Aug. 28, 1933 – June 30, 2008
Ann Aldridge, 74, Anderson, passed away June 30, 2008, at Meadowbrooke Rehabilitation Centre after a brief illness. She was born Aug. 28, 1933, in Rushville, and lived most of her life in Anderson. She retired in 1988 from Delco Remy after 30 years of employment. She was president of Women’s Republican Party of Madison County, member of Psi Iota Psi, volunteered at the Paramount Theatre and Humane Society, and enjoyed playing bridge. She is survived by a son, Gary Aldridge of Anderson; daughters, Dee-Dee Wilson of Anderson and Tina (husband, David) Wicks of Lewis Center, Ohio; five grandchildren, Nicole, Taylor, Drew, Clark and Robby; four great-grandchildren, Morgan, Mason, Eva and Hunter; a brother, Vance Bobrink; and a sister, Pam Cookman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Millitine (Cross) Bobrink; and husband, Lowell R. Aldridge. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home with the Rev. Dennis Mitchel officiating. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Sister of Decatur man taken by death
Mrs. Martha E. Anderson, 58, of Huntington Route 4, sister of Harold Hott of Decatur, died at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, after a brief illness. A daughter of Clement and Alma Smith-Hott, she was born in Wells County July 12, 1912. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star at Markle. Surviving are her husband, Wayne Anderson; her mother, Mrs. Alma Hott of Anderson; a daughter, Mrs. Joseph Cruse of Chagrin Falls, O.; three grandchildren; three brothers, Harold Hott of Decatur, Clem Hott of Petroleum, and Harlen Hott of Alexandria; and two sisters, Mrs. Walther Burkhardt of Tipton, and Mrs. Frances Sprague of Anderson. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bailey Mortuary Chapel in Huntington, with Rev. Ronald P. Bowman officiating. Burial will be in the Star of Hope Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, February 26, 1971
Contributed by Karin King

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Former Anderson resident Nancy Jo Anderson, 57, died June 10, 2008, in San Diego, Calif. She worked in data entry at the University of California San Diego for the HIV Neurological Research Center. Survivors include a son, Daniel Trueblood; a daughter, Lindsay Trueblood; two sisters, Diane Anderson and Nita Hiltner; half-brothers, Bill Johnson and Dick Johnson; and four nieces. Cremation will take place at the American Cremation Service, San Diego. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Post condolences at www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca Elizabeth Armstrong, age 86, will be held at the Loy funeral home in Auburn Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. Allen K. Trout, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran church of this city officiating. Burial will be made in Woodlawn cemetery. Mrs. Armstrong died Saturday morning at 1:10 o'clock at her home in Spencerville, Route No. 1, of myocarditis. She had been in poor health for two years. She was born on Sept. 13, 1859, in Jackson township, DeKalb county, and lived in DeKalb county all her life. For 31 years she lived in Richland township. She was married on July 9, 1882 in Auburn to William Armstrong. She is survived by her husband; three children, George E. Armstrong of Topeka, Kansas, William F. Armstrong of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Ann Coak of Spencerville, R.1; four half-brothers Ben Bailey of West Twentieth street, Auburn, John Bailey in Michigan, Milton Bailey in South Dakota and Curt Bailey in Ohio; one step-sister, Mrs. Debbie Husselman of 1320 South Jackson street, Auburn; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. The body may be viewed at the funeral home after 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Unknown source
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Fred H. Ash, who died at 8:45 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Joseph's hospital, will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Peltier-Ashley funeral home. Venerable J. McNeal Wheatley officiating. Burial in Lindenwood cemetery. A requiem mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at Trinity Episcopal church by Fr. Wheatley. Mr. Ash, who was a member of a pioneer Fort Wayne family, formerly was associated with his father in the Henry J. Ash Stove company, which was located on Columbia street for about 50 years. Henry Ash came to Fort Wayne from New Hampshire in 1850. Mr. Ash was born here and attended the public schools and Concordia college. After the Ash Stove company went out of existence in 1912, he lived in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Florida and Lima, O., for a number of years, and then returned to Fort Wayne. He was a vestryman of Trinity Episcopal church. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Laura Peltier Ash; three sisters, Mrs. Emma A. Smith, Mrs. Cora A. Miller and Mrs. Harry K. Scott of Los Angeles, and two brothers, Robert Ash of Owosso, Mich., and Howard who lives in Idaho. Friends may call at the Peltier-Ashley funeral home.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, August 4, 1940
Contributed by Karin King

Henry J. Ash, 83, retired business man of this city, died at 11 o'clock yesterday morning at St. Joseph's hospital. He had been ill for some time, suffering from a complication of diseases brought about by old age. Mr. Ash had been engaged in business here for 50 years and retired in 1912 when he sold his wholesale and install furnace, stove and tin store to Pickard Brothers. Born on a farm near Walpole, N.H., Mr. Ash came west and settled in Cincinnati in 1858. He learned the trade of tinner in that city, and in 1860 came to Fort Wayne, where he opened a tinware store with E. Agnew as his partner in the enterprise. After several years in that business, Mr. Ash sold his share of the business to Fred N. McCulloch, who was then his partner, and became a salesman. After two years he returned and engaged in business on a larger scale. He then opened a store handling furnaces, stoves and tinware, and finally retired in 1912. For the last year, Mr. Ash had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Fred Smith, 810 West Washington street. He was a Mason, member of Home Lodge No. 242, and was a member of the First Presbyterian church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Smith, of this city; Mrs. Carl Miller, of Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Harry K. Pfott of Los Angeles, and three sons, Fred H. of Lima, O., Robert F., of Lansing, Mich.; and Howard S. who is employed in government service in the west. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home. Rev. A. J. Folsom officiating. The service will be private and friends are requested to omit flowers.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, November 2, 1922
Contributed by Karin King

Feb. 5, 1923 - June 13, 2008
SUMMITVILLE — Max J. Ayers, 85, of Summitville, died June 13, 2008, at Summit Convalescent Center, Summitville. He worked for Kraft Food Company for 20 years, Fisher Body Division of General Motors for 7 years and Madison Grant School System for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Kirkpatrick) Ayers, whom he married Dec. 28, 1959; stepchildren, Debra (husband, Steve) Walters, Terry (wife, Linda) Byrd, Jerry (Terri) Byrd and Steven (wife, Anita) Byrd; sister, Ilah Bancroft of Wisconsin; seven stepgrandchildren, 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; one niece; and three nephews. Cremation will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/13/2008 - 6/15/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mrs. Ellen Babbs, 71, widow, died at 3:40 am Sunday at the County Infirmary. Surviving are a son, M. A. Cole of Detroit, Michigan and two brothers of Cleveland, O. The body was taken to Brudi & Sons Funeral Home at 1123 Swinney Avenue. She was a member of the First M. E. Church.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, July 16, 1934
Contributed by JC

CARL R. BAILEY, 78, of Huntington, died yesterday in Huntington Memorial Hospital. The Huntington native was a veteran of World War II and retired in 1984 as owner of the former Bailey Mortuary. Surviving are his wife, Peg; a daughter, Deborah Lopp of Bremen; a son, David A., of Huntington; and four grandchildren. Services are 2 p.m. Sunday in Bailey-Love Mortuary, Huntington, where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Preferred memorials are gifts to Trinity United Methodist Church, Huntington, or Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Chicago.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, September 30, 1994
Contributed by Karin King

Jan. 3, 1923 - June 10, 2008
Madeline (Beverly) Baker Hale, 85, Anderson, passed away June 10, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center after an extended illness. She was born Jan. 3, 1923, in Wise, Va., and resided in Anderson most of her life. She was a homemaker. Madeline was also very active with Feed the Children Foundation. She was a loving mother and grandmother and a cheerful giver. Madeline was a member of Valley Grove Freewill Baptist Church and the Order of Eastern Star and Ivy Rebekah Lodge in Wise, Va. She is survived by her sons, Phillip Harold Baker of Anderson and Arthur Allen (wife, Sharon) Baker of Pendleton; siblings, Calvin Beverly of Akron, Ohio, Buford (Jerri) Beverly of Anderson, Leeota (Virgil) Baker of Anderson and Kenneth Beverly of Wise, Va.; seven grandchildren, Brady (Stacey), Kali, Scott Baker, Julie (Jeremy) Ferrell, Marshiela (Jim) Schofield, Brandon Ball and April Ball; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Herbert Elmer “Hub” Baker; second husband, the Rev. Monroe Hale; sisters, Lottie Mullins and Orpha (Tiny) Baker; and a brother, Letcher Beverly. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, with the Revs. Bill Ledbetter and Joe Roysden officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour before service Saturday at the South Chapel. Post online condolences at www.loosefuneralhomes.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/11/2008 - 6/13/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Jan. 28, 1923 - June 11, 2008
SUMMITVILLE — Betty Jane (Winslow) Barley, 85, Summitville, died June 11, 2008, at Community Hospital in Anderson after an extended illness. She was a retired homemaker. Survivors include her husband of almost 66 years, Harold G. Barley; three daughters, Sherry Campbell, Suzanne Cox and Kathryn Barnhart; one brother, Verl Winslow; one sister, Patricia Stonebraker; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Whetsel Funeral Service, Alexandria, with Stephen Cox officiating. Inurnment of cremains will follow at Park View Cemetery, Alexandria. Visitation noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Post online condolences at www.whetselfuneralservice.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GEORGE A. BARTROM, 67, of Huntington died Wednesday in Huntington Memorial Hospital. The Huntington native was a veteran of the Army and a former machinist for Memcor-Truohn Inc. Surviving are his wife, Doris J.; daughters, Penny Gribler of Fort Wayne and Joyce Dillon and Charlotte Dillon, both of Huntington; a son, William of Huntington; sisters, Anetta Smith and Phyllis Hall, both of Huntington, Betty Gerringer of (cut off).
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, September 30, 1994
Contributed by Karin King

The body of Mrs. Anna Edith Beaty of 114 West Seventeenth will be buried Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock in Woodlawn cemetery in Auburn. Short graveside services will be conducted. The funeral of Mrs. Beaty was held at the Gerig funeral home in Auburn Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. A. K. Trout, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran church officiating. The body will remain at the funeral home and burial will be delayed until Tuesday because a son Wilbur Beaty of Oklahoma City, Okla., was unable to reach Auburn until a short time after the funeral service. Mrs John Lochner of Clermont, Fla., is also expected to arrive in the morning. She and her husband were enroute to Auburn when she was taken ill. Mr. Lockner, who is a brother of the deceased, arrived in time for the funeral. Mrs. Beaty passed away at the state hospital at Richmond, Ind., at 9 o'clock Friday evening.
Unknown source

AUBURN RESIDENT IS DEAD AT AGE OF 76 - Mrs. Anna Edith Beaty of 111 West Seventeenth Street Passes Away At State Hospital - Funeral Monday
Mrs. Anna Edith Beaty of 111 West Seventeenth street, Auburn, passed away at the Easthaven state hospital at Richmond, Ind., at 9 o’clock Friday evening. She was 76 years of age and had been in failing health for the last five years. Senility was the cause of death. Mrs. Beaty spent all of her life in DeKalb county with the exception of four years in Delta, Ohio and the last three weeks during which time she had been a patient at the Richmond institution. She was born in Jackson township, DeKalb county on March 8, 1867 and was married to James Edward Beaty, who operated a meat market in Auburn for many years. The latter died in 1914. Two children survive, Miss Neva Beaty, former county recorder and city clerk in Auburn, and Wilbur L. Beaty of Oklahoma City, Okla. One brother, John C. Lochner of Clermont, Fla., a former resident of Auburn, also survives, as well as a grandson Max Beaty of St. Louis. Two brothers, P. P. Lochner and Henry Lochner, are deceased and two sisters, Mrs. S. S. Potter and Mrs. Charles Bartles also preceded her in death. Mrs. Beaty was a member of the St. Mark’s Lutheran church. The body was brought to the Greig funeral home on Saturday and will remain there until after the funeral services to be held on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. Rev. A. K. Trout, pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran church, will officiate and burial will be made in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana, May 10, 1943
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Mrs. Cecilia Bobay, 68, of Perry township, who died of heart disease Saturday morning at 4 o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital where she had been a patient since Wednesday, will be conducted Tuesday morning at 8:15 o'clock at the Getz & Cahill Funeral Home and 9 o'clock at St. Vincent's Catholic Church at Academie. Rev. Edward Miller will officiate and interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home this afternoon after 2 o'clock. The Rosary society will meet at the funeral home Monday night at 8 o'clock for recitation of the rosary. Mrs. Bobay was born in Washington township and had been a resident of Perry township 43 years. The family residence is seven miles north of Fort Wayne on state highway No. 27. She was a member of St. Vincent's church and of the Rosary Society. Surviving are the husband, Edward F. Bobay; three daughters, Mrs. John Brothers and Mrs. Martin Weaver of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Martin Scherschel of New Haven; four sons, Raymond, Harley and Virgil of Fort Wayne and Oscar of Perry township; eight grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Charles Meyers of Detroit, Mrs. Paul Bobay of Marion township and Mrs. Addie Sovine of Fort Wayne, and two brothers, Lawrence White of Perry township and Louis White of Fort Wayne.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, May 23, 1943
Contributed by Karin King

Services held for Jessie Bohlke, 81
Jessie I. Bohlke, 81, 106 East Third Avenue, died at 11:10 p.m. Saturday in DeKalb Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient one day. Services were held Tuesday morning at Dilgard, Cline & Southern Funeral Home, Auburn. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Bohlke had lived in Garrett for the past 20 years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Born Aug. 22, 1901, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Nina (Swisher) Prickett. She married Harold N. Bohlke in Auburn on Sept. 25, 1920. He preceded her in death in April 1971. Surviving are two sons, Eugene A. Bohlke, Dundee, Ill.; and Jack E. Bohlke, Garrett; a daughter Barbara J. Monroe, Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The Garret Clipper, DeKalb Co, IN (Garrett Public Library - obits online) Date of Death: August 13, 1983

Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Jessie I. Bohlke [Jessie I. Prickett]; Gender: Female; Race: White; Age: 81; Marital status: Widowed
Birth Date: 22 Aug 1901; Birth Place: Indiana; Death Date: 13 Aug 1983; Death Place: Auburn, De Kalb, Indiana, USA
Father: Frank Prickett; Mother: Nina Swisher; Informant: Barbara Jane Monroe; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Burial: August 16, 1983; Woodlawn Cemetery; Auburn, Indiana
Both contributed by Karin King

Rushville, April 3 - Marshall Boring, 42 years of age, was found dead in his room in this city this morning. He had been subject to epileptic fits since his childhood and it is believed that during a fit he strangled to death.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana, April 4, 1891
Contributed by Karen Zach

Oct. 2, 1924 - June 28, 2008
SARASOTA, Fla. — Dr. C. Richard “Dick” Bowers, formerly of Anderson, passed on to his Creator on June 28, 2008. Arrangements for a family memorial will be made at a later date. Survivors include his wife, Georgia “Poo” Bowers; sons, Dr. C. Richard “Rocky” Bowers Jr. of Lexington, Ky., and Dr. William D. Bowers of Cleveland, Tenn.; daughter, Antonia Lee Wright of Pendleton, Ind.; daughter-in-law, Sarah Bowers of Wilson, N.C.; stepdaughter, Deborah Sisson of Anderson, Ind.; stepson, Alan Kelly of Brownsburg, Ind.; grandchildren, Thomas Grayson-Merritt Bowers of Lexington, Ky., Hunter and Allison Bowers of Wilson, N.C., Leighla and Evan Bowers of Cleveland, Tenn., and Richard Wright of Pendleton, Ind.; one brother, Grayson Hunter Bowers Jr. of Frederick, Md.; one sister, Alice J. Butler of Frederick, Md.; stepgranddaughter, Angela Wendricks of Anderson, Ind.; stepgrandson, Brian Sisson of Anderson, Ind.; stepgrandsons, Christopher and Scott Kelly of Brownsburg, Ind.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Scott Porter Bowers of Wilson, N.C. Dr. Bowers was born in Frederick, Md., on Oct. 2, 1924, and he graduated from Frederick High School in 1941. Dr. Bowers completed an accelerated premed program at Princeton University in 1942 and received his M.D. degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1947. Dr. Bowers completed his general surgery residency from Baylor University in 1953 and practiced general surgery at Saint John’s Hospital in Anderson, Ind., for 35 years, serving as chief of surgery and on numerous committees. He was a diplomate in the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Bowers retired from general surgery in 1989 and moved to Sarasota in 1997. Dr. Bowers was an impassioned patriot and entered the U.S. Naval Reserve while at Princeton University. He served in active Naval duty from 1943 to 1945. While he was at Baylor University, he joined the Air Force and was commissioned first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He was on active duty as a first lieutenant and captain from 1952 to 1954, where he served as chief of general surgery section, 3700th USAF at Lackland Air Force Base. While practicing general surgery in Anderson, Ind., Dr. Bowers volunteered for six two-month tours of duty from February 1966 to July 1972 as a civilian surgeon for “Project Vietnam.” While serving in “Project Vietnam,” Dr. Bowers cared for Vietnamese civilians injured during the Vietnam War. He received numerous awards and certificates for his services, most notably the Outstanding Citizens award by the Knights of Columbus, Anderson, Ind., 1966; and the service to Mankind Award 1971, Sertoma Club, Anderson, Ind. Dr. Bowers was an inspiration to many with his impassioned letters to his friends and his letters to the editor concerning many patriotic and religious topics. His literary skill was a true gift from God that he readily shared with others. He attended Covenant Life Presbyterian Church of Sarasota and was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Anderson, Ind. The family requests any donations be made to Covenant Life Presbyterian Church, 8490 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34238. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. Arrangements are being handled by Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home, Sarasota, Fla. Post condolences at www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Keith M. Bowman 67 of Bluffton passed away at 10:24 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Signature Health Care in Bluffton. He was born on December 2, 1948 in Bluffton to James W. & Carolyn J. (Murray) Bowman. He graduated from Bluffton High School in 1967. He graduated from Purdue University and worked in tool and die throughout his career and recently worked at Eagles Wings Industry in Rockford, Ill. He was best known for his loved for scuba diving, billiards and going to church. He enjoyed being part of the church choir at Leslie United Methodist Church in Leslie, Michigan and Felt Plains United Methodist Church. Keith is survived by two daughters: Kasandrae (Darrell) Bowman of Sanford, North Carolina and Karolyn (Shane) Stover of Jackson, Michigan, a step-daughter Rita Farrow of Ionia, MI. along with six grandchildren along with three nephews; Jim Bowman, Jeromy Bowman and Bryan Bowman and a niece Mallory Bowman. He is also survived by his father James of Bluffton and two brothers William C. (Mary) Bowman and Jeffrey L. (Sharon) Bowman, both of Bluffton. He is preceded in death by his mother. A potluck memorial will be held at Washington Park Pavilion on Saturday (September 3, 2016) from 2 to 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share along with any pictures and memories to share the family.
Thoma/Rich Funeral Home, Wells County, Indiana, August 28, 2016
Contributed by JC

Frank E. Brown, 74, a former resident of Auburn for many years, died Wednesday morning in Miami, Fla. Services were held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Gerig Funeral Home, Auburn, and burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Surviving are a son, daughter, brother, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
DeKalb County, Indiana Library Obit Book Vol. 7, April 19, 1976
Contributed by Karin King

Word was received here by Mrs. Paul Taylor, of Harmar Street, of the death Friday night of Jasper Burden, aged 58, colored, of Marion in a Marion hospital Death was caused by peritonitis resulting from appendicitis. The deceased was a contractor at Marion and was well known among colored people here. Surviving are a son, Everett; the widow, Marshie, and five brothers. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at Marion.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, June 8, 1935
Contributed by JC

Aug. 9, 1946 - June 9, 2008
ELWOOD — John L. Callaway, 61, of Worthington, Ind., passed away Monday, June 9, 2008, at his home. Born Aug. 9, 1946, in Elwood, he was the son of the late John B. Callaway and Mary M. Callaway of Elwood. John married Debra Banker of Frankton, and together they had a son, James D. Callaway. She preceded him in death, and John married Linda VanHorn of Elwood. They were married for 30 years. Together they had two sons, Jason and Gregory Callaway. John graduated from Frankton High School in 1965. He then reported to the U.S. Army where he became sergeant from 1966 to 1968. John retired after 30 years of working at Delco Remy in Anderson. Survivors include his mother, Mary M. Callaway of Elwood; sister, Carol F. Callaway Hunter, of Elwood; brother, Danny J. Callaway of Elwood; sons, James D. Callaway of Beech Grove, Jason M. (wife, Penny) Callaway, Terre Haute, and Gregory R. Callaway of Pendleton; and two grandchildren, Hannah and Truman, of Terre Haute. John loved the country life and enjoyed his ranch Morning Dove Farm in the hills of southern Indiana. He raised cattle and horses and enjoyed the friendship of the many special dogs he had. John was a hard worker and generous man who always took care of his family. We shall always cherish and be thankful for the father, son and brother he was. We shall miss his continuous caring and happiness be brought to all of us. He’s in a better place now with the Lord and at rest. — His Loving Family Upon his request, there will be no visitation, only private family services. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Arrangements are being handled by Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson St., Elwood, IN, 46036. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Elwood VFW or the Humane Society.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

July 27, 1968 - June 24, 2008
Dina M. Campbell, 39, passed away June 24, 2008, after an extended illness. Born July 27, 1968, in Anderson, the daughter of John and Catherine Campbell, she was a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. Dina was a resident of Anderson and lived in North Chicago, Ill., a short time. She was a graduate of Highland High School. She was a night manager for McDonald’s Corp., Noblesville, and parent coordinator for Anderson Community Schools (Morgan-Fenner) until she became ill in 2001. She enjoyed volunteering her time at Anderson Elementary School. She had many accomplishments in her life. She took great pride and pleasure in cooking soul food for friends and family. Dina encountered many trials and obstacles over the years, which she met head-on and rose above, letting her inner goodness shine through. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend to all. Survivors include her three angels, Paris S. Streaty, Ninah M. Campbell and Joshua T. Williams, all of Anderson; grandson, Kyren Streaty; seven sisters, Lorrine Miles, Anderson, Ellen (husband, Bob) Ross, Sandusky, Ohio, Martha (husband, James) Miles, Anderson, Ora (husband, Billy) Simonds, Anderson, Annie (husband, Sylvester) Turner, Anderson, Dorothy (Daryll) Patterson, Chicago, Ill., and Cathy Arthur, Anderson; three brothers, Paul (wife, Theresa) Campbell, Anderson, Hubert Campbell, Anderson, and Thomas Campbell of Texas; and her special friends, A. Morgan, Donna Sloss and May Owens. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Anderson Elementary School. A special thanks to Dr. Lee, Dr. Magee, Community Hospital Emergency Room staff, EMS, and Christ Temple Apostolic Church family. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 1610 W. 22nd St., Anderson. Arrangements are being handled by Glazebrooks Funeral Services.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

March 5, 1908 - June 5, 2008 CARMEL — Former Anderson resident Odessa D. Campbell, 100, of Carmel, passed away June 5, 2008. Odessa was born March 5, 1908, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Charles M. and Audra Dritt Campbell. She was a graduate of Indiana University and received her master’s degree from Columbia University. Odessa taught elementary school in the Shelby County School System for seven years and for Anderson Community Schools for 39 years, retiring in 1974. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Anderson; Daughters of the American Revolution; American Association of University Women; Delta Kappa Gamma; and Zeta Tau Alpha at Indiana University. She is survived by her sister, Willetta Gorby; and six nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Thelma Yarling and Marguerite Faust. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson St., Anderson, IN 46016 or The Christian Center Rescue Ministries, P.O. Box 743, Anderson, IN 46015. Post online condolences at www.flannerbuchanan.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/11/2008 - 6/13/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JEANETTE "JEAN" CHOMEY, 68, died Sunday at St. Joseph Medical Center. Born in Fort Wayne, she was a homemaker. Her husband, Joseph, died in 1984. Surviving are five sisters, Carolyn Lapp, Ruth Wyss and Maxine Poinsatte, all of Fort Wayne, Thelma Ringler of Huntertown and Mary Schuckel of Florida; and a brother, Eldon Lapp of Fort Wayne. Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 8669 Auburn Road. Calling 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton, Winchester Road. Calling also one hour before services at the church. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. memorials to Masses or St. Mary's Soup Kitchen.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, June 3, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

RHEA L. CLARK, 89 died Sunday at Lutheran Homes. Born in Bucyrus, Ohio, she was a homemaker. She had also worked in the bakery at Kroger for six years. Her husband, Faye, died in 1962. Surviving are two brothers, Roger Wenger of Fort Wayne and Robert Wenger of Angola. Services at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Bohn Chapel of Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St. Calling noon until 12:45 p.m. at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, June 3, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

Jan. 11, 1947 - June 29, 2008
Roger D. Conn, 61, Anderson, passed away June 29, 2008, at Waters of New Castle, after an extended illness. He was born Jan. 11, 1947, in Henry County, and resided in the Anderson/New Castle area all of his life. He retired from Chrysler-Kokomo in 1991 after 17 years of service. Roger served his country in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Alexandria. Roger is survived by his mother, Patricia (Wilson) Watkins of Anderson; daughter, Nikki and husband Keith Jackson of Indianapolis; son, Jason Burke Conn of Indianapolis; four brothers, Russell Conn of New Castle, Robert and wife Sandra Conn of Louisville, Ky., Jerry Conn of Anderson and Terry and wife Doni Troxell of Muncie; sister, Sherry Troxell of Coopersville, Mich.; five grandchildren, Cheyenne Conn, Sanaya Jackson, Keith Jackson Jr., Kaylana Jackson and Tessa Jackson, all of Indianapolis. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins and an extra special friend, Bonnie Taylor. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald A. Conn. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, with the Rev. Ralph Hoyt Davis officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 266. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the South Chapel.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Oct. 31, 1970 - June 27, 2008
NEW CASTLE — Jason Mark Cosby, 37, died June 27, 2008. He was employed as an asphalt paver. Survivors include his wife, Heather Cosby; a son, Storm Lee Mark Cosby; six daughters, Shianne Lyn Phyllis Cosby, Rain Ward, Jasmine Cosby, Sadie Nicole Cosby, Anjuluque Megha and Ashanti Megha; his father, Benny Cosby; mother, Phyllis Smith Cosby; five brothers, Scott (Veronica) Cosby, Brian (Megan) Cosby, Guy Allen (Lisa) Cosby, Brandon Cosby and Alex Cosby; two sisters, Amy (Corey) Chamberlain of Anderson and April Hoosier; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Wyley Methodist Church in New Castle. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery in New Castle. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions will be received at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Gholar and Gholar Funeral Service in Anderson.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Aug. 9, 1946 - June 9, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS — Former Anderson resident Thelma Mildred (Benefiel) Craig, 80, Indianapolis, died June 9, 2008. She was employed 44 years for Delco Remy, retiring in 1983 as an assembly line inspector. Survivors include her sons, Stephen (Karen) Craig and Jeff (Nancy) Craig; sister Betty Harmon; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Richard Craig, on Nov. 8, 1988. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions have been suggested to The National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation, 11350 McCormick Road, No. 800, Hunt Valley, MD, 21031-1002. Post online condolences at www.singletonmortuary.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CROWE, James A. - Services at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in Jule Schone's Funeral Home, and at 9 a.m. in the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, the Rev. Aloys Dirksen officiating. Burial in the Catholic Cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will meet at 8:30 p.m. today in the funeral home.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, February 28, 1947
Contributed by Karin King

Sept. 9, 1951 – June 29, 2008
ANDERSON — Nick A. Davis, 56, Anderson, passed away June 29, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Sept. 9, 1951, in New Castle, he moved to Anderson in 1962. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1969. He had been a machinist with American Playground. Nick was a U.S. Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard. He was a generous person who was always willing to help others. He had a good sense of humor and liked to kid around and play jokes on people. He was a good pool player and fisherman and enjoyed many road trips with “Hummer.” Survivors include his mother, Rhuanna Davis of Anderson; son, Matthew Davis of Anderson; sisters, Julie (husband, John) Herndon of Anderson and Susan (husband, DeWayne) Taylor of Parker City; brothers, David Davis and Toby Shoemaker, both of Anderson; special friends, Cindy (husband, Mike) Warren of Anderson, Brian and Roxy Cram of Anderson and his friends at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 266; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Eddy and staff and the nurses on 6 South for their care of Nick. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Davis; and sisters, Sheryl Schmitt, Deborah Gipson and Terry Decker. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 266, 3210 Columbus Ave., Anderson, with the Rev. Mark Ake officiating, where military rites will be conducted. A funeral dinner will follow the service at the post. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Men’s Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 266 and Saint John’s Cancer Center. Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

C. Lucile Deason, 86, Of Integrated Health Services in Great Bend died May 30, 1996, at Central Kansas Medical Center, St Rose Campus. She was born Oct. 2, 1909, at Galatia the daughter of Charles and Hattie Myers. A resident of Great Bend for most of her life, she was a Great Bend City librarian and retired R.S.V.P Secretary. Mrs. Deason was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Great Bend. Survivors include one son, James A. Deason of Great Bend; one daughter, Martha Scranton of Larned; one sister, Eleanor Hamilton of Great Bend; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Great Bend Cemetery with the Rev. Dick Near officiating. Friends may call until 9 tonight at Fryberger Mortuary. Family will receive friends from 7-9 tonight at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to Great Bend library.
Great Bend Tribune, Barton County, Kansas, May 31, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

Feb. 13, 1931 - June 3, 2008
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Mary Jayne Defenderfer, 77, unexpectedly passed away at her home in Phoenix on June 3, 2008. She was born on Feb. 13, 1931, in Anderson, to Joseph and Leone Melcher. She was the second of three children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Carl Defenderfer. She is survived by her two sons, Robert Carl Defenderfer, of Phoenix, Ariz. and Joseph Carson Defenderfer, of Moore, Okla., and her older brother Joe Melcher, of Puyallup, Wash. Mary Jayne and Carl were childhood sweethearts and neighbors in Anderson. One of her family’s most prized possessions was a picture of little “Sonny” as Carl was known, and Mary Jayne taken in their Sunday best at the age of 4 years old. Mary Jayne married Carl in 1952 after he served 4 years in the Air Force. They started their family in 1965 with the birth of Rob and then welcomed Joe in 1967. Jayne was a loving and dedicated mother who was always involved with her boys’ activities, whether it was Cub Scouts, Webelos, driving Rob to basketball practice in the worst of Ohio snow storms or watching the boys in little league baseball games. As her sons grew older, Jayne took a position with Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation as an executive secretary. She is fondly remembered by many of the people she worked with in the office. While living in Lancaster, Ohio, both Jayne and Carl were involved in their church, Grace Lutheran Church. Jayne also enjoyed serving in numerous volunteer positions serving the school and community. In 1988, with both of the boys in college, Jayne and Carl moved to the historic Ohio River town of Madison, Ind. With a beautiful view of the Ohio River and Kentucky from their property, they settled into retirement. For the next 18 years, they enjoyed Madison and became active in the community, especially volunteering with Lifetime Resources, a regional outreach program helping the elderly who have difficulty caring for themselves and helping them with affordable housing, prescription assistance and transportation needs. Jayne was so proud of Carl when he was selected 2006 Indiana Senior of the Year for his volunteer efforts. Jayne was always there to support and love her husband. Later in 2006, Jayne and Carl realized a dream of moving to Arizona. They had fallen in love with Arizona and Sedona during a visit in the 1960s B.C. (before children, as Jayne would like to say). They settled in Casa Grande. After Carl’s untimely death in November 2006, Jayne moved to Phoenix (Ahwatukee) in December 2007. She loved her beautiful new home near Rob and was looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild, a girl, in August. Jayne was taken by our Lord without warning, but her family is comforted by the fact that she did not suffer. She is remembered as a loving and compassionate wife, mother and friend who always put the needs of others above her own. Her caring nature and quick wit will be missed. A celebration of her life took place on Tuesday, June 10, at Mountain View Lutheran church in Phoenix. At 1 p.m. Saturday, she will be reunited with her loving husband, Carl, at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery, 6805 Martin Luther King Blvd., Anderson, IN 46013. All friends and family are welcome. The family would appreciate any memorials be made to Lifetime Resources, 13091 Benedict Drive, Dillsboro, IN 47018 in Jayne’s name.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Recently the five-year-old son of John Delacroix, living near Logan's Corner was bitten by a strange dog. Thursday, the child died of hydrophobia.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana, April 4, 1891
Contributed by Karen Zach

Former Decatur resident dies
Glen E. Eichhorn, 52, of 7136 South Campbell Street, Chicago, former resident of Decatur, died suddenly of a heart attack Wednesday morning while at work as a tool and die maker in a large machinery plant in that city. Mr. Eichhorn, a graduate of Decatur High School, was employed for a few years at Security Cartage, Fort Wayne, and then moved to Chicago. He was a son of Mrs. Rachel Eichhorn, who resides on Mercer Avenue in this city, and the late Dr. Glen Eichhorn. Surviving are his wife, Alice; a daughter Miss Ellen Jean, and a son, John, both at home; his mother; one sister, Mrs. Jack (Mary) Follis of Fort Wayne; and five brothers, John R. and Thomas Eichhorn, both of Decatur, Robert Eichhorn of Huntington and Jim and William Eichhorn, both of Fort Wayne. Funeral services and burial will be held in Chicago Saturday morning.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, February 26, 1971
Contributed by Karin King

Joab Elliott, a pioneer settler of Montgomery County died at his home near Crawfordsville on Thursday afternoon at the age of 84 years.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana, April 4, 1891
Contributed by Karen Zach

TRAFFIC DEATH
DeKalb County recorded its third traffic fatality for 1976 Friday at 6:18 p.m. when Mrs. Ann Engel, 32, of Rt. 1, Laotto, was pronounced dead on arrival of massive head injuries at 6:30 p.m. at Parkview and had served as assistant night supervisor until June 1. According to DeKalb County Police, Mrs. Engel was eastbound on State Road No. 8 near County 101 east of Auburn in a 1964 Chevrolet convertible. She swerved to the right to avoid an unidentified car at the crest of a hill and over the center line. She lost control of her car, it went back across the road striking a ditch, flipped over at least one time and came to rest on its wheels facing east in the eastbound lane. Mrs. Engel was first taken to the DeKalb Memorial Hospital. Surviving are her husband, Daryl, two daughters, two sons, her parents, two brothers, and the grandparents. The body was taken to the E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, where services will be held today at 1:30 p.m. and burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn.
DeKalb County, Indiana Library Obit Book, Vol. 7, July 8, 1976
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for John Gael, 83, who died last night at the Sacred Heart Hospital here, will be held Sunday at 2 pm at the Garrett Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. A. R. Lueders will officiate and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Auburn. Two sons and one daughter survive.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, April 20, 1940
Contributed by JC

Nov. 6, 1943 - June 9, 2008
Paul Douglas Gammon, 64, of Anderson, passed away June 9, 2008. He was born Nov. 6, 1943, to the late Owen and Frankie Gammon. He married Connie Burgess on June 20, 1969. She survives. Other survivors include children, James (Cindy) Gammon, Tracy (Angie) Bodkins, Paul Gammon Jr., Chris Bodkins, Lori Bodkins (Kert) Hughes, and Michelle Gammon; brothers, J.D. (Delores) Gammon and Owen (Susan) Gammon Jr.; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Bodkins; granddaughter, Mida Ann Bodkins; and beloved mother-in-law, Mida Marie Burgess. Paul retired from Keebler as a delivery driver and was lovingly known as the “Keebler Man.” He was an avid fast car enthusiast and was blessed with mechanical ability. He was a true Richard Petty fan and loved NASCAR. His greatest loves were his wife and his family. He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion. He was truly a friend to all. Services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Sugar Grove Cemetery, Chrisman, Ill. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Victory Junction Gang, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317. Post online condolences at www.brownbutzdiedring.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Services Friday for P. James Gerber, 39
Last rites for P. James Gerber, 39, will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at the DO. McComb & Sons Funeral Home. Mr. Gerber, until a year ago a resident of Fort Wayne, died in Glendale, Calif., last Wednesday. The body was expected to arrive at the funeral home at 1 p.m. today. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; two sons, James and Carl; two daughters, Belva and Barbara Gerber; two brothers, Daniel and Paul; six sisters, Mrs. Clarence Boren, Mrs. Harry Van Meter, Mrs. Jacob Belot, and Mrs. Bernard Horn, all of this city, Mrs. Mary Cullimore, Springfield, Ill., and Mrs. Aneel Bowly, Burlington, Ind. Burial will in Prairie Grove Cemetery.
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum Scrapbook, 1946a June-Sept, Handwritten date: Thursday, August 8, 1946
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Ira Dallas Greek, 79, died yesterday morning at his home northwest of Yoder after a sudden illness. Services will be held at the Fairview Church at 2 p.m. Monday, the Rev. Sanferd Ferguson officiating. Mr. Greek was a member of the Church of God. Surviving are the wife, Eva; four daughters, Mrs. Russell Ruskirk, this city, Mrs. Reuben Roller, Ossian, Mrs. Elmer DeBolt, Yoder, and Mrs. Charles Reed, Zanesville; a son, Alba L., Yoder; three step-sons, J. Curtis Clark and Orville Clark, Yoder, and Dr. William Clark, this city; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Clark Welbaum, Yoder; 11 grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the Elzey Funeral Home, Ossian, after noon today.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, November 2, 1947
Contributed by Karin King

Jan. 4, 1950 - June 29, 2008
Ejgil Grissell, 58, Anderson, died June 29, 2008, at ManorCare Healthcare in Anderson. Survivors include two daughters; two grandchildren; and three brothers. There will be no services. Arrangements are being handled by Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 S. Fifth St., Middletown. Post online condolences at www.ballardandsons.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Doris L. Hamel, 74, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away May 28, 2008, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Anderson, to the late Albert and Florine Hart-Smith. Mrs. Hamel was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Doris graduated from Anderson High School in 1952. She was heavily involved in the Church of God and attended the Jackson Park, later Main Street, congregation. She will be remembered fondly for her ready smile and loving, compassionate heart. She truly loved people and enjoyed helping them in any way she could. She always tried to remain upbeat and never complained or lost her fighting spirit through all of her illnesses. She is survived by her son, Donald R. Hamel (Beverly) of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter, Valetta K. Franks (Dennis) of Quincy, Ill.; granddaughter, Heather Hamel-Velasco (Mitch); grandsons, Mark R. Hamel and Ryan M. Franks; her brother, Donald Smith (Tina); and several nephews and nieces in Anderson and surrounding areas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert D. Hamel. A memorial service will be held at the Main Street Church of God, 4211 S. Main St., at 10 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Don Billey officiating. Flowers may be sent to the Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery for the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northeast Florida Community Hospice at www.communityhospice.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

June 7, 1949 - June 5, 2008
George Otis Hammock (affectionately called “R.C.”), 58, of Anderson, departed this life June 5, 2008, at Community Hospital Anderson, after a sudden illness. He was born June 7, 1949, in Gholson, Miss., to Steven T. and Annie Mae (Burrage) Hammock. George received his early education in Gholson, Miss., and later relocated to Anderson for work and to be with family. "R.C.” was employed at Bridgestone Tire and Rubber in Noblesville, retiring after 28 years of service. He was a man of true character and was known to be a great conversationalist. He leaves to cherish his memory, a son, Gerald Dewayne Hammock of Anderson; a daughter, Shemecca Taylor of Indianapolis; granddaughter, Jonae Taylor; three brothers, James (wife, Dorothy) Hammock, Lee V. (wife, Martha) Hammock and Henry Hammock; two sisters, Dorothy Clay and Tammy (husband, Wayne) King, all of Shuqualak, Miss.; a special cousin and caregiver, Addie Harrison of Anderson; aunts, Gurthis Mathis and Pearl Sawyer, both of Anderson, Susie Chamberlain of Gholson, Miss., Lou Ester Bates of Preston, Miss.; and an uncle, Calvin Hammock of San Diego, Calif.; sister-in-law, Mary Hammock of Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. R.C. was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Annie (Barrage) Hammock; and two brothers, J.T. Hammock and Leroy Hammock. Services of remembrance will include visitation from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at E.E. McDonald Funeral Home, Depot Hill St., Dekalb, Miss. Graveside services and burial will follow. Local arrangements will include visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at L.C. May Funeral Services, 2024 Madison Ave., Anderson. Condolences and flowers should be forwarded to E.E. McDonald Funeral Home, Depot Hill St., Dekalb, MS 39328. Post online condolences at www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

July 17, 1930 - June 30, 2008
Delene W. Harris, 77, Anderson, died June 30, 2008, at Rawlins House in Pendleton, after an extended illness. She was born July 17, 1930, in Rickman, Tenn., and moved to Anderson from Tennessee in 1951. She was employed in production at Delco Remy for 30 years, retiring in 1986. She was an avid bowler who had played on many leagues in the area. She had also been a member of Order of the Eastern Star 154. Survivors include two children, Jeff (Kelley) Harris of Anderson and Janet (Gary) Allen of Markleville; four grandchildren, Brian (Hannah) Harris of Mount Home, Idaho, Jonathon Harris of Alabama, and Michelle Allen and Michael Allen, both of Markleville; two stepgrandchildren, Casey Ulm and Matthew Ulm; four great-grandchildren, Brayden Harris, Ashley Allen, Mantle Wickersham and Alyssa Wickersham; a sister, Alma Talley; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hassell V. Harris, in 1971; her parents, Maude and James Webb; five brothers, Jasper, Edward, Leck, Hack and James; and four sisters, Mattie, Ola Mae, Sybil and Sue Nell. The family would like to extend a thank-you to the staff of Rawlins House for the excellent care during her extended stay. Services will be conducted at noon Thursday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Skip Ockomon officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer’s Association. E-mail condolences to RJFuneralSvc@aol.com or post them at www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

William Hicks Dies At Lansing Hospital
Charles A. Andrews, Decatur, has received word of the death this morning of his brother-in-law, William Hicks, more than 80 years of age, at a hospital in Lansing. Mich. A former Adams County resident, Mr. Hicks and his family moved to Dimondale, Mich., approximately 35 years ago. Surviving are his wife, the former Sadie Andrews; and two daughters, Mrs. Lulu Scarlett and Mrs. Flossie Whitney, both of Michigan. Two sons preceded him in death within the last four years. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Dimondale. [buried Dimondale Cemetery; Dimondale, Eaton County, Michigan]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 Feb - Apr Scrapbook, Handwritten date-Thurs, Feb. 3, 1955
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

HILGEMANN FUNERAL RITES PLANNED TUESDAY Funeral services for Albert F. Hilgemann will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Mungovan & Sons Mortuary. The Rev. George Allison will officiate. Mr. Hilgemann, 62, died yesterday morning at his home, 4406 South Wayne Avenue, after being in poor health eight years. He was a native of Fort Wayne and a veteran member of the city's Fire Department. He retired eight years ago after duty at No. 8 Fire Station. Surviving are the widow, Mable; two daughters, Mrs. John Varner and Mrs. Helen Croxton, this city; two sons, Raymond and James, this city; a stepson, Joseph Cox, this city; three sisters, Mrs. Emil Meyer, this city, Mrs. Luella Graham, Arlington, Va., and Mrs. Sy Kerlin, Dayton, O.; three brothers, Chester, this city, and George and Florenz, Peru, and five grandchildren. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may visit the funeral home after 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, November 2, 1947
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Chauncey D. Hursh, 48, who died at 1 a.m. Thursday at his residence, 644 Putnam Street, following an illness of three weeks, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home with burial in the Huntertown Cemetery. Mr. Hursh, a foreman for the Universal Carloading and Distributing Company, was a native of Allen County and a member of the Home Lodge, F&AM. Survivors include the wife, Mary; his mother, Mrs. Jennie Hursh, Huntertown, and four brothers, George, Huntertown, and Bert, Don and John, of Fort Wayne.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, August 31, 1945
Contributed by Karin King

Donald Hursh, 63, of R. R. 3, Arizona Road, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon at his home. Survivors include his wife, Myrtle; two sons, Glenn and Wayne Hursh, of Fort Wayne; three brothers, John and Burt, both of Fort Wayne, and George, of Huntertown, and his mother, Mrs. J. W. Hursh, of Huntertown. The body was removed to the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, and will be returned to the residence today. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Huntertown Methodist Church, the Rev. A. E. Burt officiating. Burial will be at Huntertown.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, February 28, 1947
Contributed by Karin King

Sept. 18, 1931 - June 6, 2008
Philip B. Johnson, 76, of Anderson, died June 6, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Anderson and was employed by Delco Remy Division of General Motors for 33 years, retiring in 1983. He was also the former secretary/treasurer of the UAW 662. He was 1950 graduate of Anderson High School and served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the American Legion Post 127, Madison County Voiture 510 of 40/8, and former Democratic Precinct Committeeman. He loved spending time with his family, taking his daily walk and pampering his pets. Survivors are a son, Brian Johnson of Anderson; three daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda (husband, Jeff) Kistler of Fishers, Shannon (husband, Chris) Curry of South Lyon, Mich. and Jean (husband, Greg) Powell of Evergreen, Colo.; brother and sister-in-law, David (wife, Betty) Johnson of Middletown; brother-in-law, Ken Cartwright Sr. of Glendale, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Nathan Kistler, Nicole Kistler, Emily Powell, Meredith Powell, Jackson Curry, Grant Curry, Andrew Curry, Seth Dunn, and Hannah Johnson; two nephews, Ken Cartwright Jr. of California and Kenny Johnson of Middletown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville “Speed” and Hazel (Shoemaker) Johnson; wife, Francis Johnson; and sister, Berna Lou Cartwright. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Rev. Bill White officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Rozelle Johnson Funeral Service handled the funeral arrangements.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

July 4, 1941 - June 30, 2008
MARION — Former Elwood resident Paul A. Jones, 66, Marion, died June 30, 2008, at his residence. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He retired from the Marion Veterans Administration Medical Center after 20 years of employment. Survivors include his mother, ElVada DiRuzza; his wife of 17 years, Virginia Jones; daughter, Justine (Robin) Jennings; son, Jay Jones; stepdaughters, Traci Rodarte and Lisa (Howard) Durr; stepson, Tim Stansberry; brother, Joe (Elaine) Jones; sister, Sue (Larry) Hueston; brother, Mike (Phyllis) DiRuzza; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at noon Thursday at Westview Wesleyan Church, 1300 W. Sixth St., Jonesboro, with the Rev. Mark Deisler officiating. Burial will follow in Marion National Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Westview Wesleyan Church, 1300 W. Sixth St., Jonesboro, IN 46938. Post online condolences at www.nswcares.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Nov. 10, 1936 - July 1, 2008
ALEXANDRIA — Nancy C. Kellum, 71, Alexandria, died July 1, 2008, at Elmcroft of Muncie after a brief illness. She was born Nov. 10, 1936, in Muncie, the daughter of Robert W. Hamilton and Grace (Hamming) Hamilton, and resided in the Alexandria area since 1986. Nancy was a graduate of Muncie Burris High School, Class of 1954. She also attended Ball State Teacher’s College. She had worked at Muncie Federal Savings and Loan and First Merchants Bank in Muncie until 1987 after several years of employment and most recently at Star Financial Bank in Marion. Nancy was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church of rural Alexandria and had served in several positions in the church. She had also been active in the United Methodist Women at the church. Nancy has been involved in the Alexandria community including the Alexandria-Monroe Historical Society, the Alexandria Kiwanis Club and the Madison County 4-H Fair. She served as clerk of the Alexandria City Court from 2003 until 2007. Much of her life was spent in helping and support of her late husband Dan’s activities and projects. Nancy was an avid reader and lover of animals. It seemed Nancy built her life around the principle of “never a spectator, always a participant.” She loved excitement like riding roller coasters and more recently dressing in full fireman’s turnout gear and fighting fire at a controlled house burn. She never got to take the hot-air balloon ride that was a gift, but her last trip through the air was the start of her eternity. Survivors include two stepsons, Dana (Connie) Kellum of Anderson, and Devon (Barbra) Kellum of Alexandria; stepdaughter, Manet (Pat) Shettle of Alexandria; eight stepgrandchildren, Carie (Sam) Mottweiler, Davon Kellum, Michelle Phillips, Jeremy (Holli) Kellum, Molly (Steven) Gornek, Zach Valdez, Rachel Shettle and Kevin Shettle; eight stepgreat-grandchildren, Sean Mottweiler, Rebekah Mottweiler, Caleb Mottweiler, Connor Mottweiler, Christopher Kellum, Austin Phillips, Ryan Phillips and Liza Jane Gornek; sister, Janet Hamilton of Framingham, Mass.; brother-in-law, Marion (Rosemary) Kellum of Crown Point; several nieces and nephews; five special cousins, Judith (John) Tanner of Winchester, Shirley (Jay) Pittenger, Marianne Tooley and Dianne Jordan, all of Muncie, and Linda (Mike) Shinkle of Peoria, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 21 years, Danny Kellum, on Jan. 24, 2007. Services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 116 W. Broadway, Alexandria, with Dr. Joyce Thornton, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Vinson Memorial Cemetery in Summitville. Friends may call Wednesday at the Owens Funeral Home, 412 N. Harrison St., Alexandria, from 4 to 8 p.m. or at the church one hour before services Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Epworth United Methodist Church or to the Residents Activity Fund of Elmcroft Assisted Living through the funeral home. Post online condolences at www.owensmemorialservices.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

March 27, 1973 - June 11, 2008
Jennifer Lee Knepp, 35, of Anderson, died June 11, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center after an extended illness. She was a lifelong Anderson resident. She was a substitute teacher for various school systems. She was a graduate of Highland High School and member of the Highland Band. She attended Ball State University and Ivy Tech, where she earned several degrees including medical decoding, computer programming, medical assistant in nursing and phlebotomist. Survivors include her parents, William Lee and Cherie (Middleton) Knepp of Alexandria; paternal grandmother, Mary J. Knepp of Anderson; maternal grandparents, Theda (Middleton) and Everett Daniels of Anderson; and several aunts and uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, William E. Knepp, and an uncle, Frank Baldwin. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Burial will be in Bronnenberg Cemetery. Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/13/2008 - 6/15/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Feb. 16, 1939 — June 28, 2008
BRAZIL — Michael Francis Lahr Sr., 69, died June 28, 2008, at Royal Oaks Healthcare in Terre Haute. He had been employed as a printer in the newspaper trade printing industry until retirement. Survivors include a sister, Nancy and husband John Means; a brother, Lawrence Lahr; and three grandchildren. There will be no services or visitation. Cremation was chosen. Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Brazil, Ind.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Tunis R. Leaming, 85, died Tuesday at his home. A lifelong Fort Wayne resident, he retired after 29 years as a brick mason for the General Electric Co. Surviving are his son, Glenn of Wolcottville; a daughter, Nina Poeppel of Fort Wayne; a sister, Berniece Gallahan of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Calling is 4 to 9 p.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with services at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, March 28, 1991
Contributed by JC

June 2, 1927 - June 27, 2008
NOBLESVILLE — Sonny Lewis, 81, former Muncie resident, died June 27, 2008, at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie after a brief illness. Sonny was born June 2, 1927, in Indianapolis, the son of Joseph Leroy and Naomi Madeliene (Jennings) Lewis. He was retired from Warner Machine Products in Muncie and later from ABC Rail in Anderson. Sonny was a Muncie Star Golden Glove Amateur Boxing Champion, while in the Army was a 2nd Army Featherweight title holder, and also boxed professionally. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth A. (Baker) Lewis of Noblesville; two daughters, Ginger L. Kern of Lexington, S.C., and Dawn L. Dugger (George) of Anderson; stepson, Robin Wedell; eight grandchildren, Michael Anderson, Rob Scott, Christina Olson, Ashley Kern, Joshua Sonny Michael Lewis, Michelle New, Brittany Wedell and Kathleen Dugger; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Jay Dee Lewis (Judy); and sister, Faith Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Sonny Michael Lewis; five brothers: Joseph Leroy Lewis Jr., Buddy Lewis, Laddy Lewis, Carl Lewis and Robert Jean Lewis; three sisters: Betty Jane Freeman, Hope Brown and Caroline Sue Charity Lewis. There are no services or calling hours. The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

June 17, 1933 - June 13, 2008
ELWOOD — Joyce A. McElfresh, 74, of Elwood, died June 13, 2008, at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood after an extended illness. She worked as a clerk at Leeson’s Department Store in Elwood for several years, and also formerly worked for Dr. Duechler and Indiana Bell Telephone Company in Elwood. Survivors include two daughters, Carol (husband, Jeff) Ball and Diana Wright; brother, Don Hill; two sisters, Irene Wantland and Mary Ervin; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold McElfresh Jr., who died July 18, 2007. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tim Stigers of Southern Care Hospice in Muncie. Burial will be in Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calloway Park Fund in Elwood through the funeral home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/13/2008 - 6/15/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Marjorie (Marj) McGowan passed away Oct. 9, at Kaiser Hospital. Marj was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Oct 21, 1913, to Louis and Dorothy (Jones) Eppstein. Her father worked for Western Union which required the family to live in various locations. Eventually settling in Berkeley. Marj attended elementary and high school, and later attended San Francisco Teachers College. On Oct. 17, 1936, she married Burns McGowan who was employed with the Ford Motor Company. They made their home in Oakland for several years before moving to Burns Ore., where Mr. McGowan was born and raised. In 1945, the McGowan's and their two children moved to St. Helena where they resided until 1955 when they returned to Burns to help Mr. McGowan's ailing parents. During the years spent in St Helena and in Burns, Marj was very active in Eastern Star, serving as an officer, and for many years as mother adviser for the Rainbow Girls. Marj was always interested in the activities of her children attending school and sporting events, never missing a game and volunteering in many ways especially with transportation of the "Carpy Gang" of St. Helena. In 1960 the McGowan family again returned to the Napa Valley when Mr. McGowan retired. For several years they traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad. Mrs. McGowan passed away in 1968 and after several years Marj moved from St Helena to Calistoga where she made her home ever since. Marj was always very active person, involving herself in community activities. Volunteering at Sharpsteen Museum, being a proud member of the Mt. St. Helena Women's Golf Club, and many other activates were a joy to her. Marj was a very loving and caring person, and was always there for her family and her many friends. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Maurice Eppstein of Woodside. She is survived by her daughter. Maurine Steinauer of Corvallis Ore.; her son Ron McGowan and he wife Seana of St Helena; grandchildren, Mark Steinauer and his wife Dianna of Corvallis, Ore., Paul Steinauer of St. Helena and Matt Steinauer of Austin Texas.; two great-grandchildren, Shelby and Collin Steinauer of Corvallis, Ore.; and niece Christine Eppstein of Woodside. To honor Mrs. McGowan's request, there will be no services. Donations in her memory can be made to the Sharpsteen Museum at 1311 Washington St., Calistoga, 94515.
Napa Register, Napa, California, October 13, 1998
Contributed by Karin King

Alex. McPheeters, aged 76, one of the oldest and wealthiest farmers in Vigo County died yesterday.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana, April 4, 1891
Contributed by Karen Zach

March 24, 1938 - June 8, 2008
Joyce Antoinette (McLeod) Melton, was born March 24, 1938, in East St. Louis, Ill. Her parents, Elder Charles and Lannie McLeod, preceded her in death. She received her Christian training at Englewood Church of God and Emerald Avenue Church of God in Chicago, under pastorate of Rev. Dr. Marcus H. Morgan. She graduated from Englewood High School in Chicago. She furthered her training by attending Anderson College in Anderson, Ind., and Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. She was united in holy matrimony in 1976 to Richard Edgar Melton by her father, Elder Charles McLeod. Joyce was an officer of the Phyllis Wheatley Club and approver in the Metropolitan Insurance Office at Delco Remy and later worked in vehicle administration. She retired from General Motors in Anderson after 25 years and currently was the co-owner and office manager for Star Realty in Anderson-Fort Wayne. She departed this life June 8, 2008, at the Cancer Center of America in Zion, Ill. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, Richard Melton; aunt, Ruth Naylor of East St. Louis, Ill.; two daughters, Dr. Monica Melton of Spellman College in Atlanta, Ga. and Marcia (husband, Christopher) Storey of Detroit, Mich.; and many cousins and friends. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson. Homecoming services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Covenant Faith Church of God; 10505 Halsted Road, Chicago, Ill., with Dr. E. Raymond Chin and Dr. Robert Culp with the First Church of God in Toledo, Ohio, officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago. Preparation and arrangements by Seals Funeral Home, Chicago. Online condolences at www.LooseFuneralHomes.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

PENDLETON — Evelyn M. (Johnson) Miller, 79, passed away after an extended illness June 9, 2008, just seven weeks after her beloved husband of 60 years, Ralph E. Miller passed. A lifelong Pendleton resident, Evelyn dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She was the best Mom and Mamaw that anyone could ever wish for. She was happiest when she was surrounded by children and animals. When she was not busy with friends and family, Evelyn thoroughly enjoyed mushroom hunting. Her great sense of humor will be missed by all who loved her. Evelyn is survived by her son, Charlie Miller; daughter, Jennie (husband, Dave) Young; grandchildren, Heidi (husband, Donnie) Moore and Trent (wife, Sarah) Miller; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Young and Trey Miller; stepgreat-grandson, Chris Waltermire; brother, Forrest (wife, Betty) Johnson; and sister, Bonita Lengerich.She was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Davin Young; and two brothers, Bill Johnson and Ervin Johnson. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Grove Lawn Cemetery, Pendleton with Reverend Claude Creel officiating. A private visitation will be held. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, Pendleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Outfitters Inc., 123 W. State St., P.O. Box 164, Pendleton, IN 46064-0164. It is a Christian service that exists to provide quality clothing and shoes to low income children in South Madison County.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Feb. 6, 1923 - June 30, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — Melba Lois (Dollar) Murdock, 84, a resident of Middletown since 1955, passed away June 30, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Middletown following an extended illness. She was born Feb. 6, 1923, in Anderson, the daughter of Dayton and Ida (Pettigrew) Dollar. She had been a homemaker her entire life. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, James E. Murdock; her parents; two sisters, Joann Welker and Vivian Murdock; and a brother, Richard Dollar. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 S. Fifth St., Middletown, with the Rev. Marty Ballard officiating. Burial will follow in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from noon until the hour of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana through the funeral home. Post online condolences at www.ballardandsons.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Jas. Nealis, one of Lebanon's prominent citizens died yesterday. He was 61 years old and had been identified with the city's interest for 35 years.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana, April 4, 1891
Contributed by Karen Zach

Oct. 14, 1963 - June 11, 2008
Howard Wayne Sherman O'Neal, 44, Anderson, died June 11, 2008, at his residence after an extended illness. Survivors include his mother, Marsha (Dilts) Bicha; brother, William O'Neal II; and an aunt, Bette McClintock. Services will be private. Burial of cremains will be in McCray Cemetery, Wilkinson. Arrangements are being handled by Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson Church of the Brethren, 741 N. Scatterfield Road, Anderson, IN 46012. Post online condolences at www.loosefuneralhomes.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Feb. 4, 1920 - June 28, 2008
FRANKTON — Marvin Gentry Neese, 88, passed away June 28, 2008, at Community Hospital Anderson, after a brief illness. He was born on Feb. 4, 1920, in Madison County, the son of Harry and Greta (Gentry) Neese. He graduated from Frankton High School, Class of 1938. Marvin retired in 1985 after 47 years of working on the family farm. However, he maintained his interest in farming through his own garden. He was a member of the Perkinsville Community Church, where he served as chairman of the administrative board for 21 years. He was one of the organizers of the church scholarship program. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing at the Southwood Racquet Club and while wintering in Florida. Survivors include three sons, Ron and wife Georgia Neese, Bob and wife Laurie Neese and Bill and wife Beth Neese, all of Frankton; eight grandchildren, Kim (husband, Mike) Speaker of Columbus, Greta (husband, Dustin) Forrer of Atlanta, Ronda Neese of Phoenix, Jill Neese of Arcadia, Tom Neese of Frankton, Jonas Neese of New Palestine, Jackie Milam of Atlanta, Ga., and Anna Neese of Frankton; five great-grandchildren, Evan, Will and Cody Speaker, and Clay and Grant Forrer; and several nieces and nephews. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Norma M. (Busby) Neese; a brother, Charles Neese; and a sister, Miriam Maslako. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Perkinsville Community Church in Anderson, officiated by the Rev. Mark Aleshire. Burial will follow in Neese Cemetery, Perkinsville. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 N. Main St., Lapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Perkinsville Community Church Scholarship Fund, 2783 Washington St., Anderson, IN 46011.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Funeral Services for Gerald D Orcutt on Tuesday Morning Funeral services for Gerald D Orcutt, 46, an employee of Dales Service Station; will be held Tuesday at 10:30 am at the Smith and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell B Gotz pastor of the Oak Grove Methodist Church officiating. Friends are being received at the funeral home. Mr. Orcutt who had been receiving medication for a previous heart ailment, suffered a severe coronary heart attack while at work Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead soon after arrival at the emergency room of the Whitley County Hospital where he was rushed by ambulance. He was a native of Etna Troy Township and was born June 28, 1922 a son of Glenwood and Demaris Sattisoon Orcutt. He was graduated from Larwill High School with the class of 1940 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Texas he was united in marriage on November 11, 1944 to the former Sarah Lue Miller. Following his discharge from the service in the spring of 1946 they resided in Troy township until 1962. Mr. Orcutt has since made his home in Columbia City. He was a member of the Larwill DueGuard Masonic Lodge and the American Legion Post 98. His church affiliation was with the Troy Methodist Church. The surviving relatives include two sons, Dennis Orcutt R 6 who was discharged from the US armed Forces on April 4 after completing his tour of duty and Lynn A Orcutt now stationed on the USS Pocono at port at Norfolk, Virginia. His step mother Mrs. Glenwood Orcutt, city; two aunts, Mrs John Kenner, city; and Mrs. Gladys Beard, Fort Wayne. In addition to his parents, he has been preceeded in death by a sister. Mrs. Elizabeth Mae Cooper. Committel service and burial will follow the funeral home services in the West Etna Community cemetery west of Etna.
Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Whitley County, Indiana, April 13, 1969
Contributed by JC

Sarah Lue Orcutt Fulk, 82, a resident of LaOtto, died at 8:41 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Feb. 2. Born on Jan. 27, 1924, in Whitley County, a daughter of Clyde O. and Maude Belle (Pentecost) Miller, her formative years were spent in Etna Troy Township. She attended 10 years at Etna School and graduated from North Webster High School. On Nov. 11, 1944, she was united in marriage to Gerald O. Orcutt and they made their home on a farm in Troy Township. Mr. Orcutt died April 12, 1969. On Nov. 26, 1982, she was married to Jesse Howard Fulk and they made their home on a farm near LaOtto in DeKalb County. Employed at General Electric, she retired in the mid-1980s from Dana Corporation with 17 years of service. Reared in West Etna Baptist Church, she was a former member of Troy Methodist Church and was attending Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren. Surviving relatives include her husband, Jesse, two sons, Dennis (Marcia) Orcutt of Columbia City and Lynn (Linda) Orcutt of Larwill; three step-children, Beverly (Duane) Rowe of Witmer Lake; Marilyn (Robert) Wiant of Adams Lake and Jesse Eugene "Sam" (Sharon) Fulk of Golden Lake; two grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; a step-great-great grandchild; a brother, Basil Miller of Etna Troy Township; and a sister, Martha Hartley of Marion. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesse Allison Miller and Byron Miller; and a sister, Geneva Wilson. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 2, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City with Pastors Curtiss Johnson and Brad Hardesty officiating. Burial is at West Etna Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Youth for Christ of DeKalb County, West Etna Community Church or Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren.
Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Whitley County, Indiana, February 27, 2006
Contributed by JC

Services are 2 pm Monday in Schafer Funeral Home, Roanoke for Dallas Patten, 73, Roanoke. He died at 2 am Saturday in Lutheran Hospital. Mr. Patten was a retired employee of General Electric Company. Surviving are his wife, Faye; one son, Greg of Roanoke; two daughters, Carolyn Jean Middaugh of Ossian and Kay Hoover of Warsaw; two brothers, Gillford of Warsaw and Leoris of Tucson, Arizona and two sisters, Marie Bacon of Fort Wayne and Geraldine Heline of Decatur. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, September 7, 1980
Contributed by JC

Mary Ellen Pierce, 72, of 409 Edgewood Avenue died Thursday morning in Parnell Park Nursing Home. Mrs. Pierce, who retired from L.S. Ayres & Company in 1975, was a native of Benango, Pennsylvania. Surviving are two sisters, Betty Parker of Fort Wayne and Marie Srnka of Moweaqua, Illinois; and four brothers, Charles Schnobel of Fort Wayne, Charles and James Anderson, both of Peoria, Illinois and Clarence Schnobel of Chicago. Services will be at 10 am Saturday in Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home, where friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm today. Interment will be in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, October 19, 1979
Contributed by JC

Funeral services for Miss Margaret Pierr, former Fort Wayne resident, who died Wednesday at Moline, Ill., were conducted Saturday. She was a daughter of the late Jacob Pierr, former local merchant, and moved with her family to Moline in 1844 [sic]. Surviving are three sisters and two brothers.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, May 23, 1943
Contributed by JC

CANCER IS FATAL TO AN AUBURN CITIZEN - Mrs. Lulu Potter, Age 72, Passes Away at Home of Sister in Peru - Step-Mother of Two Auburn Officials
Mrs. Lulu Potter, age 72, widow of the late Silas Potter, passed away at the home of a sister, Mrs. Mary Mills, at Peru, Ind., at 2:40 Monday morning. Mrs. Potter's home was at 1302 South Jackson street in Auburn but she had been sick since Christmas and had been living at Peru since that time. The deceased had been in failing health for two years from cancer and complications. She was born in Leipsic, Ohio, on Oct. 14, 1872, and had resided in Auburn since her marriage in 1901 to Mr. Potter. She had been a part owner of the Potter grocery on South Main street since the death of her husband in 1921. She is survived by two stepsons, Lodie Potter of 105 East Nineteenth street, mayor of Auburn, and Forrest Potter of 802 South Van Buren street, city clerk-treasurer in Auburn; one brother, John Dice of Detroit; the sister at Peru, and five grandchildren. She was a member of the Methodist church in Auburn. The body was brought to the Dilgard Funeral Home and will remain there until after the funeral services to be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Van Hinckley, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate and interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery. [buried Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn, DeKalb County, Indiana]
DeKalb County, Indiana Obit Book, Volume 9, March, 1945
Contributed by Karin King

Sept. 5, 1936 - June 9, 2008
ELLIJAY, Ga. — Robert E. Powers, 71, of Ellijay, Ga., passed away June 9, 2008, after a sudden illness. He was born Sept. 5, 1936, in Vigo County, the son of George and Catherine (Wrin) Powers. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, where he played basketball. In 1996, he retired from Delco Remy after 30 years of employment. He lived in Florida from 1996 until 2004, when he moved to Georgia. Robert was a member of Knights of Columbus and UAW-CIO Local 662. He served in the U.S. Marines and was an avid college football fan. He is survived by his wife, Naomi R. “Toni” Powers of Georgia; son, Mike Powers of Anderson; daughters, Debbie Phelps of Columbia, S.C., Chris (husband, Steve) Thomas of Anderson, Bev (husband, Scott) Martin of West Linn, Ore., Kathy (husband, Tom) Warden of Monson, Maine, and Ann (husband, Joe) Olexa of Fishers; stepsons, Al (wife, Stephanie) McCord of Hailey, Idaho, and Jason Powers of Florida; several grandchildren; brother, William (wife, Sherry) Powers of Anderson; and nephews, Pat Powers and Tim Powers. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home. Private family service will be conducted. Post online condolences at www.brownbutzdiedring.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/11/2008 - 6/13/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Aug. 24, 1947 - June 6, 2008
LIBERTY, Miss. — Chrystal Lynn Pruitt, 60, former Anderson resident, died June 6, 2008, at her residence. She had been employed as receptionist for the mental health service associated with Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Survivors include sons, Don (wife, Amanda) Pruitt and Lane (fiancee, Vicki) Pruitt; daughter, Tracy (husband, Dwight) Tarver; four grandchildren; mother, Ruby Kaska; sisters, Pam (husband, Dave) Gerstenkorn and Betty (husband, Brent) Williams; a nephew; and a niece. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at New Salem Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Burnett Carraway. Interment will take place at New Salem Church Cemetery. Visitation 6 to 9 p.m. today at Brown Funeral Home, 901 Highway 24, Gloster, Miss., and one hour prior to the Monday service at the church. Post online condolences at: www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/13/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

July 23, 1921 - June 6, 2008
ALEXANDRIA — James H. “Jim” Quinn, 86, died June 6, 2008, at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson, following an extended illness. He was born July 23, 1921, in Alexandria, the son of Ernest and Irma (Cunningham) Quinn, and had resided in Alexandria his entire life. Jim was a graduate of Alexandria High School, Class of 1941. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War ll. He saw action as a medic in northern France at Ardennes, the Rhineland and the Battle of the Bulge. Jim received the EAME Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars. Jim was also an active member of the Spearhead Third Armored Division Association, (U.S. Army) and, in 2000, was president of the association. On Sept. 8, 1951, he married Marie Legg. Jim retired from Delco Remy, formerly of Anderson, in 1982, after 41 years of employment. Following retirement, he served for over 20 years as a “red coat” volunteer for the Community Hospital Anderson Auxiliary. He was a member of the Alexandria Masonic Lodge 235; Alexandria Order of the Eastern Star; Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis; Alexandria American Legion Post 87, and a lifetime member of the Christian Congregation Church of Alexandria. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marie (Legg) Quinn; son, Geary (wife, Suellen) Quinn of Cape Coral, Fla. (formerly of Cicero); daughter, Janett Quinn of Arvada, Colo.; two granddaughters, Tresa Quinn (husband, Brent Stiers) of Anderson and Suzie Quinn (husband, Robert) Hollings, currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan; three great-granddaughters, Rhiannon Aynes, Adrian Stiers and Alaysia Hollings; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Sherman Quinn and Joseph Quinn; and a sister, Ruth Whaley. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Christian Congregation Church, 11015 N. 300 East, Alexandria, officiated by Pastor Jerry Young. Interment will take place at Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, where military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 5782. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Owens Funeral Home, 412 N. Harrison St., Alexandria, and will include a 6 p.m. memorial service by the Alexandria Masonic Lodge. The family will also receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made, through the funeral home, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

RAGAN, JACOB - Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the residence on the Engle Road, and at 2:30 p.m. at the Prairie Grove Chapel, with the Rev. Charles H. Hartung officiating. Burial in the Prairie Grove Cemetery.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, June 8, 1935
Contributed by Karin King

Nov. 23, 1934 — June 28, 2008
Doris Joan (Dearing) Rector, 73, of Anderson, died June 28, 2008, at Community Hospital Anderson, following an extended illness. She was born Nov. 23, 1934, in Anderson, where she lived her entire life. Doris was a homemaker and mother. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting and cooking. Survivors include six children, Timothy (Coleen) Rector, Mark (Cindy) Rector, Karen (Terry) Thomas, Daniel (Cindy) Rector, Jeff (Lisa) Rector and Scott (Keena) Rector; 17 grandchildren, Skye Huff, Wade Rector, Amy Elbik, Jenny Johnson, Trevor Rector, Tresnie Patterson, Kristina Patterson, Chelcy Jones, Stefanie Day, Danielle Rector, Stacey Bick, Brad Rector, Tracey Ford, Kris Knox, Nikki Rector, Cogan Rector and Vivien Rector; 22 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, John C. Dearing, Joseph L. Dearing and Michael D. Dearing. Also surviving is a special friend, Marge Peyton. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph C. Rector, who died Feb. 2, 1996; her parents, John and Thelma Dearing; a daughter, Marcia Harvey; and stepfather, Robert Claus. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1115 Pearl St., Anderson, officiated by the Rev. Robert Williams. Burial will take place at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 7/1/2008 - 7/3/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Rites for Reynolds infant on Saturday Graveside services will be held Saturday for the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Reynolds of 2424 Charlotte Avenue, Fort Wayne. The baby died early Thursday morning at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne, a few hours after birth. The mother is the former Patricia Collins of Decatur. Surviving in addition to the parents are the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Collins of Decatur, and the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rollin Reynolds of Cowan. Burial will be in Babyland in the Tumbleson Cemetery, Muncie.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, February 26, 1971
Contributed by Karin King

July 30, 1928 - June 6, 2008
RICHLAND, Wash. — Patricia “Patti” Roberts, 79, of Richland, Wash., died June 6, 2008, at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland. She was a former Anderson resident. Following high school, her singing talent was discovered by talent scout Johnny Olsen. Patti was selected to replace Doris Day as lead singer for Les Brown and Band of Renown. She was also a singer for the big band of Harry James. Survivors include her husband, R.C. Roberts; sons, Mike Roberts and Jeff (wife, Sandy) Roberts; daughter, Peggy Barnes; and three grandchildren. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Richland Lutheran Church with Pastor Bill Martens officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Patti’s memory to Tri-City Gospel Mission, 425 W. Lewis, Pasco, WA, 99301; or Good News Media Ministry, c/o Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Glesenn, Richland, WA, 99354.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BEULAH H. ROGERS, 70, of Huntington died Tuesday in Huntington Memorial Hospital. The Fayette County, Ohio, native is survived by her husband, Wynn; daughters, Karen S. Koorsen of Jacksonville, Fla., and Kathleen R. Cooper of Greenwood; a son, James W. of South Bend; sisters, Maxine Grimsley and Josephine Cooper, both of Columbus, Ohio, and Francis Fulton of Mount sterling, Ohio; and four grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. tomorrow in Trinity United Methodist Church, Huntington, with burial in Mount Hope Cemetery. Calling is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in Deal-Robbins & Van Gilder Huntington Chapel. Preferred memorials are gifts to Huntington County Cancer Society, American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, September 30, 1994
Contributed by Karin King

DELMAS ROWE DIES IN VA CENTER
Delmas Rowe, 75, 705 South Lee street, died at 5:15 a.m. Friday in the VA Medical Center, Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient since Sept. 2. A Garrett resident since 194, Mr. Rowe was born March 13, 1909 in Mount Vernon, Ky. He and the former Jennie Tincher were married Dec. 21, 1940. She survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Leon (Karen) Slabaugh, 619 South Harrison street, and seven grandchildren. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Rowe was employed as a gear cutter at Warner Gear, Auburn, retiring in 1974. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Garrett American Legion. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Chidister officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn, where graveside military services were conducted by the Garrett American Legion and VFW. Preferred memorials are requested to the church. McKee-Miles Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
DeKalb County IN Obit Book - Volume 7, October 1, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

Bruce K. Ruch, 92, of Fort Wayne, secretary-treasurer of the Allen County Farm Bureau from 1949 to 1953, died Saturday morning in Veterans Administration Hospital. Mr. Ruch, a native of Jackson Township, was a retired farmer and a World War I veteran. Surviving are his wife, M. Rachel; two sons, Philip C. of Fort Wayne and Robert of Cleveland; and one daughter, Linda Knight of LaSalle, Illinois. Services will be at 2 pm Monday in D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, with calling there from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm today. Burial will be in Parker Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, November 6, 1983
Contributed by JC

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today for Otho M. Schumaker, 76, 218 South Franklin Street, who died at 12:25 p.m. Friday at DeKalb Memorial Hospital. Mr. Schumaker was born July 21, 1904, in Kittanning, Pa., to Rev. Frank S. and Mary (Barnes) Schumaker. He married Helen H. Wessel on Oct. 22, 1933, in Garrett. She survives. He retired in 1969 from International Harvester where he was employed for 32 years. Other survivors besides the wife include one daughter, Mrs. Gene (Connie) Shambaugh, Auburn; one son, Dan Schumaker, New Carlisle; two sisters, Mrs. Fleta Crothers and Mrs. Verda Woodruff, both of 513 South Cowen street; and two grandchildren. One brother, Albert, preceded him in death. Services will be held at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1:30 p.m. today with Pastor Anthony Smith officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. McKee-Miles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
DeKalb County, Indiana Obits, Volume 7, January 12, 1981
Contributed by Karin King

Wendy E. (Bontempo) Seale, 48, died Thursday, December 25, 2003 at Harborside Healthcare Center in New Haven. Born in Fort Wayne, she was a homemaker and previously worked for Lutheran Homes as a nurse's aide. Survivors include her husband, David W. Seale of Fort Wayne; sons, Jeffery W. and Josh A. Seale, both of Fort Wayne; brothers, R. Richard, Larry and Paul Bontempo, all of Fort Wayne; sisters, Anna Marie Hardick and Sheila Adkins, both of Fort Wayne and Kathy Baumgartner of Roanoke. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Bontempo, Jr. Service is 10 am Tuesday at Mungovan and Sons Memorial Chapel, 2114 S. Calhoun St. Calling is from 4 to 8 pm Monday at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the family.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, December 27, 2003
Contributed by JC

May 14, 1924 - Jan. 2, 2008
WEST LAFAYETTE — Edna Jean (Callahan) Selby, 83, of West Lafayette, died peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 2, 2008 at Heritage Health Care. She came to the West Lafayette area in October 2005 from Anderson. Jean was born in Milford, Ill. to the late Edward and Alta Belle (Williams) Callahan. She moved to Anderson in 1942 and worked as a keypunch operator for Delco Remy for three years. On Aug. 17, 1947, she married Roy F. Selby. For nearly 50 years, they were a wonderful couple and exceptional parents. Roy preceded her in death in May 1997. From 1950, Jean worked as a homemaker raising their two sons. She attended the First United Methodist Church in Anderson. Jean enjoyed sewing, knitting and other crafts. Surviving are two sons, Timothy D. Selby of Battle Ground, and Patrick J. Selby of Palm Bay, Fla.; her sister, Lela Huxtable of Noblesville; four grandchildren, Holly Thomas, Megan Selby, Ryan Selby, Ashley Selby; one great-grandson, Haven Thomas; four sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by three sisters, Beulah Landrey, Frances Langellier and Marian Blatch; one brother, Gale Callahan; and one grandson, Patrick Mark Selby. A memorial service will be on Saturday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Friends may call at 10:30 a.m., with service start at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to either the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Wilbur K. Sheets, 63, of Fort Wayne, died at 2:47 pm Saturday at his home. Mr. Sheets was privately employed as an airplane mechanic and inspector. He was a World War II Air Force veteran. Surviving are his wife, Kathleen E.; three sons, Kenneth, Richard and Daniel, all of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Karen Sanders of Fort Wayne and Deborah Weachock of New Haven; one brother, Rev of Galien, Michigan and three sisters, Delight Johnson of Walla Walla, Washington, Janice Myers of Angola and Carol Cochran of Ocala, Florida. Services will be at 1 pm Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Avenue with calling there from 7 to 9 pm today. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred memorials are gifts to St. Luke Lutheran Church.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, January 23, 1984
Contributed by JC

Erma H. Shriner, 78, of 6321 S. Harrison Street died at 5:30 pm Friday in Lutheran Hospital. Mrs. Shriner, a native of Terre Haute was a retired English teacher. Surviving are three sons, Richard H., John E. and Phillip O., all of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Ethel Lister of Levering, Michigan and Edith Bass of Marion; and one brother, Frank Harden of Leeland, Michigan. Services are 1:30 pm Tuesday in Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home. Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm Monday. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials are gifts to Plymouth Congregational Church, P.E.O. Cotley College Scholarship Fund or YWCA Building Fund.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, September 7, 1980
Contributed by JC

July 29, 1951 - June 11, 2008
NOBLESVILLE — Connie Elizabeth (Russell) Smith, 56, Noblesville, died June 11, 2008, at her residence.She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Marcus R. (Tammy) Smith II and John Christopher Thomas Smith; four aunts; and several cousins. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Randall and Roberts Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard D. Bell officiating. Burial will be in Crownland Cemetery, Noblesville. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana State Chapter, 7301 Georgetown Road, No. 112, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Post condolences at www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Dessie May Smith is taken by death Mrs. Dessie May Smith, 84, of Anderson, widow of Fred A. Smith, died at 8 p.m. Sunday at the St. John's Hospital in Anderson following an illness of four months. Her husband died four years ago. Born in Union City, she was married to Fred A. Smith on March 17, 1903, in Decatur. Surviving are three sons, Lowell and Doyle Smith of Anderson; LaVon Smith of Kempton, and three daughters, Mrs. Vernon Davis of Decatur; Mrs. Leo Lightfoot of Anderson, and Norma Jean Nace of Jackson, Mich., and 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Sells and Row Funeral Home in Anderson, with Rev. Alston officiating. Burial will be in the Anderson Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, March 2, 1971
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Word has been received of the death of Fort Wayne native Frank J. Spranger, 46, September 15 in Sarasota, Florida. Mr. Spranger was employed by Community Hospital in Sarasota. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, Sarasota; a daughter, Dawn and a son, Michael, both of Sarasota; his mother, Charlotte Spranger of Fort Wayne; a brother, Bill, Fort Wayne; three stepbrothers, including Claude Brockway of Fort Wayne; and two stepsisters, Mrs. Lillian McFetters of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Pauline Clark in Arizona. Interment will be in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, September 29, 1977
Contributed by JC

BROTHER OF LOCAL WOMAN SUCCUMBS - ROY V. SPRUNGER, 49, OF APPLE CREEK, OHIO DIES THURSDAY
Roy V. Sprunger, 49, of Apple Creek, Ohio, died late Thursday at the Cleveland, Ohio Clinic, following recent surgery for kidney stones. Mr. Sprunger was the brother of Mrs. Robert U. Liechty of Berne. He had been at the Cleveland Clinic since November and had been in a coma the past week. He was superintendent of the Apple Creek State Hospital. He is survived by his wife, the former Grace Fisher, a son, a daughter, two sisters and five brothers. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at Wooster. Members of the Liechty family plan to attend the rites. [buried Apple Creek Cemetery; Apple Creek, Wayne County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 Feb - Apr Scrapbook, Handwritten date-Fri. Feb. 11, 1955
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Lydia Stoppenhagen is taken by death
Mrs. Lydia Stoppenhagen, 83, wife of Charles Stoppenhagen of Ossian Route 1, died at 6:10 p.m. Thursday at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, where she had been a patient one day. She had been in failing health for two years. Born in Wells County June 25, 1887, she was a daughter of Martin and Louise Werling-Fackler, and was married to Charles Stoppenhagen April 10, 1910. The celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Mrs. Stoppenhagen was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church at Friedheim and the Ladies Aid of the church. She was a charter member and the oldest member of the Adult Club of the church. Surviving are her husband; three sons, Harold and Marvin Stoppenhagen of Ossian Route 1, and Edwin Stoppenhagen of Ossian; one daughter, Mrs. Ralph (Bernice) Berning of Decatur; one sister, Mrs. Gustav Schueler of Ossian Route 1; 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One daughter, Mrs. Erwin Buuck, died recently. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Zion Lutheran Church at Friedheim, with Rev. Roland Schultz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Elzey Funeral Home in Ossian after 7 p.m. today, and at church from 1 p.m. Sunday until time of the services. Preferred memorials are to the Lutheran Home or to the Cancer Society.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, February 26, 1971
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Feb. 11, 1919 - June 11, 2008
FAIRMOUNT — Robert J. Story, 89, died June 11, 2008, at his residence. He was employed by Delco Remy of Anderson for 20 years, retiring in 1984. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Dortha Taylor Story; three sons, Robert (Aneta) Taylor, Donald (Rita) Taylor and Jack (Patricia) Story; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount, with the Rev. Tony Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Landmark Baptist Church. Post online condolences at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

April 1, 1929 - June 28, 2008 Ernest Symoens Jr., 79, Anderson, died June 28, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born April 1, 1929, in Anderson, and resided in Anderson all of his life. Ernest retired as a journeyman from Delco Remy Division of General Motors after 30.4 years of service. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Ernest is survived by his daughters, Theresa Shryock of Lapel, Vicky and husband Victor Delaplane of Anderson and Bonnie and husband Richard Gillespie of Fort Wayne; son, Michael and wife Betty Symoens of Anderson, and Greg Symoens and fiancee Cindy Martin of Anderson; grandchildren, Catina Jessup, Brittanie Robey, Jennifer Morgan, Marcus Delaplane, Micala Sparks, Benjamin Sparks, Timothy Gillespie, Michelle Symoens, Sean Symoens, Gregory Joe Symoens and Deja Renee Symoens; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nondas (Alfrey) Symoens, on Oct. 14, 2004; father, E.A. Symoens; mother, Betty (Rinker) Symoens; and son-in-law, Thomas Shryock. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, with the Rev. Gary Klinger officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday at the South Chapel.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CELINA - Everett Thatcher, 67, of Celina, formerly of Van Wert, died Friday in the Van Wert County Hospital. He was born May 17, 1921, near Van Wert, a son of Frank and Mae (Kohn) Thatcher. Survivors include a brother, Chester Thatcher, of 220 N. Walnut St. He was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. Graveside services were held today in the Ridge Cemetery, with the Rev. Duane Rice officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of the W. H. Dick and Sons Funeral Home of Celina.
Van Wert Times Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; Mon., April 24, 1989
Contributed by Karin King

MIDDLETOWN — Amy Marie (Wheeler) Walker, 93, formerly of Muncie, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor of Middletown. She was born in Decatur Ill., the daughter of C. Wm. Reeve and Fannie (Emmons) Reeve. Amy was blessed with the love of her life and father of her children, Melvin Wheeler, who preceded her in death in 1970, later in life she was married to Dwight Walker in 1990 until his death in 1997. She retired as a cashier from Hook’s Drug Store in 1977. She was a member of the Ladies Moose Auxiliary, the Lady Eagles Auxiliary. She also attended Caleb’s Kin and the Alpha Center. She was an election precinct worker for many years in Liberty Township and a square dancer on Channel 49 in the 1950’s on the TV program “The 49’ers.” Survivors include a son Richard L. Wheeler (wife Helen) of Hillsboro Tenn.; a daughter, Deborah K. Rundquist (husband Vincent C.) of Middletown; four grandchildren, David L. Wheeler, Donald D. Wheeler (wife Susan) of Hillsboro, Tenn., Daniel J. Bartle of Denver, Colo. and a special granddaughter, Amy Jo Walters of Anderson; two great-grandsons, Andrew Wheeler of Hillsboro, Tenn. and Seth Daniel Tucker, of Anderson; sister-in-law, Pauline Williams of Peoria, Ill.; three nieces and one nephew. Also surviving are special friends Jim and Barbara Palmer, Jan Conquest, Sherry (Valenti) Reed and Nicholas Valenti. Preceding her in death were both parents, two husbands, sister Angie Williams and a nephew. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. today at the Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3, Muncie, with Pastor Jeff Landon officiating. Burial will be at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and The American Cancer Society. Envelopes can be picked up at the funeral home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Agnes L. Wasilewski, 96, of Fort Wayne, a member of First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2000, at Arbor Glen Retirement Center. The Wise County, Va., native was a homemaker. Surviving are a son, Richard Elett of Angola; a stepson, Russell Ellet of Fort Wayne; daughters Rosella Dalman of Fort Wayne, Phyllis Patterson of Lake Havasau, Ariz., and Ruth McLean of Gross Isle, Mich.; 26 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 37 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Elmer Elett; her second husband, John B. Wasilewski; and a son, Ralph Elett. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, with calling from 5 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, September 29, 2000
Contributed by JC

UPPER SANDUSKY - Mrs. Lydia M. Wertman, 64, widow of Elmer Wertman, died, died suddenly in her home, 707 O'Donnell St. at 4:45 p.m. Friday. She had been an invalid for some time and recently had been ill with flu. Born May 7, 1891 in Nevada, her parents were Henry and Clotilda Williams McFarland. Her marriage to Mr. Wertman took place Dec. 8, 1908. He died July 13, 1929. She attended the Methodist Church. Survivors include the following children: Virgil and Ira Wertman at home, Mrs. Raymond White of Marion and Mrs. Russell Kiehl of Upper Sandusky. Seven grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Herzog of Kenton, Mrs. Goldie Gottfried of Upper Sandusky and Mrs. Tressie Bogan of Bucyrus, and three brothers, Harry McFarland, address unknown, Chester of Upper Sandusky and Walter of Tiffin also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Bringman & Co. funeral home. Rev. R. B. Coleman, retired Methodist minister, will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Sunday.
The Marion Star, Marion County, Ohio; 7 Apr 1956
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Former Harpster Resident Claimed
UPPER SANDUCKY - Mrs. Mab Mouser Wertman, 85, formerly of Harpster, died at 2:30 a.m. today in a Cleveland nursing home after a month's illness. Her husband, Earl O., died in 1961. She was a Wyandot County native and went to Cleveland seven years ago. Born Feb. 1, 1884, she was a daughter of David D. and Sarah Webb Mouser. She was a member of Rocky Run Primitive Baptist Church at Brush Ridge. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Maxine Britton of Cleveland; a son, Donald D. of Cleveland; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Bess Wickham of Pensacola, Fla. Two brothers and a sister are deceased. Services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in Rocky Run Church. Elder Daily Hite will officiate. Burial will be in Grand Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call after 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday afternoon and night at Lucas Funeral Home here and after 1 p.m. Sunday at the church.
The Marion Star, Marion County, Ohio; 24 July 1969
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

WAYNESBORO - Ralph Clifton Wertman, 77, of Crimora died 6:45 this morning (Aug. 12, 1970) at Waynesboro Community Hospital. A son of the late Daniel and Ellen (Bolyard) Wertman, he was born Aug. 12, 1893 at Harpster, Ohio. He was a retired employee of National Fruit Company. Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Rubye S. Wertman; one son, Charles Wertman, of Crimora; four grandchildren. A service will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the chapel of McDowell-Tyree Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. George E. Handley. The family will receive friends at the residence. Burial will be in Augusta Memorial Park.
The News Leader, Staunton, Virginia; 12 Aug 1970
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

CRIMORA - Mrs. Rubye Lillian Wertman, 93, of Va. 663 died Monday evening (Nov. 11, 1985) in Waynesboro Community Hospital. She was born Aug. 30, 1892, in Crimora, a daughter of George Nicholas and Alice Mary (Alfred) Sandridge. She was a member o Crimora United Methodist Church. Survivors include a son, Charles F. Wertman of Crimora; a brother, James W. Sandridge of Salem, and four grandchildren. Her husband, Ralph Clifton Wertman, died Aug. 12, 1970. A service will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday in the Chapel of McDow Funeral Home by the Rev. Glenn L. London Jr., with burial in Augusta Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Charles M., Carlton F. and Earl P. Wertman, Michael G. and Fred L. Brown and Nelson Burkholder. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to Waynesboro First Aid Crew.
The News Leader, Staunton, Virginia; 13 Nov 1985
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Oct. 25, 1934 - June 9, 2008
Ronnie G. Whinery, 73, of Anderson, died June 9, 2008, at Edgewater Woods Nursing Home.He was a brakeman for New York Central Railroad. Survivors include a daughter, Beverly (Mike) Lancaster; sons, David Whinery and Roger (Sherry) Whinery; daughter, Wilma Thompson, two sisters, Deborah (Gayle) Beauvois, Mary (Larry) Hunt; brother, Rex Tucker; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at 3:15 p.m. Friday at Bronnenberg Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 3 p.m. Friday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Rozelle Johnson Funeral Service handled the funeral arrangements.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/10/2008 - 6/12/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BUTLER - James J. Wilcoxson, 38, died at 10:20 a.m. Saturday in Hilo Hospital in Hawaiian Islands, where he had been a patient for two days. Mr. Wilcoxson is the son of Mrs. Laura (Freeman) Rosebury of rural Butler and the late Woodrow Wilcoxson. His stepfather, Robert Rosenbury, survives. Mr. Wilcoxson was a 1963 graduate of Auburn High School and a United States Air Force veteran. He was a disabled carpenter and had lived in Hawaii since early September following a move from Anchorage, Alaska. Additional survivors include two brothers, Ronald Wilcoxson of rural Auburn and Robert Rosenbury Jr. at home. Services will be a 1 p.m. Thursday in the Johnson Funeral Home, Butler, with the Rev. Carl Lott, pastor of the Mt. Pleasant and Newville United Methodist Churches, officiating. Burial with military services will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3-9 p.m. Wednesday.
Evening Star, Noble County, Indiana; 18 Jan 1983
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Robert D. Wildeson, 71, of Auburn, died Wednesday at 5 p.m. in DeKalb Memorial Hospital. He was born July 10, 1916 in Auburn to William and Etta (Miller) Wildeson. On Oct. 5, 1939 in Spencerville he married Evelyn Baysinger, who survives him. Also surviving are two sons, Dale of Auburn, and Dean of Huntertown; one daughter, Darlene Relyea of St. Joe; one brother, Arthur of Auburn; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Mr. Wildeson was a member of the Bible Baptist Church, Auburn, and the Auburn Moose Lodge. Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. The Rev. Wayne Smith, associate pastor of the Bible Baptist Church, will officiate. Friends may call Friday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. The family prefers memorial gifts to either the Bible Baptist Church or the DeKalb County (cut off).
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana, September 3, 1987
Contributed by Karin King

MOTHER OF MRS. LEVI YODER DIES - RITES HELD AT ELWOOD THURSDAY FOR MRS. MARGARET WILEY
Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at a funeral home in Elwood for Mrs. Margaret B. Wiley, 86, widow of the late Albert Wiley and the mother of Mrs. Levi Yoder of Linn Grove. Burial was at Elwood. Mrs. Wiley died at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday at a church home in Marion where she had resided since last November. For five years prior to that she lived with the Levi Yoder family. In addition to Mrs. Yoder, another daughter survives. Death was blamed to a heart ailment. She suffered a heart attack two weeks ago. [buried in Elwood Cemetery; Elwood, Madison County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 Feb - Apr Scrapbook, Handwritten date -Fri. Feb. 11, 1955
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Orrel Dolly Wiley, 86, Wabash, died at 5:50 a.m. on Jan. 22, at Rolling Meadows Healthcare Center in LaFontaine. She was born Oct. 23, 1926 in Laotto, Ind. To Ralph Doud and Margaret (Freeman) Lochner. Orrel was a 1944 graduate of Churubusco High School. She married Dohn F. Wiley in Muncie on Sept. 3, 1954. She was a member of the Silver Lake Wesleyan Church and attended the Wabash Church of the Nazarene. She worked at Kroger's in Wabash 30 years, retiring in 1989. Orrel enjoyed giving to and helping everyone. She lived in the LaFontaine area 30 years, lived in rural Silver Lake from 1985-2004 and in Wabash from 2004 until her death. She is survived by her husband, Dohn F. Wiley, Wabash; two children, Linda (Dean) Pickett, St. Joseph, Mich., and Dohn D. (Cheryl) Wiley, Wabash; two step daughters, Margaret (Dan) Smith, Union City, Ind., and Sharon (Lloyd) Hopkins, Dunkirk, Ind.; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Edna Lochner, Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Jacob Francis and Irwin Lochner and five sisters, Ruth Roush, Mary Strong, Elsie Fahlsing, Naomi Fogle, Genevieve Fahlsing. Funeral services were held at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service on Jan. 24, with Pastor Kirk Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Preferred memorial is Christian Literature for Africa or Wabash Church of the Nazarene. The memorial guest book for Orrel may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
Paper of Wabash County (IN), 30 Jan 2013
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Mrs. Wilburn (Hazel) Wilkey, age 77, of 375 Barbara Dr., died Saturday, June 18, 1977. She was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church. Survivors: Daughter, Mrs. James (Juanita) Wittmer, Alexandria, Va.; brother, Lloyd Steffen, Milwaukee, Wis.; sisters, Mrs. Lucille Morisette, Park Forest, Ill., Mrs. Gladys Diederich, Garrett, Ind.; sister-in-law, Mrs. Martha Wilkey Neith, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; 4 granddaughters. Service Monday at 1 o'clock in the Colonial Chapel of the Porter Loring Mortuary, the Rev. Norman Abbott officiating. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements with [cut off]
San Antonio Express, Bexar County, Texas; 19 Jun 1977
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

JUANITA ELDERGE WILLSON, 85, of Winter Haven died Wednesday at The Meadows of Garden Grove. A native of Garrett, Ind., she moved to this area from Kendallville, Ind., in 1959. She was a retired hair stylist at Orchid Springs Hairdressers, a member of Jacaranda Garden Club and Lutheran. She is survived by a daughter, Celia W. Harben of Winter Haven; a son, Jack Raymond of Jacksonville; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Crisp-Coon Funeral Homes Inc., Winter Haven.
The Tampa Tribune, Hillsborough County, Florida; 27 Jan 1995
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Mrs. Francis (Mae L.) Wiltrout, 79, of 901 W. Beardsley, died Tuesday at the Thorp Nursing home, Bristol. She had been at the home since Jan. 5. She was born Feb. 27, 1878, in Auburn, Ind. In 1928, she married Mr. Wiltrout. She was a member of the North Side Nazarene church. Surviving with her husband are two daughters, Mrs. Mildred McDowell, Tacoma Park, Md., and Mrs. Harry Higgins, Elkhart; and three step-grandchildren, Mrs. Quay D. Kurtz, and F. LeRoy and Forrest M. Wiltrout, all of Elkhart. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Thursday at the White Funeral home, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Wilmer Watson will be in charge. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery in Auburn.
Elkhart Truth, Elkhart County, Indiana; 24, Apr 1957
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

LAPORTE - Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Geise-Wurster Funeral Home for Mrs. Kathryn F. Wise, 80, of 504 Jefferson, who died at 6:58 p.m. Friday in LaPorte Hospital. Rev. Elmer C. Johnson, retired pastor of the Christian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery. Friends may call after noon today. Mrs. Wise was born Nov. 13, 1894, in LaPorte, where she resided all her life. On Oct. 1, 1921, in LaPorte, she married William Wise, who died Sept. 10, 1926. Surviving are a son, Reginald, and a daughter, Mrs. Marcile Kermin, both of LaPorte; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Edward Contano of Detroit.
South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; 1 Dec 1974
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

LEO, Ind. - Wilbur Witmer, 51, brother of Mrs. Eldora Blosser, Wauseon, Ohio, died at 5: 15 p.m. Friday in Parkview Memorial Hospital, shortly after being admitted. He was owner and operator of the Jamco Manufacturing and Distributing Co., Leo, and a member of the North Leo Mennonite Church. ALSO SURVIVING are his wife, Mildred; a son and daughter, at home; three other sisters. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the church with burial in Leo Memorial cemetery. Friends may call in the Baidinger and Walter funeral home, Spencerville.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; 12 Nov 1966
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

AUBURN - Lawrence W. Wolf Sr., 67, 808 West Edge Trailer Court, Auburn, and formerly of 217 S. Main St., Avilla, died at 10:30 p.m. Monday at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Allen Township, Noble County, May 1, 1918 to Walter and Ruth (Gillian) Wolf. In July 1941, in Avilla, he married Velda Romine, who survives. Mr. Wolf had lived in the Avilla area most of his life until moving to Auburn six months ago. He was retired after 34 years with Phelps-Dodge, Inca Div. and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. Surviving with his wife are four daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Barbara) Stoner of Plainfield; Mrs. Larry (Cathy) Langley of Tampa, Fla.; Mrs. Keith (Carol) Heffelfinger of Churubusco; and Mrs. Scott (Sue) Stroman of London, England; two sons, Lawrence Wolf Jr. of Auburn; and Richard Wolf of New Haven; three sisters, LaVern Bowman of Waterloo; Mrs. John (Lucille) Keister of Albion; and Mrs. William (Deloris) Martin of Angola; a brother, Glenn Wolf of Kendallville; and 16 grandchildren. A daughter, Ruth Ann, preceded him in death. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla, with Rev. Dean Bearman officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the Brazzell Funeral Home, Avilla, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the church.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; 18 Feb 1986
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

INFANT DEATH
The daughter born Tuesday evening at St. Elizabeth hospital, Lafayette, to Mr. and Mrs. Howard B. Worster, died at the hospital Thursday. The body was brought to the Prevo and Son Funeral home.
Lafayette Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; 21 May 1937
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

July 11, 1924 - June 11, 2008
ALEXANDRIA — Juanita R. Wright, 83, of Alexandria, passed away June 11, 2008, at Meadowbrooke Rehabilitation Centre. She was born July 11, 1924, in Livingston, Tenn., the daughter of William Benton and Mattie Lee (Sanders) Ray. She lived most of her life in Madison County. She retired in 1977 from Delco Remy after 31 years. She attended Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Anderson and House of Prayer in Muncie. She was a member of United Auto Workers Local 662 and enjoyed camping and spending winters in Florida. She is survived by her son, Rick (wife, Sharon) Wright of Alexandria; three grandchildren, Melanie Wright of Yorktown, Melissa (husband, Nelson) Colonis of West Lafayette, and Jennifer (husband, Michael) Messer of Indianapolis; great-grandsons, Brandon and Devon Colonis, both of West Lafayette; sister, Kate Knobloch of Anderson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Wright; two brothers; and five sisters. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard True officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Post online condolences at www.brownbutzdiedring.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin (Madison County, IN) from 6/11/2008 - 6/13/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Ted Alan Wright, 50, of Avilla, formerly of Lafayette, died on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in his residence. He was born on Jan. 26, 1958, in Lafayette to James Wright Jr. and the late Patricia Wright. He was a graduate of Plantation High School in Florida, Mr. Wright worked for Fort Wayne International Airport as a luggage dispatcher. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr. Surviving with his father are a brother, Gregory Wright (wife: Connie) of Lafayette; and two sisters, Cathie Wright of Ocala, Fla., and Jennifer Kalmanek (husband: Mark) of Naples, Fla. VIEW his obituary and share condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.
Lafayette Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; 24 Jun 2008
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

K. Sally Yockey, 53, of Leo, died at 5:55 a.m. Thursday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. Born in Auburn, she lived most of her life in Fort Wayne. She was a secretary with Near Realty Co. the past two years and was a teaching assistant at Leo Senior High School 15 years. Surviving are her husband, Donald W.; two daughters, Julie Thune, of Indianapolis, and Melinda Conway of Rome, N.Y.; her father, Arthur Emrick, of Auburn; one brother, Jerry Emrick, of Gahanna, Ohio; one sister, Mary Beth Miller, of Auburn; and one grandchild. Services at 2 p.m. Sunday at Leo United Methodist Church. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maple crest Road, and one hour before services at the church. Burial in Leo Cemetery [Leo Memorial Park]. Memorials to church music department.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; 4 Jul 1986
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Crystal Yoder, 80, an Auburn resident since 1927, died Wednesday at 12:43 p.m. in a Charlotte, Mich. Nursing home, where she had resided for two months. Mrs. Yoder was born Sept. 25, 1905 in Spencerville to Gilbert and Addie McNabb. She was married April 2, 1927 in Fort Wayne to Ervin Yoder, who preceded her in death in 1954. Following her wedding she moved to 214 S. Division St., Auburn, where she lived until moving to the nursing home. She worked until retirement as a sales clerk at the Boston Store in Auburn. Mrs. Yoder is survived by a daughter, Marie Moody, of El Paso, Texas; a son, Edward, of Charlotte, Mich.; a foster brother, Joseph Stuckey, of Fort Wayne; a sister, Ethel Sauder, of Grabill; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three foster brothers and one foster sister. Funeral services will be at 2 Saturday afternoon in St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Auburn, where Mrs. Yoder was a member. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Clark E. Hobby, pastor of the church. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Auburn. Friends may call tonight from 5-8 at Dilgard, Cline and Southern Funeral Home, Auburn, or after 10 Saturday at the church.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; 13 Jun 1986
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Edward "Ed" Leon Yoder, 87, of Charlotte returned home to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. He is succeeded by his living wife of 58 years Dorothy Yoder; daughters Sally (Chris) Edwards, and Rita (Dave) Kauppi; son Eric (Michelle Halle) Yoder; four granddaughters, Mackenzie Fowler, Caroline Edwards, Madeline Yoder and Ann Kauppi; two grandsons Broc Edwards and Maxwell Yoder; his sister Marie Moody of El Paso, Texas; and many loved nieces and nephews in Michigan and Texas. Ed was born on July 16th 1929 in Auburn, IN to Ervin and Crystal Yoder and upon high school graduation continued his studies at Western Michigan University obtaining Bachelor's and Master's in Education. His passion for people and helping others carried him to Chesaning, MI where he began his 42year career coaching basketball and teaching. He became Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Charlotte High School and ended his career as Principal at Weymouth Elementary. He also helped the Chamber of Commerce for 14 years with food drives for families in need in Charlotte School District. Ed was an active member at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte serving 12 years on the Board of Trustees. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Eaton Area Senior Center for 10 years. He was an avid woodworker, enjoyed the annual family trip to Frankfort, MI for the Fourth of July, and loved the annual fishing trips to Rice Lake in Canada with his son Eric, and friends. Ed was an incredible role model and mentor to many setting an example for his three children Sally, Rita and Eric. His marriage and commitment to Dorothy, unwavering faith, and the value he placed on family and nurturing relationships with people in the community and church were some of the defining characteristics of this man. Visitation will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI on Monday, December 26, 2016 at 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Memorial services are planned for Tuesday, December 27 at 10 am at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. The family also extends an invitation to a luncheon, immediately following the funeral service, at the Eaton Area Senior Center. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton Area Senior Center and the Charlotte Congregational Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ed on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lansing State Journal, Ingham County, Michigan; 23 Dec 2016
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Final Rites Sunday For Ervin Yoder, 53
Ervin Yoder, 53, a resident of Auburn for 32 years, died at 11 p.m. Thursday in the Dr. Bonnell M. Souder hospital in Auburn. He was a resident at 214 South Division street, Auburn. In failing health for 10 months, the Auburn man was admitted to the hospital four days before his death. His death was attributed to complications. The body was removed to the Gerig funeral home in Auburn. At noon Sunday, the body will be removed to the St. Mark's Lutheran church in Auburn to lie in state until final rites are conducted at 2 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Allan Hauck, pastor of the church. Burial will be in Roselawn cemetery near Auburn. A native of Allen county, Mr. Yoder was born Oct. 11, 1900, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Eli Yoder of the Leo community. He married Crystal McNabb April 2, 1927. The wife survives with a daughter, Mrs. Marie Moody of Omaha, Neb., and a son, Edward Yoder of Kalamazoo, Mich.; a grandson and a granddaughter; five brothers, Sol of near Huntertown, Albert of Rt. 2, Auburn, Eli of Cedarville, Levi of Rt. 2, Auburn and Noah E. of 727 North Jackson street, Auburn; and two sisters, Mrs. Emma Stuckey of Pettisville, O.; and Miss Fannie Yoder of Leo. A sister, Mrs. Caroline Beck of Cedarville, preceded him in death. Mr. Yoder was a carpenter. He was an employe of the Yoder Construction company of Auburn. He was a member of the St. Mark's Lutheran church and the Wittenberg Brotherhood.
The Garrett Clipper, DeKalb County, Indiana; 31 May 1954
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

George Young, Jr., 76, of 1251 W Young Rd, LaPorte, died at Fountainview Terrace Nursing Home at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, following a long illness. He was born July 6, 1902, to George and Louise (Anliker) Young, and had lived in the area all his life. He was a member of the LaPorte County Farm Bureau and the Noble Twp. Conservation Club. Surviving are three sisters, Esther, at home; Louise Zippel, Valparaiso, Ind., and Martha Hicks, Union Mills, Ind., and five brothers, Harry, South Bend, Ind., Fred and Marshall, both of LaPorte, Frank, at home and John of Union Mills. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Weaver Funeral Home, Union Mills, with burial in the Union Mills Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday and until time of services.
Herald-Argus, La Porte County, Indiana; 21 Jun 1979
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; transcribed by Mark Barnhart

MRS. ZUERCHER DIES
Mrs. Wilbert Zuercher, 54, of Pandora, Ohio, passed away Tuesday morning at 7:15 o'clock according to a telephone call received by Albert Zuercher of this place. Mr. Zuercher and Wilbert Zuercher are cousins. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 9:00 at the ??. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. [buried Pandora, Putnam County, Ohio as Mildred (Carr) Zuercher]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 Feb - Apr Scrapbook, Handwritten date-None (on page with articles dated Feb. 2-16, 1955)
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski