Debra “Debbie” (Bentz) Simon, 61, Columbia City, passed away at 8:12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born on April 18, 1955 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Dean and Laura (Hennig) Bentz. Debbie grew up in the Tri-Lakes area and attended local schools.  She graduated from …read more.

Rita Dianne Smith, 66, formerly of Columbia City, died at 4:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Avilla where she had been a resident since June 2015. She was born June 11, 1950 in Wolf Lake, a daughter of Lewis Wilbert and Dora Vesta (Kichler) Smith. She has made her …read more.

Madeline M. Ferrell, 89, Columbia City, died at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident since Nov. 18. She was born Nov. 13, 1927 in Kosciusko County, a daughter of Howard and Ethel (Bussard) Gross. As a young girl, her family moved to Collamer and …read more.

Alice Marie Davis, 85, Columbia City, passed away at 8:11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 at her home. Born July 21, 1931 in Corydon, she was the daughter of William R. and Frances (Froman) Pease. She attended New Amsterdam School in Corydon and moved to Ohio and on to Fort Wayne. In 1972 Alice moved …read more.

Alverda “Alvie” I. Arnold-Swanson, 89, rural Columbia City, died at 1:34 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday. She was born Feb. 5, 1927 in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, a daughter of the late Edward L. and Margie (Roth) Vogely. Her formative years …read more.

Doris Ann Goldner, Columbia City, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 with her children by her side. Survivors include her children, Katrina Tendziegloski of Warsaw; Melissa Tendziegloski of Columbia City; John Goldner of Pierceton; Misty Reynolds of Columbia City; and Troy Goldner of Columbia City; sisters: Deawanna Justice of Melvin, Ky.; and Debbie (Danny) …read more.

Doris Ann Goldner, age 65, of Columbia City, Ind. passed away at 9:05 am Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at her home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.

Mary E. Thomas, 85, South Whitley, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Born Nov. 12, 1931 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Harry R., Sr. and W. Joyce (Reed) Bollinger. While attending Washington Center High School, she worked as an aide at Whitley County Memorial Hospital. Mary …read more.

Wyatt Wayne McElroy, 9 months old, Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly at 5:39 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born 2 lbs. and 4 oz. on March 22, 2016, he was the son of Zachrey and Tiairia (VanDusen-Cox) McElroy. He spent his first two months and two days at …read more.

Mark L. Sievers, 56, Columbia City, died at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at his home. He was born Feb. 21, 1960 in Columbia City, a son of Donald E. and Patricia L. (Cearbaugh) Sievers. He completed his education at Columbia City Joint High School. On Aug. 20, 1976 he was united in marriage …read more.

Betty A. Simon, 84, Larwill, died at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since June 2016. She was born Nov. 11, 1932 in Noble County, a daughter of Carroll Franklin and Goldie Arlene (Wood) Goldwood. Her formative years were spent in Noble County and Columbia …read more.

Fritz Wilhelm Haegert, 79, rural Larwill, died at 11:43 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at his home. He was born Sept. 13, 1937 in Tilsit, East Prussia, Germany a son of Paul August Viktor and Elsa Marie (Oehlert) Haegert. Fritz grew up in East Prussia until 1944 when his family moved to Lübeck. On Feb. …read more.

Violet Scowden, of Columbia City, Indiana, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Violet’s family includes her daughters, Jackie (John) Woodmansee, of Huntington and Sharon (Craig) Bickel, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; brother, Roy Bess, of St. Louis, Mo.; sister, Lu (Buddy) Black, of Kennesaw, …read more.

  David E. Lotter, 59, of Churubusco, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic after being diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and having an allergic reaction to the steroids. Survivors include his wife, Kate Lotter; children, Abby Marie (Mike) Weber, of Churubusco and Jarid David Lotter, of Churubusco; sisters, Tammy …read more.

Shirley M. Miller, 79, of Columbia City, died at 11:32 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. She was born Sept. 13, 1937 in Stroh, Ind. a daughter of William M. and Frankie L. (Caskey) Hughes. As a young girl, her family moved to Fort Wayne. She graduated from South …read more.

Isaac Charles Robert Crow, 27, Syracuse, passed away at 2:40 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at Goshen Hospital in Goshen. He was born on March 25, 1989 in Columbia City to Jay D. and Carol (Blair) Crow. He grew up in Columbia City, graduated in 2007 from Columbia City High School and attended Trine University …read more.

Beryl E. Rush, 95, Columbia City, died at 3:12 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since Nov. 1. She was born Sept. 30, 1921 in Stollings, W. Va. a daughter of Charles D. and Grace E. (Hall) Shanklin. Her formative years were spent in Stollings. She …read more.

Dean DeWayne Fritz, 77, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and formerly of Columbia City, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016 at his residence. He was born Jan. 9, 1939 in Marshall, Mich. to Harold and Lenora (Nott) Fritz. Dean worked for 38 years for Dana Corporation in Columbia City and then Brentwood, Tenn. He was a devoted shepherd …read more.

Helen V. Yoder, 96, Columbia City, passed away at 12:26 p.m. Saturday Dec. 24, 2016 at Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne. Born on Aug. 9, 1920 in Kendallville, she was the daughter of Arthur E.  and Dissie L. (Hill) Huff. On Oct. 26, 1946 Helen married Hobart E. Yoder in Ligonier. Helen was a homemaker and …read more.

Joseph M. Wolter, 47, former English teacher at Homestead High School, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, at 10:54 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. He was born Feb. 27, 1969 in Syracuse, N.Y., a son of Joseph A. and Christine (Nykamp) Wolter. He started his elementary education in Syracuse and …read more.

Helen V. Yoder, 96, Columbia City, passed away at 12:26 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, at Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Lynn P. Brown, 76, Columbia City, passed away at 11 a.m. Friday Dec. 23, at his residence. Born on Aug. 8, 1940 in Butler, he was the son of Albert and Audrey (Johnson) Brown. Lynn attended Dekalb County schools and graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1959. On Dec. 3, 1966, Lynn …read more.

Janet A. Thompson, 67, South Whitley, passed away at 1:20 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at her residence. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  

Marcella Travelbee, Columbia City, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 14, 2016 at her home. She was born March 28, 1923 in South Bend, a daughter of Glen Aaron and Mary Helen (Shaffer) Arnold. Her formative years were spent in Kosciusko County and South Whitley. She graduated from South Whitley High School and Warners Beauty College. On …read more.

George V. Kilgore, Columbia City, died at 3:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at his home. He was born April 24, 1948 in Millstone, Ky. to  Charles K. and Lula (Baker) Kilgore. As a young boy, his family moved to Columbia City from Kentucky. He completed his education at Columbia City Joint High School. On …read more.

Sue Ann Knote, 80, rural South Whitley, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne where she had been wonderfully taken care of for a day. She was born May 27, 1936 in Huntington County, a daughter of Dane and Rena (Fairchild) Knote. Shortly after her birth, her mother passed …read more.

Robert L. Shoda, 78, Columbia City, passed away Tuesday morning, Dec. 13, 2016 at his home. Born Feb. 14, 1938 in Whitley County, he was the son of Robert Lewis and Rowena (Wolfe) Shoda. Bob played basketball for Coesse High School and graduated in 1957. On Jan. 5, 1958 he married Vicky R. Leach in …read more.

Stephen B. “Diff” Diffendarfer, 69, Leesburg, passed away at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Mason Health & Rehab in Warsaw. He was born May 11, 1947 in Wolf Lake to David B. and Garnet E. (Walker) Diffendarfer. He grew up in Columbia City, graduated in 1965 from Columbia City High School and was …read more.

Elaine J. Hochstetler, 68, rural Columbia City, died at 4:27 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born March 9, 1948 in Wolf Lake, a daughter of Malcolm and Elizabeth (Randall) Baker. Her formative years were spent in Kimmell and Wolf Lake areas. She graduated from Central Noble High School …read more.

Haley Centers, 88, formerly of Columbia City, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2016 at Cridersville Healthcare Center outside of Lima, Ohio. She was born March 8, 1928 in Johnson County, Ky. a daughter of the late Lee and Cassie (Jackson) Gibson. Her formative years were spent in Johnson County. On Dec. 24, 1949 she was married …read more.

Scott L. Wasilewski, 69, Columbia City, died at 1:22 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor where he had been a resident since March 2015. He was born Oct. 11, 1947 in Havannah, Ill., a son of James Seth and Beverly (Pottorf) Wasilewski. His formative years were spent in Mason City and graduated …read more.

Jonathan Shepler, 16, Churubusco, passed away at 2:48 p.m. Dec. 6, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. He was born July 21, 2000 in Fort Wayne, the son of Mark Shepler and Jodi (Gump) Shepler. Jon spent his formative years in Churubusco, and was a Sophomore at Churubusco High School. Jonathan was diagnosed with Duchenne …read more.

Roger E. Kelley, 84, Columbia City, passed away at 2:08 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City. Born Aug. 16, 1932 in Churubusco, he was the son of Harry A and Lillie (Phillips) Kelley. He graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1950 and went on to serve in …read more.

Eloise S. Juillerat, 95, formerly of Churubusco, died at 10:25 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at Sacred Heart Home in Avilla where she had been a resident since October 2011. She was born Sept. 21, 1921 in Whitley County, a daughter of Ratio “Ted” and Callie (Herstel) Smith. With an exception of a short time …read more.

Roger E Kelley, 84, Columbia City, passed away at 2:08 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor Inc., Columbia City.  Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City

Gary L. Walter, 63, Columbia City, died at 3:02 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital following a brief illness. He was born March 10, 1953 in Wolf Lake, a son of Arthur W. and Netha A. (Martz) Walter. His formative years were spent in Larwill. He graduated from Pierceton High School. From …read more.

Edna Helen “Etta” Heininger, 91, Columbia City, died at 10:06 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since March 22, 2013. She was born March 21, 1925 in Philadelphia, Penn., a daughter of John and Helen (Stanley) Knowles. She graduated from Kensington High School in Philadelphia. On …read more.

Helen Ryerse Arntson, 102, formerly of Columbia City, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 in Traverse City, Mich. where she lived the past eleven years. She was born Jan. 12, 1914 in St. Ignace, Mich., a daughter of Fred Graeme and Edna (Martin) Ryerse. She graduated from LaSalle High School in St. Ignace and Michigan State …read more.

Judy C. Hill-Boocher, 67, passed away on Nov. 30, 2016, at 9:07 p.m. in Bloomington. She was born on July 26, 1949 in Fort Wayne, to Carl and Hazel (Christman) Oliver. Judy spent her formative years in Columbia City and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1967. She married Max E. Hill in …read more.

Evelyn D. Sheets, 98 of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Huntington When reflecting on the life of Evelyn D. Sheets, it is easy to see that she was all about family. She was a hardworking woman in everything she did, yet she also made the time …read more.

Harlan E. Hull, 62, a lifelong Columbia Township resident, died at 5:03 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne following a surgical heart procedure. He was born Jan. 13, 1954 in Columbia City, a son of Treverse W.J. and Lela R. (Culp) Hull. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School …read more.

Robert Louis Elkins, 82, Columbia City, passed away at 11:59 a.m. Sunday Nov. 27, 2016 at his residence. Born Nov. 30, 1933 in South Whitley he was the son of Thomas and Violet (Holler) Elkins. Robert grew up in South Whitley and graduated from South Whitley High School with the Class of 1952, before moving …read more.

Rose Marie Fearnow, 72, Columbia City, passed away at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor. Born Oct. 3, 1944 in Huntington, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kastner) Masbaum. She graduated from Huntington Catholic High School in 1962 and graduated from Ravens-Croft Beauty College in 1963. On Oct. 3, …read more.

Dorothy Jean Fletcher, 84, Columbia City, passed away at 2:55 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at her home. Born March 25, 1932 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Roy D. and Dorothy M. (Harshbarger) Wood. She graduated from Coesse High School Class of 1950. On May 19, 1951 she married Harold Ray Fletcher …read more.

Rose Fearnow, 72, Columbia City, passed away at 8:46 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor Inc., Columbia City.  Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN

Robert Louis Elkins, 82, Columbia City, passed away at 11:59 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at his home.  Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Dorothy Jean Fletcher, 84, Columbia City, passed away at 2:55 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at her home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Don Johnson, 71, Columbia City, passed away at 2:35 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at his home. He was born June 23, 1945, in Wolf Lake to Robert and Hazel (Green) Johnson and spent most of his life in the Churubusco area. Don graduated from Churubusco High School in 1963, International Business College in 1965, …read more.

Jill A. Abbott, 55, Columbia City, passed away at 1:04 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born June 16, 1961, in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Harold E. and Pearline (Johnson) Alexander. She grew up south of Columbia City and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School …read more.

When reflecting on the life of Vesta Bennett, it is easy to see that she savored every moment she shared with the ones she loved. She was so warm, genuine and inviting, and with a true servant’s hearts she was forever looking for ways she could help others. A devoted wife and mother, Vesta loved …read more.

Travis L. Howenstine, the baby boy and third child born to Steven and Karen Howenstine-Darland will be missed dearly by all. Travis was a precocious little guy who had an answer for everyone.  To say he was witty, only touches the surface as to just how quick he was at a very early age. Unfortunately, …read more.

Charles Edward Snyder, 70, Columbia City, passed away at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born Sept. 18, 1946, in Roaring Springs, Pa., he was the son of Wilbur L. and Betty L. (Aungst) Snyder. He had been a resident of Kosciusko County from 1965-2004, when he moved to the Whitley …read more.

Laurel H. “Butch” Keister, 75, Columbia City, passed away peacefully at his home at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. He had been in failing health. He was born June 27, 1941, in Noble County, a son of the late Herman and Wilma (Smith) Keister. His formative years were spent in Etna-Troy Township, Whitley County. …read more.

Fredrick Cook, known as “Nick” or “Fred” to family and friends, 74, passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Greenville, Texas. He was born June 20, 1941 in South Whitley to Joseph A. and Mary L. (Myers) Cook. He lived in Whitley and Kosciusko Counties for many years before moving to Texas. He is survived …read more.

Laura L. Cremeens, 57, passed away Nov. 18, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 14, 1959 in Bryan, Ohio, to Alden and Carol (Joseph) Knapp. She spent her formative years in Churubusco and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1979. She was married April 29, 2000 in Churubusco …read more.

Kevin Kirk Heflin, Jr., 25, Churubusco, passed away Nov. 16, 2016 in Allen County. Born Sept. 25, 1991 in Toledo, Ohio, to Kevin and Traci (Smith) Heflin. Kevin spent his formative years in Fort Wayne and attended Snider High School. He was employed at the Magic Wand in Churubusco. In his free time he enjoyed …read more.

Leon “Short” Wayne Maley, Sr., 56, passed away at 11:13 a.m. Nov. 13, 2016 at his home in San Diego, Cal. He was born on April 12, 1960 in Columbia City, a son of Leo and Mary Ann (Jacob) Maley. Leon spent his formative years in Chicago, and graduated from De La Sale High School …read more.

Sonja S. Holloway, 74, Columbia City, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 at her home. She was born Nov. 3, 1942 in Huntington County, Indiana a daughter of Russell T. and Zelda H. (Schoeff) Alford. Her formative years were spent in Huntington and graduated from Huntington Township School. On October 5, 1963 she married Jerry L. …read more.

Jim B. Wolfe, 72, Columbia City, died at 7:12 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 at his home after battling cancer for three and a half years. He was born March 9, 1944 in Huntington, a son of Earl B. and Helen (Miller) Wolfe. His formative years were spent in Markle and as a teenager his …read more.

Karlene Ray Smith, 78, formerly of South Whitley, died at 3:55 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at the Paramount Senior Living, Bethel Park, Penn. She was born Dec. 14, 1937 in Cleveland Township, Whitley County, a daughter of the late Walter Herbert and Catherine May (Stoner) Ray. Her formative years were spent in Cleveland Township. …read more.

Roy Kilby Jr., 95, Columbia City, passed away Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. He was born July 15, 1921 in Veedersburg, the son of Roy and Vera Kilby Sr. He lived his life to the very fullest and loved and enjoyed his family and friends. He was fortunate in that he was able to dedicate his …read more.

Isabelle Jane Fuller, 86, Columbia City, passed away at 4:29 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born May 17, 1930 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of James and Zella (Betzner) Wolfe. She graduated from Coesse School in 1948. She had been a hard worker on the family farm in …read more.

Phyllis Jean Crace, 91, Columbia City passed away at 6:06 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at her son’s home. Born Jan. 1, 1925 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Joe B. and Naoma R. (Humphries) Trump. She graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1943 where she played on the …read more.

Susan Nickolson, 66, Albion, passed away at 9:22 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Born July 8, 1950 in Wolfe Lake, she was the daughter of Howard Ernst and Anna “Agnes” (Moog) Ernst. Growing up in Whitley County, she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1968. She married Johnny Nickolson Sr. …read more.

Rose M. Gray, 60, Albion, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 at her home. Born April 15, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was the daughter of Billy R. and Etta M. (Sites) Davis. She grew up in New Haven, until moving to Big Lake when she was a senior. She went on …read more.

Charles N. Trammel, 72, Columbia City, died at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at his home. He had been in failing health. He was born Dec. 9, 1943 in Fort Wayne a son of the late Donald W. and Margery (Ness) Trammel. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. In August of 1961 …read more.

Harold L. Myers, 89, rural South Whitley, died at 8:50 a.m. Monday, Nov. 8, 2016 at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne where he had been a patient following neck surgery September 30th. He was born March 17, 1927 in Whitley County, a son of the late Boyd H. and Pearl (Oliver) Myers. His formative years were …read more.

Sharon E. Strater, 65, Fort Wayne, passed away at 5:32 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born  June 9, 1951 in Wolf Lake, a daughter of James A. and Doris (Rohr) Mangus. She spent her formative years in Noble County, and graduated from West Noble High …read more.

Dolores Lee Herrera, 71, Columbia City, died at her home Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. She was born April 16, 1945 in Austin, Texas a daughter of the late Alva M. and Mary Frances (Etheredge) Jackson. Her formative years were spent in the Austin area. On June 12, 1995 she was united in marriage to Jerry …read more.

William “Elmer” Heinley, 101, well known retired farmer of Columbia Township, Columbia City, died at 11:08 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016. Arrangements are pending.

Howard E. Lowen, Sr., 84, Columbia City, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Friday Nov.r 4,  at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born on June 8, 1932 in Convoy, Ohio, he was the son of Eugene T. and Leah I. (Brookins) Lowen. Howard grew up in Fort Wayne and attended Central High School. Howard proudly …read more.

Robert (Bob) Earl Wakeland, 79, Columbia City, passed away at 11:49 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Robert Wakeland was born March 16, 1937 in Rochester, a son of Wilson Mearl and Margaret (Nicoll). He graduated from Plymouth High School. On June 26, 1971 he was married to Karen Sanders and moved …read more.

Lonna Lynn Zink, 47, Columbia City, passed away at 6:15 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2016 at her home in Columbia City. She was born Dec. 10, 1968 in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Janice Zink. She spent her formative years in Fort Wayne, and attended Snider High School. Lonna was a nanny and a cleaner. …read more.

Ada M. Van Deman, 98, Columbia City, passed away at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since April 2016. She was born Sept. 13, 1918 in Churubusco, a daughter of James and Golda (Marggart) Lock. She completed her education at Churubusco High School. On Oct. …read more.

Esther K. Ray, 94, formerly of South Whitley, died at 10:25 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Timbercrest Home in North Manchester where she had been a resident since May 2010. She was born March 2, 1922 in Monroe, a daughter of Adolph and Esther Sprunger. Her formative years were spent in the Monroe and …read more.

Curtis Lee Smith, 43, Larwill, passed away unexpectedly at 12:24 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at his home. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Jainele Smith; daughter, Emma Smith; father, Gary Smith; mother and stepfather, Jeannie and Mike Parker; sister, Trina McConnell; mother-in-law, Cheryl Geiger; brother-in-law, Jeff Geiger; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Julie and Donnie …read more.

Curtis Lee Smith, age 43, of Columbia City, IN passed away Saturday, October 29, 2016 at his home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.

Dana A. Jones, 93, of Churubusco, passed away at 11:24 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016 at Bethlehem Woods in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Jones was born on December 17, 1922 in Orleans, Indiana, a daughter of Earl and Mary (Compton) Taylor. On September 6, 1942 she was married to Andrew Jones, and moved from Fort …read more.

Marilyn Joyce Bolinger, 87, formerly of South Whitley, died at 4:28 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 at the Hearth at Sycamore Village, Fort Wayne where she had been a resident for the past 8 years. She was born Feb. 8, 1929 in South Bend, Indiana a daughter of the late Edward and Cecil (Johnson) Blain. …read more.

Susie Wireman, 79, Columbia City, passed away at 12:58 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at her home. Born Jan. 28, 1937 in McGoffin County, Ky., she was the daughter of Adam and Rebecca (Howard) Whitaker. She attended McGoffin County schools and Nov. 12, 1953 she married Sam Wireman. In 1962 they moved to Columbia City …read more.

Susie Wireman, 79, Columbia City, passed away at 12:58 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at her home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.

Joseph F. J. Buchtman, 90, Churubusco, passed away at 12:32 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Joseph Buchtman was born May 11, 1926 in New Haven, a son of Joseph F. and Frances (Schafer) Buchtman. He spent his formative years in New Haven. After school, he served his …read more.

Barbara F. Nicodemus, 89, Columbia City, died 7:50 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. She was born Sept. 12, 1927 in Churubusco, a daughter of the late Jessie and Lillie F. (Prough) Zeigler. Her formative years were spent in Collins where she attended the Collins School until they merged …read more.

Donald Herron Jr., 57, Churubusco, passed away at 4:01 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Mr. Herron was born June 16, 1959 in Columbia City, a son of Donald R. and Gail (Stoops) Herron, Sr. He spent his formative years in Churubusco, and graduated from Churubusco High School …read more.

James D. Stout, 76, Columbia City, passed away at 10:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 at his home in Columbia City. James Stout was born June 29, 1940 in Fort Wayne, a son of Darwin and Viva (Hagan) Stout. He spent his formative years in Arcola, and graduated from Arcola High School in 1958. After high …read more.

Beth E. Downam, 95, Columbia City, died at 3:32 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. She was born Jan. 14, 1921 in Columbia City, a daughter of Herbert and Frieda (Hursey) Keiser. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City. She attended West Ward School. She first married …read more.

Geraldine “Jeri” Dailey, 82, Columbia City, passed away at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at home. Born Dec. 21, 1933 in Etna-Troy Township of Whitley County, she was the daughter of Samuel Elza and Josephine Allegra (Rowland) Gaff. With the exception of a brief time when she resided in Muncie, she was a lifelong …read more.

John Charles Love, 86, Columbia City, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Born Oct. 26, 1929 in Lowell he was the son of Harold William and Edith Arvilla (Griesel) Love. John attended Tri-Creek Schools and graduated from Lowell High School with the Class of …read more.

Geraldine “Jeri” Dailey, 82, Columbia City, passed away at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 at home. Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

John C. Love, 86, Columbia City, passed away Oct. 20, 2016 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Arrangements are pending with DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Martha L. Maggart, 96, Columbia City, passed away at 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at Heritage Park, Fort Wayne. Born June 30, 1920 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of LeRoy Dexter and Lola (Gaerte) Gaylord. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, Martha graduated from Washington Center with the Class of 1938. On …read more.

James N. Johnson, 74, Columbia City, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 at Ashton Creek Nursing Center, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Oct. 1. He was born Aug. 19, 1942 in Marion, a son of Dale N. and Katherine B. (Moore) Johnson. His formative years were spent in Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia …read more.

Martha L. Maggart, 96, Columbia City, passed away at 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at Heritage Park, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Larry L. Miller, 68, South Whitley, passed away Friday evening, Oct. 14, at his home. Born November 18, 1947 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Willis E. and Mildred (Ross) Miller. He grew up on his family’s 700 acre farm in Larwill and attended Larwill High School.  On December 6, 1991, he married …read more.

Leon Franklin Heffley, 69, Columbia City, passed away at 11:48 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 at his home. Born Oct. 3, 1947 in Auburn, he was the son of Harold Dale and Helen June (Zimmerman) Heffley. By the age of 10, Leon and his family moved to Fort Wayne where he started working a paper …read more.

Leon Franklin Heffley, 69, Columbia City, passed away at 11:48 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.  Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN.

Taken from his loved ones too soon, Matthew Snyder was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a hardworking man who was driven to succeed, and he gave everything his all. To say that Matt liked to talk may be an understatement, and he could also be such a prankster. He treasured spending …read more.

Janice Sue Grim, 75, Columbia City, passed away at 6:18 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at her home. Born July 18, 1941 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Edger J. and Vera (Hockemeyer) Bauermeister. Janice graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School with the Class 1959. On June 24, 1961 she married Lloyd W. …read more.

Janice Sue Grim, 75, Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at her home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Richard C. Bennett, 86, of Fort Wayne, and formerly of Seneca, S.C., passed away at 10:48 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at The Hearth at Sycamore Village, Fort Wayne. Born Feb. 16, 1930 in Lakewood, Ohio, he was the son of Charles and Pauline (Bodenlo) Bennett. Dick graduated from Lakewood High School in Ohio with …read more.