Phyllis A. White, 84, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born March 2, 1932, in Howe, Ind., to Cleon and Carlie (Ruth) Steele. On June 4, 1976, she married Vernon White who survives. She was a secretary and homemaker. Phyllis is survived by her …read more.

Ethel Goodyear, 87, of North Webster, Ind., passed away Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. She was born Sept. 4, 1926, in Kentucky to Chester and Mary (Ramey) Hicks. She is survived by three sons: Don Hicks, Roger Hicks and David Hicks; three daughters: Nola Marshall, Patricia Hicks and Glenora Rose; and …read more.

Larry Dillman Heckaman, 66, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Thursday morning Nov. 22, 2013, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. He was born May 9, 1947, in Nappanee, Ind., to Ivo “Pete” Heckaman and Mona Lou “Motts” Heckaman. Throughout Larry’s life, he touched many lives with his generosity, happy-go-lucky attitude and free spirit. Loving father and …read more.

Don McKenzie, 61, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Nov. 20, 2013, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. He was born on June 9, 1952, in Providence, R.I. to John and Betty (Carpenter) McKenzie. On Nov. 1, 1980, he married Sandra Dawson. She survives. Don worked as a purchasing manager throughout most of his …read more.

Andy Nickerson, 47, of South Bend, Ind., passed away on Nov. 16, 2013, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on Oct. 28, 1966, in Fulda, Germany to Lloyd and Karin (Lichtner) Nickerson. Andy was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, brother and son. His passions in life were taking care of his …read more.

William “Jamie” Tully II, 53, of Camelot Lake, Milford, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at his residence. He was born Sept. 21, 1960, in Chicago, Ill., to William and Barbara (Berkey) Tully. He graduated from Indiana State University and was a draftsman/engineer for many years in the RV industry. He was an avid …read more.

Carl Stidams, 69, of West Monroe, La., and formerly of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2013. He was born June 9, 1944, to Delbert and Tilda Stidams. He was an avid sportsman and active in the Wounded Warriors project, member of the American Legion. He served 12 years in the United States Air Force …read more.

Lee Adams, 82, of Burgaw, N.C., and formerly of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013. He was born April 2, 1931, in Lake County, Ohio, to Vernor and Mary (Whipple) Adams. On July 16, 1965, he married Norma Jane Richcreek, who preceded him in 1985. He retired from Syracuse Rubber in 1993, at which …read more.

Reverend Kennard ‘Ken’ Robinson, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. He was born Oct. 18, 1927, in Holland, Ohio, to Don and Ida (Rugar) Robinson. He graduated from Crown College in Minneapolis, Minn., with a major in Theology and Missions. He received his BA at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. …read more.

Robert ‘Bob’ Baugher Sr., 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Oct. 4, 2013, at his residence. He was born on May 28, 1923, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Day and Rose (Willard) Baugher. Bob is survived by his wife: Norma Baugher, Syracuse; one son: Robert ‘Bob’ (Cynthia) Baugher, Cromwell; one daughter; Tammy Baugher, Fort Wayne, …read more.

Glenda Smith, 89, formerly of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Oct. 2, 2013, in Cleveland, S.C. She was born on March 13, 1924, in Bath County, Ky., to Lewis and Clemie (Alfrey) Branham. On Feb. 26, 1941, she married Grover Smith who preceded her in death. She was formerly employed by Wawasee Boat Company.  She …read more.

Harold Agler, 89, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Sept. 26, 2013, at Doctors Hospital in Bremen, Ind. He was born Nov. 27, 1923, in Van Wert, Ohio, to William and Konetta (Rush) Agler. On May 10, 1947, he married LaDonna Agler, who preceded him on Sept. 18, 2013. He was a U.S. Navy veteran …read more.

LaDonna Agler, 84, of Nappanee, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind. She was born Sept. 27, 1928, in Payne, Ohio, to Burtie and Hazel (Brown) Foreman. On May 10,  1947, she married Harold Agler. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at …read more.

Allen O. Shively, 86, of Goshen, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, at the Courtyard Healthcare in Goshen. He was born Oct. 14, 1926, in Kosciusko County to Frank and Inez (Roberts) Shively. He owned and operated Colbin Tool in Syracuse, Ind., for many years. He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist …read more.

John P. Connolly, 78, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor. He was born on Aug. 17, 1935, in Syracuse to James and Catherine (Shenberger) Connolly. On Oct. 23, 1954, he married Shirley Hollar. He was a lifelong area resident. He retired from Chore Time Brock after 12 years …read more.

Julia ‘Red’ Scarbeary-Byrd, 100, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Aug. 30, 2013, at Millers Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born on July 25, 1913, to R. Ramey and Rosa (Davis) Whitaker. She married Bueford Scarbeary who preceded her. Years later, she married Jessie Byrd who also preceded her. She retired from the Dana …read more.

Wesley Cox, 37, of Laketon, Ind., passed away on Aug. 30, 2013, in Sydney, Ind., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on June 15, 1976, in Goshen, Ind., to Barry and Candice (Singrey) Cox. Wesley resided for several years in Florida before returning to the area. He was employed by Forest …read more.

Grace Cox, 4, of Laketon, Ind., passed away on Aug. 30, 2013, in Sidney, Ind., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born July 3, 2009, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Wesley T. and Connie (Frazier) Cox. She is survived by her mother: Connie Cox, Anderson, Ind.; a sister: Chloee Cox; a brother: Cyrus …read more.

Sharon Batesla, 76, of Syracuse, Ind., passed peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at the IU Goshen Hospital. She was born on Jan. 10, 1937, in Cromwell, Ind., to Albert and Mabel Maggart. She graduated from Crowell High School with valedictorian honors. On Christmas Day 1977, she married Ed Batesla. She held various secretarial positions …read more.

Sarah L. Grawcock, 55, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013. She was born in Van Wert, Ohio on March 16, 1958, to Roy and Katherine (Bagley) Bollinger. She was a graduate of Whitko High School. She married Don Grawcock on July 18, 1992. She retired from Dana Corp. in Syracuse after …read more.

Samuel E. Bowman, 67, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, at his residence. He was born July 1, 1946, in Marion, Ind., to Enoch and Fern (Addison) Davis. At 10 months old, he was adopted by Gail R. and Betty (Weicht) Bowman. He lived in the Pierceton/North Webster area most of …read more.

Martha Jane Jones, 85, of Ossian, Ind., and formerly of Warsaw, Ind., passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at Heritage Park, Fort Wayne, Ind. She was born in New Castle, Ind., on Dec. 6, 1927, to John and Ella (Head) Overman. She married Edward Reeves, who preceded her in death, and later George Jones, who …read more.

Melvin Greenfield, 67, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, at his residence. Services are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Donald Jarvis, 82, of Milford, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, at his residence. Arrangements are currently pending at the Eastlund Funeral Home.

Richard E. Mangum Sr., 89, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at the Maples at Waterford on July 22, 2013, in Goshen, Ind.  He was born on Oct. 8, 1923, in Evansville, Ind., to Robert and Nellie (Ulrey) Mangum. In June of 1946, he married Lorraine Lytell who preceded him in 2003.  He was a US Army …read more.

Richard Vanderveer, 85, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013, at the IU Health Goshen Hospital. He was born on May 30, 1928, in Goshen, Ind., to Donald and Hazel (Searfoss) Vanderveer. He was a lifelong area resident having grown up in the Milford area. He was a US Army veteran and …read more.

Shari Crays, 51, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013, in her residence. She was born on April 20, 1962, in Midwest City, Okla., to Roma and Deanna (Falkenstein) Spears. She was married to Bill Crays. He survives. She had worked for several years as a Rehabilitation Counselor in group homes. She …read more.

Laurence C. ‘Larry’ Griffith, 94, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at his residence. He was born on Oct. 5, 1918, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Lauren and Theresa (O’Neil) Griffith. On Oct. 25, 1947, he married Rosemary C. Schirmeyer who preceded him. He was a Lake Wawasee resident since 1946. …read more.

Robert “Bob” Joseph Doherty, 55, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Thursday, June 13, 2013, at the IU Health Goshen Hospital, Goshen, Ind. He was born Aug. 27, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Albert and Marie (Park) Doherty. He was married to Sherry Lynn Pfeiffer on July 26, 1980. He was a mechanical engineer and …read more.

Jack R. Keaffaber, 82, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away on June 9, 2013, at Millers Merry Manor in Warsaw, Ind. Arrangements are currently pending at the Eastlund Funeral Home.

Ronald Pietosi, 65, of Cromwell, Ind., passed away on June 7, 2013, at his residence. He was born on May 7, 1948, in Detroit, Mich., to Lou and Anna (Gall) Pietosi. He was a US Marine Corps veteran. Ron recently retired from Dutchman in Goshen, Ind., after many years of service. He was a member of …read more.

Richard Maresh, 82, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on June 6, 2013 at his residence. He was born on Aug. 13, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Fred and Anna (Chemney) Maresh. He was a Wawasee Lake resident for over 40 years. He operated Wawasee Electronics in Syracuse, for many years. He is survived by his wife: …read more.

Nellie Ann Spurling, 79, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on May 20, 2013, at her residence. She was born on May 7, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Harold and Marie (Morthorse) Hollis. She was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne. In 1953 in Fort Wayne, she married Robert Spurling, who …read more.

Lorraine Kovar, 85, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away on May 15, 2013, at her residence. She was born May 11, 1928, in Chicago, Ill. She was married to Larry Kovar Sr. who survives. She moved to the Barbee Lake are full time 20 years ago coming from Chicago. She was a member of the Shepherd …read more.

Emerson Stiner, 93, of North Webster, Ind., passed away on May 13, 2013, at IU Health Goshen Hospital, Goshen, Ind. He was born on Feb. 3, 1920, in Adams Hills, Ohio, to Calvin and Nellie (Vickers) Stiner. On Sept. 17, 1955, he married Mary Van Curen who preceded him in 2007. He was a North …read more.

Robert C. Zahn, 85, of Sarasota, Fla., and formerly of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away Saturday, May 11, 2013, in Sarasota. Bob was born in Reading, Pa., and grew up in Fort Wayne. He served in the United States Marine Corp. during World War II. He was retired from the General Telephone Company and loved …read more.

Ruth Ann Voorheis, 68, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at her residence. She was born Sept. 25, 1944, in Marinette, Mich., to William and Ruth (Olson) Smeester. She had been a Syracuse resident since 1983. Ruth Ann was a local business owner as well as a homemaker. She attended the Clunette …read more.

Robert “Bob” L. Lashley , 66, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, Ind. He was born April 7, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, to Robert and Joann (Gaughn) Lashley Sr. He moved to the area in 1985 from Ohio. Bob retired from Dana Corporation in 2000. A U.S. …read more.

Reyes Landa, 64, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on April 22, 2013, at his residence. He was born on Jan. 6, 1949, in Edinburg, Texas, to Raymundo and Maria (Briseno) Landa. Ray moved to the Syracuse area in 1990 arriving from Texas. He is survived by his sister: Jane Lozano, Syracuse; and many nieces, nephews, …read more.

John LaTour Jr., 75, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on April 16, 2013, at Select Specialty Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born on May 26, 1937, in Chicago, Ill., to John Sr. and Evelyn (Bergland) LaTour.  John moved to the Syracuse area in 1971. He was a retired truck driver. He is survived …read more.

Roy Messer, 61, of North Webster, Ind., passed away on April 15, 2013, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born on Sept. 7, 1951, to Irvin and Dorothy (Smith) Messer. On Nov. 25, 1971, he married Bonnie LeCount who preceded him in 2012. Roy retired from the Dana Corporation in Syracuse in 2003 …read more.

Elizabeth Vanderfleet, 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on March 20, 2013, at Kosciusko Community Hospital. She was born on March 12, 1923 in Jackson, Michigan to Lyle and Maxine (Fleming) Hyland. On Nov. 19, 1949, she married Joseph A. Vanderfleet who preceded her in 2005. She was a summer resident since 1957 moving to …read more.

Terry Hoover, 52, of New Paris, Ind., passed away on March 13, 2013, at the Kosciusko Community Hospital. He was born on May 22, 1960, in Goshen, Ind., to Nelson and Joan (Whetten) Hoover. Terry was a lifelong area resident. He worked in the RV Industry for many years including over 20 years at Smoker …read more.

Frances Jean Summers, 94, of Lake Placid , Fla., and formerly of North Webster, Ind., passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in Lake Placid. Arrangements are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, Ind.

Betty Sims, 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen, Ind. She was born April 18, 1922, in Whitley County, Ind., to Charles and Wilma  (McPheter) Gordon. She married Edwin Sims on April 20, 1946, and he preceded her in death in 1995. She was a …read more.

Donna Rose, 82, of North Webster, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Mason’s Health Care in Warsaw, Ind. She was born April 30, 1930. She is survived by her two sons: Michael Highley and Jeffery Highley; four stepchildren: Sherry McCarthy, Ellen Beck, Michael Rose and Rose. She was preceded in death by …read more.

Rose M. Calbeck, 62, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Friday, March 1, 2013, at her residence. She was born May 30, 1950, in Wolf Lake, Ind., to Everett and Leone (Coy) Calbeck. She resided in Syracuse since 1968. She retired from Dana Corporation, and was currently employed by Phend & Brown. She was a …read more.

William Selvey, 73, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Feb. 19, 2013, at the IU Goshen Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on Aug. 16, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, to Daniel and Alice (Marsh) Selvey. On March 6, 1983, in Syracuse he married Joyce Smith, who survives. He was a Toledo Police Officer …read more.

Genevieve ‘Jenny’ Oswald, 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Feb. 19, 2013, at her residence after a brief illness. She was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., to David and Austia Slater. After graduating from North Side High School, she married the love of her life John R. (Jack) Oswald in 1943, and raised seven …read more.

Harriet Stahley, 96, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Feb. 4, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born on Aug. 18, 1916, in Elkhart County, Ind., to Raymond and Mildred (Biller) Warstler. She had been a Syracuse resident since 1942 coming from South Bend, Ind., where she was educated at the University …read more.

Clifford D. ‘Nick’ Nicodemus, 74, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Feb. 11, 2013, at his residence. He was born on Sept. 26, 1938, in Elkhart County, Ind., to Cecil and Evelyn (Swihart) Nicodemus. On Aug. 5, 1961, he married Judy Miller who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked at Sea Nymph, …read more.

Arden Baker, 57, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at his residence. He was born on Nov. 15, 1955, in Huntington, Ind., to Joe and Mae Baker. He had been a Syracuse resident since 1998 coming from California. He was an independent truck driver, mechanic, logger, and and overall handyman. He attended the …read more.

Kenneth E. Schneider, 93, of Bluffton, Ind., and formerly of Leesburg, Ind., passed away on Jan. 26, 2013, at the Bluffton Hospital. He was born on March 10, 1919 in Indianapolis, IN to Ernest W. & Naomi E. (Ungericht) Schneider. On October 5, 1946 he married Esther Jane Okey who preceded him in 1994. He …read more.

Howard Colquitt, 68, of Wetumka, Okla., passed away on Jan. 24, 2013, at the Heart Hospital South in Oklahoma City, Okla. He was born on Dec. 20, 1944, in Corsicana, Texas, to Morris and Ruth (Smith) Colquitt. He is survived by his son: David (Sheryl) Colquitt, Leesburg, Ind.; two daughters: Lori (Ken) Skwarcan, Carmel, Ind.; …read more.

Decima A. ‘Dollie’ Butt, 89, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at the IU Goshen Hospital. She was born June 29, 1923, in Indian Village, Ind., to Arthur C. and Violet Ann (Prentice) Kolberg. On Oct. 4, 1943, she married Dale Butt who preceded her in 2005. She was a lifelong area …read more.

Mary Brown, 89, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at her residence. She was born Jan. 11, 1924, in North Vernon, Ind., to Martin and Alma (Caproon) Walker. On Feb. 14, 1948, she married Russell Brown who preceded her in 1993. Mary formerly resided in North Webster as well as Florida for …read more.

Robert Kramer, 67, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at his residence. He was born Aug. 7, 1945, in Goshen, Ind., to Matthew and Julia (Stump) Kramer. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in Submarine Service. He was a Real Estate Appraiser operating Kramer Appraisal Service. He was a member …read more.

Ruby J. Bell, 83, Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Jan. 17, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor of Syracuse. Arrangements are currently pending at the Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Edwin F. ‘Ted’ Rogers, 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at his residence. He was born on a farm near Ridgeville, Ind., on Nov. 15, 1922. He lived on the farm until his graduation from High School. He married Marjorie Power in 1942, and they had two children; a daughter, Carolyn, …read more.

Bryon Berry, 52, passed away on Dec. 27, 2012, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. Private family interment services will be provided by Eastlund Funeral Home.

William M. “Bill” Beemer, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at the IU Health Goshen Hospital. He was born April 4, 1926, in Plumtree, Ind., to Oral and Irene (McCourg) Beemer. On Aug. 14, 1949, he married Barbara Keplinger who survives. He was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1944-46. Bill …read more.

Jean R. Wiseman, 84, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at Mason Healthcare and Rehabilitation. She was born on Oct. 11, 1927, in Goshen, Ind., to Chauncey L. and Grace (Follis) Bailey. On Feb. 24, 1946, she married Emery Wiseman who preceded her in 1971. She was born and raised in Goshen …read more.

Frank Janzen, 74, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at his residence. He was born on May 1, 1938, in Watrous, Sask., to Jacob and Elizabeth (Dyck) Janzen.  He was a truck driver for many years having drove for Horizon, Maple Leaf Farms, Culver Duck Farms and Quality Drive Away. He is …read more.

Linda Smith, 71, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Wesley Health Care in Auburn, Ind. She was born on Dec. 10, 1941, in Plymouth, Ind., to Howard and Elnora (Glover) Hill. She was a lifelong area resident. Linda worked for many years at Augsburger’s then Lance’s New Market in North …read more.

Bruce A. Furney, 39, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at his residence. He was born on Sept. 3, 1973, in Elkhart County, Ind., to Bruce and Mary (Holtzman) Furney. On Dec. 28, 1992, he married Minnie Smith who survives. He was a lifelong area resident. Bruce was a mechanic, handyman …read more.

Geraldine H. “Gerrie” Smith, 95, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at her residence. She was born on Feb. 19, 1917, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Robert T. and Evelyn (Druitt) Smith. Gerrie lived and worked in Fort Wayne while also living and raising her family in the Syracuse area. Upon …read more.

Kalee Nicole Skaggs, 15, of Cromwell, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. She was born on Oct. 11, 1997, in Warsaw, Ind., to Joe and Valerie (Goshert) Skaggs. Kalee was a freshman at Wawasee High School. She is survived by her parents: Joe and Valerie Skaggs, Cromwell; three brothers: Alick, Brad and Scott …read more.

Charles M. Prescott, 98, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Nov. 11, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw, Ind. He was born near Cromwell, Ind., on June 27, 1914, to Vincent and Elsie May (Reed) Prescott. After graduating from Cromwell High School he worked for farmers, building contractors and defense plants. On Oct. 15, …read more.

Brad Robison, 62, o Warsaw, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at the Kosciusko Community Hospital. There will be a graveside service at a later date. Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, Ind., is handling arrangements.

Gene “Peanut” Felts, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. He was born to the late Lloyd and Edna (Laughlin) Felts on Oct. 1 1926, in Syracuse. Peanut was a WWII veteran and active member of the American Legion. He was a retired ceramic tile setter. He loved to play bingo and …read more.

Mary Opal Shock, 95, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at the IU Goshen Hospital. She was born on Sept. 16, 1917, in Utley, Ohio, to George and Sarah (Carpenter) Clark. She was married to Cecil Shock, who passed away in March of 1968. She was a homemaker, residing in Syracuse, …read more.

Jim Thompson, 60, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at the IU Goshen Hospital on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012. He was born on Sept. 1, 1951, in Paulding, Ohio, to Carl and Dorothy (Sutton) Thompson. On April 15, 1978, he married Becky Reese, who survives. He moved to Syracuse in 1972 coming from Paulding. He served …read more.

Ray Grumme, 63, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, at his residence. He was born on June 30, 1949, in Indianapolis to Fredrick and Iris (Jerry) Grumme. Ray attended Howe Military School and then went on to graduate from Syracuse High School. There he met and married the love of his …read more.

Joyce Dunford Wilcox, 85, of Syracuse, Ind., peacefully passed away at her residence on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. She was born in Niagra, Wis., to Michael Dunford and Marian Boullier and is survived by sons: Randy (Carole) Lowe, Gold Canyon, Ariz.; and Pat (Carol) Lowe of Warsaw, Ind.; daughters: Kristy (Bill) Hackleman, Warsaw; and Kacy …read more.

Kenneth E. Willard, 92, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at his residence. He was born on March 25, 1920, in Elkhart County to Clark and Josephine (Sheline) Willard. A lifetime area resident, he was married to Mary Culler on Sept. 29, 1943. He worked for the Syracuse Post Office for …read more.

Lucille Lung, 96, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born on June 29, 1916, in Syracuse, Ind., to George and Maude (Anderson) Mellinger. On May 14, 1938, she married Maurice D. Lung who preceded her in 1988. She was a lifelong are resident. …read more.

Deborah S. Searer, 56. of the Barbee Lakes area, passed away Oct. 3, 2012, at her residence. She was born on Nov. 25, 1955, in St. John’s New Finland to Herbert and Joyce (Wingler) Searer. She moved to the area with her family in 1972. She worked in quality control for Hand Industries for 20 …read more.

Elizabeth Brooks, 78, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at the IU Goshen Hospital. She was born on March 25, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisc., to Roy and Julia (Smith) Coffey. She was married to Leonard Brooks III who preceded her in 2001. She had resided in Syracuse since 1978 and was …read more.

Bonnie K. Messer, 60, of North Webster, Ind., passed away Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. She was born Aug. 18, 1952, in Goshen, Ind., to  Ray and Katherine (Ramer) LeCount. On Nov. 25, 1971, she married Roy Messer Sr. who survives. She was a lifelong area resident. She worked for many …read more.

Asko “Whitey” Ruuska, 73, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at his residence. He was born on Oct. 31, 1938, in Haapajarvi, Finland, to Vaino and Hilja (Jussila) Ruuska. On Feb. 24, 1962, he married Dorothy Elaine Johnson in Milwaukee, Wisc., who survives. He owned and operated SISU (An aviation repair …read more.

Robert J. “Bob” Rose, 79, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at Mason’s Health & Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw, Ind. He was born on May 2, 1933, in Cornwall, N.Y., to Charles and Agnes (Parker) Rose. On Dec. 14, 1974, he married Donna Jean Emmons who survives. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, …read more.

Sherri Ann Morton, 44, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away on Sept. 3, 2012, at her residence. Arrangements are currently pending at the Eastlund Funeral Home.

Douglas W. Shuler, 48, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Sept. 3, 2012, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born on May 14, 1964, in Santa Maria, Calif., to Jack and Helen (Jones) Shuler who survive. Doug was a U.S. Marine Corp. Veteran. He is survived by his parents: Jack and Helen Jones, …read more.

Charlene Knispel Charlene Knispel, a well-known name in Kosciusko County politics, passed away Sunday at the age of 81. Knispel served as Kosciusko County Auditor from 1995 to 1999. Prior to that, she was Turkey Creek Township Assessor, and she also served as a first district representative on the Kosciusko County Council. Knispel was a …read more.

Mary Stalter, 89, of Warsaw, Ind., and formerly of North Webster, Ind., passed away on Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, at Mason’s Healthcare, Warsaw. She was born on March 29, 1924, in Bloomfield, Ind., to Frank and Flora (Williams) Hayes. On April 25, 1944, she married Gaylord Stalter who preceded her in 1985. She was a …read more.

Patricia A. Claybaugh, 85, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Aug. 25, 2012, at the Lakeland Rehabilitation Facility in Milford, Ind. She was born on March 8, 1927, in South Bend, Ind., to Charles K. and Helen (Redman) Cook Sr. She moved to the Goshen area at an early age and graduated from Goshen High …read more.

Charlene A. Knispel, 81, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Aug. 26, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on Nov. 9, 1930, in St. Louis, MO., to Charles and Vida (Capps) Thotus. She was married to Lorin O. Knispel who preceded her in 1986. Charlene was a Certified Indiana Assessor. She …read more.

Darlene (Hickman) Krocker, 74, of North Webster, Ind., passed away on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, at Masons Health Care in Warsaw, Ind. She was born on Jan. 15, 1938, in Syracuse, Ind., to E. Dale and Jane (Myers) Hickman. She was married to Donnie Krocker who preceded her in death in 2009. She was a homemaker …read more.

Betty Nyce, 81, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Aug. 7, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born on May 6, 1931, in Elkhart County, Ind., to Carl and Velcie (Hapner) Stetler. She was married to Donald Nyce Sr. who preceded her in 1986. Betty was a lifelong area resident. After her …read more.

Viviane B. Smith, 79, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away Monday, Aug. 6, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw. She was born May 25, 1933, in Big Pine, N.C. She and her husband, Wayne Smith Sr., moved to the Syracuse, Ind., area following Wayne’s retirement. They had lived in the Portage, Ind., area most of …read more.

Willean “Billie” Beard, 79, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, at 3 p.m., Friday, July 20, 2012. She had a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born Jan. 4, 1933, in Smithville, Tenn., to James and Mary Fuson. Billie was a very special lady and will be dearly missed. Surviving are her …read more.

Verna Cross, 73, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at her residence. She was born on March 23, 1939, in Momence, Ill., to Julius and Mable (Whitten) Toma. She was married in 1957 to Ray N. Cross who preceded her in 1994. She moved to Syracuse in 1997 from Muncie, Ind. She …read more.

Verna Cross, 73, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012, at her residence. Arrangements are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Richard “Ric” Workman, 63, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born on July 20, 1948, in Syracuse to Dick and Donna (Galloway) Workman. Ric was a very well known musician in the area having performed for over four decades. He started off at an early age with …read more.

Athene Gawthrop, 92, of Leesburg, Ind., and formerly of Glen Ellyn, Ill., passed away on July 10, 2012, at the IU Goshen Hospital. She was born on April 24, 1920, in Battle Creek, Mich., to Peter and Grace (Pappas) Klemos. She attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich. On Sept. 18, 1948, she married Herbert …read more.

Sally J. Butt, 61, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on July 10, 2012, at the IU Goshen Hospital. She was born on Feb. 6, 1951 in Goshen, Ind., to Roland and Marilyn (Miller) Hodgson. On March 10, 1973, she married Ken Butt who survives. She was a 1969 graduate of Fairfield High School. She was a …read more.

Ethel Leap, formerly of North Webster, Ind., passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at her residence in Columbia City, Ind. She was born on Dec. 17, 1921, in Richmond, Va. On Dec. 7, 2007, she married Darrell Leap. Mrs. Leap is survived by her husband: Darrell, Columbia City; a grandson: James Baker, Fort Wayne, Ind.; …read more.

Adam Richmond, 34, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, at his residence. He was born June 8, 1978, in Ann Arbor, Mich., and moved to the area in 2003. He is survived by his uncle: Bill Creech, Leesburg; and cousins: Rosemary McDonough, North Webster; and Crystal Millican, Jackson, Mich. A memorial service will …read more.

Mary Louise Axente Millbern, 76, of Indianapolis, Ind., and formerly of Kosciusko County, Ind., died at 6:30 a.m., Saturday, July 7, 2012, at her residence. She was born June 29, 1936, in Kokomo, Ind., the daughter of Louis and Mary (Strycott) Axente.  On April 27, 1957, she married Richard Millbern who preceded her in death …read more.

Steven Culler, 54, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at his residence on June 25, 2012. He was born on Nov. 22, 1957, in Bremen, Ind. Steven was then adopted by Paul and Ruby Culler.  He was a lifelong area resident and a member of the North Webster American Legion, S.A.L. He was an avid bowler at …read more.