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April 30, 2008
Linda L. Clark, 61, a resident of rural Churubusco, died at 2:28 a. m. on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She had been ill since September, but her death was unexpected.
April 29, 2008
Margaret E. Enos, 93
Margaret E. Enos, 93, of Warsaw, died at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Masons Health Care where she had been a resident since July 20, 2005.
She was born March 3, 1915, in Kosciusko County, a daughter of Lester and Pearl (Koher) Mock. Her formative years were spent in the Syracuse area. She graduated from Syracuse High School.
On February 10, 1937, she was united in marriage to Richard A. Enos. They made their home in South Whitley. Mr. Enos died November 20, 1979.
In 1958, she began her 20 year employment at Singer in North Manchester.
Surviving relatives include three nieces, Dixie Barringer of Warsaw, Sue Rose Grossman-Marker of Huntington and Julia Glass of Greenfield; and a nephew, John Murphy of South Whitley.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Mock and two sisters, Evelyn Murphy and Velma Berry.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Pastor Dennis L. Bollenbacher, chaplain at Masons Health Care, officiating. The burial will be in Violet Cemetery in Waterford near Goshen. The visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Kosciusko County Hospice or Humane Society of Whitley County.
Harold I. Arnold, 78
Harold I. Arnold, 78, of Big Lake, died Sunday, April 27, 2008 at his home.
He was born January 29, 1930 in Morgan County, Indiana, a son of Roy and Edna Merle (Steirwalt) Arnold. His formative years were spent in Morgan County. He graduated from Eminence High School. 
On February 9, 1951 he was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Ewers. They made their home in Etna Troy Township, Whitley County, until 1996 when they moved into Columbia City. Mrs. Arnold died July 27, 2000. In 2003, he moved to his home at Big Lake.
On June 19, 1951 he was inducted into the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged February 6, 1957.
After retiring from general farming, he began working as a security guard for Advance Security in Fort Wayne.
His memberships include West Etna Community Church, Due Guard Lodge #278 Free & Accepted Masons where he was a past master, Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star #65 serving as former Worthy Patron of the Larwill Lodge. He was also actively involved with the Whitley County Soil & Water Conservation while farming.
Surviving relatives include four children, Linda M. (Lynn) Orcutt of Larwill, Joseph Lee (Sherry) Arnold of Warren, Fred W. Arnold of Columbia City and Rita K. (H. Kent “Nub”) Waugh of Columbia City; five grandchildren; two step grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Everett Arnold of Quincy; and a sister, Anna Mae Barnett of Phoenix, Arizona.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Arnold Adams.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Malcolm “Bud” Winstead, pastor of West Etna Community Church, officiating. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
The Due Guard Lodge #278 F. & A.M. will conduct a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Wednesday followed by a twilight service conducted by the Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star #65.
The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, with Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard presenting military honors.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to West Etna Community Church.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Delbert Earl Morr, 69
Delbert Earl “Del” Morr, 69, of Waldron Lake died Friday, April 25, 2008, at 2:22 a.m. at his residence.
Mr. Morr was a Journeyman Pattern Maker and had worked for 23 years in the trade. He previously co-owned and operated Morr Pattern and Tool in Kendallville where he was vice president. He had also worked at Diversified Pattern and Engineering in Avilla, retiring in 1999. He then worked part-time at Baseline Tool in Wawaka. 
He was a 1956 graduate of Kendallville High School. He had lived at Waldron Lake for the past 18 years, where he enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, family members and friends.
He was born November 5, 1938, in Kendallville to John A. and Hildegard (Christen) Morr. On March 10, 1962, in Ashley, he married Iris Ilene Mock.
Surviving are his wife, Iris Ilene Morr of Waldron Lake; three daughters and sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and two great-grandsons, Beth Ann (Morr) and Bruce Richard Newman of South Milford, their daughter, Brooke Renee', their son, Brian Richard, and his two sons, Bret and Ethan; Babs Ann (Morr) and Michael Wesley Diehm of Kendallville, their sons, Mitchell Wesley and Cameron Michael; Brenda Ann (Morr) and Larry Gayheart of Rome City, their daughters, Morreen Mae and Odessa Ilene; his mother, Hildegard Morr, who is 100 years-old, and lives in South Milford; one sister, Jacqueline Marcille Hamlin of South Milford; and one brother and sister-in-law, Clayton Walter and Carolyn Morr of Wawaka.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Joan Root, and a brother, John Lewis Morr. Funeral services were held Monday at Young Family Funeral Home in Kendallville with Vance Hamlin and Rev. Leon Pomeroy officiating. The burial was in Orange Cemetery. Casketbearers included his nephews, Sean Mock, Delbert Mock, Vance Hamlin, Doug Morr, Glen Morr and Paul Morr.
Preferred memorials are to IUPUI Cancer Center or Parkview Noble Home Health and Hospice.
To view a video tribute or send condolences to the family, please visit www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com
Jane A. Harman
Jane A. Harman, 84, of Etna Green, died at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2008, at her home.
A daughter of Clarence R. and Mary E. (Varier) Slough, she was born on March 6, 1924.
She was a 1942 graduate of Etna Green High School and lived in the Etna Green area for most of her life.
On April 9, 1944, she married Lyal Harman. He survives.
Mrs. Harman was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. She enjoyed reading cookbooks and cooking. She was a member of the Warsaw congregation of Jehovah’s Witness.
She is survived by her husband, Lyal; three children, including David R. Harman of Etna Green; Rachel M. (Gary) Boggs of Columbia City and Daniel Harman of Etna Green; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and a sister JoHannah Gard of Bourbon.
A funeral service to celebrate her life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon, with Elder Ramon Salazar officiating. Burial is at Etna Green Cemetery.
The family requests any memorial contributions be directed to Marshall County Hospice in her memory.
April 28, 2008
Thomas C. Harmes
Thomas C. Harmes, 73, formerly of Corunna, died Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
On Sept. 22, 1934, he was born to late Theodore K. "Ted" and Anna (Vogtman) Harmes in Corunna.
Mr. Harmes was a shop foreman and also an inspector at A-1 Production in Kendallville for 23 years. He retired in 1994.
He served in the U.S. Army two years and also in the National Guard for three years. He was a member of the Kendallville American Legion Post 86.
He was a member of First Christian Church of Kendallville.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Scott D. and Beth Harmes of Columbia City; daughter, Lori Lynn Harmes (fiancé Todd Scandling) of Albion; six grandchildren, including Nick Harmes, Emilee Harmes, Thomas Harmes, Mollie (Greg) Bryant, Colton Harmes and Katelyn Scandling; a great-granddaughter, Ava Bryant; a brother, Donald "Max" Harmes of Waterloo; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Ernie Ladd of Fort Wayne; and sister-in-law, Juanita Harmes of Corunna.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Harmes, and a sister, Marjorie "Janet" Sullivan.
The funeral service is 1 p.m. Tuesday at Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo, with visitation two hours prior to service. Rev. Al Black officiating. Visitation also from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial in Fairfield Cemetery, Corunna.
Preferred memorials to American Legion Post 86.
April 26, 2008
Raymond Lee Clark, 88
Raymond Lee Clark, age 88, of Columbia City passed away at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2008 at Canterbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, Fort Wayne. 
Born in Union Township, Whitley County, on August 3, 1919, he was the son of Alva E. and Effie E. (Smith) Clark. He graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1937.
He married June L. Roberson on June 22, 1940, in Fort Wayne.
He spent his entire lifetime in Whitley County where he was a dairy and grain farmer.
He was a member of Westview Alliance Church, Fort Wayne.
Survivors include his wife, June L. Clark of Columbia City; a son, Larry (Pat) Clark, Manistique, Michigan; three daughters, Susan (Michael) Hughes of Fort Wayne, Luann (Alan) Sederlund of Fort Wayne and Ranee (Duane) Laube, DeWitt, Michigan; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother, Kenneth E. Clark of Baudette, Minnesota.
He was preceded by his parents, a brother, A. Laverne Clark, and a great-granddaughter, Angelina Rayl.
Visitation is from 3-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. One hour of visitation prior to the funeral service which will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at Westview Alliance Church, 9804 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, with Pastor Brian Scott of the Alliance Community Church officiating. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Garden Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Memorials may be given to the Westview Alliance Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Carolyn Miller, 72
Carolyn Miller, 72, of Claypool, Indiana, died on April 24, 2008, at 6:15 a.m. at her home.
She was born on March 25, 1936 in Claypool.
A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, she graduated from Burket High School in 1954 and she retired from Dalton Foundry in 1993.
She was a member of Touch of Life Church, Warsaw, and was a Union Steward for the United Steel Workers Union.
Carolyn loved working with various charities and also loved traveling.
She is survived by five sons, including Nathaniel Miller of Claypool, Timothy Miller of Warsaw, Luther "Luke" Miller Jr. of Claypool, Frank Miller of Columbia City and Marcius Miller of North Manchester; three daughters, including Marsha Cleveland of Warsaw, Juli Miller of Silver Lake, Carol Vick of Warsaw; a brother, Bob (Sue) Tillman of Claypool; a sister Vonda (Claude) Ousley of Columbia City, as well as 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. at the funeral chapel on Saturday, April 26, 2008. Burial will be at Palestine Cemetery, Palestine, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 424 West Market Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
George C. Fracker, Jr., 91
George C. Fracker Jr., 91, of Goose Lake, Warsaw, died on April 23, 2008, at 8:30 p.m. at his residence.
He was born on January 20, 1917, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George C. Fracker Sr. and Nora Kephart.
On April 23, 1950, he married Rosemary Pacino in Oakpark, Illinois. She died Feb. 17, 2008.
Survivors include two daughters, Lore Wolfe of Larwill and Nina Beaulieu of Boca Raton, Florida; four grandchildren, Amber and Crystal Wolfe and Jeffrey and Bryan Beaulieu.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and four sisters, Mary, Elisabeth, Clara and Phila.
There will be no service or memorial calling.
Memorials may be made to the local Humane Society.
Kathleen Ann Grant Squires, 91
Kathleen Ann (Grant) Squires, 91, died on April 1, 2008, in Encinitas, California after a brief illness.
A more than 70-year resident of California, she was born in Columbia City on April 1, 1917.
She married Jack Squires and the couple celebrated more than 50 years of marriage. Mr. Squires died in 1989.
The couple owned and operated Squires Jewelry in Columbia City for more than 25 years.
She was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Columbai City.
Survivors include two daughters, Mary Ann Anderson of Smyrna, Georgia and Martha Orr of Encinitas, California, a sister, Mary Trier of Columbia City; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service will be held in Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, this summer.
Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Mrs. Squires to Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City.
April 24, 2008
Verona Walker Hauman, 80
Verona “Jeane” Walker Hauman, 80, of rural Columbia City and wife of Delbert Joseph Hauman, died Saturday, April 19, 2008, at her daughter’s home after a short illness.
A native of Iowa, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Pauline (Wilsie) Walker and was an active member of the Red Hat Strutters.
Survivors include her husband, Delbert; a daughter, Debbie Wahlgren of Milford; a son, Rodney (Elizabeth) Jones of Georgetown, Ky.; a step-son, Jack Hauman of Joliet, Ill.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Sally Murphy and Marcy Smith.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Georgia Terry.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home in Columbia City.
Jeffrey A. Stahl, 65
Jeffrey A. Stahl, 65, of South Whitley, died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital. Born in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Thelma H. (Stuckey) of Fort Wayne and the late Wayne A. Stahl.
He was a teacher at Ben F. Geyer Middle School with F.W.C.S, retiring after 37 years of service in 2003.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Stahl of South Whitley; son, Chad (Jody) Stahl; daughter, Cori (Chad) Patrick of Warsaw; two grandchildren, Emma and Landon Patrick; sister, Lisa (Dave) Ray of Fort Wayne; brother, Gary (Sherri) Stahl of New Haven; and several nieces and nephews. He was also survived by countless students and athletes whose lives he enriched throughout is teaching and coaching career.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Benjamin I. Ford; and grandparents, Muriel and Burl Stuckey and Walter and Lois Stahl.
Funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, with visitation one hour prior.
Visitation also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials to the American Heart Association.
John "Junior" Dear, 81
John "Junior" Dear, age 81, of Columbia City, passed away at 8:32 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. 
Born in Kenton, Ohio, on January 7, 1927, he was the son of Benjamin Franklin and Jennifer Florence (Mahan) Dear.
He attended school in Columbia City and later in life took night classes studying business at IUPU, Fort Wayne. He entered the United States Army and served during WW II. He married Shirley Brockup on January 13, 1953 in Etna Green. Mr. Dear spent his entire lifetime in Whitley County, after his family moved here when he was a small child. He was first employed with Warsaw Chemical Company, Warsaw, Indiana, and then worked for T & G Excavating and lastly, he retired from Simmons Excavating, Columbia City in the late 1980's. He was an avid race car fan and raced stock cars. He also loved to fish, hunt rabbits and raccoons.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Dear of Columbia City; two sons, Kevin L. Dear of Columbia City and Brian J. Dear, Angola; three daughters, Juni K. (Brad) Krontz of Albion; Connie S. (Ed) Sims of South Whitley, and Lisa A.(Steve) Burton of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank (Betty) Dear, Columbia City, and two sisters, Dorothy Hauptmeyer, Fort Wayne, and Margaret Mumma, Auburn. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Gary A. Dear and four sisters, Doris Britton, Evelyn Groves, Lenora Walker and Lois Osgood.
Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2008 and after 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Tash of New Hope Wesleyan Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, where graveside military rites will be conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans of Whitley County. Memorials may be given to the Dear Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
April 23, 2008
William P. Weaver, 60
William P. Weaver, 60, a resident of Upper Long Lake, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at his home.
He was born December 25, 1947, in Bremerton, Washington, the only child of Lewis and Mildred (Hartsough) Weaver. He graduated from South Whitley High School, continued his education at Vincennes University and completed his education at Indiana State University.
He resided in the Columbia City area for many years, Mishawaka for nine years and moved to his home on Upper Long Lake 10 years ago.
On February 29, 1992, he was united in marriage to Pamela S. Beebe.
He was employed with Mohawk Flush Door in South Bend for 22 years, later Columbia City Freight Lines and currently Boyd Machine Shop in Wolf Lake.
His memberships include Columbia City Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1417 and Sons of the American Legion Post #98.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Pam; a daughter, Jennifer (Nic) Conway of Fort Wayne; and two granddaughters, Haley and Novelyn Conway.
The Elks service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with the Columbia City B.P.O.E. Lodge #1417 conducting the service. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Elks National Foundation.
April 20, 2008
Alta M. Miller, 69
Alta M. Miller, 69, of South Whitley, died Saturday, April 19, 2008 at her home of natural causes.
She was born October 13, 1938 in Whitley County, a daughter of John and Ina (Miller) Myers. Her formative years were spent in Etna Troy Township. She graduated from Larwill High School.
For the past 50 years, she owned & operated Alta’s Hair Studio.
She was a member of Eagles Lodge #1906.
Surviving relatives include three children, Dennis Thompson of Syracuse, Debbie (Rick) Reid of Columbia City and Brian (Renee) Kyler of Columbia City; three grandchildren, Bradley Reid, Jacob Kyler and Hunter Kyler; and a sister, Gloria Helblig of Dunlap.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Claude “Bud” Myers and Garland Myers; and two sisters, Wanda Nonemacher and Judy Latta.
There will be no public visitation or service. A private family service will be held at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Final Expense Account at Smith & Sons Funeral Home.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
April 18, 2008
Edith Irene Addis, 67
Edith Irene Addis, 67, a resident of Churubusco and wife of Roger L. Addis, died at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at the family residence. She had been in failing health for the past 15 months. 
Mrs. Addis was born in Fort Wayne on September 4, 1940, a daughter of Carl and Louise (Johnson) Ditton, and spent her formative years in Wolf Lake. She graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1958, and was married in Churubusco on June 6, 1962 to Roger L. Addis. She and her husband lived in LaOtto for a period, and had resided in Churubusco since 1968.
As a young woman she had worked in the offices for several area chiropractors, and later worked for over ten years at Power Wheels in Fort Wayne. Later in life she went back to school, and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from IPFW.
For five years she had worked as a teacher at the Churubusco Child Care Center until ill health forced her to retire in 2006.
Mrs. Addis was a member of the LaOtto Wesleyan Church.
The surviving relatives include her husband Roger; three children Karen (Ed) Harpel of LaOtto, Tim (Diane) Addis of Albion, and Patricia Percey of Indianapolis; her step-mother Mary Ditton of Dunfee; three sisters Judy Oglesby, Jeanie Shirley, and Denise (Rob) Grissom, all of Ocala, Fla; a brother Ronald Hunter of Ohio; eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to her father and mother, she was preceded in death by a sister Donna Ray and a granddaughter Paige Addis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday April 21, 2008 at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Tyler Ward of LaOtto Wesleyan Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 6:00 p. m. at the mortuary.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Addis family.
James Lyle Strack, 86
James Lyle Strack, age 86, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:50 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008 at his home. 
He was born in Fort Wayne on April 13, 1922 to Charles L. and Pricilla (Frieburger) Strack.
He graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1940 and married Mary Ellen Fox on November 27, 1947 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola. They have lived on the Strack Family Farm since 1955.
He worked for Pennsylvania Railroad from 1941-1955 and New Haven Wire & Cable as a machinist from 1955-1987.
He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola, IN, Eagles Lodge #1906 and Moose Lodge, both of Columbia City, IN and Miami Nation of Indians. He is a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and a descendant of Chief Jean Baptiste Richardville. Jim served for many years on the tribal council of the Indiana Miami Tribe.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Strack, Columbia City; 2 sons, Thomas (Loretta) Strack and Phillip Strack, Columbia City; 1 daughter, Cynthia Berghoff, Columbia City; five grandchildren, including Rodney (Gina) Strack, Columbia City; Jennifer Strack, Fort Wayne; Ryan (Rhonda) McCammon, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rachelle (Cory) Patrick, Columbia City; and Tammy Berghoff, Columbia City; seven great-grandchildren, Hunter Strack, Drake Klopfenstein, Ethan and Eli all of Columbia City; Cody and Taylor Goshert, Warsaw, and Lewis McCammon, Ann Arbor, Michigan; two brothers, Godfrey (Rita) Strack, Fort Wayne, and Edward (Darlene) Stack, Denver, Ind.; three sisters, Catherine (Agustus) Nagy and Mary Swenda both of Fort Wayne, and Priscilla VanAllen, Columbia City.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert E. and Charles "Tony" Strack.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. with a 4 p.m. Rosary Recitation on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2008 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola, with Father Cyril Fernandes officiating. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Strack's memory to masses to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, St. Jude's Children Hospital or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family, sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
April 17, 2008
Barbara K. Price, 82
Barbara K. Price, age 82, of Columbia City passed away at 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at her home.
Born on December 20, 1925 in Lakewood, Ohio, she was the daughter of Harry J. and Fern Mae (Shaffer) Kortz. She graduated from the Cleveland, Ohio, school system and E. Cleveland School of Business.
She lived in Detroit, Michigan, for a period of time before residing in Columbia City. On May 28, 1945, she married James Albert Price, Sr. in Columbia City.
For18 years, she was employed by the Department of Natural Resources County Office at Tri-Lakes.
Survivors include sons, James Alan (Debie) Price, Jr. of Columbia City, Stevan David (Joyce) Price of Huntertown and Mark Andrew Price of Bloomington; a daughter, Barbara (Dale) Hudson of Warsaw; seven grandchildren & 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James Albert Price, Sr., son, Matthew Adam Price, sisters, Mary Isham and Jane Brown.
A graveside service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2008 at South Park Original Cemetery, Columbia City with Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Price to the Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
April 15, 2008
Walter "Wally" Queitsch, 20
Walter “Wally” Queitsch, 20, a former resident of Green Township in Noble County and more recently of Columbia City, was found dead early Sunday, April 13, 2008, at his home, apparently of natural causes.
Born on September 17, 1987 in Columbia City, Wally was the son of Paul R. and Teri (Selvin) Queitsch, and spent all of his formative years in Green Township, north of Churubusco. He was educated in the Smith-Green Community Schools, and earned his GED in Whitley County. For nearly five years he had been employed at Wal Mart in Columbia City.
He had enjoyed working on cars, spending time with friends and co-workers, and had always had a love for helping other people in any way he could.
The surviving relatives include his parents Paul R. and Teri Queitsch of Churubusco; two sisters April Lynea Queitsch and Lily Mae Queitsch, both at home; his paternal grandparents Max and Jean Queitsch of Louisville, Tenn; his step-grandmother Etta Selvin of Tamarac, Fla; uncles and aunts John and Terri Queitsch of Tennessee, Bill Queitsch of Irving, Texas, and Jeri and Peter Rank of Islip, New York; and several cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Friday, April 18, at the Charter Oak Community Church, 4899 South 300 East-57, Churubusco, with Pastor Aaron Peer, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Thursday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-4001
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Kirk Allen Young, 44
Kirk Allen Young, 44, of Columbia City, died Saturday, April 12, 2008.
He was born January 25, 1964 in Columbia City, Indiana a son of Kenneth C. and Dorothy L. (Harmeyer) Young. He attended Coesse School and completed his education at Columbia City Joint High School.
A construction Worker, he is survived by four daughters, Amanda Rempee, Holly Young, Stephanie Young and Felicia Young; three grandchildren, Thomas Harper, Summer Rempee and Mia Elizabeth Harper; a brother, David (Onita) Young; and a sister, Diane Jordan.
There will be no visitation or service.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the final expense account at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Vivian Irene Moore, 83
Vivian Irene Moore, age 83, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Born on October 7, 1924 in Farmersville, Ohio, she was the daughter of Leonard B. and Bernice M. (Guisewhite) Estes.
Survivors include her 2 daughters, Linda (Michael) McKaughan and Sandra (Wayne) Brittian; four granddaughters, Rebecca McKaughan, Jennifer (Adam) Cotton, Martha (Daniel) Hummer and Katherine Brittian and 3 great-grandsons, Gabriel and Gideon Cotton and Eli Hummer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eugene Leonard Moore, a Columbia City native, on July 25, 1993 and an infant brother.
Private burial will take place at South Park Annex Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Moore to the American Heart Association.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.demoneygrimes.com
April 13, 2008
Doyle Dean Nichols, Sr., 69
Doyle Dean Nichols, Sr., age 69, of South Whitley, died at 2:26 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. 
Born on December 1, 1938 in Columbia City, he was the son of Paul C. and Blanche L. (Hively) Nichols.
A lifetime resident of South Whitley, he graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1956. Following graduation, he served in the United States Marines.
On January 22, 1972, he married Molly Goodman in Warsaw. He worked for 20 years at Monarch Food Service as a warehouseman and as a construction worker/driver for Graber Construction for 13 years.
He was a member of Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints, Columbia City, IN, and former member of Tri-Lakes Barber Shop Quartet.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Molly Nichols of South Whitley; mother, Blanche Nichols of Columbia City; children, Debbie (Rick) Seymour of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Annette (Jeff) Walters of Winona Lake; Sherri (Bill) Gipson of Atkins, Arkansas; Darla (Chris) Briggs of Columbia City; Doyle D. (Michelle) Nichols, Jr. of Larwill; Regina (Michael) Hartsfield of South Whitley; Molly Ann Nichols of Fort Wayne; Paul (Michelle)Nichols of Columbia City; Diana L. (Matt Wilson) Nichols of Columbia City; Charles Nichols of South Whitley; Angie Nichols of South Whitley; Maria (Corey) Whelpley of Silver Lake; 27 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul C. Nichols and a brother, Keith Nichols. Visitation is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the funeral home with Bishop Thomas Chamberlain of Church of Jesus Latter Day Saints, Columbia City, officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley. Memorials may be given to the Nichols family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Kelson Lee Barker, infant
Kelson Lee Barker, stillborn son of Kelli Kincaid and Brandon Lee Barker of Monroeville , passed away at 4:28 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Dupont Hospital , Fort Wayne.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Bryce M. Barker of Monroeville; maternal grandparents, Doyle and Kris Kincaid of Columbia City; paternal grandparents, Brad and Marsha Barker of Monroeville; aunts, Amanda Kincaid of Fort Wayne, Amy (Mikael) Van Devender of South Whitley and Tenisha (Tobin) Reichhart of Monroeville; uncle, Brad (Erin) Barker of Fort Wayne; and eight cousins.
Visitation is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with funeral service immediately following at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , Columbia City. Certified Funeral Celebrants, Eddie P. Beagles and Sharon Brockhaus will officiate. Committal service is at Greenhill Cemetery , Columbia City .
Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Kelson Barker to Riley Children's Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send condolences to the family or to sign the register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
Alexis Raegan Avila, 3
Alexis Raegan Avila, age 3, of Pierceton , died at 1:32 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2008 at Kosciusko Community Hospital , Warsaw. 
Born in Fort Wayne on January 8, 2005, she was the daughter of Troy E. and Paulette R. (Fisher) Avila .
She lived with her family in Wolcottville until July of 2007 when they moved to Pierceton.
During Alexis' brief time here on earth, she brought joy to many, and was especially close to her older sister, Danielle. She loved to play with crayons, ride her bicycle, swing and play with matchbox cars.
Survivors include her parents, Troy and Paulette Avila, Pierceton; sisters, Danielle and Madison Avila of Pierceton; maternal grandfather, Ray Fisher, Pierceton; maternal grandmother, Tammie Wrisk, Columbia City; paternal grandfather, Joe Avila, Fort Wayne; paternal grandmother, Loretta Avila, Ligonier; great-grandfather, Gerald Hites, Kenton, Ohio; great-grandmother, Jeraldine Woods, Yoder; as well as three uncles and an aunt.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 from 2-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with visitation one hour prior at the funeral home with Pastor JP Freeman of North Manchester Congregational Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley.
Memorial bequests may be given to the family c/o DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com
April 12, 2008
Wilbur W. Gaff, 85
Wilbur W. Gaff, 85, a resident of Churubusco, died at 7:35 p. m. on Friday, April 11, 2008, at The Oaks in Columbia City. He had been in declining health for some time, and had entered the nursing home on January 31. 
Mr. Gaff was born on January 20, 1923 in Smith Township, a son of Harry H. and Viva (Pippenger) Gaff, and spent his formative years on the family farm on U. S. 33 north of Churubusco.
He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1941 and attended Indiana Business College.
On July 3, 1943 he was married to Naomi Nelson in Columbia City and spent his adult life in the Churubusco-area.
He was employed as a tool and die maker at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, retiring from there in 1980 after 34 years.
He was past president of the Churubusco Town Council and in his leisure time, enjoyed fishing, hunting squirrels, bowling, playing cards and watching his family’s sporting activities.
The surviving relatives include his wife, Naomi; five daughters Marsha (Robert) Hoffman and Marna (Jerry) Hinen, both of Columbia City, Annabeth (Joe) Skinner and Bonnie (Mike) Lambert, both of Churubusco, and Debra D. Gaff of Indianapolis; a son Brent A. (Shelly) Gaff of Albion; a sister Marilyn (Harold) Hull of South Whitley; three brothers Tony L. (Louise) Gaff of Larwill, Garland Link of Waterloo, and Everett (Sheryl) Link of Phoenix, Arizona, and a sister-in-law Deloris M. Gaff of Churubusco. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Herman L. Gaff, and by a sister, Bonnie Link.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, with Pastor Samuel J. Norris, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
The family requests memorials be directed to Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, 1000 W. Whitley St., Churubusco, IN 46723, or the Humane Society of Whitley County, P. O. Box 245, Columbia City, IN 46725
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net
Helen A. Surface, 86
Helen A. Surface, age 86, a former resident of North Main Street in Churubusco, died Friday evening April 11, 2008 in the Millers Merry Manor Nursing Center in Columbia City, Indiana. She had been a resident there for about 2 years.
Mrs. Surface was born May 10, 1921 in Kendallville, a daughter of the late Sherman and Mary (Dice) Crawford. As a young girl she moved with her family to the Arcola area, and later to a farm in Eel River Township. She graduated from Huntertown High School with the class of 1940.
She was married to DeVere Q. Surface on December 19, 1942, in Fort Wayne. Mr. Surface died May 31, 1971.
Helen and DeVere had lived a short time in Fort Wayne before moving to Churubusco. Mrs. Surface had worked as a young women at the General Electric Co. and then for U.S. Rubber, both located in Fort Wayne, and retired in 1985 as an inspector for the Dana Corp. in Churubusco with 21 years of faithful service.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Patty J. Surface of Churubusco, her granddaughter Della (Tony) Thompson of Auburn and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son James E. Surface on May 29, 1995, and two brothers, Robert and Allen Crawford.
The funeral services will be held Thursday April 17, 2008 at 10 a.m. in the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Craig Myers officiating. Burial will follow in the Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fort Wayne. The family will receive friends on Wednesday April 16, 2008 from 3-6 p.m. in the funeral home.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net
April 11, 2008
Arlis Irene Trumbull, 84
Arlis Irene Trumbull, 84, a resident of The Oaks, Columbia City, died at 2:07 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008. 
She was born January 30, 1924 in Whitley County, a daughter of Willis D. and Edith J. (Beaucha) Trumbull. She spent her formative years in Etna-Troy Township where she attended elementary school and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1941.
A life long resident of Etna-Troy Township, she was employed by Agriculture Conservation Service, Whitley County from 1943 to 1972. She was then employed by Whitley County Planning Commission from 1972 to the early 1980’s when she left to care for her mother.
She was a member of West Etna Community Church, Etna Rebekah Lodge and Whitley County Farm Bureau.
Surviving relatives include a sister, Jean M. Reasoner, Pensacola, Florida; three nieces, Cheryl (J. Hudson) Thayer, Mansfield, Ohio, Anita (Raymond) Reasoner-Meyer, Indianapolis, and Lisa J. Reasoner, Monticello, Florida; three nephews, Barry Reasoner, Tell City, Indiana, David (Michelle) Reasoner, Columbus, Georgia, and Eric Reasoner, Boston, Massachusetts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Lewis M. Trumbull.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. J. Hudson Thayer, officiating. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Noble County. The visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to West Etna Community Church.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Rebecca Jo Gable, 64
Rebecca Jo Gable, 64, a resident of Columbia City, died Thursday, April 10, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Tuesday.
She was born March 19, 1944 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Delmar and Ethel (Miller) Gable. Her formative years were spent in South Whitley. She completed her education at South Whitley High School.
She was a private duty nurse’s aide for many years and a former member of South Whitley United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include a brother, L. DeWayne Gable of South Whitley and a sister, Wanda Hubbard of Louisville, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Carroll Gable.
There will be no visitation or service. The burial will take place at a later date at South Whitley Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
