Memorials

Marilyn L. Wright, 81, of Columbia City, died at 12:37 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
She was born May 23, 1928 in Smith Twp., Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Esli and Helen A. (Egolf) Shively. Her formative years were spent in Smith Twp. and she graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1946.
On August 14, 1949 she was united in marriage to Chester “Hank” Wright, Jr. They made their home in South Whitley. In 1951 they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Wright died February 12, 1986.
She began her employment with Klondyke Ice Cream and later United Telephone. She worked 8 years for Whitley County Treasurers Office and completed her work career at Farmers Loan and Trust Company with 23 years of service retiring in 1991.
She was a member of Blue River Church of the Brethren, Thorncreek Home Extension Club and a former member of First Church of God where she as served as Local, State and National Treasurer of Women’s Christian Service Council (W.C.S.C.). Her charitable work included: former Director of Whitley County Mental Health, Whitley County Historical Society and Treasurer of Churubusco Class of 1946 reunion.
An avid bowler, she also enjoyed fishing, softball and traveling. She had visited all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, Haiti, England and Western Europe.
Surviving relatives include three sons, Kerris L. (Nancy) Wright, Dunkirk, Ohio, L. Douglas (Darleen) Wright, Columbia City and Dr. Phillip C. (Marcia) Wright, Fort Wayne; a daughter, Tonda E. (Brent) Carrick, New Paris; 9 grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; two brothers, James Joseph Shively, Churubusco and Charles Donald Shively, Albion and a sister, Virginia Ruth Grabner, Columbia City.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, David and John Shively.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 E 700N, Columbia City with Rev. Craig Myers officiating. The burial will be in Blue River Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Whitley County Historical Society or Whitley County Senior Citizens Center.

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Margaret E. Keppler, 92, of Crooked Lake, died at 3:12 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2010 at her home.
She was born September 21, 1917 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of David and Elva Mae (Sevits) Lawrence. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City and Thorncreek Township.
On November 28, 1935, she was united in marriage to Howard Meredith Keppler. They made their home on North Line Street in Columbia City for 20 years and Cresco for 18 years before moving to Gwinn, Michigan. Following the death of Mr. Keppler on August 29, 1996, Margaret moved to her home at Crooked Lake.
She was employed at Linvill Memorial Clinic for over 13 years.
Her memberships included Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church and she was involved with the Home Extension Clubs for several years. Her hobbies included sewing and quilting of which her family and friends were blessed with many of her creations. She also enjoyed fishing at their summer home on Lake Tonkawa, Michigan, where she and her husband received may friends who came to visit.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Carolyn (James) Beard and Connie (James) Grant, all of Columbia City; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Kent Beard and two sisters, Eva Weaver and Helen Lawrence.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2010 at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 790 W. Business 30, Columbia City with the family receiving friends after 2 p.m. Saturday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Ida M. Parker, 57, of Larwill, passed away at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2010, at her residence.  
Born March 24, 1953 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Arnold and Aggie (Bradley) Click.
Born and raised in Kentucky, she resided at her present home in Larwill for over 32 years.  She attended Martin High School in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.  On November 27, 1970 she married John S. Parker in Clintwood, Virginia.  
She was a devoted mother to her two children, a caring grandmother and loved her flower garden.
Survivors include her son, John C. Parker of Larwill; daughter, Debra L. Parker of Columbia City; two sisters, Joyce Gunnels of Martin, Kentucky and Donna Moore of Tennessee; and 5 grandchildren, Miranda M. Jenkins, Mikayla S. Jenkins, Mariah F. Jenkins, Lexus P. Parker and Alexander R. Parker.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John on June 23, 1995, parents, brother, James A. Click and two sisters, Debra G. Walters and Judy Gunnels.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  Funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ralph Dotson of Full Gospel Tabernacle officiating. Burial will follow at West Etna Cemetery, Larwill.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Ms. Parker's memory to the family c/o DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home for final expenses.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Lawrence E. "Dutch" Ramaley, 82, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2010 at The Oaks, Columbia City, IN.  Born August 8, 1927 in Tarentum, PA he was the son of William and Vera (Hidinger) Ramaley.
After high school graduation, he served in the US Army from 1950 until 1952.  On October 20, 1953 he married Shirley A. Walters in Sarver, PA.  From 1955 until his retirement in 1987, he worked as a security guard with General Motors Corporation.  He lived the majority of his life in Michigan until moving to Columbia City in 1993.  He was a member of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, Columbia City and the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his two sons, Thomas (Theresa Hoot) Ramaley of Columbia City and Mark Ramaley of Stone Mountain, GA; sister, Vera Heffran of Perrysburg, OH; special friend, Jean Pastorek of Chestwick, PA; and sister-in-laws, Alice Ramaley of Avon Lake, OH and Gladys Dunbar of Brackenridge, PA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley, on October 13, 2003, sister, Margaret Toy, and brothers, James, John and Charles Ramaley.
Visitation is Tuesday, April 27, 2010 from 4-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.  Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 1460 E. 500 North, Columbia City, with Pastor Michael Dillon officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Matthew's Cemetery, Columbia City.  Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Ramaley's memory to St. Matthew's United Methodist Church General Fund.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Michael Eugene North, 58, of Columbia City,  passed away at 8:22 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at his home.  
Born October 22, 1951 in Columbia City, IN, he was the son of John Gilbert North and Betty Joan (Jones) Alred.
From 1970 to 1980, he served in the US Army as an auto diesel rebuilding mechanic spending some of his military service in Vietnam. He received his GED while serving in the military. From 1980 - 1987, he was employed by the I & W Oil Field Trucking Company in New Mexico as a diesel and gas truck mechanic, water and oil transport driver to the oil wells, high pressure pump operator and hot oil truck operator. He started his own business in rebuilding diesel engines and gas engines. In 1987, he returned to Indiana to donate a kidney to his sister, Cathy Parent, which has given her 23 more wonderful years of life. He returned to New Mexico until 1990, when he moved to Indiana for permanent residence. He was employed by Killian's Salvage, Schrader Auto Parts and Auto Zone. While he enjoyed auto and small engine repair, stock car racing, gardening and canning which he shared with everyone, guns and target shooting, his love for his children and grandchildren was more important to him.
Survivors include his 2 daughters, Jennifer E. (Dugan) Whisler of Lake Isabella, CA and Lisa D. (Carl) Edmonds of Celina, OH; 1 son, Jonathan Michael North of Columbia City; 2 sisters, Cathy (Ed) Parent and Laura (Linc) Linn both of Columbia City; brother, Steven (Carol) North of Columbia City; mother, Betty Joan  (Jones) Alred of North Manchester; 6 grandchildren; step-mother, Bobbie North of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his father, John Gilbert North and niece, Teresa Parent.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.  Funeral service is 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Pastor John Cummings of Community Bible Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, IN.  Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. North to Parkview Home Health and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Robert  E. Brittain, 64, of Columbia City passed away at 3:44 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at his residence.  
Born on September 27, 1945, in Columbia City, he was the son of Ernest and Velma E. (Paulus) Brittain.     
He has spent his entire lifetime in the Columbia City area graduating from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1964. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Indiana University with the Class of 1968 and a Masters Degree from Indiana University in 1971.
Mr. Brittain has spent his career teaching English and as a Speech and Debate coach at Columbia City High School since 1968, retiring in 2004; however, he continued a very close professional relationship with the high school, fellow teachers and his beloved students.
Mr. Brittain's memberships included, Blue River Community Church, where he faithfully served on the Board of Elders at the church, National Council of Teachers of English, Past President of Columbia City Kiwanis Club, a member of local, state and national Teachers Association and Indiana University Alumni, National Forensic League both the State and National Chapters, Peabody Library Board of Directors, Whitley County Literacy Council Board of Directors, Bowen Center for Human Services Board of Directors, Columbia City High School Alumni Association Board President and others too numerous to mention over the years.     
Survivors include his brother, Richard D. (Anna) Brittain of Powell, Ohio.  He is preceded in death by his parents and an aunt, Edna Vance.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the funeral home with Pastor Brett Sauders of the Blue River Community Church officiating.
Mr. Brittain will be sadly laid to rest beside his beloved parents at Blue River Cemetery, Columbia City.
At the request of the family and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Brittain to Blue River Community Church, Whitley County Community Foundation, Columbia City High School Speech and Debate Department or the Columbia City High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.  
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book. Additionally, several pages have been created on Facebook and can be accessed by clicking here or by clicking here.

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Ivan Blaugh, 85, of Loon Lake, died at 5:15 a.m. Friday, April 16, 2010 at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in Leesburg, Florida where he was admitted on Wednesday, April 7th.
He was born September 18, 1924 in Whitley County, Indiana a son of Emmett and Lois (Metzler) Blaugh. His formative years were spent in Washington Township. He graduated from Washington Center High School.
On June 30, 1945 he was united in marriage to Mary A. Smith. They made their home on a farm in Washington Township until 1977 when they moved to their home at Loon Lake. For the past 20 years, they have wintered in Florida, spending the past four in Leesburg.
Ivan retired from farming in 1977 and from International Harvester in Fort Wayne in 1983 with nearly 22 years of service.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1906 of which he was President from 1977 until 1982, was Eagle of the Year from 1980 to 1981 and Achievement Award from 1984 to 1985, Trustee, Past President, Entertainment Chairman, and Director of District 6. He was also awarded the Oustanding Neighborhood Poultryman in 1958 from the Whitley County Neighborhood Foundation.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary; four children, Dennis (Marsha) Blaugh, Gail (Bonnie) Blaugh, Barbara (Ed) Thompson and Douglas (Sindy) Blaugh, all of Columbia City; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a sister, Winifred Pabst of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Blaugh and two brothers, Kermit Blaugh and Given Blaugh.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Eagles Heart Fund.

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Dr. Archie F. Ferguson, DDS, 84, of Larwill, passed away Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.  
Born on January 21, 1926, in Marion, Indiana, he was the son of Archie, Sr. and Gulia (Richards) Ferguson.
A 1944 graduate of LaFontaine High School, he served his country in World War II in the US Navy.  
On August 27, 1948, he married Betty L. Cain in LaFontaine, Indiana.  
After his military service he attended Indiana University School of Dentistry, graduating in 1955.  He practiced dentistry in Warsaw from 1956 until his retirement in 1991.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty L. Franklin of Larwill.  
At Dr. Ferguson’s request there will be no services.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Whitley County Human Society.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  
Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, IN.  
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Mary D. Moyer, 93, of South Whitley, passed away at 9:55 a.m. at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Born on March 22, 1917 in Columbia Township, she was the daughter of Jessie James and Adella (Frazier) Anderson. She lived her entire life in the Whitley County area. She attended Eberhard School.
On November 28, 1936, she married Joseph Moyer. She was a homemaker and worked at GE, Blue Bell and for 15 years she was employed by Chamberlain Products, Columbia City.
She was a member of Eberhard Lutheran Church and Eagles Auxiliary #1906, Columbia City.
Survivors include her 3 sons, Tim (Diana) Moyer of South Whitley; Terry (Sandy Standy) Moyer of Columbia City; Rick (Jill) Moyer of North Manchester; 7 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph Moyer in 1981, sisters, Shula Barnett, Dessie Hurd, Florence Mosier, Hazel Anderson, Marie Grawcock, and brothers, Arnold, Carl, Paul, Max, Evert, Joe and Rex Anderson.
Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21 2010 at the DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Pastor Alice Smith of Eberhard Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Eberhard Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Moyer's to the donor's choice of charity. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Gerald E. Gamble, 88, of Columbia City, passed away at 12:34 p.m. Thursday, April 15, 2010 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
Born on November 26, 1921, in Whitley County,  he was the son of Omer E. and Opal (Edington) Gamble.
A lifetime resident of Whitley County, he graduated from Washington Center High School with the Class of 1940.
On June 2, 1945, he married Bonita E. Ummel at Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City.
He was the owner of G&J Machine & Tool since 1971 retiring in 2004. He was a member of Eberhard Lutheran Church, Columbia City.
Survivors include his wife, Bonita E. Gamble of Columbia City; 6 children, Gary L. Gamble of Houston, TX, Jana L. Baker of Columbia City, Janelle (James Stearns) Gamble of Thailand, Gregory A. Gamble, Galen D. Gamble and Janine K. (Lane) Pressler all of Columbia City; brothers, Duane (Edna) Gamble of Winona Lake, Verlin Gamble and Paul Gamble both of Columbia City; 8 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and 4 step great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Doyle and Dale Gamble and sister, Waneta Hesting, great-grandson, Justin Wilcoxson, daughter-in-law, Patti Gamble and son-in-law, John Baker.
Visitation with the family from 1:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Pastor Alice Smith of Eberhard Lutheran Church will officiate. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Gamble to the Garet Gamble Education and Care Fund, checks payable to Garet Gamble. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or log onto the register book.

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Paul H. Pettigrew, 84, of Fort Wayne passed away at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2010 at Renaissance Village.
Born on June 9, 1925 in Whitley County, Union Twp, he was the son of Earl T. and Ella M. (Mossman) Pettigrew. He moved in 1960 to his present home in Allen County.
He graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1944.
On August 28, 1960 he married Charlotte J. Taylor in Markle, IN.
He was a general farmer for 60 years as well as co-owner of Earl Pettigrew and Sons Seed Corn Co. until he sold the business in 1981.
He was a member of the Nazarene Church, Columbia City, IN and the Whitley County Farm Bureau.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Charlotte J. Pettigrew of Fort Wayne, IN; 2 daughters, Carla J. Pettigrew of Fort Wayne, IN; Jennifer D. (Hal) Mason of Markle, IN; 2 grandchildren, Conner and Brenna Mason of Markle, IN; 2 sisters, Mary Jane Phillips of North Ft. Meyers, FL; Marie Geiger of Columbia City; 1 brother, Jack (Garnet) Pettigrew of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Carl, Howard and Phillip Pettigrew and sister, Virginia Leisz.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 16, 2010, with Pastor Thomas Beers of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene  officiating. Burial followed at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Pettigrew's memory to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Wilbur J. Buffenbarger, 99, of Columbia City, died Tuesday morning, April 13, 2010 at Oak Pointe where he had been a resident since 2000.
He was born October 28, 1910 in Noble Township, Noble County a son of Clarence L. and Flora A. (Gray) Buffenbarger. His formative years were spent at Crane Lake in Noble Township. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1929.
On December 26, 1945 he was united in marriage to Ruth Ellen Butz. They made their home on a farm in York Township, Noble County. Mrs. Buffenbarger died in April 1995. In 1999 Wilbur moved to Albion for a year before moving to Oak Pointe.
He engaged in general farming until 1965 when he began his employment with Noble County Highway Department, retiring in 1975.
His memberships included Merriam Christian Chapel Church, Noble County Historical Society, Noble County Farm Bureau and was on the York Township Advisory Board.
Surviving relatives include two daughter, Sue (Bob) McKinney of North Canton, Ohio and Ann (Jon) Andresen of Brownsburg; five grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson and a sister, Jessie Swartz.
The funeral service was held at Sunday at Merriam Christian Church and burial followed in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
Preferred memorials are to Merriam Christian Chapel or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kendallville.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Inez L. Waugh, 89, of Columbia City, died at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since February 2.
She was born July 29, 1920 in Wolf Lake, Indiana a daughter of Harvey and Loree (Grable) Boggs. Her formative years were spent in Noble, Kosciusko and Whitley Counties. She graduated from Columbia City High School.
On February 14, 1942 she was united in marriage to James K. Waugh. They made their home on a dairy farm in Etna Troy Township, moving to their home on 600 North in the early 1980s. Mr. Waugh died January 25, 1993. In July 1998 Inez moved into Columbia City.
She was at Frank’s Greenhouse for many years and retired in 1983 from Precision Plastics with 20 years of service.
Her memberships include Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church and its Women’s Association, Whitley County and Etna Troy Extension Homemakers Clubs and Archeology Society of Whitley County. She was a volunteer for the Whitley County Historical Society and Whitley County 4-H and its museum. For the past 15 years, she conducted the Wednesday afternoon Bible Study at Miller’s Merry Manor.
Surviving relatives include four children, LeRoy (Nancy) Waugh of Columbia City, Judy (John) Johnson of Columbia City, Jane (the late James) Demske of Pierceton and H. Kent “Nub” (Rita) Waugh of Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and a sister, Marcella Brosmer of Tecumseh MI.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Boggs and a sister, Velma Wilkinson.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 709 W Business 30, Columbia City with visitation at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church. The burial will be in the Keister section of Scott Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be made to Whitley County 4-H or Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Donna M. Koldyke, of Columbia City, died at 3:10 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday, April 1.
She was born in Youngstown, Ohio the daughter of Clyde and Nellie (Stey) Thomas. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.
In 1949 she was united in marriage to Charles R. Koldyke. They made their first home in Marion. In 1961 they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Koldyke died September 29, 1991.
She was employed as a registered nurse at the VA Hospital in Marion and also in Pittsburg PA, and later at the Fort Wayne State School. She then worked in Columbia City at Shultz’s, Ames and Wal Mart, currently as a greeter.
Her memberships included Grace Lutheran Church, Coterie, Order of the Eastern Star #65, Tri Kappa and “Martini Club."
Surviving relatives include five children, Robert (Karen) Koldyke of Albion, Richard (Monica) Koldyke of Columbia City, Terri (Jay) Honeck of Danville, Kimberly (Greg) Lewark of Columbia City and Candice (Ed Lewis) Koldyke of Noblesville; nine grandchildren, Chris Lewark, Rich Koldyke, Cameron Koldyke, Garrett Basset, Kara Smith, Carlee Koldyke, Cole Honeck, Zach Lewark and Braxton Koldyke; four great grandchildren; and a brother, Richard Thomas of Columbia SC.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Donald G. DeBolt, 80, of rural Columbia City, died at 10:30 p.m. Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where he was admitted earlier in the day.
He was born July 10, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Floyd and Lois (Halifax) DeBolt. He graduated from South Side High School in 1947.
On February 1, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged June 26, 1952.
On January 19, 1952 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Jean Patten. They made their home in Roanoke until 1969 when they moved to a farm south of Coesse. Mrs. DeBolt died in September 1996.
On December 9, 2000 he was united in marriage to Mary Lou (Lowe) Tucker.
In addition to dairy farming, he was employed at Ellis Bakery for a brief period.
He was a member of Coesse United Methodist Church and received top producer awards in 1987, 1988 and 1991 from Milk Marketing Inc.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary Lou; a son, Samuel Gene (Paula) DeBolt of Columbia City; a daughter, Kathleen (Ronald) Metzger of Sidell IL; three step children, David Tucker of Columbia City, Jeffrey (Deborah) Tucker of Mary Esther FL and Marcia (Daniel) Wilson of Goshen; six grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and 11 step great grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife, parents and step mother, Irene, he was preceded in death by a grandson and a half brother, Robert DeBolt.
The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Coesse United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Genevieve J. Walter-Thomson, 92, of Columbia City, died at 2:25 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2010 at The Oaks Living Center where she had been a resident since August 2002.
She was born August 26, 1917, in Auburn, Indiana, a daughter of Harvey B. and Vivian Ethel (Fair) Elson. Her formative years were spent in Auburn and she graduated from Auburn High School. She continued her education in the School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington. When she was 50, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Francis College.
On August 16, 1941, she was united in marriage to David M. Walter. They made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Walter died in 1979.
She was employed at Scribners Publishing Corp. in Chicago, a buyer for Wolf & Dessauer in Fort Wayne and social worker for Whitley County Welfare Department.
On January 29, 1984, she was united in marriage to William C. Thomson. They also made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Thomson died in 1990.
Her memberships included First Presbyterian Church, Kappa Kappa Gamma at Indiana University and Tri Kappa. She was a volunteer for Passages, Whitley County and Indiana State Mental Health and Mental Retardation Planning Commissions, Girl Scouts and Citizen of the Year in 1992. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Whitley County YMCA and the rebricking project of Chauncey Street.
Surviving relatives include four daughters, Jody McKinney of San Diego, California, Sally Felger of Fort Wayne, Patricia (Steven) Hardy of Encinitas, California, and Candice (Ivan) Snyder of Columbia City; nine grandchildren, Susan Simcox, Beth Ernst, Mary Felger, Kathy Felger, Chad Hardy, Kristen Gall, Stacie Lecklider, Shelley Hansen and Scott Snyder; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Sean McKinney and Anne Felger; and a sister, Vivian Bates.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 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.
Preferred memorials are to Whitley County YMCA or Passages.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Richard H. Knarr, 95, a resident of Peabody Retirement Community of North Manchester, died at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Saturday.
He was born October 29, 1914, in Pulaski, Indiana, a son of Harley and Hulda (Herrick) Knarr. He graduated from Winimac High School in 1933, received his Bachelors degree from Manchester College in 1948 and Masters degree from Ball State University in 1960.
On June 1, 1941, he was united in marriage to Irene E. Kintner in Sherwood, Ohio.
A United States Army veteran, during World War II he served in the 87th Division Artillery of the Third Army. He participated in four campaigns, Saar Valley, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Germany while serving under General Patton. He was honorably discharged November 7, 1945.
He taught school for 38 years in Pulaski, Fulton, Wabash and Whitley Counties, retiring in 1977 from Manchester Community School.
An ordained minister with the Church of the Brethren for over 60 years, he served several churches in the area as part-time or interim pastor.
His memberships included Indiana Farm Bureau, Whitley County and Indiana Retired Teachers Associations and lifetime membership with National Education Association.
He enjoyed writing poetry as a hobby and had five small booklets published.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Irene; seven children, John Knarr of North Manchester, Janet Hawthorne of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Eva Caudill of Lafayette, Elaine Weinert of Middletown, Pennsylvania, Joyce Street of Lynnwood, Washington, Cheryl Thomas of Angola and Carol Knarr of Portland, Indiana; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Dorothea Ottinger of Logansport and Donna Garver of Rochester.
He was preceded in death by three brothers.
A private service will be held Friday morning at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The public visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Heifer Project.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Gale W. Hull, 76, passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at 1:10 p.m., Saturday, April 3, 2010 at his residence, after losing his battle with cancer for the past several months.
Born on May 9, 1933, in Whitley County, along with his twin brother, Dale, he was the son of Joseph Briggs and Flora Agnes (Doonan) Hull.
He was reared in Churubusco and graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1951. Gale married Agnes E. Kelley on April 11, 1953 at the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.
He served with the United States Army from June 17, 1953 and was discharged on May 28, 1955. He served as the Assistant Manager of the Columbia City Montgomery Ward and was later transferred to the Fort Wayne store working a total of 11 years from 1961-1972. Gale retired in 1996 from Elwood's TV and Appliances in Waynedale.
He was a member of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene for 50 years, during which time he served in a variety of duties including head usher, board member and custodian. Gale's love for restoring vintage cars allowed him to showcase his 1959 Ford Retractable car throughout the state and local auto shows. He also loved to work puzzles and was known by so many folks as a great repairman and always had the knack of finding that needed used part.
Gale will be sadly missed by his family, his friends and all who had the pleasure to know him.
 He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Agnes E. Hull; 2 sons, Steve (Pam) Hull, Columbus, and Phil (Janet) Hull, Columbia City; 7 grandchildren, Jason (Alicia) Hull, Andrew Hull, Jamie (Billy) Carlson, Brian (Kassie) Hull, Marc Eggleston, Aaron Hull and Jessica Eggleston; 5 great grandchildren, Koby, Preston, Athanasiusis, Temprance and Elias; a brother, Richard Hull, Columbia City and 1 sister, Helen Krieder, Fort Wayne.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Dale and Howard and 2 sisters, Eloise Souders and Mary Craig.
Visitation is Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City and from 9-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 North Main Street, Columbia City. Funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church with Pastor Thomas Beers officiating. Burial will follow at the Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Hull to the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Michael T. Hile, 59, of Columbia City, IN died at 12:26 p.m., Friday, April 2, 2010 at his residence. 
Born on October 11, 1950, he was the son of Paul T. and Martha J. (Fosnaugh) Hile.
A lifetime resident of Columbia City, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the class of 1969.  He had a passion for restoring vintage cars and worked as a self-employed mechanic.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Survivors include his sister, Marcia (Ralph) Carter of Columbia City; step-sisters, Carla (Jesse) Cress of South Whitley and Lisa (Thomas) Wright of Fort Wayne; step-brothers, James (Kimberley) Streby of Churubusco and William (Diana) Streby of Columbia City; step-son, Tim Linsky of Columbia City; niece, Julia Carter of Columbia City; and ex-wife and close friend, Barbara Linsky of Columbia City.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-father, Kenneth W. Streby.
Graveside memorial service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Greenhill Cemetery, 402 E Ellsworth Street, Columbia City,  with Bishop Daven Septon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mr. Hile to the family for final expenses c/o DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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Ethan A. Lambert, stillborn infant son of Aaron and Stephanie (Boggs) Lambert passed away Wednesday morning, March 31, 2010, at Parkview North Hospital , Fort Wayne.  
Survivors include his parents, Aaron and Stephanie Lambert of Churubusco; big sister, Emma R. Lambert of Churubusco; grandparents, Denny and Judy Boggs of Columbia City and Ivan and Becky Lambert of Stow, Ohio; great-grandparents, Vessie and Kay Hinen and great-grandmother, Eleanor Boggs all of Columbia City.
Ethan was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, James H. Boggs.
A private family service will be held at Oak Grove United Methodist Church , Larwill, with Pastor Gene Rohrer officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery , 402 East Ellsworth Street, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in Ethan's memory to B.A.B.E., 202 W Van Buren Street, Columbia City, IN 46725. Memorial envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.  
Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home.

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