Memorials

Evelyn M. Bobilya, 95, of Columbia City, died at 11:00 p.m. Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Avalon Village, Ligonier where she had been a resident since 2005.
She was born August 7, 1916 in Albion, Indiana a daughter of Victor and Clara H. (McLallin) Edwards. She attended Albion Grade School and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1936.
On March 20, 1937 she was united in marriage to Eugene W. Bobilya. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1956 when they moved to a farm north of Big Lake in Noble Township, Noble County. Mr. Bobilya died November 22, 1993. In 1998 Evelyn moved into Columbia City.
She worked for Flash Fold Box Company in Fort Wayne for 10 years.
Her church affiliation was with Sugar Grove Church of God.
Surviving relatives include a son, George V. (Marilyn) Bobilya of Albion; and a grandson, Douglas Kent (Lorie) Bobilya of Hartsel CO.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Stacy Blankenship and a brother, Harry Edwards.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Sugar Grove Church of God or Riley Children's Hospital.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:41 AM | Permalink

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Betty Jane Byrd, 85, of Churubusco, IN passed away at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, September 11, 2011 at North Ridge Village Nursing Home, Albion.
Born August 1, 1926 in Allen County, she was the daughter of Paul and Alice (Mason) Guillaume.
She grew up in Allen County and attended Huntertown High School. She married Leonard Byrd on April 14, 1944 in Churubusco, where they set up housekeeping. They moved to Columbia City in 1968 and after her husband's death she returned to Churubusco in 2009. She was homemaker and housewife.
She is survived by 5 children, Shirley Brommer and Karen (Tom) Rehrer, both of Columbia City, Pam (Jack) Nicodemus, The Villages, FL, Gary (Susie) and Terry (Carolyn) Byrd both of Churubusco; 17 grandhcildren, 34 great grandchildren, brother, Leon (Helen) Guillaume, Fort Wayne and sister, Gladys Marker, Naples, FL. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Leonard and 4 siblings, Donald Guillaume, Lucille Heffelfinger, Virginia Gaff and Doris Johnson.
Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Schmoekel of Collins United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Byrd to the American Diabetes Association or Visiting Nurse and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:39 AM | Permalink

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Donald B. Anderson, 85, of Columbia City, Ind., died at 6:09 a.m., Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. 
Born on May 3, 1926, he was the son of the late Earl and Mary Katherine (Blain) Anderson.
Donald moved from Butler, Ind. to Columbia City in 1942 and has made this area his home since.  He graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1944.  He then enrolled in the US Army where he served his country in World War II in both the European and African Theater.  He worked at various auto dealerships in the service department, retiring after 25 years from Don Ayres, Fort Wayne. On January 21, 1984 he married Betty (Lehman) Pletcher at the First Church of God, Columbia City, Ind.  He was a member of First Church of God.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Betty Anderson of Columbia City; son, John Ed (Sharon) Pletcher of Columbia City; daughters, Diane (James) Snider of Columbia City and Mary (Alvin) Gillespie of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a brother, Roger (Jeanette) Anderson of Omaha, Neb.; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and William Anderson.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, 1970 East Keiser Road, Columbia City.  Pastor Johnny McCallister of First Church of God will officiate.  Donations in memory of Mr. Anderson can be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.  Envelopes will be available at the graveside service as well as at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:37 AM | Permalink

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Edna Earlene Western, 86, of Etna Troy Township, Whitley County, died at 1:18 a.m. Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Sycamore Village Keepsake Memory Care Unit where she had been a resident since December 2008.
Edna was born September 17, 1924 in Sycamore, Illinois a daughter of Earle Edna and Pearl Ethel (King) Matteson. She graduated from Sycamore High School with the Class of 1941 where she played the violin in the orchestra, played numerous sports in GAA and was a Girl Scout leader. She had lots of fun working as a "soda jerk" at the local drug store during high school.
On November 18, 1945 she married Thomas William Western at her parent's home in Sycamore IL, where Tom was employed as a herdsman for a large dairy operation. In 1948 they moved to Etna Township where they lived the remainder of their 57 years of married life. Edna was an active partner in their farming operation including grain and a large Holstein dairy herd. In 1964 Edna and Tom won the Neighborhood Extension Organization "Outstanding Dairyman" award. Mr. Western died February 9, 2003.
Edna worked in the Whitley County Treasurer's office during tax season for a number of years, was a longtime supporter of the Whitley County Republican party and served as Etna Troy Township precinct committee person.
She was a member of Troy United Methodist Church until its closing, a charter member of Etna Troy Extension Homemakers with over 50 years of membership, a member of Whitley County Home Extension Homemakers, a former board member of Farmer's Home Administration and a former board member of Whitley County 4-H Clubs, Inc. of which she was a longtime supporter.
Surviving relatives include a son and three daughters, Thomas E. (Sue) Western of Columbia City, Jeannine (Mel) Nix of Columbia City, Janelle (Doug) Burnworth of Kimmell and Jody (Kary) Klopfenstein of Columbia City; 13 grandchildren, Doug (Vicki) Western, Mindy (Drew) Hoskins, David Western, Ryan (Jenee) Nix, Carla (Aaron McDevitt) Mossburg, Kevin (Jes) Nix, Chad (Angie) Gebert, Laura (Mike) McGregor, Michelle (Rich) McNeil, Kiel Klopfenstein, Kendal Klopfenstein, Ryan Burnworth and Chad Burnworth; 18 great grandchildren who brought her much joy in her final years; and a sister, Grace Adee of Sycamore IL.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew James Nix and three sisters, Alice Murawski, Rose Marie Matteson and an infant sister.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitiaton one hour prior to service. The burial will be in Adams Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Whitley County 4-H Clubs Inc. or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:41 AM | Permalink

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Jerry L. Dinius, 65, of Roanoke, Ind., died at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2011 at his residence.  He had been in declining health for the past two years. 
Born on December 5, 1945 he was the son of the late Gerald K. Dinius and Helen E. Maggart.
He attended Columbia City Joint High School and for the last 25 years, he worked at Water Furnace International in Fort Wayne, from where he recently retired.  He had been a 20 plus year resident of Roanoke, living in Columbia City prior to that.  Jerry was an avid fisherman, gun collector and loved the outdoors.  He was a long time active member of the National Rifle Association.  His love of music included Big Band and anything related to jazz.
Survivors include his sister, Celinda "Cindy" (Mike) Land of Columbia City; nieces, Dawn (Roger) Roberts of Fort Wayne and Lisa Roberts of Pierceton, Ind.; close friend, Karen Harper of Fort Wayne; and 5 great-nephews and 1 great-niece. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Shirley and Celinda Dinius; maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Santford Maggart; and brother-in-law and close friend, John E. Briggs, Sr.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 2-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind.  Funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m.  Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus, GSP, CFC of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home will officiate.  Burial will be private.  In memory of Mr. Dinius memorial donations can be made to the National Rifle Association.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:40 AM | Permalink

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Ilona Coslet, 53, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born July 20, 1958 in Mittenaar, Germany she was the daughter of Gerhard and Leni (Weber) Kohlinger.
On August 28, 1987 she married Curt Coslet in Herbon-Seelbach, Germany. She immigrated to the United States in 1991.  A homemaker, she unconditionally supported her husband through 21 years of active military service as an Army spouse. She attended First Church of God where she volunteered in the First Church of God Food Pantry.
Survivors include her husband of 24 years, Curt Coslet of Columbia City; daughter, Dunja (Anthony) Beck of Huachuca City, AZ; Dany (Leah) Coslet stationed at Fort Bliss, TX; parents, Gerhard and Leni Kohlinger; brothers, Roland Kohlinger and Michael(Marion) Kohlinger all of Germany; 3 grandchildren.    
Memorial service is Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12 p.m. with one hour of calling prior to service at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Pastor Johnny McCallister of First Church of God officiating. 
Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Coslet to the YMCA Swimming Program Life Lessons Endowment/3rd Grade Swim Program. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:23 PM | Permalink

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Doris M. Krider, 90, of Columbia City, died at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Tuesday.
She was born March 8, 1921 near Larwill on the Holycross farm, a twin daughter of Lyman M. and Florence Edna (Watson) Holycross. She graduated from Larwill High School.
On October 25, 1941 she was united in marriage to Toby J. Krider. They made their home in Columbia City until 1946 when they moved to a farm in Columbia Township. Mr. Krider died January 18, 1979.
She was employed at Whitley Products and later Miller's Merry Manor, retiring with more than 20 years of service.
Her church affiliation was with Oak Grove Church of God.
Surviving relatives include seven children, Stanley (Mary Katherine) Krider of Dublin OH, Carolyn Schrader, Jerry (Ann) Krider, Mary Smith and Randall (Pepper) Krider, all of Columbia City, Cheryl Krider of Parker AZ and Wanda (Jim) Albarran of Valparaiso; two daughters-in-law, Sharon Alexander of Columbia City and Chris Krider of Albion; 19 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and a sister, Martha Jane Stuver of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, David Krider and Nicholas Krider; two brothers, Max L. Holycross and Keith A. Holycross; and two sisters, Joyce R. Holycross and her twin, Dora F. Holycross.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 S. Raber Road, Columbia City with visitation after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to Oak Grove Church of God.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:14 PM | Permalink

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Earl B. Eckert, 89, of Columbia City, Ind. died at 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 5, 2011 at Peabody Retirement Home in North Manchester, Ind. 
He was born on April 5, 1922 to the late Paul J. and Agnes (Campbell) Eckert.
Born and raised in Huntington, Ind., he graduated from Clear Creek High School with the Class of 1940.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served during World War II in the Pacific Theater.  
On November 4, 1944 he married Betty J. Lee in Huntington, Ind.  They moved to Lee County, Florida in 1958 until 1975 then moved to Whitley County until 1998.  From 1998-2005 he resided in Cape Coral, Fla.  He has resided in Columbia City since 2005.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW, belonged to the American Legion Post #98, and the Columbia City Eagles Lodge #1906.  He loved to fish and tend to his garden.
Survivors include his three sons, Steve Eckert of Columbia City; Randy Eckert of Fort Meyers, Fla., and Mark Eckert of Fort Wayne, Ind.; brother, Austin (Linda) Eckert of Columbia City; and sister, Phyllis (Richard) Reith of Columbia City; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty J. Eckert on March 8, 2004; and brother, DeWayne Eckert.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind.  Funeral service will be on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Fr. Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross officiating.  Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley, Ind.  Memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Eckert to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral Home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:18 PM | Permalink

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Richard A. Shilling, 83, of formerly of South Whitley died at Kosciusko Community Hospital 2:42 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2011. He had been in failing health.
He was born December 16, 1927 in DeKalb County, Indiana a son of the late Howard and Ethel (Barrows) Shilling. His formative years were spent in DeKalb County and graduated from Spencerville High School.
He entered the U.S. Army on February 12, 1946 and was honorably discharged December 24, 1946.
On November 27, 1948, he was united in marriage to Betty Lou Gibson. The made their home in Auburn and then South Whitley for over 30 years. In 1989, they moved to their summer home at Hill Lake near Silver Lake. Mrs. Shilling died October 1, 1992. On February 12, 1994, he was married to Virginia Garber Schue. They made their home in Warsaw.
He was a sales representative for Sukup grain handling equipment for many years. In 1978, he and his sons started Wabash Valley Manufacturing in Silver Lake. They made commercial outdoor furniture.
He was a member of United Methodist Church of South Whitley and American Legion Post 49, Warsaw.
He is survived by his wife Virginia, two sons, Jerry (Brenda) Shilling, Syracuse and Michael (Kathy) Shilling, Warsaw; two step sons, Paul (Margaret) Schue, Jr., Warsaw and Dennis Schue, Goshen; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several step-grandchildren, and a brother James Shilling, Spencerville.
In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a step-son William Douglas Schue.
The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in the South Whitley cemetery. The visitation with be Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:14 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

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Terry L. McCoy, 42, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 5:16 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at his residence.  Born January 16, 1969 in Fort Wayne, Ind., he was the son of Paul E. McCoy and Penny D. (Byerley) Favory.   
He graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1988.  He received an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Word for the World Bible College in 2009.  On May 1, 2006 he married Rebecca Didier in Columbia City.  He owned and operated Prevail's Auto Body Shop located in Columbia City. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, guitar and gardening.
Survivors include his wife, Rebecca McCoy of Columbia City; son, Noah McCoy of Churubusco; daughters, Mallory McCoy of Auburn and Olivia McCoy of Columbia City; step-daughter, Rachel Didier of Columbia City; step-son, Rainy Derloshon of Fort Wayne; mother, Penny Favory of Auburn; father, Paul (Teresa) McCoy of Columbia City; brothers, Jeff (Rebecca) McCoy of Auburn, Barry (Mary) McCoy of Huntertown, Brian McCoy of Kentucky, and Nick (Shelly) McCoy of Mongo, Ind.; and a sister, Angie (Aaron) Price of Auburn.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a nephew, Luke McCoy.
Visitation is Saturday, September 3, 2011 from 1-3 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  Funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Jan Coverstone of Christian Fellowship Church officiating.  Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. McCoy to a fund being established for his children.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:51 PM | Permalink

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Donald E. Brown, 95, of South Whitley, died at 5:10 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Covington Manor, Fort Wayne where he had been a resident for the past six weeks.
He was born April 6, 1916 in North Manchester, Indiana a son of William and Goldia Opal (Brooks) Brown. As a small child, his family moved to Disko and later Berkett where he attended school for eight years. He then moved to Silver Lake and he completed his education at Silver Lake High School.
On September 28, 1937 he was united in marriage to Berniece E. Meloy. They made their home in Portland and later Fort Wayne until 1947 when they moved to South Whitley. Mrs. Brown died December 11, 2001.
He owned and operated Brown's Garage and later Brown's Excavating. From 1962 until 1966 he served as Cleveland Township Trustee.
His memberships included South Whitley Lodge #510 Free & Accepted Masons for more than 50 years.
Surviving relatives include two children, Larry R. (Connie) Brown of Columbia City and Linda (Kurt) Schannep of South Whitley; three grandchildren, Larry R. Brown Jr., Todd Allan Brown and Melissa Smith; four great grandchildren, Claire Marie and Austin Davis Brown, Nicholas J. and Aubrey Paige Smith; and a sister, Thelma Scott of Warsaw.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Bernard Brown, Paul Brown and Charles Brown; and a sister, Mary Jane Freeman.
The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Shrine Transportation Fund.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:48 PM | Permalink

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Betty Lou McClellan, 79, of Churubusco, died at 9:08 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born May 27, 1932 in Noble County, Indiana a daughter of Hugh P. and Lois L. (Jagger) Gandy. Her formative years were spent in Merriam. She graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1950.
On August 5, 1950 she was united in marriage to Santford S. McClellan Jr. They made their home in Columbia City and later Merriam. In 1962 they moved to Ari and in 2000 to their home in Churubusco.
She was employed at Whitley County Memorial Hospital for 13 years transferring to Parkview Hospital, retiring in 1997 with an additional 13 years of service.
Her church membership was with Merriam Christian Chapel Church.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Santford; a daughter, Susan (Bobbie) Osborn of Columbianna AL; two granddaughters, Crystal (Andy) Rayburn and Crystine Davis; and three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Timothy McClellan.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Merriam Christian Chapel Church, 3985 S U.S. 33 with visitation one hour prior to service. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will also be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to Merriam Christian Chapel Church.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:47 PM | Permalink

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Jimmy “Jim” Ross Brown, 75, formerly of rural Pierceton died Wednesday evening, August 31, 2011 at Parkview Main Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted earlier that day. He had been a resident of Grace Village, Winona Lake. He was born May 11, 1936 in Kendallville, Indiana a son of the late Ernest and Virgina (Speaker) Brown. His formative years were spent in rural Larwill. He graduated from Larwill High School in 1956. On June 5, 1961 he was united in marriage to Hazel Lester. They have made their home in rural Pierceton. Mrs. Brown died June 17, 1997. He was employed by Gripco in South Whitley and then Montpelier for over 30 years as a maintenance mechanic. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and welding. Surviving relatives include a daughter, Annie Mae (John Wayne) North of Claypool; three sons, Everett Lester, Claypool, Cheyenne (Deanna) Brown, Derby, KS and Dennis (Nancy) Brown, Warsaw; 7 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Gale Brown. The funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Pastor Chad Burkhart of Victory Christian Center officiating. The burial in the Booneville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to American Lung Association.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:46 PM | Permalink

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