Memorials: August 2011 Archives

Thelma E. Reed Veitch, 95

Thelma E. Reed Veitch, 95, formerly of Big Lake, died at 9:04 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2011 at Dupont Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was admitted the day before.
She was born January 6, 1916 in Noble County, Indiana a daughter of Samuel Delbert and Lola A. (Wilkerson) Paulus. Her formative years were spent in Noble County. She graduated from Wolf Lake High School.
She worked at Blue Bell, Grant's Warehouse in Fort Wayne and assisted at Reed's Shoe Store. Following her graduation from Fort Wayne Beauty College in 1967, she worked for Evelyn Street until 1978.
On August 15, 1935 she married Harry A. Reed. They made their home in Columbia City until 1947 when they moved to Big Lake. Mr. Reed died April 15, 1980. In the Fall of 1980, Thelma moved to Florida.
On June 3, 1982 she married Glenn L. Veitch. They made their home in Ellenton, Florida. Mr. Veitch died July 11, 2001. Thelma returned to Indiana in 2003.
Her memberships included Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star #65 and Palm View Baptist Church in Palmetto, Florida.
Surviving relatives include three sons, Richard A. (Nell) Reed of St. Petersburg FL, Roger Lee (De) Reed of Huntertown and Thomas R. (Donna) Reed of Harper Lake; two daughters, Paula Jane (Jay) Ridings of Cromwell and Rita Mary Reed of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by two grandsons; four brothers, Lawrence B. Paulus, Jay W. Paulus, Leon V. Paulus and Russell W. Paulus; and two sister, Helen Hickman and Evangeline Baker.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:09 PM | Permalink

Hazel Marie Rathbun, 101

Hazel Marie Rathbun, 101, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 7:25 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2011 at The Oaks, Columbia City.

Born on October 5, 1909 in Thorncreek Township, Ind., she was the daughter of Frank and Desta Fidela (Ummel) Kneller. She was educated in the public schools of Thorncreek Township and Columbia City. On April 28, 1928 she married J. Lewis Rathbun south of Collamer, Ind. Mr. Rathbun preceded her in death on October 1, 1988. Following her marriage, she and Mr. Rathbun continued to live in Thorncreek Township, and then moved to Columbia City for a short time before moving to their new home at Loon Lake in 1966 where she resided until July 2011.
She worked at Dana Weatherhead as a quality control inspector for over 28 years, retiring in 1972. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church.
Survivors include her daughters, Grace L. Blaugh of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Ruth I. Blaugh of Jackson, Mich.; son, Glen E. Rathbun of Oakdale, Calif.; 8 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great grandchildren and 4 step-great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, J. Lewis Rathbun, son, Harold "Louie" Rathbun, sisters, Florence Kneller and Vera Ramsey, twin brothers who passed away at birth; sons-in-law, John and Jack Blaugh; and daughter-in-law, Rosalind Rathbun.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, Ind. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Judy Follis of Hope Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Union Township (Coesse) Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Rathbun to Hope Lutheran Church or Parkview Whitley Home Health and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:07 PM | Permalink

Alice F. Crawford, 65

Alice F. Crawford, 65, of South Whitley, died at 3:24 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2011 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Matt & Marcia Crawford, with her family by her side.
She was born August 8, 1946 in Sullivan County, Indiana a daughter of Cisco and Jeanette (White) May. Her formative years were spent in Sullivan County. She graduated from Sullivan High School. In 1964 she moved to Columbia City.
On October 17, 1970 she was united in marriage to Larry L. Crawford. They have always made their home in South Whitley.
She was employed at Dwyer Instruments for 25 years.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Larry; four children, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Loe of Harlan, Angela (David) Schubert of Tipp City OH, Melissa "Missy" Schreiner of Leo and Matthew (Marcia) Crawford of Leo; 11 grandchildren; three sisters and a brother, Lois (Paul) Sheets of Columbia City, Linda (Jan) Carter of Columbia City, Bonnie (John) Fitzpatrick of Warsaw and Danny (Linda) May of Warsaw; and a special niece, Amanda (Jason) Esterline.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol May and Rose Wall.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to American Cancer Society.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:10 PM | Permalink

Terry L. Austin, 64

Terry L. Austin, 64, formerly of South Whitley, most recently residing in Columbia City, died at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2011 pursuing his passion of golf at Sycamore Golf Club, North Manchester. He had been battling cancer.
He was born November 29, 1946 in Fort Wayne, IN a son of the late Jack D. and Verda J. (Mullinax) Austin. His formative years were spent in South Whitley and he graduated from South Whitley High School in 1965. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Cincinnati and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
As an accountant, he started his career with Haskin & Sells, Cincinnati. In 1974, he started with Schenley Distillers. In 1975, he joined JMB Properties and worked at both the Cincinnati and Chicago offices. In 1991, he left the accounting field and joined his brother at T & R Enterprises in Fort Wayne until 1997. Concurrently, he worked for Bobeck Real Estate, Fort Wayne until 2009.
An avid golfer, he participated in Wednesday Golf League at Sycamore Golf Club and the Manchester U.S. Cup Team. He made an annual trip to Canada to participate in a golf tournament.
His memberships included the American Institute of CPA’s, Ohio Society of CPA’s and the Loyal Order of Moose 1518, North Manchester.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Terylle (Bil) Austin, Leigh Austin and Caroline Austin, all of Cincinnati and a son, Aaron (Suzy) Austin of Cincinnati; four grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Jennifer) Austin, Fort Wayne and two sisters, Jeanne S. Smith, Columbia City and Diane Parkinson (Fred) of Warsaw.
A celebration of Terry’s life is planned for 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 28th at Sycamore Golf Club, 6002 E. State Road 114, North Manchester.
Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials may be made to The First Tee, charity for children’s golf.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:10 PM | Permalink

James W. Wise, 97

James W. Wise, 97, of Etna Troy Township, Whitley County, died Tuesday afternoon, August 23, at the Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral, Florida.
He was born October 15, 1913 in Etna Troy Township, Whitley County a son of Earl and Samantha Hann (Snodgrass) Wise. His formative years were spent in Etna Troy Township. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1932.
On July 12, 1940 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth L. Miller. They made their home at Old Lake until 1944 when they moved to their home on 350 West. Mrs. Wise died June 13, 2004.
A farmer, he also worked at Blue Bell for three years, Weatherhead for seven years and Whitley Products for 21 years.
His memberships included Larwill Due Guard Lodge #278 Free & Accepted Masons where he served as Past Master, Farm Bureau, Splendid Splinters and formerly Grace Lutheran Church.
Surviving relatives include three sons, James R. (Vickie) Wise, John D. (Rosie) Wise and Thomas E. (Margaret) Wise; seven grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Nell Wise; a granddaughter, Shari Wise; and a sister, Wilma Wise.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer’s Association.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:13 PM | Permalink

Gene D. Ward, 81

Gene D. Ward, 81, a Union Township, Whitley County native, died at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, August 23, 2011 in the North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Gene was born April 29, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Hubert A. and Nora May (Miller) Ward. Gene's formative years were spent in Union Township, Whitley County. Gene graduated from Coesse High School in 1948.
On June 16, 1951 Gene Darwin Ward and Loretta May Miller where united in marriage. Gene and Loretta lived in Memphis, Tennessee and later Jacksonville, Florida while Gene served in the Navy during the Korean War. Gene and Loretta returned to Coesse in 1954. In 1961 Gene Loretta and family moved to Fort Wayne, in 1968 to Independence, Missouri and in 1979 to their home in Lathrop, Missouri. Loretta preceded Gene in death on March 30, 2002.Gene was the National Service Manager for Western Auto Supply Company from December 1960 until April 1992 when he retired.
Surviving relatives include four children all of Missouri, Chad Ward of Lathrop, Shane Ward of Independence, Brett Ward of Parkville and Shari Nichols of Lathrop; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
In addition to Gene's wife Loretta, Gene was also preceded in death by two sisters, Katherine Barnes, Mona Schmitt, and his brother Dale Ward.
Visitation will be Sunday August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, Indiana. The funeral service will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home. The burial service will be at the Union Township Cemetery (Coesse) with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Gene has requested that preferred memorials are to the American Lung Association.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:11 PM | Permalink

Rickey T. "Rick" Moyer, 57

Rickey T. "Rick" Moyer, 57, of rural South Whitley, died Sunday evening, August 21, 2011 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he was transported after becoming suddenly ill at his home.
He was born May 27, 1954 in Columbia City, Indiana a son of Joseph Denver and Mary Deloris (Anderson) Moyer. His formative years were spent in rural South Whitley. He graduated from Whitko High School.
On June 3, 1972 he was united in marriage to Jill E. Fry. They have made their home south of South Whitley for the past 39 years.
He has been employed at Whitley Manufacturing for the last 38 years.
His church membership was with Oak Grove United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Jill; three children, Shawna R. (Michael) McDonald of Fort Wayne, Christopher T. (Faith) Moyer of North Manchester and Mallory B. Moyer of North Manchester; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Tim Moyer of South Whitley and Terry Moyer of Columbia City; and his mother-in-law, Joanna Fry of Fort Wayne.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday 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. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Oak Grove United Methodist Church.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:14 PM | Permalink

Richard J. Yarnelle, 92.

Richard J. Yarnelle, 92, of South Whitley died peacefully at his home at 3:10 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2011.
He was born February 5, 1919 in Wabash, Indiana a son of the late George and Helen (DePuy) Yarnelle. His formative years were spent in Wabash where he graduated from Wabash High School in 1936. A talented athlete, he earned a football scholarship to Purdue University. After being injured, he attended Butler University.
On October 10, 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served as a corporal with the 3rd Army Field Artillery in Europe. He was honorably discharged March 11, 1946.
On October 5, 1946, he was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Hall. They made their home in South Whitley.
He spent his work career in the insurance business as an agent for Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. He retired in 1984 with over 32 years of service.
An avid tennis player, he coached tennis at Whitko High School and founded the South Whitley Tennis League. He was instrumental in the installation of the tennis courts at the town park. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of South Whitley, the Masonic Lodge, South Whitley and the Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne. In honor of his athleticism and contribution to sports, he was inducted into the Wabash High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary; four children, Alice (Tom) Anderson, North Manchester, Jim (Greg Allen) Yarnelle, Indianapolis, Patty (Glen) Weybright, South Whitley and David (Esau Hislope) Yarnelle, Tucson, AZ; a daughter-in-law, Mary M. Yarnelle, Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Barry and Evan Weybright, Alexa Yarnelle, Matthew Anderson and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a twin brother, Edward F. Yarnelle, brother, Robert Yarnelle and a grand daughter, Libby Yarnelle.
The family will receive family and friends at their home in South Whitley, Saturday, August 27, 2010 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. For further information, contact the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date.
Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
Preferred memorial may be made to Whitley County Humane Society or South Whitley Food Bank.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:20 PM | Permalink

Kristopher Dallace Hazelbaker, 24

Kristopher Dallace Hazelbaker, 24, died at his home in South Whitley Saturday, August 20, 2011.
He was born December 17, 1986 in Marion County, Indiana a son of Tim W. and Patricia (Flowers) Hazelbaker. His formative years were spent in Lapel where he graduated from Lapel High School.
On September 30, 2010, he was united in marriage to Brittany Depew. They made their home in South Whitley.
He is survived by his wife, Brittany; a step-daughter, Kassidie Depew; his parents, Tim (Patricia) Hazelbaker, Lapel; two brothers, Travis Hazelbaker and TJ (Kendra) Hazelbaker, Noblesville; two sisters, Tosha and Amanda Hazelbaker, Noblesville and a brother-in-law, Storm Pontzius, South Whitley.
Private arrangements are by Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
Preferred memorial may be made to final expenses c/o Smith and Sons.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:09 PM | Permalink

Orren Albert Ware, 81

Orren Albert Ware, 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away 4:40 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2011 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, IN.
Born May 27, 1930 in Huntington, IN he was the son of Albert E. and Martha May (Hartman) Ware.
Raised in Huntington County, he graduated with the Class of 1948 from Bippus High School. On

May 29, 1949 he married Deloris May Geeting in Whitley County where he and his wife established their home. A general farmer, he also worked for Rupley's Farm Equipment for 25 years. He was a founding member and served with 30 plus years for the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department. In his spare time, he enjoyed cards, dominoes, word search puzzles and camping where he was a former member of the Good Sam Club, Jayco Camping Club and Wagon Rascals Camping Group. Since 1993, he and his wife wintered in Silver Springs, Florida.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Deloris Ware; daughters, Carol Ann (Richard) Ness, Connie Sue (Timothy) Denihan and Marcia Kay Watkins all of Columbia City; grandchildren, Phillip Orren (Angela) Ness and Derek Adam (Jamie) Ness both of Columbia City, Meredith Elaine Watkins and Jennifer Michelle Watkins both of Fort Wayne; step grandchildren, William Joseph and Katharine Denihan, Fort Worth, TX; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Nicole and Nathaniel Orren Ness, Chyenne Courtney Mossburg all of Columbia City; brother, Wayne (Eva Dean) Ware of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Joan Ware of Marion. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Hugh Ware, sisters, Donna Jean Gage and Laura May Burtrum, grandson, Jason Carl Ness, and son-in-law, Roger L. Overholser.
Visitation is Sunday, August 21, 2011 from 2-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Monday, August 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Johnson of Oak Grove Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery, 300 West, Huntington. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Ware to the Washington Township Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:07 PM | Permalink

Willa M. King, 75

Willa M. King, 75, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 11:30 p.m. at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City.

Born September 2, 1935 in Breathitt, Ky., she was the daughter of Willie and Clara (Little) Young.
Her formative years were spent in Kentucky where she completed her education. On October 6, 1956, she married Darrell King at Springfield, Ill. In 1960, she moved to Whitley County from Illinois.
She worked as a CNA at Whitley County Hospital for many years and retired from The Nursing Connection as a home health aide in 1999. She was a member of Thorncreek Bethel Church of God.
Survivors include her daughters, Susan A. Moehring and Judy A. (Jack) Smith both of Columbia City; brother, Chester (Ladean) Young of Columbia City; 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Darrell King on January 30, 1999; sisters, Lucille Maloney, Alberta Clem and Olean Cassidy.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given in memory of Mrs. King to Thorncreek Bethel Church of God. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:31 PM | Permalink

Arliss J. Myers, 84

Arliss J. Myers, 84, a resident of Columbia City, died at 6:10 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at her home in Columbia City.
She was born February 8, 1927 in Columbia Township, Whitley County a daughter of John and Pauline (Miller) Perry. Her formative years were spent in Columbia Township. She graduated from South Whitley High School in 1945.
On January 15, 1946 she was united in marriage to Harold L. Myers. They made their home in Antwerp, Ohio until 1948 when they moved to a farm in Richland Township, Whitley County. In 1953 they moved to their farm in Columbia Township.
She was employed at United Telephone, Farmer’s Elevator and Key Drug.
Her memberships included Eberhard Lutheran Church, Home Demonstration Club, volunteer at Whitley County Memorial Hospital and Whitley County Senior Citizens Center.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Harold; a son, Michael G. (Karol) Myers; three grandsons, Dayvid, Jarryd and Aryhan Myers, all of Whitley County; a nephew, Darwin Zumbrun of Columbia City; a niece, Rebecca Burlingham of Platte City MO; and wonderful and loving caregivers, Cheryl Wise and Karla Reiser.
She was preceded in death by four brothers, Dale "Bud" Perry, Paul "Dick" Perry, Robert Perry and Hobert Perry; and two sisters, Margaret Zumbrun and Elizabeth Lawrence.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 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. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be made to Humane Society of Whitley County or Salvation Army.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Kerry L. "Skip" Wolfe, 62

Kerry L. "Skip" Wolfe, 62, a lifelong resident of Columbia Township, Whitley County, died at 8:50 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted the day before.
He was born September 15, 1948 in Whitley County, Indiana a son of Kenneth M. and Marianne (Waters) Wolfe. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.
On March 31, 1972 he was united in marriage to Rebecca S. Trimmer.
He was employed as a mechanic.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Becky; three children, Kimberly Wolfe of Fort Wayne, Troy (Susan) Wolfe of South Whitley and Sara Wolfe Timms of Columbia City; four grandsons, Trey Wolfe, Kyle Wolfe, Brandon Timms and Noah Timms; and two brothers, Kelly Wolfe of Columbia City and Kevin Wolfe of Urbana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Wolfe.
The funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon Tuesday at the funeral home. The burial will be in Eberhard Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the final expense account at Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:36 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Mara A. Orszulak Milner, 64

Mara A. Orszulak Milner, 64, resident of Park County, Cody WY, died on July 11, 2011 at home in peace with her children by her side.
She was born February 22, 1947 in LaPorte, IN, daughter to John and Martha (Dove) Orszulak. She spent her youth and school years in LaPorte and graduated from LaPorte High School.
She was united in marriage to Daniel Riffel between 1965-1984 and had 3 children Elizabeth, Timothy and Alicia. She lived in Janesville, WI, from 1966-1986 where she worked at General Motors and raised her family.
On October 25,1986 she was united in marriage to Gene H. Miler. They resided in South Whitley, IN, until his death in 2005. Mara retired from General Motors in 2006 after 33 years of service.
Ms. Milner moved to Cody, WY in September of 2009 to be with family members.
Mara is survived by her mother Martha Dunfee of Stillwell IN, brothers David and Robert Orszulak of LaPorte, IN, daughter Elizabeth (Tony) Scheu of Cody, WY, son Timothy (Kristina) Riffel of St. Petersburg, FL, and daughter Alicia Folk of Bussyville, WI. Five grandchildren, who were the light of her life; Andrew Connell, Jordan and Brandon Scheu and Alex and Bailey Folk. Mara was preceded in death by John (father), Gene (husband), Martha (sister), and John (brother).
Formal services will be held at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, IN, in the spring of 2012. An additional notification will be published prior to this event occurring.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Edwin Walter Stemen, 85

Edwin Walter Stemen, 85, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at his home.
Born November 11, 1925 in Fort Wayne, IN he was the son of Herman Thaddeus and Chloie Helen (Drudge) Stemen.

He graduated from Elmhurst High School with the Class of 1944. He worked as an apprentice at Harvester before serving in the US Air Force. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he was employed by the union at Harvester for eight years. From 1954 until 1964, he worked at Coliseum Service and the Brake Stop before founding his own automobile service in 1964. He sold his business, Eddie Stemen Align & Brake located on Wells Street, Fort Wayne, to his son in 1992, but continued working with his son until 2004.
His first marriage was to Norma Ruth Jefferies and she passed away in 1992. On October 18, 1986 he married Evelyn Eileen Culbertson in Fort Wayne. A former resident of Fort Wayne and Claypool, he moved to Columbia City in 1986. His memberships included the Masonic Lodge for 50 years in Fort Wayne and Columbia City United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Evelyn E. Stemen; daughter, Cheryl "Cheri" L. Stemen; son, Steven E. (Laura) Stemen all of Columbia City; step-daughter, Pam Keckler of Riverside, IL; step-son, Barry K. (Rhonda) Culbertson of Fort Wayne; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joan G. (Jerry) Pond and Sally A. Blue both of Fort Wayne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Lillian Stemen and Waneta Brand.
Visitation is 2-9 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow with graveside military rites at Union Cemetery, Coesse. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Stemen to Parkview Whitley Home Health Care & Hospice or Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:44 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Dorothy A. Calkins, 100

Dorothy A. Calkins, 100, formerly of Indianapolis,IN passed away at 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Lutheran Life Villages, Kendallville.
Born October 25, 1910 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN, she was the daughter of Carl Edward and Barbara H.(Miller) Schaffner.

Raised in Indianapolis, she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School with the Class of 1928. On February 8, 1930, she married Edwin F. Calkins, Sr. in Indianapolis. In 2003, she moved to Albion. A homemaker, she enjoyed making quilts in her spare time and was an American Red Cross Volunteer and also volunteered as a "Pink Lady" at Methodist Hospital. Her memberships include Roberts Park United Methodist Church, Indianapolis.
She is survived by daughters, Barbara M. Gillman of Columbia City and Lois Andrews of Gallaway, OH; daughter-in-law, Janice Calkins of Leesburg, FL; 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin F. Calkins, Sr., son, Edwin F. Calkins, Jr., brothers, Carl and Harold Schaffner.
Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. with calling after 1:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with Pastor George Cecil officiating. Burial at Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Calkins to Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice or 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 06:43 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Marilyn A. Darr, 92

Marilyn A. Darr, 92, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Golden Years Nursing Home, Fort Wayne.
Born January 21, 1919 in Whitley County, IN she was the daughter of Henry O. and Doris E. (Burnworth) Meier.

She was a lifetime resident of Whitley County, she graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1937. On February 24, 1940 she married Eugene S. Darr, Sr at Grace Lutheran Parish. She retired from Victor Gasket, Churubusco, in 1967. She was a member of Churubusco United Methodist Church and was the very first Girl Scout Leader in Churubusco.
Survivors include her son, Eugene S. "Bud" (Vicki) Darr, Jr. of Columbia City; daughters, Marianne Darr Norman of Fort Wayne and Rebecca L. (Jay) Parker of Hernando, FL; brother, Phillip Meier of Woodstock, IL; sisters, Mildred (Paul) Hadley of Sebring, FL; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eugene S. Darr, Sr, 1 sister, Barbara Miller and 3 brothers, Donald, John and Lewis Meier.
Public graveside committal service will be Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Thorn Cemetery, 625 W 350 S, Wolf Lake, IN. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts may be given to Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, 1315 Director's Row, Ste. 20, Fort Wayne, IN 46806. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Rodney Allen Moog, 46

Rodney Allen Moog, 46, of Columbia City, Ind., died on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at his residence. Born on July 15, 1965 he was the son of Allen and Shirley (Speaker) Moog.

He graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1983. He worked as a supervisor at The Classic Company, Fort Wayne and from 1992-2009 he was employed by Dana, Columbia City. He was an international certified scuba diver and loved all the Fort Wayne sports teams, especially the Komets.
He is survived by two sons, Andrew A. Moog and Justin L. Moog both of Columbia City; parents, Allen and Shirley Moog of Lakeview, Arkansas; brother, Jereme (Rebecca) Moog of Arkansas; and sister, Roxanna Deason of Frankfort, Ind. He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa G. Moog on October 31, 2007; and his paternal grandparents, Margaret and Hugh Moog and maternal grandparents, Mildred and Everett Speaker.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 12-2 p.m., at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind. Funeral Service will take place following visitation at 2:00 p.m. with Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Mr. Moog's memory be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:40 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Donald L. "Buck" Buchanan, 89

Donald L. "Buck" Buchanan, 89, of Columbia City, died at 6:10 a.m. Monday, August 8, 2011 at The Hearth at Sycamore Village where he had been a resident since June 2008.

He was born May 13, 1922 in Montevideo, Minnesota a son of Leon G. and Alma (Wick) Buchanan. His formative years were spent in Montevideo where he graduated from Montevideo High School.
On June 19, 1943 he was united in marriage to Valeria V. Bonk. They made their home in Montevideo before moving to Birmingham, Michigan and later Fort Wayne. In 1963 they moved to Columbia City. Mrs. Buchanan preceded him in death on February 14, 2003.
As a young man, he was a licensed pilot and flight instructor. He then began his employment with the auto industry, beginning at Packard Motor Car Company, then Chrysler Motors and later Studebaker Motors. In 1963 he established Buchanan Ford in Columbia City until 1980 when he began working for Allen County Motors. In 1987 he joined his son, John, with the operations of Buchanan Automotive until his retirement. He then worked for JLS Sales for a short period of time after his retirement.
His memberships included St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
Surviving relatives include five children, Patricia (John) Woenker of Angola, Richard "Dick" (Jean) Buchanan of Columbia City, Barbara Geiger of Columbia City, John (Bethann) Buchanan of Columbia City and Deb Balyeat of Carmel; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Kyle Balyeat; a son-in-law, Jim Geiger; a brother, Richard Buchanan; and two sisters, Dorothy Johnson and Shirley Goulden.
The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul of the Cross, 315 South Line Street, Columbia City with visitation one hour prior. The burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with a prayer service at 8 p.m.
Preferred memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:31 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Laura G. Squires, 91

Laura G. Squires, 91, of Cromwell, died at 8:15 a.m. Sunday, August 7, 2011 at North Ridge Village, Albion.
She was born March 28, 1920 in Portland, Indiana a daughter of Howard L. and Etta (Ashley) Williams. Her formative years were spent in the Portland area where she completed her education.
On December 23, 1944 she was united in marriage to Robert R. Squires. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1989 when they moved to Knapp Lake. Mr. Squires died October 12, 1999.
Surviving relatives include two children, Vicki (Edward) Becker of Cromwell and Steven E. Squires of Bon Aqua TN; four grandchildren, Angela Kay Vitalone, Dawn M. Grimes, Steven R. Squires and Joelle Chappel; six great grandchildren; two brothers, Doyle Eugene Williams and Richard L. Williams, both of Portland; and a sister, Ioma Rothburn of Auburn.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Roger Williams, Vernie J. Williams, Bill Williams, Ned J. Williams and Melvin L. Williams.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:29 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Richard P. "Rick" Ambrose, Sr., 76

Richard P. "Rick" Ambrose, Sr., 76, of South Whitley, IN passed away at 3:05 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2011 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Born August 2, 1935 in Jamestown, NY he was the son of Benny M. and Bernice (Goldfinch) Ambrose.

Raised in New York where he attended Jamestown High School, he moved to Whitley County, IN in 1958. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958. On May 25, 1984 he married Patricia M. (King) Deubner in Whitley County. For 20 years he worked at Bowmar Instruments as a journeyman in the machine repair and maintenance departments. His memberships included Columbia City Eagles #1906.
He is survived by 1 son, Richard P. Ambrose, Jr. of South Whitley; 3 step-children, Gene (Debra) Deubner of Vandalia, MI, Nancy (Matthew) Nix and Rick (Brenda) Deubner both of South Whitley; 4 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 5 step great grandchildren; half brother, Howard States and sister, Helen Patti both of Jamestown, NY. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife and companion of 22 years, Patricia M. Ambrose, 1 step daughter, Sandy Jones and 1 brother, Randall States.
Visitation is Monday, August 8, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Ambrose to the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:43 PM | Permalink

Memorials

August 30, 2011

Thelma E. Reed Veitch, 95

August 28, 2011

Hazel Marie Rathbun, 101

August 26, 2011

Alice F. Crawford, 65

August 25, 2011

Terry L. Austin, 64

August 24, 2011

James W. Wise, 97

Gene D. Ward, 81

August 23, 2011

Rickey T. "Rick" Moyer, 57

August 21, 2011

Richard J. Yarnelle, 92.

Kristopher Dallace Hazelbaker, 24

August 20, 2011

Orren Albert Ware, 81

August 18, 2011

Willa M. King, 75

August 17, 2011

Arliss J. Myers, 84

August 15, 2011

Kerry L. "Skip" Wolfe, 62

August 14, 2011