Deanna Darlene Heffley, 76, of Larwill, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at home with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Born November 14, 1946 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Dean and Laura (Hennig) Bentz. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1965. For 27 years Deanna worked at Whitley Memorial Hospital and retired after 25 years with Kroger in 2014. Deanna loved spending time with her daughter and grandpups. She was an avid...

Linda Lou (Burnworth) Gosnell, 80, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022 at her home with her daughter's by her side. Born May 6, 1942 in Pierceton, she was the daughter of Carl and Betty (Tuttle) Burnworth. Growing up in Pierceton, Linda and her family attended Morris Chapel United Methodist Church. She graduated from Pierceton High School with the Class of 1960 and went on to college at Ball State. After college, Linda moved to Fort Wayne and retired from...

Tyler Michael Etter, age 32, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at his residence on Thursday November 24, 2022.  Born on January 8, 1990, in Kendallville, IN, he was the son of Richard Etter and Lisa (Wilson) Bruff. Tyler attended East Noble High School and then went on to become a self-employed horticulturist. Tyler enjoyed gaming in his free time and tending to all of his plants. Survivors include his mother and stepfather Lisa (John) Bruff of Columbia City and father Richard Etter...

Paul McIntosh, 70, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born January 25, 1952 in Hazard, Kentucky, he was the son of Eugene and Willa Mae (Daniels) McIntosh.   As a teenager, his family moved to South Whitley, Indiana where he went on to graduate from Whitko High School with the Class of 1970. On November 29, 1970, he married Victoria Vasquez who he had met while they worked together at Penguin Point. For over 45 years, Paul...

Jean McDevitt, 97, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Miller's at Oak Pointe. Born April 24, 1925 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Lewis and Ethel (Tucker) Miller. Growing up in Union Township of Whitley County, Jean attended Coesse High School and on April 14, 1945, she married Norman McDevitt. Along with being a homemaker and farm wife, Jean also had worked at Phelps Dodge, Farmsworth and Blue Bell in Columbia City. She had been a faithful...

Carl E. Smith, 79, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Friday, November 18, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born October 3, 1943 in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Russell and Helen (Martindale) Smith. He graduated from Chili High School with the Class of 1961 and International Business College in Fort Wayne. His work career included Data Processing Manager at Transport Motor Express in Fort Wayne and he retired in 2008 from General Electric as a Systems Analyst...

Roberta Fay Graves, age 92, of Columbia City, In, passed away at 9:20 pm on Thursday November 17, 2022, at The Waters of Columbia City.  Born on May 3, 1930, in Grand Rapids, MI, she was the daughter of Oliver and Loda (Jerraid) Ratcliffe. Roberta moved from Michigan, with her parents, to Noble County.  She attended Etna-Troy Township Schools and lived in the Big Lake and Merriam area for most of her life. Roberta worked as a quality control inspector and machine operator for...

Francis "Frank" Paul Alles, 73, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born April 2, 1949 on his family's farm in Jefferson Township of Whitley County, he was the son of Herbert and Anna (Maas) Alles. He attended Jefferson Township School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of  1967. Upon graduation, Frank began working at General Electric before joining the U.S. Navy. After...

Ronald Keith Rubrake, 82, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at Miller's at Oak Pointe. Born May 19, 1940 in Smith Township of Whitley County, he was the son of Lawrence Elwood and Pearl Beatrice (Blew) Rubrake. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1958. Ron had been a plant manager for Blue Bell in Illinois for a year before taking a machinist job with General Electric in 1971. He worked there for over 30 years before...

Grace L. Blaugh, age 93, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at 6:25 pm on Sunday November 6, 2022, at Parkview Randallia Hospital, Fort Wayne.  Born on November 5, 1929, in Thorncreek Township, she was the daughter of J. Louis and Hazel (Kneller) Rathbun. Grace attended Columbia City High School and graduated with the Class of 1947.  She then attended Victor Comptometer School, Fort Wayne.  On June 26, 1949, Grace married John Lewis Blaugh at Coesse Lutheran Church.  She was...

Richard "Rick" Gibson, 75, of Churubusco, Indiana, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born March 5, 1947 in Columbia City, he was the son of Claris "Hoot" and Ary (Carmon) Gibson. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1965. Rick spent several years living in Arizona where he worked at a group home and a horse farm. After his wife Patricia passed away, Rick moved to Missouri in 2005 and then back to Whitley...

Janet Sue Berrier, 64, of Warsaw, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly while on a walk outside her residence on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Born April 6, 1958 in Mishawaka, she was the daughter of Donovan H. and Betty Lorraine (Baker) Hostetler. She graduated from Pierceton 1976 High School with the Class of 1976. Janet  grew up in Pierceton on her family's farm and worked various jobs throughout her life before retiring. Family was the most important thing to Janet and she loved them...

Frances E. Kuehner, age 67, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 5:56 pm on Thursday October 27, 2022, at her residence.  Born on August 6, 1955, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Storie) Brown. Frances and her family moved from Fort Wayne to Blue Lake, Churubusco in 1965, before moving to Columbia City in 1988.  She attended Churubusco High School and graduated with the Class of 1973, then attended cosmetology school in Chicago. Frances worked for Essex...

John Louis Schreiner, 87, of Albion, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born February 27, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of John and Ida L. (Heine) Schreiner. Growing up in Lynbrook, New York, John enjoyed playing sports and ran track at Lynbrook High. He graduated with the Class of 1953 and attended college in Oswego, New York. After college, John joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Louisiana where he met...

Margaret R. “Peggy” Gage, age 78, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 4:05 am on Monday October 31, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.  Born on September 24, 1944, in Three Rivers, MI, she was the daughter of Franklin and Mary (Cekander) Keith. Peggy attended Three Rivers High School and graduated with the Class of 1963.  She worked as an assembler for Reel-Craft, Columbia City.  Peggy was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #2303,...

Viola May Bosserman, age 94, of Tri-Lakes, passed away at 11;44 pm on Wednesday October 26, 2022, at her residence.  Born on March 19, 1928, in Spencerville, IN, she was the daughter of Cloyd and Blanche (Flagg) Wood. Viola attended Coesse High School and graduated with the Class of 1946.  On March 20, 1948, she married Willis DeWayne Bosserman in Fort Wayne.  Viola was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking and traveling in her free time. Survivors include her...

Arlene Aboud, 61, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. Born April 8, 1961, in El Paso, Texas, she was the daughter of John H. Sr. and Ema C. (Chacon) Aboud. Arlene was very loving, had a great sense of humor, was funny, and enjoyed being around others. She had a strong faith and loved talking and singing to Jesus. Arlene loved to sing, paint, knit, and play games on her iPad. She watched every single episode of Little...

Colleen Phyllis Statler, 92, of Albion, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at her daughter's home. Born March 27, 1930 in Allen County, she was the daughter of Chester and Loretta (Allgier) Myers. Colleen's family moved from Fort Wayne to Green Center in Noble County where she would grow up. As a teenager, Colleen left school to stay at home to take care of her family after their mother passed away. Colleen had a caring heart, was giving and always put others before...

Richard “Duke” Ropp, Jr., age 76, of Columbia City, IN, passed away on Sunday October 16, 2022.  Born on April 25, 1946, in Seattle, WA, he was the son of Richard and Eleanor (Lessner) Ropp. Duke attended Columbia City High School and graduated with the Class of 1964.  He then proudly served his country as a United States Navy SeaBee.  On November 18, 1967, he married Rita Hinen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola. Duke started his working career on...

Eileen Marie Heath, age 67, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 4:19 am on Saturday October 15, 2022. Born on October 16, 1954, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Richard E. and Florence M. (Lahrman) Heath. Eileen attended Concordia Lutheran High School graduated with the Class of 1972.  She worked at Scott’s Grocery Store, Sherman Street, Fort Wayne, for 10 years, Williams Grocery Store and Burger Dairy, Columbia City, Wolf Lake Products for 10 years Johnson Controls,...

Lynn S. Zumbrun, age 79, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Friday, October 14, 2022, at his home. Born June 7, 1943, in Wolf Lake, he was the son of Ted and Mary Margaret (Staley) Zumbrun. Lynn attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated with the Class of 1961. He then proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Lynn was a skilled carpenter who owned his own business, Cabinet Creations by Lynn.  He enjoyed golfing, bowling, spending time with his...

Barbara Sue Knisely of Churubusco, Indiana, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. She was born March 31, 1943, to Russell and Jennie (Zell) Eckert. On April 20, 1966, she became the beloved bride of Orville Lynn Knisely who survives her. Barbara graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1961. She worked at Citizens National Bank, Dana Weatherhead, Time Services and Vera Bradley. She was a hard worker and gave her all to everything. She was a proud mom and...

Nina “Ruth” Warman 96, of Churubusco, Indiana passed away Monday, October 10, 2022 at her home. Born January 11, 1926 in Bluffton, she was the daughter of Howard and Maxine (Dilley) Mossburg. Ruth spent her childhood years in Bluffton and graduated from P.A. Allen High School with the Class of 1943. On February 3, 1945, she married Kenneth N. Warman from Decatur. After the marriage, Ken and Ruth both worked at U.S. Rubber in Fort Wayne. They had 3 daughters, Constance Joan,...

Cynthia “Cindy” Karen Whitacre, age 57 of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 10:59 am on Sunday October 2, 2022, at her residence.  Born on November 20, 1964 in Costa Mesa, CA, she was the daughter of Ollis and Katherine (Farmer) Whitacre. Cindy attended Boca Ciega High School in Gulf Port, FL, and graduated with the Class of 1983.  She worked for Wolf Lake Products, Autoliv, and most recently at Family Dollar.  Cindy enjoyed cooking, dancing, and spending time...

Richard C. Sheets, age 82, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 9:58 pm on Saturday October 1, 2022, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.  Born on June 19, 1940, in Whitley County, he was the son of William and Anna (Watson) Sheets. Richard attended Larwill High School and graduated with the Class of 1959.  He worked for Transport Motor Express and Martins, Fort Wayne as a diesel mechanic.  Richard enjoyed watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. NASCAR racing, Chicago Bears...

Victor I. Cunningham, age 77 of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 12:45 pm on Friday September 30, 2022, at Majestic Care of West Allen, Fort Wayne.  Born on December 24, 1944, in Marion, IN, he was the son of Frederick and Dorothy (Miller) Cunningham. Victor attended Oak Hill High School, Converse and graduated with the Class of 1963.  He worked as a correctional officer at Chain-O-Lakes and in Plainfield.  Victor also was a driver for CKD Transport. He was a member of...

Paul E. Cox, 93, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 1:30 am Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Parkview Randallia's Hospice in Fort Wayne. Born January 19, 1929 in Jefferson Township of Whitley County, he was the son of C. Walter and Bertha (Buffenburger) Cox.   Paul spent his lifetime in Whitley County. Paul attended Jefferson Central High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 in the Korean War. On April 17, 1955, he married Roma Joann Snider at Oak Grove Church...

Zelma Mae Watson, 79, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at her home. Born November 12, 1942 in Plymouth, she was the daughter of Claude E. Wyman and Hazel (Bules) Pascoff. Zelma grew up in Marshall County near Plymouth and Argos and attended Pierceton High School. She also lived in Texas, Colorado and Michigan before moving to Fort Wayne in 1960. On January 11 1960, Zelma married Larry Watson. She had worked for Burger King and Hot & Now in New Haven but...

Floyd S. "Butch" Newcomer, 71, of Leo, Indiana, passed away Monday, September 26, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born November 14, 1950 in Goshen, he was the son of Edward E. Sr. and Geneva J. (Lindzy) Newcomer. Growing up in Syracuse, "Butch" played football, ran track, and wrestled. He graduated from Indiana School for the Deaf with the Class of 1970 and attended Gallaudet University. On June 16, 1973, he married Pamela Fifer in Angola. They moved to...

Robert Edward Miller Sr., 86, of Albion, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep and joined his beloved wife on her birthday on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at their home. Born November 13, 1935 in Antwerp, Ohio, he was the son of George R. and Mary M. (Gordon) Miller. After moving from Ohio to Churubusco, Indiana, Bob graduated from Churubusco High School  with the Class of 1953. He went on to join the U.S. Army and during that time reconnected with a fellow classmate, Janet who...

Lacey Louise Langohr, age 42, of Pierceton, IN, passed away at 2:35 pm on Saturday September 24, 2022.  Born on October 11, 1979, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Scott and Betty (Patrick) Langohr. Lacey attended Columbia City High School.  She worked as a secretary for Podlaski LLC, Fort Wayne for the last several years.  Lacey was very positive, upbeat, willing to help others in need, and always had a heart for children.  She enjoyed spending time with her...

Catherine F. Jagger, age 93, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 11:48 pm on Saturday September 24, 2022, at her residence.  Born on August 13, 1929, in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Everett and Georgie Ann (Fisher) James. Catherine lived in South Whitley and moved to Columbia City in 2009.  She attended West Ward School in Columbia City and Thorncreek Elementary School and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1947.  On September 6, 1947, she...

Christy R. (Spurling) Ellis, 47, of Centerville, Ohio, passed peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Born September 4, 1975 in Goshen, Indian, she was the daughter of Tom and Linda (Bechtold) Spurling.   She graduated from Wawasee High School with the Class of 1994 and attended college at Indiana Institute of Technology.   Christy is survived by her children, Taylor Ellis and Tannor Ellis. She is also survived by her father, Tom (Dorthy Vanhook)...

Carolyn R. French, 94, of Columbia City, Indiana and formerly of South Whitley, passed away Monday, September 19, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born August 14, 1928 in Huntington, she was the daughter of Norman and Mary (Thomson) Karns. Spending most of her life in Whitley County, Carolyn was a Majorette in the South Whitley High School band and graduated with the Class of 1946. On February 18, 1950, she married Robert French. Before being married, Carolyn was a waitress at...

Mary Ellen Strack, age 96, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 9:27 pm on Sunday September 18, 2022.  Born on November 28, 1925, in Allen County, she was the daughter of Carl and Esther (Feltz) Fox. Mary Ellen attended South Side High School for two years and then attended Central Catholic High School for two years and graduated with the Class of 1943. On November 27, 1947, she married James Lyle Strack, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Fort Wayne.  They have lived on the...

Stanley Leroy Sickafoose, 77, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born August 19, 1945 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Gale and Inez (Plattner) Sickafoose.   Stan grew up on the family farm near South Whitley. He played basketball, ran track, and graduated from South Whitley High School with the Class of 1963. Stan went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and served in the Army...

Betty Jean Miller, age 97, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at 11:00 pm on Saturday September 17, 2022, at Byron Wellness Community, Fort Wayne.  Born on June 29, 1925, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Virgil and Georgia (Clem) Kite. Betty attended South Side High School and graduated with the Class of 1943.  Betty was an executive secretary for Central Soya, Colonial Mortgage Company, Anthony Wayne Bank, and American Tractor Corporation throughout her working career. ...

Larry Alan Meinika, 71, of South Whitley, Indiana, passed away at 8:35 am on Monday, September 12,  2022, at his residence.  Born on January 12, 1951, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Richard and Helen  (Hosler) Meinika.    Larry attended local schools and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1969.  He  married Deborah Jean Wood, at Calvary Temple, Fort Wayne on July 26, 1969. He was a lifetime  livestock and grain farmer and...

Stephanie J. Brommer, 56, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, September 10, 2022 at her home. Born February 25, 1966 in Plymouth, she was the daughter of John and Ellorine Rose. Growing up, Stephanie had lived in the Plymouth and Knox areas. Many of her childhood friends and classmates knew her as Stacey and she enjoyed playing softball. Stephanie graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School with the Class of 1984. On August 5, 2000, she married Steven M....

Shirla Jean Henney, 87, of Columbia City, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at her home with family by her side. Born February 14, 1935 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Fred and Berneice (Schlaudroff) Anderson.   She attended grade school through her Junior year at East Union Center in Wells County and graduated from Roanoke High School. On February 14, 1954, Shirla married Lawrence "Shorty" D. Henney in Columbia City and became a resident of Whitley County....

Mary Elizabeth Denny, known always as Betty, age 103 of Fort Wayne, Indiana and formerly of Portland, Oregon for over 60 years, left behind her earthly body to join her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on Monday August 22, 2022.  Born March 2nd, 1919 in Caernarfon, Wales in the United Kingdom, she was the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Roberts) Burrows. By the age of 10, Betty’s family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1929.  After graduating high school, she fell in love...

Joanne M. (Schlatter) Case Stieren, 83, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Monday, August 29, 2022 at Parkview Hospital. Born July 30, 1939 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Clifford V. and Lucille B.(Yurkovic) Schlatter. Growing up in Allen County, Joanne attended school in Huntertown. On February 26, 1988, she married John Stieren. Joanne worked with her husband at their Tool & Die company,  Eagle Precision as a Corporate Secretary and Bookkeeper since 1995. Joanne loved...

Michael  D. McCombs, 67, of Fort Wayne, passed away Monday, August 29, 2022 at Byron Health Care Center. Born August 17, 1955 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Milton E. and Ann (Guldice) McCombs. He graduated from Homestead High School High School with the Class of 1974. Michael  is survived by his father, Milton E. McCombs of Columbia City and preceded in death by his mother, Ann McCombs; and a sister, Susan Duddy.   Michael will be laid to rest at Beech Grove Cemetery in...

Emma Sue Lewis, age 17, of Churubusco, IN, passed away at 5:11 pm on Sunday August 28, 2022, at her residence.  Born on February 11, 2005, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Michael and Darci Jo (Puckett) Lewis. Emma was a Senior at Churubusco High School and was active in show choir and competition dance.  She enjoyed photography, camping, and just being at home.  Emma also had a love of animals, especially her four cats. Survivors include her father Mike Lewis of...

Robert L. Haney, 93, of Columbia City, Indiana, died Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Bethlehem Woods Nursing Center in Fort Wayne. Born August 25, 1929 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Joseph P. Haney and Martha R. (Miller) Haney.   Early in childhood, his family moved to Whitley County. He spent his formable years on the family farm near Collins then he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was a paratrooper in WWII. He served in the 11th Airborne Division and was part of the Occupation of...

John Lynn Starkey, 76, of Albion, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born April 22, 1946 at Lucky Hospital in Wolf Lake, he was the son of Roy Wilson and Alice Loena (Egolf) Starkey. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1964 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving two years, he was honorably discharged and went to work at Form Tube. After working for over 35 years with Home Crest in Goshen John...

Richard H. Rarick, 81, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. Born February 25, 1941 in Noble County, he was the son of Charles and Louella (Pressler) Rarick.   Growing up, Rick played a variety of sports as he attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1961. On March 21, 1991, he married Sandra J. (Fahl). Richard worked at Viking from 1961-1965 and retired...

Rosita Marie Kaminski, 64, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 10:58 am on Saturday August 6, 2022, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne.  Born on February 19, 1958 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Edwin and Rozella (Scheiber) Herbst. Rosita attended Columbia City High School and she was a homemaker for the majority of her lifetime. On July 18, 1998, she married Michael Kaminski.  Rosita was a former member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.  She...

Joan Ritter, 95, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Miller's at Oak Pointe.   Born on July 19, 1927 in Angola, she was the daughter of William and Catherine (Hutchins) Griffiths. Growing up in Steuben County, Joan graduated from Angola High School with the class of 1945. Out with a friend one afternoon, life forever changed course when Joan was introduced to Keith Edward Ritter. The two went on to marry on October 18, 1947. Following marriage, they...

William "Bill" Thomas Winters, 95, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his home. Born February 25, 1927 in Harrison, Indiana, he was the son of Oliver and Anna (Haas) Winters.  He attended local schools while growing up in Harrison. Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII. Before going overseas, he was at the Pic Wic Restaurant in Alabama when a red headed waitress caught his eye. As fate would have it, Bill would win over the love of...