FULTON COUNTY INDIANA

OBITUARIES

2004

Rochester Sentinel

Wendell C. and Jean C. Tombaugh

TOMBAUGH HOUSE

700 Pontiac Street

Rochester, Indiana 46975-1538

2005

This book cannot be reproduced without the express permission of Jean C. and/or Wendell C. Tombaugh, their heirs or assigns.

Made in the United States of America

The Rochester Sentinel

2004

Friday, January 2, 2004

L. G. Alber

March 17, 1907 - Dec. 31, 2003

L.G. ALBER, 96, Hickory Creek of Rochester, and formerly of 1729 Wabash Ave., Rochesrter, died at 4:54 p.m Wednesday at Hickory Creek. His health had been failing for two weeks. Born to Ebbert H. and Mary E. “Molly” Conrad Alber in Richland Township near Rochester, he lived in Fulton County his entire life. On Oct. 21, 1933, he married Helen M. Clark in Mentone. She preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 1987 He was a member of Talma United Methodist church and a charter member of Talma Lions Club. He retired from farming. He was a very talented whistler. He was the last of a family of nine chidren.

Survivors include one daughter-in-aw, Phyllis Alber, Rochester; three grandchildren, Connie and husband Roy Burkhart Amboy, Thomas Alber and wife Sandy, Woodburn, Randy Alber and wife Theresa, Claypool, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen, and one son, Sidney “Sid” Alber on April 22, 1995.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Omer L. Guyer

May 1, 1916 - Dec. 30, 2003

Omer L. GUYER, 87, Denver passed away at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru.

Born to Roy and Ida Opple Guyer at the Guyer homestead near Denver, he married Evelyn Jones of LaFontaine on Apri 19, 1940. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1999.

He was owner and operator of a farm in Denver. He was a former employee of International Harvester, Peru; McMahan Construction Co., Rochester, and Delco Electronics, Kokomo, from which he retired in December 1983.

He was a member of Boundary Line church of Christ, LaFontaine.

Survivors include one sister, Esther L. Turnipseed, Millers Merry Manor, Peru; one daughter, Colleen and husband Howard Whittlesey, Denver; four sons, Jay Guyer and wife Patty, Florence, Ky., Jaun Guyer and wife Beverly, Brazil, Dan Guyer and wife Tanja, Tampa, Fla., Dawson Guyer and wife Renee, Brownsburg; 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchidren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde and Earl, one son, Carson, and one daughter, Anita M. Lord.

Services will be at 11 a.m Saturday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Sam Miller and Mike Willis officiating. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Saturday, January 3, 2004

[no obits]

Monday, January 5, 2004

L.G. Alber

March 17, 1907–Dec. 31, 2003

L.G. ALBER, 96, Hickory Creek of Rochester and formerly of Wynnfield Crossing, 1729 Wabash Ave., Rochester, died at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday at Hickory Creek. He had been in failing health for two weeks.

Born in Richland Township near Rochester to Ebbert H. and Mary E. “Molly” Conrad Alber, he lived in Fulton County his entire life. He was one of a family of nine children. He married Helen M. Clark in Mentone on Oct. 21, 1933. She preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 1987. He married Margurite Sperry in Plymouth on Aug. 26, 1989. She preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 1999.

He retired from Rochester Metal Products in 1957 and was a retired farmer. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of Talma United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Talma Lions Club. He won awards and was known for his talent for whistling.

Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Phyllis Alber, Rochester; three grandchildren, Connie and husband Roy Burkhart, Amboy, Thomas Alber and wife Sandy, Woodburn, Randy Alber and wife Theresa, Claypool; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Helen Murphy, Chula Vista, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Helen and Margurite, and one son, Sidney “Sid” Alber on April 22, 1995.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. William Kaiser officiating. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Betty J. Drake

Betty J. DRAKE, 73, 401 N. Virgil St., Akron, died at 11:13 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Akron.

Lester A. Feece

Lester A. Feece, 83, Plymouth, and formerly of Argos, died at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Hospice House, South Bend. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Lester C. Kindig

Feb. 8, 1908–Jan. 3, 2004

Lester C. KINDIG, 95, 7833 W. Indiana 25, Mentone, died at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at his home.

Born in Fulton County to Estil and Bessie Clemans Kindig, he married Reathel B. Herrell in Fulton County on March 4, 1933. She preceded him in death on April 1, 1997. He was a farmer and carpenter. He was a member of the Modern Woodman.

Survivors include two daughters, Wilma Prater, Etna Green, Bonnie and husband Harold Hile, Mentone; two sons, Dale Kindig and wife Ellen, Warsaw, Ronnie Kindig, Warsaw; 12

grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Parentha Johnson, Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters, Fay Olson, Bernice Fenstermacher; and one brother, F. Leon Kindig.

A private family graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Athens Cemetery with Rev. Don Poyser officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. today and 1-2 p.m. Tuesday at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Bonnie Neace

Bonnie NEACE, 64, 13784 6A Road, Plymouth, died Friday at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.

Survivors include her husband, Olen Neace, at home; two daughters, Jeanne Randall, at home, Bernadine Goens, South Bend; two sisters, Unice Stidham, Monterey, Laura Collette, Pierceton; and one brother, William Fields, Seymour, Tenn. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home.

Kenneth E. Romine

Sept. 16, 1924 – Jan. 5, 2004

Kenneth E. ROMINE, 79, 710 W. Main St., Mentone, died at 3 a.m. today at his home.

Born in Mentone to F. Monroe “Dutch” and Maude F. Hissong Romine, he was a lifetime resident of the Mentone area. He married Mary Esther Smith in Brimfield on Nov. 30, 1944. She survives. They recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.

He was a dedicated postmaster in Mentone for 38 years. He retired in 1987. He was a World War II veteran and European campaign Purple Heart recipient. He was a member of the Mentone United Methodist Church, National League of Postmasters, Indiana Postmasters Association and the Bell Memorial Library Board. He was a 50 year member of the Mentone Lions Club, American Legion Post No. 49 and the Mentone Masonic Lodge. He was a former member of the Mentone Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Esther Romine, Mentone; two sons, Ken Romine and wife Sharon, Northville, Mich., John Romine, Carmel; four grandchildren, Julie Stedman, Newark, Ohio, Benjamin Romine, Farmington Hills, Mich., Grant Romine, Noblesville, Clark Romine, Carmel; two great-grandchildren, Peter and Isaac Stedman; one sister, Janet and husband Tom Smith, Warsaw; and one brother Gerald Romine and wife Elvira, Mentone. He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Romine, on Feb. 15, 1998.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Rev. Doris Smith officiating. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery. American Legion Post, Warsaw, will conduct military graveside rites. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, 902 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580, Mentone United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 456, Mentone, IN 46539, or the American Cancer Society.

Wilbert R. Utter

Jan. 4, 1910 – Jan. 4, 2004

Wilbert R. UTTER, 94, Life Care Center, Rochester, and formerly of Athens, died at 7:35 a.m. Sunday at Life Care Center.

Born in Fulton County to Harley R. and Gertrude Johnson Utter, he married LaVera M. Walters in Rochester on Sept. 3, 1933. She survives. He was a retired farmer and member of Talma United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, LaVera M. Utter, Rochester; two daughters, Sue Curtis, Warsaw, Luanne and husband Jim May, Warsaw; two sons, Richard Utter and wife Lois, Mentone, Ron Utter, Rochester; one sister Josephine Sanders, Rochester; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, James R. Utter, in the Vietnam War, one great-grandson, one stepgrandson and four brothers.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Rev. William Kaiser officiating. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Talma United Methodist Church.

Esther Hohlt Sohl

July 6, 1913–Jan. 3, 2004

Esther Hohlt SOHL, 90, 1725 Colonial Drive, Rochester, died at 11:15 a.m. Saturday at her home following an illness.

Born in Indianapolis to Harry and Rosina Lawall Hohlt, she lived in the Rochester community for the past 34 years after coming here from Noblesville. She married Charles Sohl in Indianapolis on July 6, 1936. He preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 1993.

She was a 1930 graduate of Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis, and a 1934 graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics. While at Purdue, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Women’s Sorority. In 2001, she was awarded the prestigious “Hidden Diamond Award” by the Purdue University Department of Consumer and Family Sciences.

After graduation, she taught school at the Speedway, Ben Davis, Noblesville and Jackson Central school systems in Marion and Hamilton counties. During World War II, she served as the home demonstration agent for Hamilton County. She was a volunteer for many organizations including Girl Scouts of America, American Red Cross, where she was a first aid instructor, and 4–H, where she was a 4–H Fair leader and judge. She served as the director for the Indiana State Fair Girl School from 1948–1965. She was very active in the Tri Kappa Sorority, Noblesville.

Locally, she was an active volunteer at Woodlawn Hospital and the Fulton County Historical Society which honored her as the “Volunteer of the Year” in December 2000. She was a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association and the Classroom Teachers Association.

Survivors include one brother, Carl Hohlt and wife Iva Lou, Rogers, Ark.; nieces; nephews; special friends, Walt and Judy Talbott, Rochester; and their sons, Scott Talbott, Jackson, Ga., and Rod Talbott, Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan St., Noblesville, with Rev. Frank Hibbard officiating. Interment will follow the service at Crownland Cemetery, Noblesville. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, and 11-2 p.m. Wednesday at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hope Hospice of Fulton County.

Tuesday, January 6, 2004

Betty Joan Stevens Drake

June 18, 1930–Jan. 3, 2004

Betty Joan Stevens DRAKE, 73, 401 N. Virgil St., Akron, died at 11:13 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, where she had been a patient for one day.

Born in Clinton County to John T. and Arizona Emery Stevens, she lived in Akron for

five years after moving from the Middlebury and Goshen areas of Elkhart County.

She had been involved in manufacturing in the Bristol area for most of her life. She enjoyed reading and cooking; however, her favorite pastime was assisting her family and friends with their special needs and projects.

Survivors include one sister, Nial and husband Shorty Lappin, Deltona, Fla.; one brother, Dick Stevens and wife Jane, Deltona, Fla.; one great-niece, Darlene and husband Jerry Eckrote, Akron; two great-great-nephews, Jerry Eckrote Jr. and wife Amy, Macy, Jeff Eckrote and wife Michele, Akron; and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, Emma, Lane and Lucretia Eckrote, Macy, Jeff Jr., Sarah and Anna Eckrote, Akron; and several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

At her request, no visitation or viewing will be held. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry Fund. Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, is handling arrangements.

Lester A. Feece

Nov. 29, 1920–Jan. 4, 2004

Lester A. FEECE, 83, Plymouth, and formerly of Argos, passed away at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Hospice House, South Bend.

Born in Marshall County to Ezra and Cora Ransbottom Feece, he married Kathern L. Johnson in Plymouth on Jan. 24, 1942. She preceded him in death on May 22, 2003.

He was a retired auto body mechanic and was a member of the Rochester American Legion. He was a World War II Army veteran who served during the invasion of Sicily, Anzio, southern France and central Germany.

Survivors include three sons, Dennis Feece and wife Debra, Montrose, Pa., Kevin L. Feece, Logansport, Curt Feece and wife Eileen, Plymouth; seven grandchildren, Marissa Feece, Kaitlin Feece, Zachariah Feece, Katherine Feece, Michael Feece, Cassandra Feece, Matthew Feece; two brothers, Burton Feece and wife Ineva, Plymouth, Ezra Feece Jr. and wife Lexie, Plymouth; one sister, Gertrude Elliott, South Bend. He was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Robert and Ted Feece.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Fulton Cemetery where Rochester American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will conduct military graveside services. Memorials may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, South Bend.

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Jennings O. Cyrus

Jan. 23, 1912–Jan. 6, 2004

Jennings O. CYRUS, 91, 2027 E. 600 North, Rochester, died at 10:12 a.m. Tuesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, where he had been a patient since Monday. His health had been failing for six months.

Born in Wayne County, W.Va., to Smith and Florence Cyrus, he lived in Rochester since 1972 after moving from Huntington, W.Va. He graduated from Wayne High School, Wayne, W.Va. He married Marguerite H. Hamilton in Grayson, Ky., on March 16, 1940. She preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 1996. He retired from the refrigeration and air conditioning division of the Ohio River Co.

Survivors include two daughters, Lindyl and husband William Bradley, Rochester, Joanne and husband Charles Porter, Montgomery, Ala.; one son, Garey Cyrus and wife Marjory, Rochester; and eight grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, one grandson, Daniel Cyrus in 1994, one sister and two brothers.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Robert George officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Roland F. Carr

Oct. 30, 1934 – Jan. 5, 2004

Roland F. CARR, 69, 213 Pierce St., Plymouth, died at 10:48 p.m. Monday at his home, following an illness. He was under the loving care of his family and Starke County Hospice.

Born in Rochester to Lester H. and Effie C. Burkett Carr, he was a lifetime area resident. He attended Rochester

schools.

He served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. On Oct. 27, 1956, he married Margaret P. Moore in Rochester. She survives.

He retired in 1984 from the Bendix Corp., South Bend, after 19 years of employment. In the 1970s, he ran a trash route around the Lake of the Woods. He worked as a tree trimmer for the H.W. Moore Tree Service, South Bend, for 17 years.

He enjoyed hunting rabbits and squirrels and liked to fish. He was a fan of and followed professional wrestling on television.

A member of the Christian faith, he attended Pretty Lake United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Rochester Eagles Lodge.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Margaret; two daughters, Roberta K. and husband Kurt Wunder, Robin C. and husband, Kris Morcombe, both of Plymouth; two sons,

Roy A. Carr, Bourbon, Roland F. Carr, Jr., Bremen; seven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Marian “Bud” Carr and Lester “Les” Carr Jr., and one sister, Hilda M. Thomas.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, with Revs. Charles Krieg, pastor of the Salem Methodist Church, Bremen, and Deb Peterson, pastor of Union Church of the Brethren, Plymouth, officiating. Burial will be at New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Plymouth VFW No. 1162 will conduct military graveside services. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Association or the American Lung Society. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.johnson-danielson.com.

Thursday, January 8, 2004

Laura Belle Holloway

Laura Belle HOLLOWAY, 66, 6920 E. 500 North, Rochester, died at 1:36 p.m. Wednesday at The Heart Center, Indianapolis, where she was a patient. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.
Lloyd E. Jefferies

July 10, 1913–Jan. 7, 2004

Lloyd E. JEFFERIES, 90, 630 Fulton Ave., Rochester, passed away at 9:44 a.m. Wednesday at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

Born in Fort Benton, Mont., to Perry and Blanche Clifton Jefferies, he married Florence L. Irvine on Nov. 15, 1942, in Rochester. She preceded him in death on Jan. 27, 1997. On Oct. 7, 2001, he married Vada Quackenbush at Prill School in Rochester.

He was a licensed real estate agent and insurance agent with the former Jefferies Real Estate and Insurance Agency of Rochester. He had been a farmer in Macy, a circulation manager for The South Bend Tribune and a school bus driver.

He was a former Rochester City Council member, a 50-year and lifetime member of the Rochester Odd Fellows Lodge No. 47, past Grand Master of Indiana, South Bend Canton Lodge No. 9, Encampment Lodge No. 24, a 50-year member of the Rochester Masonic Lodge No. 79, South Bend Scottish Rite, Evergreen Rebekah Lodge No. 57 and the Rochester Order of the Eastern Star. He was also on the board of directors for the Prill School Museum and a prayer leader. He was a Boy Scoutmaster and member of the Rochester Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Kiwanis Club and Toastmasters Club. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he had served as a deacon, elder, trustee and sang in the church choir.

Survivors include his wife, Vada Quackenbush-Jefferies, Rochester; two sons, Ed Jefferies, Rochester, Ernest Jefferies, Santa Cruz, Calif.; and four grandchildren, Manitou, Johanna and Leilani Jefferies, all of Santa Cruz, and Gael Jefferies, San Francisco. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ben Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Masonic and Odd Fellows services will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Odd Fellows, Prill School Museum or First Presbyterian Church.

Goldie C. Prior

Dec. 12, 1909–Jan. 6, 2004

Goldie C. PRIOR, 94, Miller’s Merry Manor, Peru, died at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday at Miller’s Merry Manor. She had been ill for an extended period of time.

Born in Miami County to Benjamin and Hettie Yike Yoder, she married Cecil M. Prior on Jan. 1, 1934. He preceded her in death in 1977. She was a homemaker and member of Oakdale Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, John Benjamin “Ben” Prior and wife Bonnie, Peru, James O. Prior and wife Janice, Peru; six grandchildren, Troy Prior, Lori Rusie, Melissa Cripe, Gregory Graves, Brent Prior, Michael Prior; six great-grandchildren, Ashley Rusie, Alison Rusie, Jenna Prior, Justin Prior, Emily Prior, Clair Prior; and one brother, Kenneth Yoder, Akron. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers and three sisters.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru, with Rev. Robert Stuck officiating. Burial will be at Westlawn Cemetery, Denver. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Oakdale Baptist Church.
Walter B. Safford

Walter B. SAFFORD, 89, Orchard Lane, Goshen, died Monday at Valley View Nursing Home, Elkhart. Survivors include one brother, Albert Safford; and two sisters, Christine King-Safford, Naples, Fla., Charlene Bailey, Fort Collins, Colo. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, is in charge of arrangements.

Hugh David Striggle

May 8, 1919–Jan. 7, 2004

Hugh David STRIGGLE, 84, Wynnfield Crossing, Roch-ester, passed away at 2:13 p.m. Wednesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

He was born in Chicago to Dr. Claude Wayne and Elma Elizabeth Tschantz Striggle while his father served as a meat inspector for the government.

His family moved to South Whitley in 1920. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1937. He attended Manchester College and Indiana University. He married Helen

Berniece Jackson in 1941, and moved to Rochester in 1952. They divorced in 1966. He married Janice Catherine Box on May 28, 1970, in Rochester.

She preceded him in death on Sept. 26, 2000.

He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge and the Carver Baptist Church of Douglas, Ga. Besides farming, he enjoyed golf and carpentry. One of his favorite things to do was customizing yachts in Florida. Most of his family and friends will remember him having a wonderful sense of humor.

Survivors include one daughter, Susan and husband Horst Westerling, Cincinnati, Ohio; and two grandsons, Brandon Horst Westerling and Austin Peter Westerling, Boston. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Steven David Striggle, and one sister, Helen Catherine Chapman, Columbia City.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. George Hapner officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Friday, January 9, 2004

Laura Belle Holloway

Dec. 20, 1937–Jan. 7, 2004

Laura Belle HOLLOWAY, 66, 6920 E. 500 North, Rochester, died at 1:36 p.m. Wednesday at The Heart Center of Indiana, Indianapolis, where she had been a patient for five days. Her health had been failing for the past year.

Born in Kewanna to George and Wildia J. Personett Wilson, she lived most of her life in Fulton County. She married Richard K. Holloway in Fulton on Feb. 21, 1959. He survives. She retired from Talma Fastener Corp. due to ill health. She was a member of Athens United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Richard K. Holloway, at home; two sons, Richard Lee Holloway and wife Lorna, Rochester, Christopher A. Holloway, at home; two grandchildren, Alex Boyd and wife Debbie, Warsaw, Della Boyd, Norfolk, Va.; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Hugh Wilson and wife Wiletta, Kewanna. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Bertha Crippen, and two brothers, Donald and George Wilson Jr.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with

Rev. David Inskeep officiating. Burial will be at Sycamore Cemetery, about seven miles northeast of Rochester. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Athens United Methodist Church.

Walter B. Safford

July 16, 1914–Jan. 5, 2004

Walter B. SAFFORD, 89, Orchard Lane, Goshen, passed away Monday at Valley View Nursing Home, Elkhart.

Born in Tiosa, to Charles and Louise Fellows Safford, he married Thelma Sanders in Athens on May 14, 1944. He was a member of Athens United Methodist Church. He was employed by the Mentone newspaper for more than 20 years as a printer and line up typist. He enjoyed farming. A longtime member of Farm Bureau, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corp. during the Great Depression.

Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Susan Safford, Goshen; one brother, Albert Safford; two sisters, Christine King-Safford, Naples, Fla., Charlene Bailey, Fort Collins, Colo.; four grandchildren, Alisha Safford, Angelia Safford, Jessica Hartman, Jacob Hartman; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son, Lowell Dale Safford, one brother, Donald Earl Safford, one sister, Stella Catherine Safford, one granddaughter, Victoria Lynn Safford, and one grandson, Joshua Hartman.

Graveside services were at 2 p.m. Thursday at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, was in charge of arrangements Saurday, January 10, 2004.

[no obits]

Monday, January 12, 2004

Barbara Ellen Bradley

Dec. 22, 1937 – Jan. 10, 2004

Barbara Ellen BRADLEY, 66, 530 E. 18th St., Rochester, died at 4:40 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Medical Center, South Bend, after a three-week illness.

Born in Rochester to LeRoy “Lee” and Lillie Mikesell Holloway, she married Glen Bradley in Rochester on June 6, 1954. He preceded her in death on Jan. 8, 2003. She was a homemaker and office manager for the family plumbing and heating company. She was a member of the First Church of God, Rochester, and enjoyed her shopping adventures to Wal-Mart.

Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia Bradley and Cheryl Bradley, both of Rochester; two sons, Glen A. “Jake” Bradley and wife Jennie, and Dale Bradley, all of Rochester; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lois and husband C.L. Stones, Rochester, Donna and husband Bob Anglin, Wabash, Phyllis Jean Duzan, Rochester; one brother, Bob Holloway, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews. Four sisters and two brothers preceded her in death.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. David Dittman officiating. Burial will be at Citzen’s Cemetery, Rochester. Friends may call from 4–8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mary Ina Shaw

March 17, 1920 – Jan. 10, 2004

Mary Ina SHAW, 83, Bloomington, died Saturday at Bloomington Hospital.

Born in Cedarville, Ohio, to Robert S. and Pearl Smith McElhinney, she was a 1937 graduate of Bloomington High School and a 1942 graduate of Indiana University where she was a member of Pi Lambda Theta.

She was a teacher of commerce and Latin at Paoli High School, a newspaper society editor in Rochester and Sellersburg, co-founder of Fulton County Cancer Detection Center, executive secretary of the I.U. Dean of Students office and of a corporate law firm in Louisville, and Farm Bureau Inc. newsletter editor for 18 years in Clark and Monroe counties.

She was a member of S.E.C. Extension Homemakers Club, Monroe County Farm Bureau Inc. Board of Directors, Cambridge Square Club secretary and Fairview United Methodist Church where she held offices in Victory Sunday School and led a Wednesday morning Bible study.

Survivors include one son, Robert D. Shaw and wife Barbara, Memphis; one grandson, Robert I. Shaw, Los Angeles; one granddaughter, Hannah J. and husband Stephen Phillips, Savoy, Ill.; one great–grandson, Deklan Riley Phillips; and a special friend, Paul Sailor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale L. Shaw, and one granddaughter, Lovette Shaw, both in 1979.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Allen Funeral Home, 3000 E. Third St., Bloomington, with Rev. Douglas Simpson officiating. Burial will be at Covenanter Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today and from noon until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Audrey A. Mishler

Audrey A. MISHLER, 91, 7409 W. 775 North, Culver, died Saturday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver. Survivors include four sons, Dennis R. Mishler, Culver, Terry M. Mishler, Kalamazoo, Mich., Lynn E. Mishler, Leiters Ford, and Larry L. Mishler, Mena, Ark. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bonine Funeral Home, Culver. Visitation will be 2–6 p.m. Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

John C. Pontius

John C. PONTIUS, 75, Rochester, died at 6:37 a.m. today at Life Care Center, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Ashley N. Rusie

Oct. 27, 1987 – Jan. 11, 2004

Ashley N. RUSIE, 16, 10203 E. 400 North, Peru, died at 4 p.m. Saturday in an auto accident on Wabash Road near Paw Paw Pike in Miami County. She was a sophomore at North Miami High School.

Born in Kokomo to Mark A. and Lori Prior Rusie, she loved music, dance and being in the Ballet of Arts. She loved her family and hanging out with her friends. She attended Mexico Baptist Church and St. Charles Catholic Church.

Survivors include her parents, at home; her grandparents, James and Janice Prior, Peru, and Linda Rusie, Mexico; aunts and uncles, Byron and Mary Beth Fites, Bill and Ann Friend, John and Dana Rusie, Randy and Teresa Pier, Troy and Lisa Prior, Missy and Larry Cripe; one sister,

Alison Rusie, Peru; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, John Rusie.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Mexico Baptist Church, Second and Carroll streets, with Revs. Gary Colby and Francis Kilcline officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Mexico Baptist Church. Flowers–Leedy Funeral Home, Peru, is handling arrangements.

Nina Faye Weir

June 4, 1920 – Jan. 11, 2004

Nina Faye WEIR, 83, Lincoln City, Ore., died Saturday in Lincoln City.

Born in Rochester to Eric Bernard and Mellie Odessa Woodcox Ysberg, she was raised in this area. She married Rudy Weir on March 24, 1976. A housewife and homemaker, she was a member of Burton United Methodist Church near Rochester. She loved flowers, birds and gardening. She was loved by all who knew her. She moved to Lincoln City in 1982.

Survivors include her husband, at home; two daughters, Carol Soles, Carrier, Miss., and Chris Soles, Lincoln City, Ore.; one son, Mike Herrell and wife Roxie, Rochester; one sister, Helen Showley, California; two nieces; one nephew; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Pacific View Memorial Chapel, Lincoln City, Ore. Inurnment will be at Pacific View Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 9 a.m.–noon Thursday at the funeral chapel.

Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Harvey Earl Guyer

Harvey Earl GUYER, 76, 23274 Century Drive, Elkhart, died Monday at Elkhart General Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Diane Guyer; two sons, Randall W. Guyer, Middlebury, Ronald D. Guyer, Elkhart; four daughters, Debra McArthur, Elkhart, Janet Ferro, Elkhart, Barbara Stump, Mishawaka, Jennifer Rudynski, Niles, Mich.; one brother, Delbert Guyer, Sun City, Ariz.; three sisters, Florence Partridge, Rochester, Marjorie Kistler, Indianapolis, Norma Lee Reynolds, Indianapolis. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home & Crematory, Elkhart. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

John C. Pontius

July 4, 1928-Jan. 13, 2004

John C. PONTIUS, 75, 1708 S. 500 East, Rochester, passed away at 6:37 a.m. Tuesday at Life Care Center, Rochester.

Born in Akron to Clyde and Bernice Squires Pontius, he married Opal Stahl in Macy on Nov. 28, 1953. He retired from the former Sealed Power Corp., Rochester.

Survivors include his wife, Opal Pontius, Rochester; one son, Robert Dean Pontius, Elkhart; and one sister, Gloria “Dolly” and husband Bill Eaton, Rochester. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Glendon Hancock and Grace Gagnon.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. Robert Rensberger officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the donor’s charity of choice.
Pauline Prible

Aug. 9, 1918-Jan. 10, 2004

Pauline PRIBLE, 85, 1921 Boulevard St., Rochester, and formerly of Peru, died at 4 p.m. Saturday at her home.

Born in Frankfort to Carl and Marie Hutchison Brittain, she moved to Peru at age 3. She graduated from Peru High School in 1936. She married Thomas W. Murden on Nov. 15, 1939. He preceded her in death Feb. 26, 1970. She married Paul H. Prible on June 16, 1973. He preceded her in death Aug. 14, 2001. She was a secretary at Peru Junior High School for eight years, retiring in 1976. After retirement, she moved to Lake Manitou. She and her husband Paul spent 23 winters in Bradenton, Fla.

She was a member of First Christian Church, Rochester, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, Phi Delta Kappa Ladies and Ruth Dorcas Circle of First Christian Church.

Survivors include one stepson, Dr. C. Ray Prible and wife Linda, Virginia Beach, Va.; four stepgrandchildren, William P. Prible, Amy Prible, Jonathan Prible and Joshua Prible; two nephews, Jay Seiler and wife Mary Ann, Kokomo, and Toby J. Seiler and wife Christina, Rochester; three nieces, Sindy and husband David Zirkle, Bloomfield, Joanie and husband Jeff Sackett, Lewisville, Texas, Carolyn Seiler, widow of nephew Kenneth Seiler, Peru; one brother-in-law, Toby Seiler Jr., Rochester; 10 great-nieces and nephews including Jon, Caty and Ali Seiler, Rochester; and one great-great-niece. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Marie Murden, one sister, Betty Seiler and one nephew, Kenneth Seiler.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 Main St., Peru, with Pastor Woody Slade officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, Rochester.

Russell Stonebraker

Nov. 9, 1942-Jan. 12, 2004

Russell STONEBRAKER, 61, 1016 Wabash Ave., Rochester, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Monday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Born in Kokomo to Gale and Pauline Doolittle Stonebraker, he married Linda Brown in Ocala, Fla., on Jan. 13, 1990. She survives. A retired upholsterer and member of Manitou Moose Lodge and Walton American Legion, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his wife, at home; three sons, Brian Robert Stonebraker and wife Marilyn, Kokomo, Scott Russell Stonebraker and wife Shanna, Cutler, and Chris Wayne Stonebraker and wife, Candy, Kokomo; two daughters, April and husband Bob Marley, Kokomo, and Donna Durham, Auburndale, Fla.; one sister, Ruth Cantu, Bunker Hill; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His parents and two grandsons preceded him in death.

There will be no funeral service. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Friday at the home of Linda Stonebraker. Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Thursday, January 15, 2004

Richard Francis Krol

Richard Francis KROL, 51, 3107 Barrett Road, Rochester, passed away at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday at his home. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.
Caroline McCrosky

Caroline McCROSKY, 86, 1652 W. 500 South, Rochester, passed away today at Logansport Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton.

Nicky Joe Rudd

Dec. 25, 1950.-Jan. 14, 2004

Nicky Joe RUDD, 53, Milford, Del., died Wednesday at home.

Born in Rochester to Charles L. and Jannavee Patton Rudd Jr., he retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1990. He began a career as an assistant manager for Food Lion stores in several Delaware locations before becoming disabled in 2003.

He was a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge. He coached girls softball with the Milford Little League, was active with the Milford High School Cross Country Booster Club and helped with the Milford Magic softball team of the American Softball Association League. He enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, NASCAR racing and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife of 28 years, Mary R.C. Rudd; one son, Andrew R. Rudd, Fort Walton, Fla.; two daughters, Melody and husband Michael Day, New Castle, Del., and Heather Rudd, Milford; and two brothers, Robert Rudd and Roy Gene Rudd, both of Rochester.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Interment with military honors will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear, Del. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blood Bank of Delaware/Eastern Shore, 100 Hygeia Dr. Newark, DE 19713-2085.

Mary Catherine Weaver

Mary Catherine WEAVER, 93, Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver, and formerly of Rochester, died Wednesday at Miller’s Merry Manor. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Friday, January 16, 2004

Richard Francis Krol

March 5, 1952-Jan. 14, 2003

Richard Francis KROL, 51, 3107 Barrett Road, Rochester, passed away at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday at his Lake Manitou residence in the loving care of his wife and brother following a battle with cancer.

Born at the Jackson Park Hospital, Chicago, to Francis Richard “Frank” & Olga Julia Marolt Krol, he lived in the Rochester area for the past 15 years after moving from Chicago. On Oct. 22, 1977, in Chicago Heights, Ill., he married Janet Renelle DeVries. Their marriage was sealed for time and eternity in the Washington, D.C., Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 22, 1981.

Richard was a service specialist for Northern Indiana Public Service Co. for the past 15 years. He worked in utility services for more than 29 years. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Logansport, and the United Steel Workers Union (USWA), Local 12775, Portage, he took great pride and enjoyed working in his beautiful yard and home on Lake Manitou. He was an avid baseball fan and loved his dog and three cats, especially his cat, “Scooter.”

Survivors include his wife, Janet Renelle Krol, at home; one daughter, Julia Ruth Krol, Utah State University, Logan, Utah; one brother, Gary Krol and wife Debby, Romeoville, Ill., and their sons, Jacob Krol and Josh Bindgen; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. 6th Street, Rochester, with Bishop Joseph Hintz officiating. Interment will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester, following his services. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in his name to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Missionary Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mary Catherine Weaver

Sept. 2, 1910-Jan. 14, 2004

Mary Catherine WEAVER, 93, formerly of Gary and Rochester, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, January 14, in Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver.

She was born September 2, 1910, to James T. & Mary L. (Scanlon) Considine. After graduating from Emerson High School in Gary in 1929, she married Earl L. “Buck” Weaver, who died on March 21, 1991, after 62 years of marriage.

Mary Cath was also preceded in death by two sons, Richard J. in 1935, and Earl J. “Jim” in 2000. Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Margaret “Peg” Snyder and Rosemary Schenher; along with three brothers, Leonard, James and Raymond Considine.

Mary Cath leaves behind one daughter, Judy Lewis of Portland, Oregon, and three sons, Bob (Nancy) of Rochester; John (Marge) of Fernandina Beach, Florida; and Tom Weaver of Flagstaff, Arizona. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren along with four nieces and two nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1300 Main St., Rochester. Officiating will be Father Joseph E. Jacob, Pastor. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for a future suitable memorial, which will be donated in Mary Cath's name. A celebration of Mary Cath's life will be held for family and friends at the St. Joseph Parish Hall immediately following the funeral. Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana, has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Caroline McCrosky

Caroline McCROSKY, 86, 1652 W. 500 South, Rochester, died at 8:35 a.m. Thursday at Logansport Memorial Hospital. Survivors include several great-nieces and nephews. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Saturday, January 17, 2004

Elizabeth Ann Day

Devin Lee Day

Elizabeth Ann DAY, twin-daughter of David and Julie Easterday Day, 17225 Shadoan Way, Westfield, died at 11:24 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Carmel.

Devin Lee Day, twin-son of David and Julie Easterday Day, 17225 Shadoan Way, Westfield, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Carmel. Arrangements are

pending at Bonine Funeral Home, Culver.

Richard Francis Krol

March 5, 1952-Jan. 14, 2004

Richard Francis KROL, 51, 3107 Barrett Road, Rochester, passed away at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday at his Lake Manitou residence in the loving care of his wife and brother following a battle with cancer.

Nov. 12, 1915-Jan. 16, 2004

Mary Ann Overmyer

Ira Virdell Overmyer

Feb. 17, 1911-Jan. 11, 2004

Mary Ann OVERMYER, 88, died Friday. Ira Virdell OVERMYER, 92, died Sunday.

She was born in Fulton. He was born in Kewanna. They lived in Fulton until 1988 when they moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., to be near their children. In November 2003, they moved to the Delta Retirement Center, Lansing, Mich.

They were members of the Fulton Wesleyan Church and attended Honey Creek Church of the Nazarene, Ann Arbor.

A 1933 Fulton High School graduate, she retired from Farmers and Merchants Bank after 21 years of service.

A 1929 graduate of Kewanna High School, he was an owner-operator of several trucks that served local farms by hauling grain and livestock. He was a Star Route mail contractor for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years and served as Fulton clerk-treasurer for 22 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virdell; two brothers, Claude and Clyde; three sisters, Marie Crippen, may Preble and Fern Pownall.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Carl and his wife Mary Alice; and one sister, Edna.

They are survived by one son, Gerry Overmyer and wife Donna, Lansing; one daughter, Suzanne Fraker, Chelsea, Mich.; four grandchildren, Cynthia Sanborn, James Hollingsworth and wife Carrie, Julee and husband Matt Laur and Janette and husband Bob Twenter; eight great-grandchildren; and Mary’s sister, Ruth Mead, Midland.

Services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing, Mich., with Dr. Harold DeMott of the South Church of the Nazarene officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Interment service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Fulton Cemetery, Fulton. Memorials may be made to the Gideon’s Society or Heartland Hospice.

Monday, January 19, 2004

Bertha M. Engle Bennett

May 21, 1913-Jan.16, 2004

Bertha M. ENGLE BENNETT, 90, Highland, died Friday. Born in Akron, she had lived in Highland since 1941. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America.

Survivors include two sons, William Hershel and wife Sandra Bennett, Hammond, and Robert Lee and wife Lanan Bennett, St. Petersburg, Fla.; six grandchildren, Lynn and husband Jeffrey Kapp, William D. and James R. Bennett, John R., Robert L. and Brooke L. Bennett; kind caregiver Boyka; and good friend, Lillian Hurst. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, William Henry Bennett, and two brothers, Ronald and George Engle.

Services were at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 2828 Highway Avenue, Highland. Graveside services were at 1 p.m. today at Akron Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

E. Michael Ball

E. Michael BALL, 66, Muncie, died Jan. 7 at his home. Survivors include one daughter, Cheri Lin Ball, Weed, Calif.; two sons, R. Patrick Ball, Frankfort, and E. Michael Ball II, Newbury, Ohio; one brother, Robert Ball, Seattle, Wash.; and three sisters, Mary Cook, Cicero, Margret Cooney, Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Melinda Harlow, Indianapolis. Services were at 11 a.m. today at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Montpelier. Glancy Funeral Homes-Walker Chapel, Montpelier, was in charge of arrangements.

Devin Lee Day

Elizabeth Ann Day

Jan. 15, 2004-Jan. 15, 2004

Devin Lee and Elizabeth Ann DAY, infant twins of David L. and Julie A. Easterday Day, 17225 Shadoan Way, Westfield, died at birth Thursday at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Carmel.

In addition to their loving parents, they are survived by maternal grandparents, Gregory O., DDS, and Karen S. Easterday, Culver; paternal grandparents, Fred and Nancy Day, Leiters Ford; maternal great-grandfather, Fred Banks, Culver, paternal great-grandmother, Georgia Day, Arcadia; and paternal great-grandfather, Gale Young, Sheridan.

Graveside services were at 10:30 a.m. today at Zion Cemetery, Culver, with the Rev. Robert Metzger officiating. There was no visitation. Interment followed at the cemetery. Bonine Funeral Home, Culver, handled the arrangements. Letters of condolence to the family may be sent via www.boninefh.com.

Jay L. Hood

July 8, 1926-Jan. 18, 2004

Jay L. HOOD, 77, Kewanna, died at 8:20 a.m. Sunday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver.

Born in Pulaski County to George C. and Sarah E. Hahn Hood, he graduated from Star City High School in 1944. A retired blacksmith, he had a shop at Lake Bruce from 1958-1996. He was a 50-year member of Winamac Lodge No. 262 F. & A.M., Winamac. He loved to fly and had earned his pilot’s license and purchased his own airplane. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in Germany during World War II.

Survivors include two brothers, Kenneth K. Hood, Rochester, Cecil R. Hood, Kewanna; two sisters, Gertrude J. Spoor, Culver, and Ruth J. DePoy, Plymouth; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, with the Rev. Linda Craig officiating. Burial will be at Star City Cemetery West at a later date. Friends may call one hour prior to his services.

Mearlie Manuwal

June 16, 1911-Jan. 17, 2004

Mearlie MANUWAL, 15771 14th Rd., Plymouth, a lifetime Plymouth resident, died of natural causes at 5:26 p.m. Saturday at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.

Mearlie, 92, had lived with her son, Dale and his wife, Carolyn, since June of 2000.

Born in Plymouth, the daughter of Reuben and Emily Singleton McKesson, she attended Plymouth schools. On March 18, 1928, in Plymouth, Myrl G. Manuwal and Mearlie were married. Myrl died on July 23, 1990.

A homemaker, she enjoyed most of all, being with her family. She loved to sew and usually had a needle and thread in her hand. She made many quilts, lap robes, pot holders and other useful and decorative items.

When she was younger, she enjoyed hunting mushrooms. She made numerous bus trips across the United States and liked watching golf on T.V. Her favorite game was Rumicube and she was a fan of Southern Gospel music.

Mearlie is survived by two sons, Fred and Brenda Manuwal, Rochester, and Dale and Carolyn Manuwal, Plymouth; seven grandchildren, Tim and Janet Manuwal, Elizabeth and Joe Bottorff, Barb and Garry Hartman, Denny and Mary Manuwal, Karen Woods, Mary Manuwal, all of Plymouth; and Vicki Manuwal, Indianapolis; 15 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Mearlie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Myrl, six sisters, one brother, one grandson, James Lee Manuwal, and one great-great-grandson, Devin Cole Manuwal.

A celebration of her life will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services for Mearlie will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rev. Rick Gaul, pastor of the Open Bible Church where she attended services, will officiate. Interment will be at New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.johnson-danielson.com

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Howard D. Fred

Howard D. FRED, 81, 403 Pontiac St., Rochester, died at 6:37 a.m. today at Harborside Health Care, New Lebanon, Ohio. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

John H. ‘Jack’ Ponsonby Sr.

Aug. 17, 1925-Jan. 18, 2004

John H. “Jack” PONSONBY Sr., 78, 859 Bobtail Court, Peru, died at 11:40 p.m. Sunday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Peru.

Born in Wilkes Barre, Pa., to John and Eleanor Nave Ponsonby, he married Joan E. Alspach in 1952. She preceded him in death. A salesman, he retired from Noland Inc.

He was a member of the VFW, Moose and enjoyed fishing and reading. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include seven children, John Ponsonby Jr. and wife Karen, Acton, Maine; Jeanne Duffey and Nelson Owens, Mexico; Jim Ponsonby and wife Lana, Windsor, Va.; Joy and husband Dave Goller, Macy; Jeff Ponsonby and Lynn Todd, Springfield, Ill.; Julie and husband Dave Harris, Macy; JoAnne and husband Rod Middaugh, Wabash; and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson and one granddaughter.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru, with the Rev. Steve Fleck officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Robert Roy ‘Doc’ Davis

Robert Roy “Doc” DAVIS, 62, Nashville, Tenn., died Sunday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville.

Born in Logansport, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

He is survived by his beloved companion, Jean; his children, Kerry Davis Bourne, Clarksville, Tenn., Robert Roy Davis III, Clarksville, Tenn., Beverly Hutchison, Ogden, Utah, Sheila Batson, Lynchburg, Tenn., Cindy Richardson, Winter Haven, Fla., Vicki Batson, South Bend; his mother, Francelia Davis, Plymouth; four sisters, Bessie Crain, Burlington, Karen Sue Sutton, Plymouth, Janet Platt, Lakeland, Fla., Joan McCloske, Kokomo; one brother, Wayne Davis; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Roy Davis Sr., one daughter, Angelina Davis Shephard, and two brothers, Merle L. and Richard D. Davis.

A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chapel of Roses, Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The funeral home may be contacted at 615-383-4754.

Howard D. Fred

May 15, 1922-Jan. 20, 2004

Howard D. FRED, 81, 403 Pontiac St., Rochester, passed away at 6:37 a.m. Tuesday at Harborside Health Care Center, New Lebanon, Ohio.

Born in Fulton, the son of Cecil H. and Edith May Reed Fred, he married Marjorie Downs in Rochester on Jan. 8, 1946. She preceded him in death on Sept. 30, 2001.

Mr. Fred was a livestock buyer, part owner of Parrott Packing Co. in Fort Wayne and sold vehicles for Rochester Ford-Lincoln-Mercury for many years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge and Disabled American Veterans.

Survivors include his three daughters, Kathie Stevens, Rebecca “Becky” E. Savage, both

of Richmond, Diane Fred, South Bend; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty and husband Raymond Gottschalk and Barbara and husband Jack Helvie, all of Logansport. He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester, where Rochester American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will conduct military graveside rites. Memorials may be made to the Rochester High School Scholarship Fund or the Fulton County Historical Society

Emma Grace Jackson

June 28, 1929-Jan. 20, 2004

Emma Grace JACKSON, 74, 1511 S. 1275 East, Akron, died at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at her home following an illness. She had been failing in health since September 2003.

Born in Magoffin County, Ky., to Ben and Emily Marshall Jackson, she had lived in the Akron community for the past 47 years. She married Earl Jackson in Warsaw on Dec. 31, 1948. He preceded her in death on May 12, 1997.

A homemaker, she had also worked as a grinder for Rochester Metal Products, Rochester, retiring in 1992. Prior to that time, she worked for Blue Belle Clothiers, Warsaw. She was a member of the House of Prayer Church, Akron.

Survivors include one daughter, Brenda and husband Jerry Honeycutt, Akron; two sons, Ronnie Jackson, Tippecanoe, and Garrett Jackson, Roann; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; one brother Alger Jackson and wife Angie, Mentone; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter, Linda Purvis, one grandson, Martin Scott Purvis, and three brothers.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the House of Prayer Church, 15102 E. 300 South, Akron, with Pastor Danny Honeycutt officiating. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 808 E. Rochester St., Akron, and one hour prior to her services Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice or the House of Prayer Church.

Albert E. Safford

April 3, 1922-Jan. 17, 2004

Mr. Albert E. SAFFORD, Indianapolis, passed away Saturday. He was 81 years old, having been born on April 3, 1922, to Charles and Louise Fellows Safford of rural Rochester.

Mr. Safford was a long-time violinist for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Starlight Musicals and the Scottish Rite Orchestra. He traveled with the Henry Mancini Orchestra and the Dick Hayman Orchestra. He was a lifetime member of Musicians Local No. 3 A.F. of M. and was the piano tuner for Butler University for several years. He was on leave of absence from International Parts Warehouse where he worked during his retirement years.

Mr. Safford was an avid fisherman and passed on that love to many youngsters with his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. A deacon at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, Mr. Safford also contributed to the church’s musical offerings at Christmas time.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia F. (McMillan) Safford; one son, Charles Safford; one daughter, Denise Safford; two granddaughters, Katie and Chrissie Winn; two sisters, Charlene Bailey, Ft. Collins, Colo., and Christine Doke King, Naples, Fla.; as well as several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Walter B. Safford, Akron, and Donald E. Safford Sr., Park Forest, Ill., preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral

CenterBroad Ripple, 1305 E. Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army. www.flannerbuchanan.com

Thursday, January 22, 2004

Mildred Berniece Eshelman

July 25, 1910-Jan. 22, 2004

Former Miami County resident Mildred Berniece ESHELMAN, 93, died at 5:30 a.m. today at Peabody Retirement Community.

Born in Miami County to William E. and Sarah Olive Lewis Chichester, she married Walter A. Eshelman on Dec. 25, 1932. He died Oct. 13, 1987. Mildred was a homemaker and member of Parkview United Methodist Church, Peru. She formerly attended the Macy United Methodist Church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women and belonged to the Hope Circle.

A 1928 Bunker Hill High School graduate, Mildred lived most of her life in the Pipe Creek and Allen townships of Miami County. Mildred was the last of a family of four.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn and Clarence Chichester, and one sister, Mary Ethel Foust. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Peabody Retirement Community Chapel, North Manchester, with Rev. Norman McBride officiating. Burial will be at Springdale Cemetery, Bunker Hill. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Friday at McClain Funeral Home, 3500 W. Indiana 16, Denver, and one hour prior to her service Saturday at the chapel.

Grace B. Gochenour

Grace B. Gochenour, 93, 600 W. Oakhill Ave., Plymouth, and formerly of Argos, died Wednesday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Murray, Whiting, and Cheryl Stephenson, Etna Green; and one sister, Aleene Adams, Mentone. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to services at the funeral home Friday January 23, 2004

Rafael D. Lopez

March 29, 1930-Jan. 21, 2004

Rafael D. LOPEZ, 73, 1315 N. Mexico Road, Peru, died at 5:03 p.m. Wednesday at Dukes Continuing Care Center, Peru.

Born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, to Juan B. and Luisa Palacios Lopez, he married Hilda C. Leyva in Cienfuegos on Sept. 16, 1950. With help from the CIA and Cuba’s Columbian Ambassador, he escaped from Cuba arriving in Key Marathon, Fla., on July 20, 1961. He owned and operated Apollo Vending, Peru, since 1971. He was involved in his community and often shared how fortunate people were to live in such a wonderful country.

A member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Peru Rotary Club, National Automatic Merchandising Association and Knights of Columbus and an active supporter of the Salvation Army, he became a naturalized citizen on March 23, 1982.

Survivors include his wife, Hilda Lopez, Peru; two sons, Ralph I. Lopez, Peru, and Armando E. Lopez and wife Gina, Peru; one daughter, Hilda and husband Rick Lennon, Peru; one sister, Maria C. Lopez, Cienfuegos, Cuba; one brother-in-law, Jesus L. Pernas, Mexico City, Mexico; one sister-in-law, Adelfa Lopez, Anderson; his grandchildren, Eddie Lopez and wife

Michelle, Jason Walker, Matthew Lopez, Lyndi Cook, April Lopez, Jolene Lopez, Tony Lopez, Jordan Cook, Francene Lopez and Taylor Cook; his great-grandchildren, Hanna Lopez and Haley Lopez. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Juan P. Lopez and Felipe A. Lopez, and his sisters, Lourdes Lopez and Maria Del Carmen Pernas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Charles Catholic Church, with the Rev. Francis I. Kilcline III officiating. Burial will be at St. Charles Cemetery, Peru. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, Peru. There will be a prayer service at 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

William S. ‘Stan’ Scott

Aug. 13, 1935-Jan. 22, 2004

William S. “Stan” SCOTT, 68, 7265 W. 800 South, Claypool, died at 5:23 p.m. Thursday at Mason Health Care, Warsaw. He had resided at Mason Health Care for 2 1/2 year.

Born in Kosciusko County to Leo F. and Elizabeth E. Jamison Scott, he was a lifetime Claypool area resident. On Dec. 1, 1956, he married Phyllis J. Krichbaum. She died Dec. 8, 2000. He worked for R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co., Warsaw, for 25 years. He had also been a farmer. He enjoyed raising and showing sheep as well as other livestock.

Survivors include two daughters, Lana and husband Larry Hunter, Akron, Jennifer and husband Dan Jones, Claypool; one son, Mitchell Scott, Claypool; six grandchildren, Dustin Hunter, Jill Honeycutt, Bret Hunter, Tara Scott, Sarah Jones and Hannah Jones; three great-grandchildren, Kayla and Madelynn Hunter and Jace Honeycutt; and one brother, John Scott and wife Shirley, Milton, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Phyllis.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastor Ronald Purkey officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Claypool. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice of Fulton County.

Saturday, January 24, 2004

Clifford Baker

Clifford BAKER, 80, 4319 S., 800 W., Mentone, died Friday at his residence. Arrangements are pending at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Melody A. ‘Shuey’ Perez

March 8, 1946 - Jan. 23, 2004

Melody Ann ‘Shuey’ PEREZ, 57, 429 E. 12th St., Rochester, died at 12:00 a.m., Friday at South Bend Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

She had been in failing health for the past year. She was born March 8, 1946 in Peru to Samuel Wayne and Esther Arementrout Shuey. On Dec. 22, 1970 in Rochester, she married Francisco Perez, Sr. She had been a registered dietian in Texas for 15 years and she had been an employee of Kralis Brothers Foods, Mentone for 15 years and she had most recently been a supervisor at Quick Clean Laundry Mat, Rochester until she became ill. She had attended the First Church of God, Rochester for a number of years.

Survivors include her husband at home; one son, Francisco ‘Chico’ Perez, at home; five sisters, Carolyn Sue Griffis, Bourbon; Sandra Watts, Owensboro, Ky., Tami Mounsey and husband Greg, Centerville; Pequitti Montelongo and companion Edward Rodrigeuz and Robin

Kelly and husband John all of Rochester and three brothers, Gary Shuey and wife Kathy, Rochester; Martin Shuey and wife Sue, Renneslear and Rex Shuey and wife Terry, Italy. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and three brothers. Services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 10:00 a.m. at Foster and Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Jerry Pitman officiating. Burial will take place at Citizens Cemetery, Rochester. Friends may call one hour prior to services on Wednesday.

Monday, January 26, 2004

Clifford F. Baker

July 9, 1923 – Jan. 23, 2004

Clifford F. BAKER, 80, 4319 S. 800 West, Mentone, died Friday at his home.

Born in Claypool to Edward and Clara Ulrey Baker, he was a lifetime Kosciusko County resident. He worked for the Kosciusko County Highway Department and at the hardware store in Mentone. He was a farmer in earlier years.

He was a World War II Navy veteran and member of American Legion Post No. 49, Warsaw.

Survivors include one sister, Mary (Igo) Bowers and husband John, Edwardsville, Mich., and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death with his parents were one sister, Berniece VanCuren, and one brother, Guy Baker.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at King Memorial Home, Mentone, with the Rev. Don Poyser officiating. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Mentone EMS.

Winifred Irene (Davis) Fuqua

April 24, 1914-Jan. 24, 2004

Winifred Irene (Davis) FUQUA, 89, Fortville, died at 6:49 p.m. Saturday at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

Born in Fortville to Fred and Lois Roudebush Davis, she married Lloyd Fuqua in Fortville on Nov. 8, 1936.

Survivors include her children, Gayle and husband Tom Landis, Rochester, Brenda and husband David Ayers, Fortville, Loisanne and husband Bob Williams, Bedford, John Fuqua and wife Vickey, Noblesville; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Fuqua, in 1992; parents; sister Charlotte Mitchell; brothers Forrest and Robert Davis and grandson Scott Linville.

She was a member of Fortville Christian Church and Psi Iota Xi sorority. She was a dental asistant for Dr. Byron Deakyne, retiring in 1976 after 30 years of service.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Fortville Christian Church with the Rev. Jon Vance of Fortville Christian Church officiating. Burial will be at Gravel Lawn Cemetery, Fortville. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Brother Edward J. McCourt

Brother Edward J. McCOURT, 90, Mt. Angel Abbey, St. Benedict, Ore., died Saturday. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Mt. Angel Abbey. Unger Funeral Home, Silverton, Ore., is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Reynolds

Donald REYNOLDS, 78, 330 W. 11th St., Rochester, died at 4:07 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

James W. Schrimsher

James W. SCHRIMSHER, 55, 9924 S. 475 West, Kewanna, died Saturday at his home. Survivors include his wife, Lona Schrimsher, at home; his father, Wesley Schrimsher, Logansport; one daughter, Erica Bailey, Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Alice Kersey, Logansport; and one brother, Kenneth Kersey, Logansport. Memorial services will be at a later date. Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton, is in charge of arrangements.

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Judith Jeanne Levy

Judith Jeanne LEVY, 71, formerly of Logansport and Rochester, died Saturday at her South Bend home. Survivors include her children, Jeff Russell, Mishawaka, Steve Russell, Rochester, Becky Dancy, Rochester, Melvin Russell, Lakeville, David Russell, Mishawaka, and Claudia Russell, San Diego, Calif. Palmer Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements. A private service will follow at a later date.

Lucinda ‘Cindy’ S. Cutshaw

Aug. 16, 1942-Jan. 10, 2004

Born Aug. 16, 1942, in Rochester, Lucinda “Cindy” S. Cutshaw, Boise, Idaho, went to be with our Father in heaven on Jan. 10, 2004, after a short illness.

Cindy was the eldest of three daughters of William Earl and Ida Katherine “Ike” Carr CUTSHAW. Cindy was a registered nurse at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise. She was well respected and loved by her patients and fellow staff members. She worked her whole career on Medical 2 East, which is now 5 South.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Allen “Butch” Raiser, Pinconning, Mich.; her sister, Billie Adamson, Boise, Idaho; her niece and nephew, Twanette and Jay Raiser, Charlotte, N.C.; her niece and nephew, Lucinda and William Adamson, Boise, Idaho; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service was held at St. Al’s in the McCleary Auditorium at 3 p.m. Jan. 16. Memorials may be made to an educational fund for Lucinda and William Adamson at U.S. Bank, 8534 Franklin Road, Boise, ID 83709, Account No. 153352070152 or to the donor’s charity of choice.

Donald E. Reynolds

Dec. 7, 1925-Jan. 24, 2004

Donald E. REYNOLDS, 78, 330 W. 11th St., Rochester, was pronounced dead at 4:07 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital Emergency Room shortly after arrival, following a sudden illness suffered at his home.

Born Dec. 7, 1925, in Miami County, as the son of Boice and Maude Armentrout Reynolds, he resided in the Rochester community the past 50 years, coming here from Miami County. He married Bette June Miller in Rochester on Dec. 20, 1953.

He retired from the Norfolk & Southern Railroad, Peru, in 1986. He had been employed as a railroader for more than 30 years, first as a switchman and later as a brakeman. He was a lifetime member of the United Transportation Union, Peru. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

His hobbies included walking and caring for his dog and collecting miniature NASCAR race cars. He also loved watching NASCAR races and Indiana University basketball games on the television. The real light of his life was the time spent supporting and caring for his grandchildren through their various school activities and sports.

He is survived by his wife, Bette J. Reynolds, at home; one daughter, Deborah S. Wilson and husband Tim, Kewanna; three sons, Dana E. and wife Nona E., Logansport, Linn and wife Beth, Monterey, and Mark A., Rochester; eight grandchildren, Heather, Erik, Tiffany and Bryce Reynolds, Monterey, Joshua Reynolds, Austin, Texas, Amber Reynolds, Rochester, and Kaylee and Taylor Wilson, Kewanna. Nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Betty Thomas, and one brother, Russell Reynolds.

Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St. with Pastor Buck Padilla officiating. Interment will be at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Family and friends may call one hour prior to his service in the funeral home on Saturday. His family requests that memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36 and Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct military honors at the funeral home following his service.

Wednesday, January 28, 2004

Frederick ‘Fred’ D. Crispen

Jan. 7, 1935-Jan. 27, 2004

Frederick “Fred” D. CRISPEN, 69, 3982 E. 750 South, Macy, died at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday at his home following an illness. He had been failing in health for four years.

Born in Fulton County near Macy to Francis W. and Burnice Enyart Crispen, he resided in the Macy area most of his life. He married Ramona M. Phillips in La Crosse, Wisc., on April 21, 1956. She survives, at home.

He was a 1954 graduate of Macy High School where he was a standout on the basketball team. He was a former employee of W.C. Redmans & Sons Corp., Peru, where he worked in the maintenance department for 25 years. He later worked as a material handler and setup-man for Olin Corp., formerly United Technologies, currently the Lear Corp., Peru, for 16 years until retiring in 2001.

Survivors include his wife, Ramona M. Crispen, at home; two daughters, Louise and husband Bill Kaiser, Oconomowoc, Wisc., and Judy Yates and friend Kenny Jones, Peru; three sons, Steven Crispen, Macy, Rodney Crispen, Akron, and Michael A. Crispen, Macy; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his mother, Burnice Crispen, Macy; one brother, Ben Crispen and wife Jeanine, Macy; one sister-in-law, Ann Crispen Miller and husband George, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Francis W. Crispen, and one brother, Francis Lee Crispen in 1985.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with Pastor Lawrence See officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to his service Saturday at the funeral home.
Martha L. Paull

Martha L. PAULL, 68, 309 S. Logan St., Kewanna, died Monday at Lafayette Home Hospital, Lafayette. Survivors include four daughters, Susan Starr, Groton, Conn., Lillian Barnes, Groton, Conn., Deborah Metcalf, Monroe, Mich., and Vanesse Fort, Kewanna; one son, Charles Taylor III, Uncasville, Conn.; two brothers, James E. Atkinson, Virginia, and Robert Atkinson, Virginia; and one sister, Mildred Palardy, Ledyard, Conn. Services and final disposition will be at a later date.

Wilma M. Thomas

Wilma M. THOMAS, 79, Grass Creek, died at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. Arrangements are pending at Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna.

Thursday, January 29, 2004

Fern E. Besson

Jan. 15, 1921-Jan. 28, 2004

Fern E. BESSON, 83, 2829 S. 950 West, Mentone, died at 10:17 p.m. Wednesday at her home. She had been critically ill for two weeks.

Born in Fulton County to George and Agnes Hendrickson Rans, she lived in the Mentone area since 1938, coming from Fulton County. She married Everett Besson in Mentone on May 24, 1941. He survives. She was a homemaker and member of First Baptist Church, Mentone, and the Merry Mollys Extension Club.

Survivors include her husband, Everett Besson, Mentone; two daughters, Janet and husband Tom Tucker, Mentone, and Judy Bowerman, West Lafayette; three grandchildren, Jeff Bowerman, West Lafayette, Chris Tucker, Defiance, Ohio, and Julianne Dunnuck, Winona Lake; and one sister, Grace and husband Raymond Lewis, Mentone. She was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at King Memorial Home, Mentone, with Pastor Rodney Ruberg and Dr. Lee Kantenwein officiating. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Scott A. Inglesby

Jan. 31, 1965-Jan. 27, 2004

Scott A. INGLESBY, 38, 661 S. 900 East, Akron, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at his home.

Born Jan. 31, 1965, in Rochester to Dennis and Karen Utter Inglesby, he was self-employed and a 1983 Tippecanoe Valley High School graduate. He served with the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1983 to 1987. He was a member of Fulton County ABATE, Rochester American Legion and Rochester Eagles Lodge.

Survivors include two sons, Brendan and Ryan Inglesby, Chicago; one brother, Keith Inglesby, Chicago; his father and stepmother, Dennis and Margaret Inglesby, Escanaba, Mich.; his paternal grandfather, John Inglesby, Chicago; two sisters, Shelly Inglesby, Kansas, and Karey Putman, Peru; three stepsisters, Michelle Martin, Chicago, Laura and husband Thad Stewart, Rochester, and Kelly and husband Ted Hathaway, Clymers; stepfather, Al Putman, Rochester; and several aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death were his mother in 1979, maternal grandparents and paternal grandmother.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with

the Rev. Gene Personett officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to his service Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Akron Cemetery with full graveside military rites conducted by the Rochester American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

Charles K. Shambarger

Charles K. SHAMBARGER, 68, 1032 Madison St., Bruce Lake, died at 7:49 p.m. Wednesday at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Wilma M. Thomas

Dec. 25, 1924-Jan. 27, 2004

Wilma M. THOMAS, 79, Grass Creek, died at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.

Born Dec. 25, 1924, in Wayne Township of Fulton County to Lester and Irene Johnston Rouch, she married Charles Richard Thomas in Grass Creek on July 2, 1944. He died Jan. 31, 1969. She married Vincent Berwanger on July 14, 1973. He died Feb. 17, 1998.

She was a 1942 Grass Creek High School graduate, 10-year 4-H member and seven-year 4-H leader. She was an active Fulton County Rural Youth member and a 57-year member of Fulton County Extension Homemakers. A charter member of the 20th Century Extension Homemakers Club, she served as club president for 19 years. She was a Fulton County Jane Award recipient and served as county president 1975-77.

An active member of the Fulton County Historical Society who served as board member, bookkeeper and treasurer for 20 years, she remained a board member and frequent volunteer for the organization. She was a member of the Fulton County Genealogy Society, Grass Creek United Methodist Church and Ladies Aid. She liked to travel, embroider and spend time with her family.

Survivors include one son, Charles Richard Thomas Jr. and wife Jan, Brookston; three daughters, Charlene and husband Harold Vote, Evansville, Charlotte Robson, Oxford, and Charla and husband Craig Sparks, Avon; two sisters, Janece Herrold, Kewanna, and Carita Brown, Rochester; one brother, Gerald Rouch, Atlanta; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grass Creek United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ron Vititoe officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday at Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be made to Grass Creek United Methodist Church or Fulton County Historical Society.

Friday, January 30, 2004

G. Maxine Heltzel

Feb. 3, 1910-Jan. 27, 2004

G. Maxine HELTZEL, 93, Fort Pierce, Fla., died Tuesday at her home.

Born in St. Joseph County to Frank and Olive Benedict Voreis, she graduated from Culver High School and Manchester College. She married Marvin Heltzel on June 11, 1939. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2002.

She was a retired teacher and member of Akron United Methodist Church since 1939.

She is survived by two sons, Paul Heltzel, Bloomington, and Allen Heltzel, Akron; one

daughter, Carolyn Parker-Smith, Fort Pierce, Fla.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, R. Rose Voreis, and two brothers, Glenn Voreis and Ralph Voreis.

Services will be Feb. 8 at First United Methodist Church, Fort Pierce, Fla. Burial will be at Hoover Cemetery, Athens, at a later date.

Scott A. Inglesby

Jan. 31, 1965-Jan. 27, 2004

Scott A. INGLESBY, 38, 661 S. 900 East, Akron, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at his home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Gene Personett officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to his service Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Akron Cemetery with full graveside military rites conducted by the Rochester American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

Thurman Wayne ‘Squirt’ Metzger

Thurman Wayne “Squirt” METZGER, 85, 431 E. Nelson Dr., Milford, died Wednesday at Lakeland Health and Rehabilitation Center, Milford. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Metzger, Waubee Lake, Milford; one son, Larry “Mike” Metzger, Atwood; and one daughter, Lisbeth “Kay” DuBois, Akron. Mishler Eastlund Funeral Home, Milford, will conduct private services.

Charles K. Shambarger, Sr.

Oct. 20, 1935-Jan. 28, 2004

Charles K. SHAMBARGER, Sr., 68, 1032 N. Madison St., Kewanna (Bruce Lake), passed away at 7:49 p.m. Wednesday at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac, after suffering an apparent heart attack at his residence. He was a former resident of the Rochester and Macy communities.

He was born on Oct. 20, 1935, in Deedsville, to Lewis J. and Bernice E. Cover Shambarger. He lived most of his life in the Miami and Fulton County areas of Indiana. He was first married on Sept. 1, 1957, in Peru to Carol Crousore. He was later married in February 1980 to Marjorie Joanne Medley Casey. He was the founder of The Bears Den Tavern, currently known as The Den, in Akron, which he operated 1974-1978. He was a district manager for United Parcel Service in Atlanta and Albany, N.Y. He later served as regional manager for Elsons Co., Atlanta, in the Atlanta, Chicago and New York markets. He also had been an over-the-road truck driver for Tandem Trucking, Milwaukee, for a number of years. Most recently, he served the Fulton County

Veterans Service Office as a driver for county veterans.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36 and Lake Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1343, both of Rochester. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge, Logansport. When he wasn’t driving for the veterans, his favorite pastime was investing in stocks and following the stock markets.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Joanne Shambarger, at home; two daughters, Kelly Lebo and husband Gary, Middletown, Ohio, and Lela Nash and husband Gordon, Warsaw; three sons, Chuck K. Shambarger Jr. and wife Robin, Jackson, N.J., Randy L. Shambarger and wife Vita, Rochester, and Skip A. Shambarger, Roann. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Justin C. Shambarger, Jackson, N.J., Lacey and Lucas Skipper, Warsaw, Kayla Ewing, Rochester, Jesilyn Shambarger, Roann, Garrett and Gwendolyn Lebo, Middletown, Ohio, and Jordan Shambarger, Rochester; one stepdaughter, Joanna Lyn Rucker, Rochester; one stepson, Donald David Casey and wife Donna, Delphi; four stepgrandchildren, Travis and Ryan Rucker, Rochester, Steven and Anthony David Casey, Delphi; three sisters, Marjorie DeWitt, Logansport, Ann Miller and husband George, Rochester, and Marilyn Nicodemus, Royal Center; and two brothers, Lewis “Bob” Shambarger and wife Jan, Plymouth, and Herb Shambarger and wife Doris, Laketon. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was one of a family of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. LeRoy Shelton American Legion and Lake Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will conduct military graveside rites. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday and one hour prior to his service Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

Riley S. Shirley

Riley S. SHIRLEY, Annandale, Va., died Wednesday. He was the beloved husband of Marietta Shirley and loving father to his children, Richard Shirley and wife Eleanor, Thomas Shirley and wife Sherry, Keith Shirley and wife Ginger, Anita Gunzelman and husband Ronald, Joseph Shirley and wife Margo, John Shirley, Paul Shirley and wife Wendy, and Diane Cockrum and husband Carl. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8800 Braddock Rd., Annandale, Va. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Murphy’s Falls Church Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St, Falls Church, Va. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Januita Sons Correll

Januita Sons CORRELL, 54, Mexico, died Thursday at St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. Survivors include her husband, Paul Correll, at home; one son, Paul J. Correll II, Indianapolis; one daughter, Melissa K. Arnold; three sisters, Mary Crabtree, Stanton, Ky., Rita Kay Green, Peru, Rosie Southerland, Kokomo; two brothers, Butch Sons, Twelve Mile, and Dave Sons, Peru. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Chapel Church, Peru. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at McClain Funeral Home, 3500 W. Indiana 16, Denver, and one hour prior to service at the church.
Saturday, January 31, 2004

[no obirs]

Monday, February 2, 2004

William Dale Eads

Dec. 24, 1910-Jan. 31, 2004

William Dale EADS, 93, Life Care Center, Rochester, and formerly of 5161 W. 475 North, Rochester, died at 10 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, where he had been a patient for six days. He had been failing in health for one week.

Born in Pekin, Ill., to Leora A. and Clara Belle Woodruff Eads, he lived most of his life in the Fulton County area, coming here from Kokomo in 1948. He married Ruth L. Newton in Kokomo on Feb. 23, 1934. She preceded him in death on May 1, 1993. He retired from the former Sealed Power Corp. in Rochester in 1974. He had also been a farmer for several years in Richland Township of Fulton County where he had resided. He attended Whippoorwill Community Church, Roch-ester.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Bryant, Rochester, and Jane Ann French and husband Don, Rockville; two sons, William and wife Dortha, Rochester, and Richard “Rick” and wife Patricia, Nyona Lake; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one grandson, one great-grandson, two sisters and one brother.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with Pastor Brian Sewell officiating. Burial will be at Richland Center IOOF Cemetery, northwest of Rochester. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to his service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Edna N. Mallers

April 8, 1902-Jan. 31, 2004

Edna N. MALLERS, 101, Christian Care Retirement Community, Bluffton, died at 6:15 a.m. Saturday at her home. She had lived at Christian Care Retirement Community since 1993.

Born in Lima, Ohio, to Ora and Maude Binkley Swaney, she married Charles G. Mallers in Lima on Oct. 3, 1920. He preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 1985. Edna operated Mallers Brothers Theaters Inc., Bluffton, with her husband. She was a charter member of Bluffton Sigma Phi Gamma chapter, a member of First Baptist Church, Bluffton, and Eastern Star. She lived in Wells County since 1927.

Survivors include her children, Mary K. Reilly, Miami, Fla., William C. Mallers, Bass Lake, Jane Pautsch, Rochester, James C. Mallers, Fort Wayne; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Edna was preceded in death by one son, Robert Mallers.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton, with Pastor Bud Abrams of First Baptist Church, Bluffton, officiating. Private family graveside services will be conducted Thursday at Greenlawn Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to her service Thursday. Memorials may be made to Christian Care Retirement Community, First Baptist Church or to the memorial of the donor’s choice.
Donna Von Ulmer

Dec. 15, 1940-Jan. 31, 2004

Donna Von ULMER, 63, 4104 15th Road., Bourbon, died unexpectedly at 11:44 a.m. Saturday at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Fla.

Born in Rochester, Mich., to Burl and Sarah Marquiss Keel, she was an employee at Biomet Inc., Warsaw, and a faithful member of the Tippecanoe Community Church. She loved to sew and crochet. She was a 1960 Rochester (Ind.) High School graduate. Donna married Jerry Lee Ulmer on June 5, 1960. He survives.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Lee Ulmer, at home; one daughter, Kimberly and husband Edward Hickman Jr., Goshen; one son, Jerry Leon Ulmer, Etna Green; six grandchildren; and one sister, Patty and husband Jim Towne, Rochester. She was preceded in death by her son, Rodney L., in 1988, and her brother, Burl Keel Jr.

Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. Wednesday at Deaton Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon, and one hour prior to service at the church Thursday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Tippecanoe Community Church with Pastor Kenneth Todd officiating. Burial will follow in the Etna Green Cemetery, Etna Green. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Deaton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth F. Yoder

April 28, 1915-Jan. 31, 2004

Kenneth F. YODER, 88, 2965 S. 1075 East, Akron, died Saturday morning at his residence.

Born in Miami County to Benjamin and Hettie Yike Yoder, he married Florence S. Anderson in Royal Center on March 26, 1967. She died Oct. 13, 1999. He was a farmer and also worked at Pike Lumber Co., Akron, retiring in 1993.

Several nieces and nephews survive.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Terry Canfield officiating. Burial will be at Cline Cemetery, Royal Center. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 3, 2004

[no obits]

Wednesday, February 4, 2004

[no obits]

Thursday, February 5, 2004

Ann Benzing

Ann BENZING, 58, 512 E. Eighth St., Rochester, died at 7 a.m. today at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Charles Andrew Nufer

Charles Andrew NUFER, 59, 1813 S. 225 East, Winamac, died Tuesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Survivors include his wife, Lynn H. Nufer, Winamac; two sons, Bret J. Nufer, Lafayette, and Scott P. Nufer, Bass Lake; one daughter, Jessika M. Nufer, Winamac; and two sisters, Jane Vogel, Lafayette, and Theresa Yankowy, Tatamy, Penn.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. until the service Saturday at Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Lola Jewell Severns

Mrs. Lola Jewell SEVERNS, 95, formerly of 505 W. Third St., Rochester, died Wednesday at Life Care Center, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Friday, February 6, 2004

Charlotte Ann Benzing

Dec. 3, 1945-Feb. 5, 2004

Charlotte Ann BENZING, 58, 512 E. Eighth St., Rochester, died at 7 a.m. Thursday at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, where she had been a patient for four months.

Born in Warsaw to Estel and Catherine Towne Crall, she resided most of her life in Fulton County. She married Norman L. Benzing Sr. on Sept. 30, 1962, at the Akron Church of God. Employed at Moore Business Forms for 17 years, she volunteered at Fulton County Historical Society. She was the caregiver for her mother in her home and loved motorcycle riding, fishing and researching geneology.

Survivors include her husband, Norman L. Benzing Sr., at home; her mother, Catherine Crall, Rochester; three sons, David Benzing and wife Brenda, Rochester, Norman L. Benzing Jr. and wife Kim, Rochester, and Michael Benzing and wife Traci, Rochester; three sisters, Barbara Claxton, Warsaw, Sue and husband Laddie Helser, Warsaw, and Diane and husband David Bieganski, Cowelsville, N.Y.; and one brother, Richard Crall and wife Barbara, Rochester. She was preceded in death by her father in March 2000, one infant daughter, two infant sisters and one infant brother.

Services will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. George Hapner officiating. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Ministry Food Pantry, Rochester.

Lola Jewell Severns

Nov. 9, 1909-Feb. 4, 2004

Lola Jewell SEVERNS, 94, formerly of 505 W. Third St., Rochester, died at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday at Life Care Center, Rochester, where she had been a patient.

Born in Starke County to Samuel and Ida Heeter, she lived in the Fulton County area her entire life. She married Marion “Bill” Severns on Feb. 22, 1950, in Rochester. He preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1988. She retired from Public Service of Indiana, now Cinergy. A homemaker, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Rebekah Lodge and a 30-year member of the Neighborly Club.

Survivors include three nieces, Sharon and husband James Cheesman, Rochester, Linda Hogan, Reseda, Calif., and Nancy and husband Jerry Stewart, Michigan City; numerous great nieces and nephews; and one brother-in-law, Frank Livesay, Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Kathleen Campbell and Violet Livesay, and one brother, Johnny Heeter.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Buck Padilla officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. There will be no visitation.

Olive M. Thomas

Jan. 11, 1916-Feb. 5, 2004

Olive M. THOMAS, 88, Wellston, Mich., and formerly of Grass Creek, died at 5:35 a.m. Thursday at Manistee County Medical Care Facility, Manistee, Mich.

Born in Fulton County to Ralph W. and Mae Snyder Emerson, she graduated from Grass Creek High School in 1933. She married Francis L. Thomas in Logansport on April 24, 1936. He preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2002. She was a homemaker and member of Grass Creek United Methodist Church. She worked with her husband on Lions Club and fire department projects. She especially enjoyed Lions Club Thanksgiving and Christmas projects and fish fries. She loved flowers and enjoyed collecting antiques.

Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Webb and husband Charles, Wellston, Mich., and Maebelle Lontz and husband Tom, Lancaster, Penn.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, with Pastor Ron Vititoe officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and one hour prior to her service Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Saturday, February 7, 2004

Donnell S. Ocheskey

Aug. 1, 1942 – Feb. 5, 2004

Donnell S. OCHESKEY, 61, 399 N. 700 East, died at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Roudebush Regional Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient.

Born to Harold and Erline Barries Ocheskey, he lived in the Fulton County area since 1974 when he came here from Fox Lake, Ill.

He was a heavy equipment operator for McMahon O’Conner Construction Company, formerly of Rochester, and later for E. & B. Paving, Rochester. He was a Vietnam War U.S. Navy veteran having served aboard the U.S.S. Surfbird and the U.S.S. Apache. He was a member of the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post #36, the Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1343 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #852, all of Rochester. He had been very active in the VFW where he had served as the Commander of Post #1343 since 1978. He was also a member of the Lake Manitou Moose Lodge #1107.

Survivors include one daughter, Jenny S. Nelson and husband Todd, Burket; one son, Tim D. Doud and wife Misti, Plymouth; two brothers, David Ocheskey and wife Mary Jane, New Haven, Mo., and Glen Ocheskey and wife Janet, Hermann, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Rich Barclay.

Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday or one hour prior to the services in the funeral home. Burial will be at Marion National Veterans Administration Cemetery, Marion. The American Legion and VFW will have charge of military rites. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Monday, February 9, 2004

Guy Eugene Bilby

Guy Eugene BILBY, 67, 423 1/2 E. South D St., Gas City, died at 7:22 p.m. Friday at his residence.

Survivors include his wife, Janelda Bilby, at home; two sons, Robert Bilby, Sharpsville, and Brian Bilby, Marion; six daughters, Debbie Peer, Mesick, Mich., Donna Wallace, Cindy Weaver, Metta Pierce, Jill Flowers and Jeanette Bilby, all of Marion; and two brothers, Butch Bilby, Rochester, and Dan Bilby, Marion.

Services were at 2 p.m. today at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Home, Gas City.

Irene W. Shafer Fenner

Oct. 17, 1911-Feb. 8, 2004

Irene W. Shafer FENNER, 92, 1 EMS B 37 LN 112 S., Warsaw, and formerly of Akron, died at 12:19 p.m. Sunday at her residence.

Born in Kosciusko County to Frank and Emma Secor McCloughan, she married Charles Everett Shafer in Athens, on April 11, 1932. He died Jan. 21, 1983. She married Jack D. Fenner in Silver Lake, on Jan. 4, 1991. He died Aug. 22, 1993. She was a homemaker and a member of Silver Creek Church of God, Silver Lake.

Survivors include one daughter, Betty and husband Edwin Hess, Columbia City; one son, Robert L. Shafer and wife Joyce, Warsaw; one stepdaughter, Jackie and husband Wayne Thomas, South Bend; one stepson, Roger Fenner and wife Toni, Arizona; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Minnie Engle and Elsie Mae Robbins; five brothers, Albert, Maynard, Ben, Alva and John McCloughan; and one great-grandson.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Ross O’Dell officiating. Burial will be at Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, Fort Wayne. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mary A. Harvey

Feb. 7, 1917-Feb. 7, 2004

Mary A. HARVEY, 87, 1109 Rochester Blvd., Rochester, passed away at 3:57 p.m. Saturday at Wynnfield Crossing, where she had been a resident since Jan. 27. Her health had been failing for several months.

Born Feb. 7, 1917, in White County, near Monticello, to Albert and Blanche Hilkert Eisert, she attended school at Royal Center and graduated in 1934. On July 6, 1934, in Crown Point, she married W. Clyde Harvey. They moved to a farm in the Talma-Rochester area in the 1940s. He preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 1997.

Mrs. Harvey worked at a factory in Talma, the Bourbon Trailer Factory, the Argos Trailer Factory and Lau Industries, before retiring in 1979. She attended Riverview Community Church and loved bowling with the senior citizens at Quick’s Lanes, working in her flower garden, crocheting and being with her family and grandchildren. She was a Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching baseball games on television.

Survivors include her two daughters, Ruth Kay and husband Arnold Horn, Rochester, Karen Louise and husband Monty Danielson, Spooner, Wisc.; one son, Gary Clyde Harvey and wife Jackie, Gold Canyon, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Brad Burkett and wife Lynette, Kalamazoo,

Mich., Blake Burkett and wife Kris, Eau Claire, Mich., Kristy Horn and husband Ian Sheeler, Bloomington, Beth Horn and husband Myron D. Cohagan, Rochester, Mary Angela Harvey, Phoenix, Jason Harvey and wife Colleen, Mesa, Ariz.; eight great-grandchildren, Lincoln J. Burkett, Dylan and Conner Burkett, Abby and Evan Cohagan, Justin, Madison and Kaitlyn Harvey; one brother, Bert G. Eisert and wife Lynn, Sparks, Nev.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one sister.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Rod Ruberg officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Memorials may be made to Riverview Community Church.

Robert Henry Horban

Aug. 24, 1923-Feb. 7, 2004

Robert Henry HORBAN, 80, 1421 Pontiac St., Apt. 6, Rochester, died at 5:30 a.m. Saturday at Life Care Center, Rochester, where he had been a patient for one day. His health had been failing for two years.

Born in Chicago to James and Helen Strzyzewski Horban, he lived in the Rochester area since coming from Chicago in 1954. He lived most of his life in Richland Township of Fulton County before moving to Rochester. On July 23, 1955, he married Catherine Henriott at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rochester. She survives.

Together they raised a family and farmed at 3719 N. Old U.S. 31, Rochester, until 1999 when they moved to Rochester. He retired from teaching fourth grade in the Culver Community School system in 1984 with 22 dedicated years of teaching. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rochester. He was a World War II veteran who served on the Island of Saipan in the Pacific theater during the war. His favorite pastimes were traveling, gardening and sharing family activities.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine Laverne Horban, at home; three daughters, Susanna Lozanno, Richmond, Mary Ross and husband Kent, Peru, Angela Miller and husband Russ, Rochester; six sons, John Pratt and wife Nancy, Rochester, Gerald Horban and wife Beth Ann, Elkhart, Blaise Horban and wife Lynne, Chesterton, Andrew Horban and wife Vicki, Rochester, Giles Horban and wife Suzanne, South Bend, Stephen Horban and wife Trish, Rochester; 28 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Andrea Maria Horban on Aug. 23, 1976; three grandchildren; and one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rochester, with Father Joseph Jacob as celebrant. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, and from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home prior to going to the church. A prayer vigil will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will conduct military graveside rites. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities in his memory.
Lyman Edward ‘Bud’ Murphy

Aug. 5, 1921-Feb. 7, 2004

Lyman Edward “Bud” MURPHY, 82, Denver, died at 4:05 p.m. Saturday at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.

Born Aug. 5, 1921, in Wooleytown to Earl and June Woolpert Murphy, he was raised by his stepmother, Ruth Murphy. He was married to Marcella M. Hartish on Nov. 9, 1947, at Chili Methodist Church by the Rev. Harry Richter. She survives.

He was a member of the Chili United Methodist Church, a retired farmer and a trucker who hauled stone and lime. A lifetime resident of Richland Township in Miami County, he enjoyed having coffee at the Denver Cafe with his family and friends. He loved spending time with his dog, Goldie.

Survivors include his wife; one son, David Edward Murphy, Denver; one daughter, June R. Murphy, Mexico; three grandchildren, Melissa Newman, Fishers, Amy Newman and fiance Dean Woodhouse, Denver, Stacey Newman and fiance Ira Wilson, Denver; four great-grandchildren, Jesse Losch, Dakota Woodhouse, Shayna Wilson, Kiele Wilson; one brother, Raymond Murphy and wife Louise, Denver; one sister, Lorraine Moore and husband Jean, Shreveport, La.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother and one sister, Eileen Murphy.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Skinner Worship Chapel, Twelve Mile, with Pastors Tom Robbins and Guy Woodhouse officiating. Burial will be at Chili Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McClain Funeral Home, 3500 W. Indiana 16, Denver, and one hour prior to his service Wednesday at the church.

Donnell F. Ocheskey

Aug. 1, 1942 – Feb. 5, 2004

Donnell F. OCHESKEY, 61, 399 N. 700 East, died at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Roudebush Regional Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient.

Born in Hermann, Mo., to Harold and Erline Baries Ocheskey, he lived in the Fulton County area since 1974 when he came here from Fox Lake, Ill.

He was a heavy equipment operator for McMahon O’Conner Construction Co., formerly of Rochester, and later for E & B Paving, Rochester. He was a Vietnam War U.S. Navy veteran having served aboard the U.S.S. Surfbird and the U.S.S. Apache. He was a member of the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36, Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1343 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 852, all of Rochester. He had been very active in the VFW, where he had served as the Commander of Post No. 1343 since 1978. He was also a member of the Lake Manitou Moose Lodge No. 1107.

Survivors include one daughter, Jenny M. Nelson and husband Todd, Burket; one son, Tim D. Doud and wife Misti, Plymouth; his parents, Harold and Erline Ocheskey, Gerald, Mo.; two brothers, David Ocheskey and wife Mary Jane, New Haven, Mo., and Glen Ocheskey and wife Janet, Hermann, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Rich Barclay.

Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today or one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Marion National Veterans Administration Cemetery, Marion. The American Legion and VFW posts will conduct military rites. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Austen O. Scott

Aug. 14, 2002-Feb. 6, 2004

Austen O. SCOTT, 18 months old, Logansport, died at 5:35 a.m. Friday at Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis.

He was born Aug. 14, 2002, in Logansport, to Daniel Scott and Samantha Biddle, who survive in Logansport.

He is also survived by maternal grandparents, Steve and Dawn Biddle, Logansport; paternal grandparents, Brian and Kathy DeFord; paternal grandfather, David Scott Sr., Logansport; paternal grandfather, Jerry Collins, Logansport; two great-grandmothers, Jeanne Crawford, Logansport, and Carol Feltis, Rochester; seven aunts, Stefanie Gotshall and husband Todd, Logansport, Shawnda Tharp and husband John, Logansport, Stephanie Strong and husband Adrian, Twelve Mile, Bobbye Hicks and husband Jerri, Nevada, Genie Smith and husband Shannon, Logansport, Kelly Babour and husband Scott, Logansport, and Kim Strong, Logansport; five uncles, Donald Biddle, Logansport, Randy Scott, Logansport, David Scott and wife Annie, Logansport, Ed Feltis and wife Linda, Rochester, Dale Feltis, Logansport; and several cousins and other loved ones. He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Donald See; great-grandfather, Donald Feltis; and great-grandmother, Charlene Collins.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fisher Funeral Chapel, Logansport, with the Rev. Michael Dominick officiating. Friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Logansport. Memorials may be made to Riley Hospital for Children.

Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Irene W. Shafer Fenner

Oct. 17, 1911-Feb. 8, 2004

Irene W. Shafer FENNER, 92, 1 EMS B 37 LN 112 S., Warsaw, and formerly of Akron, died at 12:19 p.m. Sunday at her residence.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Ross O’Dell officiating. Burial will be at Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, Fort Wayne. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

June Marie Sherow

June Marie SHEROW, 60, 1519 W. 700 North, Rochester, died at 5:48 p.m. Monday at her home. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Mabel L. Umbaugh

Jan. 5, 1915-Feb. 8, 2004

Mabel L. UMBAUGH, 89, 1808 Forest Lane, Crown Point, and formerly of 2319 Westside Drive, Rochester, passed away at 10 p.m. Sunday at her residence following an illness.

Born Jan. 5, 1915, in Fulton County, to Frank and Sophia Tetzlaff Gordon, she was raised in the Rochester area. During her childhood, she attended the former Antioch and Reiter schools near Rochester. She was a 1932 graduate of Rochester High School.

On Aug. 28, 1938, in Peru, she married Edwin T. Umbaugh Jr. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1997. She and her husband resided in South Bend from 1934-1979, when they moved to Florida. They lived there until 1989, when they returned to South Bend. In 1989, she and her husband moved to Rochester, where she resided until recently moving to Crown Point to live with her son, Raymond. She attended the former Antioch United Brethren Church, near Rochester. She was a homemaker and loved gardening, particularly flowers and vegetables that she canned for her family’s and friends’ enjoyment.

Survivors include one son, Raymond L. Umbaugh, Crown Point; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; one sister, Ida Shafer, and one brother, Lester Gordon, both of Rochester. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one daughter, Barbara Kelley in 1997; one son, Charles Umbaugh in 2002; two sisters, Pauline Cranmer and Josephine Warner; and three brothers, Howard, Arthur and Carl Gordon.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Woody Slade officiating. Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester, following her services. Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday or one hour prior to her service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Harbor Light Hospice of Merrillville, Indiana.

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

June M. Sherow

March 5, 1943-Feb. 9, 2004

June M. SHEROW, 60, 1519 W. 700 North, Rochester, passed away at 5:48 p.m. Monday at her residence after a two-year battle with lung cancer.

Born March 5, 1943, in Elkhart, to Ernest L. and Bessie Arvesta Viola (Eggleston) Wilson, she married Albert L. Sherow Sr. in Elkhart on Sept. 12, 1958. He survives.

Mrs. Sherow was employed by Kralis Bros. Foods, Mentone. She enjoyed her cats, going to yard sales and collecting angels.

Survivors include her husband, Albert L. Sherow Sr., Rochester; three sons, Roger L. and wife Edwina M. Sherow, Waterloo, Ala., Albert L. and wife Sabrina J. Sherow Jr., Warsaw, Ricky L. and wife Stacy R. Sherow, Warsaw; one daughter, Judith L. and husband Donald L. Wallace, Rochester; 13 grandchildren, Eric S. Wallace, Angela L. (Wallace) and husband Quincy Cunningham, Donald L. Wallace II, Jesstin K. Wallace, all of Rochester, Roger A. Sherow, Savannah M. Sherow, Tristan L. Sherow, all of Waterloo, Ala., Brent S. Sherow, Ricky L. Sherow, Jordan M. Sherow, Jessica L. Sherow, Cordell W. Sherow, Cortney N. Sherow, all of Warsaw. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Richland Center United Methodist Church with the Revs. Will Lawson and Jill Walley officiating. Burial will be at Richland Center Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the June M. Sherow Fund through Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home.

Max Richard Conliff Jr.

Max Richard CONLIFF Jr., 53, 364 E. Main St., Wabash, died Sunday at Wabash County Hospital, Wabash. Survivors include four sons, Shane R. Conliff, Akron, Roger D. Conliff, Wabash, Max Garrett, Andrews, and Shannon Schaffer, Brookhaven, Miss.; and four brothers, Randy Conliff, Wabash, Jimmy Conliff, Akron, Micky Conliff and Dennis Conliff, both of Wabash.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Thursday, February 12, 2004

Marvin R. Hunt

July 29, 1914-Feb. 10, 2004

Marvin R. HUNT, 89, Peru, passed away Tuesday at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru.

Born on July 29, 1914, in Denver, to Noble B. and Myrtle Dukes Hunt, he married Helen J. Musselman on March 12, 1935. She preceded him in death on May 10, 1988. He married Pearl M. Dyke Hunt on Nov. 30, 1989. She survives.

He was a member of Mexico Church of the Brethren. A retired farmer and trustee for Union Township, Miami County, for eight years, he spent most of his life in the Macy area.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Mary Donna Graham and husband Willard L., Macy; two sons, James L. Hunt, Michigan City, and Paul D. Hunt and wife Dorothy, Macy; two stepsons, Ron Setzer and Phil Dyke, both of Kokomo; four grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Todd Hunt.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Todd Wenger officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico.

Friday, February 13, 2004

R. June Hartman

R. June HARTMAN, 86, Hickory Creek at Rochester and formerly of Akron, died at 12:10 a.m. today at Woodlawn Hospital.

Arrangements are pending at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Charles C. Wilson

Charles C. WILSON, 83, Converse and formerly of Rochester, passed away early this morning at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Rochester.

Thomas L. Felda

Thomas L. FELDA, 60, 5138 W. 725 South, Kewanna, passed away at 7:51 a.m. today in the Woodlawn Hospital emergency room. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Fulton.

Saturday, February 14, 2004

Betty M. Brown

Betty Mae BROWN, 78, 2618 Old U.S. 31 North died at 4:55 p.m. Friday at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, Kokomo.

Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Thomas L. Felda

May 29, 1942 – Feb. 13, 2004

Thomas Lee FELDA, 60, 5138 W. 725 South, Kewanna, passed away at 7:51 a.m. Friday at Woodlawn Hospital.

Born in Morgantown, West Va., he was the son of Charles and Helen Iser Felda Lutz. On Sept. 19, 1969, he married Shirley A. Sutton in Rochester.

Mr. Felda was employed in the heating and cooling business.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley A. Felda, Kewanna; sons Thomas M. and wife Patty Felda, Lancaster, Ohio, Jim and wife Kari Felda, Grass Creek, Chuck and wife Mandi Felda, Rochester; daughter, Tammy Felda, McArthur, Ohio; stepmother Agnes Milliser, Leiters Ford; sisters Jean and husband Lewis Angle, Lancaster, Ohio, Betts and husband Skip Kilbarger, Sugar Grove, Ohio; brothers Dan and wife Cheryl Felda, Monterey, Lee and wife Lori Maley, Roseburg, Ore.; 15 grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Lutz, in 2003, his father, Charles Felda, in 1957 and stepfather Barney Lutz in 1978.

There will not be a funeral. Arrangements are being made by Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Fulton.

Charles C. Wilson

Feb. 25, 1920 – Feb. 13, 2004

Charles Cecil WILSON, 83, Converse, and a longtime Rochester resident, passed away at 4:15 a.m. Friday at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.

Born Feb. 25, 1920 in Culver to Delbert and Bessie Guise Wilson, he married Mary Croussore on April 13, 1947, in Rochester. She preceded him in death on Oct. 14, 1965.

Mr. Wilson retired from General Motors, Marion, where he was a tool and die maker. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran who served in the 7th Armored Division in the European Theatre. He was a member of the Amboy American Legion, Rochester Veterans of Foreign Wars and Rochester Moose lodge.

Survivors include his son, Charles D. and wife Rexene Wilson, Hagerstown; daughters Pam Gunn, Converse, Betty and husband Steve Olinger, Indianapolis; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters Opal Nellans and Louise Pessley, Warsaw; and brother Mike and wife Sonja Wilson, LaGrange. He was preceded in death by a son, Roger Wilson, on June 2, 1971, two sisters and two brothers.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. Clifford Gano officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-6 p.m. Sunday and one prior to funeral service. Burial will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery, where military graveside services will be conducted by the Rochester American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
R. June Hartman

June 10, 1917 – Feb. 13, 2004

R. June HARTMAN, 86, a two-year resident of Hickory Creek at Rochester and former Akron resident, died at 12:10 a.m. Friday at Woodlawn Hospital.

She was born in Warroad, Minn., to Joseph O. and Mabel Iverson Ault. She married C. Keller Hartman on June 27, 1936, in Rochester. He died Sept. 17, 1992.

Mrs. Hartman was a Rochester High School graduate and homemaker. She loved music and poetry and recalled the words of many old songs, which she sang to the residents and staff at Hickory Creek. She had written poetry.

Survivors include one daughter, Christine Burns and husband Dean, Macy; one son, Randall Hartman, Warsaw; four grandchildren, Jeffrey D. Burns and wife Julie, Brian Burns and wife Shelley, all of Macy, Joyce Mosier and husband Gary, Silver Lake, Beth Kraning and husband John, Peru; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Dean Ault and wife Freda, Crawfordsville; and three sisters, Louise Teel and husband Stanley, Rochester; Joanna Reyes and husband Ray, and Rosemary Davidson and husband Paul, all of Leiters Ford. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dale and Joseph F. Ault.

Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Harzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Steve Fleck officiating. Burial will be in Athens Cemetery. Visitation is 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Monday, February 16, 2004

Betty M. Brown

Dec. 23, 1925-Feb. 13, 2004

Cleatis G. Brown

Jan. 1, 1917-Feb. 15, 2004

Joint funeral services for Betty M. and Cleatis G. BROWN will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with Pastor Ben Whitfield officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester, where American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will conduct military graveside rites. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Rochester.

Betty M. Brown, 78, of 2618 N. Old U.S. 31, Rochester, died at 4:55 p.m. Friday at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Kokomo. Her health had been failing for three months.

Cleatis G. Brown, 87, of 2618 N. Old U.S. 31, Rochester, died at 3:36 a.m. Sunday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, where he had been a patient since Friday. He had been ill for one year.

They lived in Rochester for the past 54 years, coming here from Gary. They married in Gary on Oct. 23, 1948.

Born in Gary to Michael and Elizabeth Sopko, she was a homemaker and had worked for the former Zimmerman’s Bakery, Rochester, where she was affectionately known as “Mom Brown.” A member of First Presbyterian Church and Elks Lodge No. 2120, both of Rochester, she was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Auxiliary for a number of years.

Born in Bynumville, Mo., to Gerald and Nora Dodge Brown, he worked as night shift supervisor for 43 years at Indiana Metal Products, now Torx. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 2120, Torx Retirees and First Presbyterian Church, all of Rochester. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

They are survived by two sons, Garry G. Brown and wife Pamela G., Fond du Lac,

Wisc., and Gregory G. Brown and wife Patricia S., Rochester; grandchildren, Tristan and Miranda Brown, Fond du Lac, Wisc., Gessica E. Brown, Rochester, and Gregory P. Brown, Kokomo; her brother, Michael Sopko and wife Helen, Merrillville; his sister, Nedra Mathews, Costa Mesa, Calif.; two nieces and three nephews.

They were preceded in death by their parents and their infant son, Gerald Grant Brown.

John R. Houser

May 16, 1970-Feb. 14, 2004

John R. HOUSER, 33, of 2759 N. 200 West, Rochester, died at approximately 9 a.m. Saturday at his home, following a short illness.

Born in Rochester to Gary A. and Connie S. Wagoner Houser, he lived in Rochester his entire life. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1989. He farmed and cared for his sheep and goats. He was a salesman and mechanic at Rochester Polaris. This past year, he worked for Hall Excavating and Utilities Corp., Peru. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to snowmobile.

Survivors include his mother, Connie Houser; one brother, Michael A. Houser and wife Stacy; one niece, Courtney Houser; one nephew, Ethan Houser; grandmother, Mary Wagoner Kline, all of Rochester; grandfather, Jacob Houser, North Manchester; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father on Dec. 13, 2002.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Will Lawson officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to his service Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Burton United Methodist Church.

Bryan Howard

Bryan Howard, 68, of 3292 17th Road, Bourbon, died Saturday at his home. Survivors include one daughter, Renda Sue Miller, Jackson, Ky.; one son, Mike Howard, Bourbon; three sisters, Vergie Hollan, Rochester, Odessa Miller, Ocala, Fla., and Bessie Noble, Jackson, Ky.; and two brothers, Donald Howard, Warsaw, and Beech Howard, Atwood. Visitation will be noon-2 p.m. Thursday at Deaton Funeral Home, Bourbon. Graveside service will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

John R. Houser

May 16, 1970-Feb. 14, 2004

John R. HOUSER, 33, of 2759 N. 200 West, Rochester, died at approximately 9 a.m. Saturday at his home, following a short illness.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Will Lawson officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery,

Rochester. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to his service Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Burton United Methodist Church.

Margaret E. Kaley

Nov. 6, 1923-Feb. 15, 2004

Margaret E. KALEY, 80, of Lakewood Drive, South Bend, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Sunday at her home with family gathered by her side.

She was born on Nov. 6, 1923, in Rochester to John R. and Meda F. Bernard Bryant, who preceded her in death. Also deceased are two grandchildren, Allen Peppers and Doyle Peppers Jr., and one great-grandchild. On Sept. 18, 1943, Margaret married Harold L. Kaley, who passed away on Dec. 28, 1957.

Margaret is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Peppers, Marilyn and husband Wendell Griffith and Helen Kaley, all of South Bend; one son, Raymond and wife Mary Kaley, Colorado Springs, Colo.; 10 grandchildren, Mark Peppers, James Peppers, Jeffrey Peppers, Melissa Peppers, Rhonda Sobieralski, Ronald Scanlan, Joseph Scanlan, Andrew Griffith, Kelli Kaley, Ryan Kaley; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one brother Kenneth and wife Rowena Bryant, Rochester.

She retired from White House Manufacturing where she was a seamstress.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Hoover Cemetery, Athens. Memorials may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.

Larry Grossman

Larry GROSSMAN, 53, of 5125 Indiana 10, Tippecanoe, died at 5:59 p.m. Monday at his residence following an illness. Arrangements are pending at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Wednestay, February 18, 2004

Larry A. Grossman

Aug. 1, 1950-Feb. 16, 2004

Mr. Larry A. GROSSMAN, 53, of 5122 Indiana 10, Tippecanoe, died at 5:59 p.m. Monday at his residence. His health was failing this past year.

Born in Rochester, to Leroy and Donna Belle Warren Grossman, he lived in the Tippecanoe area for 25 years since moving from Talma. He was an employee of the former Lob-Dell Corp., Argos, for 19 years and of A.M. General Corp., Mishawaka, for the past two years.

He graduated from Mentone High School in 1968 and attended computer school in Kansas City, Mo. Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and collecting paperweights. His favorite time was the time he spent with Cathie, Doris, Sandy and Jessie. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his companion, Cathie Johns, at home; two daughters, Doris and Sandy Johns, at home; one very special granddaughter, Jessie, at home; his parents, Leroy and Donna Belle Grossman, Rochester; two sisters, Sandra Tucker and husband John, Fort Wayne, and Connie Parish, Brookston; three nieces; four nephews; and eight great-nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Grossman Funeral Home, 208 N. Michigan St., Argos. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Argos. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to his service Friday at the funeral home. Argos American Legion Post No. 68 will

conduct military graveside rites. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Hospital Oncology Center, Plymouth.

Beverly Cecrle

Beverly CECRLE, 78, of 504 W. Eighth St., Rochester, died at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Robert E. Keith

Robert E. KEITH, 73, of 300 E. Fourth St., Rochester, passed away at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday at his residence. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Cheryl L. Mann

Cheryl L. MANN, 51, of Lucerne, died Sunday at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Survivors include her husband, Donald D. Mann, at home; and two brothers, Richard Wagner and Rick Willard, both of Rochester. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Marocco Funeral Chapel, 119 E. Market St., Logansport. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today.

Thursday, February 19, 2004

Beverly I. Cecrle

Dec. 8, 1925-Feb. 17, 2004

Beverly I. CECRLE, 78, of 504 W. Eighth St., Rochester, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Born on Dec. 8, 1925, in LaGrange, the daughter of Virgil and Doris Burke Klapp, she married the Rev. Paul Cecrle on June 23, 1950, in South Bend. He survives.

Mrs. Cecrle taught piano and organ lessons for more than 50 years and as a pastor’s wife, she was active in the ministry for more than 50 years. She was a member of the United Pentecostal Church Organization, Westside Apostolic Church, Rochester, and Piano Teachers’ Guild.

Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Paul Cecrle, Rochester; two daughters, Beth and husband Larry Nimmo, Denver, Colo., and Debbie and husband John Phillips, Middletown, Ohio; one son, Stephen and wife LaBrillia Cecrle, Shreveport, La.; mother, Doris Klapp, Rochester; two brothers, Richard Klapp, Rochester, and Robert Klapp, Mobile, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father; sister, Elinor Klapp; son, Michael Cecrle; daughter, Rebecca Cecrle; and on April 20, 1999, granddaughter Rachel Joy Scott.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Westside Apostolic Church, 510 W. Eighth St., Rochester, with the Revs. Kenneth Mendenhall, Barry King, J.L. Hall, Wayne Chennault, Marilyn Chennault, Don Miller and Michael Rohrer officiating. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the church and one hour prior to her service Saturday at the church. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorials may be made in honor of Mrs. Cecrle through Indiana Lawrence Bank, Rochester. Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, is handling arrangements.
Robert E. Keith

Feb. 22, 1930-Feb. 17, 2004

Robert E. KEITH, 73, of 300 E. Fourth St., Rochester, passed away at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday at his residence.

Born on Feb. 22, 1930, in Russiaville, to Dovie and Mildred McKee Keith, he married Jean York on July 1, 1951, in Kokomo. She survives.

Mr. Keith was owner/operator of Eagle Van Service, Rochester, and a member of Russiaville United Methodist Church. He served with the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Keith, Rochester; two daughters, Teresa McClain, Augusta, Ga., and Paige Gain, Kokomo; and one granddaughter, Heather White, Bunker Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents and three granddaughters, Jennifer Marie McClain on Oct. 19, 1999, and Jamie LeAnn Lamberson and Sandra Lynn Lamberson, both on Feb. 12, 1985.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until his service Saturday at the funeral home.

Lucille F. Slater

Lucille F. SLATER, 82, of 202 W. Dunn St., Fulton, died at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday at her residence. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton.

Barbara J. Williams

Barbara J. WILLIAMS, 79, of 2572 E. 825 South, Macy, died at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday at Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton.

Friday, February 20, 2004

Barbara J. Williams

May 7, 1924-Feb. 18, 2004

Barbara J. WILLIAMS, 79, of 2572 E. 825 South, Macy, passed away at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday at Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne. Born on May 7, 1924, in Clinton County to Thomas and Mabel Oliphant Billiard, she married Claude E. Williams in Logansport on May 25, 1947. He preceded her in death on Aug. 23, 1992.

Mrs. Williams worked at the Fulton County license branch and assisted on the family farm. She graduated from Indiana Business College, Logansport. She was a member of Fulton United Methodist Church, Fulton County Chorus, Fulton County Republican Women’s Organization and was a Liberty Township 4-H Club leader.

Survivors include her three daughters, Judith and husband William Lamb, Fort Wayne, Cynthia and husband Mac Davidson, Metea, Joyce and husband Floyd Camic, Mobile, Ala.; one son, Charles E. Williams, Macy; one sister, Jeanette McCloskey, Logansport; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Jean Billiard, Logansport; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Lewis E. Williams on Dec. 6, 1981; one grandson, Aaron C. Davidson in 1976; and one brother, John T. Billiard.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton, with the Rev. Dave Sommers officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fulton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Lucille F. Slater

March 26, 1921-Feb. 18, 2004

Lucille F. SLATER, 82, of 202 W. Dunn St., Fulton, passed away at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday at her residence.

Born on March 26, 1921, in Pulaski County to James and Millie A. Ziders Cunningham, she married Gale Slater on March 26, 1942, in Fulton. He survives at home.

She is also survived by one daughter, Sharon and husband Don Button, Kewanna; one son, Kenneth and wife Pam Slater, Kewanna; four grandchildren, Gerry Button, Lucerne, Brenda Slater, Fulton, Linda Teel, Macy, Teresa Button, Twelve Mile; and two great-grandchildren, Shyann and Taylor Teel, Macy. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton, with the Rev. Bruce Russell officiating. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and one hour prior to her service Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fulton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice of Fulton County.

Satirday. February 20. 2004

Charlotte J. Dial

Charlotte J. DIAL, 74, of Indianapolis, died Tuesday at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. Survivors inclued two sons, Barry G. Dial, Bennington, N.H., and Brian K. Dial, Indianapolis; one daughter, Brenda F. HAUSSECKER, Lebanon; and two sisters, Betty COLEMAN, Zapta, Texas, and Mary Lovelace, Russiaville. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Monday, February 22, 2004

Lillie M. Worley

Oct. 20, 1925-Feb. 21, 2004

Lillie M. WORLEY, 78, of 3699 N. 175 East, Lot #64, Warsaw, died at 7:11 p.m. Saturday at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

Born on Oct. 20, 1925, in Bloomfield, Ill., to Amel and Gracie M. Woods Isom, she married Lloyd Moore in 1943. He died. She married Earnest Cochran in 1944. He died in 1980. She married Edward S. Galbreath in 1953. He died in 1968. She married Comer V. Worley on March 27, 1970. He died Dec. 4, 1983.

She was a homemaker. A Kosciusko County resident since 1989, she attended Warsaw Wesleyan Church, Warsaw.

Survivors include three sons, Kenneth Cochran, Carmi, Ill., Cecil Cochran, Rochester, and Richard Cochran, San Antonio, Texas; five daughters, Cynthia Scheuer-Jones, Gainsville, Ga., Cheryl James, Leesburg, Fla., Mrs. Paul (Margaret) Schue, Leesburg, Donna Hostetler, Paw Paw, Mich., and Trula Hostetler, Paw Paw, Mich.; 26 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granchild; one sister, Amelia Klinedinst, Plymouth; and three brothers, Donald Isom, Klamath Falls, Ore., James Krou and Levi Krou. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one son, two sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Titus Funeral Home, with Pastor Wanda Carter officiating.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Logansport. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 1386, Warsaw IN 46581-1386.

Anna Marie Davisson Kent

Sept. 3, 1939-Feb. 19, 2004

Anna Marie Davisson KENT, 64, died Thursday following a valiant six-year battle with thymoma cancer.

Born on Sept. 3, 1939, in Peru, she graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1957. She attended Indiana University where she joined the Delta Zeta Sorority and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and literature and master of arts in library administration. Anna Marie taught in the Indiana public school system for three years after graduation and then joined the faculty of Monmouth College (Ill.) as a librarian, where she served for more than 15 years.

In 1981, Anna Marie married and accompanied her husband while he was employed in Peshawar, Pakistan, Amman, Jordan, and Fayoum, Egypt, from 1982 until the couple settled in Rome, Ga., in 1990. She volunteered at the Police Public School in Peshawar and later in 1983, she was elected to the Vestry of the Guides Chapel, an Anglican Church in Mardan, Pakistan, made famous by the book “The Far Pavilions.” Her husband was assigned to work in Jordan in 1985 where she was employed as librarian for the Amman (Jordan) Center for Oriental Research. While they lived in Fayoum, Egypt, in 1988-1990, Anna Marie volunteered at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral Library, Cairo. She conducted guided tours for friends and family who visited Egypt – especially of Cairo and Alexandria.

She settled in Rome, Ga., when her husband was assigned to work there in 1990. Anna Marie was a faithful volunteer to the Rome Floyd County Library Gift Shop for many years and was active in the Rome Symphony Women’s Organization. She endorsed the work of the Angel Express and volunteered both time and treasure in support of that worthy organization. She was a frequent lay reader and occasional chalice bearer for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and regularly attended and enjoyed musical and drama activities provided by local colleges and other organizations in Rome. She enjoyed needlepoint and made gifts for friends and family. She was delighted to have completed a needle-pointed kneeler for St. Peter’s Epicscopal Church in 2002.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edna, and her brother, John N. Davisson. Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Tom; three stepchildren, Thomas, Teressa and Timothy; five stepgrandchildren, Brandon and Laura Kent, and Logan, Daniel and Andrew Whitlock; her uncle, Verl Sandifur, Bunker Hill, and first cousins, Susan Bender, Indianapolis, and David Davisson, Louisville, Ky. Anna Marie particularly enjoyed watching the stepchildren grow in their careers and the grandchildren mature in years and wisdom.

A private interment service will be Sunday at Memory Garden adjacent to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rome, Ga. It will be followed by a celebration service of evening prayer at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. She personally requested that all her friends and relatives remain and attend the wake in Daniel Hall following the service. There will be music, food and drink for all.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Library, 205 Riverside Parkway, Rome, GA 30161; Angel Express, 23 Ridgeview Drive, Silver Creek, GA 30173; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 101 E. Fourth Avenue, Rome, GA 30161; or Floyd Medical Center Chaplainry, P.O. Box 233, Rome, GA 30162. Funeral services are under the direction of Daniel’s Funeral Home, 901 E. Second Avenue, P.O. Box 611, Rome, GA 30162.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004

Florence Oleta Sullivan

March 19, 1914-Feb. 22, 2004

Florence Oleta SULLIVAN, 89, 2219 Old Dixie Highway, Ormond Beach, Fla., and former Rochester resident, passed away at 5:55 a.m. Sunday at Care ’N Touch Assisted Living Home, Ormond Beach.

Born March 19, 1914, in Rochester to Ezra and Jennie Ford Ducker, she married Daryl W. Sullivan in March of 1956. He preceded her in death in May of 1990. Mrs. Sullivan was a retired teacher and an ordained minister. She was also a mathematician and computer librarian for Lawrence Radiation Labratory, Livermore, Calif.

A member of First United Methodist Church, Ormond Beach, she served as president of the United Methodist Women and as an area chairperson. She was elected Valiant Woman of the Year in 1991 by the Halifax Unit of Church Women United. Mrs. Sullivan was a graduate of the former Indiana Central College, Indianapolis.

Survivors include one brother, Paul Ducker, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be 2-3:30 p.m. Friday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Friday at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Athens, with the Rev. George Hapner officiating.

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

[no obits]

Thursday, February 26, 2004

John Dwald Eber

Feb. 8, 1908-Feb. 25, 2004

Mr. John Dwald EBER, 96, of 838 Sanford Dr., Rochester, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday at his residence. His health had been failing four months.

Born in Liberty Township of Fulton County to Charles A. and Minnie A. Dwald Eber, he lived in Fulton County his entire life. He married Ruth B. Werner on Nov. 1, 1930, in Fulton. She preceded him in death in August of 1974. He later married Bea Anderson on July 5, 1975, in Rochester.

He retired from farming in 1976. He was a member of Faith Outreach Center church, Rochester, and Farm Bureau. His hobby was automobiles.

He is survived by his wife, Bea Eber, at home; two daughters, Sarah and husband Jim Gentry, Logansport, and Loretta Erichsen, Rochester; one stepdaughter, Mary Jane and husband Erle Lockhart, Walton; nine grandchildren; 15 great-granchildren; one brother, Carl Eber, Sun City, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Philip Thomas Eber on Oct. 15, 1996, and two brothers, Vern and Paul Eber.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Faith Outreach Center, 1125 E. Ninth St., Rochester, with Pastors Dan Mundt and Terry Baldwin officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, and one hour prior to service Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, 420 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Whitten W. Bentley

Whitten W. BENTLEY, 68, 405 N. Franklin St., Mentone, died at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Gladys Thomas

Gladys THOMAS, 93, of Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 2827 Northgate Blvd., Fort Wayne, and formerly of Rochester, died at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Canterbury. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Friday, February 27, 2004

Whitten W. ‘Bud’ Bentley

Sept. 7, 1935-Feb. 25, 2004

Mr. Whitten W. “Bud” BENTLEY, 68, 405 N. Franklin St. Mentone, died at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Born Sept. 7, 1935, in Langley, Ky., to Elzie and Opal Atkins Bentley Sr., he lived in the Rochester community since 1963, coming here from Langley. On Jan. 11, 1958, he married Jessie L. Wright in Bypro, Ky. He was a welder for Sellers Mfg., Wakarusa. He retired in 1984.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie L. Bentley, at home; two daughters, Teresa Newcomer, Akron, Karen Bentley, Claypool; five grandchildren, Erika and husband Tony Smith, Anthony and Brandon Newcomer, and Heather and Tiffany Bentley; one brother, Elzie Bentley Jr. and wife Pearl, Langley, Ky.; and four sisters, Julia and husband Clifford Newsome, Rochester, Lillian Gregory, Paintsville, Ky., Elizabeth and husband Delbert Stephens, Langley, Ky., and Margaret Kirkland, St. Cloud, Fla. Three sisters preceded him in death, two in infancy and Lorraine Bailey on Dec. 28, 2003, in Paintsville, Ky.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Northern Little Dove Old Regular Baptist Church, Warsaw, on Indiana 13 near Sidney. Officiant will be Clifford Newsome. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. Friday through the hour of the service Saturday at the church. Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, is handling arrangements.

Saturday, February 28, 2004

Gladys L. Thomas

March 6, 1910-Feb. 25, 2004

Gladys L. THOMAS, 93, 2827 Northgate Blvd, Fort Wayne, and formerly of 170 Larue St., Rochester, died at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Fort Wayne. She had been in failing health for several years.

Born in Rochester to Albert and Roxie Reddinger, she moved to Fort Wayne six years ago. On May 28, 1928, she married Robert Byron Thomas in Rochester. He preceded her in death in April of 1960. She was a homemaker and retired licensed practical nurse.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She loved flowers and was an avid gardener. She was an excellent seamstress and quilter, having made highly valued quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters, Ruthanne Lantz, Michigan City, Eileen Melton and husband Tom, Doniphan, Mo., Jaunita Tomlinson, Fort Wayne; and one son, Byron Thomas, Fort Wayne; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; one

brother, Wayne Reddinger, Rochester; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five sisters and one brother.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with lay minister Tom Melton officiating. Burial will be at Citizen’s Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until her service Monday.

Monday, March 1, 2004

Robert A. Foreman

Robert A. FOREMAN, 73, of 3583 Strawberry Lane, Rochester, died at 5:02 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Foreman, at home; five sons, Michael and Terry Foreman, both of South Bend, David Foreman, LaPorte, Edward Swathwood, Rochester, William Swathwood, South Bend; one sister, Joann McKain, Akron; and one brother William Foreman, South Bend. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Marion Marcella Grable

July 16, 1921-Feb. 27, 2004

Funeral services for Marion Marcella GRABLE, 82, of Twelve Mile, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Teri White officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today and one hour before service Tuesday at the funeral home. An Eastern Star service will be at 7 p.m. today. Burial will be at Ever-Rest Memorial Park, Cass County. Memorials may be made to Twelve Mile United Methodist Church, Twelve Mile.

Marion Marcella Grable died at 10:15 p.m. Friday in the Arbor of Logansport Memorial Hospital.

Born July 16, 1921, in Peru, she was the daughter of George and Mary Stuber Benedict. On April 9, 1941, she married Lloyd L. Grable in Fulton. He preceded her in death on Dec. 3, 1991.

A member of Twelve Mile United Methodist Church, she was employed by Kroger for many years and retired from Skinner’s Grocery in Twelve Mile after 35 years.

She was a member of the Twelve Mile Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge No. 557 since 1969 and was affiliated with the Royal Center Chapter No. 375 since Feb. 14, 2001. She was a past Worthy Matron. She was a member of the Willing Workers Extension Homemakers Club since 1960, where she served as president for 10 years.

She enjoyed her friends and neighbors and spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. She collected miniature glass shoes and loved to read, hunt mushrooms and fish. She loved the Fourth of July parades in Twelve Mile and had compiled scrapbooks of community news clippings for at least 50 years, creating a great history of the Twelve Mile community.

Survivors include one daughter, Bonita Lee and husband John, Rochester; four sons, Larry Joe and wife Sharon, Vidalia, La., Lloyd Ronald and wife Nancy, Logansport, Richard and wife Ann, Logansport, and Bruce Grable, Twelve Mile; seven granddaughters, Jodie Karr, Lisa Waltz, Cathy Grable, Teresa Gast, Heidi Amato, Hollie Grable and Amanda Lee; five grandsons, Chad Grable, Chuck Grable, Leslie Grable, Marty Lee and Aric Lee; 20 great-grandchildren; one sister, Judith Costello and husband Gene, Kalamazoo, Mich.; one brother, Richard Benedict and wife Delores, Emmett, Idaho; one sister-in-law, Alice Tocco, Walton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gloria and Marilyn, and two brothers, George Jr. “Pedro”

and Dean.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfuneralhome.com.

Franklin W. Heisler

Dec. 14, 1927-Feb. 28, 2004

Franklin W. HEISLER, 76, of 2483 S. 575 East, Rochester, passed away at 3:15 a.m. Saturday at Hickory Creek of Rochester, after a lengthy illness.

Born Dec. 14, 1927, in Bourbon to G. Wayne and Agnes B. Martin Heisler, he married Jane Groover on Aug. 1, 1954, in Rochester.

Mr. Heisler was a graduate of Purdue University, a registered pharmacist and owner-operator of the former Heisler Pharmacy, Rochester. He had been employed part-time by Webb’s Pharmacy, Akron.

He was a 50-year member and past president of the Rochester Kiwanis Club, a former Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International, a member of the Hoosier Valley Railroad Association, North Judson, and Fulton County Conservation Club. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife, at home; two daughters, Phyllis Heisler, Petersburg, Va., Barbara and husband Tony Matthews, Oxford, N.C.; and two sons, Glenn and wife Shannon Heisler, Delta Junction, Alaska, and David Heisler and wife Elizabeth Coughlan, Salem, Mass. One daughter, Rosemary Schneck, preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 1997.

Graveside services were at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Zion Cemetery with the Rev. Buck Padilla officiating. Visitation was noon-3 p.m. Sunday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Military graveside rites were conducted by Rochester American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Memorials may be made to Hoosier Valley Railroad Association, P.O. Box 75, North Judson, or the Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police Canine Unit.

Tuesday, March 2, 2004

Judes ‘Judy’ Croussore

Jan. 15, 1928-March 1, 2004

Judes “Judy” CROUSSORE, 76, of 1131 Franklin St., Rochester, died at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Life Care Center, Rochester. Her health had been failing for five years.

Born on Jan. 15, 1928, in Prestonsburg, Ky., to Bert and Audie Howard Damron, she lived in the Rochester area since 1941, coming here from Prestonsburg. On March 18, 1944, she married Stephen Clifford Croussore in Rochester. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1974.

She was a retired press operator for General Tire Corp., Wabash. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge, Manitou Moose Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, all of Rochester.

Survivors include one daughter, Ruth Ann Markley and husband Richard, Rochester; one son, David Eugene Croussore, Rochester; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; six sisters, Annie Lewis and husband Harold, Perrysburg, Dottie Hudkins and husband John, Warsaw, Lottie Smoker and husband Ed, Rochester, Beatrice Gilliland and husband Dick, Rochester, Ellen Conley and husband Jim, Rochester, Sue Shuey and husband Marty, Rensselaer; one brother, Carl Damron and wife Racheal, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, James Leroy and Steven Clifford Croussore, and six brothers.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with Pastor Don Meyer officiating. Burial will be at Citizen’s Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to her service Wednesday at the

funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dora A. Grimes

Dora A. GRIMES, 85, of 19404 38th St., Bristol, Wisc., and formerly of Rochester, died today at home in her sleep. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Gail ‘Corky’ Parker

Jan. 20, 1931-March 1, 2004

Gail “Corky” PARKER, 73, of Rensselaer, died Monday at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Lafayette.

Born on Jan. 20, 1931, in Rensselaer to Gaylord and Gertrude Downs Parker, he was a lifetime resident of Rensselaer. Corky attended Rensselaer Schools and joined the U.S. Marine Corp. on Jan. 16, 1951. A lifetime farmer, he served as the Jordan Township Trustee for 16 years. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 29 and Iroquois Valley Christian Church, Rensselaer. He was an avid fisherman. He married Jean Shumaker on July 26, 1952, in Dayton.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Parker nee Shumaker, Rensselaer; four daughters, Gayla Carroll and husband Ralph, Rensselaer, Cinda Kelley and husband Alan, Monticello, Teresa Miller and husband Rick, Akron, Laurie Smith and husband Harold, Monon; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Iroquois Valley Christian Church with Scott Chastain, minister, officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Rensselaer. The family will receive friends at Jackson Funeral Chapel, Rensselaer, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Living Water Christian Church of Haiti.

Cloyd J. Zuck

May 14, 1912-Feb. 29, 2004

Cloyd J. ZUCK, 93, of Rochester and formerly of Kewanna, died at 6 a.m. Sunday at his home.

Born in Kewanna to Jesse A. and Maggie A. Rans Zuck, he graduated from Kewanna High School in 1930. He married Wilma V. Plummer in Grass Lake, Mich. on Aug. 19, 1939. She died on Dec. 14, 1990. He was a retired machine operator at Kewanna Metal Specialties. He was a member of Kewanna Baptist Church.

He is survived by three sons, Thomas Zuck, Swartz Creek, Mich., Jerry Zuck, Lake Village, Eric Zuck, Las Vegas, Nev.; two daughters, Mary McMeeken, Belding, Mich., Ann Bauman and husband Fred, Rochester; two sisters, Irene Wynn, Dearborn, Mich., and Lucille Burton, Fulton; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, with Pastor John Cochran officiating. Burial will be at Citizen’s IOOF Cemetery, Kewanna. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until the service Thursday. Memorials may be made to Kewanna Baptist Church or the donor’s choice.

Wednesday, March 3, 2004

Ruth Ann Copenhaver

Ruth Ann COPENHAVER, 69, of 900 Provident Court, Warsaw, and formerly of Bourbon, died Tuesday at Mason Health Care Center, Warsaw.

Survivors include two daughters, Donna Phillips, Warsaw, and Jill Hawkins, Livingston,

Tenn.; and two sons, Jack Copenhaver, Auburn, Ala., and Randy Copenhaver. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.

Dora Alma Grimes

Jan. 25, 1919-March 2, 2004

Dora Alma GRIMES, 85, of 19404 38th St., Bristol, Wisc., passed away in her sleep Tuesday at her daughter’s home in Bristol. Her health had been failing for five years.

Born in Brook to Howard H. and Edith L. Webb Griggs, she lived in Rochester and Fulton County for 75 years. A 1937 Fulton High School graduate, she married Irvine Grimes, who preceded her in death.

She had been a bookkeeper for various Fulton County auto agencies for many years. She was a member of First Christian Church, Rochester, and attended First Assembly of God, Union Grove, Wisc., while she lived in Bristol.

Survivors include two sons, Roy Fisher and wife Violet, Rochester, and George Hilficker and wife Georgia, Tampa, Fla.; two daughters, Kay Koebcke and husband Larry, Valparaiso, and Laura Jones and husband Doral, Bristol, Wisc.; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one niece, Judy Arnold, Bradenton, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Martha Galbreath.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Gary B. Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery, Macy. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to her service Friday at the funeral home.

Thursday, March 4, 2004

Ralph L. Crockett

Ralph L. CROCKETT, 83, of Kokomo and formerly of Rochester, died Tuesday at his home. His wife, Betty B. Crockett, Kokomo, survives him. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Murray Funeral Home, Galveston. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Jessie M. Tillman

August 1, 1928-March 2, 2004

Jessie M. TILLMAN, 75, of 6162 S. 875 West, Claypool, died at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at her residence following an extended illness. Jessie had moved to Claypool from Plymouth 42 years ago.

She was born in Plymouth on Aug. 1, 1928, to Jesse and Estella Kyser Markley. She was a 1946 graduate of West High School.

On Dec. 15, 1947, in Nappanee, Jessie and Lloyd E. Tillman were married.

A homemaker, she helped her husband on their farm.

Jessie enjoyed driving the tractor, flower gardening and watching the hummingbirds. She was an avid camper, liked all kinds of games and especially loved being with her family. She attended the Walnut Church of the Brethren.

Jessie is survived by Lloyd, her husband of 56 years, Claypool; four children including two sons, Gary and Linda Tillman, Bremen, and Dale and Deb Tillman, Claypool, and two daughters, Pat and Joe Walters and Becky and Ed Drudge, all of Claypool. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Russell Markley; and one sister-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Markley, both of Plymouth. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, one

greatgrandchild, one sister, Laura O’Dell, and one brother, Glenn Markley.

Friends will be welcomed by Jessie’s family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Paul McBride will officiate. Interment will be at New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorials in Jessie’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.johnson-danielson.com.

Esther Lucile Turnipseed

Dec. 25, 1913-March 2, 2004

Esther Lucile TURNIPSEED, 90, of Chili, passed away Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. at Miller’s Merry Manor, Peru. She was born Dec. 25, 1913, at the Guyer Homestead near Denver to Roy and Ida Opple Guyer. She was a lifetime resident of the Denver area.

She married Russell M. Turnipseed in the home of J.S. Johns in Indianapolis on Nov. 29, 1947. He preceded her in death on July 4, 1990.

Esther graduated from Chili High School in 1933. She studied nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo in the early 1940s. She worked at Mexico Nursing Home. She spent her married life as a homemaker. Her hobbies were gardening, sewing, painting and woodworking.

She was a member of the Boundary Line church of Christ, LaFontaine.

Survivors include nieces and nephews: Lee Guyer, Danville; Wayne Guyer, Wabash; Jay Guyer, Florence, Ky.; Colleen (Guyer) Whittlesey, Denver; Jaun Guyer, Brazil; Dan Guyer, Tampa, Fla.; Dawson Guyer, Brownsburg; Pam (Guyer) Sloderbeck, Noblesville; Patty Guyer, Hanford, Calif.; Peggy (Guyer) Stevens, Westfield; and Mike Guyer, Mark Guyer, Penny Guyer and Morris Guyer, all of Noblesville.

Esther was preceded in death by her brothers, Clyde, Earl and Omer.

Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at McClain Funeral Home, 3500 W. Indiana 16, Denver, with Sam Miller officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chili Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfuneralhome.com .

Friday, March 5, 2004

Christopher ‘Chris’ M. Thomas

July 13, 1960-March 4, 2004

Christopher “Chris” M. THOMAS, 43, Fulton, died at 3:25 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Born in Rochester to Eugene R. and Phyllis D. Frazier Thomas, he graduated from Caston High School in 1978 and Ivy Tech, Kokomo, in 1980. He married Deborah L. Absher at Grass Creek United Methodist Church on Aug. 16, 1980. She survives.

An employee of Heartland Dairy Equipment, Plymouth, he worked in installation and sales of DeLaval Dairy milking machines. A member of Grass Creek United Methodist Church and a lifelong member of the Grass Creek Lions Club, he was a fan of NASCAR, the Indianapolis 500 and college football and basketball.

Survivors include his wife, at home; three sons, Brent Thomas and fiance Elizabeth, West Lafayette, Ryan Thomas and wife Stephanie, Logansport, and Nathan Thomas, at home; his parents, Grass Creek; three brothers, Curt Thomas and wife Arlene, Crossville, Tenn., Brad Thomas and wife Lisa, Rochester, Bryan Thomas and wife Jill, Rochester; one sister Kim and husband Cova Clemans, Las Vegas, Nev.; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grass Creek United Methodist Church with the Revs. David Sommers and Ron Vititoe officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Christopher M. Thomas requests donations be made to the Indiana University Cancer Center or to the Fulton County Relay for Life. Make gifts to IUCC payable to IUCC gifts/leukemia research and mail to Indiana University Cancer Center, Office of Gift Development, LO 506, P.O. Box 67, Indianapolis, IN 46209-8763. Indicate “In memory of Christopher Thomas” on the check.

Ova M. Word

Oct. 14, 1907-March 3, 2004

Ova M. WORD, 96, Life Care Center, Rochester, and formerly of Wilshire Court Apartments, Frankfort, died at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday at Life Care Center. She had lived at Life Care Center since July 17, 2001.

Born in Slick Rock, Ky., to L. C. and Emma Morton Bunch, she married James Bud Word in Glasgow, Ky. He preceded her in death in 1965. Mrs. Word was a homemaker and loved crocheting, gardening, flowers, canning and babysitting.

Survivors include two daughters, Christine Buttrey, Springfield, Tenn., and Margaret E. Jones, Rochester; one brother, Wayne Bunch, Thorntown; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Four brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort, with Frank Williams officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, 420 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at the Web site, www.goodwinfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, March 6, 2004

[no obits]

Monday, March 8, 2004

Arthur ‘Art’ Ree Foreman

March 1, 1904-March 6, 2004

Arthur “Art” Ree FOREMAN, 100, of 422 Madison Avenue, Peru, died at 12:50 a.m. Saturday at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru.

Born in Portland to Birton and Arminda McKinsey Foreman, he married Charlotte Young. She died in 1980. A member of Oakdale Baptist Church, he retired from the Peru Foundry. He was a member of Peru Maennerchor.

Survivors include one brother, Fred Foreman, Nyona Lake, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, four brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru, with the Rev. Dr. Robert Stuck officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Oakdale Baptist Church.
Alfretta J. Hartman

Alfretta J. HARTMAN, 90, Macy, died Sunday at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru. Arrangments are pending at McClain Funeral Home, Denver.

George E. Hess

George E. “Ed” HESS, 71, of Columbia City, died Saturday at his home. Survivors include his wife Betty M. Hess, at home; one son, Stephen Hess, Columbia City; and one sister, Dora Mae Quinn, Onward.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Helen L. McGriff

April 25, 1922-March 6, 2004

Helen L. McGRIFF, 81, of 1401 Washington St., Rochester, died at 3 a.m. Saturday at Life Care Center, Rochester.

Born in Richland Township to Leo C. and Esther Burkett Mow, she lived her entire life in the Rochester area. On Oct. 30, 1945, she married Roy McGriff. He preceded her in death on Feb. 24, 1993. She graduated from Richland Center High School and attended South Bend Business College. A member of Grace United Methodist Church, Rochester, she was employed as secretary for Bendix Corp., South Bend, and as executive secretary for McMahan-O’Conner Construction Co., Rochester, for 45 years. She retired in 1990.

Survivors include her brother, Robert M. Mow, Ft. Myers, Fla.; several nieces and nephews including Phillip Mow, Nashville, Tenn., Sheridan Mow Blakesley, Vista, Calif., Shannon Mow, Summerville, Mass., Sherri Mow, Kirk Mow, Indianapolis, Wayne Mow, Angola; one sister-in-law, Margaret Mow Garner, Oceanside, Calif.; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Edward and William Mow, and one nephew, Denny Mow.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Rick Taylor officiating. Burial will be at Richland Center IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to her services Wednesday at the funeral home.

Wanda E. Swick

Feb. 16, 1917-March 5, 2004

Wanda E. SWICK, 87, formerly of the Beaver Dam Lake community near Akron, died at 11:55 p.m. Friday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw.

Born in Kosciusko County to Orven A. and Nellie Black Heighway, she married L. Jay Swick on Dec. 25, 1937. He died Dec. 3, 2001. She was a schoolteacher at Franklin, Beaver Dam, Silver Lake, Akron and Warsaw schools.

A graduate of Manchester and Grace colleges, she was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of Beaver Dam United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and served as song leader. For many years she also played the piano and organ.

Survivors include two nieces, Sherry and husband Con Shewman, Akron, and Karen and husband Larry Wilson, Montgomery; two nephews, Ned and wife Linda Heighway, Akron, and Ernest and wife Sally Heighway, Richmond; several other nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Annabelle Anglin, Leesburg. Two sisters, Frances and Edith, and one brother, Robert O. Heighway, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, north of Akron, with the Revs. Rob Seewald and Evelyn Taylor Haney officiating. Burial will be at Nichols Cemetery, north of Akron. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. today at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. Memorials may be made to Beaver Dam United Methodist Church or Gideons International.

Lloyd K. Weaver

Dec. 13, 1922-March 7, 2004

Lloyd K. WEAVER, 81, of 802 N. 650 East, Rochester, died at 10:35 a.m. Sunday at his residence after an extended illness.

Born in Marshall County to Alvin and Eva Kauffman Weaver, he married Norma E. Hoover on Oct. 6, 1946, in Argos. She survives.

He was a farmer and member of Gideons International, Mill Creek Missionary Church, Rochester, and Farm Bureau. A 1941 Argos High School graduate, he was a U.S. Army veteran who served in a World War II medical unit. He co-hosted the 1989 Prairie Farmer Farm Progress Show.

Survivors include his wife, Norma E. Weaver, Rochester; four daughters, Diane Weaver-Gady, Rochester, Dana and husband Tom Finlan, Indianapolis,

Darla and husband Randy Shafer, Akron, Danelle and husband Sam King, Indianapolis; five sons, Rick and wife Pat Weaver, Jacksonville, Fla., Ken and wife Sue Weaver, Warsaw, Jim and wife Cindy Weaver, Grabill, Tom and wife Jill Weaver, Rochester, Tim and wife Lana Weaver, Akron; 24 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Anna Kathryn Good, Lancaster, Penn., Ruth and husband Wendell Fore, Green Bay, Wisc., and Edna Smith, Rochester. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Loren and Danny Weaver.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastors Chris Beall, Marvin Engbrecht and Dale Walterhouse officiating. Burial will be at Athens Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Mill Creek Missionary Church or Hope Hospice of Fulton County, Rochester.

Tuesday, March 9, 2004

Alfretta J. Hartman

Oct. 20, 1913-March 7, 2004

Funeral services for Alfretta J. HARTMAN, 90, Macy, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with the Rev. George Hapner officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Hartman died at 3:25 a.m. Sunday at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru. Born in Churubusco on Oct. 20, 1913, she was the daughter of Chauncey and Alta Smith Bear. On April 24, 1937, she married Onis K. Hartman at Churubusco United Methodist Church. He died Feb. 2, 1998.

She was educated in Churubusco schools and graduated from high school in 1931. In 1935, she received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Manchester College. She did her post-graduate work at Ball State University.

Survivors include two sons, Robert O. Hartman, Oakland, Calif., and Roger L. Hartman and wife Deborah, Ft. Wayne; two grandsons, Nicholas Hartman and wife Elizabeth, Bradenton, Fla., and Anthony Hartman, Ft. Wayne.

She taught for 33 years in public schools in Miami, Whitley, Fulton and Cass counties.

For 28 years, she played piano, organ and directed the choir at the Macy United Methodist Church. For nine years, she directed the choir at Trinity Methodist Church in Rochester. Since 1974, she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Rochester where she sang with the Grace choir and was the assistant music director.

In 1977, she took over directing the Fulton County Extension Chorus. She was a three-time president of the Macy Mother’s Club. She was an active member of the Rochester Federated Women’s Club, a lifetime friend of the Rochester Public Library, a member of the Miami County Republican Women and a patron of Miami County’s Symphony Unit.

She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, Indiana State Retired Teachers and belonged to both Miami and Fulton County Retired Teachers associations.

She loved to travel and had been on three continents, Hawaii and visited all but three of the United States states.

Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery, Macy. Memorials may be made to North Miami Elementary Music Department.

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Everett D. ‘Buss’ Thompson

Nov. 14, 1908-March 8, 2004

Everett D. “Buss” THOMPSON, 95, Walton, died at 12:35 p.m. Monday at Sycamore Village Healthcare Center, Kokomo.

Born in Rochester to Edward and Heartha Russell Thompson, he married Jessie Mae Bess on May 23, 1933, in Logansport. She preceded him in death on Sept. 19, 1990.

Buss was employed at the Armour Creamery in Rochester. He retired in 1968 from General Telephone Co. in Logansport. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of the American Legion Post No. 418, Walton. He was also a member of the Deacon Grange and a 60-year member of the Rochester Masonic Lodge No. 79. Buss worked for many years as a volunteer for the Cass County Mental Health Association. He was a member of Blue Ball Church in Cass County.

Survivors include two nephews, Littlejohn Bess and Dick Reed, both of Austin, Texas; cousins, Helen Notz and family, Rochester, Omer Kindig, Warsaw, Donna Smith, Rochester, Ruth Severns, Alexandria, Don and Helen Berlet, Walton, Jack and Judy Berlet. Walton, Bonnie and Tom Sailors, Walton, Thelma and Joe Storey, Walton, Dick and Beverly Furst, John and Barbara Furst, Ruth and Tom Loveless, Don and Mary Kelly and Pete Furst. He was preceded in death by his brother, Loyd Thompson, and his sister, Marjorie Thompson Bauer.

Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at Kroeger Funeral Home, Logansport, with the Rev. Terry Rumple of Blue Ball Church officiating. Burial will be with military honors at IOOF Cemetery, Walton. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Orville P. Dawald

Orville P. DAWALD, 86, of 1254 McCarter Hollow Road, Sevierville, Tenn., died Tuesday at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center, Sevierville.

Survivors include one daughter, Betty J. Dawald Miller, Sevierville, and one brother, Elmer Dawald, Fort Wayne.

A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Sevierville, Tenn. No visitation or funeral services in Indiana are planned. Arrangements are by Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.
Herman Sterk

Herman STERK, 71, of 207 West Calhoun St., Claypool, died Tuesday at Bethlehem Woods Nursing Home, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Thursday, March 11, 2004

Chester W. Traver

Chester W. TRAVER, 88, of 1 EMS B 37 LN 111 S., Warsaw, died Wednesday at Mason Health Care Center, Warsaw.

Survivors include his wife, Vera Bondeline Murphy “Traver”, one sister, Betty Wood, Warsaw; and one brother, George Traver, LaFontaine.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Cecil Laughman

Cecil LAUGHMAN, 84, of 3037 W. Division Road, Wabash, died Tuesday at Miller’s Merry Manor East, Wabash.

Survivors include two sisters, Doris R. Deal, Wabash, and Irene Nichols, Logansport.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Visitation is one hour prior the service at the funeral home.

Friday, March 12, 2004

Herman Sterk

Jan. 29, 1933-March 9, 2004

Herman STERK, 71, of 207 West Calhoun St., Claypool, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday at Bethlehem Woods Nursing Home, Fort Wayne.

Born in Cook County, Ill., to Cornelius H. Sterk and Winnie Kelderhouse, he married Eloyis A. Bochmann Feb. 18, 1956 in Rapid City, S.D. She preceded him in death May 7, 2002.

Herman was a truck driver, a member of the Moose Lodge in Warsaw and also was a Korean Conflict veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include two daughters, Michele Lindzy, Winona Lake, Sharon and husband Fred Schmitt, Vine Grove, Ky; one son, Michael and wife Marcy Sterk, Warsaw; six sisters, Nancy Sterk, Bernice and husband Paul Brown, Connie and husband Norman Moore, all of Akron, Carrie and husband Cornelius Koster, Margaret and husband Nelson Tromp, all of South Holland, Ill., and Wilma and husband Donald Belsan, Brookfield, Ill; four brothers, Bert and wife Teresa Sterk, Charles and wife Margaret Sterk, all of Akron, Robert and wife Sharon Sterk, Macon, Ga., Lee and wife Leata Sterk, Rochester; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Matthew; one sister, Nellie Moslter; one brother, John Sterk.

Funeral service is at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with the Rev. Stevan Haiflich officiating. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery. Visitation is 3-6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Saturday, March 13, 2004

[no obits]

Monday, March 15, 2004

Marilee Coplen

April 13, 1925–March 13, 2004

Marilee COPLEN, 78, of Hickory Creek at Rochester, formerly of 424 Jefferson St., died at 4:10 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Her health had been failing for 1 1/2 years.

Born in Fulton County to Nelson and Gladys Bryant Paulk, she married James L. Coplen on Nov. 24, 1974, in Rochester. He preceded her in death on Sept. 14, 1985.

Marilee retired from nursing and was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lodge No. 852, women’s auxiliaries of the LeRoy Shelton American Legion, Post No. 36, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of Rochester.

Survivors include one son, Richard Robison and wife Marsha; one grandson, Rex Robison and wife Kris; and two great-granddaughters, Macie Robison and Haley Robison; all of Rochester. Marilee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Kenneth Paulk.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. 6th St., Rochester, with the Rev. David Dittman officiating. Burial will be at Rochester I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday or one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Eagles Auxiliary Scholarship Fund in her memory.

Addie H. Chambers

April 6, 1911–March 13, 2004

Addie H. CHAMBERS, 92, of Wabash, formerly of Logan, Utah, and Kewanna, died Saturday at Wabash County Hospital.

Born in Pulaski County to S.J. Jerome Harris and Cora Myers, she married Claude Chamberlin in 1928 in Valparaiso. He preceded her in death on Jan. 3, 1975. She married Robert E. Chambers on Feb. 14, 1962, in Las Vegas, Nev. He preceded her in death on Oct. 17, 1985.

Addie was a homemaker and member of the Kewanna Church of Christ. She was a Past Matron of the Clara Barton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, No. 16, Logan, Utah, and of the Harmony Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, No. 44, MacKay, Idaho. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Joe Nowacki Unit, MacKay, Idaho, and attended Lincolnville United Methodist Church in Wabash County.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Lou and husband Jim Tribbett, Kewanna, and Shirley Smith, Wabash; one son, Claude “Bud” E. Chamberlin, Jr., and wife Mary Ellen, Ocean Park, Wash.; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two daughters, five brothers and five sisters.

The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Harrison Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, with the Rev. Melissa Rice officiating. Burial will be at Bruce Lake Cemetery, Kewanna. Visitation will be noon Wednesday until the time of the funeral service. An Order of the Eastern Star memorial service will be at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Cheer & Co., Wabash.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Clifford W. Hess

Clifford W. HESS, 92, formerly of 5702 N. 100 West, Rochester, died at 1:30 a.m. today at Life Care Center, Valparaiso, where he had been a resident for one month. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Seth R. A. Sutton

Dec. 18, 1999 – March 14, 2004

Seth Robert Ashke SUTTON, 4, died Saturday.

Born in Rochester, he lived in Indianapolis with his mother Regina Sutton-Scott and her husband Jamie.

He is also survived by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Roy Merrill and Mr. and Mrs. Murrell Sutton, all of Rochester.

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

[no obits]

Thursday, March 18, 2004

Clifford W. Hess

Aug. 17, 1911 – March 16, 2004

Clifford W. HESS, 92, formerly of 5702 N. 100 West, Rochester, died Tuesday at Life Care Center of Valparaiso.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio, to George F. and Grace Anderson Hess, he married Mildred Geraldine Felton on Nov. 27, 1942, in Gary. She preceded him in death.

Clifford was a retired pipe fitter and an employee of The Brewery Ltd., formerly of South Bend, for 40 years. He was a 60-year member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. He was a member of First Christian Church, Lake Manitou Moose Lodge No. 1107, and was a 32nd degree Mason with the F&AM Lodge No. 79, all of Rochester. Fishing and swimming were two of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed dancing and was a member of the Rochester Heymakers Dance Preservationists and attended a trip to Rochester, England with them.

Survivors include one son, Bruce W. Hess and wife Rosemary, Beavercreek, Ohio; two daughters, Barbara A. Skane and husband James, Windham, N.H., and Dorothy E. Donahue and husband Dennis, Valparaiso; and two grandsons, Christopher M. Hess, Bowling Green State University, Ohio, and Dennis Jacob Donahue, Valparaiso.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother George Russell Hess.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. 6th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Woody Slade officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to service Friday at the funeral home. The F&AM Lodge No. 79 will conduct a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. Friends may call one hour prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be made to Pheasants Forever of Fulton County.
Gerald W. Osborn

Gerald W. OSBORN, 91, of 20934 Indiana 10, Culver, died Wednesday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver. Arrangements are pending at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Lilly I. Tucker

Jan. 18,1912 – March 17, 2004

Lilly I. TUCKER, 92, Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, died Wednesday at Grace Village. A graveside memorial service at Mentone Cemetery will be handled by King Memorial Home, Mentone, at a later date. There will be no visitation.

Published March 19, 2004

David L. Gault

Sept. 2, 1941 – March 17, 2004

David L. GAULT, 62, of 221 E. Pleasant St., Etna Green, died at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, after an illness.

Born in Logansport to Lloyd and Helen Pownall Gault, he married Jayne Davis on March 3, 1978. She survives.

He was a faithful member of the Etna Green Church of Christ serving as a trustee. He was a member of the Masonic Lodges at Bourbon and Macy serving as secretary and Past Master. He was also a member of the Etna Green Lions Club. He retired from IBM as a repairman in August 2003. He graduated from Grass Creek High School in 1959. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include his wife, Jayne, and five children, Sally and Scott Kauffman, Bourbon, Dawn and Leonard Gagnon, Silver Lake, Scott Trowbridge, Etna Green, Steve and Lisa Trowbridge, Tippecanoe, and Kent and Missy Gault, Bloomington; along with nine grandchildren; his sister Detta and husband Jim Gass, Markle; and his brother, Don and wife Lois Gault, Flora.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Etna Green Church of Christ with Pastor Steve Hinton officiating. Burial will be at Etna Green Cemetery. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday at Deaton Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Etna Green Church of Christ.

Gerald W. A. Osborn

July 21, 1912 – March 17, 2004

Gerald W. A. OSBORN, 91, of 20934 Indiana 10, Culver, died Wednesday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver.

Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Burns, Culver, and Sandra J. Miller, Plymouth; four sons, Edwin P. Osborn, Mishawaka, Larry G. Osborn, Buchanan, Mich., Ronald L. Osborn, New Carlisle, and Steven Osborn, Culver.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos. Visitation will be at the funeral home noon until time of service Saturday.
Saturday, March 20, 2004

Clifford W. Hess

Aug. 17, 1911 – March 16, 2004

Clifford W. HESS, 92, formerly of 5702 N. 100 West, Rochester, died Tuesday at Life Care Center of Valparaiso.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio, to George F. and Grace Anderson Hess, he married Mildred Geraldine Felton on Nov. 27, 1942, in Gary. She preceded him in death.

Clifford was a retired pipe fitter and an employee of The Drewery Limited, formerly of South Bend, for 40 years. He was a 60-year member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. He was a member of First Christian Church, Lake Manitou Moose Lodge No. 1107, and was a 32nd degree Mason with the F&AM Lodge No. 79, all of Rochester. Fishing and swimming were two of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed dancing and was a member of the Rochester Heymakers Dance Preservationists and attended a trip to Rochester, England with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother George Russell Hess.

Funeral service was 11 a.m. Friday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. 6th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Woody Slade officiating. Burial was at the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home. The F&AM Lodge No. 79 conducted a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. Thursday Memorials may be made to Pheasants Forever of Fulton County.

Sid Shannon Reffett

Dec. 5, 1935 – March 17, 2004

Dr. Sid Shannon REFFETT, 68, passed away Wednesday at his home in San Bernardino, Calif. He was born in Langley, Ky., and moved to Grass Creek where he attended public schools. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Ball State University, Muncie, and his master’s degree and doctorate in English literature at the University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Reffett taught English at LaPorte High School in LaPorte from 1957 to 1978. His wife Ida also taught English at LaPorte High School until 1990. His daughter Tamara currently teaches English at LaPorte High Scholl. His son Kevin is an Economics professor at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ.

From 1978 to 1988 Dr. Reffett was the Director of Education at the Westville Correctional Center, Westville. In addition, for many years he taught English in the college program at Purdue University North Central. From 1989 – 1994 he was the Executive Director of the Robert Presley Institute for Corrections Research, an independent California state agency located on the campus of the University of California in Riverside, Calif.

During his years of teaching and working as an educational administrator in the LaPorte area, Dr. Reffett received many honors. He was recognized for his work by the Indiana State Legislature, by the Kettering Foundation in Kettering, Ohio, and by the National School Safety Center in California as a School Administrator of the Year. He received a National Department of Education Fellowship to Purdue University to study the teaching of advanced placement English in the high school.

While working in the LaPorte area, he served on the LaPorte Public Library Board and on

the United Way Campaigns. He sponsored many student and adult trips to the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario. He spoke to many community groups on literary topics.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Holy Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino, Calif.

Survivors include his wife Ida; son, Kevin Reffett; daughter, Tamara Reffett; sisters, Willa Vanness, Virginia Case, Vada Quackenbush Jeffries, Kelsa Carr, and Lottie Kotterman; and brothers Paul and Henry Reffett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Whitten and Lucinda Reffett; brothers, James, George and Whitten Reffett, Jr.; sisters, Opel Bentley, Inez Ousley, Ressie Godbeeand Josie Patton.

A memorial mass was said at Holy Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino, California, at 9:30 a.m. Friday and a memorial mass will also be said at St. Joseph’s Church, LaPorte at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine, Iowa. The family requests that no flowers be sent but donations in his memory may be made to the Shannon Reffett ScholarshipFund at LaPorte High School or to any charity of the donors choice.

Monday, March 22, 2004

Irene A. Gustafson

Dec. 29, 1927-March 20, 2004

Mrs. Irene A. GUSTAFSON, 76, of 5800 Hennepin Dr., Joliet, Ill., and formerly of Rochester, died at 6:55 p.m. Saturday at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Joliet following an illness.

Born in Chicago to Erwin and Mable Webster Whistler, she lived in Rochester for 23 years after moving here from Chicago. On Aug. 21, 1948, she married Walter J. Gustafson in Chicago. He died July 18, 1995. A homemaker, she volunteered at Woodlawn Hospital, Gateway Community Hospital, Clarksville, Tenn., and Life Care Center of Rochester. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW auxiliary, both in Rochester.

Survivors include four daughters, Cheryl and husband Pete Satriano, Frankfort, Ill., Susan and husband Mark Finney, Phoenix, Beverly and husband Thomas Dudash, Joliet, Ill., and June and husband Erik Myers, Clarksville, Tenn.; two sons, Walter and wife Nancy Gustafson Jr., Phoenix, and Herbert and wife Mary Gustafson, Clarksville, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Joannell Witcher, Phoenix; and one brother, Erwin Whistler, San Antonio.

Her funeral service will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Lloyd Howard officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Clarksville, Tenn. hospice.

Bonnie Sue Marshall

Jan. 1, 1942-March 19, 2004

Mrs. Bonnie Sue MARSHALL, 62, of 7346 E. 200 North, Akron, died at 9:22 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Her health had been failing for four years.

Born in Logansport to James C. and Helen A. Blanton Cunningham, she lived in the area for 30 years coming here from Logansport. She had been divorced.

A member of Olive Bethel Church of God, near Akron, she loved to do crafts as her hobby.

Survivors include three daughters, Tamela Warren, Marion, Tonia Marshall, Akron, and Angela Marshall, Talma; three sons, David E. Smith, Logansport, William and wife Wanda

Hawkins, Jackson, Tenn., Pernell and wife Candace Marshall, Warsaw; 11 grandchildren; and one brother, Robert Cunningham, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, Jessica Marshall, one sister, Rebecca Cunningham, and one brother, James Cunningham.

Her funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester. Burial will be at Athens Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Sid Shannon Reffett

Dec. 5, 1935 -March 17, 2004

A memorial mass for Sid Shannon REFFETT will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Church, LaPorte. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Shannon Reffett Scholarship Fund at LaPorte High School, LaPorte.

Marian Elizabeth La Follette Smith

June 25, 1921–March 18, 2004

Marian Elizabeth La Follette SMITH, 82, Rochester went to join the Lord at 9:12 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Born on June 25, 1921, to Clifford Elijah and Goldie Grace-Miller Appel in Crawfordsville, she attended school in Montgomery County. She previously resided in Hubert, N.C., Crawfordsville, Kokomo and Rochester.

Marian had worked at Delco Radio, Kokomo, and various jobs in Crawfordsville. She was a staunch Republican and enjoyed working the polls at election time which she did for numerous years. She enjoyed swimming, dancing and traveling with her children.

She enjoyed life very much and especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of her daughter, Nancy Carolyn Turner, and her son, Thomas J. La Follette Sr.

Survivors include one brother, Thomas Frank Appel, Crawfordsville; several nieces and nephews in Crawfordsville; one daughter, Nancy Carolyn Bradley and husband Carl, Hubert, N.C.; grandchildren, Javona Rodriquez, Anthony Platt, both of Jacksonville, N.C., Kimberly Rivera, Terrell J. Platt Jr., both of Hubert, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Jeff Sales, Burlington, N.C., Travis Sales, Newport, N.C., Hector Rivera, Hubert, N.C., Anansa Rivera, Rebecca Platt, Toni Lynn Platt, all of Jacksonville, N.C.; great-great-grandchildren, Chloe Sales, Newport, N.C., Jordan Rivera, Nova Rose Rivera, Myckila Rivera, all of Hubert, N.C., and Courtney Sales, Westfield; one son, Thomas J. La Follette Sr. and wife Barbara, Kewanna-Lake Bruce; grandchildren, Karina Diane Bohac and husband Terry, Rochester, Thomas J. La Follette Jr., Wilmington, Del., and Christopher Lee La Follette and wife, Nita, LaPorte; and great-grandchildren, Shelby Diane Bohac, Nicholas Alexander Bohac, both of Rochester, Michelle Pauline La Follette, Michael Morris La Follette, Rebecca Ann La Follette, Elizabeth Claire La Follette, Thomas Robert La Follette, all of LaPorte. She is also survived by numerous friends and staff at Life Care Center of Rochester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, and former husbands John Turner and Morris J. La Follette.

Her funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main St., Kokomo. Burial will be at Albright Cemetery, Kokomo. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Scott Whitworth Jr.

Scott WHITWORTH Jr., 18, of 6645 West Indiana 14, Silver Lake, died Sunday at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Scott A. Whitworth Jr.

Jan. 4, 1986–March 21, 2004

Scott A. WHITWORTH Jr., 18, of 6645 W. Indiana 14, Silver Lake, died Sunday at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. His death was the result of a gunshot wound earlier in the day.

Born in Merrillville to Scott A. Sandra E. Whitworth, he was a student at Tippecanoe Valley High School where he played football. He had been in the builders trades class which he loved. He loved all kinds of music. He had played in the Akron Youth League and was employed at McDonald’s, North Manchester.

Survivors include one daughter, Taylor Elizabeth Whitworth; his mother, Sandra E. Whitworth; one sister, Cassandra Whitworth; one brother, Jeremy Whitworth, all of Silver Lake; paternal grandparents, Carl Jr. and wife Jean Whitworth, Akron; maternal grandmother, Joyce Richter, formerly of Silver Lake; maternal great-grandmothers, Hilda Luedtke, Crown Point, and Merle Cook, Cape Coral, Fla.; paternal uncle and aunt, Carl III and Lynn Whitworth; one grandfather, George Cook, Asheville, N.C.; several uncles, aunts, and cousins; two stepsisters, Kristina and Jamie; and two stepbrothers, Travis and Dustin. He was preceded in death by his father, Scott A. Whitworth on July 22, 2002; and maternal grandfather, Charles Richter.

His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Trust Fund for Taylor Elizabeth Whitworth at the funeral home or at Farmers State Bank in Mentone.

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

Larry G. Gordon

March 14, 1939–March 22, 2004

Larry G. GORDON, 65, Bradenton, Fla., died Monday. Survivors include his wife, Kristen A. Waddell Gordon; one son Matthew Larry Gordon, Bradenton, Fla.; three daughters, Kim Snyder, Darci Hampton, and Michelle Chamberlin, all of Plymouth; his mother, Ruth Cowen Gordon, Plymouth; and one brother, Walter Lee Gordon, Chesapeake, Va.

His funeral service is 3 p.m. Sunday at Argos United Methodist Church. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Saturday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos, and one hour prior to his service Saturday at the church.

Thursday, March 25, 2004

Olen Neace

Olen NEACE, 67, 13784 6A Road, Plymouth, died at 8:29 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth. Arrangements are pending at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Friday, March 26, 2004

Benjamin Gutierrez Arias

Oct. 10, 1954–March 24, 2004

Benjamin Gutierrez ARIAS, 49, of 202 S. Mishawaka Street, Akron, died Wednesday at the Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis.

Survivors include his wife, Rosa Gutierrez; two daughters, Kathy Sue and Anna Bell Gutierrez; one son, Benjamin Gutierrez Jr.; one brother, Adalberto Gutierrez, all of Akron; and three sisters, Raque Gutierrez de Rios, Anna Rosa Gutierrez and Cristina Isabel Gutierrez de Martinez, all of Tepatitlan DeMoreos, Jaliso, Mexico.

A mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Robert W. Mitchell Jr.

Sept. 8, 1963–March 25, 2004

Robert W. MITCHELL Jr., 40, of 309 E. 14th Street, Rochester, died at 11:15 a.m. Thursday at Life Care Center of Rochester, where he had been a patient.

Born in Blue Island, Ill., to Robert W. and Edith L. Pottharst Mitchell Sr., he married Shelley S. Anderson on June 30, 1994, in Rochester. She survives.

A resident of the Rochester community most of his life, he received his GED from Rochester High School in 1982. He was on the setting crew for Rochester Homes, Rochester. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Manitou Moose Lodge No. 1107 and had been active with the Rochester ABATE.

Survivors include wife, Shelley S. Anderson Mitchell, at home; three daughters, Heather Morris, Rochester, Holly and Haley Mitchell, at home; one granddaughter, McKenzie Williams, Rochester; his mother, Edith Guhlcke, Lubeck, Germany; his father and stepmother, Robert W. Mitchell Sr. and wife Janice, Brownsburg; two sisters, Stephanie Augustin and husband Fred, Winter Park, Fla., Jennifer Sheperd and husband Will, Warsaw; one half-brother, Curtiss Mitchell, Florida; and one niece and one nephew.

A memorial service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with Linda Hewitt officiating. A trust fund is being established at First Federal Savings Bank, Rochester, for his two minor daughters, Holly and Haley.

Olen Neace

Oct. 8, 1939–March 24, 2004

Olen NEACE, 67, of 13784 6A Road, Plymouth, died Wednesday at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.

Survivors include two daughters, Jeanne Randall, Plymouth, and Bernadine Ann Goens, South Bend; three brothers, Carl Neace, Calhoun, Ga., Rev. Charles Neace, North Judson, and Eugene Neace, North Judson; and three sisters, Faye Sullivan, Alabama, Pearl Overbee, Stanton, Ky., and Connie Bombs, Ned, Ky.

His funeral service is at 1 p.m. Saturday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to his service Saturday at the funeral home.
Saturday, March 27, 2004

Jamie Wright

April 27, 1963 – March 25, 2004

Jamie WRIGHT, 40, Farmsville, N.C., formerly of Argos, died Thursday at 5 p.m. in Greenville, N.C. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Wright, Farmsville, N.C.; two sons, Jamie Lynn Wright, Farmsville, N.C., and Jacob Wright, Rochester; his mother, Audrie Wright, Argos; six sisters, Helen Epley, Russellville, Ky., Sandra Shori, Argos, Elizabeth Wright, Plymouth, Wanda Lloyd, Monterey, Rita Pennington, Argos, and Janice Wright, Russellville, Ky.; and four brothers, Harold Wright, Argos, John Wright, Mo., Jack Wright, Monterey, and Joseph Wright, Argos. Memorial services will be Friday at 5 p.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Argos with Rev. Lloyd Howard officiating. Arrangements are pending at Grossman Funeral Home.

Monday, March 29, 2004

Chloris Russell ‘C.R.’ Barkman

July 11, 1915–March 28, 2004

Chloris Russell “C.R.” BARKMAN, 88, Wynnfield Crossing, Rochester, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Sunday at Life Care Center of Rochester.

Born in Newcastle Township to Mondo and Beulah Russell Barkman, he married Kathern Vanlue on March 5, 1938, in Logansport. She preceded him in death on February 17, 2000.

A lifelong resident of Newcastle Township, Mr. Barkman was owner/operator of the C.R. Barkman Lincoln Mercury Auto and Farm dealership in Rochester, 1947–1975, as well as being a farmer. A member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he was a deacon and a trustee, he was also the last surviving charter member of the Rochester Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Farm Bureau Co-op. He served on the Board of Directors for Woodlawn Hospital. He enjoyed farming, family, watching basketball games and wintering in Florida for 22 years.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda K. and husband Kenneth Fuller, Springfield, Ohio; daughter-in-law Stephenia Barkman, Rochester; grandchildren, Kevin Fuller and Ralyn Fuller, both of Springfield, Ohio; Stacy and wife K.C. Barkman, Rochester; Scott and wife Kelly Barkman, Chicago; Stephen and wife Staci Heinzmann, Rochester; Ashley Heinzmann, Rochester; great-granddaughter, Whitley Kane Barkman, Rochester; one sister, Maleta Borden, Rochester; one brother, Robert E. and wife Martha Peterson, Rochester; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, James L. Barkman on July 5, 2003.

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Phil Pratt officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Rochester Rotary Nurses Scholarship Fund or to the Jim Barkman Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.

Robert Lee Green Sr.

Jan. 30, 1928-March 28, 2004

Robert Lee GREEN Sr., 76, Rochester, passed away at 8:15 p.m. Sunday at Life Care Center of Rochester.

Born Jan. 30, 1928, in Newcastle Township of Fulton County to Rudy and Mabel Spurlock Green of Talma, he was a 1945 graduate of Talma High School, where he played on the

basketball team. On Dec. 23, 1950, at the home of the Rev. Gilbert Maus in Denver, he married Marilyn Van Dyke of Claypool. She survives.

After graduation, Mr. Green worked for Mentone Co-op. For 41 years, he worked at Harry, L.V. and Tad Louderback’s car dealership on Main Street before it moved to Indiana 14 and 25. He also worked for General Motors five lines, Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Pontiac. He was shop manager for 10 years and received the General Motors “Only the Best Club” award 10 years. He worked at Robert Wagoner’s TV and Radiator Shop. He was greens superintendent of Mill Creek Golf Course. He worked there 15 years.

Mr. Green was associated with the Rochester Little and Senior leagues for more than 20 years. He was manager of the Little League Dodgers for 20 years and of the Senior League Braves. He umpired in both leagues.

Mr. Green was an A.S.A. umpire for girls fast-pitch softball and umpired state tournament games in Kokomo and Plymouth. He also umpired men’s slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball. He played softball on a travling team for Babcock’s Locker as well as for Village Market, Kewanna, Kibitzer Tavern, Kewanna, and Farmers & Merchants Bank, Rochester. He played in the first Round Barn softball tournament championship game.

He participated in the golf league at Mill Creek Golf Course and had two holes in one at Rochester and Syracuse golf courses. He enjoyed bowling and was an accomplished do-it-yourselfer who enjoyed fixing electrical, plumbing and masonry work.

He had been a member of Tiosa Brethren Church and was a 50-year member of First Baptist Church, Rochester, where he served as a deacon, usher, Sunday School superintendent for two years and as a member of the Board of Trustees for two years. He enjoyed his visits with church pastor Dr. Mark Spencer.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Green, Rochester; five sons, Robert Lee Green Jr. and wife Pam, Rochester; Ron Dale Green and wife Jackie, Valparaiso, Randy Ray Green and wife Becky, Rochester, Rick Duane Green and wife Susan, Warsaw, Roger Ray Green, Etna Green; one daughter, Renda Lu and husband Ty Bahney, Rochester; one sister, Marietta and husband Paul Scott, Rochester; and 15 grandchildren, Joe Green, Avon, Andy Green, Denver, Colo., Lisa Green, West Lafayette, Aisha Williams, Terre Haute, Emily and Mathew Williams, both of Rochester, Terren Green, Bloomington, Jenny Szymanski, Valparaiso, Eric and Kevin Green, both of Warsaw, Tyrus and Tyra Bahney, both of Rochester, Elizabeth Van Overberghe, South Bend, Kelly Hayden, Rochester, Steven Olczak, Augusta, Ga.; and seven great-grandchildren, Lyric Daye Green, Valparaiso, Aislinn Williams, Terre Haute, Gracie, Hillary and Mallory Van Overberghe, all of South Bend, and Tanner Hayden and Erin Puckett, both of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his brother, Calvin Green.

His funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, and one hour prior to his service at the church. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church.

Don Snipes

April 19, 1929–March 27, 2004

Don SNIPES, 74, of 5831 N. Indiana 25, Rochester, died at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at his residence.

Born in Prestonburg, Ky., to William T. and Cosby Jane Osborn Snipes, he lived in this area most of his life after moving from Kentucky. He married Bonnie J. Emmons on March 20, 1952, in Mentone. She survives.

Don graduated in 1947 from Talma High School. He was a Korean War Army veteran, a former Newcastle 4-H leader, and a member of the Blacktop Cruisers Car Club, Rochester, and the Studebakers Drivers Club, South Bend. From 1974 to 1982, he served on the Tippecanoe Valley School Board. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Rochester.

Don was owner/operator of Snipes Mobile Feed Service since 1961 and an Angus cattle farmer. Prior to serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, he had worked at Studebaker in South Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie J. Snipes, Rochester; one daughter, Sherri and husband Doug Rutherford, Decatur, Ill.; two sons, Gary and wife Kathy Snipes, Rochester, and Terry and wife Diane Snipes, East Moline, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Christine, Erin, and Dan Snipes, Rochester, Stephanie and Greg Snipes, East Moline, Ill., Josh and Carl Rutherford, Decatur, Ill.; three sisters, Bernice and husband Jim Kline, Sneadsville, Tenn., Catherine and husband John Keele, Las Vegas, Nev.; Joyce and husband Bill Lewis, Rochester; and two brothers, Arnold and wife Laura Snipes, Rochester, and Albert and wife Lois Snipes, Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his stepmother Alma Snipes; one brother, Ivory Snipes, in December 2002; one son and one sister.

His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at King Memorial Home, Mentone, with the Rev. Phil Pratt officiating. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion and VFW posts of Rochester. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church or Kosciusko County Hospice.

Gladys I. Warren

Gladys I. WARREN, 74, formerly of Argos, died Sunday at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth. Arrangements are pending at the Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Tuesday, March 30, 2004

Terry L. Sarver

Nov. 11, 1953–March 29, 2004

Terry L. SARVER, 50, of 315 S. Cherry St., Akron, died at 8:30 a.m. Monday at his residence.

Born in Kokomo to William J. and Marilyn Behny Sarver, he married Cynthia Byers-Smith on Oct. 27, 2001. She survives.

Terry was a 1972 graduate of Haworth High School, Kokomo. He later became a factory worker and also a member of the Akron Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Sarver, Akron; his mother, Marilyn Smith, Akron; one stepson, Russel Smith, Rochester; two sisters, Barbara and husband Jeff Labahn, Kenosha, Wisc., Michelle and husband Randy Hoover, Kokomo; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; one stepson, John; and stepfather, Marvin Smith.

His funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Akron Church of God with Pastor Terry Canfield officiating. Visitation is one half hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Akron Church of God.
Don Snipes

April 19, 1929–March 27, 2004

Don SNIPES, 74, of 5831 N. Indiana 25, Rochester, died at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at his residence.

Don graduated in 1947 from Talma High School. He was a Korean War Army veteran, a former Newcastle 4-H leader, and a member of the Blacktop Cruisers Car Club, Rochester, and the Studebakers Drivers Club, South Bend. From 1974 to 1982, he served on the Tippecanoe Valley school board. He was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Rochester.

Don was also owner/operator of Snipes Mobile Feed Service since 1961 and an Angus cattle farmer. Prior to serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, he had worked at Studebaker in South Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie J. Snipes, Rochester; one daughter, Sherri and husband Doug Rutherford, Decatur, Ill.; two sons, Gary and wife Kathy Snipes, Rochester, and Terry and wife Diane Snipes, East Moline, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Christine, Erin, and Dan Snipes, Rochester, Stephanie and Greg Snipes, East Moline, Ill., Josh and Cari Rutherford, Decatur, Ill.; three sisters, Bernice and husband Jim Kline, Sneadsville, Tenn., Catherine and husband John Keele, Las Vegas, Nev.; Joyce and husband Bill Lewis, Rochester; and two brothers, Arnold and wife Laura Snipes, Rochester, and Albert and wife Lois Snipes, Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his stepmother Alma Snipes; one brother, Ivory Snipes, in Dec. 2002; one son and one sister.

His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at King Memorial Home, Mentone, with the Rev. Phil Pratt officiating. Burial will be at Mentone Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion and VFW posts of Rochester. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church or Kosciusko County Hospice.

Gladys Irene Warren

June 17, 1929–March 28, 2004

Gladys Irene WARREN, 74, formerly of 209 E. North Street, Argos, died Sunday at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth.

Born to Verne and Flossie Musselman Rush, she spent her entire life in the Argos and Tippecanoe Community. She married Dale Edward Warren on June 25, 1949, in Tippecanoe. He preceded her in death on August 20, 1991.

Gladys was a homemaker and also employed at the former Hart Schaffner & Marx Corp. in Rochester.

Survivors include two daughters, Clara Hollar and husband Carl, Argos, Jeanette Horvath and husband Tim, Plymouth; two sons, Don Warren and wife June, Culver, Raymond “Pee Wee” Warren and Pam Kruder, Plymouth; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one brother, Buel Robinson; and one sister, Hazel Hannaway. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and five siblings.

Her funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Grossman Funeral Home, 208 N. Michigan Street, Argos, with Pastor Wayne Mikel and Marshall County Hospice chaplain Thomas Padberg officiating. Burial is at Maple Grove Cemetery, Argos. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Marshall County Hospice.
Donald F. Gilley

Donald F. GILLEY, 79, formerly of Argos, died today at Miller’s Merry Manor of Wakarusa. Arrangements are pending at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Donald F. Gilley

May 28, 1924–March 30, 2004

Donald F. GILLEY, 79, of 705 S. Summit St., Nappanee, died Tuesday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Gilley, at home; five daughters, Cherie Rogers, Wakarusa, Michelle Lorusso, Nappanee, Dawn Ricciarilla, Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Tam Lincoln, Warsaw, Tava Elder, Toledo, Ill.; three sons, David Gilley, Nappanee, Patrick Gilley, Burket, John Fisher Jr., Windsor, Ill.; and one brother, Leonard Gilley, Plymouth.

His funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos. Visitation is from 4–8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home or one hour prior to the service.

Tona Miller

Tona MILLER, 57, Rochester, died Tuesday at Woodlawn Hospital. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Thursday, April 1, 2004

Tona D. Miller

Sept. 9, 1946–March 30, 2004

Tona D. MILLER, 57, of 711 Monroe St., Rochester, passed away at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at Woodlawn Hospital. His death was unexpected.

Born in Rochester to Doc and Louise Haggerty Miller, he spent his entire lifetime in the Rochester community.

Tona was owner and operator of T.D. Miller Sales of Rochester, a member of Moose Lodge No. 1107 and the Eagles Lodge of Rochester. He enjoyed golfing and was a coach in the Rochester Girls Softball League 10 years. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1964 and from Western New Mexico University in 1969.

Survivors include one daughter, Tia Heishman and husband Trevor; two brothers, Robert Miller and wife Karen, and Thomas Miller and wife Peggy, all of Rochester; one granddaughter, Averyonna Heishman; his stepmother Evelyn Miller, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Brady Guy Heishman in 2003.

His funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. 6th St., Rochester, with Kelly Dittman officiating. Burial is at Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Visitation is 4–8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Rochester Girls Softball League.

Fern Hammond

Fern HAMMOND, 95, of 1511 Ewing Road, Rochester, died at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Life Care Center, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.
Friday, April 2, 2004

Fern P. Hammond

Oct. 1, 1908-March 31, 2004

Fern P. HAMMOND, 95, of 1511 Ewing Road, Rochester, died at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Life Care Center of Rochester following a four-month illness.

Born in Fulton County to John and Lilie Alley Braman, she was a lifetime area resident. On July 6, 1925, she married Lloyd M. Hammond in Rochester. He preceded her in death Jan. 10, 1997. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include one son, Arlen L. Hammond, Granger; one daughter, Shirley Gates and husband William, Port Charlotte, Fla.; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjory Phillips, Rochester; and one brother, Calvin Braman and wife Evelyn, Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother and one sister.

Her funeral service is 10 a.m. Monday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

C. Imogene Pavese

C. Imogene PAVESE, 85, of 528 N. 650 East, Rochester, died at 4 a.m. today at her residence. Arrangements are pending at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

James E. Smith

June 20, 1933-April 1, 2004

James E. SMITH, 70, of 19679 Fir Road, Tippecanoe, died at 6:19 a.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Smith, at home; two sons, Jay and Jeff Smith, both of Argos; one sister, Lois Cobb, Fort Myers, Fla.; and one brother, Tom Smith, Warsaw.

His funeral service is 2 p.m. Monday at Grossman Funeral Home, Argos. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service Monday at the funeral home.

Saturday, April 3, 2004

Imogene ‘Jean’ Pavese

July 21, 1918–April 2, 2004

Imogene “Jean” PAVESE, 85, of 528 N. 650 E., Rochester, passed away at 4 a.m. Friday at her residence.

Born in Athens to Mark L. and Sadie Shireman Vanlue, she married Bud M. Pavese on March 15, 1953, in Gary. He preceded her in death in February 1989.

Jean was a homemaker and she and her husband established and operated AFCO Inc. in Hobart. She was the founder and president of the former Neighbors Club in Hobart, attended Bethlehem Baptist Church, Rochester, and enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include four daughters, Judy Beck, Rochester, Toni and husband Nick Didonna, Hobart, Janet and husband Jerry Magdos, Webster, Texas, and Peggy and husband Jeff Irzyk, Valparaiso; one son, Kenneth and wife Jodie Karn, Sunland, Calif.; one daughter-in-law, Gail Pavese Dayhoff, Hobart; 23 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by two sons, Jerry and Max Pavese; one infant daughter, Jodi Lynn Pavese; one sister, Treva Shoemaker; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren.

Her funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, 415 S. Anderson St., Elwood, with the Rev. Phillip P. Pratt officiating. Burial is at Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation is from 3-6 p.m. today at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, and from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, Elwood. Memorials can be made to Hope Hospice of Fulton County, P.O. Box 621, Rochester.

Monday, April 5, 2004

Rosetta E. Newgent

Nov. 30, 1919-April 3, 2004

Rosetta E. NEWGENT, 84, Kewanna, died at 3:40 p.m. Saturday at Kingston Care Center, Fort Wayne.

Born in Kewanna to George Lloyd and Amy Hazel Mollencopf Woolington, she married Manford C. Newgent on Dec. 17, 1939, in Culver. He died May 11, 1959. She retired from Hart Schaffner & Marx in 1988 after 25 years of service. Previously, she was head cook at the Kewanna school for 13 years.

She was a member of Kewanna United Methodist Church and Mothers Club and a past member of the Order of Eastern Star. Her greatest joys were her family, gardening and working in her lawn and flower beds. She graduated from Kewanna High School in 1937.

Survivors include three sons, S. Robert and wife Evelyn Newgent, Fort Wayne, John C. and wife Claire Newgent, Zion, Ill., and Donald Newgent, Kewanna; one daughter, Betty Lou and husband Robert McKinney, Eugene, Ore.; eight grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lloyd Ed and Harold Woolington, and three sisters, Delores LaMunion, Wilma Osborn and Edna Avery.

Graveside service and burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Citizens IOOF Cemetery, Kewanna, with the Rev. Janet Luchs officiating. A celebration of life memorial service is 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Kewanna United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the donor’s charity of choice. Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home, Kewanna, is handling arrangements.

William Dale Smith

April 11, 1947-March 26, 2004

William Dale SMITH, 56, of 1533 S. 850 West, Kewanna, died at approximately 8 p.m. March 26 at his home.

Born in Rochester to Herbert and Margaret Wilson Smith, he was a lifetime Fulton County resident. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1965. He later attended Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich., and Vincennes University, Vincennes. He married Katrina Hizer. They later divorced. An independent truck driver, he also drove for CFS, Kewanna, for a number of years.

Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Sarah Smith and significant other, Racheal Matthews, Springfield, Mo.; one son, Jason Smith and significant other Jean Belk, Springfield, Mo.; one granddaughter, Makaeda Matthews-Smith, Springfield, Mo.; one grandson, Quentin Smith, Springfield, Mo.; his mother, Margaret Smith, Rochester; two sisters, Jane Shriver and husband Steve R., Rochester, and Elaine Snyder, Fort Wayne; and one brother, Steve Smith and wife Lisa, Newton, Kan. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Dale, on May 30, 1986, and one brother, Richard Dale, on Feb. 20, 1945.

His funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Rick Taylor officiating. Burial is at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation is 9 a.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.
Tuesday, April 6, 2004

Esther B. McFarland

June 22, 1907-April 3, 2004

Esther B. McFARLAND, 96, of 730 School St., Culver, passed away at 4:50 p.m. Saturday at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver.

Born June 22, 1907, in Fulton County to Harry and Flossie Bick Zartman, Esther married Russell McFarland on May 12, 1924. He passed away on May 23, 1963.

Esther was preceded in death by her daughter, Virginia Wakefield; her sons, Harry and Francis McFarland; her sister; three brothers; and special friend, Adrian Schlabach.

Esther and Russell owned Culver City Ice for 32 years. She was past president of Mothers of World War II in Culver. She moved from Culver to Plymouth in 1965. She returned to Culver in 1999.

Esther is survived by 17 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 26 great-great-grandchildren and her brother, Lawrence Zartman, Colfax.

Her funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, with the Revs. James Irwin and Ron Lewellen officiating. Burial is at Maxinkuckee IOOF Cemetery. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family requests memorials be given to Marshall County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 895, Plymouth, IN 46563. Friends may sign the guestbook and share memories with the McFarland family at www.vangilderfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 to Friady, April 9, 2004

[no obits[

Saturday, April 10, 2004

Ted R. Cox

Ted R. COX, 81, 1504 Cardinal Circle, Rochester, died at 5:57 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Hospital. Arrangements are pending at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Robert Eugene Roe, Sr.

Robert Eugene ROE, Sr., 79, 1237 Rochester Blvd., died at 7:12 p.m. Friday at Hickory Creek Nursing Home, Rochester.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home or one hour prior to services. Burial will be at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Cloyce E. Yeater

Sept. 8, 1921-April 9, 2004

Cloyce E. YEATER, 82, of 2530 Brookfield Circle South, Warsaw, died Friday at his home.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Yeater, Warsaw; two sons, Ron Yeater, Warsaw, and Dan Yeater, Byron, Mich.; and one daughter, Janice Ritter, Fenton, Mich.

His funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel.
Monday, April 12, 2004

Kathy S. Bucher

April 26, 1959-April 11, 2004

Kathy S. BUCHER, 44, of 405 N. Johnson St., Akron died at 12:22 a.m. Sunday at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth. Hospitalized for one day, her health had been failing since January.

Born in Knox to Kenneth D. and Anna Belle Clingler Coughenour, she worked at Controls in North Manchester for more than 26 years. A 1977 Tippecanoe Valley High School graduate, she attended Akron Church of God.

Survivors include one son, Shawn M. and wife Jennifer Bucher, Akron; one grandson, Austin Bucher, Akron; her mother, Anna Belle Coughenour, Akron; one brother, Mike and wife Vickie Coughenour, Akron; and three nephews, Jarod, Aaron and Andrew Coughenour, Akron. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth D. Coughenour.

Her funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastors Steve Fleck and Terry Canfield officiating. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Ted R. Cox

June 22, 1922-April 9, 2004

Ted R. COX, 81, of 1504 Cardinal Circle, Rochester, and formerly of Akron, died at 5:57 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Hospital emergency room, Rochester.

Born in Tipton County to Albert J. and Minnie Bell Ressler Cox, he graduated from Akron High School. He married Mary Ann Whittenberger on Sept. 21, 1947, in Akron. She survives.

He was an egg processor and wholesaler. Recently, he was a truck driver and delivered for Duane Hackworth & Son Mobil Distributor, Akron. He was a World War II Army veteran who served in the 10th Armored Division.

He attended Akron Church of God. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and American Legion, both in Rochester, and the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club. He enjoyed square dancing, horse shoe pitching and bowling in North Manchester and Rochester leagues.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Cox, Rochester; one daughter, Vicki and husband Robert Rutkowski, San Diego; one son, Ted J. Cox, Rochester; four grandchildren, Shannon and Josh Rutkowski, Ashton and wife Heather Cox and Lesley Cox; two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Catherine; and one sister, Jeanne Jones, Rochester. He was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Sheryl Cox, and three sisters, Maxine, Monel and Octava.

His funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Steve Fleck and the Revs. Harold Conrad and Robert George officiating. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conductd by American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, both of Rochester. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice of Fulton County.

Dale A. Craft

Jan. 11, 1952-April 10, 2004

Dale A. CRAFT, 52, of 1735 S. Indiana 19, Akron, died at 2:40 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Hospital emergency room, Rochester. He died unexpectedly of natural causes.

Born in Rochester to Howard Craft Jr. and Marilyn Dillman Craft, he graduated from North Miami High School in 1970. On Sept. 29, 1989, he married JoAnn Brofford in Akron. She survives. He was an auto mechanic and had worked at Pike Lumber Co., Akron. He enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Craft, Akron; his mother, Marilyn Craft, Akron; one daughter, Heather Marie Craft Kidd, Edgewater, Fla.; one son, Dale Alan Craft and friend Deva Burck, Jacksonville, Fla.; two sisters, Dorothy and husband Howard Fouts, Big Sandy, Tenn., and Carolyn and husband John Moon, Peru; one brother, David and wife Sharon Craft, Peru; one stepdaughter, Lori and husband Fernando Paredes, Akron; two stepsons, Todd and wife Michelle Hoffman, Akron, and Corey and wife Michelle Hoffman, Macy; six grandchildren; 12 nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Craft Jr.

His funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastors Terry Canfield and Steve Fleck officiating. Burial is at Akron Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association.

David E. Gackenheimer

David E. GACKENHEIMER, 62, of 497 S. Meridian Road, Rochester, died at 3:17 p.m. Sunday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

Mary Margaret Grau

Mary Margaret GRAU, 83, of 1729 Wabash Avenue, Rochester, died at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Barbara Napier

Barbara NAPIER, 72, of 2695 S. 700 East, Knox, died at 10:20 a.m. Sunday at Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso. Arrangements are pending at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester.

Robert E. Roe Sr.

July 26, 1924-April 9, 2004

Robert E. ROE Sr., 79, of 1237 Rochester Blvd., Rochester, died at 7:11 p.m. Friday at Hickory Creek at Rochester, following an illness.

The loved and already missed Robert Eugene Roe Sr., was born July 26, 1924, in Winamac to James Q. and Edna V. Baugh Roe. He moved to Rochester from Star City in 1946. On April 19, 1946, he married Freda Louise White in Fulton. She survives.

He was a baker at Stewart’s Bakery before he became the owner/operator of Roe Painting Service and House of Decor 1971-1988. He was a member of First Christian Church, Rochester. A World War II U.S. Army veteran who served in France, he was a member of Lake Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1343 and LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36, both in Rochester. He enjoyed activities with his children and grandchildren, golfing, bowling, shuffleboard, playing cards and walking.

Survivors include his wife, Freda L. Roe, Hickory Creek at Rochester; four children, Robert Eugene Roe Jr. and wife Kathy, Muncie, Joyce Mikesell and husband Denny, Rochester,

Bill Roe, Rochester, and Letty McKee, Rochester; one brother, Jack Roe, Bradenton, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Dawn Beebe and husband Phil, Julie Hostetler and husband Mike, Robert Eugene Roe III and wife Betty, Ryan Roe, Andy Mikesell and wife Cheri, Kelly Brower, Jason McKee and wife Stephanie and Matthew McKee; great-grandchildren, Logan, Natalie, Alexis, Grayson, Brendan, Drew, A.J., Payton, Robert Eugene Roe IV,Keyona, Ethan, Caleb and Cooper; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, three sisters, one son-in-law, John Robert McKee, and one granddaughter, Darcy Ann Mikesell.

His funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with Pastor Woody Slade officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will conduct military graveside rites.Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to his service Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the John Robert McKee Memorial Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Flora Rudaski

Feb. 18, 1921-April 10, 2004

Mrs. Flora RUDASKI, 83, of 320 W. 11th St., Rochester, passed away at 1:18 a.m. Saturday at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

Mrs. Rudaski was born Feb. 18, 1921, in Lincoln, Neb., to Conrad and Catherine Amend. In 1974, she married Richard Rudaski in Chicago. He preceded her in death in 1994. She was a retired factory employee in Chicago.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen and husband Raymond Turner, Rochester, and Joanne and husband Richard Loper, Cromwell; three grandchildren, Mary and husband Joey Bedics, Rochester, William and wife Janet Shafer, Anderson, and Melissa Bailey, Millersburg; and eight great-grandchildren. Two grandsons, two sisters and five brothers preceded her in death.

No services or visitation are planned. Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles E. Swick

Feb. 28, 1908-April 10, 2004

Charles E. SWICK, 96, of 202 S. West St., Akron, died at 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the home of his caregiver, Beverly Shriver, in Akron.

Born in Silver Lake to Herman and May R. Windbigler Swick, he married Paulene Kindig on Feb. 27, 1931, in Elkhart. She preceded him in death on Nov. 18, 1994. He was a railway mail clerk for 20 years and an industrial engineer for Sonoco Products Co. for 15 years. He attended Akron Church of God.

Survivors include one daughter, Bonita and husband William Couse, Daytona Beach, Fla.; two sons, Kenneth and wife Jenny Swick, Carlsbad, Calif., and Roger and wife Eunice Swick, LaGrange; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ann Douglas, Bradenton, Fla.; and one brother, Willis Swick, North Manchester. He was preceded in death by his wife and one brother, Arthur Swick.

His funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Akron Church of God with Pastor Terry Canfield officiating. Burial will be at Athens Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. Memorials may be made to Akron Church of God Building Fund.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004

David E. Gackenheimer

July 31, 1941–April 11, 2004

David E. GACKENHEIMER, 62, of 497 S. Meridian Road, Rochester, died at 3:17 p.m. Sunday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Born in Wabash to Paul D. Gackenheimer and Bonita M. Crow Gackenheimer, he married Shirley Sweares Hashbarger on May 26, 1979, in Wabash.

David was a past president and 26-year employee of Gackenheimer Pharmacies Inc., a family-owned business in Wabash, until it closed in 1991. He worked as a pharmacist for Webb’s Family Pharmacy in Rochester since 1991. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and attended First Church of God, both of Rochester. He belonged to the Indiana Pharmacy Association and was a charter member of the Wabash Optimist Club. He was a 1959 graduate of Wabash High School and a 1965 graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Pharmacy. He was a past president of Wabash Chamber of Commerce and Rochester Retail Merchants Association. He went to Nicaragua with Habitat for Humanity. He was a student in a lay pastors program for two years. He moved to Rochester from Wabash in 1991.

Survivors include wife Shirley Gackenheimer, Rochester; mother Bonita M. Gackenheimer, Wabash; daughter Teresa and husband Gary Jones, North Manchester; son Jeff and wife Susan Gackenheimer, Danville; daughter Lisa and husband Kent Miller, Macy; son Mike Hashbarger, Rochester; son Mark and wife Cindy Gackenheimer, Appleton, Wis.; daughter Michelle and husband Robert Sinclair, Peru; daughter Julie and husband Chris Gackenheimer Porter, Wabash; daughter Mary Jo Lynn and husband Brian Merrill, Rochester; brother John H. and wife Ana Gackenheimer, Wabash; 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Joyce Gackenheimer, Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Gackenheimer.

His funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Pastor Dave Dittman officiating. Burial is at Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The memorial guest book for David may be signed online at www. grandstaff-hentgen.com. Preferred memorials are St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ, Wabash, or First Church of God, Rochester.

James Melvin Faris

Oct. 21, 1952–April 9, 2004

James Melvin FARIS, 51, of 407 N. Maple, Akron, died Friday at his residence.

Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer Buchanan, Rock Hill, S.C.; two sons, Jimmy J. Clemons and Jonathon Faris, both at home; his mother, Joyce Holt, Jacksonville, Fla.; two sisters, Paula Wall and Linda O’Dell, both of St. Augustine, Fla.; and two brothers, Billy Faris, St. Augustine, Fla., and Lindsay Faris, Orange Park, Fla.

His funeral service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Faith Outreach Church, Rochester.

Barbara Alene Napier

Dec. 23, 1931–April 11, 2004

Barbara Alene NAPIER, 72, of 2695 S. 700 East, Knox, died Sunday at Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso.

Survivors include one son, Carlo Bob Napier Jr., Alamo, Ga.; two brothers, Wayne Butler, Phoenix, and Robert Butler, Culver. Her funeral service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity EUB Church, Culver. Visitation is one hour prior to her service at the church.

Mary Margaret Grau

Oct. 23, 1920–April 11, 2004

Mary Margaret GRAU, 83, of 1729 Wabash Avenue, Rochester, died at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, where she had been a patient for five days. Her health had been failing for a number of years.

Born in St. Louis to Richard and Eula Georges, she married Phillip S. Grau on Dec. 9, 1942, in St. Louis. He survives. Mary moved to Rochester in 1986 from River Grove, Ill.

She was a homemaker and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Rochester.

Survivors include husband, Phillip Grau, at home; three sons, Robert G. Grau and wife Linda, Lake Tomahawk, Wis., Donald P. Grau and wife Lauretta, Los Angeles, and David D. Grau and wife Victoria, Chicago; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Lucille Moran.

Her funeral service is at 10 a.m. Thursday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, 128 W. Sixth St., Rochester, with the Rev. Buck Padilla officiating. Burial is at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday or one hour prior to her service Thursday at the funeral home.

Bernice Stookey

Bernice STOOKEY, 98, Monticello, formerly of Fulton and Kewanna, died at 6:15 p.m. Monday at Twin Lakes Village, Monticello. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton.

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Bette Myers Kinley

Feb. 14, 1922–April 12, 2004

Bette Ruth Elizabeth KINLEY, 82, Denver, died at 9:16 p.m. Monday at Howard Regional Health Systems, Kokomo.

Born near Denver to Grover and Ruth Fenn See, she married Max Myers in August 1938. In May 1975, she married Dean Utter, who preceded her in death in April 1976. On Jan. 7, 1984, she married Doyle Kinley, who survives.

Bette was a retired secretary at Controls Company of America, North Manchester, where she worked for 25 years. She was a member of Denver Baptist Church, Dukes Hospital Auxiliary and Miami County Historical Society. She attended the Deedsville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Curt Myers and wife Sue, Greenwood, Fred Myers and wife Beverly, Bedford, Penn., and Kenny Myers and wife Ann, Warsaw; one daughter, Sharon Hayden, Corona, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Pamela Brown and husband Ralph, Deedsville; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise Murphy and husband Raymond, Denver. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mable Crim and Wilma Donat; two brothers, Gaylord and James See.

Her funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday at McClain Funeral Home, 3500 W. Indiana 16, Denver, with Pastor Brent Myers and Pastor Bill Babb officiating. Visitation is after 3 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to her service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Gideons International. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Alene Napier

Dec. 23, 1931–April 11, 2004

Barbara Alene NAPIER, 72, of 2695 S. 700 East, Knox, died at 10:20 a.m. Sunday at Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso, where she had been a patient. Her health had been failing for the past six months.

Born in Culver to Foster and Sylvia Pontius Butler, she married Carlo Bob Napier Sr. on Jan. 9, 1953, in Culver. He preceded her in death in 1992.

Barbara was a supervisor of the dining room at Culver Military Academy for 32 years prior to her retirement. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6919 in Culver.

Survivors include one daughter, Betty J. and husband Donnie L. Ehlinger, Knox; one son, Carlo Bob Napier Jr., Alamo, Ga.; four granddaughters, Nickcole Arthurhultz, Barbara Lasanowski, Sarah McFarland, Katherine Napier; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne Butler and wife Norma, Phoenix, Ariz., Robert Butler and wife Eileen, Culver; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Donna Herrell.

Her funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Culver, with the Rev. Ron Lewellen officiating. Burial is at Culver Masonic Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to services. Memorials may be made to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6919, Culver.

Bernice Stookey

July 19, 1905-April 12, 2004

Bernice STOOKEY, 98, Monticello, formerly of Fulton and Kewanna, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Monday at Twin Lakes Village, Monticello.

Born on July 19, 1905, in Fulton to Fred and Carrie Buehler Thommen, she was a 1923 graduate of Fulton High School. On Aug. 28, 1928, she married Orval Jacob Stookey in Rochester. He preceded her in death on July 13, 1966.

Mrs. Stookey worked at the Fulton Library and was a telephone operator in Fulton. She lived and raised her children in Kewanna and Peru. In 1976, she moved to Valparaiso and in 1999, she moved to Fort Wayne. She moved to Monticello this year. She was a member of Peru Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Survivors include her son, Don E. and wife Marilyn Stookey, Fort Wayne; daughters, Rosemary and husband Bernard Butt, Monticello, Sharon and husband Kenard Taylor, Valparaiso; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jeannine Stookey, in 1932, one brother, Lucius Thommen, one grandson and one great-grandson.

Her funeral service is at 3 p.m. Friday at Fulton United Methodist Church, Fulton, with the Rev. Mike Forshey officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Fulton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Fulton United Methodist Church. Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton, is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Thomas

Patricia THOMAS, 68, of Life Care Center, Rochester, died at 11:55 p.m. Tuesday in the Center. Arrangements are pending at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Thursday, April 15, 2004

Joyce Ann Smiley

Nov. 18, 1938–April 14, 2004

Joyce Ann SMILEY, 65, of 748 W. Ninth St., Rochester, passed away at 12:38 p.m. Wednesday at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. Her health had been failing for the past two years.

Born in Rochester to Harold and Laura Sheets Lowe, she married Jack L. Smiley on Sept. 26, 1956, in Rochester. He survives at home.

Joyce was a 1956 graduate of Rochester High School and lived her entire life in the Rochester community. She was a staff accountant for 25 years for Byron Shore. C.P.A. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Rochester, and of the Women of the Moose. She was an avid reader and loved watching birds.

Survivors include husband Jack L. Smiley, at home; and two sons, Marc Smiley and wife Nicole, Rochester, and Jon Smiley and friend Beth Arata, Kewanna.

Her funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Foster & Good Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Burial is at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Visitation is 4-7:30 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to her service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Rochester.

Patricia Thomas

Sept. 5, 1935–April 13, 2004

Patricia THOMAS, 68, Rochester, passed away at 11:55 p.m. Tuesday at the Life Care Center of Rochester.

Born in Athens to Everett Eshelman and Bertha McGee Eshelman Pfledderer, she married Robert L. Thomas Sr. He preceded her in death in 1987.

Mrs. Thomas was a homemaker and had worked at Torin Corp.

Survivors include daughter, Hope Kochenderfer, Tampa, Fla.; son Robert L. Thomas Jr., Rochester; four brothers, John O’Connor, Warsaw, John Sweet, Rochester, Ed Beaird, Kewanna, Jerry and wife Janet Beaird, Rochester; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter, Penny Rigney; one sister; and three brothers.

A graveside service and burial is at 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Hope Cemetery, Athens, with the Rev. Robert George officiating. Arrangements are by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Lilly I. Tucker

A graveside service for Lilly I. TUCKER, 92, formerly of Mentone, who died March 17 at Grace Village Retirement Home, Winona Lake, is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mentone Cemetery with the Rev. Doris Smith officiating. King Memorial Home, Mentone, is in charge of the service.

Friday, April 16, 2004

Dorothy Mae ‘Becky’ Wyatt

March 16, 1926–April 15, 2004

Dorothy Mae “Becky” WYATT, 78, of 5490 Indiana 25 North, Rochester, passed away at 10:25 a.m Thursday at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, after a four-day illne