Memorials: January 2011 Archives

Betty Lou Boehme, 85

Betty Lou Boehme, 85, of Columbia City, Ind., died on Friday, January 28, 2011 at her residence on Crooked Lake.

Born on September 1, 1925 in Fort Wayne, Ind., she was the daughter of George and Reve (Bowers) Kiser.
She attended the Fort Wayne public school system and worked at Magnavox for a short time until her marriage to Eugene A. Boehme on January 29, 1948. The couple made their home in Fort Wayne until they moved to Crooked Lake in 1981. She was a member of the Big Lake Church of God, a life time member of the VFW Auxiliary at Wolf Lake, Ind. and the American Legion Auxiliary in Albion, Ind.
Survivors include her two sons, Steven (Cathy) Boehme of Fort Wayne and David Boehme of Leo, Ind.; brother, Richard (Eileen) Kiser of Fort Wayne; 9 grandchildren, Tasha (Joel) Cosler of Carmel, Ind., Justin Boehme of Columbus, OH, Korbin and Kody Boehme of Leo, Ind., Steve T. Boehme of Phoenix, AZ, Crystal and Laura Boehme of Fort Wayne, Jason and Joey Blasco of Fort Wayne; and 3 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene A. Boehme on October 4, 1998; daughter, Deborah Boehme-Blasco in 1998; and a great-grandson, Davin Boehme.
Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6pm – 8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind. Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Doug McVay of Big Lake Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Matthews Cemetery, Columbia City. In memory of Mrs. Boehme, memorials may be given to the Big Lake Church of God. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Elaine Marie Stanley, 82

Elaine Marie Stanley, 82, of Columbia City, died at 11:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011 at The Oaks Living Center where she had been a resident since December 21, 2010.
She was born March 8, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio a daughter of Clarence and Renata (Buenzel) Spoerke. Her formative years were spent in Ohio. She graduated from high school in Canton.
On September 6, 1952 she was united in marriage to Charles B. Stanley. They made their home at Little Cedar Lake until 1955 when they moved to a farm on 300 South.
A homemaker, she worked part time at Culligan and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Charles; four children, Rae (Leonard) Walker, Lynn (Cheryl L.) Stanley and Cheryl R. Stanley, all of Columbia City and Lee (Vickie) Stanley of Osceola; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a brother, Carl Spoerke of Florida.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Spoerke.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home with visitation after 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Worship for Shut-Ins.

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Marie A. Diffendarfer, 84

Marie A. Diffendarfer, 84, a resident of Churubusco and widow of Homer A. Diffendarfer, passed away at 11:00 p. m. on Monday, January 24, 2011, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She had suffered an apparent brain hemorrhage on Thursday, and had been hospitalized since that time.
Mrs. Diffendarfer was born in Smith Township on August 16, 1926, a daughter of Roy and Florence Alice (Raypole) Gordon. She spent her formative years in the Churubusco-area, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1944.
On October 19, 1945 she was married in Columbia City to Homer A. Diffendarfer. She lived all of her adult life in Churubusco, and had lived at her current home for over 40 years.
As a young woman she was employed at General Electric in Fort Wayne, and was later employed in the town offices for the Town of Churubusco. She enjoyed playing Euchre with her card club friends, served on the Churubusco election board for several years, and most importantly loved and cherished her family and friends. She had also enjoyed spending several winters in Bradenton, Florida.
Mr. Diffendarfer preceded her in death on April 1, 1978.
The surviving relatives include her daughters Kay Lawrence of Churubusco and Sharon (Roy) Pepple of Sedalia, Col; four grandchildren Paula (Dave) Burke of Huntington, Scott (Robin) Minnick of Spencerville, Brian (Robin) Minnick of Butler and serving his fourth term in the Middle East with the USAF, and Shawn (Stacy) Pepple of Sedalia, Col; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers Gene Gordon and Tony Gordon; a sister Jane Lesh; and by a granddaughter Nicole Pepple.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Friday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

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Lucille B. Keck, 87

Lucille B. Keck, 87, formerly of Columbia City, died Friday, January 21, 2011 at Lee Memorial Hospital in Lehigh Acres, Florida after a lengthy battle with pneumonia and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
She was born December 12, 1923 in Deadwood, South Dakota a daughter of Glen L. and Bertha E. (Winckler) Witmer. When Lucille was four years old, her family moved to Indiana. She attended Washington Township School in Noble County, Etna School and graduated from North Webster High School in 1943.
On June 17, 1944 she was united in marriage to Robert E. Keck. After marriage they resided in the Etna area for 15 years and later east of Columbia City for 27 years. In 1987 they moved to Lehigh Acres.
She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Lehigh Acres and formerly of Hope Lutheran Church. She had a long history of service in the Altar Guild, as a council member and the church treasury both in Florida and Indiana.
Surviving relatives include her husband of 66 years, Robert; two children, John (Paula) Keck of Columbia City and Mary (Emilio) Montero of Lehigh Acres; two grandchildren, Tyson and Amy; and four sisters, Zelpha Ginter of Warsaw, Gloria Miller of Pierceton, Ruth Sauers of Columbia City and Glenna Werstler of Pierceton.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

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Lee J. "Joe" Perry, 87

Lee J. "Joe" Perry, 87, of Columbia City, died at 11:03 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Canterbury Nursing & Rehab, Fort Wayne where he had been a resident for the past year.
He was born January 22, 1924 in McKinley Township, Taylor County, Wisconsin a son of Lee J. and Mayme B. (Smith) Perry Sr. In 1934 his family moved to Union Township, Whitley County. He completed his education at Coesse High School.
On October 26, 1943 he was inducted in the United States Army Railroad Battalion, serving in the European Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged February 14, 1946.
A farmer, he worked at Dana Corporation for a total of 20 years.
His memberships included Hope Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #98, V.F.W. Post #346 in Churubusco and Disabled American Veterans.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Ellen Fritz of Columbia City; two grandchildren, Regan Banks of Columbia City and Jason Sweeney of Monroeville; three great grandchildren; and three sisters, Marjorie Anderson of Columbia City, Arlene Gaff of Columbia City and Janice Evers of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita; two daughters, Marilyn K. Egolf and Linda Perry; an infant son, Dennis James Perry; and a sister, Eleanor Corbin.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
The burial will be in Union Township Cemetery with military honors presented.
Preferred memorials are to Humane Society of Whitley County.

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Charles S. Hess, 88

Charles S. Hess, 88, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.

Born on March 4, 1922 in Whitley County, Ind., he was the son of Pyrl and Daisy (Rouch) Hess.
A lifetime resident of Whitley County, he attended school in Collins. On March 27, 1943 he married Mildred Hazen in Elkhart County, Ind. In addition to being a lifetime farmer, he drove a school bus for Smith-Green School Corporation for 23 years as well as worked as a mechanic for 8 years. He also was employed at Bockelman and Geiger International Harvester in Churubusco as a mechanic for 30 years. His memberships included Blue River Community Church where he served as an elder and deacon, Indiana Farm Bureau and Whitley County Council on Aging.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Mildred Hess of Columbia City; nieces, Louise Wolf of Fort Wayne, Judy (Ed) Demske, Joan (Joe) Miller and Barb Geiger all of Columbia City, and Karen (Jason) Maybe of Warsaw, Ind.; nephews, Jerry (Cheri) Geiger, Jess (Kay) Geiger of Columbia City, and Ronnie (Janet) Farmer and Randy (Brenda) Farmer of Kendallville, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Herrold Hess and an infant sister.
Visitation is Friday, January 21, 2011 from 3-5 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Kent Green of Blue River Community Church officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Hess to Blue River Community Church or the donor's choice of charity. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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William Walter "Bill" Moog, 84

William Walter "Bill" Moog, 84, of Columbia City, died Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at The Oaks Living Center.
He was born February 16, 1926 in Churubusco, Indiana a son of Walter W. and Opal (Klinger) Moog. His formative years were spent in Whitley County. He graduated from Columbia City High School.
On June 19, 1944 he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Asiatic Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged February 22, 1946.
On June 28, 1947 he was united in marriage to Doris E. Barnes, the love of his life. They have always made their home in Columbia City.
He retired in January 1988 from Dana Weatherhead with 44 years of service.
His memberships include Grace Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #253.
Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His lifelong passions for baseball and fishing created many stories and memories for family and friends.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Doris; six children, Mary (Tony) Pawloski of Coldwater MI, Janet (Phil) Shidler of Coldwater MI, Andrea (Tom) Barker of North Webster, Judy (Rick) Horn of Peoria AZ, Ross (Rhonda) Moog of Madison AL and Craig Moog of Columbia City; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Christopher) Stempian, Matthew Matevia, Ryan (Regina) Sollazzo, Brian (Nicole Yearling) Shidler, Abby (Jon) Gronski and Michael Weiss; eight great grandchildren; and a great great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters, John Moog, Robert Moog, Vivian Winebrenner and Agnes Ernst.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to American Legion Post #253.

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Juanita V. Imler Yoder, 86

Juanita V. Imler Yoder, 86, a former resident of Washington Township in Whitley County and more recently of Valparaiso, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 16, 2011, in the emergency room at the Porter County Hospital in Portage. Although she had been in declining health, her death was unexpected.
Mrs. Yoder was born in Fort Wayne on May 12, 1924, a daughter of Clarence A. and Velma (Johnson) Seslar, and spent her formative years there. She was married in 1946 to Glenn E. Imler, and lived much of her adult life in Whitley County. He preceded her in death in 1972. She was then married in 1974 to Harold Yoder, who preceded her in death in 1994.
Juanita was known as a prayer warrior, and loved and cherished her family.
The surviving relatives include her daughters Darlene (Wayne) Creech of Albion, Carol (Phillip) Hatfield of Lake Station, Janet (Dan) Castle of McKee, Ky., and Alice (Wayne) Troutman of Salt Lake City. There are ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother Donald Seslar; and a sister Ruth Keller.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Paul D. White, pastor of Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Saturday morning.
Interment will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery, Waynedale.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Churubusco Church of the Nazarene Frontline Ministries, 1000 W. Whitley St., Churubusco, IN 46723.

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Sharon Kay Roberson, 61

Sharon Kay Roberson, 61, a resident of rural Churubusco in Allen County, passed away at 1:50 a. m. on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She had been seriously ill for the past two weeks.
Ms. Roberson was born in Wolf Lake on December 24, 1949, a daughter of Ralph and Madeline (Rosenogle) Roberson. She was a lifelong resident of Eel River Township, and graduated with the first class from Carroll High School in 1969.
Employed at Dana Weatherhead Division in Columbia City, she retired from there in 2000 after nearly 31 years of service. Sharon was a very caring person, and volunteered at Parkview Hospital by making “Care” blankets. She was a member of Believer’s Bible Fellowship in Churubusco, and the Red Hat Society.
The surviving relatives include her devoted sisters Karen Roberson and Lois Hull, both of Churubusco; two nephews Bradley (Deborah) Hull of Auburn and Gregory Hull of Churubusco; a niece Zondra Hull of Fort Wayne; a niece-in-law Rebecca Hull of Huntertown; five great-nieces Anne (Chad) Guggenbiller of Fort Recovery, Ohio, Heather (Shaun) Engel of Fort Wayne, Emily Hull of Indianapolis, and Chelsea (Justin) Rentschler and Caitlin Hull, both of Huntertown; a great-nephew Adam Hull of Indianapolis; and a great-great-niece and nephew Eva Engel and Tyler Guggenbiller.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant brother Bruce Roberson; a brother-in-law Dale Hull; and a nephew Randall Hull.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p. m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Believer’s Bible Fellowship in Churubusco with Pastor Robert Siegrist, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday after 10 a. m. until the time of the service.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, Allen County.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Parkview Foundation, 2200 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805; or to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 2270 Lake Avenue, #200, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

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Jerry L. McGuire, 62

Jerry L. McGuire, 62, a resident of rural Churubusco, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 4:19 a.m. at the family residence in Smith Township. Although he had been in failing health since October, his death was unexpected.
Mr. McGuire was born on March 15, 1948 in Wolf Lake, a son of Carl and Pauline (Weidman) McGuire. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1966, and was a lifelong resident of the Churubusco-area.
He had served with the U. S. Army National Guard, was a member of American Legion Post 82 in Fort Wayne, and had retired 12 years ago from General Electric in Fort Wayne after 35 years of employment there. In addition, he had been engaged in farming in Smith Township all of his life, and was an avid fisherman.
On July 17, 1980 he was married in Fort Wayne to Judy (Bodigon) Holzinger. She survives.
Also surviving is a son Stacy (Krista) Holzinger of Churubusco; three step-children Walter (Trish) Gratz of Huntertown, and Pam (Chuck) Voors and Linda Mobley, both of Fort Wayne; his parents Carl and Pauline McGuire of Churubusco; a sister Patricia McGuire of Churubusco; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son Chad J. McGuire on January 27, 2008.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Friday, January 21, 2011, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Greg Smith, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 3 to 8 p. m. on Thursday.
Interment will be in the Blue River Cemetery, Whitley County.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 2270 Lake Avenue, #200, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

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Betty Jean Krom, 81

Betty Jean Krom, 81, a resident of South Whitley, died at 10:10 p.m. Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City where she had been a resident since Friday.
She was born July 13, 1929 in Thorncreek Township, Whitley County a daughter of Manuel and Elma (Gaerte) Smith. Her formative years were spent in Thorncreek Township and she attended Thorncreek School.
She was first employed at Dana for 12 years and later Lyle Electric from 1980 until 1990.
Surviving relatives include a son, Rick (Marilyn) Krom of Albion; two daughters, Pamala (Stanley) Kistler of Pierceton and Connie (Stephen) Pressler of Columbia City; six grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters, Cherl Adkins, Dorothy Cleland, Ethel Holt, Edith Geyer and Ilean Hippensteel; and three brothers, Otto, Lewis and Franklin Smith.
There will be no visitation or service. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
Arrangements are being completed at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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Kristina L. Carpenter, 37

Kristina L. Carpenter, 37, of Columbia City, Ind., died at 1:49 p.m., Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

Born on May 31, 1973, she was the daughter of Glen E and Margaret M. (Carpenter) Scoles.
She received her GED and attended Kaplan College in Fort Wayne. A full time mother and grandmother, she enjoyed being with and taking care of her family. She also served in the Indiana National Guard. For the majority of her life she lived in Fort Wayne, moving to Columbia City in 2009. She actively attended New Hope Wesleyan Church, Columbia City.
Survivors include her mother, Margaret Scoles of Columbia City; daughters, Britnee (fiance, Michael Cameron) Ballard, Amber Billman and Kristlen Carpenter of Columbia City; son, Dustane Ballard of Columbia City; brothers, Gary Carpenter of San Antonio, TX and Paul (Bobbi) Carpenter of Knightstown, Ind.; and granddaughter, Kaylyn Cameron of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by her father, Glen E. Scoles.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind. Pastor Jason Tash of New Hope Wesleyan Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations in memory of Kristina be made to the final expense account c/o DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home or to the Carpenter Children. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Stephen L. Barton-Hunley, 23

Stephen L. Barton-Hunley, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died at 4:14 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011 at his residence in Fort Wayne.

Born on October 26, 1987 in Fort Wayne, Ind., he was the son of Sam L. Hunley and Barbara D. Brenneke.
A lifetime resident of Fort Wayne and Churubusco, he graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 2005. He was currently employed at Pit Stop Pizza in Churubusco where he worked in all capacities of the business. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Churubusco.
Survivors include his mother and step-father, Barbara and Chad Brenneke of Churubusco; father and step-mother, Sam and Nikki Hunley of Fort Wayne; grandmother, Caroline Barton of Fort Wayne; grandfather, Junior Hunley of Fort Wayne; grandparents, Jerry and Marsha Guiff of Churubusco; grandparents, Gene and Carol Bodle of Decatur, Ind.; grandparents, Bob and Karen Brenneke of Lexington, SC; grandfather, Harlan Winter of Berne, Ind.; brothers, Dominic Hunley, Nathan Naab and Noah Hunley all of Fort Wayne; sisters, Sofia (Sean) Hargrow of Phoenix, AZ, Danielle Hunley of San Diego, CA, Darci Brenneke of Albion, Ind., Haleigh Hunley of Fort Wayne, and Heather Brenneke of Churubusco.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Joseph Barton and paternal grandmother, Genitte Hunley.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 4p-8p at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Lane Burgland of Faith Lutheran Church officiating. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Stephen may be made to Faith Lutheran Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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John W. Whitt, 71

John W. Whitt, 71, of South Whitley, died at 7:27 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 at his home.
He was born October 5, 1939 in Prestonsburg, KY a son of Cecil and Rhoda (Elliott) Whitt. He spent his formative years in Prestonsburg and attended Prestonsburg High School. He served with the Kentucky National Guard.
On July 28, 1962, he was united in marriage to Janice C. Darley. They made their home in the South Whitley.
He spent his work career in the construction trade with D&C Construction, South Whitley.
His memberships include South Whitley United Methodist Church and South Whitley Lions Club. An avid Whitko sports fan, he assisted the football team as a spotter. Due to his prominent seat by the doorway at Whitko home basketball games, he earned the reputation as “Crowd Control.”
Surviving relatives include his wife of 48 years, Janice; two sons, Michael Whitt of South Whitley and Marvin (Sherry) Whitt of Huntington; a daughter, Amy (Trent) Szelis, Huntington; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; three half brothers, Elbert Sammons of Warsaw, Eddie Sammons and Columbus Sammons both of Prestonsburg, KY and two half sisters, Ottie Rice of Prestonsburg, KY and Joyce Tussey of David, KY.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Whitt; sister, Jo Anne Holbrook and a grand-daughter.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 W State Road 14 with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will also be from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
Preferred memorials are to Whitko Athletic Department.

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Ronald Hugh Hile, 81

Ronald Hugh Hile, 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 3:43 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at his residence.
Born November 4, 1929, he was the son of Harold B. and Ruth L. (Enyeart) Hile.

The majority of his lifetime was spent in Whitley County where he attended school. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. On July 14, 1949, he married Ada Belle Herron in an outdoor wedding at his parents' home. In 1980, he retired from Dana, Fort Wayne, with 30 years of service. His memberships included Tri-Lakes Baptist Church and the former Tri-Lakes Racing Association.
Survivors include a daughter, Rhonda Jane (Ron) Trahin of Columbia City; son, Ronald L. (Jamie) Hile of Cromwell; son-in-law, Jerry Ousley of Larwill; grandchildren, Christopher (Tiffany) Pressler of Conway, AR, Dean Pressler of Columbia City, Tara Kloss of Cromwell, Travis (Lindsay) Hile of Ligonier, and Taylor Hile of Cromwell; 10 great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Lucky.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Sue Ousley, granddaughter, Tanyan Elizabeth Hile and great-granddaughter, Lily Hile.
Visitation is Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 12 - 3 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. The funeral service will immediately follow calling at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Adams Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Hile to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Harold O. Fairchild, Sr., 74

Harold O. Fairchild, Sr., 74, widely acquainted area contractor and a resident of rural Columbia City, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6:07 p. m., at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had been a patient there since Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home.
Mr. Fairchild was born on November 15, 1936 in Huntington County, a son of Herbert R. and Myrtle L. (DeWitt) Fairchild. As a child he moved with his parents to rural Allen County. He spent his formative years there, and graduated from Jefferson Center High School in 1955.
On November 13, 1956 he was married in Roanoke to Adena Hyser. The couple lived in the Roanoke-area for a period before moving to their present farm home in Smith Township in 1966.
He had previously worked at Zolner Piston in Fort Wayne, and for two years worked along with his brother at Fairchild Custom Butchering. From 1974 to 1980 he was the co-owner and operator of Fairchild & Hyser Contractors, and was the owner and operator of H. O. Fairchild & Sons, Inc. for 19 years, retiring in 1999. In addition to his work as a contractor, he raised cattle, and was engaged in farming in Smith Township.
He was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco and the American Pinzgauer Association.
The surviving relatives include his wife Adena, to whom he was married for over 54 years; his children Harold “Jack” (Jeannine) Fairchild, Jr. of Churubusco, Pam (Kevin) Pequignot of Columbia City, Brian (Christine) Fairchild of Albion, Brenda (Tom) Brumbaugh of Columbia City, and Adam (Maria) Fairchild of Churubusco; a sister Wanita Gerig of Woodburn; five brothers Wayne Fairchild of Columbia City, Ronald (Pat) Fairchild of Bippus, John Shaw of Churubusco, William Shaw of Reidsville, NC, and Donald (Joan) Shaw of Mt. Airy, NC; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother Mae Fairchild; a sister Carolyn Gilgen; and by four brothers Robert Fairchild, Floyd Fairchild, William Fairchild, and Ray Shaw.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a. m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Tuesday from 1 to 4 and from 6 to 8 p. m. The Rosary will be recited at 8 p. m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Whitley County Community Foundation, 400 N. Whitley Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.

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Marsha Colleen Schinbeckler, 61

Marsha Colleen Schinbeckler, 61, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 12:48 pm Monday, January 10, 2011 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. Born on August 29, 1949 in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of Marshall C. and Gayle M. (Brumbaugh) Schinbeckler.

She is a lifetime resident of Columbia City and had lived 60 years at her present home. She graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1967 and received an Associate Degree from International Business College. She worked at Lincoln Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, retiring in 1991 after over 20 years of service. She also was an Avon Sales Representative for more than 30 years. During her career with Avon she earned the Honor Society, Mrs. Albee's Award for 24 years and from 2000-2009 she was awarded the Avon Rose Circle Award. She loved to collect Precious Moments.
Survivors include her mother, Gayle M. Schinbeckler of Columbia City; aunt, Carol Schinbeckler of Greenfield and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marshall C. Schinbeckler and brother, Michael Schinbeckler.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2011 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Ms. Schinbeckler's memory to Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Marjorie Madeline Krider Thompson, 88

Marjorie Madeline Krider Thompson, 88, formerly of South Whitley, died at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City.
She was born June 7, 1922 in Topeka, Kansas a daughter of Chauncey and Dessie (Anderson) Hurd. As a young child her family moved to Whitley County. She attended school in Larwill and graduated from Larwill High School.
On November 2, 1940 she was united in marriage to Max L. Krider, Sr. They made their home in Whitley County. Mr. Krider died December 23, 1977. On May 5, 1983 she was united in marriage to Donald F. Thompson. They made their home in Fort Wayne. After Mr. Thompson died on May 10. 1995, she moved to Decatur and then to South Whitley.
She was employed by the former 30 Club and from 1978 to 1983 she was a custodian at the Columbia City High School. Her memberships included Oak Grove Church of God.
Surviving relatives include a 4 sons, Stephen (Glenda) Krider, Sr., Altus, OK, Terry (Peggy) Krider, Decatur, Dennis (Diann) Krider, Loon Lake, and Max (Patricia) Krider, Jr., Columbia City; 13 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; a brother, William Hurd, South Whitley; and a sister, Maxine Judd, South Whitley.
In addition to her husbands she was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Stanley and Garland Hurd; a sister, Ilo Smith and one great great grandchild.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation or American Heart Association.

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Louise Hershey Daily, 87

Louise Hershey Daily, 87, of Columbia City, died at 6:25 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since September 2001.
She was born August 29, 1923 in Churubusco, Indiana a daughter of Dr. Ernest A. and Mary Elizabeth (Coldren) Hershey. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, she graduated from Churubusco High School and completed nurses training at St. Joseph Hospital.
A registered nurse, she worked at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne, J.I. Case in Churubusco, R.R. Donnelly & Sons, Columbia City Nursing Home and Miller’s Merry Manor.
In March 1970 she was united in marriage to George A. Daily. They made their home on Raber Road. Mr. Daily died February 11, 1987.
Surviving relatives include a son, George T. (Lisa) Gerdes of Columbia City; two daughters, Emily L. Munk of Churubusco and Mary E. (Don) Heit; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. Gordon Hershey and Dr. Ernest Hershey; and four sisters, Virginia Burris, Margaret Young, Martha Evelyn Hershey and Esther Frederick.
There will be no visitation or service. A private memorial service will be held at a later date at Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
Preferred memorials are to Whitley County Senior Citizens Center or Heartland Hospice.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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George Lewis Sitts, 67

George Lewis Sitts, 67, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born on June 9, 1943 in South Whitley, he was the son of Wayne and Irene Elizabeth (Salesman) Sitts.
He lived his entire lifetime in Whitley County and the past 2 years at his present home. He attended Warsaw schools. On November 28, 1963 he married Wanda Kay Brown in Columbia City. He was a retired diesel mechanic for Serv-All in Fort Wayne and enjoyed driving and building race cars and was an avid fisherman.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Kay Sitts of Columbia City; 2 sons, Charlie Wayne and Robert Lewis Sitts both of Columbia City; 1 daughter, Christina Joy (Kevin) Leckrone, Columbia City; sister, Opal Sitts of Columbia City; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Jennie Marie Gorski, sister, Faye Wood, granddaughter, Crystal Scott and brother, Franklin Sitts.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at the funeral home with David Swineheart officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Sitts's memory to his Final Expense Fund %DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Lois Eleanor Kissinger-Mossman, 97

Lois Eleanor Kissinger-Mossman, 97, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 9:35 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at her residence. Born on July 2, 1913 in Whitley County, Ind., she was the daughter of Orland James and Ada May (Nei) Hurd.
She was a lifetime resident of Whitley County and attended Whitley County Schools. She married her first husband Claude Earl Kissinger, May 1931 at Silver Lake, Ind. he passed away in 1941 and on November 2, 1948 she married her second husband, Harry O. Mossman who passed away in August 1964. She worked as a seamstress at Blue Bell, Columbia City for many years. She enjoyed music and played the piano and organ, loved animals, and was extremely well read, a progressive thinker, and had a great sense of humor.
Survivors include her 1 son, James R. (Julie) Kissinger of Columbia City; 3 daughters, Peggy L. (John) DeFeo of Hollister, MO; Maralee Martin of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Michele (Greg) Brockhaus of Columbia City; 14 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dorothy J. Bartrom; brother, Robert D. Hurd; first husband, Claude Earl Kissinger and second husband, Harry O. Mossman; and great-grandson, Jessie Nickell.
Visitation is from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN with memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Certified Funeral Celebrants Sharon Brockhaus, GSP, CFC and Eddie Beagles, CFSP, CFC will officiate. Burial will be private. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Mossman to the donor's choice of charity. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Taylor Lynn Creech, infant

Taylor Lynn Creech, 5 months-old, died on Monday, January 3, 2011 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City, Ind. She was born on July 28, 2010. A private burial was held at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial donations in Taylor's memory may be made to The Compassionate Friends of Columbia City, c/o DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, IN 46725.
Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home.
To send the family a condolence or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Austin L. Hodson, 89

Austin Lewis Hodson, 89, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Stringfellow Hospital in Anniston, Ala. while visiting family.

Born on April 10, 1921 in Whitley County, he was the son of Loren F. and Phylena (Brubaker) Hodson.
He has been a resident of Indiana his entire life and has spent the last several winters in Sebring, FL.
He graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1940. He served in the United States Army during World War II where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
On October 3, 1942, he married Burneida May Loutzenhiser at Evergreen Church of God in Jefferson Township.
He retired in 1982 after 42 years of service as a Pennsylvania, Amtrak and Conrail Railroads locomotive engineer. Since then, he has been associated with the Ridge Equipment Company, Sebring, FL, and also with Magnavox (now Hughes Aviation).
He is a member of the Columbia City First Church of God, American Legion Post #98 and Veterans of Foreign Wars #4300 of Sebring, FL.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Burneida May Hodson of Columbia City; daughter, Lynda Ruth (Joe) Aker of Anniston, Ala; son, Darrell (Charlene) Hodson of Columbia City; sister, Ruth McClain of Columbia City; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister who died at birth, and sisters, Althea Hollenkamp and Faye Wright.
Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, Ind. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 with calling one hour prior. Services will be at the funeral home with Pastor Johnny McCallister officiating. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Hodson to the Columbia City First Church of God. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Everett C. Targgart, 80

Everett C. Targgart, 80, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Miller's Merry Manor Inc., Columbia City, Ind. Born on July 13, 1930 in Noble County, Ind., he was the son of Dewey and Myrta (Winebrenner) Targgart.

He was raised in Noble County near Burr Oak and Merriam, Ind. After his marriage to Donna Holbrook on June 25, 1954 they moved to Columbia City for 2 years. In 1956 they moved to Noble County and lived there until 1969 when they moved back Columbia City and have lived there since. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1948. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and he received a Bronze Star for heroism in the Battle of Old Baldy. He worked for Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City from 1951-1966, then at Sinclair Oil Distribution for 4 years with his father-in-law. From 1970-1992 he worked at Dana Distribution in Churubusco and after his retirement in 1992 he worked for Columbia City High School, drove the Senior Citizen Van, worked as a janitor for Columbia City United Methodist Church and at Shindigz in South Whitley.
He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, American Legion, AARP and former member of the Eagles and Moose.
Survivors include his wife, Donna J. Targgart of Columbia City; daughter, Sharon (Kelly) Taulbee of Columbia City; son, Daniel (Anita) Targgart of Columbia City; 3 grandsons, Stephen (Tiffany) Taulbee, Jason Taulbee and Joel Targgart all of Columbia City; 1 great granddaughter, Mackenzie Taulbee. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Herschel Targgart.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 3, 2011 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Demoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, 4115 South U.S. 33, Merriam, IN. Memorials may be given in Mr. Targgart's memory to Columbia City United Methodist Church Prayer Room.

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Judith Diane Clark, 70

Judith Diane Clark, 70, of Columbia City, died at 9:40 p.m. Friday, December 31, 2010 at her home.
She was born January 27, 1940 in Council Bluffs, Iowa a daughter of Harwood Calvin and Helen Louise (Wood) McKain. Her formative years were spent in Council Bluffs, where she graduated from high school.
From 1959 until 1961 she served in the United States Navy.
In 1962 she married James Donald Clark. They made their home in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Clark died in 1980. She then moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida until 1984 when she moved to Houston, Texas. In October 2009 she moved to Columbia City to be with her son, Mark, and his family.
A medical transcriptionist, she worked for U T M B in Houston.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Scott D. Clark of Houston TX and Mark Daniel (Loris) Clark of Columbia City; four grandchildren; and a great grandson.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a step son, James Austin Clark.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Coach Room, 205 North Main Street, Columbia City. There will be no public visitation.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer's Association.

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Memorials

January 30, 2011

Betty Lou Boehme, 85

Elaine Marie Stanley, 82

January 26, 2011

Marie A. Diffendarfer, 84

January 24, 2011

Lucille B. Keck, 87

Lee J. "Joe" Perry, 87

January 21, 2011

Charles S. Hess, 88

January 20, 2011

William Walter "Bill" Moog, 84

January 19, 2011

Juanita V. Imler Yoder, 86

January 18, 2011

Sharon Kay Roberson, 61

Jerry L. McGuire, 62

Betty Jean Krom, 81

January 17, 2011

Kristina L. Carpenter, 37

Stephen L. Barton-Hunley, 23

January 16, 2011

John W. Whitt, 71

January 15, 2011

Ronald Hugh Hile, 81

Harold O. Fairchild, Sr., 74

January 13, 2011

Marsha Colleen Schinbeckler, 61

January 12, 2011

Marjorie Madeline Krider Thompson, 88

Louise Hershey Daily, 87

January 10, 2011

George Lewis Sitts, 67

January 08, 2011

Lois Eleanor Kissinger-Mossman, 97

January 06, 2011

Taylor Lynn Creech, infant

January 02, 2011

Austin L. Hodson, 89

Everett C. Targgart, 80

Judith Diane Clark, 70