Memorials

J. David Bollinger, age 66, of South Whitley, passed away at 12:10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Hope Hospice, Fort Myers, Florida.

Born on March 22, 1942 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of William Byron and Marian E. (Enos) Bollinger.

He graduated with the Class of 1961 from South Whitley High. Following graduation, he served in the Air Force National Guard.

On January 23, 1965, he married Geraldine M. "Jerri" Huston in South Whitley.

A lifetime South Whitley resident, he was employed with Morsches Lumber, South Whitley, from 1958 to 1961, Mill Supplies Inc. for 35 years and he retired in 2007 from Northern Indiana Supply Company, Marion, with 7 years of service.

He was a member of the South Whitley United Methodist Church. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Geraldine "Jerri" Bollinger of South Whitley; sons, Richard E. "Rick" (Melissa) Bollinger of South Whitley and Mark A. (Kathy) Bollinger of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Brooke M. (Chad) Lincoln of South Whitley; his mother, Marian E. Bollinger of North Manchester; sisters, Sue Rose Grossman-Marker of Huntington and Julia Glass of Greenfield; five grandchildren, including Crystal, Chloe and Byron Kendal Bollinger, Yulia Bollinger and Isaiah Lincoln; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His father, W. Byron Bollinger, preceded him in death.

Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. with 1 hour of calling prior to service on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 W State Road14, South Whitley, with Reverend Paul Burris and Reverend Connie Payne officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial bequests be given in memory of Mr. Bollinger to South Whitley United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or Whitley County Relay for Life. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send family condolences or sign the register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Paul M. Guyermelli, age 81, of Columbia City, died at 1:50 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Born in Manhattan, New York, on May 13, 1926, he was the son of John J. and Aneilia (Podwalka) Guyermelli.

He lived in Hamilton Square, New Jersey and moved to Whitley County in June of 1990.

He graduated from the New York City Public School System and continued his studies at Columbia University. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. On July 4, 1960 he married Carrie V. Carley in West Palm Beach, Florida. He retired from Hamilton Hospital as a stationary engineer, Hamilton Square, New Jersey in 1990. He was a member of the American Legion Post #160, Roanoke, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie V. Guyermelli, Avilla; two sons, Paul E. Guyermelli, Ocean City , New Jersey and Timothy M. Guyermelli, New Haven ; two daughters, Carol A. (Bill) Fausey, Columbia City and Mary D. (Bruce) Comer, Plum, Pennsylvannia; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joseph J. Guyermelli and his step-father, Edward Wedler.

At Mr. Guyermelli's request, there will be no visitation and no service.

To send the family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Harry R. Harris, 72, of Tri Lakes, died Saturday, March 29, 2008 at his home.
He was born March 19, 1936 in Salisbury, Pennsylvania a son of Harry L. and Katherine L. (Landis) Harris. His formative years were spent in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. Following his high school graduation from Meyersdale High School, he moved to Winona Lake and received his Bachelor Degree in Education from Grace College. He received Masters of Arts Degree from St. Francis College.
On April 20, 1957 he was united in marriage to F. Anita Harris in California. They made their home in Pennsylvania for a few months before moving to Winona Lake. In 1964, they moved to their home on Little Cedar Lake.
On January 27, 1958 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Chinese linguist in Formosa for 18 months. He was honorably discharged on March 31, 1962.
From 1964 until 1994 he taught Junior High Social Studies, 6th Grade English and Mechanical Arts & Shop at Thorncreek School. He also coached football, basketball, volleyball and track.
He was a member of Tri Lakes Baptist Church, Whitley County and Indiana Retired Teachers Associations, served eight years on the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board and sang for 20 years with the Joyful Sound Gospel Quartet throughout Northeast Indiana.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Anita; three children, Misti Harris of Salinas, California, Susan (Matthew) Bowen of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Matt (Tracy) Harris of Panama City Beach, Florida; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Harris.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at Tri Lakes Baptist Church, 5679 N. Center Street, Columbia City with Pastor David Schiedel, church pastor, officiating. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.
The burial will be in Stough Cemetery with military honors presented by the Whitley County Korean Veterans Honor Guard.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Tri Lakes Baptist Church Building Fund.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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M. Margaret Zumbrun, 91, a former resident of Columbia City, died Thursday, March 27, 2008 in the Ephrata Manor Nursing Home in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.
She was born October 10, 1916 in Coesse, Indiana a daughter of Ray O. and Mary M. (Mossman) Staley. Her formative years were spent in Whitley County. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1935.
On July 11, 1936 she was united in marriage to Ted Zumbrun. They made their home in Noble County until 1958 when they moved to Whitley County. They moved into Columbia City in 1992. Mr. Zumbrun died March 10, 2003. Margaret moved to the Ephrata Assisted Living Home in May 2003.
A homemaker, she was employed at Blue Bell for 20 years.
Surviving relatives include a son, Lynn S. Zumbrun of Columbia City; a daughter, Jo Ellen Zumbrun of Lititz, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Tracy Zumbrun and Yvonne Nichols; and three great grandsons, Justin, Ethan & Evan Nichols.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2008 at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 E 700 North, Columbia City with Rev. Craig Myers, church pastor, officiating. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour before the service at the church on Monday.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Blue River Church of the Brethren.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Edward Melvin Reynolds, 98, of Wabash, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born June 17, 1909 in Wabash to Edward Stanton and Ada Mae (Eltzroth) Reynolds.
Mr. Reynolds was a 1927 graduate of Wabash High School.

He worked for Container Corporation 18 years, was a self-employed trucker and also worked at Wabash Tool Rental. He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and owned Boxer dogs.
He is survived by his five children, Donna L. (Delbert) Johnson of Columbia City, Jay (Barbara) Reynolds of Century, Florida, Greg Reynolds of Indianapolis, Julie Green of Fort Wayne, and Darren Reynolds of Lebanon; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and twenty-three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nanette Ames, two great-grandchildren and a sister.
Funeral services will be held at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave. in Wabash on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 2 p.m. with David Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com

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Roger L. LaFevor, 63, a resident of rural South Whitley, lost his courageous fight against cancer at 5:30 p. m. on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at his residence with his loving family at his side.

Mr. LaFevor was born in Fort Wayne on March 27, 1945, a son of the late Louis H. and Laura L. (Fritz) LaFevor.

He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1963, and entered the U. S. Army later that same year, serving with Company B 1st Battalion 506th Infantry. He specialized in light weapons infantry, attended Airborne School, and was awarded the Parachutist Badge, Expert Badge (rifle M-14), and the National Defense Service Medal.

On September 14, 1968, he was married in Fort Wayne to Patricia L. Gebhart.

He worked as a wire drawer at General Electric in Fort Wayne, retiring from there in 1997 after over 30 years.

The surviving relatives include his wife of 39 years, Patricia; his children Doug (Marnie) LaFevor of Mitchell, and Christina (Albert) Donato of Fortville; two brothers Wendell LaFevor of Warsaw and Kenneth (Sharon) LaFevor of Auburn; a sister Wauneta (Bill) Perse of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren.

His parents preceded him in death.

At Roger’s request there will be a Tribute to Life Gathering at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco from 10 a. m. until noon on Friday, March 28. Military rites will be conducted at noon by the U. S. Army Honors Unit and the Churubusco American Legion Post 157.

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Christine T. Crawford, 93, formerly of Columbia City, died at 1:03 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2008 at LuAnn Nursing Home in Nappanee where she had been a resident since December 19, 2007.
She was born December 3, 1914 in Latty, Ohio, a daughter of Clyde and Rosa (Rhoad) Ropp. Her formative years were spent in Latty. Following her graduation from Latty High School in 1932, she moved to Fort Wayne.
On February 15, 1935 she was united in marriage to Eugene “Bud” Crawford. They made their home in Fort Wayne, later purchasing a farm in Wells County. They later moved to a farm in Jefferson Township. Following their retirement from farming, they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Crawford died June 15, 2007.
In addition to assisting with the farms, she worked in the drapery department at Sears for many years and co-owned & operated the Lake Trails Miniature Golf Course in North Webster.
Her memberships included Latty Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include two sisters, Melvene Ahlersmeyer of Lafayette and Arlene Simpson of Nappanee.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Cleo A. Ropp, Glen E. Ropp, Jerry Ropp, Earl Ropp and Vern Ropp; and a sister, Irene Mees.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the activities department at LuAnn Nursing Home.

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Robert R. Hilligoss, 88, Columbia City, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2008.

Mr. Hilligoss was born on May 10, 1919, and was married to his wife of 70 years, Betty (Ulrey) Hilligoss.

He is also survived by his daughters Peggy (Terry) Krider of Decatur, and Deb (Mike) Roy of Columbia City, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, Max Hilligoss, and a sister, Miriam Rice.

He is preceded in death by his son, Ronald, and two grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Robert Hilligoss’s name can be made to the Columbia City Church of the Brethren Building Fund.

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Verda K. Shepherd, age 98, of Kansas City , Missouri, and a former Columbia City resident, died at 1:55 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2008 at Armour Home , Kansas City, Missouri. 

Born in Warsaw on February 14, 1910, she was the daughter of Henry and Maud Estella (Rowe) Oswalt.

She lived in Milford, Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Venice, Florida, before moving to Kansas City.   She graduated from high school and married Fred E. Shepherd on December 12, 1933.  She was a housewife and a member of Milford Christian Church, Milford , Indiana.

She is survived by her son-in-law, John E. Replogle of Venice, Florida; three granddaughters, Becky Replogle-Wilkes of Kansas City; Kathi Shaffer of Kingsport, Tennessee; and Brenda Replogle of Kansas City.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Fred E. Shepherd, a daughter, Nancy Replogle, three sisters, Helen Ruch, Pauline Marvel and Alta Shepherd and one brother, Francis Oswalt.

At the request of Mrs. Shepherd, there will be no visitation or funeral service.  Burial will be take place at South Park Cemetery , Columbia City .

Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , ColumbiaCity.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.demoneygrimes.com

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Woodrow “Woody” M. Underwood, Jr., 63, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 20, 2008, at home after a long bout with cancer.

He was a well respected elder at The Edgewood Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

He was a tool maker and master machinist at Kunkle Valve for 29 years and also served as a C&C operator for Alliance Tool and Equipment for an additional 12 years.

"Woody was a kind and caring man known for helping everyone. He was also a dedicated family man and father who loved to travel. He will be missed much by his family and friends. You're a loved man Dad."

He is survived by his mother, Mary V. Underwood; brother, Mark D. Underwood; children, Jill (Bob) Romine, Janeen (Brad) Miller, Janet (Troy) Bennett, and Jonathan (Laura) Underwood; and nine grandchildren.

"We would like to give special thanks for the expert and professional care provided by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Their loving devotion and dedication towards Woody and the family was a true blessing. All nurses involved went far beyond the call of duty, treating him like he was their own."

A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Edgewood Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6427 Blackstone Drive, Fort Wayne.

The family respectfully requests that any memorials be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne IN 46814.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.covingtonmemorial.com

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Warner J. Ehrman, 90, of Columbia City, died at 7:55 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at Hospice Home on Homestead Road in Fort Wayne.
He was born on May 27, 1917 in Fort Wayne, a son of Edwin and Frieda (Nahrwald) Ehrman.
On February 3, 1940, he married Norma A. "Toni" Ehrman and they spent 59 loving years together. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1966 when they moved to Whitley County, making their home near Churubusco, later Columbia City and then South Whitley. Mrs. Ehrman died November 25, 1999. Early in his life he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and was very devoted as a volunteer minister. He loved taking road trips with his family and building kites and model airplanes. He was known for his sense of humor and genuine love for family and friends.
He was a retiree of Zollner with 33 years of service.
Surviving are three sons, Larry (Diane) Ehrman of Monroeville, Thomas (Linda) Ehrman of Fort Wayne and Jeff (Kay) Ehrman of Syracuse; two daughters, Julie (Walter) Smith of Fort Wayne and Marianne (Jan) Kuckuck of Columbia City; 14 grandchildren, one step grandchild; six great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Violet Meredith of Arizona.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers Leroy and Kenneth Ehrman.
A memorial service was held Sunday, March 23, 2008 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 500 N. Oak St., in Columbia City.
Arrangements were coordinated by Smith & Sons Funeral Home and messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Sandra “Sue” Bryan, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, due to complications from Scleroderma.

Born in Whitley County on July 6, 1942, she was the daughter of Max and Dolores (Nix) Hilligoss.

She and her husband, Berton Bryan, were married 46 years.

Her professional hairstyling career spanned 33 years and her life was measurably enriched by her loyal clientele.

She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching their many sports and school activities. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed her friends through tennis leagues and bridge clubs as well.

She is survived by her husband, Berton; sons, Jeffrey (Dede) of Indianapolis and Gregory (Heather) of Kerikeri, New Zealand; daughters, Sheryl (Ric) Sorg of Fort Wayne and Shelia (Jimmy Jr.) Marley of Leo; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; her father, Max Hilligoss of Whitley County; sisters, Carolyn (Stanley Jr.) Fisher of Pleasant Lake, and Nancy (Steve) Josephson of Los Angeles, California; and brother, John (Deb) Hilligoss of Whitley County.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores (Nix) Hilligoss.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to service. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, with a prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.

Preferred memorials may be made to: Scleroderma Foundation, Attention: Donations, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923 or Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816.

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Ida Mae Staples, 78, of Columbia City, died at 9:48 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
She was born December 15, 1929 in Sparta, Tennessee, a daughter of Samuel and Rosetta (Barker) Mitchell. Her formative years were spent in Sparta and she completed her education at Sparta High School.
On October 24, 1953 she was united in marriage to James L. Staples. They made their first home in Columbia City. They resided in Chicago for nearly 20 years, returning to Columbia City in 1973.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Jim; a son, James S. Staples of Columbia City; and two granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by a son, David Wayne Staples and a sister, Mildred Marie Bertolotti.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Whitley County Council on Aging Building Fund.

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Susan K. Sampson, 61, of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at her home.
She was born March 27, 1946 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Charles H. and Alice Louise (Ladig) Davis Sr. As a teen, her family moved to Tri Lakes. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.
In July 24, 1965 she was united in marriage to Danny K. Wallace Sr. They lived most of their married life in Tri Lakes. Mr. Wallace died February 25, 1991.
On October 3, 1994 she was united in marriage to Lawrence Edward “Larry” Sampson. They made their home in Fort Wayne. Mr. Sampson died April 16, 2003.
She was employed at Blue Bell, S & L Truck Stop, Big Foot and Eaton Corp.
Surviving relatives include three sons, Danny K. Wallace Jr. of Fort Wayne, Rodney E. (Chris) Wallace and Dax E. (Lisa) Wallace, both of Churubusco; 9 grandchildren; a brother, Chuck Davis of Roanoke; and a sister, Alice Davis of Lake Elsinore, California.
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Rev. Thomas Beers, pastor of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, officiating. The burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. The calling will be from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon Monday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Lynn Rhoades, 50, of North Manchester, died at 8:36 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
A daughter of Norman and Pamela (Edmunds) Lightle, she was born in Indianapolis on February 6, 1958.

She was a 1976 graduate of Manchester High School. She graduated from Manchester College with a BA in accounting. During her junior year, she was a Laketon Lions Club exchange student to Japan.
During her career, she was an accountant at Celotex/BPB Amerigo in Lagro from 1996 to 2001; Kelly Box Inc. in Fort Wayne from 2001-2005; and at Vera Bradley in Fort Wayne from 2005-2007. She was, most recently, a human resources accountant at Halderman Farm Management in Wabash. Additionally, she was the owner and operator of L.T.S. Accounting in North Manchester.
In addition to being den mother for her son’s Cub Scout group, she was very involved in Business and Professional Women. She was a local chapter president and District Director of District 2 and a candidate for Treasury of State.
Survivors include a son, Chad M. Rhoades of North Manchester; her fiance, Steve Fries of North Manchester; two brothers, Chris Lightle of Claypool and Scott Lightle of North Manchester; a sister, Shawn Zinsmeister of South Whitley; her parents, Norman and Pamela Lightle of North Fort Myers, Florida.; and her paternal grandmother, Maxine Lightle of North Manchester.
The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary in North Manchester, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday. Burial is at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester.
Memorials may be directed to Indiana BPW Foundation,

Box 33, Knightstown, IN 46148

Please designate they be directed for Scholarship General in memory of Lynn Rhoades.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.delaughtermckee.com

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Doris Ellen Taylor, 73, of Bear Lake and Nokomis, Florida., died on Friday, March 14, 2008, at Venice Regional Hospital in Venice, Florida. She had battled cancer for several years.

A daughter of Gerald and Golda Egolf, she was born on December 29, 1934 in Columbia City.
She married to Jimmie K. Taylor in Angola on December 29, 1953. Prior to retirement, the couple spent most of their married years together at their home at Bear Lake. Following retirement, the couple wintered in Nokomis, Florida.

She retired from the transportation department at Central Noble School Corporation in 1989 as a school bus driver. She had been employed by the corporation for 23 years.
She enjoyed crafting, gourds, reading and spending time with her family.
A member of Wolf Lake United Methodist Church, she was also a girls softball coach and was an officer of the Wolf Lake Baseball/Softball Association. She was a member of the Wolf Lake Park Board, the East Shore Conservancy and was also a member of the Florida and Indiana Gourd societies.

Survivors include her husband, Jimmie; two daughters, Jamie (Brian) Hull of Syracuse, Susan (Jeff) Ladig of Kimmell and a son, Mike Taylor of Cromwell; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and a brother Robert (Judy) Egolf of Fort Myers, Florida.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Egolf.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. on May 10, 2008, at the Wolf Lake United Methodist Church at Wolf Lake.
At the family’s request, memorials may be directed to the Wolf Lake Free Health Clinic, in care of Wolf Lake United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 64

, Wolf Lake, IN.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Theresa Ann Wallace, age 59, of Columbia City passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at her residence. 

Born on September 9, 1948 in Hartford City , Indiana , she was the daughter of Gerald E. and Glendora P. Macon.

She attended school in the Trenton School System, Trenton , Indiana. On June 19, 1991 she married Charles Wallace in Hartford City where she resided until 2004 when she moved to Columbia City. She worked for Key Plastics in Hartford City for 15 years.

Survivors include her daughters, Tammy (Harold McClure) Hoppas of Churubusco and Terry (Raymond) Heflin of Columbia City; sons, Troy (Annette) Brock of Garrett and Robert Brock of Columbia City ; and 11 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles Wallace, and a brother, Gene Macon. 

Services will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Mrs. Wallace's memory to the American Diabetes Association.  Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City .

To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Nancy S. Bonner, 68, a resident of Sawmill Lake, died at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at her home.
She was born January 17, 1940 in Gary, Indiana the 15th of 16 children of Peter Matthew and Lydia May (Conoway) Pavlik. Her formative years were spent in Gary. She graduated from Toleston High School.
On June 16, 1961 she was united in marriage to Harry M. Bonner. They made their home in Lake Station until 1977 when they moved to their home on Sawmill Lake. Mr. Bonner died January 19, 2003.
A homemaker, she was a former president of the Women’s Auxiliary for East Gary Volunteer Firemen and volunteered for many organizations including Crippled & Handicapped Children, Adult Basic Education, Goshen Hospital ER Department since 1999 logging in over 1600 hours, North Webster Elementary School, Polk Elementary School, North Webster Friends of the Library, Writer’s Group of North Webster and was a volunteer sponsor of CWA Club at Whitko Middle School.
Surviving relatives include six daughters, Laura (Duey) Thong-Umphai of Pierceton, Beth (Troy) Horvath of Granger, Lydia (Bill Dunbar) Conoway of Mountainview, California, Cass Bonner of Australia, Cindy (Joe) Gromala of Kendallville and Kathe Brooks of Hobart; three sons, Basil (Kelly) Bonner of Georgia, Pete (Kristin) Bonner of Leesburg and Kim (Carolyn) Bonner of Hobart; 14 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four sisters, Betty Urbanik of Hobart, Gloria Rhueman of Columbia City, Wanda Viars of Lafayette and Mary Dunn of Portage; and three brothers, Jack Johns of Valparaiso, Gene Pavlik of Las Vegas, Nevada and Bob Pavlik of Lake Station.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Christine Newman-Jacobs, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in the Mock Addition of North Webster Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Goshen Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Mary Jane Pepple, 90, of Tucson, Arizona, died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008 at the Villa Maria Care Center in Tucson where she had been a resident since November 17, 2002.
She was born February 26, 1918 in Aboite Township, Allen County, Indiana a daughter of Andrew J. and Sadie (McMillen) Coleman. As a teenager, her family moved to Eel River Township, Allen County. She graduated from the Eel River – Perry High School.
On November 25, 1937 she was united in marriage to Lloyd A. Pepple. They made their home in Eel River Township until 1960 when they moved to Columbia City. Following the death of Mr. Pepple on September 10, 1982, Mary Jane moved to Tucson.
She was a former charter member of Columbia City Church of the Brethren and had attended Desert Dove Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Tucson.
Surviving relatives include a son, S. Gene (Mary) Pepple of Columbia City; three daughters, Roselyn (John) Marsh of Tucson, Arizona, Margaret (Dean) Miller of Columbia City and Cathy Pepple of Tucson, Arizona; nine grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Hubert Coleman, Ralph Coleman and Harold Coleman.

To leave messages of condolence, visit www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Hazel C. Stanton, age 85, of Columbia City died at 11:17 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.

Born in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia on December 3, 1922, she was the daughter of Charles T. and Martha M. (Glover) Collins.

She attended Bruceton Mills High School, West Virginia.

On May 11, 1973, she married Robert R. Stanton in Van Wert, Ohio, and in 1966, she moved from Grafton, West Virginia to Allen County and in 1982, she moved to Whitley County.

For 16 years, she was an employee of Container Corporation, Fort Wayne, where she retired in 1983.

She was a member of the VFW# 5582 Auxiliary.

Survivors included three sons, Charles G. (Claudia) Knight of Round Rock, Texas, Richard A. (Kathy) Knight of Albion and Keith C. (Carol) Knight of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; three daughters, Patricia A. (Kenneth) Foster of Columbia City, Karen S. Young of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and Linda (Richard) Dignan of Warren, Ohio; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James C. Knight, her second husband, Robert R. Stanton, a grandson, Kenneth D. Foster II, four brothers, James, Alvin, Floyd and Harold Collins, and three sisters, Margaret Copeman, Gladys Weller and Mildred Collins.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home,

600 Countryside Drive, Columbia

City. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Woods of Burr Oak Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Stanton’s memory to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or Parkview Whitley Home Health & Hospice.

Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send condolences, sign the family guest register book, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com

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Vera Pauline Moe, 99, of Warsaw, died at 8:16 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2008, at Grace Village Health Care in Winona Lake.

A daughter of Edward and Erma (Naber) Goehler, she was born in North Manchester on January 15, 1909.

On December 24, 1936, she was united in marriage to Fern A. Moe in Greenfield. Mr. Moe passed away on October 13, 1981.

An art and home economics teacher for schools in Pierceton, North Webster, Akron and for Whitko schools, she spent most of her life in Kosciusko County.

She was a member of First Church of Christ Scientist in Warsaw. She held memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, Pierceton, Retired Teachers of Kosciusko County and Retired Teachers of Indiana.

She is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Keith) Peoples of Columbia City, two granddaughters, a grandson, seven great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fern, two sisters and a brother.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 15, at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw. Bill Nichols officiated. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

Memorials given in Mrs. Moe’s name may be directed at the discretion of the donor.

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Robyn A. Ihrie, 71, of Columbia City, died Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. The artist and poet was born in Fort Wayne to the late James R. and Anna Ihrie. She is survived by children, Aimee (Gary) Howe of Woodburn, Renee Ward of Fort Wayne, Andree (Tom) Workman of Orland, Hollee Garland of Fort Wayne and Matthew (Frankie) Gagnon of New Haven; sisters, Rita Harper and Tana Moses; brother, Bob Ihrie; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. No Services. Preferred memorials to the family, in c/o the funeral home. Arrangements by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy. 930 E., New Haven.

Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/18/2008.

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Anita A. Erne, 58, of rural Columbia City, died at 5:08 a.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008 in the emergency room of Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was transported from Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
She was born April 14, 1949 in Ann Arbor, Michigan a daughter of Monroe and Virginia (Ackland) Phillips. Her formative years were spent in Milan, Michigan. She graduated from Milan High School.
On June 9, 2002 she was united in marriage to Douglas R. Erne. They have always made their home in Etna Troy Township, Whitley County.
Her memberships include Three Rivers Orchid Society.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Doug; two daughters, Jolie Marie Scheets of Georgia and Mischelle Gilliam of Riverside, California; two step daughters, Charity Myers of Fort Wayne and Julie McCormick of Avilla; five grandchildren; four step grandchildren; a great grandson; her father, Monroe Phillips of Roodhouse, Illinois; three sisters, Shirley Lewis of Pennsylvania, Virginia Oldham of Knoxville, Tennessee and Carol Hilbig of Livonia, Michigan; and two brothers, Monroe Phillips III of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Dwight Phillips of Alton, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will be from12 Noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the final expense account at Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Donald E. Clingerman, age 77, of Temecula, CA, formerly of Columbia City, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2008.

Born on August 21, 1930 in Ormas, Noble County, he was the son of William F. and Ella I. (Heintzelman) Clingerman. In 1949, he married Ina Marie Long and his second marriage was to Linda Raper in 1966.

Employed by IWP in California, he retired in 1996 with more than 35 years of service as a steel worker. He also worked at Essex Wire, Ligonier, IN in the 1960's and for the State/County Highway Departments in the 1950's. Survivors include daughters, Roberta(Jason)Casanova of Temecula, California, Carla Jauregui of Redding, California and Ruth Galla of Thelon, California; sons, Donald (Sharon) Clingerman of Columbia City, David Clingerman of Silver Lake,  and Daniel (Beth) Raper of Paris, California; sisters, Ruth Douglas of Ormas, Jo Ann Marks of Huntsville, Ohio, Dixie "Sis" Nei of Columbia City, Nancy Wright of Florida and Mary Kay (Bud) Walls of Warsaw; brother, Tony (Janice) Clingerman of Kimmell; 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeff Raper and brothers, Benny F. and William Clingerman.

There will be no visitation. A graveside service is 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, with Pastor Karen Biddle of Etna Methodist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Clingerman family in care of DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home.

To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Lois T. Hyndman, age 101, of Columbia City, died at 4:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.

She was born in Mattoon, Illinois on February 12, 1907, the daughter of Oscar L. and Clara Marie (Hamilton) Harris. When she was 15 years old, her parents moved from Mattoon to Smithville, Indiana. In 1928, she and her family moved to Kosciusko County and then to Columbia City in 1931.

In 1958, she went to Phoenix, Arizona, and returned to Columbia City in 1973. She graduated from the Smithville School System with the Class of 1925 and attended Phoenix College.

She married Ralph Edward Hyndman on September 3, 1937, in Whitley County. While in Phoenix, she retired as the head of the ladies fine apparel department of Diamonds Department store.

Since 1933, she has been a member of the Nazarene faith, and while in Phoenix, she was a Free Methodist licensed local minister. She and her father, Oscar L. Harris, were two of the organizers of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. She was a charter member of the church and she held every elective and appointive office in the church and its Christian education school including that of teacher, trustee and Bible school leader. In October 1945, the Rev. D.A. Glaze served as the officiating clergyman in licensing Mrs. Hyndman as a local minister in the Nazarene Church. For many years Mrs. Hyndman and her sisters were well known as the Harris Harmonettes, a sacred gospel music vocal trio. Survivors include her son, Jack D.(Cathy) Hyndman, Columbia City; daughter, Jill Green, Phoenix, Arizona, four granddaughters, Robyn D.(Eric) Ford, Fort Wayne, Adelle (Travis) Baker, Columbia City, Jodee and Jacolbee Green both of Phoenix; a grandson, Heath D. Hyndman, Albion; and two sisters, Audrey Holt and Mildred "Midge" Johnson, of Phoenix.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph Edward Hyndman, in May of 1989, three sisters, Marguerite "Peg" Irvin, Lucille K. Hoffman and Juanita Craw, and four brothers, William, Kenneth E., Conan D. and Carl "Pete" Harris.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the funeral home with Reverend Tom Beers and Reverend Phil Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Hyndman's memory to Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send condolences to the family, sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Wendell B. Noaker, 77, a resident of Albion, died at 2:30 a. m. on Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Hickory Creek at Kendallville. He had been in declining health since October, and had entered the nursing home on February 29.

Mr. Noaker was born on July 8, 1930 in Detroit, a son of Mervin and Florence (Burkman) Noaker, and spent his formative years in Wayland, Michigan.

As a young man he served with the U. S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, and was married in Breedsville, Michigan on February 24, 1983 to Anna L. Gray. The couple lived for 13 years in Bangor, Michigan before moving to Noble County in 1996.

Employed as the director of engineering at Du-Wel Metal Products in Bangor, Michigan, he retired from there in 1995 after 33 years.

The surviving relatives include his wife Anna; four daughters Sandra (Mitchell) Wells of Allegan, Michigan., Nancy Noaker of Lynchburg, Virginia, Lana Jackson of Albion, and Jill (Jeff) Lash of Columbia City; a son Wendell Roger Noaker of Orlando, Florida; a sister Ruth Pincomb of Avon Park, Florida; three brothers Wayne R. (Lois) Noaker of Avon Park, Florida, Lloyd C. (Beth) Noaker of Wakarusa, and David E. (Carol) Noaker of Orlando, Florida; and eight grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin sons Ronald Noaker and Donald Noaker; a daughter Dorothy Noaker; a brother Dan M. Noaker; and by a sister Wanda McDonald.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Lyle Calkins, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Thursday afternoon.

Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion.

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 111 E. Ludwig Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Barbara E. Mascho, 67, a resident of rural Churubusco, died at 10:15 p. m. on Friday, March 14, 2008 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She had been in declining health since Christmas, had entered the hospital on Monday.

Mrs. Mascho was born on August 20, 1940 in Steinhatchee, Florida, a daughter of David Franklin and Bessie Mae (Stephens) Gentry. As an adult she moved to Fort Wayne, and had lived at her home north of Churubusco since 1987.

She had retired from Raytheon (formerly Magnavox) after 30 years.

Her marriage took place in Kingsland, Georgia on July 8, 1975 to Gerald A. “Jerry” Mascho. He survives.

Also surviving is her daughter, Jana Vachon of Churubusco; a son, Marty (Alicia) Peacock of Monroeville; five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

At the request of the family, there will be private family services at a later date.

Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Mrs. Mascho’s great-grandchildren’s educational fund.

To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit www.sheetsandchilds.net

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R. Wiladene Drudge, 94, Silver Lake, IN died at 12:45 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2008 at home.

She was born January 19, 1914 in Wabash County, to Charles and Rosa (Albright) Blickenstaff.

On January 19, 1935 she married Harley M. Drudge. He died November 13, 1964.

She was a member of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake. She retired from Controls Co., North Manchester, after 20 years of service.

She is survived by one son, Roger A. (Lynne) Drudge of Columbia City; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Marilyn Sue) Sterk, Silver Lake; Peggy Ann Boggs, North Manchester; and Mrs. Jerry (Elaine Kay) Rager, Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter and one sister.

Services will be held Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. in the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, 2507 East State Road 14, Silver Lake. Calling will be held on Saturday, March 15, from 2-8 p.m. in Delaughter-McKee Mortuary in North Manchester and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Andy Airgood and Pastor Harriett Finney will officiate. Burial will be in Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, Inc., 902 Provident Dr. Warsaw, IN 46580.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.delaughtermckee.com

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