Memorials

Mable I. “Bunny” Herrick, 84, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at her daughter’s home at High Lake. She was born in Fort Wayne on October 1, 1926 to Earl and Lola (Hitchcock) Rabbitt.
She was raised in Indiana and graduated with the Class of 1944 from Rome City High School. Following her marriage to Virgil N. Herrick on January 27, 1944 they established their home in North Manchester. They moved to Colorado where she resided for 7 ½ years and from 1967 to 1995 they lived in Larwill, she moved from there to Columbia City following the death of her husband.  She has also lived in Fort Wayne, Wabash, Kendallville and Missouri.
She most recently worked at Wal-Mart as a greeter but she also served as a volunteer at Parkview Whitley Hospital where she served as president of the volunteers.  She was also a member of the Columbia City VFW Post 5582, serving as District and Post president.  Other volunteer positions included the Whitley County Literacy Council and the YMCA.
She is survived by 2 daughters, Carol Sue Smith of Chugwater, Wyoming and Sandra Louise Slone of Albion; 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Virgil on November 4, 1994; and brothers, Robert, Charles and Richard Rabbitt.
Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 from 9-11 a.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City.  Donations in memory of Mrs. Herrick can be made to the Whitley County Literacy Council or the VFW Children's Home.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:33 AM | Permalink

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Harvey L. Breaux, 70, of Columbia City, died from a Glioblastoma brain tumor Sunday, June 26, 2011 at his home.
He was born August 25, 1940 in Pierre Part, LA a son of Felix and Florence (LeBlanc) Breaux. He graduated from Assumption High School in Napoleonville in 1958.
On February 4, 1959 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Korea 1 year and 18 days. He was honorably discharged August 24, 1964.
On September 8, 1961 he married Marie C. Roberts in San Antonio, Texas. For 41 years they lived in Houston, Texas where he worked.
He was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church where he served as an usher and a member of the Mens Club.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 49 years, Marie; a son, Kenneth W. Breaux of Des Moines, Iowa; three sisters, Lydia (Juan) Lizarraga of Slidell LA, Lillian (Sam) Brooks of Houston TX and Livian Bourgeois of Napoleonville LA; and sister-in-law, Shirley Breaux of Westwego LA.
He was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Denise Renee Breaux; his parents; a brother, Alvin Breaux; and a brother-in-law, Robert Bourgeois.
There will be no public visitation or local service. A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part LA with burial to follow at the church cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or Humane Society of Whitley County.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:23 AM | Permalink

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Jo Ann Blake, 76, a resident of Fort Wayne past away at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 21, 1935 in Columbia City, IN a daughter of the late John and Jesse (Laukhart) DeBolt. Her formative years were spent in Whitley County and Ligonier. She graduated from North Side High School, Fort Wayne.
She worked in the hospitality and catering industry for over 35 years and retired from Hall’s in 2007.
Surviving relatives include four daughters, Lisa, Cheryl and Jonni Blake, Fort Wayne and Lynne Blake of Clearwater, FL; three granddaughters and four great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, John Blake, Jr.; six brothers, five sisters and John H. Blake.
A private burial will take place at South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City. There will be no visitation.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:21 AM | Permalink

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Frederick L. Collar, 85, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 8:48 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2011 from injuries sustained in a vehicular accident in White County, Ind.  Born November 12, 1925 in Defiance, Ohio he was the son of John and Ruth (Heil) Collar.
A lifetime Whitley County resident, he attended Churubusco High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  On September 5, 1948 he married Carolynn L. Bechtold at First Baptist Church in Columbia City.  A general farmer in Thorncreek Township, he also worked for Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne, where he retired with 30 years of service.  
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Carolynn L. Collar of Columbia City; son, Bryan (Sherrill) Collar of Columbia City; daughters, Diane (Robert) Johnson of Columbia City and Kim (Robert) Bunger of Albion; sister, Betty Counseller of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Frank (Connie) Collar of Fort Wayne, Richard Collar of Diamond Bar, Calif., Larry (Barb) Collar of Hamilton, Mont. and Norman (Linda) Collar of San Gabriel, Calif.; 7 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Roger Collar; sisters, Florence Gordon, Dorothy Fry, Helen Stute and Shirley Collar; a granddaughter, Christina Farber and great-granddaughter, Becca Farber.
Visitation is Monday, June 27, 2011 from 1-3 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, Ind.  Funeral service will follow visitation at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Arnold officiating.  Burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. In memory of Mr. Collar, memorials may be made to the donor's choice of charity or to the Columbia City VFW Post #5582.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:32 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

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Janelle D. Hess, 46, of South Whitley, died Monday, June 20, 2011.
She was born July 31, 1964 in Columbia City, Indiana a daughter of Harold M. and Yvonne D. (Overmeyer) King. Her formative years were spent in South Whitley. She graduated from Whitko High School.
Her memberships included St. John's Lutheran Church in Kendallville.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Taylor R. Hess and Kendell M. Hess, both of Avilla; parents, Harold & Yvonne King of South Whitley; a brother, Randall (Melanie) King of Wabash; and two sisters, Jeanne (Dave) Howell of Anderson and Lynette (Alan) Stultz of Columbia City.
There will be no public visitation or service. The burial will be held at a later date at South Whitley Cemetery.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:20 AM | Permalink

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Leonard L. Hoffert, 86, of Larwill, died at 1:40 a.m. Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Friday, June 10th.
He was born March 10, 1925 in Kosciusko County, Indiana a son of Joseph F. and Elsie M. (Foreman) Hoffert. His formative years were spent in Noble County. He attended Washington Center School in Noble County and completed his education at the Larwill School.
On July 28, 1963 he was united in marriage to Eileen C. Gault. They made their home in Larwill for a year before moving to the Hoffert farm northwest of Larwill. Mrs. Hoffert died July 1, 1987.
A farmer, he was a member of the Eagle's Lodge #1906 and formerly Larwill Lions Club.
Surviving relatives include a son, John Hoffert of Larwill; and a sister, Louise Cameron of Columbia City.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. The visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:20 AM | Permalink

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Lucille Maloney, 79, of Columbia City, Ind., died on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:10 a.m. at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.  Born on March 4, 1932, in Breathitt County, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Willie and Clara (Little) Young.
Her formative years were spent in Kentucky where she completed her education.  On September 30, 1949 she married Billy Gene Maloney in Kentucky.  After their marriage they relocated to Larwill, Ind.  She has been a Columbia City resident since 1989.  Besides being a wife and mother, she worked for Bond Flex Rubber for over 30 years, retiring in 1992.  She was an active member of Thorncreek Bethel Church for over 30 years, where she served as a song leader  for many years.  Her other interests included fishing, travel, gardening, and tending her flower beds.
Survivors include her son, Rev. Lannie (Ellen) Maloney; 3 grandchildren, Craig and Scott Maloney and Wendy (Jason) Kempf all of Columbia City;  great-grandchildren, Heath, Quentin and Andrea Maloney and Kennedy, Jaden and Gage Kempf; brother, Chester (Ladean) Young of Larwill; sister, Willa King of Columbia City; special friend, Jack Moore of Columbia City.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Billy Gene Maloney on August 18, 1988, granddaughter Tara Maloney, and 2 sisters, Alberta Clem and Olean Cassidy.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 10 am - 12 pm with funeral service to begin at 12 noon at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home,600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind.  Associate Pastor M.E. Burkett of Thorncreek Bethel Church to officiate. Burial will follow at Blue River Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials in Mrs. Maloney's memory may be made to Thorncreek Bethel Church.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:31 AM | Permalink

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Robert Eugene Fessenden, 62, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 2:33 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. Born June 1, 1949 in Oceanport, NJ he was the son of Bradley Merton and Loella Blanche (Pressler) Fessenden.
He lived in the Larwill and Columbia City areas. He graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1967 and attended college for one year. On May 27, 1969 he began working at Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne retiring as a group leader June 1, 2000.  He was a member of the VROC-Motorcycle Club.
Survivors include his son, Mark S. (Carol) Hicks of Columbia City; daughters, Rebecca G. Boggs and Beth D. (Bobby) Lang of both of Columbia City; step-sons, Jeff and Larry (Meg) Hicks both of Columbia City; 13 grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation is 12-2 p.m. with funeral service immediately following calling at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Pastor Russell Riley officiating. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.  Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Fessenden to the American Cancer Society.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:29 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

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Joe W. Yoder, 71, of Cape Coral, Florida, a retired Whitley County Consolidated School teacher, died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 after battling cancer for nine months.
He was born on October 8, 1939 in Columbia City, the only child of "Whitley County Educators", Harry T. and Hallie Z. White Yoder. His formative years were spent on the Yoder farm in Washington Township. He attended the Washington Center School and graduated from the Columbia City High School with the Class of 1957. He received his bachelors' degree from Manchester College in 1961, completed his masters' degree at St. Francis University and had additional degree work at I.P.F.W. University in Fort Wayne.
His first teaching position was at the Etna-Troy School, then Thorncreek Township School and for many years, he taught the fourth grade at the Marshall School and also the gifted and talented, retiring in 1995, completing thirty-three years.
On July 5, 1969, he was united in marriage to Dee Kreglow from Ohio, whom he met during his college days at Manchester. They made their first home at Wawasee Lake, moving to the Yoder family farm, South of Columbia City, after parents moved to town. Since 1996, they have made their home in Cape Coral.
He was always interested in the performing arts, produced and performed in summer stock theatre, was involved in writing the performance objectives in performing arts for the State of Indiana. He was a founding member of the Wawasee Playhouse, a member of The Sounds of Florida Chorus, performed in the Cape Coral Theatre Group and judged competition on the Stars of Tomorrow. He spent five years as an Arts and Crafts counselor at Camp Winnebago in Maine.
Joe always felt connected to his community especially his classmates of the C.C.H.S. Class of 1957 and using his writing ability and great sense of humor, published and mailed the Class of '57 Newsletters. He established the Yoder Memorial Art Scholarship which was awarded annually at the Columbia City High School with the art being placed on display at the Peabody Library.
Joe's family invites his friends, colleagues and former students to an informal Celebration of Joe's Life on Friday, June 24th at the Smith and Sons Coach Room, 205 North Main Street, Columbia City. The Celebration will be from 1 to 3 pm with a brief tribute at 2 pm.
Family members attending will be his wife, Dee; son, Michael Yoder and his wife, Lynn Hoffman of Green Bay, WS; a daughter, Shannon Berry and her husband, Richard of Salt Lake City, UT; and his three grandchildren, Jacob, Abigail and Elliott Berry will also be present to honor their Papa Joe's life.
Memorials may be made to the C.C.H.S. Alumni Association in care of the Whitley County Community Foundation.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:19 AM | Permalink

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Gearldine Z. Growcock, 95, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at her residence.  Born on November 20, 1915 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Jesse Benjamin and Lillie Francis (Prough) Zeigler.
She lived all of her life in the Whitley County area and spent 16 winters in Florida.  She attended Churubusco High School and on February 23, 1935 she married Albert C. Growcock in Columbia City, by Pastor Cecil R. Smith. She worked in the onion fields for 15 years helping her dad, from 1937-1950 she worked at the Blue Bell and from 1950-1978 she worked at Weatherhead, Columbia City retiring in 1978.  She was a member of the Church of the Brethern and later attended the First Baptist Church and lastly the Columbia City United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Weatherhead Pioneer Club, former member of the Moose and Eagles #1906 Auxiliaries and the Theo Widow's Club all in Columbia City.
Survivors include her 1 daughter, Linda (Jack) Walker and 1 son, Dean  A. (Sharon) Growcock both of Columbia City; 4 sisters, Martha Wappes, Ohio, Betty Crabill and Barbara Nicodemus both of Columbia City and Joy Follis of Fort Wayne; 2 brothers, Ralph (Delores) Zeigler of Collins and Allen E. (Jeannie) Zeigler of Churubusco; 4 grandchildren including Diana Harris, Christina Morgan, Heather Roehling and Penny Denison, 6 great grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Albert C. Growcock, 7 brothers, Clarence E., Jay W., Joseph B., Lee F., John H., Donnie O. and Marshall L. Zeigler and 1 sister, May Wappes.
Visitation is from 10-2 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with funeral service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus will be officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. To send condolences, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:28 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

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Taylor Marie McIntosh, age 17 months, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 4:40 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2011 at her home.  Born January 5, 2010 in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Jesse Eugene McIntosh and Brittany Nicole McConnehey.
Survivors include her parents of Columbia City; paternal grandparents, Alger (Shelley) McIntosh of Columbia City; maternal grandmother, Lu Ann McConnehey of Columbia City, maternal grandparents, Paul (Peggy) McConnehey of Columbia City; great-grandparents,  James E. (Carolyn) Beard, Willa Mae McIntosh, Phyllis J. Huntley and Paul S. McConnehey all of Columbia City; Deanna May of Travelers Rest, SC; aunts and uncles, Carolyn (Edwin) Ross and Michaela McIntosh both of Columbia City, Joshua T. McConnehey of Winter Haven, FL, Anita Egner, Angie Kaminski and Greg Kaminski all of Columbia City.  She was preceded in death by her great-grandfathers, Dale McClain and Eugene McIntosh.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 9-11 a.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Sam McMillen officiating. Burial will follow at Adams Cemetery. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:27 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

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Jean L. Stoner, 84, a resident of South Whitley died at 2:05 am Sunday, June 12, 2011 in the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
She was born on January 27, 1927 in Whitley County a daughter of George Harold and Velma M. Gale Kreider. She completed her education in the South Whitley High School.
Her first marriage was to Robert Karst and they spent their married life in Columbia City and South Whitley.
On January 27, 1950, she was united in marriage to Wade Stoner and they spent their married life in the South Whitley community. Mr. Stoner died on March 10, 2004.
She had been employed at the Ruth's Package Liquor Store for many years.
The surviving relatives include a son, Steve Karst, South Whitley; a grand daughter, Lisa Minnick, Fort Wayne and four great grandchildren, Matthew, Brittany, Devon and Anna Russell and a brother, Richard Kreider, Yucca Valley, California.
A graveside service will be held at 3 pm Thursday, June 16, 2011 in the South Whitley Cemetery with Nancy L. Zummack, Certified Life Celebrant, officiating. There will be no visitation.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:18 AM | Permalink

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Paul E. Wysong, 85, formerly of rural Noble County died at 12:10 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2011 at Harbour Assisted Living, Fort Wayne where he had been a resident for the last four years.
He was born June 27, 1925 at Luckey Hospital, Wolf Lake the son of the late Robert E. and Ruth (Gandy) Wysong. He spent his formative years in the Wolf Lake area and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1943.
On September 6, 1944 he entered the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theater receiving a Purple Heart. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged June 28, 1946.
On August 24, 1946, he was united in marriage to Mable J. Miller. Mrs. Wysong died June 21, 1983. On October 15, 1983, he was married to Gladys L. (Auer) Conrad. They made their home on a farm near Big Lake.
He was a life long grain farmer. Early in his career, he grew onions and mint. He was a former member of the Wolf Lake VFW and Columbia City Eagles.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys; two sons, Gregory (Karen) Wysong, Frankfort and Jeffery Lee (Andrea) Wysong, Columbia City; a step-daughter, Laura (Roger) McEntarfer, Columbia City; two step-sons, Duane (Martha) Conrad of Germany and Brian (Joy) Conrad, Columbia City; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ethan, Thad, and Bonnie Wysong; six step-grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Russell Earl Wysong, in 1987.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Johnny McCallister, senior pastor of First Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to ALS Association or Alzheimer’s Association.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:16 AM | Permalink

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James Alvin McGlocklin, 51, formerly of Wolf Lake passed away on November 20, 2010 in Denver, Colorado.
He was born April 28, 1959 in Elkhart, Indiana a son of Frances E. (Rarick) McGlocklin and the late James C. McGlocklin. He graduated from Central Noble High School.
In 1979, he entered the United State Air Force and served as a jet engine mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1983. His passions included working as a mechanic for race cars, drawing and tattooing.
Surviving relatives are his mother, Frances; a sister, Tammy M. Heileman, Albion; nephews, Thomas C. (Laura) Heileman, Albion and Guy W Heileman, Albion; two nieces, Faith I. Castaneda, Ligonier and Brandy (Gonzalo) Bocanegra, Goshen, several great nieces and nephews and a long time friend Rod (Sue) Dreiling of Thorton, CO.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a great nephew, Francisco J. Flores.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Wolf Lake Baptist Church, 1133 S Main St, Wolf Lake at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2011. The family will receive friends at the church at 2:00 p.m.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:17 AM | Permalink

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Cecil J. Harrison, 56, of rural Wolf Lake, died quietly at home surrounded by his loving family at 10:11 a.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011. He had been in failing health.
He was born July 26, 1954 in Columbia City the son of the late Cecil J. and Mildred (Hursey) Harrison. His formative years were spent in Thorncreek Twp and he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1972.
On March 16, 1996 he was united in marriage to Kathy L. Appleton.
Most recently he was employed by Randals Auto Store in Albion. Prior he worked at SCI, Ligonier and for 11 years in loss prevention for Wal-Mart, primarily in the Columbia City and Kendallville stores. He served as a reserve police officer for Ligonier for 11 years and a volunteer firefighter/first responder and board member of Thorncreek Township Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; two daughters, Carmen (W. Jess Yagel) Harrison , BearLake and Jessica (Jeremy) Alexander, Wolf Lake; a son, Jesse (Crystal) Harrison, Albion; eleven grandchildren; a sister, Shawnie (Bob) Harmon Foster, Columbia City and a brother, Shannon “Bud” (Kathy) Harrison, Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by two children, Christina Farber and Ben Ladig; a grandchild, Becca Farber; and four sisters, Malana Alvey, Karen Harrison, Debbie Harrison, Sherry Harrison.
In keeping with Mr. Harrison’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Memorials may be made to final funeral expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:14 AM | Permalink

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Olean Cassidy, 83, of Columbia City, died at 3:35 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on May 19th.
She was born January 19, 1928 in Breathitt County, Kentucky a daughter of Willie and Clara (Little) Young. Her formative years were spent in Kentucky where she completed her education.
On July 2, 1949 she was united in marriage to Allen C. Cassidy. Since 1956 they made their home on Ellsworth Street in Columbia City. Mr. Cassidy died July 30, 2000.
A homemaker, she worked at Ion Capacitor for seven years.
Her church membership was with Thorncreek Bethel Church of God.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Sandra Allen and two grandsons, Benjamin Knipstein and Michael Knipstein, all of Lubbock TX; a brother, Chester Young of Larwill; and two sisters, Willie King and Lucille Maloney, both of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Knipstein and a sister, Alberta Clem.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be made to Thorncreek Bethel Church of God.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:12 AM | Permalink

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