Memorials

Claire L. Anderson, 48

2008-09-03T23:27:50Z

Claire L. Anderson, 48, of rural Albion passed away on Monday, September 1st, 2008, at 10:45 p.m. at her residence in rural Albion with her family at her side.

She was born Claire Derrow on January 19, 1960, in Kendallville, and was the daughter of Chester C. and Betty Jean (Kunce) Derrow. She has been a lifetime resident on Noble County.

On July 20, 1991, at Cornerstone Church in Merriam she married David C. Anderson, he survives in Albion. Claire worked at Dresser Wayne (formerly Tokeheim) in Fremont for 26 years.

She was a member of the Albion American Legion Ladies Auxilliary, she enjoyed 4 wheeling, watching movies and her dogs.

Other survivors include a son, Zachary Anderson of Columbia City and a daughter, Jessica Watts of Kendallville, her sisters, Jeannette Shlater of Churubusco, RuthAnn Derrow, June Derrow both of Albion, Alice (Phil) Weeks of Albion, Lois Butler of Albion, Mary (Roger) Owen of Columbia City, Peggy Conley of LaFayette, and brothers, Tim Derrow and girlfriend Lisa Yates of Albion and Tom Derrow of Albion.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two brother-n-laws, Joe Butler and Robert Shlater

Funeral services will be Friday, September 5, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion Chapel, 771 Trail Ridge Rd. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Conley, Cody Derrow, Robb Owen, Chad Owen, Paul Butler, Todd Butler and Kevin Derrow.

Burial following the service will be at Sweet Cemetery in Albion.

Memorials may be made to ALS Association, or Noble-Whitley Hospice.

Hanna V. Waterson, 84

2008-09-03T23:13:42Z

Hanna V. Waterson, 84, passed away Monday, September 01, 2008 at her home in Fort Wayne.
Born in Pierceton, she worked at Archway Cookies in Fort Wayne then worked in the admission department in ER at Parkview Hospital for 30 years. She graduated from Pierceton High School in 1941, was a member of United Faith Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne and volunteered at Lutheran. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, and cross-stitching.
Survivors include daughter, Linda Henschen of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Laura Black, Kevin Henschen, Mark Henschen all of Fort Wayne, and Brian Henschen of Ossian; sisters, Savannah Lepley of Columbia City, Donna Hahn of Warsaw, and Shirley Kreger of Pierceton; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd F. Waterson in 1992; brother, Hayden Jones; sisters, Betty Wolfe, Nelle Gorden, Maxine Gebert, Naomi Phebus, and Helen Mielke.
Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home,
1140 Lake Avenue
with calling one hour prior, Dr. Hal Thomas officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials to United Faith Presbyterian Church.

Carl W. Lang, 90

2008-09-03T23:07:15Z

Carl W. Lang, 90, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born in Fort Wayne, he was a supervisor with Conrail for 39 years and retired in 1979. He was a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church and 50 years member of the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include wife, Betty A. Lang of Ossian; daughter, Julie (Roger) Waggoner of Columbia City; step-son, Jack (Dena) Erwin of Concord, MI; step-daughter, Connie Evener of Elliston, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Ursula Lang; first wife, Naoma E. Fudge Lang in 1982; 2 brothers, Gus and Paul Lang.
Service is 11 a.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home,
8325 Covington Road
, Pastor Kathleen Haller officiating. Calling from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens.
Memorials to Trinity English Lutheran Church.

Gertrude L. Snepp, 92

2008-09-03T01:09:27Z

Gertrude L. Snepp, 92, a resident of Columbia City, died at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, September 02, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since January 2008.
She was born October 10, 1915, in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, a daughter of Charles and Sarah A. (Cormany) Simon.

At age 10, after the death of her mother, the family moved to Fort Wayne. At age 16, they moved back to Columbia City where she attended Columbia City High School.
On April 7, 1934, she was united in marriage to Carl H. Snepp. They made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Snepp died April 3, 1971.
She was employed by the former Blue Bell of Columbia City for 36 years and was an Avon Representative for 23 years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
The surviving relatives include her a son, Ansley Snepp, Arlington, Texas, and a daughter, Barbara Klopfenstein, Columbia City; nine grandchildren including Kary Klopfenstein of Columbia City and David Klopfenstein of Keller, Texas; and15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Jesse, Howard, Carl, Burtis and Eldon Simon and six sisters, Alma Simon, Florence Gradeless, Mary Walker, Gladys Grabach, Elva Simon and Ruth Grabach.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City with Rev. Curtiss Johnson officiating. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Hospice.

Julia Ann “Judy” Zickgraf, 82

2008-09-03T01:03:03Z

Julia Ann “Judy” Zickgraf, 82, of Columbia City, died at 6:58 a.m. Monday, September 1, 2008, at Parkview Whitley Hospital where she was transferred Sunday afternoon from Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born October 7, 1925, in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Earl B. and Irene (Smith) Fryer Sr. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne and she graduated from North Side High School in 1943. She continued her education at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing.
On June 8, 1946, she was united in marriage to Joseph R. Zickgraf, Sr. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1952 when they moved to Big Cedar Lake and later Columbia City, where Joe served as former mayor of Columbia City. Deacon Zickgraf died August 31, 2007.
She was employed from 1968 until 1997 at the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and Community Development Corporation.
Surviving relatives include seven children, Joseph R. (Bonnie) Zickgraf Jr. of Florida, Susan (John) Kasper of Maui, Hawaii, Tony (Debra) Zickgraf of Columbia City, Charles (Roxanne Hughes) Zickgraf of Churubusco, Dominic (Becky) Zickgraf of San Antonio, Texas, Pat (Kristen) Zickgraf of Columbia City and John (Karen) Zickgraf of South Carolina; 15 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Barbara Creek of Angola and Louise Spice of Fort Wayne.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Andrew Zickgraf; a sister, Corrine James; and two brothers, Basil Fryer and William Fryer.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City with viewing one hour before the service. The burial will be in Union Township Cemetery. Viewing 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 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Paul of the Cross Building Fund.

Henry Sizemore, 96

2008-09-03T00:41:03Z

Henry Sizemore, 96, of South Whitley, died at 1:43 a.m. Monday, September 1, 2008 at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, where he had been a resident since August 5.
He was born May 24, 1912, in Floyd County, Kentucky a son of Butler and Arie (McGuire) Sizemore. His formative years were spent in Floyd County.
On March 14, 1936, he was united in marriage to Bess Hubbard. They made their home in Floyd County until 1960 when they moved to South Whitley. Mrs. Sizemore died June 25, 1995.
A coal mine worker for many years, he retired from Farm Bureau in 1974.
His memberships include United Mine Workers and U.A.W.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Jim (Connie) Sizemore of Anderson and William Sizemore of South Whitley; six daughters, Sue (Terry) Hann, Louise (Buck) Rodman and Henrietta (Robert) Leonard, all of Wabash, Blanche (Mike) Kilander and Dora (Bruce) Gable, both of South Whitley and Janet (Rodney) Schilling of North Manchester; eleven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Juanita Castle; three brothers and four sisters.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008, at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. J.P. Freeman officiating. 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.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission or Passages Inc.

Marceil L. Wiley Scott, 82

2008-09-03T00:37:21Z

Marceil L. Wiley Scott, 82, of Wolf Lake, died at 5:10 p.m. Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday.
She was born April 24, 1926, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Roswell and Carrie (Fusselman) McDowell. As a young girl, her family moved to Ohio until 1942 when they moved to Merriam. She graduated from Wolf Lake High School.
On June 3, 1945, she was united in marriage to Frederick “Pat” Wiley Sr. They made their home in the Wolf Lake area. Mr. Wiley died July 30, 1986.
On April 14, 1990, she was united in marriage to John Hudson Scott. They always made their home in Wolf Lake. Mr. Scott died January 7, 2000.
She was an LPN at Luckey Hospital in Wolf Lake and retired from Monsanto with 30 years of service.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Al (Katy) Wiley of Albion and Rob (Cheri) Wiley of Auburn; a daughter, April Day of Brundidge, Alabama; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert McDowell of Avilla; and a companion, Paul Keister of Albion.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Clark.
The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008, at Wolf Lake United Methodist Church with viewing one hour before service. The burial will be in Stringtown Cemetery. Viewing will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
For those who wish, memorials to Wolf Lake United Methodist Church.

Timothy S. Archer, 52

2008-09-03T00:32:06Z

Timothy S. Archer, 52, of Loon Lake, died at 10:20 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2008, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on August 17.
He was born January 3, 1956, in Fort Wayne a son of Howard W. and Verlo A. (Parker) Archer. His formative years were spent at Big Lake and he graduated from Central Noble High School.
On September 2, 1989, he married Linda L. Esterline. They have always made their home at Loon Lake.
He retired in February 2008 from Dana Corp. in Syracuse with 30 years of service and was a member of the UAW Local #1405 in Syracuse.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Linda; a son, Scott Christopher Archer, at home; a sister, Carolyn (Rev. Erwin) Kostizen of Highland, Michigan; a brother, Thomas (Phyllis) Archer of Huntertown; his in-laws, Ray & Judy Esterline of Loon Lake; a brother-in-law, John Esterline of Loon Lake; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Tim Kumfer, pastor of Big Lake Church of God, officiating. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Scott Archer Education Fund, Big Lake Church of God Youth Group and Parkview Home Health Care & Hospice.

Larry Pettigrew, 67

2008-09-03T00:21:28Z

Larry Pettigrew, 67, of Columbia City, passed away at 4:45 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2008, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.

Born on August 15, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of Howard M. and Thelma Millie (Smith) Pettigrew.

Larry was a resident of Detroit until 1980 when he moved to the Columbia City and Fort Wayne areas. He graduated from DeLaSalle Collegient Boys School with the Class of 1959 and then attended college in Detroit. He loved to work with numbers and studied accounting. He was an avid traveler and was a member of the YMCA for the first 30 years of his life, where he played basketball.

Survivors include his mother, Thelma Millie Pettigrew of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard M. Pettigrew.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 from 6-8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Randy Grimes and Sharon Brockhaus, DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Celebrant, officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, Indiana.

Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Pettigrew to services for the blind.

To send family condolences, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

Herbert "Bud" D. Hartman, 78

2008-09-03T00:08:50Z

Herbert "Bud" D. Hartman, 78, of North Manchester died at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, September 1, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.

Born on February 23, 1930 in Whitley County, he was the son of Herbert V. and Rachel M. ( Davis ) Hartman.

He moved from Columbia City to North Manchester in 1994. He attended Columbia City High School and received his GED in the military. He served in the United States Army from 1948 from 1952 in the Korean War.

On July 31, 1970, he married Dorothy M. Richardson at First Church of God, Columbia City.

He worked at Riverside Dairy, Columbia City, for 5 years as a route driver, Columbia City Freight Lines for 30 years and Alvan Trucking for 10 years, retiring in 1994.

He attended First Church of God in Columbia City, Touch of Life Church in Warsaw, and Sweetwater Church in North Manchester.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy M. Hartman of North Manchester; 2 daughters, Karen (Jim) Hatfield and Kathy (Ray) Maggard both of Columbia City; 3 sons, Rex Hartman, Bradley (Jenny) Hartman and Brian Hartman all of Columbia City; 4 brothers, Robert Hartman and Dal Hartman both of Columbia City, Jack (Sandy) Hartman of Goshen, and Larry (Rosie) Hartman of Sterling, Colorado; 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Betty Weller and Evelyn Judd, a brother, Donald Hartman and a granddaughter, Ashley Hartman.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 4, 2008 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Reverend Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial to follow at Covington Memorial Gardens , Fort Wayne.

Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Hartman to the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send condolences, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com.

Ruth Marie Linville, 90

2008-08-30T23:51:45Z

Ruth Marie Linville, 90, died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Wright Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Fairborn, Ohio.

Born August 17, 1918 she was the daughter of Fred and Weltha "Goldie" Gebert.

Mrs. Linville's formative years were lived on the family farm between Pierceton and Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, Indiana. She moved from there to another farm on 400 West in Whitley County where she lived until 1987. At that time, she moved to
Whitley Trailer Court
in South Whitley. In July 1996, she moved to the Wright Rehabilitation and Nursing Home to be closer to her son.

She received her formal education in the public schools of Kosciusko County, graduating from Pierceton High School with the Class of 1936.

In addition to being a homemaker, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Linville was an employee of the Fibre Form Corporation in Columbia City in the 1960's and prior to that she worked for Eckrich Company in Fort Wayne.

Mrs. Linville was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and attended both the United Brethren and United Methodist churches.

In 1936, she married Frank W. Hoffman who preceded her in death and later she married George Linville who also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Hoffman of Bell Center, Ohio; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by her son, Glen W. Hoffman, grandsons Michael and Victor Hoffman, a sister, Francis Bemont and a brother, Ralph Bruce.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 4, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. A graveside service will follow at South Park Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Linville to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, IN. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

Bonnie J. Taylor, 80

2008-08-30T23:49:39Z

Bonnie J. Taylor, 80, of rural Columbia City, died at 4:15 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2008, at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday afternoon. She had a 14-month battle with cancer.
She was born December 11, 1927, in Richland Township, a daughter of Alvin D. and Vada L. (Gable) Schuman. Her formative years were spent in Richland and Columbia Townships. She graduated from South Whitley High School and Ravenscroft Beauty College, Fort Wayne.
On June 4, 1949, she was united in marriage to Glen E. “Pete” Taylor. They made their first home in Columbia City, moving to a farm in Jefferson Township in 1950. Mr. Taylor died March 30, 1989.
A beautician, she worked at LaCharme Beauty Shop for a short time.
Her memberships include Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir for many years and was active in United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Twilight Home Extension Club, serving as a past president and held several former offices for Whitley County Home Extension Club. A soloist, she performed for many special occasions.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Susan (Art) McClish, Kristine (Ron) Richey and Dana (Kevin) Jagger, all of Columbia City; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly Taylor-Shaw; a sister, Lois June Tschantz; and three brothers, Robert Dale Schuman, Lowell LaMar Schuman and Larry Phil Schuman.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 1, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Jeffery Boyle, pastor of Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or Hospice Home.

Marine Corporal Brandon M. Stewart, 22

2008-08-29T17:14:19Z

Marine Corporal Brandon M. Stewart, age 22, of Larwill, passed away as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at Camp Lejeune , North Carolina.

Born in Larwill, on June 26, 1986, he was the son of Bobby and Joni (Haegert) Stewart.

A lifetime resident of Larwill, he graduated from Whitko High School with the Class of 2004.

A Military Police Officer, he was enlisted in the United States Marines Corps for 4 years with 7 months from discharge with weapons and training battalion and served two tours of duty in Iraq. An avid rifleman, he also enjoyed riding 4 wheelers and paintball.

Survivors include his parents, Bobby and Joni Stewart of Larwill; a sister, Sheena Stewart of Warsaw; 2 nieces, Hayleigh Stewart and Emily Baldwin both of Warsaw; a grandfather, Fritz Haegert of Larwill; and a grandmother, Myrna Mullen of Akron, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Juanita Claxton and Carol Haegert, and an aunt, Lynn Sroufe.

Visitation is 2-8 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , Columbia City. Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the funeral home with Navy Chaplain Commander Daniel Gard officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by the United States Marine Corps with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.

Memorials may be given in Brandon’s memory to the Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

Leonard E. “Coxie” Cox, 92

2008-08-29T00:09:41Z

Leonard E. “Coxie” Cox, 92, of Columbia City, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at Covington Manor.

He was born on May 26, 1916 to Henry and Alma Cox.

He enjoyed life along with bowling, horseshoes, and sponsoring a team in the Arcola Women’s Softball league.

“Coxie” is survived by his grandchildren Len Lampe of Churubusco and Sue M. Dant of Cromwell; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; an infant son; and daughter Carolyn Lampe.

Funeral service will be on Saturday 1:00 p.m. at Covington Memorial Funeral Home with calling there two hours prior.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Saturn Christian Church Building fund or to the Salvation Army.

Edward A. Walker, 91

2008-08-28T18:56:24Z

Edward A. Walker, 91, a resident of South Whitley, died at 1:30 am Thursday, August 28, 2008, in the Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City, where he had been a resident since February 2008.
He was born July 1, 1917, in Whitley County, a son of William and Ora (Pence) Walker. He attended elementary school in Columbia City and graduated from Larwill High School in 1936.
On November 9, 1940, he was united in marriage to Edith Faye Coverstone. They made their home in Columbia City. In 1957, they moved to South Whitley.
In addition to part-time farming, he began his work career with the State Highway Department. Later he was employed by the former Gripco, South Whitley, for 26 years retiring in 1983 as a Maintenance Mechanic.
He attended Collamer Church of God.
The surviving relatives include his wife of 67 years, Edith Faye; two daughters, Shelby (Tom) Stump and Carol (William) Harter, both of South Whitley; a son, Terry (Anne) of Larwill; one sister, Louise Kern of Kendallville; six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Willard, Arland and Harold Walker; a sister, Jeanette Schilling, and two grandsons.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. Tom Coltrain, pastor of Collamer Church of God officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Collamer Church of God.