Memorials

Edward Frank McClure, 78

2010-03-10T19:48:44Z

Edward Frank McClure, 78, of Columbia City passed away at 1:40 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2010 at his home.
Born on December 16, 1931 in Fort Wayne he was the son of Thomas F. and Helen L. (Couts) McClure.
He was born in Ohio , moving as a young child to Wolf Lake , then to a farm in Thorncreek Township and lastly at his Tri-Lakes, Karen Kove home for many years. He attended Wolf Lake High School through the 12th grade. On March 12, 1950 he married Patsy Marie Gray in Lagrange. He first worked at Essex Wire, Ligonier, G.E. Fort Wayne , and retired from Dana, Fort Wayne , as a leadman in the axle line department. After his retirement he assisted local farmers and operated Ed's Lawn Mowing Service. An avid Cubs fan, he also enjoyed fishing, golfing, mowing and general farming.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Patsy Marie McClure of Columbia City; 2 daughters, Pam (Steve) Loe and Linda (Art Miller) Coulter both of Columbia City; 1 son, Bruce E. (Brenda) McClure of Milford; 3 granddaughters, Brandie (Kevin) Kreps of Columbia City, Cara (Aaron) Likens of Wolcottville and Megan (Bryan) Lee of Fort Wayne; 4 great grandchildren, Jordan Coulter of Churubusco, Dakota and Jaegar Kreps of Columbia City and Vincent Likens of Wolcottville; 3 sisters, Deloris (Bob) Chiddister of Ligonier, Elline (Ruben) Weiner of Ithica, NY and Lynn (Tom) Beard of Sonoma, WI; 1 brother, David (Cindy) McClure of Wolf Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson, Scott Coulter, 2 brothers, Fred and Mike McClure, 1 sister, Jeanne Clark and 1 son-in-law, Mike Coulter.
"A special thanks to those closest to Ed who supported him on his journey. Also, thank you to Heartland Hospice for their loving care."
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 with 1 hour of visitation prior to service at the funeral home with Pastor Hank Workman, of the Warehouse Church, Columbia City and Pastor Dana Neuenschwander, Youth Pastor of Big Lake Church of God, officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery , Ormas, rural Noble County . Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. McClure's memory to Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

James Michael Hageman, 57

2010-03-08T19:23:48Z

James Michael Hageman, 57, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 1:55 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010 at his residence after a battle with cancer. Born on August 17, 1952 in Fort Wayne, IN, he was the son of Richard J. and Wanda M. (Graves) Hageman.
He was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN moving to Whitley County, IN in 1989. He graduated from Bishop Luers High School with the Class of 1970. He attended ITT Technical College receiving a certificate as an Electrical Technician in 1971 and completed Emergency Medical Technician training at Ivy Tech Community College in 1976. On August 11, 1989, he married Joyce Partsch in Fort Wayne, IN. He worked at GTE/Verizon for 35 years as an installer/maintainer retiring in 2007. Then after retirement he worked at Geiger Developing. He was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Hageman of Columbia City; 1 step-daughter, Sharon (Jackie) Monk of Churubusco, IN; 2 daughters, Andrea (Noah) Ladig of Avilla, IN; Michelle (Ben) Lawrence of Fort Wayne, IN; 1 son, Chris Hageman of Columbia City; 1 step-son, Jake (Kelly) Partsch of Markle, IN; 1 brother, Rick (Cheryl) Hageman of Milton, TN; 1 sister, Linda (Tim) Bell of Cummings, GA; mother, Wanda M. Hageman of Fort Wayne; and 9 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard J. Hageman.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 with a prayer vigil to take place at 7:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the funeral home with Father Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church and Chaplain Robin LaRue of Heartland Hospice officiating. Burial to follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Hageman to Heartland Hospice or the Jimmy M. Hageman Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

Herbert Earle Stampe, 99

2010-03-08T00:39:19Z

Herbert Earle Stampe, 99, of Columbia City, died at 5:09 p.m. Saturday March 6, 2010 at The Oaks, Columbia City.
He was born March 31, 1910 in Clinton County, Iowa a son of Peter Johannas and Fredericka Sophia (Hanssen) Stampe. His formative years were spent in Preston, Iowa where he graduated from High School in 1927. He then attended Browns College of Commerce in Clinton, Iowa.
On April 15, 1933, he was united in marriage to Mary Juanita Woll. They made their home in Iowa. In 1943 they moved to Indiana.
During WWII in was employed by Studebaker, Fort Wayne as an accounting clerk. In 1945, he went to work for Fibre Form, Columbia City and also began farming on acreage he purchased in Richland and Smith Twp. In 1950, he went to work for Terratrac which later became part of J.I. Case and they move through various assignments in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. He retired in 1972 returning to Columbia City.
His memberships included Grace Lutheran Church where four of his children where confirmed and three were married by the late Rev. Graham Kleespie, Sr.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 76 years, Mary; three sons, Roger A (Ruth) Stampe, Churubusco, Robert E. (Gloria) Stampe, Wildwood, FL, and Richard H. (Jenna Mae) Stampe, Reinbeck, IA; a daughter, Nancy Jo (Thomas) Anwyll, Springfield, VA; 12 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren, two brothers, LeRoy (Helen) Stampe, Maquoketa, IA and Marvin Stampe, Alexandria, KY.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Adolph, Fred, Peter, Virtus Stampe and two sisters, Louise Black and Gladys Martin.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. Joyce Gerwing officiating. Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Roscoe L. Rule, 85

2010-03-07T02:53:05Z

Roscoe L. Rule, 85, formerly of Leesburg, died at 3:04 a.m. Saturday March 6, 2010 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.
He was born October 13, 1924 in Kosciusko County, Indiana a son of Lewis Franklin and Pearl May (Suter) Rule. His formative years were spent in Kosciusko County. He graduated from Silver Lake High School.
On October 13, 1945, he was united in marriage to Crystal Glea Eberly. They made their home in Kosciusko County. In 1964 they moved to Leesburg and in 2005 to Columbia City.
He was employed at Reed Motor Shop as an electrician from 1964 until his retirement in 2005.
His memberships included Spring Creek Church of the Brethren.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 64 years, Glea; a daughter, Peggy L. (Lewis) Bolinger, South Whitley; two grandchildren, Stephanie (Chad) Smyth and Brian (Kim) Bolinger; great grandchildren, Heidi and Katie Bolinger, Owen Smyth; step great grandchildren, Sam, Scott and Zoe Smyth; one sister, Vera Homan, Chapman Lake, Warsaw; brother-in-law, Herschel Schooley, Winona Lake and sister-in-law, Mrs. J.W. (Joan) Rule, North Manchester.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Lewis, J.W., and Wilbur Rule; sisters, Agnes Schooley, Irene Simison, Ina Schilling, Arveda Belle Rule and Ethel Rule.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.

LaVerne L. Ewert, 90

2010-03-07T02:50:34Z

LaVerne L. Ewert, 90, formerly of Columbia City, died at 6:33 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Coventry Meadows Assisted Living, Fort Wayne where she had been a resident since November, 2007.
She was born November 8, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana a daughter of Arno and Alma (Schmidt) Stein. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne where she attended Luther Institute.
On June 26, 1940 she was united in marriage to Noel E. Ewert. They made their home in Fort Wayne. In the mid 1990s, they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Ewert died April 30, 2006.
She owned and operated Knitting Machine Nook, Fort Wayne. As a professional seamstress, she also taught sewing.
Her memberships included Trinity Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by three daughters, Dora-Lee (Tom Clark) Duckworth, Granby, CO, Nola-Kay (Charles) Jetmore, Roanoke and Beth-Ann (Mike)Welch, Jacksonville, FL; seven grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren ; a brother, Arno Stein, Jr., New Haven and a sister, Wanda Shumaker, Wolcottville.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence A. Ewert and daughter, Alma-Louise Enz.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Ross O’Dell officiating. The burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 12:00 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or Southern Care Hospice.

Rita A. Chapman, 91

2010-03-07T02:48:30Z

Rita A. Chapman, 91, a resident of Union Township, died at 8:10 pm Wednesday, March 3, 2010 in the Renaissance Village in Dunfee, where she had been a patient since January 4th.
She was born on April 9, 1918 in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Clarence and Catherine Blank Flory. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne where she completed her education in the St. Peter’s Catholic School.
On September 21, 1940, she was united in marriage to Kenneth H. Chapman and they made their home in Fort Wayne, then New Haven and moved to a farm in Union Township, Whitley County in 1956.
Mr. Chapman preceded her in death on November 26, 2003.
Mrs. Chapman was a homemaker.
She was a member of the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church and the American Legion Post #82 Auxillary.
The surviving relatives include two daughters, Sandra Kay (Richard) Schrader, Surprise, AZ, Sue (Walt) Dittmer, Columbia City; seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a sister, Betty Mitchell, Fort Wayne and a brother, Jack Flory, New Haven.
She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas J. Chapman; brothers, Clarence Jr., William and Richard Flory; sisters, Geraldine Volz, Maxine Welklin and Bernadette Patton.
Mass of the Christian burial will be at 11:30 am Monday in the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church with Father Larry Kramer the officiant. The burial will be in the Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne. The visitation will be on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one half hour before the mass at the church.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Hospice Southern Care.

Sarah Sue Baker, 95

2010-03-05T22:31:01Z

Sarah Sue Baker, 95, of North Manchester , IN passed away at 8:27 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010. Born on January 20, 1915 in Nashville , TN she was the daughter of John and Annie (Castleman) O'Brien.
She attended school in Nashville , TN. She lived her entire lifetime in Nashville , TN until May of 2006 when she moved to North Manchester. Her first marriage was to Benjamin Fergueson on February 17, 1932. On April 13, 1988, she married Howard Baker in Nashville , TN. For 32 years, Sarah worked at Harvey 's Department store in Nashville as a store clerk. She was a member of the 7th Baptist Church , Nashville .
Survivors include a daughter, Betsy Ann Davis of Auburn; grandchildren, Sonja K. (Michel) Litalien of Sylvania, OH, Donna (Dennis) Davis of Indiatlantic, FL, Tom (Maxine) Davis of Stockbridge, MI, Bobbie (Steve) Eyers of Auburn, Sandra Fergueson of Clarkeston, MI, and Kim (Paul) Conner of Canton, MI; 12 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bobby O'Brien of Murfreesboro, TN.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, Benjamin Fergueson and Howard Baker, son, Leonard Fergueson, grandchild, Patricia Davis, brothers, Howard and Lucien O'Brien and sister, Lillian Messer.
Visitation is 2-3 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following calling on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive , Columbia City, IN. Pastor Steve Eyers will officiate. A second calling is Monday, March 8, 2010 from 1-2 p.m. with a graveside committal service immediately following at 2 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery , Nashville , TN. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Baker to the American Red Cross or Navy Mothers. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register.

Edna M. McCoy, 89

2010-03-05T03:41:16Z

Edna M. McCoy, 89, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at The Oaks, Columbia City. Born on April 4, 1920,in Huntington, IN, she was the daughter of John F. and Rosena A. (Hartman) Karst.
She graduated from Columbia City High School. On September 16, 1939, she married Ford McCoy in Columbia City. A devoted housewife and mother, she worked for several years at Blue Bell as well as assisted her husband on the family dairy farm.
Survivors include sons, Jack (Susan) McCoy and Dennis (Jan) McCoy, both of Columbia City; daughters, Nora (Roger) Ferrell, Jerry (David) Wigent of Columbia City, Judith McCoy of Fort Wayne, and Kathy (Marlin) Carr of Warsaw; 26 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; sisters, Juanita McConnell of Columbia City and Geraldine (Sam) Reiff of Pierceton, IN.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Melissa Creech, grandson, Nick McCoy; brothers, Julius S. "Toot," Raymond, Henry, Frank, Robert and Gerald "Bud" Karst; and sisters, Katherine McCoy and Pauline Perry.
Visitation is from 12-2 p.m., Sunday, March 7, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. A graveside service will be held immediately following visitation at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City. Eddie Beagles, CFC will officiate. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. McCoy to the Peabody Public Library. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register book.

Donna Belle Gillam, 86

2010-03-03T14:31:43Z

Donna Belle Gillam, 86, of Roanoke, IN passed away at 11:06 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN. Born on August 14, 1923 in Whitley County, IN, she was the daughter of Thomas M. and Bertha B. (Geist) Swing.
A lifetime resident of the Roanoke, IN area she attended Roanoke High School. On October 21, 1950 she married Gilbert L. "Skip" Gillam in Warsaw, IN. She retired in April 1987 after twenty years with Coil Engineering and Economy Machine Products in Roanoke. She was a member of the First Brethren Church of Roanoke, IN, a 50 year member of Bethel Rebekah Lodge #382 of Laud, and since 1947 the American Legion Auxiliary of Roanoke.
Survivors include her son David A. (Patsy) Graves of Roanoke, IN; grandson, Tom (Mary) Graves of Columbia City; granddaughter, Lisa (Brent) Sunderland of Columbia City; 8 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Cynthia Young of Bunker Hill, IN, Aladean Weaver of Roanoke, IN and brother, Dick (Joan) Swing of South Whitley, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert L. "Skip" Gillam; sisters, Vera Swing and Geraldine Cobbs; and brothers, Sheldon, Lester, Thomas, Edward, Rex and Harry Swing and a infant brother.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010 at the funeral home with Pastor Kurt Snyder of First Brethren Church, Roanoke officiating. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, IN. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Gillam's memory to First Brethren Church, Roanoke, IN. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

Hellen B. Bower, 70

2010-02-26T00:23:55Z

Hellen B. Bower, 70, of Angola passed away at 2:01 a.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Northern Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation, Angola.
Born on September 20, 1939 in Bennington, Michigan, she was the daughter of Wilbur Brozie and Pearl Trimmer (Harrison) Bower.
She was born and raised in Michigan and then moved to Texas and in 2000 moved to Columbia City. In 2004 she moved to Angola to be closer to her sons.
She attended Monroe High School, Monroe, Michigan. She was a Driving Instructor for AAA Motorist Association, as well as a volunteer at the Peabody Library, Columbia City. She attended the Columbia City United Methodist Church and previously attended the Robin Wood Baptist Church in Seagoville, Texas.
Survivors include her 4 sons, Jonathan (Diane) Killion of Indianapolis; Andrew Killion of Angola; David Killion of Powell, Tennessee; Jeffery Killion of Angola; 1 brother, John Bower of Monroe, Michigan; 2 sisters, Joyce Mainzinger of Monroe, Michigan, and Jeanne Gonia of Las Vegas, Nevada; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Vida.
At Ms. Bower's request there will be no visitation or services. In memory of Ms. Bower, memorials may be made to Cameron Hospice, 416 E. Monroe St., Angola, IN 46703, Attn: Connie. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, IN. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.

Richard L. “Rick” Fetters, 89

2010-02-23T15:50:48Z

Richard L. “Rick” Fetters, 89, of rural Kimmell, died at 6:30 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2010 at his home.
He was born October 5, 1929, in Washington Township, Noble County, a son of Charles Floyd and Leila Zoe (Shew) Fetters. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1939.
On February 19, 1950 he was united in marriage to Betty J. Adams. They have made their home on a farm in Washington Township, Noble County.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army Signal Corps during World War II. He was honorably discharged January 7, 1946.
A retired farmer, he served 44 years on the Washington Township Advisory Board.
He was a member of Ormas Baptist Church, Columbia City American Legion Post #98 and a charter member of Wolf Lake V.F.W. #4717.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Betty; two sons, Duane (Trudy) Fetters of Kimmell and Dennis (Darlene) Fetters of Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a brother, Roger Fetters of Syracuse; and a sister, Nancy Lenegar of Sun City Center, Florida.
He was preceded in death by two great granddaughters, Tara Lykins and Vanessa Lee; a brother, Robert Fetters; and four sisters, Eileen Gaerte, Ellen Gilbert, Jean Paulus and Dora Hemund.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
The burial will be in Salem Cemetery, Wilmot with military honors presented by American Legion Post #98.
Preferred memorials are to Ormas Baptist Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Max Earl Conner, 77

2010-02-22T02:39:59Z

Max Earl Conner, 77, a former resident of Roanoke, died at 11:20 pm Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 in the Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born on June 6, 1932 in Fort Wayne, a son of Russell E. and LaVaonne Vogely Conner. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne, where he attended Harrison Hill Elementary School and graduated from Central High School.
After completing his education, he joined his father in the operation of the Conner Chevolet Agency in Roanoke where he worked for twenty-five years. Later he worked at McJon Photo, Xolox and the Ellison Bakery.
On March 1, 1953, he was united in marriage to Arlene Sue Yoder and they made their home in Roanoke until moving to Heritage Place in Warren two years ago.
He was a member of the College Park United Brethren Church in Huntington and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter G.
The surviving relatives include his wife, Sue; a daughter, Darlene (Phillip) Burkett, Huntington; to grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) Burkett and Carissa Burkett.
The funeral service will be held at 11 am Wednesday with the Rev. James Moser, officiating in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Roanoke at a later date. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday and one hour before the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Mildred Lucille Bridge, 103

2010-02-22T02:37:28Z

Mildred Lucille Bridge, 103, died Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 4:35 p.m. at the Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne.
Born on June 21, 1906 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Joseph E. and Grace (Harshbarger) Schinbeckler.
She was born and raised in Whitley County, then moved with her family for a short time to California. She returned to Indiana, living in Allen County until the time of her marriage. On July 27, 1928 she married Arlo C. Bridge in Aboite Township, Allen County. They moved to Fort Wayne for a short time and eventually settled on the family farm in Allen County.
A graduate of Arcola High School with the Class of 1925 she then went on to pursue her nursing degree, graduating from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing with the Class of 1928. She worked as a private duty nurse in addition to being a homemaker and mother. She was a member of the Lutheran School of Nursing Alumni Association, Aldersgate Methodist Church, Aldersgate United Methodist Women, and a former member of Saturn Christian Church.
She is survived by her son, Dwight (Penny) Bridge of Lebanon, IN; daughter, Karen (Neil) Cholminsky of Thorndale, PA; grandsons, Scott (Maryann) Bridge of Columbus, IN, Todd Bridge of Greenwood, IN and Kyle Greenwood of Easton, PA; granddaughters, Cindy (Rick) Watson of Noblesville, IN, Lisa Thomas of Evansville, IN and Kim Longoria of Austin TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arlo C. Bridge on May 8, 1978, son, Irle Bridge, grandson, Kevin Bridge and brother, Franklin Schinbeckler.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 1-3 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN with funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Kent Lundy of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be officiating. In memory of Mrs. Bridge, memorials may be made to Lutheran Hospital of Indiana. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send the family a condolence or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

Martha P. Guisinger, 90

2010-02-20T20:16:11Z

Martha P. Guisinger, 90, of Columbia City, died at 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Born on June 26, 1919, in Corydon, she was the daughter of Cole and Nolena Breeden.
She was raised in Corydon until her teenage years when her family moved to Fort Wayne. On September 26, 1939, she was married to Donald W. "Dutch" Guisinger. In 1951, they moved to their present home at Tri-Lakes, north of Columbia City.
A graduate of Northside High School, she was employed with Magnavox in Fort Wayne for over 25 years retiring as a group leader. She was an active member of the Magnavox Century Club.
She was an avid shuffle board player in her younger years and was also a gifted knitter and crocheter, making a new afghan every week.
She is survived by her daughter, June A. Keiser (Mike Craig) of Columbia City; son, Carl (Nancy) Guisinger, Fort Wayne; 3 granddaughters, Deanna (Jon) Kissinger and Tara (Bruce) VanHouten of Columbia City, and Cory (Bobby) Schweizer of Leo; grandson, Travis (Angela) Guisinger of Fort Wayne; 9 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Rosie Breeden.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald "Dutch" Guisinger on March 7, 2001; 3 brothers, Frank, William and Charles Breeden.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 22, 2010, from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive. Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Joyce Gerwing of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery.
In memory of Mrs. Guisinger, memorials may be made to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To send the family a condolence or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

Mary M. “May” Fox , 101

2010-02-20T20:06:22Z

Mary M. “May” Fox , 101, of South Whitley, died at 6:35 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010 at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester where she had been a resident.
She was born June 2, 1908 in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Robert and Emily (Piper) Richter. Her formative years were spent in Chicago where she graduated from high school. She was an honor student at Gulf Park College, Biloxi, Mississippi, and was also the class president.
After graduation she returned to Chicago to pursue further schooling in secretarial skills. The school was located next to Orchestra Hall where she met her future musician husband, Hugo E. Fox, who became the principle bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. They were married on June 2, 1930, making their home in Chicago.
In 1949, they moved permanently to the family’s summer retreat in South Whitley. There they co-founded Fox Products Corporation, a world renowned manufacturer of bassoons and oboes. Mr. Fox died December 29, 1969.
Her memberships included South Whitley United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include a son, Alan H. (Pamela) Fox, South Whitley and daughter, Susan M. Fox, Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Karen Festa, John Langreck, Ted Langreck and Jill Fox; 3 great-grandchildren, Lawrence Festa IV, Benjamin Langreck and Philip Langreck.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Richter, Fort Worth.
The funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Pastor Robert Barton of South Whitley United Methodist Church officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to South Whitley United Methodist Church or Peabody Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.