Memorials

Richard G. Birtwhistle, 75, of South Whitley, died at 8 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Renaissance Village where he had been a resident since April 2008.
He was born June 20, 1933 in Mishawaka, Indiana a son of Glenn W. and Mildred (Elliot) Birtwhistle. In 1945, his family moved to Pierceton. He graduated from Pierceton High School.
During the Korean Conflict he served in the United States Army.
He worked at Whitley Products in Pierceton from 1955 until 1958 when he began his employment at Gripco. He retired in 1993.
On September 28, 1974 he was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Eberly. They always made their home near South Whitley. Mrs. Birtwhistle died February 17, 2007.
Surviving relatives include two step daughters and two step sons, Sharon (Charles) Disbrow of South Whitley, Richard (Ann) King of London, England, Mick (Lisa) King of Warsaw and Karen (Craig) Jordan of South Whitley; seven step grandchildren; 18 step great grandchildren; and a brother, John William Birtwhistle of South Bend.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. Paul Burris, pastor of South Whitley United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Southern Care Hospice.