Memorials: December 2011 Archives

Isabel I. Kitson-Bishop, 90

Isabel I. Kitson-Bishop, 90, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 10:28 a.m. Monday, December 26, 2011 at her home. Born October 7, 1921, in St. Joseph County, IN, she was the daughter of Marvin and Pearl (Enders) Odiorne.

She spent her childhood in St. Joseph County. On March 10, 1942 she married Monroe Kitson, in Goshen. She and her husband raised their family on a farm near Tri-Lakes where they resided for many years before moving to Columbia City. She and Monroe were married for 51 years before he passed away in November, 1993. She married J. Robert Bishop May 25, 1996 at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, Columbia City. She and Mr. Bishop lived at Stanton Lake, Leesburg, IN from 1996-2000 until he passed away. After the death of Mr. Bishop, she returned to Columbia City where she was the first resident of Deer Chase Addition. A homemaker, she also worked for Blue Bell and Roma's Smart Shop in Columbia City. Her memberships included St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, where she served as church treasurer for many years, Whitley County Homemakers and Farm Bureau Association. In her spare time, she enjoyed oil painting and journaling.
Survivors include her daughter, Penny Kay Snyder of Columbia City; son, Ray (Michele) Kitson of Columbia City; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Gertrude (Donald) Schaal of Mishawaka; step-children and their families, Robert Bishop, Larry Bishop and Cindy Miller all of Leesburg and Judy McIntire of Mishawaka. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Betty J. Pontzius; granddaughters, Lori Ann Pontzius and Cary Rae Kitson; grandson, Jay Edward Pontzius; great-grandson, Luke Gabriel Pontzius; son-in-law, Duane Snyder; sister, JoAnn Walter; brothers, Ed, Eugene and Albert Odiorne.
Visitation is Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 3-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Matthew's Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in memory of Isabel 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.

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Evelyn M. (Gipe) Schinbeckler-Tolliver, 93

Evelyn M. (Gipe) Schinbeckler-Tolliver, 93, formerly of Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, IN passed away at 3:30 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at St. Anne Home and Retirement Community, Fort Wayne where she resided for the past 7 years. Born July 24, 1918 on the Gipe Family farm, at SR 9 and CR 500 N, in Thorncreek Township, she was the oldest child of 7 children to Earl E. and Zora S. (Shock) Gipe-Hodson.

She spent her childhood in Thorncreek Township and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1936. Her first marriage was to Robert L. Schinbeckler and her second marriage was to Charles Tolliver whom both preceded her in death. She lived in Allen County for 30 years prior to moving to Lake Wawasee. She first worked for the Whitley County Department of Welfare and numerous other offices within the Court House from 1936-1941. From 1941-1945, she was a clerk stenographer for the War Department at the Air Base Headquarters at Baer Field. She was a secretary at Dana Spicer Axle Corporation, Fort Wayne, retiring after 25 years of service. Evelyn was a former member of the Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, Syracuse and Sigma Beta Sorority, Fort Wayne, Quill and Scroll Honorary Society for Journalist, ABWA of Fort Wayne and the Farm Bureau Chorus. She enjoyed music, playing the piano, organ, guitar and was the Gipe Family historian. She loved the water and was an avid swimmer and enjoyed boating.
Survivors include her daughter, Sydney (Steve) Campbell of Columbia City; son, David (Mary) Schinbeckler of Appleton, WI; 1 step daughter, Joan (Ray) Parker of New Haven; brother and sisters, Dortha Mae Marsh of Columbia City, Carol Bower of Clemmons, NC and William L. Gipe of Fort Wayne; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands and 3 sisters, Bonita Miller, Helen Hazen and Eileen Fox.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon with the funeral service immediately following at noon at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial at McClintic Cemetery, Syracuse. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Tolliver's memory to the donor's choice of charity. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Charles Lee Stephens, 59

Charles Lee Stephens, 59, of Bradenton, Florida, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 after becoming suddenly ill.
He was born February 13, 1952 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Don Wesley "Joe" and Mary Louise (Weber) Stephens. His formative years were spent in South Whitley. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1970.
Along with owning his own business, working for Tires Plus and Hires, he was a long time employee of Goodyear Tire. While living in Bradenton, FL he was a member of the Moosehead Lodge 1223. During his life he was an avid fisher, kayaker, golfer and boater.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Charles Ryan Stephens of Champaign IL and Brandon Stephens of San Francisco CA; his parents, Joe and Mary Stephens of South Whitley; three brothers, Don (Bev) Stephens of Fort Wayne, John Stephens of Crystal Beach FL and Michael (Lisa) Stephens of Columbia City; and a sister, Barbara Stephens of Key Largo FL.
He was a humble and generous man, a caring son, and a loving Father. He was a strong soul, and he will be missed by all those who were blessed by knowing him. We are thankful for the time we had with him and know that he is now in a better place.
The funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Mayo Clinic to aid in their research to understand and treat Cardiovascular and Pulmonary disease.

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Robert L. von Holdt, 84

Robert L. von Holdt, 84, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 10:10 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at The Oaks, Columbia City. Born on June 18, 1927 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Norbert W. and Barbara (Hessel) von Holdt.

He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loyola Academy with the Class of 1945. He served in the United States Navy from 1945-1946. After his marriage to Josephine Cecelia Psenicka on October 15, 1949 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, they moved to Arlington Heights, IL moving to Columbia City in 1960. In 1984 they moved to South Whitley where he resided until his health began to fail and he moved near family in Columbia City. He was a manager of Columbia City Die Mold for 30 years and Guardmark Security for 12 years.
Survivors include his 3 children, Robert von Holdt Jr. of Minocqua, WI, Kathy Kiester, Columbia City and James (Tina) von Holdt of Albion; 1 sister, Sister Mary Barbara Therese of Iowa; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Josephine C. von Holdt and 1 son, David von Holdt and 5 brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday both at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City or after 9:30 am Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the church. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church with Father Larry Cramer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. von Holdt's memory to Masses or St. Paul of the Cross Faith In Action Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Edna Ruth Draper, 93

Edna Ruth Draper, 93, formerly of South Whitley, died at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw where she was admitted on Tuesday evening.
She was born May 10, 1918 in Wabash County, Indiana a daughter of Harley and Edna (Johnson) Tait. Her formative years were spent in Somerset. She graduated from Somerset High School.
On September 18, 1940 she was united in marriage to James Calvin "J.C." Draper. They made their home in Wabash County until 1964 when they moved to a farm near South Whitley. Mr. Draper died June 17, 2000. Ruth has been a resident at Peabody Home, North Manchester for the past five years.
She was a waitress for 13 years and worked at Frank's Greenhouse for two years.
Her memberships included First Baptist Church of South Whitley, its Ladies Missionary Society, was a Sunday School teacher and financial secretary.
Surviving relatives include three children, Trula (Phil) Frank Cramer of Wabash, James (Dianne) Draper of Larwill and Doris (Steve) Reiff of South Whitley; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and a sister, Martha Titus of Chesapeake VA.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul Tait, Eugene Tait and Robert Tait.
The funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Tuesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with visitation two hours prior to service. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to First Baptist Church or Child Evangelism Ministries.

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Richard D. Lancaster, 71

Richard D. Lancaster, 71, of South Whitley, died Monday morning, December 19, 2011 at his home.
He was born September 17, 1940 in South Whitley, Indiana a son of Gerald R. and Jennie M. (Williamson) Lancaster. After his graduation from South Whitley High School in 1958, he considered playing professional baseball.
From 1968 until 1971 he served in the U.S. Army National Guard.
He began his employment with Controls and retired from Investy with nearly 43 years of service. He also dealt in antiques for more than 35 years.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed I.U. Basketball and Whitko Wrestling.
He attended Eel River Old German Baptist Church, Silver Lake.
Surviving relatives include two children, R. Shane (Esther) Lancaster of South Whitley and Jennifer Hupp of Huntington; two grandchildren, Amber Stetzel and Joshua D. Hupp; a special friend, Dorthy Blocher of South Whitley; three brothers, Robert H. Lancaster of South Whitley, Larry R. "Butch" Lancaster of South Whitley and Randall Lancaster of Henderson NV; and two sisters, Joan Stansbery of South Whitley and Kay Lepley of Columbia City.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Donnel E. Lancaster, Gerald R. Lancaster, Dale Keith Lancaster and Merritt "Curley" Lancaster; and four sisters, Nancy Lancaster, Rosetomasene Lancaster, Karen Corson and Geneva Myers.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Eel River Old German Baptist Church, 1200 South and Packerton Road, Silver Lake with burial in the church cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association.

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Shannon Lynn Bisel, 39

Shannon Lynn Bisel, 39, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 1:38 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011 at her residence. Born January 27, 1972 in Glendale, AZ, she was the daughter of Paul D. and Coral Lee (Luken) Rambo.

Raised in Glendale, AZ, she moved to Iowa until moving to Fort Wayne. She has resided in Columbia City for the past 8 years. She graduated from Ottumwa High School, Ottumwa, IA with the Class of 1990. On September 29, 2007 she married Mark Edward Bisel at Eagle Quest Church in Columbia City. She worked at Walgreens and Sears both of Columbia City and Wal-Mart in Huntington. She attended Eagle Quest Church, Columbia City.
Survivors include her husband, Mark E. Bisel of Columbia City; children, Beth Ann and Brandon Andrew Norris both of Columbia City; father, Paul D. Rambo of Glendale, AZ; 2 sisters, Cindy Schragel of Phoenix, AZ and Amy (Alan) Kramer of Mesa, AZ; brother, Paul (Kristi) Schragel of Washougal, WA and in-laws, Kenneth (Linda) Bisel of Columbia City. She was preceded in death by her mother.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Pride officiating. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Bisel's memory to Eagle Quest Church Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Dean L. Mullett, 65

Dean L. Mullett, 65, of Washington Township, Whitley County, died at 11:56 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted November 16th.
He was born November 25, 1946 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Donald R. and Phyllis Dean (Fleck) Mullett. His formative years were spent on the Mullett family farm. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.
On October 7, 1967 he was united in marriage to Judy Lynn Shearer. They made their home in Columbia City for five years before returning to the Mullett farm.
He worked for Columbia Tool & Die for a short time before joining his father full time in farming.
His church membership was with St. John Lutheran Church.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Judy; three children, Michelle L. Mullett of Fort Wayne, John F. Mullett of Columbia City and Jim D. (Laura) Mullett of Columbia City; three grandchildren, Emma Grace, Samuel Dean and Jacob Michael Mullett; and two sisters, Linda J. Leighty of Kendallville and Jo Ellen Maley of Columbia City.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or Salvation Army.

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Robert E. Thomas, 81

Robert E. Thomas, 81, of rural South Whitley, died at 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City where he had been a resident since January.
He was born March 21, 1930 in Cleveland Twp., Whitley County, Indiana a son of the late, Russell S. and Lillie (Kendall) Thomas. His formative years were spent on the farm in Cleveland Twp. He attended South Whitley Elementary and graduated from South Whitley High School in the top of his class in 1948.
A life long farmer, he began his work career raising chickens as a young boy. He became a dairy and grain farmer for 70 years, fifty of which was Grade A dairy. As an accomplished dairy farmer, he was the first in the area to participate in artificial breeding and worked with Purdue University to improve area dairy herds. He provided milk testing services to other area dairy farmers. Retiring from dairy farming, he then raised sheep with over 250 head. He took great pride in providing quality food for the consumer market.
He was a member of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren where he served as a Sunday School Teacher fostering youth participation and activities.
Surviving relatives include his brother, John F. (Deborah) Thomas, South Whitley; nephew, Bryan (Carolyn) Thomas, Fort Wayne and two nieces, Anita Karst, Memphis and Suzanne Thomas, Cincinnati.
The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. Josh Armstrong officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Pleasant View Church of the Brethren.

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Laura Bell Walker, 93

Laura Bell Walker, 93, a former resident of Wolf Lake, died at 9:50 pm Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at Heritage Park senior living, Fort Wayne.
She was born on June 14, 1918 in Whitley County, a daughter of Henry and Rada (Grace) Londt. She began her education at Grace School and completed it at Jefferson Center High School.
On September 26, 1937, she was united in marriage to Clyde W. Walker. They made their home in Wolf Lake. In 1971, they moved to Crooked Lake. In 2004, she moved to Fort Wayne. Mr. Walker died November 30, 1998.
From 1956 to 1972, they operated the Walker’s Restaurant in Wolf Lake.
The surviving relatives include a son, Paul (Meredith) Walker, Churubusco; three daughters, Marilyn Mueller-Rowley, Fort Wayne, Linda (Kenneth) Brower, Fort Wayne and Lois Jean “Jeannie” (Richard) Cripe, Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; a half-brother, Norman Hinman, Huntington and a brother-in-law, Carl Walker, Fort Wayne.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Homer Londt; a sister, Grace Niedermeyer and half-brother, Harold Hinman.
The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 12:00noon to 2:00 p.m. The interment will be in the Thorn Cemetery, Ormas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorial be made to Parkview Fort Wayne Hospice.

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Billie "Bill" Wheeler, 84

Billie "Bill" Wheeler, 84, of rural Columbia City, died at 7:48 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Monday.
He was born January 29, 1927 in Whitley County, Indiana a son of Melvin C. and Jessie (Blondine) Wheeler. His formative years were spent in the Etna area. He graduated from North Webster High School.
During WWII, he served with the U.S. Army in Italy.
On October 8, 1949 he was united in marriage to Rosemary Crowell. They made their home for a short time in Jefferson Twp before moving to their residence of 62 years, west of Columbia City.
He started his employment with his father in M.C. Wheeler Well Drilling. In the early 1960’s he became the manager for Skelgas, north of Columbia City.
His memberships included American Legion Post #98, where he served as the commander for the funeral detail, Masonic Due Guard Lodge 278, Larwill, and a past member of the Columbia Township Volunteer Fire Department.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed “his” New York Yankees and IU football and basketball. As a participant, he was involved with local league softball and bowling and his annual fishing trips to Wisconsin.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 62 years, Rosemary; two daughters, Sheryl (Douglas) Schrader, and Marsha (Michael) Gradeless, both of Columbia City; a son, Dane (Julie) Wheeler of Decatur; grandchildren, Scott Schrader, Seth Schrader, Sarah Giszewski, Isaac Wheeler and Noah Wheeler; great grandchildren, Jackson Giszewski, Alex Schrader and Evan Schrader; and a sister, Louann (Jack) Foster of Columbia City.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas, Jack and Harold Wheeler.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the South Park Cemetery with American Legion Post 98 presenting military honors. Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 8:00 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

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David Roy Wilson, 67

David Roy Wilson, 67, a resident of Columbia City, died Monday evening, December 12, 2011 in the Parkview Whitley Hospital.
He was born on July 5, 1944 in Fort Wayne, a son of Jess and Margaret Oliver Wilson. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne, where he graduated from the North Side High School.
He was a machinist at the Zollner Corporation for many years and since 2004 he has been employed by the Scientific Games Company, which operates the Indiana Lotto.
On January 11, 1985, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Bolinger and they made their home in Fort Wayne until 1997 when they moved to Jellystone Park near North Webster and since 2001 have made their home in Columbia City.
He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a son, Blake (Courtney) Walker, Fort Wayne; a daughter, April (Stephen) Talamantes, Columbia City; nine grandchildren; a great granddaughter; five sisters, Marge Classen, Fort Wayne, Betty (Mike) Curl, Florida, Tammy (David) Wilson, Virginia, Carol (Matt) Kromphardt, Ohio, Janet (Bill) Slusher, Fort Wayne; three brothers, James (Linda) Wilson, Mississippi, Ron (Carol) Wilson, Oklahoma and Phil Wilson, Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Ray Wilson and two brothers, Jack and Terry Wilson.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 11 am Monday, December 19, 2011 in the Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 709 W. Business 30, Columbia City with the Rev. Ross O’Dell, officiating. The visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Trinity Presbyterian Church Youth Group.
The funeral arrangements are by the Smith and Sons Funeral Home.

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Sheila M. Hammons, 33

Sheila M. Hammons, 33, of Columbia City, died at 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2011 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Tuesday, December 6th.
She was born September 11, 1978 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Edward Arnold and Cheryl A. (Brandom) Hammons. She completed her education at Columbia City Joint High School.
Her employment was with Subway.
Surviving relatives include two children, Isaiah Hammons and Cierra Troyer, both of Columbia City; her mother, Cheryl Hammons of Columbia City; two sisters, Dorinda Born of Fort Wayne and Carrie Hammons of Columbia City; a brother, Trenton Hammons of Columbia City; and maternal grandparents, Larry & Beverly Brandom of Columbia City.
Her father preceded her in death.
The funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family.

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R. Duane Loe, 44

R. Duane Loe, 44, of South Whitley, passed away quietly at his home surrounded by his family at 9:50 a.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011. He had been fighting cancer.
He was born June 12, 1967 in Columbia City, Indiana a son of Raymond Duane Loe, Sr. and Linda (Snyder) Loe. His formative years were spent in South Whitley. He graduated from Whitko High School.
Following his graduation, he went to work for the South Whitley Electric Department for seven years. He also became a member of the Cleveland Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.
On September 20, 1997, he was united in marriage to Teresa A. Creech. They made their home in the South Whitley area.
A professional truck driver, for the past eight years he drove for Warsaw Chemical.
In addition to a 24 year member of the Cleveland Township Fire Department, he was a member of the United Methodist Church of South Whitley. An avid Dolphins football fan, he also enjoyed motorcycling and camping with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa; a son, Colin; his parents Raymond and Linda Loe, North Webster; a brother Brian (Gea) Loe, South Whitley; a sister, Heather (Karl) VanDevender, South Whitley and his maternal grandmother, Mary Snyder, South Whitley.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church of South Whitley with Pastor Robert Barton officiating. Interment will be in the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. A special service by the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association will be held at 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to final expenses c/o Smith and Sons Funeral Homes.

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Virginia E. "Jen" Tippy, 83

Virginia E. "Jen" Tippy, 83, of Columbia City, died at 12:35 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Parkview Oaks where she had been a resident since February 26, 2009.
She was born March 12, 1928 in Rochester, Indiana a daughter of Herman and Readah (Baldwin) Cleland. She graduated from Rochester High School.
On October 8, 1949 she married Jack L. Tippy. They made their home in Angola and North Manchester before moving to Columbia City in 1970. Mr. Tippy died July 5, 1977.
She was employed at Dove's Nest Antique Shop and managed the Christian Resource Book Store. She was also instrumental in "Dickens of a Christmas" for the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce.
Her church membership was with Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Surviving relatives include a son, Bruce; a brother, Glenn Cleland of Rochester; a sister, Barbara Clevenger of Arizona; and her caregiver, Lisa Allard of Columbia City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Belva Large; and four brothers, Lewis Cleland, George Cleland, Joe Cleland and James Cleland.
The funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Friday at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 709 W Business 30, Columbia City with visitation after 11 a.m. The committal service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Rochester.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the final expense account payable to Smith & Sons Funeral Homes Inc.
Arrangements are being completed at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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Karen Lee Haskin, 57

Karen Lee Haskin, 57, a resident of Columbia City, died at 11:16 pm Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 in the Parkview Whitley Hospital.
She was born on February 28, 1954 in Columbia City, a daughter of Derald and Janyce DeWitt Coomer. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City, where she was educated in the public schools.
On May 12, 1976, she was united in marriage to Harry H. Haskin and they made their home in Sarasota, Florida for eighteen years. She was employed in a nursing home while a Florida resident. Later they moved to Columbia City, where they have since made their home. She had been employed for several years at the Scott’s Package Liquor Store.
The surviving relatives include her husband, Harry; two sons, David Haskin and Jason Haskin both of Columbia City and a grandson, Devin Haskin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Kristi and Sherre.
The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. A graveside service will be held at 11 am Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Nolt Cemetery with Pastor Robert Crouse, officiating.
Memorials may be made to the final expense fund at the funeral home.

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Dixie Nei - pending

Dixie Nei of Columbia City, IN passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Please check back for complete obituary information including visitation and funeral dates and times.

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Robert W. Craft Jr., 89

Robert W. Craft Jr., 89, of South Whitley, died at 3:23 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Sunday.
He was born August 27, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan a son of Robert W. and Margaret (Allen) Craft. He graduated from high school in Detroit and continued his education.
On September 14, 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged November 8, 1945. On March 3, 1954 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged March 2, 1958.
On April 4, 1975 he was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Collins Flower. They made their home in Las Vegas, Nevada for 35 years before moving to South Whitley seven years ago.
He retired August 18, 1989 from CenTel with 21 years of service.
His memberships include Redford, Michigan V.F.W.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Marilyn; a sister, Margaret Connor of Farmington MI; and a brother, Ralph Phelps Craft of Redmond OR.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John Craft.
There will be no visitation or service. Burial will be at a later date in the Great Lakes Memorial Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.

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Kim David Jenkins, 57

Kim David Jenkins, 57, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:13 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born October 29, 1954 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Cyrus Jack and Wanda Marie (Foulk) Jenkins.
He spent his childhood in Fort Wayne where he graduated from Heritage High School with the Class of 1972 and furthered his education by receiving an Associate Degree at Ivy Tech College. He served with the United States Army in 1975 as a SP4. In 1978 he moved to Coesse and completed his military service as a reservist in 1981. On March 20, 1983 he was united in marriage to Christine K. VanHouten in Columbia City by Rev. Graham L. Kleespie. He first worked at Pranger Mechanical, and for the past 15 years, he was a project manager for Havel Brothers, both of Fort Wayne. He was a member of American Legion Post #98 and Local #166 United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, Fort Wayne. An avid fisherman, he also loved anything to do with cars and motorcycles.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Christine K. Jenkins of Columbia City; 3 sons, David H. (Brandi), Steven M. and Benjamin C. Jenkins all of Columbia City; 2 brothers and 1 sister, Kevin G. (Julie) Jenkins of Columbia City, Kathy A. (David) Krueckeberg of Roanoke and Kerry L. (Kathy) Jenkins of Fort Wayne; 2 granddaughters, Serina Houser and Ansleigh Jenkins and father, C. J. Jenkins of Roanoke. He was preceded in death by his mother and 1 granddaughter, Elizabeth Jenkins.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 2-6:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Johnson of Oak Grove Church of God officiating. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Jenkins to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. 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 09:07 PM | Permalink

Martha L. Osbun, 83

Martha L. Osbun, 83, a resident of rural Churubusco in Noble County and wife of Everett W. Osbun, passed away at 2:40 a. m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at her home in Green Township. She had been in declining health for some time, and had been seriously ill for the past week.
Mrs. Osbun was born in Green Township on April 2, 1928, a daughter of Earlin R. and Mary N. (McClain) Budd. She spent her formative years north of Churubusco in Noble County, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1946.
On September 19, 1948 she was married in Green Township to Everett W. Osbun, and lived all of her adult life there. She had been employed in the collections department at Fort Wayne National Bank, and later worked in the claims department at Mutual Security Life Insurance Company in Fort Wayne.
She was a member of the Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, and the “Smiling Sams.” In her leisure time she enjoyed fishing, camping, and outdoor activities. She was known as an excellent cook, and also enjoyed wintering in both Texas and Florida during her retirement years.
The surviving relatives include her husband Everett W. Osbun, to whom she was married for over 63 years; her two children Terrell W. (Cathy) Osbun of Columbia City and Marla (Phillip) Wall of Fort Wayne; two sisters Evelyn (Ross) Clouse of Churubusco and Lavon Renkenberger of Kendallville; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Lucille W. Bricker.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at Churubusco Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Paul D. White, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Wednesday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, 1000 W. Whitley Street, Churubusco, IN 46723

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:06 PM | Permalink

Diane M. Bratton, 41

Diane M. Bratton, 41, of rural Kimmell, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on November 23rd.
She was born March 22, 1970 in Columbia City, Indiana a daughter of Roger T. and Toni G. (Butt) Lemon. Her formative years were spent in Washington Township, Noble County. She graduated from West Noble High School and Fairfield Vocational Cosmetology School.
On November 2, 1991 she was united in marriage to Brian J. Bratton. They have always made their home in rural Kimmell.
She was employed at Tower Ribbon in Topeka for 19 years.
Her memberships include Ormas Baptist Church, Washington Township, Noble County 4-H Club and Noble Nimble Thimbles Quilt Club.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Brian; two children, Thomas James "T.J." Bratton of Logansport and Kelty Lynn Bratton at home; her parents, Roger & Toni Lemon of Kimmell; a brother, Glen (Loreen) Lemon of Kimmell; and her mother-in-law, Connie Bratton of Columbia City.
Her father-in-law, James Bratton, preceded her in death.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ormas Baptist Church, 8962 N 300 W, Columbia City with visitation after 9:30 a.m. at the church. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to the Hospice Home or Ormas Baptist Church.

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Ruth L. Schrader, 101

Ruth L. Schrader, 101, of Warsaw, died at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Millerâ€™s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since December 27, 2000.
She was born October 21, 1910 in Furnace County, Nebraska a daughter of Minard and Estelle (Coplen) Gates. At the age of 13, her family moved to Indiana, settling in Pierceton. She graduated with the Class of 1929 from Pierceton High School.
On February 6, 1930 she was united in marriage to Carl J. Schrader. They made their first home on a farm in Richland Township, Whitley County. In 1946 they moved to Larwill. Mr. Schrader died July 5, 1982.
She was employed at Reed-Murdoch Company, Consolidated Foods, Larwill Feed Mill and retired in 1972 from Pierceton School as cafeteria manager with 10 years of service.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Mary Lou Baxter of Warsaw; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren; 1 great great great granddaughter; and a brother, Paul Gates of Columbia City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Gates and four sisters, Dorothy Fabian, Naomi McDonald, Grace Black and Cleora Peg Wolfe.
The funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation after 11 a.m. The burial will be in Eberhard Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to First Christian Church Building Fund.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:54 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Diane M. Bratton, 41

Diane M. Bratton, 41, of rural Kimmell, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on November 23rd.
She was born March 22, 1970 in Columbia City, Indiana a daughter of Roger T. and Toni G. (Butt) Lemon. Her formative years were spent in Washington Township, Noble County. She graduated from West Noble High School and Fairfield Vocational Cosmetology School.
On November 2, 1991 she was united in marriage to Brian J. Bratton. They have always made their home in rural Kimmell.
She was employed at Tower Ribbon in Topeka for 19 years.
Her memberships include Ormas Baptist Church, Washington Township, Noble County 4-H Club and Noble Nimble Thimbles Quilt Club.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Brian; two children, Thomas James "T.J." Bratton of Logansport and Kelty Lynn Bratton at home; her parents, Roger & Toni Lemon of Kimmell; a brother, Glen (Loreen) Lemon of Kimmell; and her mother-in-law, Connie Bratton of Columbia City.
Her father-in-law, James Bratton, preceded her in death.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ormas Baptist Church, 8962 N 300 W, Columbia City with visitation after 9:30 a.m. at the church. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Preferred memorials are to the Hospice Home or Ormas Baptist Church.

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Willodean Alice Lyons, 92

Willodean Alice Lyons, 92, of Huntington, IN passed away at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Oakbrook Village Nursing Home, Huntington.

Born March 27, 1919 in Columbia City, IN the daughter of Raymond Earl and Francis Marie (Nei) Schrader.
She spent her childhood in Columbia City where she graduated from Columbia City High School with the class of 1938. On June 30, 1941 she married Robert M. Lyons in Kentucky. She lived all of her married life in Huntington. A homemaker, she worked at Blue Bell, and retired from Memcor in Huntington as a factory worker.
Survivors include her 2 daughters, Dianna C. (Barry A.) Cochran and Deloria "Dee" (Clarence B.) Jackson both of Huntington; 1 son, David E. Lyons of Portola Hills, CA; 4 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 16 step great grandchildren; 18 step great great grandchildren; 4 nieces and 1 nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert M. Lyons, brothers, Walter L. and Frederick D. Schrader and sister, Deloris L. Nichols.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 1-3 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Lyons to a humane society of the donor's choice or Huntington Right to Life in honor of all moms, 343 Washington St., Huntington, IN 46570. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

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Memorials

December 28, 2011

Isabel I. Kitson-Bishop, 90

December 24, 2011

Evelyn M. (Gipe) Schinbeckler-Tolliver, 93

Charles Lee Stephens, 59

Robert L. von Holdt, 84

December 23, 2011

Edna Ruth Draper, 93

December 22, 2011

Richard D. Lancaster, 71

December 21, 2011

Shannon Lynn Bisel, 39

December 20, 2011

Dean L. Mullett, 65

Robert E. Thomas, 81

December 17, 2011

Laura Bell Walker, 93

December 16, 2011

Billie "Bill" Wheeler, 84

December 14, 2011

David Roy Wilson, 67

December 13, 2011

Sheila M. Hammons, 33

December 10, 2011

R. Duane Loe, 44

December 08, 2011

Virginia E. "Jen" Tippy, 83

Karen Lee Haskin, 57

Dixie Nei - pending

December 07, 2011

Robert W. Craft Jr., 89

Kim David Jenkins, 57

Martha L. Osbun, 83

December 05, 2011

Diane M. Bratton, 41

Ruth L. Schrader, 101

Diane M. Bratton, 41

December 02, 2011

Willodean Alice Lyons, 92