Esther Marie Rider, 93, formerly of North Webster, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Heritage Pointe Retirement Home in Warren where she had been living for the past several years. Born May 27, 1927 in Troy Township of Whitley County, she was the daughter of Delbert and Irene (Wright) Martin. She graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1945. On September 28, 1945, she married Arden Rider. Esther worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne and retired...

Terry Lee Slagal, 70, formerly of Columbia City, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Auburn Village. Arrangements for Terry are pending with DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Please check back after Tuesday for further information. Thank you.

Janet Marie Goldwood, 75, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 10, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born May 2, 1946 in Janesville, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of  Robert and Marie (Welsch) Rutledge. She graduated from Janesville High School with the Class of  1965. After moving to Columbia City, Janet met Barry Goldwood at the American Legion. After knowing each other for a period of time, a great conversation would change the course...

Modest, dedicated, intelligent, and hardworking were just a few ways to describe Stan Mosher. Even though he was math and science minded, family meant the most to Stan. He had so much love for each one and was known as a fun grandpa! He taught his boys how to express love and show emotion to support their family. Stan was generous with his time, had a great sense of humor, a great smile, and you always knew when he was laughing.   With WWII ending the year prior, 1947 saw a high...

Tyler Patrick Smothers, 26, of Roanoke, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 3, 2021 at home. Born April 19, 1995 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Mark and Luann (Mathews) Smothers. Growing up in rural Roanoke, Tyler could be found reading, drawing, being out doors, playing soccer and playing with his cousins. He played the drums in concert band and ran cross country for one year with his sister before an ankle injury kept him from going further. Tyler went on to...

Donald R. Smothers, 82, of Roanoke, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at his home. Born August 26, 1939 in Harrisburg, Illinois, he was the youngest child of Arthur and Anna (Wilkins) Smothers. Growing up in Harrisburg, Don attended Harrisburg High School. He worked various jobs as a teen to earn money before he started as a stock boy at S.S. Kresge. Over the years Don showed how great of a work ethic he had and moved up into different roles for the company before managing...

Dolores Ann Bradtmiller, 81, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Parkview Hospital. Born November 19, 1939 in Bronson, Michigan, she was the oldest daughter of Martin and Frances (Disbro) Wielgos. She graduated from Bronson High School and moved to Fort Wayne.  She began her work career with WT Grant as she began attending college. She then worked for Navistar Credit Union and for over 25 years, she worked at Magnavox before retiring. Dolores would find love by...

Nothing meant more to Jim Sheets than helping others out. He had a caring heart, would give up his last of anything if someone needed it and was a hard worker. Jim loved his grandchildren more than they would ever know and loved all his nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Many memorable events took place in 1953 with the end of the Korean War and Queen Elizabeth II being crowned queen of England at the top of the world list. The first Polio vaccine was developed, the first...

Linda Mae (Halsema) Cripe, age 73, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:33 pm on Saturday August 28, 2021, at I.U. University Hospital, Indianapolis.  Born on May 16, 1948, in Lafayette, IN, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Anna Mae (Powell) Halsema. Linda attended Central Catholic High School and graduated with the Class of 1966.  She then attended Porter Business College, Indianapolis and graduated with the Class of 1967.  On September 30, 1972, Linda married Kenneth...

Ada Rumsey will be remembered as a sweet, kind and giving lady. She was a strong lady who also was strong willed. In her 100 years, she saw much change in the world around her. Her parents, William and Hulleta (Kistler) Gilbert moved from Northeast Indiana to Arkansas for an opportunity to farm. On October 10, 1920, they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl, Ada E. Gilbert in Lonoke, Arkansas. As Hulleta’s children started to get close to the age to start school, she...

Helen Frances Groves, age 97, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:20 am on Monday August 23, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.  Born on October 27, 1923, in Churubusco, she was the daughter of James and Goldie (Maggart) Lock. Helen attended Churubusco High School and graduated with the Class of 1940.  She was a lifetime Whitley County resident, enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with grandchildren.  Helen was a member of the...

Marilyn K. Reaser, 72, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born September 6, 1948 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of  Samuel and Hilda (Kiger) Warren. Growing up in Fort Wayne, Marilyn graduated from Northside High School with the Class of 1966. On July 11, 1969, she married Howard Reaser. Over the years, Marilyn had worked for ITT and GE. In December of 2001 Marilyn and Howard moved to Apple Valley in Howard, Ohio...

Uva L. Lesley, 87, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born December 15, 1933 in Peru, she was the daughter of Frederick and Zora (Marquis) Richardson.   Growing up in Peru, she attended Victory Elementary School and graduated from Peru High School with the Class of 1952. She attended the Brethren Church in Miami County. On December 20, 1953, she married Norman "Mac" Lesley in Dayton, Ohio. In 1962, they moved...

John Carl Workman, 21, of Columbia City and formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Born September 27, 1999 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Jon and Carrie (Vaught) Workman.   Growing up in Fort Wayne, Johnny was a member of Abundant Life Church. He taught himself how to play guitar and loved playing worship music. He was active with his church and taught bible studies as he attended Carroll High...

Wendy Anne Thomas, 54, of Columbia City, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021, at home in Whitley County. Wendy was born June 25, 1967 and was the daughter of Robert "Bob" and Sandra "Sandy" Thomas. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1985. She was employed at Per Mar Security for SDI and was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church. Wendy will be remembered for her love of the Lord, love of her family, her kindness to all, and her...

Brian J. Dear, 55, of Kendallville, Indiana, and formerly of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly Monday, August 9, 2021 at Parkview Noble Hospital. Born January 5, 1966 in Whitley County, he was the son of John J. and Shirley A. (Brockup) Dear. He attended Columbia City Joint High School and Phoenix University. Over the years Brian worked various jobs including general contracting, and worked at Alfe-Heat Treat Corporation in Columbia City. Brian is survived by his sisters and...

Helen A. Morford, age 91, of North Manchester, IN, and formerly of Columbia City, passed away at 2:00 am on Sunday August 8, 2021, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.  Born on June 18, 1930, in Whitley County, she was the daughter of James Sr. and Mildred (Smith) Downing. Helen attended Thorncreek Township Schools and was a wonderful homemaker for many years.  She also worked at Blue Bell, Columbia City, in addition to Chamberlain Products, Gene’s IGA, and...

Susie Elizabeth Duncan Sexton, 75, of Columbia City, IN, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 6, 2021, at her home. Born on May 14, 1946, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Roy and Edna (Lewis) Duncan, who, in her words, were “neither phony nor stereotypical … my parents disagreed often, attended church regularly for networking and spiritual rejuvenation with a minimal dose of dogma, quietly performed good deeds, valued and strengthened family ties yet at a reasonable...

Martha D. Trahin, 98, of Fort Wayne, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at her home. Born October 20, 1922 in Allen County, she was the daughter of William D. and Mary C. (Hine) Pequignot.   She graduated from Jefferson Center High School Class of 1941. On September 27, 1947, she married Clifford J. Trahin. Martha worked at Blue Bell, GE in Roanoke and in St. Joseph Hospital's Cafeteria for nine years. She was a member of  St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Arcola and...

James "Jim" Helfrich, 74, of Columbia City, passed away peacefully Monday morning, August 2, 2021 at his home. Born September 7, 1946 in Columbia City, he was the son of Robert and Geraldine (Dorio) Helfrich. While attending Columbia City Joint High School, Jim enjoyed journalism and was part of the school newspaper. He went on to graduate with the Class of 1964 and then graduated from Indiana Business College. Jim began his work career with Kunkle Valve and worked for Central...

Thomas Wayne "Tom" Mishler, age 72, passed away July 31, 2021.  Tom was born in South Whitley, Indiana to the late Kenneth & Joy Mishler. He is survived by his loving wife, Diana of 15 years, sister, Cheryl (Steve) Baker of The Villages, Fl.; children, Jason (Melissa) Mishler of Columbia City, Indiana, Kristi (Rob) Desenberg of Warsaw, Indiana, Jenna (Ben) Kuzmicz of Naperville, Illinois, Cady Mishler (Preston) of South Whitley, Indiana; step-daughter, Colleen...

Timothy D. “Tim” Wiedman, age 75, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 7:12 pm on Friday July 23, 2021, at his residence.  Born on June 30, 1946, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Donald and Gretchen (Kohlmeier) Wiedman. Tim attended Fort Wayne Schools and graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School, with the Class of 1964.  He then earned his Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Indiana University, where he also took a liking to track and cross country and later...

Rita Marie  Coverstone, 82, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Arkansas Hospice Inpatient Center. Born October 22, 1938 in Berne, Indiana, she was the daughter of Leo and Linda (Burket) Velez. She grew up in Adams County and attended local schools. On February 5, 1981, she married Ken Coverstone. Rita worked at Dekko from the late 70's until the late 80's and retired from Walker Manufacturing. After retirement, she and Ken moved to Arkansas in 1994. Rita...

Janis Ruth Mann, 66, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Miller's Merry Manor. Born at Whitley County Memorial Hospital in Columbia City on August 16, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Paul Wolfe and Betty (Jones) Wolfe. Janis was a member of the Columbia City Joint High School Class of 1972. Janis worked full time for 28 years at Whitley County Memorial Hospital in admitting, dispatch and the ER; she volunteered with the EMS until she earned her EMT...

Calvin D. Ritschard, age 73, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 8:40 am on Saturday July 17, 2021, at his residence.  Born on July 11, 1948, in Monroe, WI, he was the son of Delbert and Darlyne (Boeck) Ritschard. Calvin grew up on a farm in rural Argyle, WI, and attended local schools.  He graduated from Argyle High School with the Class of 1966.  Calvin then proudly served his country in the United States Navy. On August 2, 1980, Calvin married Cheryl Babler in Afton,...

Robert A. Sanders, 64, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Born April 14, 1957, in Evansville, he was the son of Paul Sanders and Delores Brown.  He grew up in Mitchell, Indiana. Like most boys, he loved playing basketball, being outdoors, swimming in the stone quarry, and hunting.  Rob sang in the Baptist Church's choir and sang with the Wray Brothers. He graduated from Mitchell High School with the Class of...

Eugene Coverstone, 93, of Pierceton, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born December 26, 1927 at home in Wolf Lake, he was the son of Earl C. and Vesta (Fry) Coverstone. He grew up in rural Etna on his family's farm and graduated from South Whitley High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. On September 12, 1952, he married Jean Grover. For over 40 years, Gene worked for Dekko and retired as a Group President. He was also on the Board of Directors...

Thomas Dee Cormany, 88, of Columbia City passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 2:16 am at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. He became suddenly ill at his home on Saturday afternoon. Tom was born on June 8, 1933, the son of Dee F. and Charlotte Gertrude (Vernette) Cormany. He graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1951 and then married Lois Jean Krider on November 22, 1952 at Troy Presbyterian Church. Tom served with the US Army as a Corporal from...

William "Don" Shull, 73, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021 at his home. Born August 13, 1947 in Garrett, he was the son of William "Bill" and Vivian (Mynhier) Shull. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1965 and graduated International Business College in 1967. Don began his work career with Holmes Lumber when he was 16. He was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1968 and returned to Holmes after...

Easy going and out going were just a few ways to describe Rev. Lannie Maloney. He never met a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. Lannie was also always there to lend a hand when needed. With the United States’ Great Depression becoming a faint memory by 1950, many families were moving out to the suburbs. Times were gentler with little violence around the country and the consumer revolution was about to start in a big way. The first independent credit card...

Larry C. Lock, age 84, of Larwill, IN, passed away at 5:40 pm on Monday July 12, 2021, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.  Born on May 22, 1937, in Wabash, IN, he was the son of Warren and Dorothy (Myers) Lock. Larry attended Franklin Elementary and Central High School, Fort Wayne.  He graduated with the Class of 1955.  On June 6, 1987, Larry married Georgia Cummins in Fort Wayne.  Larry worked at General Electric for 31 years until his retirement in...

Helen L. Rex, age 94, of Albion, and formerly of Brimfield, IN, passed away at 5:35 am on Saturday July 10, 2021, at Northridge Village, Albion.  Born on October 25, 1926, in Huntertown, IN, she was the daughter of Furmen and Reatha (Green) Bond. Helen attended Sugar Grove and Churubusco Schools and graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1944.  On May 26, 1951, Helen married James E. Rex in Columbia City. She attended Brimfield United Methodist Church. Helen...

David  K. Fox, 60, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at his home. Born February 14, 1961 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, he was the son of Darrell and Karen (Johnson) Fox. He grew up in Janesville and graduated from Parker High School with the Class of 1979. Following high school, Dave began working for General Motors. In the early 1980's, Dave transferred to the new Fort Wayne, Indiana GM Plant and currently was...

Scott Rolland Kimmel, 57, of Stockport, Ohio, passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021 at his home with his mom by his side. Born April 1, 1964 in France, he was the son of James R. Kimmel and Sharon (Robinette) Kimmel-Miller. After his father served in the U.S. Army, Scott's family moved back from France to Columbia City, Indiana. In 1971, the family moved to Hilliard, Ohio where Scott attended high school. He had worked at various sawmills and owned his own auto body repair service,...

Lois McWhirter, 91, of Azusa, California, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021. Born October 29, 1929 in Dunfee, Indiana, she was the daughter of Vernon and Hazel Marie  (Wagner) McWhirter. She grew up in Whitley County and was the sister of  Don A. McWhirter. She graduated from Jefferson Center High School in Whitley County and attended Elkhart Business University from 1947-1948. She worked from 1948-1954 as a secretary with General Electric and International Harvester until 1963....

Evelyn Neeley, 82, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at home. Born March 18, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of John W. Sr. and Mary (Kelly) Phillips. After the passing of her father, Evelyn and her family moved to Whitley County when she was 13. Evelyn worked for numerous years at Miller's Merry Manner in Columbia City. She had been a member of the Columbia City Nazarene Church. She enjoyed reading, grocery shopping and was an excellent...

Joel David Pettigrew, age 45, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 11:15 pm on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at his residence. Born July 30, 1975 in Columbia City, he was the son of James A. Pettigrew and Jenny (Zumbrun ) Pettigrew.               . He attended Columbia City High School he graduated with the Class of 1994. Joel worked as a jack of all trades in construction and also helped out on the family farm. He was a...

Daniel Russell, age 71, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at 1:03 pm on Friday June 25, 2021, at Majestic Care, New Haven.  Born on October 17, 1949, in Lansing, MI,  he was the son of Walter D. and Carrie Elizabeth (Leiter) Russell. Daniel attended East Noble High School. He worked as a laborer locally at several factories. Survivors include his son Bart Russell of Fort Wayne and daughter Dawn (Todd) Reinoehl of Garrett. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Doris...

Ella M. Scott, age 67 of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 6:19 am on Wednesday June 23, 2021, at her residence.  Born on January 14, 1954, in Welsh, WV, she was the daughter of Norman and Virginia (Russell) Mills. Ella attended West Noble High School.  She worked as a waitress and in factories before becoming a mobile home park manager, where she strived diligently to main the integrity of each park. Ella enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in...

Shelby von Holdt, 20, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital. Born September 7, 2000 just down the hall from the room where she passed away at in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of  Shana Hartman and Toby von Holdt. She graduated from Troy Center High School with the Class of 2018. Shelby had worked at Bob Evans, Steak 'n Shake and a few various other jobs as she was trying to decided a career path to take. Shelby was the life of any party that...

Dennis L. Marrs, 73, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021 at his home. Born August 6, 1947 in Wolf Lake at Lucky Hospital, he was the second born child of Raymond and RoseMary (Blair) Marrs.   Growing up on Big Lake, Denny learned at a young age how to fish. As a teenager he started working at Goss Grocery Store. After graduating from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1965, Denny began working at Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City. With the Vietnam War...

Margie's service may also be watched on Facebook through DeMoney-Grimes Live starting at 12:55 p.m. Monday. Margie L. Kolkman, 82, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born November 10, 1938 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Donald and Bernice (Counsellor) Chivington. She graduated from North Side HIgh School with the Class of 1957 and had attended Ivy Tech College. For over 30 years , she worked for Life Care Center in Fort...

Lawrence E. “Corky” Reed, age 85, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 8:36 am on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.  Born July 20, 1935, in Roanoke, IN, he was the son of Noel Sr. and Lilly (Mendenhall) Reed. Corky attended Roanoke High School and graduated with the Class of 1953. On June 30, 1956, he married Bonnie L. Johnson in Huntington, IN.   He was General Manager at Panel Mart Inc. for 27 years in Fort Wayne and also...

David A. Smith, age 79, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 6:49 pm on Saturday June 19, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born on October 27, 1941 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Walter Z. and Dorothy E. (Kropp) Smith. He was a Noble County resident since 1968, moving from Illinois.  He graduated from Downers Grove High School, in Illinois, with the Class of 1960. He then proudly served in the United States Army from 1960-1963. On September 10, 1960, he married...

Ardilla Dunfee, 90, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Saturday morning, June 19, 2021 at her home with her sons by her side. Born at home on March 19, 1931 in rural Merriam, she was the youngest child of Harold G. and Northa (Winebrenner) Kesling. She played basketball while attending Wolf Lake High School and graduated with the Class of 1949. On January 7, 1951, Ardilla married Calvin C. Dunfee at the parsonage of Merriam Christian Chapel. Aside from helping Cal on the farm, Ardilla...

Treasa Marie (Gadomski) Bridegan, loved beyond measure, departed on June 17, 2021 for one last adventure, beyond the 48 states she has visited in the past five years, beyond the Middle East where she spent three adventurous months with two of her youngest grandchildren (and daughter), beyond the magnificent beauty of the beaches in Texas where she and her husband spent many winters, and beyond forests, mountains, and small river streams in Riggins, ID, her favorite hidden spot of heaven on...

Paula R. McClain, 50, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Parkview Hospital. Born January 2, 1971 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Tom and Dixie "Sis" (Clingerman) Nei.   At nine years old, Paula moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida where she graduated high school. By 19, she moved back to Columbia City and went on to received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Indiana Purdue of Fort Wayne. Paula began her nursing career at The Oaks...

Faye C. Webb, age 73, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 2:10 am on Tuesday June 8, 2021 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Born on October 25, 1947 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Ellis P. and Anna M. (Glauner) Cunningham. She graduated from West Chester High School with the Class of 1965 and attended Indiana University. In 1990, she and her wife moved to Columbia City, Indiana. Faye worked in Information Technology for Lincoln Financial Group in Fort Wayne for 22...

Kermit R. Hathaway, 96, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021 at IU West in Avon, Indiana. He was born May 18, 1925 in Louisville, Ohio, the son of Charles F. and Imo Irene (Clapsaddle) Hathaway. Kermit graduated from Kokomo High School with the Class of 1944 and the Indiana School of Pharmacy (Butler University) in 1947. Kermit was a pharmacist for 40 years, retiring in 1987 from Pathmark in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He enjoyed collecting antiques and was an avid...

John C. Duffy, 91, of Columbia City, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning, June 4, 2021 at Majestic Care West. Born December 20, 1929 in Lafayette, he was the son of Peter and Dorothy (McGann) Duffy.  He graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 1949. He served in the U.S. Army in the infantry and military police during the Korean War from 1951-1953. He went on to graduated Purdue University in West Lafayette in 1956. On August 20, 1955, he married Lois J....