Arlene Briggs-Rex, 84, of Columbia City, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at her home. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 28, 1931, in Wolf Lake, she was the daughter of Benton and Lavinia (Scripter) Fruchey. Arlene was born and raised in Northeast Indiana, graduating from Wolf Lake …read more.

Phyllis A. Bodine, 86, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Renaissance Village in Fort Wayne. Born July 27, 1929 in Toledo, Ohio she was the daughter of Charles M. Wiseman, Sr. and Ruby L. (Knotts) Wiseman. She has been a Whitley County resident since 2009, moving from Lake …read more.

Charles Richard Shinn “Chuck”, 72, of Columbia City, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born on Aug. 22, 1943, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Paul and Catherine (King) Shinn. Growing up in Northeast Indiana, Chuck graduated from Elmhurst High School with the class of …read more.

UPDATE: The accident located at US 30 and CR 800E has been cleared at this time.    Motorist are advised to avoid US 30 and CR 800E for the next few hours due to an accident. A detour is available at CR 800E, on the Allen and Whitley county line. Traffic will be congested while …read more.

Marna J. (Sage) Widmer, 63, Leo, passed away at 7:25 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Marna was born on Nov. 1, 1951, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Russell and Fern (Rhodes) Sage. She spent her formative years in Huntertown, and graduated from Carroll High School in 1970. …read more.

Janice Allen Mayhew Hammer, 92, of Columbia City, went to her heavenly home Wednesday morning, Sept. 16, 2015, at Jefferson Place Health in Louisville, Ky. She was born Sept. 21, 1922, to Horace and Clementine White Mayhew in Roanoke, Va. She attended school in Roanoke and left for college at age 16 to attend Converse …read more.

Nancy A. Sherman, 66, a resident of Merriam, passed away at 5:40 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2015, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe in Columbia City following an extended illness. She had been in declining health for some time and had been a patient there for the past two weeks. Nancy was born in Fort …read more.

Barbara Jane “Janie” Weber, 83, of South Whitley, died at 3:35 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at Grace Village Health Care, Winona Lake, where she was admitted in March. She was born Aug. 13, 1932, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of John Marion and Barbara Philamina “Minnie” (Meier) Weber. At the age of five, her …read more.

Rebekah Sue “Bekki” Smith, 58, died 11:07 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. She was born on Jan. 30, 1957, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Charles and Beverly (Koontz) Bolinger. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City where she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with …read more.

Jeff Melvin, 53, Columbia City, passed away at 8:29 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 19, 1969, in Plymouth, to Jimmie F. Sr. and Martha “Marty” Melvin. Survivors include his mother: Martha J. Melvin; his best friend: “Nubby”; two sisters: Robin (Dennis) McClain, Lehigh Acres, Fla.; and Debra …read more.

Rebecca A. Phillips, 73, of Columbia City, passed away at 9:56 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born Aug. 14, 1942, in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Cyrus C. and Evelyn M. (Kelly) Cable. Becky graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of …read more.

Rebeca A. Phillips, age 73, of Columbia City, passed away at 9:56 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Ann M. Stoll, 67, a resident of rural Albion and wife of James R. Stoll, passed away at 8:16 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, at the Presence Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She had been in failing health for several months, and had been a patient there for the past two weeks. Mrs. Stoll was …read more.

WHITLEY COUNTY — A 57-year-old woman was pronounced deceased at the scene of a two-vehicle accident in Whitley County. The accident was at 5:26 a.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 2, at US 30 and CR 800E.

WHITLEY COUNTY — Whitley County Sheriff’s Department has been notified by Norfolk Southern Railroad that the tracks on CR 800E, in Dunfee, will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 2.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor InsideIndianaBusiness COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County Economic Development Corporation says the latest class of its venture accelerator program has graduated. Program manager, Steve Franks, says the cohort includes women-owned ventures and a disabled veteran who has “re-invented” vertical farming. The latest class focused on agribusiness and foods businesses. The graduates include Bill …read more.

Carol Scott, 65, of Los Osos, Calif., passed away at 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Carol was born on Nov. 30, 1949, in Ojai, Ca, a daughter of John and Beverly (Bauer) Scott. The surviving relatives include a son: Matthew Allie, Cayucos, Calif.; a daughter: Gwyn …read more.

WHITLEY COUNTY — An Indianapolis woman has died as a result of injuries in an accident at 10 a.m. today, Thursday, Aug. 27, in Whitley County.

Brian Hunter Strouse, 55, died at 4:07 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at Glenbrook Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Fort Wayne. Born May 20, 1960, in Columbia City, son of the late Edgar “Bud” Strouse, Jr. and Mary Louise (Amans) Strouse. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School, 1979. Bachelor’s degree from Duke University …read more.

All who knew Vicki Kessie would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was gracious, genuine, and compassionate – the sort of person who was willing to do whatever she could for others. Although Vicki had a great sense of humor, she also didn’t shy away from calling things as …read more.

Christina Kaye Keyes, 46,  Churubusco, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug.  23, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne surrounded by her family. Mrs. Keyes was born on Feb.  2, 1969, in Winamac, a daughter of Mickey and Connie (Lowery) Baker. She spent her formative years in Rochester, and graduated from Rochester …read more.

Victoria J. Kessie, 63, Columbia City, passed away Sunday, Aug, 23, 2015, at her home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Brooks O. Heffley, 54, Churubusco, passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at his home. He had been in failing health for three years, but had been more seriously ill for the past year. Heffley was born Sept. 1, 1960, in Fort Wayne, a son of Harold D. and Helen J. (Timmerman) Heffley, and was a lifelong …read more.

Maria Evilsizor, 76, of Columbia City, died at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. She was born Aug. 20, 1938, in Setcdorf, Czechoslovakia, a daughter of Alfred and Anna (Feike) Ehrlich. In 1946 her family moved to Germany where she graduated from Germany. In November 1975 she moved …read more.

Donald E. Klopfenstein, 94, of Columbia City, died Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at Manorcare Health Services in Rolling Meadows, Ill. He was born Aug.  16, 1920, in Fort Wayne, a son of Lester and Elizabeth (Schneider) Klopfenstein. As a young boy, his family moved to rural Columbia City from Garrett. He completed his education at Columbia City …read more.

Adam Wade Porter, 29, of South Whitley, died at 8:44 p.m. Friday, Aug.  14, 2015, a victim of a shooting. He was born Oct. 19, 1985, in Columbia City, a son of Danny G. Porter and Tonya E. (Dundas) Warner. He spent his entire life in South Whitley graduating from Whitko High School with the Class of …read more.

Ruth A. Schaper, 73, of Columbia City, passed away on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. Born Aug. 31, 1941, she was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Schone) Edsall. Ruth had worked at Roethele Lumber in the office and at Hinen Printing. She loved to garden and play card games of all sorts. She …read more.

Sandra Sue Harper, 72, South Whitley, died at 2:40 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in her residence. She was born Jan. 27, 1942, in Fort Wayne, to Richard and Dorothy (Brecht) Freeman. On April 15, 1961, she married Charles Douglas Harper.  She retired in 2012 from North Webster Medical Clinic after 15 years of service.  …read more.

Joanne B. Johnston, 83, a resident of Churubusco, passed away at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, at her home following a brief illness. Joanne was born in Fort Wayne on Jan. 6, 1932, a daughter of Luther K. and Opal G. (Cripe) Johnston. She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1950 and was a …read more.

Barbara J. Shirey, 84, of rural South Whitley, died Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 at her home. She was born Nov. 17, 1930, in Beaver County, Penn., a daughter of Robert A. and Buelah (Sproat) Diebold. As a young girl, her family moved to Roanoke, and later Fort Wayne before moving to Coesse. Barbara graduated from …read more.

Robert H. Auer, 91, a lifelong Whitley County resident, died at 8:53 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, at Renaissance Village where he had been a resident since May. He was born March 2, 1924, in Whitley County a son of Carl J. and Ethel M. (Eberhard) Auer. He graduated from Coesse High School in 1942, …read more.

Bonnie Joe Blaire, age 72, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 10:57 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at Golden Years Homestead, Fort Wayne. Born on Nov. 20, 1942, in Wolf Lake, she was the daughter of Charles F. and Ruth J. (Wineland) Stump. Bonnie attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated with the Class …read more.

Andrea A. Anderson, 60, of Larwill,  passed away at 12:53 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born Nov.  27, 1954, in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Ford E. and Mary F.  (Adams) Ruckman. She attended the local schools in Larwill. While working at the Pierceton truck stop, she had …read more.

Todd A. “Goose” Guisinger, 46, a resident of Butler and a native of Tri-Lakes, passed away at 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne following an illness of two years. Todd was born on May 23, 1969. He spent his formative years on Shriner Lake and graduated from …read more.

To achieve ones calling is one of the greatest gifts, and Rev. Thomas M. Douglas was a man who followed after God’s own heart. Thomas knew from a young age he was meant for the ministry, and through his growing faith, he came to be a servant of the Lord. A man of integrity, honesty …read more.

William E. Berry, 84, a resident of rural Churubusco, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2015 at his home in Smith Township following an extended illness. Mr. Berry was born in Fort Wayne on Dec. 26, 1930, a son of Everette M. L. and M. Bernice (Deem) Berry, and spent his formative years near …read more.

Mariann Evelyn Hicks, 58, of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly at 2:50 a.m. Sunday, August 2, 2015, at Highland Regional Medical Center in Sebring, Fla. Born Oct. 4, 1956, in Havelock, N.C., she was the daughter of Blanche Marie (Roy) Shatzer. Mariann was raised in Fort Wayne and graduated from Wayne High School with the Class …read more.

M. Phyllis Gordon, 92, a resident of rural Churubusco and widow of Sanford D. Gordon, passed away at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at her home in Smith Township. Mrs. Gordon was born on April 18, 1923, in Eel River Township, a daughter of Neil J. and Alma M. (Grady) Walker. She spent her …read more.

Kerry J. French, 60, of Fort Wayne, died at 2:17 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2015, at the Hospice Home. He was born Sept. 30, 1954, in Columbia City, a son of Robert J. and Carolyn R. (Karns) French. He graduated from Whitko High School and continued his education at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis. A certified …read more.

Lyle D. Zorger, age 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 5:45 p.m. Friday July 31, 2015, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.  Born on April 1, 1932, he was the son of Dewey Emmanuel and Bessie (Studer) Zorger. Lyle was a lifetime resident of Allen and Whitley Counties and attended Jefferson Center High …read more.

Lora Ann Ray, 55, of Columbia City, passed away at 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born Nov. 25, 1959, in Whitley County, she was the daughter of James L. Ray and Dorothy M. (Hinen) Ray. Lori has been a lifetime resident of Whitley County except for ten years …read more.

Lora Ann Ray, age 55, of Columbia City, passed away at 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.

Ronald W. Rohrer, 60, a resident of rural Churubusco and well-known Churubusco businessman, passed away unexpectedly and was found on Monday morning, July 27, 2015, at his home in Smith Township. Mr. Rohrer was born in Columbia City on Sept. 22, 1954, a son of Ralph and Louise (Hitzemann) Rohrer. He spent his formative years …read more.

Oleta L. Miller, 84, of Columbia City, formerly of Milford and New Paris, died Tuesday afternoon, July 28, 2015 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe. She was born Oct. 11, 1930, in Van Buren County, Ark. to James William and Edna Jane (Payne) Leird. On June 28, 1950, she married Thomas Chalk in Leachville, Ark. He …read more.

Patricia Ann McNagny, 89, a lifelong Columbia City resident, died at 4:38 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at her home. Surviving relatives include four daughters: Julia E. (Dr. David) Hurley, Columbia City; Elizabeth C. McNagny, Olympia, Wash.; Carolyn G. McNagny, Chelsea, Mich.; and Marcia A. (Kip Tom) McNagny, Columbia City; four grandchildren: Dr. Jennifer B. …read more.

Margaret B. Rekeweg, 99, a resident of High Lake near Albion and widow of Wilbur D. Rekeweg, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at her home. Mrs. Rekeweg was born on Feb. 6, 1916, in Ravenna, Neb., a daughter of Frederick and Amanda (Bohn) Stein, and spent her formative years there until …read more.

Herbert H. Pelfrey, 85, of Columbia City, died at 4:33 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he was admitted on Wednesday. He was born Sept. 27, 1929, in Combs, Ky. a son of the late Sam Henry and Kizzie (Watkins) Pelfrey. His formative years were spent in Kentucky where he completed …read more.

Kenneth L. Kauffman, 64, of Columbia City, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015, at his home. Born on April 21, 1951, in Salem, Ohio, he was the son of Victor Kauffman and Dorothy (Detrow) Kauffman. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, Ken graduated from Crestview High School before continuing on to nearby Youngstown State University where …read more.

Kenneth L. Kauffman, age 64, of Columbia City, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015 at his home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.

Arlis Mullins, 92 of South Whitley, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday July 14, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. He was born on May 19, 1923, to Kenneth and Gracie (Harper) Mullins in Breathitt County, Ky. He has been in Warsaw since 1945. He was a World War II veteran. He married …read more.

Lisa R. Wilson, age 57, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:35 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015 at Miller’s Merry Manor at Oak Pointe, Columbia City. She was born on May 2, 1958, in Chicago, Ill. and spent much of her childhood there. Moving to Tennessee at 16 years old, Lisa would find a love …read more.

Arlis Mullins, 92, South Whitley, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

Peggy J. Bolen, age 63, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:06 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at her residence.  Born on Feb. 5, 1952, in LaPorte County, she was the daughter of James Cowgill Sr. and Mary (Spradling) Cowgill. Growing up in the LaPorte area, Peggy graduated from LaPorte High School with the class of 1970. …read more.

Mary Louise Strouse, 83, the widow of Edgar “Bud” Strouse Jr., died at 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Millers Merry Manor. She is survived by a daughter: Leigh Caldwell, Irvine, Calif. and a son: Brian Strouse, Columbia City. In accordance with the family’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. A memorial gathering will …read more.

Audrey Eloise Frain, 91, of Bitely, Mich., died Friday, July 10, 2015, at her home. She was born Aug. 3, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio a daughter of Harvey Orange and Edna Agnes (Dotson) Penn. As a young girl, her family moved to Three Rivers, Mich., where she graduated from high school. On March 11, 1949 …read more.

Jessie L. Beard, 81, of Columbia City, died at 3:22 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2015, at Englewood Healthcare, Fort Wayne, where she had been a resident. She was born April 27, 1934 in Archie, Louisiana a daughter of the late Howard and Minnie (Johnson) Wilkinson. She spent her formative years in Alexandria, La. and graduated …read more.

Ronald L. Evard, 75, residing in South Bend, passed away at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, where he was admitted on Tuesday.  He was born May 10, 1940, in Columbia City, a son of the late Frank L. and Edna (Mohn) Evard, and has lived in South Bend …read more.

Donna R. Hibbs, 77, of Churubusco, passed away at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Hibbs was born on Jan. 5, 1938 in New Amsterdam, a daughter of Floyd and Evaleen (Voyles) Froman. On April 17, 1954 she was married in New Amsterdam, to Devillo “Jack” Hibbs. She was …read more.

Thomas M. Scherschel, 72, of Churubusco, passed away at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Mr. Scherschel was born on Sept. 27, 1942, in Fort Wayne, a son of Martin and Velma (Bobay) Scherschel. He spent his formative years in New Haven, and graduated from Central Catholic in …read more.

Betty L. Zimmerman, 77, of Columbia City, died at 5:05 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2015 at her home. She was born Sept. 7, 1937 in Prestonsburg, Ky., a daughter of Richard and Aggie (Poe) Gibson. At the age of 14, her family moved to Kosciusko County. She graduated from Claypool High School. On July 5, 1957 she …read more.

WHITLEY COUNTY — Beginning Friday, July 10, the railroad tracks on CR 400E, north of SR 14, and the tracks on Binkley Road, north of US 30 will be closed until Tuesday morning July 14. Motorists should plan an alternate route of travel during the track closure.

Sandra Kay (Herron) Speakman, of Churubusco, passed away shortly before 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2015, at Parkvew North Hospital in Fort Wayne from complications of heart disease. Sandy was born on Dec. 27, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Kenneth and Emily (Waters) Herron. She spent her youth in Whitley, Noble and Allen …read more.

Charles Besson Stanley, 91, of Columbia City, died at 9:15 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2015, at his home. He was born Dec. 2, 1923, in Dunfee, Allen County, a son of Roy Cuppy and Ruth H. (Besson) Stanley. His formative years were spent in Allen, Noble and Whitley Counties. He graduated from Washington Center High School. …read more.

James D. Hibbs, 55, of Churubusco, passed away at 6:32 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at his home in Churubusco. Mr. Hibbs was born on Jan. 27, 1960 in Auburn, a son of Devillo “Jack” and Donna (Froman) Hibbs. He spent his formative years in Churubusco. He was self employed as a farmer and handy man. …read more.

Jason Daniel Spurgeon, 29, a resident of Fort Wayne and a native of rural Allen County, passed away unexpectedly early on Monday, June 29, 2015, at his home. Jason was born in Fort Wayne on Dec. 1, 1985, a son of Dan J. and Jane (Miller) Spurgeon.  He spent most of his formative years in Allen …read more.

Dalton D. Brady, 13, of Collins, passed away at 4:02 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Dalton was born on June 20, 2002, in Columbia City, a son of David and Brandy (Rice) Brady. He spent his formative years in Collins, and attended Churubusco Middle School. He …read more.

Lois Plew, age 87, passed away at 5:58 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born Dec. 21, 1927 in Cumberland, Md., she was the daughter of John Peter and Martha Ellen (Petenbrink) Clark. She was the youngest of 12 children. While working in Washington D.C. during WWII, Lois met Roger …read more.

With unending love for her family and friends, Nita Prine was a gift to her friends and loved ones. She took great care in making her loved ones feel special, and she was the sort of person who would do anything for anyone. A more devoted mother would be hard to find, but Nita just …read more.

Jack Stanley Schram, Columbia City, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015. A people person who was eager to help others, Jack Stanley Schram was a blessing to those around him. He was a longtime resident of the community he loved, and as a man of faith he made a positive impact in the lives of countless …read more.

Jack Schram, age 81, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at his Residence. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Donald E. Gruber, age 77, of Columbia City, passed away at 10:35 a.m. Sunday, June 21, 2015, at his home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.

John Crawford, 82, passed away at noon Friday, June 19, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. John was born Nov. 17, 1932, in Gallipolis, Ohio to Robert and Ethel (Shoemaker) Crawford. He was married to Sharon Smith who preceded him in death. John was a janitor for Wabash Valley and was a real people person who …read more.

Joyce Ann (Cripe) Bauman, 80, of Flora formerly of Logansport went to be with the Lord at 7:21 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015, surrounded by her loving family at her residence. Born on April 29, 1935, in Wolcott, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Edna (Sheets) Cripe. On Jan. 30, 1954 …read more.

Roy Howard Collier, 88, of Larwill, passed away at 4:40 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2015, at his home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Amanda Fawn Jackson, 33, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:41 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015, at her home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.

All who knew Gerald “Jerry” Ramsey would agree that he was larger than life. He was hardworking and driven to succeed, yet he also took the time to enjoy life along the way. Although Jerry accomplished so much of which to be proud, there was no greater gift in his life than his family that …read more.

Gerald E. Ramsey, 76, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at Summit City Nursing and Rehab in Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Rita “Marlene” Campbell, age 83, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 15, 2015, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital. She was born on July 20, 1931, the daughter of Mildred L. (Greenwalt) & Glen W. Smith in Topeka. On Sept. 16, 1949, she married Bill R. Snyder; he preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1979. On …read more.

Claude Keith Tarr, 68, of Churubusco, passed away at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at VA Hospital in Marion. Mr. Tarr was born on March 8, 1947, in Bluffton, a son of Claude C. and Florence (Maddux) Tarr. He spent his formative years in Jefferson Twp., Grant County, and graduated from Hartford City High …read more.

Richard John “Booney” Feist, 86, of Columbia City, died at 2:40 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Wednesday, June 10. He was born March 8, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Indiana a son of Clarence A. “Booney” and Elizabeth S. (George) Feist. His formative years …read more.

Kenneth A. Harris, 57, of Columbia City, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2015, at the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Survivors include his loving wife of 32 years: Rhonda Harris; sons: Phil (Tiffany) Harris, Columbia City; and Todd (Ashley) Harris, Huntington; parents: Keith and Geneva Harris, Oxford, Miss.; brother: David …read more.

Doris Arlene Wince, 98, a lifelong Whitley County resident, died early Sunday morning, June 14, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since Aug. 2011. She was born Sept. 17, 1916, in Whitley County a daughter of Orson A. and Mary Elizabeth (Roberts) Carmin. Her formative years were spent in Larwill …read more.

Kenneth A. Harris, age 57, of Columbia City, passed away at 2:06 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.

Robert Eugene Chapman, 87, of Bonita Springs, Fla., died on March 9, 2015. Bob’s family includes his wife of 67 years, Patricia Chapman; daughter: Lynn (Phil) Chapman Walker, Columbia City; grandson: Aaron Chapman Walker. All who knew Robert Chapman would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was always a …read more.

JoAnn Marie Tom, 91, of Columbia City, passed away Thursday, June 11 2015, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe, Columbia City. Born on Jan. 17, 1924, in South Whitley, she was the daughter of Russel Dimmick and Eva Wanda (Bretsinger) Dimmick. She was born and raised near South Whitley, eventually moving to Larwill where she graduated from …read more.

Francis M. Harter, Jr., 79, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Signature Health Care in Fort Wayne. Mr. Harter was born on Sept. 23, 1935, in Churubusco, a son of Francis M. and Jessie (Freeman) Harter. He spent his formative years in Churubusco, and graduated from Churubusco High …read more.

Claude Keith Tarr, 68, a resident of Churubusco, passed away at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at the Marion VA Medical Center in Marion. Arrangements are pending with Sheets and Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco.

Charles L. “Chuck” Gudakunst, 72, a resident of Columbia City and formerly of rural Churubusco in Noble County, passed away at 6:48 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.  He had entered the hospice home on Thursday evening, but had been in failing health for the past six …read more.

Thelma C. Moog, 86, of Columbia City, died Thursday morning, June 4, 2015, at her home. She was born May 20, 1929, in Peru, a daughter of Albert B. and Mary F. (Moore) Wolf. She graduated from Peru High School in Dec. 1946 and married John R. Hartleroad. On May 18, 1973, she married John …read more.

James “Jim” W. Streby Sr., 48, of Columbia City, passed away at 3:42 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2015 at his home. Mr. Streby was born on March 6, 1967, in Fort Wayne, a son of Kenneth Streby and Linda (Lambert) Kuehner. He spent his formative years in Fort Wayne, and graduated from South Side High …read more.

Bryce B. Elkins Sr, 76, of rural Columbia City, died at 6:55 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2015, at his home. He had been in failing health. He was born Jan. 12, 1939, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Jesse and Mary (Uhrick) Elkins. His formative years were spent in the Arcola area. He …read more.

Dick D. Kessie, 78, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:47 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2015, at his home. Born Aug. 12, 1936, in Whitley County, he was the son of William H. and Wilda M. (Grable) Kessie. He is survived by his daughters: Cerese R. (Jim) Brock; Terri A. (Chris) Clupper, both of …read more.

Dick D. Kessie, 78, Columbia City, passed away at 11:47 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2015, at his home. Arrangements are pending with DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.

Charles F. Rollins, 81, of Churubusco, passed away at 6:46 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne. Mr. Rollins was born on Feb. 5, 1934, in Churubusco, a son of Marvin and Florence (Deck) Rollins. On June 29, 1984 he was married in Allen County to Betty (Heffelfinger) Geiger. …read more.

Charlene (Fuhrman) Bailey, 99, a former resident of Churubusco and more recently of Syracuse, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse.  She had been a patient there for over five years. Mrs. Bailey was born on April 28, 1916, near Marion, a daughter of Charles and Faye (Smith) Barnhouse.  …read more.

Mabel V. Mabie, 88, of Columbia City died at 9:55 a.m. Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City where she had been a resident since February 2011. She was born March 20, 1927, in Huntington County, Indiana a daughter of the late Benjamin H. and Elsie Blanche (Schaaf) Simmons. Her formative years …read more.

John M. Fetchik, 64, of Hollywood, Fla., passed away at 9:47 a.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Memorial Hospital Pembroke in Pembroke Pine, Fla. Born Dec. 12, 1950, in Dover, N.J., he was the son of Paul and Helen (Clark) Fetchik. At a young age, John and his family moved from New Jersey to LaPorte.  There he …read more.

Mary H. Yarnelle, 89, formerly of South Whitley, passed away May 13, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz., where she had been living. She was born March 5, 1926, in Clearwater, FL a daughter of Richard and Mabel May (Gividin) Hall. Her formative years were spent in Indianapolis. She married Richard J. Yarnelle on Oct. 5, 1946. …read more.

Marjorie A. Daniels was a loving family woman and an accomplished profession. Her vigor for living was evident in her career advancements as well as in her personal life. She was always there for her family and deeply committed to others. Strong in faith, hope and love, Margie brought joy to her husband, children, grandchildren, …read more.

A tractor/motorcycle accident in Whitley County sent a motorcyclist to Lutheran Hospital with head injuries this morning. The accident occurred at 11:17 a.m. on SR 5 at Cleveland Road in Whitley County. Curt J. Juergens, 52, Huntington, was taken to Lutheran Hospital with head injuries. No information on his condition is available. Whitley County Sheriff’s …read more.