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July 26, 2011

Jack R. Hoag, 90

Jack R. Hoag, 90, a former resident of Yakima, Washington, died at 6:10 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2011 at Markle Health and Rehabilitation where he had been a resident since June 2010.
He was born on November 14, 1920 in Sidney, Iowa a son of Otto and Bernice (Sepka) Hoag.
He was a former jailer for the Seattle Police Department, Seattle, Washington.
Surviving relatives include a son, Jerry Hoag, Columbia City and a daughter, Jacqueline (Dan) Williamson, Columbia City.
In keeping with Mr.Hoag's wishes, there will be no visitation or service.
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Jerry L. Holloway, 70

Jerry L. Holloway, 70, of Columbia City, died at 2:15 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2011 at Miller's Merry Manor where he had been a resident for the past two weeks.
He was born on March 27, 1941 in Portland, IN a son of the late John D. and Lucy D. (Powers) Holloway. In 1947 the family moved to Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1959.
On October 5, 1963 he was united in marriage to Sonja S. Alford. They made their home in Columbia City.
He started his work career with Thomson's Whitley County Motor Sales where he became the parts manager with service of 26 years. In 1982, he became a Deputy Sheriff for the Whitley County Sheriff's Department serving five years. He was the owner and operator of Holloway Lawn Service retiring in 2004 after 23 years in the business.
A street rod enthusiast and owner, he was a member of the National Street Rod Association (NSRA).
He is survived by his wife, Sonja and a sister, Dixie Bertolet of Columbia City.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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July 22, 2011

D'Maris Belvetta Grant, 97

D'Maris Belvetta Grant, 97, was born D’Maris Palmer, a daughter of Zelma (Hile) and James Palmer on February 2, 1914 in Pierceton, Indiana. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1932 and obtained her teaching degree from Indiana University where she belonged to the Delta Gamma sorority, was an Honorary Colonel of the ROTC and a member of the Pleiades.
Upon returning to Columbia City, she taught second and third grade children at the McClellan and West Ward Schools. On May 28, 1938, she married Dr. Lowell Judson Grant (a dentist). The couple lived at 311 North Main Street until 1941 when they moved to 319 North Main Street. Then in 1948, they built their home on Crooked Lake. Lowell died on March 20, 1975 and by 1983, D’Maris had moved to 13 Linda Lane in Columbia City where she resided until failing health required a move first to Oak Pointe Assisted Living in February 2004 and then in July 2010 to the Miller’s Merry Manor in Culver, Indiana.
Many years were spent in the service of Delta Theta Tau philanthropic sorority. Indeed, she became National President of the organization in 1953 and served for ten years more on the National Council. Some of our most memorable family vacations were spent in attendance at “Delt Conventions.”
D’Maris also did volunteer work for the Cancer Society and the Mental Health Association. She served six years on the Whitley County Memorial Hospital Volunteer Board of Directors; another six years she was Legislative Chairman for the Northeast Indiana Hospital Volunteer Association and she worked for the Whitley County Red Cross; the Grey Lady Service; tutored the Lauback Association; and served two terms on the Grace Lutheran Church Council. As a Licensed parliamentarian, she served as President of the North Indiana Unit Bridge Board and the District 8 Board and she was a Life-Master Contract Bridge player. She was past president of the Retired Teacher’s Association
Lowell and D’Maris had two sons, Dr. James L. (married to Connie Keppler and currently residing in Culver, Indiana) and Dr. John P. Grant (married to Lucy Langohr and currently residing in Durham, North Carolina). There are five grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Dorothea Tricker, in North Carolina and Frances Williams in Arkansas.
The funeral service will be held at 2 pm Sunday, July 24, 2011 in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with the Rev. Gene Kinney, officiating. The burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 5 pm Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church.
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July 16, 2011

Marilyn M. Heidenreich Murphy, 82

Marilyn M. Heidenreich Murphy, 82, of Columbia City, died at 3:23 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on July 7th.
She was born August 4, 1928 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Kenneth E. and Mary A. (Mathias) Magley. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1946.
An executive secretary, she was employed at Weatherhead, Bowmar Instruments, Magnavox and retired from National Business Systems.
Marilyn lovingly used her sewing and knitting skills to create gifts and treasures, including four wedding dresses and many Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls. She gladly shared her love of music with her family and loved playing for an impromptu piano or organ sing-a-long.
Surviving relatives include four children, Ret. Maj. Tim (Floy) Heidenreich of Indianapolis, Kathy (Kenneth) Bills of Columbia City, Carol (Rick) Westenfeld of Fort Wayne and Todd (Jeannie) Heidenreich of Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; her former husband, Gene Heidenreich of Leesburg; and a sister, Evelyn Duffield of Kingsport TN.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Thomas Heidenreich; and a brother, Dean Magley.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation one hour prior. The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home or Lighthouse Homeless Shelter.
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July 15, 2011

Ruth C. McClain, 92

Ruth C. McClain, 92, of Columbia City, died at 8:35 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Allen Bower, with whom she had been staying with.
She was born August 18, 1918 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Loren Frank and Philena Isabel (Brubaker) Hodson. Her formative years were spent in Columbia Township. She graduated from Coesse High School and completed her nurses training at Washington Blvd. Hospital in Chicago.
A registered nurse, she worked at the Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago until 1948 when she began her employment at Linvill Hospital until 1969. She was then employed at Whitley County Memorial Hospital and later Columbia City Nursing Home.
On August 12, 1953 she was united in marriage to Paul M. McClain. They always made their home in Columbia City, moving to their home on Walnut Street in October 1953. Mr. McClain died September 2, 1975.
She was a member of New Life Bible Church, Philomathean Club, Whitley County Town & Country Extension Club, Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star #65, Silver Striders, Theo Club, AARP, a former 4-H Leader, a former Girl Scout Leader, President of United Way in 1984 and a former board member of United Way.
Surviving relatives include two children, Mary (Allen) Bower of Columbia City and Alan McClain of Scottsdale AZ; six grandchildren, Andee Bower, Melissa Williams, Monica Foland, Adam Bower, Joshua McClain and Laura DeVeer; and 12 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth Loretta Griffin; two sisters, Althea Holencamp and Faye Wright; and a brother, Austin Hodson.
The memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30th at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be at South Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 10 a.m. Saturday.
Preferred memorials are to the donor's favorite charity.
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July 12, 2011

Donnabelle “Johnnie” Taylor, 83

Donnabelle “Johnnie” Taylor, 83, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana.
She was born on June 6, 1928 in Fort Wayne and she was the daughter of Charles Peter and Lyda Belle (Harrison) Wagner.
She graduated from  Arcola High School with the Class of 1946 and was lifetime resident of Allen County. She married Laurel E. Taylor on September 26, 1953. She worked as an Executive Secretary at General Electric, Fort Wayne from 1946-1954, however, she was best known as a wonderful wife and mother. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Laurel E. Taylor, Fort Wayne, Gregory E. (Cindy) Taylor of Pierceton and Vance (Rhonda Ferry) Taylor of Orlando, FL, one sister in law, LeEtta Wagner, Columbia City and one brother in law, Robert Selzer, Fort Wayne, 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, children Brian and Bradley Dean Taylor, 2 sisters, Carol Selzer and Mildred “Millie” Mullendore and 1 brother, Laverne Wagner.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 from 10-2:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with funeral service following at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.   Burial will follow at Jefferson Chapel Cemetery. Memorials gifts may be given in Mrs. Taylor’s memory to the donor’s choice of charity.
To send condolences to the family or to sign the guest register book, please log onto www.demoneygrimes.com
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Natalie E. Estlick, 93

Natalie E. Estlick, 93, a former resident of Columbia City, died Sunday, July 10, 2011 in Smyrna, Georgia.
She was born November 7, 1917 in Larwill, Indiana a daughter of Earl and Naomi (Flickinger) Hoover. At the age of one, her family moved to Thorncreek Township where she attended the Hoop (one room) School. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1935.
On February 25, 1940 she was united in marriage to Robert Briggs Estlick. They made their home in Columbia City until 1984 when they moved to Dunnellon, Florida, often returning for the summer to Barbee Lake. In 2001 they moved to Atlanta, Georgia.
After high school she was employed at the Bump and Ferry Insurance Agency, and during the World War II operated the Estlick Insurance Agency while her husband, Robert, was serving in the U.S. Navy.
A former member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, she was a current member of East Cobb United Methodist Church in Marietta, Georgia. She was also a member of Delta Theta Tau for many years and its alumni chapter.
In 1974, along with her sister, Joann Williams, they incorporated Beetle Creations Inc., a high-end handicraft handbag and clothing company. They sold their products at craft shows and by mail-order throughout the United States. The combined creativity of the sisters, their enthusiasm for their work and opportunity recognition brought not only success but camaraderie that gave both of them lasting memories.
Mrs. Estlick also enjoyed pike fishing with her husband at the family cottage on Coldwater Lake in Michigan. Family reunions would find her coordinating the large meals for the faithful and hungry gathering. Several times in her later years, as well as in her last months, she would be consulted on the proper cooking of many of the family favorites, especially morel mushrooms.
Surviving relatives include her three children Karen (Tom) Sangillo of Columbia City, Tyron (Mary) Estlick of Edina MN and Tamara (Michael) Guilday of Atlanta GA; seven grandchildren, Mark Rigg, Kristin Rigg, Daniel Estlick, David Estlick, Peter Estlick, Michael Guilday and Laura Guilday; five great grandchildren, Andrew, Simon and Maren Ronald, Paul and Mary Estlick Rigg; and a sister, Joann Williams of Columbia City.
Her husband of 70 years preceded her in death December 1, 2010.
The legacy that she leaves is one of wisdom, grace and empathy for others. Her sage advice and counsel to her children and grandchildren over the years and strength and approach she demonstrated in overcoming some of life’s obstacles have and will continue to generate positive impacts on all who knew her.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Peabody Public Library.
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July 10, 2011

Shirley A. Dear, 75

Shirley A. Dear, 75, of Columbia City passed away at 7:49 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born on April 24, 1936 in Whitley County, the daughter of Eldrige V. and Turah M. (Leininger) Brockup.
She attended Columbia City High School and worked at Chamberlin Products, South Whitley, Weatherhead, Ion Capacitor, Inc. and Alcoils all of Columbia City, however, she was best known as a great homemaker. She was married on January 13, 1953 in Etna Green to John Junior Dear.
She is survived by 5 children, Kevin L Dear, Columbia City, Brian J. Dear, Fort Wayne, Juni K. (Brad) Krontz, Albion, Connie S. (Ed) Sims, South Whitley and Lisa A. (Steve) Burton, Columbia City. 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and one sister, Sharon L. Vonholdt of Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Gary A. Dear and brother, Elwood Brockup.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Tash officiating. Committal service and burial will immediately follow at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.  To leave a condolence or view her obituary, please log onto www.demoneygrimes.com
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Robert Lee "Bob" Gordon, 85

Robert Lee "Bob" Gordon, 85, of Larwill, was taken to be with his Lord at 11:35 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born April 25, 1926 in Whitley County, Indiana a son of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Carter) Gordon. His formative years were spent on a farm in the Collins area. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1944.
On December 22, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a medic during World War II. He was honorably discharged November 2, 1945.
Following his retirement from Dana, he drove truck. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle.
He was a member of Harvest Community Church in Pierceton, Columbia City Lions Club, Larwill Lions Club and American Legion Post #178 in Garrett.
Surviving relatives include three children, Lauise (Gil) Hoagland of Wichita KS, Jerry (Jackie) Gordon of Albion and June (Rod) Gregory of Milton KS; eight grandchildren; four brothers, Ronald Gordon of Fremont, David Gordon of Columbia City, Allen Gordon of Kimmell and Thomas Gordon of Australia; and his special friend, Jonnie Fisher.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; a sister, Carolyn Morrison; and a brother, Lowell Gordon.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Harvest Community Church Building Fund.
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Dr. Richard L. Minear, 84

Dr. Richard L. Minear, 84, of Columbia City, died at 5:45 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011 at Miller's Merry Manor where he had been a resident since March 2010.
He was born April 16, 1927 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Ralph R. and Minnie K. (Mantz) Minear. He spent his lifetime in Columbia City, graduating from Columbia City High School. He then graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis.
During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
On June 26, 1949 he was united in marriage to Lois M. Braun.
In 1952 he joined his father in the family dentistry business. Following his father's death in 1983, he continued the practice until his retirement in 1989.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #98, Columbia City Lodge #189 Free & Accepted Masons, Board Member of Whitley County Board of Health many years serving as President several of those years, and delivered Meals on Wheels for over seven years.
Surviving relatives include two children, Gary L. (Cindy) Minear and Janet L. Minear, both of Tri Lakes; four grandchildren, Brad Minear, Danielle Minear Genth, T.J. Minear and Devin Minear; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Ardeth Frank of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his wife on March 13, 2004 and an infant sister.
The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The burial will be at a later date at Greenhill Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Whitley County Community Foundation.
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July 08, 2011

Martha K. Shaffer, 86

Martha K. Shaffer, 86, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:02 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011 at The Oaks, Columbia City, IN. 
Born January 25, 1925 in New York City, NY she was the daughter of Ellsworth G. and Florence (Harris) Samo.
She attended Walton High School, New York City, NY.  On February 28, 1947 she married James N. Shaffer in Towson, MD.  In 1947, she moved to Rochelle Park, NJ where her 5 children were born.  Between 1963 and 1971, she lived in Ramsey, NJ, Verona, NY, Bettendorf, IA and Pittsburgh, PA.  She worked her adult life as a devoted housewife and loving mother.
Survivors include her children, James (Judy) Shaffer of Summerfield, FL, Kathy (Dr.Gary) Trout of Mifflintown, PA, Robert (Kimberly) Shaffer of Herbison, MI, Kim Shaffer and Dawn (Alan) Ramsey both of Columbia City;  7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James N. Shaffer Sr.
Visitation is Monday, July 11, 2011 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following calling at 1 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  Pastor Gene Rohrer officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.  Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Shaffer to Midwest Assistance Guide Dogs or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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Robert D. Poffenberger, 58

Robert D. Poffenberger, 58, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, July 7, 2011 at his home. He had been in failing health.
He was born June 18, 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Robert E. and Lenore M. (Varner) Poffenberger. With the exception of four years in Ligonier, he spent his formative years in Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1971 and continued his education at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
He was employed at Monsanto for six years and Food Marketing Corp. for over 25 years.
His memberships included Teamsters #414 and the Board of Directors of Food Marketing Credit Union.
Surviving relatives include a brother, Alfred Poffenberger of Fort Wayne; and three sisters, Mary Ann Briggs of Dayton OH, Nancy Rosenberg of Colorado and Margie Hollenbaugh of Columbia City.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Loraine.
The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to American Cancer Society.
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July 06, 2011

Sandra S. Sauers, 57

Sandra S. Sauers, 57, of Columbia City, died at 2:32 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday, June 30th.
She was born January 20, 1954 in Columbia City, Indiana a daughter of Foy F. and Ruth R. (Witmer) Sauers. Her formative years were spent in Larwill. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.
She made her home at Knapp Lake and Pierceton before returning to Columbia City in 1990.
She was employed at Alcoils, retiring from Colfax with over 20 years of service.
Her memberships included Lakota Chapter of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana.
Surviving relatives include her mother, Ruth; a brother, Steven Sauers of Larwill; two nephews and two nieces, Sie Sauers, Sara Sauers, Scot Sauers and Sheila Sauers.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to National Kidney Foundation.
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Harold E. Snyder, 84

Harold E. Snyder, 84, of Dayton, Ohio died on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at the VA Medical Center in Dayton.  He was born on June 22, 1927 to Otis D.E. and Rosa I. (Ebersole) Snyder in Columbia City.
He graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1945.  He then joined the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict from 1945-1947.  He was the owner and operator of the Standard Gas Station located at Lincolnway and SR 5.  He also was a general farmer.  Born and raised in Indiana he has made Ohio his home for the last 20 years.
Survivors include his daughter, Karen (Chuck) Bandelier of Columbia City, sons, Carl Snyder of Nappanee, Ind. and John (Patricia) Snyder of Antwerp, Ohio, and daughter, Brenda (Denny) McCormick of Bourbon, Ind.; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City.  A memorial service will follow visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Jamie Stiffler of Warsaw Missionary Church officiating.  Burial will be at a later date at South Park Cemetery, Columbia City.  Memorials in memory of Harold can be made to the donor's choice of charity.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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July 05, 2011

Tyler A. Andreas, 17

Tyler A. Andreas, 17, of Columbia City, Ind., died suddenly on Sunday, July 3, 2011 due to a previously unknown heart condition.  He was born on October 18, 1993 to William and Michele Andreas.
He had just completed his junior year at Columbia City High School where he was an active student playing on the football team as a corner back and wide receiver, running track, he served as treasurer for both the Key Club and the National Honor Society. He was an academic tutor and loved his community and served as a volunteer for many various charitable events.
He is survived by his father, William Andreas; mother, Michele Andreas; brothers, Josh and Austin Andreas; maternal grandparents, Chris (Ellen) Winther; paternal grandparents, Al (Ginnie) Andreas; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary "Oma" Winther and aunt, Renee Oswalt.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and then from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City.  A prayer vigil will be held at 8:00 p.m. the night of visitation.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line Street, Columbia City with Fr. Larry Kramer officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery, Columbia City.  Memorials in memory of Tyler can be made to CCHS Football Boosters or Riley’s Hospital for Children.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Those unable to attend calling or the funeral service in person, may mail memorials to DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.
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July 04, 2011

Mildred A. Becker, 82

Mildred A. Becker, 82, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died at 10:40 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne.  She was born on August 30, 1928 to the late Daniel and Loutish (King) Ross.
She was born and raised in Kentucky, moving to Allen County, Ind. in 1946.  On January 10, 1948 she married Carl E. Becker at St. Paul Catholic Church.  She worked at various restaurants in Fort Wayne and from 1971-1983 she worked at United Technology in Columbia City.  She was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Carl E. Becker of Fort Wayne; daughter, Betty Nitz of Enis, Texas; sons, Ronald (Alice) Becker of Atlanta, Ga., Nicholas (Ginger) Becker of Kansas City, Mo., Michael (Debra) Becker of Atlanta, Ga., Timothy (Patricia) Becker and Edward (Mary) Becker both of Fort Wayne;  sisters, Mary Sanders of Florida and Eunice (Tom) Hornkohl of Trinidad, Colo.; brother, Paul (Barbara) Ross of Fort Wayne; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Milford and Joe Ross; sisters, Mattie Sheets, Golden Mattix, Melissa Chester, Elsi Maggert, Lou Bittile, and Ruby Lenise.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011 from 4p-8p at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind., with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 12305 Arcola Rd., Fort Wayne (Arcola), Ind. with Fr. Alex Dodrai officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Arcola.  Donations in memory of Mrs. Becker may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church for Masses.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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July 02, 2011

Pauline M. Dreyer, 88

Pauline M. Dreyer, 88, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away at 7:49 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne.  Born on October 12, 1922 in Washington Township, Ind., she was the daughter of Carl S. and Minnie E. (Hunziker) Dreyer.           
She was born, raised and lived her life in Washington Township, Whitley County until moving to Fort Wayne in 1974 following the death of her mother.  Pauline graduated from Washington Center High School, Whitley County.  She has been a resident of Lutheran Life Villages for 37 years where she was an active member of the choir.  Other memberships include St. John's Lutheran Church, Columbia City.
She is survived by her nephew, Steven C. (Hazel) Walker of Indianapolis, Ind.   She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Josephine Walker.
Visitation will take place at Memorial Chapel on the campus of Lutheran Life Villages, 6701 S. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, Ind., on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Chaplains David Griebel and Roger Olson of Lutheran Life Villages will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Columbia City.  Memorials may be given in memory of Ms. Dreyer to St, John’s Lutheran Church.  Envelopes will be available at visitation.  Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.
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July 01, 2011

James Daniel Heinbaugh, 51

James Daniel Heinbaugh, 51, of Lafayette, died at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at his home.
He was born December 9, 1959 in Belvidere, Illinois a son of William Dale and Sharyl (Kerlin) Heinbaugh. His formative years were spent in Central Illinois. He graduated from Mattoon High School.
He served two terms in the United States Army, serving during the Gulf War. He was honorably discharged June 3, 1992.
Since 1996 he has been employed at ALCOA in Lafayette.
On August 31, 2001 he was united in marriage to Maria Tourza.
His memberships include American Legion Post #11 and Steel Workers Local Union #115.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Anna Maria; his father and step mother, Rev. William and Pat Heinbaugh of Columbia City; four brothers, Stephen (Marcie) Heinbaugh of Neoga IL, Timothy (Barb) Heinbaugh of Wabash, Mark (Linda) Heinbaugh of Highland IL and Rev. Michael (Kristine) Heinbaugh of Fort Wayne; and three sisters, Kathy (Greg) Nolke of Trenton MO, Nancy (Lionel) Sanders of Windsor IL and Larissa (Trey) West of Katy TX.
His mother preceded him in death.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 3rd at American Legion Post #11, 1801 S. 9th Street, Lafayette. The graveside service will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, July 16th at Keister Section of Scott Cemetery, north of Columbia City with military honors presented.
Preferred memorials are to Save the Children.
Arrangements are entrusted to Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
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Richard Ira Ramp, 89

Richard Ira Ramp, 89, a resident of Columbia City, died at 12:30 pm Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in the Miller's Merry Manor.
He was born on March 12, 1922 in Columbia City, a son of Ira and Eva Johnson Ramp. He attended the Coesse and McClellan Grade Schools and graduated from the Columbia City High School in 1940. He was first employed at the Columbia Woolen Mill until February 1942 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a top turret gunner on a B-24 bomber stationed in England. Followng his discharge from military duty, he returned to his employment at the Columbia Woolen Mill until it closed in 1953. Then he worked at the Anderson-Shroyer Tractor Sales for eleven years and retired in August 1984 with twenty three years of service as a clerk with the U.S. Post Office in Columbia City.
On March 10, 1944, he was married in Oklahoma City to Viola Anne Binder and with the exception of six years spent in Florida following their retirement, they have always made their home in Columbia City.
He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, the Whitley County Historical Society, past president of the society, the Columbia City American Legion Post 98 and a former member of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star.
The surviving relatives include his wife, Viola; a daughter, Paula (Doug) Sorrell, Fort Wayne, a grandson, Joseph James Heintzelman; a brother, William Ramp, Fort Wayne and a sister, Nancy Stamper, Venice, Florida.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Craig Allan Heintzelman; two brothers, Donald and George Jack Ramp and three sisters, Hilda Ramp, Eloise Duncan and Martha Blessing.
The funeral service will be held at 2 pm Saturday in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with the Rev. Joyce Gerwing, officiating. Burial will follow in the South Park Cemetery with the Whitley County Korean War Veterans presenting the military honors. Visitation will be two hours before the service.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry.
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