Memorials

Suzanne Loe, 88, of Fort Wayne, died at 4:16 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2011 at her home.
She was born September 4, 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana a daughter of Joseph E. and Harriette C. (Levi) Schwarz. Her formative years were spent in New Orleans where she graduated from high school.
On September 22, 1942 she enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during World War II. She was honorably discharged July 20, 1945.
On May 19, 1945 she was united in marriage to Phillip C. Loe. They made their home in Glynn County, Georgia for two years before moving to Fort Wayne.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Phillip; two children, Karen A. Loe Shriver of Fort Wayne and Phillip Todd Loe of Milwaukee, WI; five grandchildren, Phillip Glen Loe, Oshkosh, WI, Ada Carol Loe, Milwaukee, WI, Johnathan and Erin Marie Shriver, Fort Wayne, Julia Zorger, Indianapolis; and 3 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Wells and Joel Lang.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The burial will be in Eberhard Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Habitat for Humanity.

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A.A. “Lon” Clark, 82, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 10:40 p.m., Thursday, February 17, 2011 at The Oaks, Columbia City.  
Born on April 7, 1928 in Rensselaer, Jasper County, Ind., he was the son of Roy E. and Dorothy M. (Johnson) Clark.
He served in the United States Army from 1946-1954, including World War II and the Korean War.  
In 1969 he moved to Whitley County, living there until 1975.  He then moved to Morgantown, Kentucky returning to Whitley County in 2007.  He attended Martinsville Schools, Martinsville, Ind.  
On February 9, 1954, he married Masayo “Debbie” Clark in Yokohama, Japan.  
He worked as a diesel mechanic for Mack Trucks, Inc. , service manager for Meek Mack, Inc.,  was the fleet owner of Clark Transport in Kentucky for 9 years, and then worked as an over the road truck driver until his retirement.  He is a life member of the VFW.
Survivors include his daughters, Melissa (Matt) Hile of Columbia City, Ind.; Marsha (Frankie) Dockery of Hebron, Kentucky; brother, John Clark of Indianapolis, Ind.; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Masayo “Debbie” Clark on February 10, 2008; son, Raymond E. Clark; and brothers, Lewis, Jim, Howard and Fred Clark.
At Mr. Clark's request there will be no visitation or service.    
Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, Ind.  

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Teresa Jo Trainer, 49, of Waterford, Mississippi and formerly of Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, died Thursday, February 17, 2011 from injuries sustained in a two vehicle accident west of Churubusco.
She was born October 25, 1961 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Bryce B. and Linda M. (Doan) Elkins Sr. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne and later Columbia City. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.
On August 25, 1984 she was united in marriage to Douglas M. Trainer. They made their home in Thorncreek Township until November 2009 when they moved to Waterford.
She was employed at Magnavox before her employment at Dana Corporation in Churubusco until transferring with Mahle in 2009 to Mississippi.
She was active with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Douglas; two children, Malynda (Isaac) Gibson of Seymour TN and Russell Trainer of Churubusco; three grandchildren, Camden & Chase Gibson and Jacob Trainer; her parents, Bryce & Linda Elkins of Columbia City; two brothers, Bryce B. (Patty) Elkins Jr. of Columbia City and Douglas (Nancy) Elkins of Ely, MN; and a sister, Michele (Chad) Baxter of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; a sister, Stephanie Elkins; and a nephew, Bryce B. Elkins III.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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Arthur L. Ramsey, 75, a resident of Blue Lake near Churubusco and well-known area businessman, passed away at 7:05 a. m. on Friday, February 18, 2011, at Kingston Care Center in Fort Wayne.  He had been in declining health for some time, and had entered the nursing home in January.
Mr. Ramsey was born in Fort Wayne on March 25, 1935, a son of Amos Edward and Hilda Erma (Gomoll) Ramsey, and spent his formative years there.  As a young man he served with the U. S. Navy, and was married on December 15, 1956 to Marilyn M. Myers.  The couple lived in Fort Wayne for a period until moving to Churubusco in 1966.
Along with his wife, he founded 3 Kings Flooring in Fort Wayne, and owned and operated the business from 1968 to 2005.
He was a member of the First Church of God in Columbia City.  In his leisure time he was an avid fisherman, and most importantly loved and cherished his family.
Mrs. Ramsey preceded him in death on April 29, 2007.
The surviving relatives include his children Monica (Kevin) Nichols of Churubusco, Mark A. (Denise) Ramsey of Collins, and Pam (George) Wirges and Todd (Sara) Ramsey, both of Churubusco; a brother Paul A. (Edna) Ramsey of Morristown, Fla; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother Max Edward Ramsey.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Monday, February 21, 2011, at the First Church of God in Columbia City with Pastor Jim Martin, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Sunday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Sidener Cemetery, LaGrange County.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6324 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN  46804

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Virginia Rose Wiseman, 82, of Columbia City, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 8:45 a.m. at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.  
Born on May 9, 1928 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Roland "Victor" Phend and Hazlette (Brubaker)  Ferguson.            
She lived in Columbia City and Larwill, until her marriage, then moved to Tippecanoe Township, Kosciusko County, then moving to Noble County and later in life moving back to Columbia City.  She graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1946. She worked with her mother at the "Dairy Bar" in North Webster and then worked for Group Dekko for 28 years at different locations.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxilary Post #253 in North Webster.   
Survivors include a son Charles Douglas (Vicky) Wiseman of Apple Valley, MN; 1 daughter, Rebeckah R. Wiseman of Pierceton and a son Jack  L. (Beesa) Wiseman of Pierceton; 10 grandchildren inlcuding Tami Miller, who was reared by her grandmother and in return Tami became her caregiver late in life; 7 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; 2 sisters, Patricia Reiff of Warsaw and Shirley Webber of Rockville, MD; 1 brother, Bill (Connie) Phend of Fort Wayne.  She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Teresa J. Plybon, sister, Phyllis Mitchell and great grandson, Logan Wiseman.
Visitation is from 2-7 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral serivce will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2011 at the funeral home with Reverend Marilyn Gebert officating.  Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Larwill. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given of Mrs. Wiseman's to The Beamon Home and Passages.  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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Deborah K. Killian, 54, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at her residence on Crooked Lake.  
Born on July 19, 1956 in Lebanon, Ind., she was the daughter of William E. Zollars and Ruth A. (Greeson) Remley.
She moved from Noble County to Columbia City in 1986.  She graduated from Central Noble High School with the Class of 1974.  She was a former Farm Bureau Insurance agent, worked at Dowell Insurance Company, and past owner of Auto Bath all of Columbia City.  She also worked at Ken Thompson construction and most recently was self employed as the owner of the Charterbust Company.  She was involved in the Big Sister Big Brother program since 1988.
Survivors include her daughter, Jodie (Randy) K. Jordan of Columbia City; son, Joshua (Dara) W. Moore of Columbia City; brother, Rick (Deb) D. Zollars of Ligioner, Ind.; sister, Beth (Wayne) A. Lewis of Wolcottville, Ind.; brother, Bill (Kathy) E. Zollars of Stanford, Mich.; father, William E. Zollars of Indianapolis, Ind.; step-father, Don Remley of Albion, Ind; and 6 grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Jarrett and Tucker Jordan and Jackson and Sydney Moore all of Columbia City. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth A. Remley.
Visitation with the family will take place on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 4p-7p at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Memorial service will be follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Joey Nelson of Stones Hill Community Church officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.  Memorials may be given in memory of Ms. Killian to the family.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  

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Leonard P. "Lenny" Williams, 77, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 8:25 p.m., Monday, February 14, 2011 at his residence.  
Born on June 16, 1933 in Clinton, Ohio, he was the son of Charles E. and Margaret E. (Carr) Williams.
He lived in Carrollton, Ohio until 1956 and Fort Wayne from 1956-1993 before moving to Columbia City.  He graduated from Clinton High School with the Class of 1951, Clinton, Ohio and attended Indiana Tech.  On June 22, 1954, he married Miriam L. "Mimi" Williams in Carrollton, Ohio.  He was employed at International Harvester, Fort Wayne (Navistar International) from 1956-1995 as a Legal Research Engineer.  He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #1906 where he served in many capacities including as Worthy President from 2002-2004 and 2005-2006.  He was a licensed pilot putting his skills to use in the Civil Air Patrol and was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen of Fort Wayne.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Miriam L. "Mimi" Williams of Columbia City; 1 daughter, Debra (Fred) Gray of Fort Wayne; 2 sons, Philip (Cathy) Williams of Arlington, WA and Timothy (Karen) Williams of Fort Wayne; brother, Robert S. Williams of Fort Wayne; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.  
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ivan E. Williams.
Visitation is 3-8 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.  Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor David Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.  Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Williams to Parkview Whitley Home Health and Hospice or the Columbia City United Methodist Church.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Mary Helen Dellinger, 72, of Columbia City, Ind. died on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 9:44 a.m. at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.  
Born on July 6, 1938 in Monroeville, Ind., she was the daughter of Paul L. and Angnes L. (Wagner) Gramelspacher.   
She was born and raised in Allen County moving to Adams County in 1954 and since 1968 she has been a Whitley County resident.  She attended Monroeville High School.  On October 30, 1954, she married Frederick Allen Dellinger in Bluffton, Ind.  She was a licensed cosmetologist since 1962, retiring in December of 2010.  She was a member of Columbia City Women of the Moose, Columbia City VFW Auxiliary, and she attended St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
Survivors include her sons, Frederick Randy (Debra) Dellinger of Columbia City, Donald Kevin (Rhonda) Dellinger of Columbia City, Russell Todd (Randy Bonewitz) Dellinger of Pierceton, Ind.; brother, Donald Gramelspacher of Fort Wayne, Ind.; step-sister, Rose Marie (Robert) Boardman of Holland, MI; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents;  husband, Frederick Allen Dellinger  on December 16, 2005; step-brother, Jerry Gramelspacher; granddaughters, Jennifer Lynn and Melissa Ann Dellinger; great-grandson, Ethan Joseph Dellinger; and twin great-grandsons.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, Ind. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at the funeral home with Father Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City, Ind.   Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Dellinger to the Disabled American Veterans.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Donna M. Bitting, 87, formerly of South Whitley, died at 7:39 a.m. Monday, February 14, 2011 at her home in Goshen.
She was born May 21, 1923 in Wabash County, Indiana a daughter of Walter V. and Cleo D. (Hite) Yentes. She attended school in Urbana and graduated from Laketon High School in 1941.
In 1951 she was united in marriage to Ralph Judy. They made their first home in North Manchester, moving to South Whitley in 1953. Mr. Judy died in 1966.
In 1967 she began working at Whitley County Memorial Hospital and in 1969 she moved to Columbia City.
On September 18, 1971 she was united in marriage to Dale O. Bitting. They made their home in Columbia City until October 1977 when they moved to Bradenton, Florida. Mr. Bitting died May 18, 2008.
In 2008 she moved to Goshen to live with her daughter and family.
She attended Zion Chapel in Goshen and was a member of Bayshore Covenant Church in Florida.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Denise (Richard) Butler of Goshen; two step daughters, Roxanne (William) Thomas of Columbia City and Brenda (Craig) Schrader of Coldwater MI; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harland Yentes and a sister, Helen Betty Yentes.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with visitation after Noontime on Saturday at the funeral home. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Zion Chapel.

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Doris E. Pittenger, 86, of Columbia City, died at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Miller's Merry Manor where she had been a resident since December 2006.
She was born January 13, 1925 in Huntington, a daughter of Charles M. and Julia (Yanko) Carroll. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne where she completed her education.
On November 16, 1941 she was united in marriage to Richard W. Pittenger. They made their home in Oakland, California moving to Lake Tahoe in 1955 until 1980 when they returned to Columbia City. Mr. Pittenger died in 1991.
During World War II, she worked in the ship yards in Berkley, co-managed with her husband the American Motel in San Leandro and later Pacifica Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. She retired from the Sahara Tahoe Casino.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Trudie (John) McLaughlin of Columbia City; two grandchildren, April Barasch and Erin Wahli; two great grandchildren, Meagan & Caleb Barasch; and two sisters, Evelyn Goodman of Kerrville TX and Marion (George) Bakle of Mesa AZ.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Richardia Carol Pittenger and a brother, Charles Carroll.
There will be no public visitation or service.
Arrangements are being completed at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association.

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Audrey I. Barker, 84, of South Whitley, died at 1:25 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2011 at Peabody Home, North Manchester where she had been a resident since November 2009.
She was born October 11, 1926 in Collamer, Indiana a daughter of Reed and Ida Irene (Ribett) Brower. Her formative years were spent in the Collamer area. She graduated from South Whitley High School.
On May 6, 1944 she was united in marriage to Lester Lewis Barker. They made their home on a farm northwest of South Whitley. Mr. Barker died June 4, 1994.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in South Whitley.
Surviving relatives include six children, Diane Prescott of Jacksonville FL, Raymond (Virginia) Barker of Syracuse, Sandra Byrd of Churubusco, Patricia (James) Schneider of North Manchester, Lester (Cindy) Barker of South Whitley, Kevin (Renee) Barker of Pierceton; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a great great granddaughter; a sister, Leola Williamson of South Whitley; and a brother, Harold Brower of Columbia City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Lucille LaRue, Mary Lou Keppler and Ruth Joan Combs; and two brothers, Richard Brower and Alvin Brower.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer’s Association.

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Robert K. "Bird" Derosett, 54, of Columbia City, died at 6:19 a.m. Monday, February 7, 2011 at his home.
He was born March 19, 1956 in Marion, Indiana a son of Atwell and Hazel Josephine (Todd) Derosett. His formative years were spent in Bluffton, Churubusco and Blue Lake areas. He completed his education at Churubusco High School.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Hazel Josephine "Jo" Hurt of Columbia City; two children, Sarah Derosett of Fort Wayne and Jeffrey Schutt of Indianapolis.
He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Priscilla Klingaman.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with the family receiving friends after 2 p.m. Friday.
Burial will take place at a later date at Keister Section of Scott Cemetery.

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Rose Marie Fry, 73, of Columbia City, passed away at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.  Born on January 4, 1938 in Huntington, she was the daughter of James W. and Christina E. (Baker) Lindsey.
She attended Huntington and Wolf Lake High Schools.  On April 22, 1955 she married Harold L. Fry in Huntington.  She lived in Noble County for over 40 years prior to moving to Columbia City in 2003. She was a homemaker, waitress at Tri Lakes Tavern and Restaurant for 7 years, Bondflex Rubber, for 7 years and Cromwell Products, for 5 years.  She was a former member of the Eagles Auxiliary #1906, Columbia City.
Survivors include her 3 sons, Len (Tami) Fry of Columbia City, Ed (Joannie) Fry of Larwill and Chad (Holly) Fry of Columbia City; 2 daughters, Toni Gomez of Columbia City and Deb Bidding of Kendallville; 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harold L. Fry, daughter, Pamela Tackett, brothers, Darwin D. and Williard D. Lindsey and sisters, Shirley A. Miller and Doris M. Pulley.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 3-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the funeral home with Certified Funeral Celebrant, Sharon Brockhaus officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.  Memorial gifts may be given in  Mrs. Fry's memory to donor's choice of charity or Americian Lung Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  

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Mildred D. Burns, 93, of Columbia City, died at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011 at The Oaks Living Center where she had been a resident since February 17, 2010.
She was born October 27, 1917 in Noble County, Indiana a daughter of Charles and Nora (Stover) Rigel. She was educated in the Green Center School and later Columbia Township School after her family moved to Whitley County.
On January 19, 1935 she was united in marriage to Robert E. Burns. They made their home in Union Township for a short time before moving to Thorncreek Township. In 1967 they moved into Columbia City. Mr. Burns died October 26, 1987.
A homemaker, she was employed at Blue Bell for a short time.
She was a member of West Point Trinity United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Viola (Tom) Macy of Columbia City; four grandchildren, Mark Macy, Kevin Macy, Brian Burns and Sharon Hendricks; nine great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and a sister, Verna Harrington of South Bend.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Lowell Gene Burns; two brothers, Harry Rigel and infant, Donald Rigel; and a sister, Marion Eby.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in the Keister Section of Scott Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to West Point Trinity United Methodist Church or Big Lake Church of God.

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Neva B. Writesel, 92, a native of Noble County and a former resident of Fort Wayne, passed away at 6:30 p. m. on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  She had been taken there from the Ashley Manor Care Center in Wheat Ridge, where she had resided for the past year.
Mrs. Writesel was born on June 1, 1918 in Swan Township in Noble County, a daughter of Lodie and Eva Ellen (Richards) Freeman, and spent her formative years in Green Township.
In 1950 she moved to Indianapolis, and for many years worked as a buyer and store manager for H. P. Wasson & Company in Indianapolis and Bloomington.
On November 14, 1970 she was married to Richard C. Writesel, and moved to Fort Wayne that year.  Since that time she had lived in this area until moving to the Denver, Colorado area over five years ago to be near her daughter.
The surviving relatives include her daughter Brenda (Edward) Combs of Lakewood, Col; two sisters Mary (James) Gerber of Garrett and Laura Shank of Churubusco; a brother Wilbur (Kay) Freeman of Marion; her grandsons Scott (Marie) Combs of Cleveland and Brent (Haley Strample) Combs of Denver; and a great-granddaughter Allison Combs of Cleveland.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on July 18, 1976.  Also deceased is a brother James Freeman; and two sisters Blanche Sible and Myrtle Nine.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Corinne K. Boruff, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Friday from 5 to 7 p. m.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.

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Marcia Grabill Sicard Adams, 75, of Fort Wayne, died on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital.
Born April 12, 1935 in Columbia City; she was the daughter of Merle and Esther (Manahan) Grabill. In her early childhood she lived for a time in Angola and later on the family farm near Flint, Indiana. After graduation from Orland High School with honors, she attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority and was active in The Literary Society.
She was married to Armand Sicard of Butler, Indiana, by whom she had one son, Gerard, who preceded her in death in 1993. Later she married Richard G. Adams. In addition to her parents and son, she was also preceded in death by a brother Gayle Grabill.
Her strong effervescent personality and positive approach to life enabled her to be a popular friend to many around the country and drove her to serve as a community leader.  Well organized, she was a member of many philanthropic groups including board level appointments to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Fort Wayne Ballet. Marcia was instrumental in the community fund drives that led to the building of the Fort Wayne Performing Arts Center and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
She received the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award the governor of Indiana can bestow upon a private citizen. She was also a member of the Indiana Arts Commission, the First Presbyterian Church, and the YWCA. She spent her later years at The Town House where she enjoyed developing perennial flower borders and landscaping projects on the grounds.
A nationally recognized American food historian, she wrote six popular prize-winning Amish and Midwestern style cookbooks published by Crown of New York. The books were then produced by her on Public Television at both WBGU-TV in Bowling Green and Maryland Public Television. The series aired in every Public Television network in the country, and she much appreciated her loyal fans. Later while waiting for a heart transplant she published two journals, Heart to Heart, and Heart Anew. Her experience with heart disease and a successful heart transplant was also produced as a Public Television documentary for which she received the renowned Telly Award. All of her PBS work was also shown around the world on the Armed Forces Network. She was also honored by the YWCA as a Hidden Heroine for her behind the scenes work to bring increased awareness to the issue of women’s heart disease.
Among her plethora of interests were collecting 20th Century Art, Works on Paper, and traveling extensively abroad, having visited all seven continents.
She is survived by her brother Gordon (Janet) Grabill of Angola, one grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
At the request of Ms. Adams, there will be a Celebration of Life memorial gathering of family and friends at a later date.  Interment in Lindenwood Cemetery will also occur at a later time with family and selected friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the YWCA of Northeast Indiana, 1610 Spy Run Ave., Fort Wayne, IN  46808; or the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN  46802.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.

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Bryce G. Fitch, 83, a former resident of Huntertown, passed away at 12:10 p. m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Life Care Center in Fort Wayne following an extended illness.
Mr. Fitch was born in Huntertown on March 27, 1927, a son of Maurice Keith and Lois Marie (Byerley) Fitch, and graduated from Huntertown High School in 1946.
A former employee of the Wayne Candy Company in Fort Wayne, he moved to Long Beach, California in 1974 and lived there for 20 years before returning to Allen County in 1994.  While living in Long Beach, he worked as a parking lot attendant at Doctor’s Hospital in Lakeland.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Noel Fitch in 1993.
The surviving relatives include his niece Nancy Fitch of Austin, Texas; and four nephews Miguel Cisneros of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Anthony Cisneros, Vincent Cisneros, and Richard Cisneros, all of La Habra, Calif.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a. m. on Monday, February 7, 2011, at the Huntertown Cemetery with Rev. Greg Hiatt, pastor of Huntertown United Methodist Church, officiating.  Interment will follow.
Friends may call at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday morning after 9:00 a. m.  The cortege will depart the funeral home for the cemetery at 9:30 a. m.

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Martha Lois Londt, 80, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away Monday, January 31, 2011 at 6:35 a.m. at Golden Years Retirement Home, Fort Wayne, Ind.  Born June 22, 1930 in Albion, Ind., she was the daughter of Ernest Cramer and Nora Mae (Richards) Ray.
As a young girl, she attended Larwill School and completed her GED. On December 16, 1978, she married Homer R. Londt in Columbia City.  She was a lifetime Whitley County resident until she moved to Allen County in 2008.  She worked as an inspector at Dana Weatherhead, Columbia City, where she retired with over 33 years service.  
Survivors include 2 daughters, Valarie Davis of Larwill and Sherry (Gary) Rogers of Albion; 5 brothers, Harold  (Amy) Cramer of Arcola, Robert Cramer of Auburn, Lewis (Betty) Cramer of Columbia City and Freeman Cramer of Alabama; 2 sisters, Evelyn Peoples of Columbia City and Dorothy Benton of Florida; 7 grand-children and 5 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Homer R. Londt, who died in 1995, a son, Eddie Wince, brother, Junior Cramer and sisters, Phyllis Monce and Addie Cramer.
Visitation is Wednesday, February 2, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.  Funeral service is Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas.  Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Londt to the American Cancer Society.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  

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