CRASH VICTIM’S FUNERAL TODAY
Funeral services for Mrs. Dora F. Feighner, 49, of near Zanesville, who was killed in an automobile collision at Huntington Sunday night, will be held at 3:30 pm (CDT) today at the residence and at 4 pm at the Zanesville U.B. Church. Rev. John Paul Pack of Huntington will officiate and burial will be in Zanesville Cemetery. Mrs. Feighner suffered a fracture of the skull when automobiles drive by her husband, Dallas E. Feighner, and by Lee Andrea of R.R. No. 5, collided at the east edge of Huntington and plunged into the bed of the old Wabash-Erie Canal. Mrs. Feighner, a native of Union Township, Wells County, was a member of the Central Christian Church at Huntington. She is survived by the husband; one son, Darrell Feighner, at home; one daughter, Mrs. Paul PeGan of Huntington; one grandchild; her father, Franklin Jones of Lafayette Township; two brothers, Dee Jones of Lafayette Township and Wiley Jones of near Roanoke, and two sisters, Mrs. Manuel Smith of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Clyde Young of Lafayette Township. The body is at the residence. The Koontz Funeral Home of Roanoke is in charge of arrangements.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

RETIRED FIRE FIGHTER DIES
Charles F. Fetters, 70, of 2812 Chestnut St. died at 2 a.m. yesterday in Clinic Hospital, Bluffton, where he had been a patient four weeks. Mr. Fetters was a native of Wells County and lived in Fort Wayne since 1936. He retired in 19?? after 28 years of service as a city fireman. Surviving are his wife, Goldie; three sons, Robert of Fort Worth, Tex., William at home, and Richard of Woodburn; two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Cornett, Allen Park, Mich.; and Grace Fetters at home; a brother, Ralph of Bluffton and two sisters, Leona Fetters and Mrs. Mary Steiner, both of Bluffton. Services will be a 1 p.m. Friday at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, where calling will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Wed. Dec 26, 1973
*****
BLUFFTON RESIDENT'S BROTHER, 70, DIES
A native of Wells County and brother of Ralph Fetters, Leona Fetters and Mrs. Mary Steiner, all of Bluffton, Charles F. Fetes, 70, of Fort Wayne died at 2 a.m. Tuesday in Clinic Hospital, where he had been a patient four weeks. A resident of Fort Wayne since leaving Wells County in 1936, Mr. Fetters retired in 1966 after 28 years of service as a Fort Wayne fireman. Other survivors include the wife, Goldie; threee sons, Robert of Fort Worth, Tex., William at home and Richard of Woodburn; two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Cornett of Allen Park, Mich., and Grace Fetters at home. Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, where services will be at 1 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Dec. 26, 1973 - Contributed by Karin King

Huntington, May 8 – Ora Finley, 73, died at his home on Garfield Street today after eight months’ illness. His first marriage was to Mary Alice Howett. Surviving from the union are two sons, Herman Finley, Niles, O., and John Finley, Hammond; four daughters, Mrs. G. H. Frewer and Mrs. Walter Denton, both of Huntington, Mrs. Arthur Hall, Memphis, Ore., and Mrs. Charles Christ, Hammond; 32 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are the widow, formerly Eva Burns; three brothers, Harry Finley, Decatur, Ill.; Jay Finley, Peru and Newell Finley, Huntington Township and a sister, Mrs. Minnie Brooks, Peru. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm (CDT) Thursday, Rev. P. Virgil Harris officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Hartford City, May 12 – Mrs. Arley Flatter, 57, died suddenly at her home here this morning of a heart attack. While she had been in ill health, her condition had seemed no worse and her death was expected. Surviving are the husband and seven children: Mrs. Marie Whitesell of Dunkirk, Mrs. Thelma Coulter of near Muncie, Mrs. Lucille Lawrence of this city, and Martha, Irene, Ralph and Herbert Flatter of this city, Mrs. John Bennett of this city and Mrs. Henry Hiles of Fort Wayne are sisters.

Journal-Gazette, May 13, 1940

NATIVE OF WELLS COUNTY, JOHN JR. FOLK DIES IN NEW MEXICO
A former resident of Wells County, John Jr. Folk, 65, died Thursday, Oct. 10 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Death was attributed to kidney failure. Born Oct. 26, 1925 in Wells County, he was a son of Joseph and Martha Wake Folk. His wife, Marguerite, preceded him in death in April 1900. Mr. Folk moved from Wells County to New Mexico in 1956 due to health reasons. Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Martha Folk of Community Care Center; three daughters, Nita, Danny Kay and Frances, all of Albuquerque; a son, Joseph of Albuquerque; a sister, Barbara Worster of Florida; and six grandchildren. Services will be held Tuesday in Albuquerque with burial in Santa Fe National Cemetery.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Oct. 14, 1991 - Contributed by Karin King

Pennville, May 8 – Funeral services for Eva Jane Fraser, 70, will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Main Street Methodist Church at Kokomo in charge of the pastor, Rev. Rice, assisted by Rev. Jesse Fox of Hartford City. Interment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Logansport. Mrs. Fraser died at the home of a brother, Lewis Kirtley, two miles west of Fiat. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Phillip A. Constantinides of Chicago; two sons, J. Howard Fraser of Miami Beach, Fla., and John W. Fraser of Oak Lawn, Ill.; two brothers, Lewis Kirtley and Charles Kirtley of Gaston; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Weakley of New Madison, O., and Mrs. Alice Askren of Tipton, and six grandchildren.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Carl Funk, age 93, a former Portland resident passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in Plainfield, Indiana. Carl was born on December 10, 1924, in Jay County, Indiana the son of Harry and Lula Belle (Rupe) Funk. Carl married Mary Merry on October 12, 1957 and she passed away on October 15, 2006. Carl graduated from Portland High School in 1944 and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during World War II. He farmed for many years in Greene Township, Jay County and owned and operated the Jay County Honey Farm. He was a member of the VFW in Salamonia where he was a past Commander. He also was a member of The Bee Keepers of Indiana where he was awarded Bee Keeper of the Year in 2015. Survivors include: 1 daughter: Margaret Humrichouser (husband David) - Danville, Indiana 1 son: Dwight Funk - Muncie, Indiana 1 brother: Everett Funk (wife Barbara) - New Haven, Indiana 2 sister-in-law's: Martha "Kitty" Cowgill (husband Jerry) - Albany, Indiana Bernice "Bea" Prescott - Winchester, Indiana 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland. Burial will follow in the Reitenour Cemetery, west of Deerfield, Indiana. The American Legion Post #211 of Portland will conduct military graveside rites.

Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home online obit (accessed 12/18/2017)

Hartford City, May 8 – Mrs. Jessie E. Futrell, 52, wife of Abe Futrell, died at the family home here last night after an extended illness. She is survived by her husband and eight children, Mrs. Charles Rouse, Mrs. Philip Coats, Mrs. Edwin Baker, Mrs. Virgil LeFevre and Jean and Jack Futrell, all of this city, and Mrs. Ethel Shanahan and Don Futrell of Lima, O. The funeral will be held at the home Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock with burial in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Sara E. Gartin, 76, of Bluffton passed away Monday morning, October 16, 2017, at River Terrace Estates in Bluffton. Sara was born on August 24, 1941 in Bedford, Indiana to Frank O. & Martha Louise (Austin) Sanders. She was a 1959 graduate of Carmel High School and earned her B.S. in Bacterial Microbiology from Indiana University in Bloomington. She was also a member of the Alpha Xi Delta at IU. Sara completed her Masters of Library Sciences from the University of Maryland. She worked as the Army Base Librarian at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, before moving to Bluffton in 1990 to work at the Wells County Public Library. Sara retired in 2007 as the Co-Director and Systems Director of the Library. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was active in United Methodist Women. She was also a faithful member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Bluffton. While she was always a Hoosier in her heart, not long after graduating from Indiana University she began traveling the world and living in such places as Japan, Thailand, and Turkey before returning to the US and settling once again in Indiana. A lover of the arts with a thirst for information she studied Ikebana, the Japanese art of Flowering arranging while living in Japan and was one of the first foreigners to be designated a master of Ikebana. She continued this love of flowers through-out the rest of her life, often showing her designs at the Bluffton Street Fair another of her favorite things. Sara is survived by three sons: John (Barbara) Gartin of Flagstaff, AZ, Edmund (Kelly) Gartin of Barrington, RI, and Andrew (Kelly) Gartin of Montpelier, IN, along with 3 grandchildren: Leah, Keith & Lilly Gartin, along with a sister Kathryn "Kitty" (Bob) Myers of Lapel, IN. A service to celebrate Sara's life will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday (October 19, 2017) at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Steve Bard will officiate. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Burial will take place at the Carmel Cemetery in Carmel, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the Wells County Public Library. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.

Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home online obit (accessed 10/17/2017)

BROTHER OF OSSIAN RESIDENT JAMES GASS DIES AT AGE 54
Brother of James Gass of Ossian, Arthur E. Gass, 54, a self-employed carpenter, died Tuesday afternoon at his Fort Wayne home. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Surviving besides the Ossian brother are the wife, Shirley; his mother, Erma Cler of Fort Wayne; one son, Bradley of Fort Wayne; four daughters, Yvonne Gerbers of Woodburn, Barbara Porter of Lake Worth, Fla., Vicky Anstrom of Fort Wayne and Mary Lou Gass, at home, and four grandchildren. Also, two other brothers, Carl Gass of North Manchester and Roy Gass of Largo, Fla., and two sisters, Bernice Huggins and Ruth Ann Ellis, both of Fort Wayne, survive. A date for a memorial service is to be announced at a later time. Arrangements are by Elzey-Dickey-Haggard Home for Funerals in Waynedale.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Wednesday, August 1, 1984 - Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Bertha Gearhart of 1717 Hensch Street died Thursday at 2:55 pm at St. Joseph’s Hospital following an illness of five months. A native of Germany, she was a resident of Fort Wayne the past 50 years. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Clarence Vananda of Garrett and Mrs. Sophia Vananda of Detroit, Mich.; and six nephews. Her husband died 25 years ago. Funeral services will be held Sunday, 2 pm at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. E. J. Boerger in charge. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Mrs. Gearhart was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Ladies’ Aid Society.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

Alice Marie Gerbers, 91, of Bluffton, passed away Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. She was born Dec. 3, 1921, in Tiffon, Ohio, to Jesse L. and Ida Bogner Dornan. She married Gilbert J. Gerbers Feb. 8, 1941, in Fort Wayne. He preceded her in death Oct. 28, 1992. Alice was a homemaker and helped with family farming in the Ossian area. She attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing cards with family and attending her grandchildren's many activities. Survivors include a daughter, DeAnn (Dave Shumaker) Poling of Bryant; two sons, Dennis (Karen) Gerbers of Markle and Dale (Debbie) Gerbers of Loveland, Co.; nine grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and her long-time companion, "Gidget," her Shih Tzu dog. She was preceded in death by a brother, Clayton Dornan, and a sister, Lucille Holloway. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mike Gilbert officiating. Calling hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Murray Missionary Church or the Wells County Humane Society. Online condolences: www.thegmcfamily.com

Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel online obits (accessed 5/15/2017)

(Handwritten date: Monday, March 23, 1952)
ALBERT GERO DIES SUNDAY AFTERNOON (Handwritten: Girod) - Funeral Services Tuesday Afternoon
Albert Gero (handwritten: Girod), 69, of near Huntertown, a retired Pennsylvania railroad inspector, died at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Adams county memorial hospital. He suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at his farm home March 3, and was brought to the local hospital the following day, suffering another stroke last week. He was born in Monroe township, June 29, 1883, a son of Lecois and Rena Reff Gero. His wife, Edna, preceded him in death. Mr. Gero was a member of the Huntertown Methodist church. Surviving are a step-father, Emile Brunner of Decatur; four half-brothers, Orland Brunner of Portland, Amos Brunner, of Flint, Mich., Herman Brunner of Decatur and Noah Brunner of Geneva; and two half-sisters, Mrs. Perry Teeter of Decatur and Mrs. Albert Beer of Berne. Two sisters are deceased. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Zwick funeral home, the Rev. C. A. Schmid officiating. Burial will be in the Maysville cemetery at Harlan. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 o'clock this evening.
Karin King note: He is actually buried as GERO at Harlan Memorial Cemetery, Harlan, Allen County, Indiana

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 025 - Transcribed by Karin King

James D. Gettinger, age 67, a resident of Edinburgh, Indiana, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2017 at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis. He was a former Portland resident. James was born on November 11, 1949 in Union City, Indiana. He graduated from Madison Township High School in 1967 and earned his Master's Degree in Education from Ball State University. He was a Teacher and Principal at New Salem, Rushville, and Edinburgh Elementary. He was a member of the Grace Assembly of God Church in New Whiteland, Indiana. He enjoyed gardening, playing golf, sports, and being a grand dad. Survivors include: 2 sons: Ben Gettinger (wife Erin) - Indianapolis, Indiana Brandon Morefield - Edinburgh, Indiana 1 daughter: Amy Greenwell (husband Chris) - Louisville, Kentucky 4 grandchildren: Jack and Emily Gettinger Evan and Andrew Greenwell Visitation will be held on Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m. on Monday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery on the Jay/Randolph County Line.

Williamson & Spencer Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 09/08/2017)

Warsaw, May 10 – Enoch Goshert, 95, died this morning at his home northwest of here after an illness of a few weeks. He had resided in Kosciusko County since he was one year old. Surviving are a foster son, Artie Linn and a foster daughter, Mrs. Ralph Slookey of Warsaw. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant View Church, northwest of here, Sunday at 2:30 pm (DST). Burial will be in the cemetery near the church.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Warsaw, May 10 – Enoch Goshert, 95, died this morning at his home northwest of here after an illness of a few weeks. He had resided in Kosciusko County since he was one year old. Surviving are a foster son, Artie Linn and a foster daughter, Mrs. Ralph Slookey of Warsaw. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant View Church, northwest of here, Sunday at 2:30 pm (DST). Burial will be in the cemetery near the church.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

(Handwritten date: Wed., July 1, 1953)
FATHER OF ARCHIE GRABER DIES
Peter Graber of Stryker, Ohio, died this morning, according to word received here. He had numerous relatives in this community. Mr. Graber was in his 80's. His wife is dead but several children survive. Among them is Archie Graber, a mis (cut off)
Karin King note: Peter is buried Lockport Cemetery, Stryker, Williams County, Ohio

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 025 - Transcribed by Karin King

Huntington, May 12 – Miss Alice Jean Gray, art supervisor in the Huntington Public Schools for many years until her retirement six years ago, died yesterday at the home of Mrs. Harmon Purviance in Boykins, Va. Miss Gray was born in Detroit and was graduated from the Thomas Normal Training School there and the Detroit Art School. She came to Huntington in 1909 and except for a year or two as art supervisor in the Decatur Schools, taught here until her retirement. She was the last of her immediate family and lived with Mrs. Purviance for 27 years, both here and at Boykins.

Journal-Gazette, May 13, 1940

LaGrange, May 7 – John Haberstroh and Mrs. A. J. Scott of LaGrange of received word of the death of their brother, Charles Haberstroh in Kalamazoo, Mich. Mr. Haberstroh is a former LaGrange resident. Mrs. Amelia Timmis, formerly of LaGrange has been in Kalamazoo for the past several years caring for her brother. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. A. J. Scott of LaGrange and Mrs. Timmis, and two brothers, John Haberstroh of LaGrange and George Haberstroh of Wisconsin. Funeral services will be held Thursday in Kalamazoo, Mich. Burial will be in LaGrange.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

Huntington, May 10 – Mrs. Minnie Hacker, 41, died last night at her home near Majenica after several months’ illness from paralysis. Surviving are the husband, Wilbert Hacker; a daughter, Gwendolyn; two brothers and a sister. Funeral services will be conducted at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren at 2 pm (CST) Sunday, Rev. Noel Winterholter officiating. Burial will be in the Lancaster Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Warsaw, May 13 – Havey Hagan, 58, of Mt. Vernon, O., a summer resident at Palestine Lake, died Saturday night according to word received here. The widow, four children and two sisters survive.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

BROTHER OF BLUFFTON RESIDENT, HOWARD V. HAHNERT DIES SUNDAY
Howard V. Hahnert, 79, of Gladewater, Texas, died Sunday in a Longview, Texas, hospital following a short illness. Born in Monroe March 9, 1913, he was a son of Alfred and Eliza Hahnert. A member of the Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge at Wabash, he was a former die maker for General Motors for over 25 years and had resided in Gladewater since moving there from Wabash in 1977. Surviving are his wife, Katherine; two daughters, Marsha Johnson of Gilmer, and Nora Lee Smith of East Mountain; a sister, Loma L. Miller of Bluffton; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Stone-Goodwin Funeral Home in Gladewater, where services will be conducted by Rev. David Spanko at 4 p.m. Thursday. Burial will follow in Rosedale Cemetery, Gladewater.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1992 - Contributed by Karin King

Warsaw, May 10 – Mrs. Mable Irene Hamman, 356, of near Etna, Whitley County, died this morning at the McDonald Hospital where she had been a patient for the past week. She formerly resided in the vicinity of North Webster. Surviving are the husband, Elmer; two sons, Dale and Lewis; four daughters, Gloria, Eva, Joyce and Virginia, all at home and a brother, Emanuel Killian of Homeworth, O. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm (CST) Sunday at the North Webster Brethren Church.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

John Hannan, 74, of the Rich Hotel died Thursday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was admitted April 17. The body was removed to Mungovan & Sons Mortuary.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Huntington, May 10 – John F. Hauenstein, 56, farmer, died unexpectedly at his Huntington Township home northwest of the city today a short time after he was stricken. Surviving are the widow, Philabeanna Meyers; three sons, Adolph C., Robert and Raymond, a daughter, Eileen, and a granddaughter, all of Huntington County; a brother, Henry, Huntington and two sisters, Mrs. Esther Meyer, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Marie Winkelman, Huntington. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 pm (CDT) Monday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Rev. W. J. Schnedler officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Bluffton, Nov. 4 - Donald A. Hawkins, 27, who had been a relief agent for the Indiana Railroad Company, died at the Clinic Hospital here of carcinoma and complications, following hospitalization of three weeks. He was a native and resident of Montpelier, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Hawkins of that city. The widow, Julia May Hawkins, survives. Funeral services will be held at the Walker Mortuary in Montpelier at 2 pm Wednesday, in charge of George Greer and burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Montpelier.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; November 6, 1940

Burie H. "Boots" Haywood, 74, of Bluffton passed away early Tuesday morning (September 5, 2017) at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on November 8, 1942 in Covington, Kentucky to Houston & Kathleen (Eldridge) Haywood. Boots was a truck driver for Weidamen Beer Company in Cincinnati, Ohio for several years. When the company closed in 1989, he moved to Wells County. He worked many years at Peyton's Northern here in Bluffton. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. On April 7, 1975 in Covington, Kentucky, Boots married Yvonne M. (Kustanbortor) Haywood. Survivors include his children; Christina Haywood of Columbia City, Noah Haywood of Bluffton, Steve (Canda) Trissel of Montpelier, Shonn Trissel of Bluffton and Tina Lovensheimer of Ludlow, Kentucky along with 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters; Kim Boisen of Bunnell FL, Donna Holden and Joan Haywood, both of Covington, KY. He was preceded in death by his wife Yvonne on February 8, 2014, a son Terry W. "Bo" Haywood on March 28, 1995 and two sisters and a brother. Calling hours will be held from 11 to 2 & 4 to 8 on Saturday (September 9, 2017) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. There will be no formal funeral service. Burial will take place at Huntsville Cemetery in Modoc, Indiana. Memorials may be made to help the family through the funeral home.

Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home online obit (accessed 09/06/2017)

Decatur, May 10 – George B. Heddington, 76, prominent farmer, died Thursday night at his home in Blue Creek Township following an illness of two years. Surviving are the widow, Elizabeth; two daughters, Mrs. Madge Johnson and Mrs. James Michaels of Monroe; two sons, Archie and Cal of Monroe; and two sisters, Mrs. Minerva Murphy and Mrs. Daniel Miller, also of Monroe. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm (CST) Sunday at the home and at 2 o’clock at the Spring Hill Church. Burial will be in the Spring Hill Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Bluffton, Feb. 2 - Mrs. Alice Hite, 73, widow of William Hite, died last night at her home five miles west of Bluffton. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ethel Elzey and two sons, Orla and Elzie, all at home; two brothers, Jacob Thompson of Hunter, Ark., and Ira Thompson of Keystone and three sisters, Mrs. Samantha Ward of Hunter, Ark., Mrs. Lena Hillis of Lottie, La., and Mrs. Minnie Jones of Memphis, Tenn. The body will be returned Sunday morning to the residence from the Thoma Funeral Home in this city and funeral services will be held at 2 pm Sunday at the Kingsland Methodist Church, in charge of Rev. Homer Studebaker and Rev. Herbert Perry and burial will be in the Barnes Chapel Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; February 3, 1940

ZION'S TIDINGS (Handwritten date: February 15, 1950)
MARY ANN HOCHSTETTLER, youngest child of Peter and Barbara Birkey Hochstettler, was born June 20, 1881, in Groveland Township, north of village of Groveland. She resided in the same and on the Hochstettler estate during her entire lifetime. Bearing her illness with patience for about a year, God called her to himself on Dec. 22, 1949, having attained the age of 68 years, 6 months and 2 days. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church near Groveland. After her education in the rural school near her home, she lived with her parents until their death which occurred in 1924. Three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Stuckey, Mrs. Katherine Wagler and Miss Lydia Hochstettler, also two brothers, John and Edward, preceded her in death. Surviving are her sister, Susan, two brothers, Joseph and Amos, all of the Groveland vicinity, besides many relatives and friends.
As we are gathered here today To mourn our sister's going away, Let us not dwell long upon this theme, For she has gone to be with Him. Her going has left an empty place, She has finished life's rugged race; Her body lies here in our view, But her soul is beyond the blue. God has seen fit to call her above, As she was a child of His love; So as we lay her away to rest, We'll trust the Lord, as He knows best. Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon, December 26, 1949 at the house by Rev. Richard Diemer of Grabill, Ind., using Ps. 23 for his comments. At the church Rev. Paul Rupp read from John 14:1-6 and commented. Then Rev. Rocke, former pastor of the Groveland church, now from Woodburn, Indiana delivered the funeral sermon basing his remarks on II Cor. 4:14-18. 5:1-9. He also had charge of the graveside services. Interment was in the cemetery by the church.
Karin King note: Mary Ann is buried at Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery, Groveland, Tazewell County, Illinois

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 020 - Transcribed by Karin King

Mrs. Elizabeth Hoevel, 81, died of senility late Sunday night at her home at 2203 Chestnut Street, following a ten-month illness. Born at Decatur, she had resided here 60 years. She was a charter member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and the Rosary Society, and was a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic. Her husband, Henry, died 17 years ago. Survivors include five sons, John, Bernard, Joseph, Clem and Roman Hoevel of this city; four daughters, Mrs. Edith Emo and Mrs. Antoinette Welling of this city, Mrs. Mary Junk of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Frances Shellhammer of Davenport, Ia.; 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The body has been taken home from Mungovan & Sons Mortuary. St. Andrew’s Rosary Society will meet Wednesday night at 7:30 o’clock at the home for recitation of the rosary.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

DEKALB WOMAN TAKES OWN LIFE
Ashley, May 7 - Mrs. Florence Hoover, 25, of west of Ashley, died at 1 pm today at Sacred Heart Hospital at Garrett of the effects of poison she drank yesterday afternoon. John R. Clark of Auburn, DeKalb County Coroner investigated and said his verdict would be suicide. No motive was known. Surviving are her husband, Eugene Hoover; three children; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Loucks of near Hudson; one brother, Arthur Loucks of Steuben County and several sisters. The body was brought to the Swank Funeral Home here.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940
*****
Ashley, May 8 - Funeral services for Mrs. Florence Hoover, 25, of west of Ashley, who died yesterday of poison she took Monday, will be held Friday at 2 pm (CDT) at the Swank Funeral Home here. Burial will be in Circle Cemetery near Hudson.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Howey, 82, 2323 South Calhoun Street, who died of heart disease Monday noon at the Lutheran Hospital, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home; Dr. Charles M. Houser officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home after 5 o’clock this afternoon. The deceased was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Janet Joiner of Los Angeles; four sons, Edward and Howard of this city, Walter S. of Monticello, Cal., and Paul J. Howey of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. Jane Hocking, Mrs. Grace Smith and Miss Nellie Freeman, all of Dodgeville, Wis.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

Kendallville, May 8 – George W. Iddings, 70, died early today in his home in Albion of a heart attack. Born near Kendallville, he had resided in this community nearly all his life, serving for many years as assessor of Allen Township and in 1934 was elected county assessor, serving two terms. Surviving are his widow, formerly Miss Bertha Drake; three sons, Harold and Robert of near this city and Loren of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. Earl Householder of Avilla and Mrs. Thurlow Albaugh of this city; 18 grandchildren and two brothers, William of Brushy Prairie and Albert of Mongo. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Friday at the Mt. Pleasant Church, Rev. D. R. Moss officiating, with burial in the nearby cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Delbert Jesse James, age 87, a resident of Big Turkey Lake in Hudson, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Parkview LaGrange Hospital in LaGrange, Indiana. He was a former Randolph County resident. Delbert was born on October 27, 1929, in Randolph County, Indiana, the son of Walter and Blanche (Stephens) James. He graduated in 1948 from Jefferson High School in Randolph County. Delbert was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in Korea and retired from the Portland Teledyne Forge in Portland, Indiana. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Hudson, Indiana, Angola American Legion and the VFW in Union City, Ohio. He married Barbara Hardman on February 15, 1963. Survivors include: His wife of 54 years: Barbara James - Hudson, Indiana 1 daughter: Terri Hall (husband Terry) - Union City, Ohio 1 son: Darin James (Fiancé Kim Christlieb) - Angola, Indiana 1 sister: Jenny Woodbury (husband Keith) - Winchester, Indiana 1 granddaughter and 3 great grandchildren Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12 - 2 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home, 208 N. Commerce St., Portland, Indiana 47371. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Pastor Jim Elsner will officiate and burial will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery, north of Farmland. Memorials may be directed towards the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Music Department, 10275 E. 550 S., Hudson, Indiana 46747.

Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home online obit (accessed 05/05/2017)

JOHN L. JAMES DIES AT JACKSON HOME
John L. James, 75, of Jackson township, a retired farmer, died at 4:20 Thursday morning at the home of a son, Herman James of Warren, route 2. He had been seriously ill five weeks. Mr. James was born Oct. 17, 1876 to Isaiah and Elizabeth Duckwall James. His first marriage was to Julia Pearl Ruble and a second marriage was to Lillie Green. Both are deceased. Surviving are five sons, Herman James, Warren route 2, Howard, Chester township, Harry, Rushville, and Homer and Harvey, both of Van Buren; a daughter, Mrs. Hester Ferguson, of Van Buren; a brother, Alva James, of Van Buren; 23 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Two children, Hazel Detamore and Harold James are deceased. The body was removed from the H. Brown & Son funeral home at Warren to the residence near Dillman. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Christ of which Mr. James was a member with Rev. Harvey K. Schondelmayer officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn cemetery.

Bluffton News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Oct. 26, 1951 - Contributed by Karin King

Coldwater, O., May 8 - Spain James, 43, Coldwater Village Marshall and former commander of the local American Legion post, died yesterday at Albuquerque, N.M., according to word received here today. He went west for his heath three weeks ago. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Alice Bell James; five sons, Mack, Dean, Donald, Reese and Nile, all at home, and four daughters, Virginia James, student at Ohio State University and Shirley, Marilyn and Jane James, all at home. The body will be returned here for burial.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; May 9, 1940
*****
Coldwater, O., May 10 - Military services will be conducted at the residence Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock for Spain James, 43, Coldwater, O., village marshal, who died Tuesday at Albuquerque, N.M. He was former commander at Patriotism Post No. 470 of the American Legion. He is survived by his widow, Alice Bell James, five sons and four daughters. Burial will be in Swamp College Cemetery in Mercer County.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; May 11, 1940

BROTHER OF OSSIAN RESIDENT, DARRELL JONES, AGE 69, DIES
The brother of Eileen Bradbury of Ossian, Darrell "Bud" Jones, 69, died at 9 a.m. Sunday at the V.A. Medical Center in Fort Wayne. His wife, Thelma, died in 1989. A World War II Navy veteran, he was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and retired in 1981 after 36 years at Walton Tap. Surviving, in addition to the Ossian sister, are a daughter, Jan Crider of Fort Wayne; three other sisters, Mary Lou Franklin of New Haven and Jackie Roman and Barbara Ramos, both of Fort Wayne; his mother and stepfather, Irene and Herbert Nahrwold of Fort Wayne; and two granddaughters. Services will be at noon Tuesday at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, with calling two hours prior to the rites. Burial will follow in Lindenwood Cemetery.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Monday, Oct. 14, 1991 - Contributed by Karin King

Wabash, May 9 - Wabash relatives of Eli E. Jones, 78, received word today of his death, which occurred early this morning at the Masonic Home at Franklin. Mr. Jones was a former resident of the southside here. Survivors include Lawrence Jones, Miss Deaylvia Jones and Mrs. Gaylord Nail, all of Wabash, as well as several other children. Funeral services will be held in Franklin at 2 o’clock on Saturday afternoon.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

ZION'S TIDINGS
John D. Jorg was born Oct. 12, 1871 in Livingston County, Ill. to John and Kathryn Detwiller Jorg and departed this life at the Memorial Hospital, Lima, Ohio, on May 7, 1948 at the age of 76 years, 6 months, and 25 days. He was united in marriage to Sarah Claudon on March 12, 1893. She preceded him in death on March 1, 1943. Had she lived 11 more days they would have lived in holy wedlock for 50 years. This union was blessed with 4 children, 3 son: Roy J., Ligonier, Ind., Elton D., Waynesfield, O., and Earl R., Bluffton, O.; 1 daughter, Vida, Gallipolis, Ohio, also three grandchildren. The first 53 years of his life were spent in Livington County, Ill., where he was a member of the Defenseless Mennonite Church at Flanagan, Ill., and was very active in the work of the church and various institutions. He was a director and secretary of the Salem Children's Home for years, helped organize and was a director of the Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co., Fort Wayne, Ind. Also helped organize, build and remained a director of the Mennonite hospital, Bloomington, Ill., as long as he resided in Illinois. After moving to Ohio in 1925 he transferred his membership to the Evangelical Mennonite Church at Bluffton, O., remaining true and faithful to the church and his God to the end. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, father, mother, one brother, Julius, two sisters, Amelia and Kathryn. He will be greatly missed by the family and his many friends, for he was a kind father, a good neighbor - always having a smile and a helping hand for everyone he met. Beautiful thoughts are those that bear, On the wings of love, a silent prayer, Over the mountains, or over the sea, That His peace may ever abide with thee, Abide with thee when the shadows fall, When the day is done and the night birds call, When morning comes and shadows flee, I know that He still will abide with thee. Funeral services were conducted at the Bluffton Evangelical church with Rev. Reuben Short officiating, assisted by Rev. E. J. Shady and Rev. C. E. Spauding. Music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Slagle and daughter, Janice, of Wauseon, O. Burial was made in the church cemetery.
Karin King note: John is buried Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery, Bluffton, Allen County, Ohio

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 020 - Transcribed by Karin King

Winchester, May 9 - Funeral services for Matilda Kaufman will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Praise Chapel in charge of Rev. R. A. Walling. Interment will be in New Pittsburgh Cemetery. Mrs. Kaufman died at the Randolph County Hospital at 2 am Wednesday. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Clara Hollingsworth of Hemlock, Mich., Mrs. Rhoda Girton of Winchester, Mrs. Dora Stretch of Chicago and Mrs. Mary Baker of Union City; six sons, Chris and John of Winchester, Clarence and Fed of Union City, George of Ridgeville and Ray of Portland; one brother, Sanford Keitner of Rose Hill, O.; 31 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

Portland, May 9 – Funeral services for Fred Keller, 54, will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock at the Powers Christian Church in charge of Rev. Ruby Oren. Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, northeast of Portland. Mr. Keller died at his farm home nine miles southwest of this city Wednesday night at 7 o’clock following an operation February 27 at Fort Wayne. Surviving are the widow, Lucinda; two daughters, Mrs. Oscar Schmidt of Fort Wayne and Ileen at home; four brothers, Roy and Russell of Bryant, Chester of Detroit and William of Sioux City, Iowa; three sisters, Mrs. Eli Bryan of Ft. Recovery, Mrs. Dora Sullivan of Oklahoma and Mrs. Amos Byrd of Tocsin and two grandchildren.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

Ralph L. Keller, 91, of Ossian, IN, passed away at 10:15 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Ossian Health & Rehab Center in Ossian, IN. He was born on Friday, February 26, 1926, in Chester Twp., Wells County, IN. He married Gloria Keller on Thursday, April 10, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Keller was a 1944 graduate of Chester Center High School. He was a member of the Ossian Church of the Nazarene and formerly attended the First Baptist Church in Montpelier, IN. He was a service tech. for 18 years at Frank Bond Oldsmobile-Cadillac in Huntington, IN. He had also worked at Joe Moore Chevrolet in Bluffton, IN. and at Bob Bates Chevrolet in Ossian, IN. He was a member of the Prime Timers Church Group in Ossian, IN. Ralph had farmed in Chester Twp. in Wells County. He had been a resident of Ossian, IN. for the past 35 years. He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. Loving Survivors Include Wife - Gloria Lillian (Garrett) Keller, Ossian, IN, Daughter - Karen (husband, Jon) Walker, Fort Wayne, IN, Son - Carl (wife, Tina) Keller, Berne, IN, Son - David (Laura) Keller, Huntington, IN, Daughter - Barbara Keller, Fort Wayne, IN, Brother - Elmer R. Keller, Marion, IN, 7 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, 2 Step Granddaughters, and 9 Step Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Father - Marvin Keller, Mother - Clara Edna (Richey) Keller, Sister - Helen Allen, and Brother- Howard Keller. Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home 109 W Windsor St Montpelier on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A service to celebrate his life will be at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 with the Pastor Bob Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Montpelier. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the U.S. Navy. Preferred memorials: Wells County Cancer Society or Heart to Heart Hospice, Fort Wayne, IN.

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 11/14/2017)

Huntington, May 8 – Services were held at the Kilty Funeral Home today for Barbara Ann, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kennedy of Riverside Drive. The child was born Sunday and died last night at the Huntington County Hospital. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Sturgis, Mich., May 8 – Mrs. Mabel Winifred Kibby, 52, wife of Fayette Kibby of north of this city, died last night in Sturgis Memorial Hospital. Surviving are the husband and two brothers, Ivan Warren of Largo, Fla., and Elmer Warren of Woodland, Mich. Friends will be received at the farm home, where services will be held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon with Rev. Walter Jacobs officiating. Burial will be in the Hicks Cemetery, north of Battle Creek. The Fogelsong Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Van Wert, O., May 7 – Mrs. Oscar Kiehl, 43, died last night at her home in Pleasant Township after an illness of two years. She was born in Harrison Township and lived all her lifetime in this county. Surviving are her husband; three children, Arthur, Clifford and Janet at home; her mother, Mrs. Phoebe Gehres of Harrison Township; a sister, Mrs. Fred B. Kiehl of Pleasant Township and a brother, Edward Gehres of Harrison Township. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 pm at St. John’s Evangelical Reformed Church at Convoy. Interment will be in the Evangelical Reformed Church Cemetery in Harrison Township.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

BURNS FATAL TO WOMAN, 40 - Rites for Edith May Kinsey Monday
Huntington, May 11 – Mrs. Edith May Kinsey, 40, died at 11:30 am today in the Huntington County Hospital of burns suffered in a kerosene explosion at her home in Union Township yesterday. First, second and third degree burns were inflicted upon the shoulders, arms, back and legs. Little hope was held for her recovery from the time she was brought to the hospital by Dr. Curtis E. Haflich, Markle veterinarian, who was passing the home at the time of the explosion. Blood transfusions were given. An extinguisher from Haflich’s car was used in putting out flames in the house. Surviving are the husband, Henry L. Kinsey, to whom she was married in 1920; five children, Mrs. Margaret Houser and Mrs. Catherine Glass, Union Township and William Henry, Albert Dean and Myra Jean, at home; the father, Frank Divelbiss; a brother, Carl Divelbiss, Huntington; four sisters, Mrs. Fern Kinsey and Mrs. Mary First, Huntington; Mrs. Catherine Fisher, North Manchester, and Mrs. Clara Bartrom, Rock Creek Township, and a grandchild. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 pm (CST) Monday at the home of Mrs. Sophia Kinsey, 1204 Green Street, Rev. H. W. Mohler of the Markle Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Lancaster Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

MRS. MARY KLINE DIES WEDNESDAY
Mrs. Mary Kline, 85, of R.R. No. 2, New Haven, died at 6 o’clock Wednesday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Sordelet of 2901 Scheele Avenue. Born in Sheffield, Conn., September 14, 1854, she came to Indiana 78 years ago and resided in Jefferson Township the rest of her life. She was the oldest member of St. Louis Catholic Church at Besancon, and was a member of the Rosary Society. Survivors include three sons, Nicholas and Frank of this city and Henry Kline of Jefferson Township; three daughters, Mrs. Frank Long and Mrs. John Sordelet of this city and Mrs. Louis Martin of Jefferson Township; 33 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and one greatgreat grandchild. The body was taken to the Harper Funeral Home in New Haven and will be returned to the Sordelet residence tonight. It will be taken to the late residence on the Paulding Road, four miles southeast of New Haven on Friday. Funeral services will be held Saturday.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

(For August 15, 1948)
DAVID KLOPFENSTEIN, 85, Grabill, died of leg and back injuries at 4:15 a.m. Thursday, July 29. He received leg and back injuries Monday when an auto driven by David D. Yoder, his son-in-law, collided with another car. Surviving Mr. Klopfenstein are three sons, Irvin, Howard and Ralph, Grabill; three daughters, Mrs. Elsie Yoder, Grabill, Mrs. Hazel Mills, Ft. Wayne and Mrs. Clara Freeman, Huntertown; 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Grabill Evangelical Mennonite Church on Sunday, August 1, with Rev. Reuben Cantrell officiating. Mr. Klopfenstein was one of the original members of the Grabill church.
Karin King note: David buried Old Leo Cemetery, Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 022 - Transcribed by Karin King

Funeral services for Mrs. Emma Belle Knuth, 41, 2511 Cortland Avenue, who died at 1:30 o’clock Friday morning at her home following an extended illness, will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, Dr. Paul F. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home. Mrs. Knuth was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Survivors include the husband, John; a daughter, Miss Dorothy Knuth at home; six sons, Norman, Russell, Charles, Walter Richard and Ralph Knuth at home; the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W. Pfeiffer of this city; a sister, Miss Vera Pfeiffer of Fort Wayne and one grandchild.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

David L. Kreeger, age 84, a former Portland resident passed away Thursday, August 24, 20017 at Signature Health Care in Bluffton, Indiana. David was born February 5, 1933 in Austin, Indiana the Son of John and Ellen (Hill) Kreeger. He was a graduate of Austin High School and served in the Army during the Korea Conflict. David married Yvonne Kreeger in December 21,1959. He farmed many years and was a farm entrepreneur having turkeys and cows. David was a member of New Mount Pleasant Church and was a faithful believer in the power of prayer. Survivors include: His loving wife Yvonne Kreeger - Bluffton, Indiana 2 Daughters: Laura Reinhard (husband Dave) - Ft. Wayne, Indiana Amy Methuselah - Thornton, Colorado 6 Grandchildren Jonathan, Ana, and Sarah Methuselah, Dominic, Dartagnan, and Deatra Reinhard. Visitation will be held 2 - 4 p.m. Monday August 28, 2017 at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland with funeral to follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Steve Bard officiating the service. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Pisgah Cemetery in Deputy, Indiana. Memorials may be directed to Billy Graham Association or the DAV.

Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home online obit (accessed 08/25/2017)

CONTRACTOR DIES
Walter J. Kronmiller, 45, prominent Fort Wayne contractor, died Monday morning at his home at 522 Archer Avenue, following a twoyear illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940