eugene Creager of Fort Wayne; daughters, Marilyn Joan Landis of New Haven, and Ann Marie (James) Whitaker of Fort Wayne; a son, Russell Jay Creager of Fort Wayne; granddaughters, Lacie and Ashley Creager of Fort Wayne, and great-grandsons Jeryn Davis and Ryder Creager of Fort Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Wilbur J. Lytle and grandparents, Jay C. and Edith Spade.
Visitation is Thursday, September 17, 2009, from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is Friday, September 18, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor James Clifford of Laud Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Creager's 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.
September 10, 2009
James J. Lynam, 84
James J. Lynam, 84, of Columbia City, and formerly of Peconic, New York, died at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2009 at The Oaks. 
He was born in New York, NY, on October 7, 1924, to James M. and Bridget (Barry) Lynam.
He lived in Long Island, New York, until March of 2008 when he moved to Columbia City. He graduated from William Howard Taft High School in New York City with the class of 1942. He served in the United States Army where he obtained the rank of sergeant and served with the 865th Air Engineering Squadron.
On December 4, 1960, he married Beatrice D. McDonald.
He retired from the City of New York Sewage Treatment Department in 1972 where he worked as a water treatment technician.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Southold, New York.
Survivors included his children, James (Pat) Lynam, Edgewater Park, New York; Carol (Rudy) Gonzalez, Poughquag, New York; Theresa (Laurant) Carter, Thousand Oaks, California; Robert J. (Leslie Quiles) Lynam, Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Lynam of White Plains, New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Beatrice D Lynam, a brother, Francis "Frank" Lynam and a sister, Ann Cavanaugh.
Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2009, at DeFreist-Gratten Funeral Home, 51400 Route 25, Southold , NY 11971 . The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 52125 Main Road , Southold , NY 11971 . Burial to follow at Calverton National Cemetery , 210 Princeton Blvd. , Calverton , NY 11933 ( Long Island ). Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Lynam for Masses at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Southhold, New York. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
September 09, 2009
Sharon L. Tucker, 73
Sharon L. Tucker, 73, of Columbia City, died at 3:55 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital. 
She was born January 21, 1936 in Columbia City, Indiana a daughter of Earl M. and Catherine M. (Clemmons) Knisely. A lifelong resident of Columbia City, she completed her education at Columbia City High School.
Her employment included Vikings, Precision Plastics, Weatherhead, Hollingsworth Memorial Chapel, The Plant Shop, Miller’s Merry Manor and Whitley County Memorial Hospital from which she retired in March 2006 as Parkview Whitley Hospital.
On September 13, 2002 she was united in marriage to Randy G. Tucker.
She was baptized at Freedom Baptist Church in Lagrange and was a former member of Eagles #1906 Auxiliary.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Randy; six children, Karen (James) Hatfield, Kathy (Ray) Maggard, Rex Hartman, Bradley (Jennifer) Hartman, Brian Hartman and Stacey (Keith) Enyeart, all of Columbia City; four step children, Juli Estex of Arvenna, Kentucky, Rilla Tucker, Jasmine Tucker and Hope Tucker, all of Michigan; 29 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Mettler of Mentone; and a brother, Forrest Richard Knisely of Warrenton, North Carolina.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Whitley County.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Cleda M. Cody, 79
Cleda M. Cody, 79, died at 11:03 pm Sunday, September 6, 2009 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Denise Cody in Sidney.
She was born on September 27, 1929, in Napfor, Kentucky, a daughter of Mitchell and Polly Stidham Campbell.
In July 1951, she was united in marriage to Joe Cody and they made their home in Kentucky until moving to Columbia City in 1965. She was employed by the Precision Plastics Company for twenty-five years retiring in 1990. Mr. Cody preceded her in death on December 18, 1996.
She was a member of the Columbia City Freewill Baptist Church.
The surviving relatives include two sons, Gary Cody, Columbia City, Larry (Denise) Cody, Sidney; a daughter, Pam (Michael) Beasley, Columbia City; nine grandchildren, Derek, Colby, Kaylena, Jason and B.J. Cody, Travis and Matthew Beasley, Michelle Stroeder and Dominic Perria; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Freda Watkins, Syracuse and Laura Watkins, Lexington, Kentucky, and a brother, Bidge Campbell, Dayton, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Raynes.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in the South Park Annex Cemetery with Pastor Billy Parson, officiating. A Celebration of Life followed at the cemetery rites at the home of her daughter and son in law, Pam and Michael Beasley.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Columbia City Free Will Baptist Church.
September 04, 2009
E. Jane Fortney, 87
E. Jane Fortney, 87, of North Manchester passed away at 5:45 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2009 at Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester.
Born on March 17, 1922, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Edwin P. and Ruby E. (Trevey) Boxberger.
A native of Fort Wayne, she graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1940. She completed her education at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing graduating with the Class of 1943 as a Registered Nurse.
On May 17, 1947, she married Dale Fortney in Fort Wayne. For a total of 41 years, she worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in charge of the preemie nursery, American Hoist and Derrick and she retired in 1984 from Joslyn Steel as an Industrial Nurse.
A resident of Coldwater, Michigan, for 14 years, she wintered in Sebring, Florida, moving to Columbia City in 1999. In 2006, she moved to Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester. She was a member of various nursing associations throughout her lifetime and she attended St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City.
Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia "Cindy" (Bill) Webber of Columbia City; grandson, Mark (Amanda) Webber of Columbia City; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Lauren Webber of Columbia City; brother, James Boxberger of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Fortney, who passed away on April 25, 1997.
Funeral service is 1:00 p.m. with one hour of calling prior to service on Monday, September 7, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Father Larry Kramer with St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Fortney to the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
September 03, 2009
Gregory A. Green, 60
Gregory A. Green, 60, passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Born in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Ruth Malone and the late Paul W. Green Jr.
He was a Local 232 Union Carpenter.
A U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, he was passionate about having a good time with family and friends; loved cooking, carpentry, his motorcycle and living life to its fullest.
Surviving are his wife, Susan Green of Fort Wayne; a son, Cord A. Green of Fort Wayne; his mother, Ruth (Billy) Malone of Columbia City; step-mother, Patricia Green of Fort Wayne; brother, Paul W. Green III of Massachusetts; and sisters, Sherry Douglas (John) Burnside, Bonnie (Tom) Woolums and Jennifer (Dale Bleich) Showalter, all of Fort Wayne, Melanie (Keith) Showalter of Noblesville, Anita (Doug) Driscoll and Beth (Roger) Rawles, both of Columbia City and Lori Ehler of Culver.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul W Green Jr.
Funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Concordia Lutheran Church, 4245 Lake Ave., with calling one hour prior to service. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Memorials may be made to the Christian Children's Fund.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.mccombandsons.com
September 01, 2009
Joan Marie Gaff, 61
Joan Marie Gaff, 61, of Churubusco, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. 
Born on February 27, 1948, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Harry R. and Josephine M. (Blume) Anspach.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne , she moved to Churubusco in 1972. She graduated from Northside High School with the Class of 1965 completing her education at Indiana University majoring in Business Administration.
On March 25, 1972, she married Fred Gaff in Fort Wayne.
She worked at USF Holland Motor Freight for the last 12 years as a dispatcher/billing clerk and from 1994-1997 she was employed with the Post and Mail Newspaper as the circulation manager in Columbia City.
Her memberships included Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #1906 and Gamma Alpha Eta Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, sewing, macrame, traveling and bingo.
Survivors include her husband, Fred Gaff of Churubusco; daughter, Amy (Jim) Bohnstedt of Columbia City; brother, Martin R. (Judy) Anspach of St. Joe; mother-in-law, Joyce Gaff of Columbia City; grandchildren, Colton and Caden Bohnstedt of Columbia City; 3 brother-in-laws; and 1 sister-in-law.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Visitation is from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2009 at the funeral home. Pastor Larry Smith with Fellowship of Wesley Chapel will officiate. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Gaff to the American Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Madonna Elnora Persons, 93
Madonna Elnora Persons, 93, of Columbia City, passed away at 10:05 p.m. on August 31, 2009, at her home surrounded by family and friends. 
Born on May 19, 1916 in Dayton, Ohio, she was the daughter of Orlando and Esther (Drew) Mullenix.
In the early 1920's, her family moved to New Castle, Indiana, where she graduated from New Castle High School with the Class of 1934 as Salutatorian. As a young woman, she had the privilege of playing the violin at the World's Fair in 1933-1934. She attended Interlocken Music School in Michigan and Jordan Music Conservatory, Indianapolis, before she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Anderson College, Anderson, Indiana.
On November 5, 1939, she married Reverend Milton G. Persons at the United Methodist Church, Losantville, Indiana, where Milton served as minister.
An accomplished violinist, she played in various community philharmonics in Muncie, Anderson, Goshen and North Manchester College. Madonna played with the Sounds of Hope on two tours to Europe where Milton went as a baggage carrier. A choir director at several of the churches where Milton served as pastor, she also played her violin at numerous churches and community events.
For 45 years, she served along side of Milton in the following churches, Losantville-Blountsville, Shirley-Wilkerson, Saratoga-Deerfield, Anderson, Mentone, Albion, Goshen, Claypool, Remington and Flora-Bringhurst.
Her early retirement years were spent caring for her parents in New Castle until their deaths. Madonna and Milton moved to Columbia City in 1991 where she was active in the Columbia City United Methodist Church. Madonna will be missed by her family and friends who enjoyed her talents and gracious personality.
She will be lovingly remembered by her family including her son, Charles David (Sharon) Persons of Columbia City; daughter, Gretchen (John R.) Greubel of Fort Wayne; 3 grandchildren, Eric (Bobbi) and Brad (Leslie) Greubel of Fort Wayne and Matthew Persons of Chicago, Illinois; 3 great-grandchildren, Brayden, Cameron and Caitlin Greubel of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Milton G. Persons and sister, Lois Stephens.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2009 at the funeral home with Associate Pastor Jean Ness of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery , Columbia City . Memorials may be given in memory of Madonna to the Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
