Obituary Collection

Dolores J Niebauer Feb. 24, 1948 - July 28, 2019     Dolores J Niebauer, 71, of Layton, Utah, previously of East Berry Street, Middlebury, Indiana, passed away Sunday evening at Apple Village Assisted Living.      She was born February 24, 1948, to Virgil Lee and Marjorie Frances (Critchlow) Fisher in South Bend, Indiana.  She graduated from LaSalle High School in South Bend in 1968.  On May 31, 1971, she married Charles F Niebauer, who preceded her in death in 2011.     She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Allen of South Bend; her son, Brook (Penny) Niebauer of Layton, Utah; her brother, Roger Fisher of South Bend; her sister, Lynn (Steve) Wysong of South Bend; and her grandchildren, Danielle Allen; Hunter Allen; Griffin Allen; Thaddeus Greene; Alison Niebauer; Jason Niebauer; Andrew Niebauer; Juliet Niebauer; Danielle Niebauer; and Kaylyn Niebauer.     Additionally, she i...

Florence E. Rigg s, 93., of Bristol ,passed away peacefully of natural causes early Saturday morning June 29, 2019 at the home of her son. She was born October 6, 1925 in Lafe, Arkansas to Thomas E. and Adar Dee (Patton) Meredith. She married Raymond M. Riggs on April 12, 1943 in Kennett, Mo. Ray died Aug. 16, 1997. Surviving is her son Raymond (Jean) Riggs; granddaughter Melissa (Thomas) Hart; 10 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Her husband, granddaughter Rebecca Riggs, brother Otis Meredith and sisters, Marie Brown, Viola Jackson, Jeanette Nelson and Jewell Crawford preceded her in death. Florence worked for a time at Keanes in Middlebury, Ventline and picked cotton in her youth in Missouri. She loved gardening and growing beautiful flowers for all to enjoy. Visitation for Florence will be from 10-11 am. Tuesday, July 2, at Billings Funeral Home, we will then proceed to Oakridge Cemetery in Bristol for her burial next to Raymond.

Jennifer Ball, age 44, of Walkerton, died at 5:03 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019 at her residence after a 2 year illness.  She was born January 9, 1975 in Elkhart to Jack and Cindy ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­(Jones) Gunnoe.  Jennifer was an Elkhart Community School graduate.  She received a degree in Photography from IUSB.   Jennifer worked at Barger Packaging in Elkhart and drove break truck for many years.  Jennifer loved horses and had worked on a ranch.  She is survived by her sons, James (Kaycee) Ball, Mishawaka, Jason Ball, Colorado Springs, CO; grandsons, Wyatt and Isaac Ball; step son, Jeffrey Wilson; father, Jack (Kami) Gunnoe, Walkerton; mother, Cindy (Kevin) Loucks, Middlebury; grandmother, May Jones, Lagrange; step grandmother, Vivian Kane, Walkerton; brother, Jesse Gunnoe, Draper, UT; sister, Katie (David) Garza, New Paris; father-in-law, James T. Ball; mother-in-law, Cynthia Wilson; sister-in-laws, Cynthia L. (Breft) Westin, Bonita J. (Jim...

MIDDLEBURY — Lillian Sue Howell, 69, of Middlebury, died at 11:02 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, at her residence. She was born July 2, 1949, in Johnson County, Kentucky, to Reuben and Barbara (Blair) Webb. On March 8, 1969, in Floyd County, Kentucky, she married Billy Howell; he survives. Survivors in addition to her husband are a son and his wife, two granddaughters, and her father. She was preceded in death by her mother.

NOBLE, Gordon E., died April 6, 2009 NOBLE, STOWELL, WOLF, SUNDAY, NEWBRY,  Published: Three Rivers Commercial-News Tuesday, April 7, 2009 Gordon E. NOBLE, 75, of Middlebury, Ind., died Monday, April 6, 2009 at his residence. He was born Oct. 25, 1933 in Vicksburg to Lester and Grace (STOWELL) NOBLE.  On April 9, 1993 in LaGrange, Ind. he married Shirley WOLF, she survives.  He was a teacher and professor of math and science and chemistry at Northridge until 1996 and then taught part time at Glen Oaks, Centreville teaching chemistry and calculus.  Survivors include his wife; daughter, Heather SUNDAY of Huntington, Ind.; son, Justin NEWBRY of Indianapolis, Ind.; brother, LaVern (Hannah) NOBLE of Three Oaks. He was preceded in death by parents.  Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Miller-Stewart Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 9 at funeral home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury, Ind. Services will be conducted by Rev...

GOSHEN — Louise Wogoman, 92,  of Goshen, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at The Maples at Waterford Crossing. She was born April 29, 1926, in Goshen, to Owen and Pearl (Truex) Wogoman. On Nov. 18, 1945, she married Harold “Dick” Wogoman in Goshen.  He died Dec. 3, 2003. Survivors include two sons, Philip Wogoman of Millersburg and Michael (Bobbie) Wogoman of Syracuse; seven grandchildren, Dan (Angie) Wagner, Jeff (Heather) Wogoman, Lanny Wagner, Jason (Tracy) Wogoman, Kristi (Travis) Miller, Brian (Liz) Wogoman and Lindsay (Brock) Maust; 19 great-grandchildren, Matt and Anna Wagner, Alec, Luke and Brie Wogoman, Riley and Reese Wagner, Tenille Wogoman, Brady, Kylie, Kloie and Bryce Yoder, Lincoln, Smith, Whitney and Spencer Wogoman and Isaac, Kahler and Maylin Maust; and sister-in-law Carol Wogoman of Goshen. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by twin brothers, Earl and Merle Wogoman. A graduate of Goshen High School, she was co-owner of H...

Reuben Miller Jr., 68, Middlebury, died at 10:50 a.m. Monday, May 7, at Elkhart General Hospital from complications of pneumonia. He was born July 25, 1949, in Plain City, Ohio, to Reuben D. and Verba (Kauffman) Miller. On May 8, 1969, in LaGrange County, he married Delila Wickey, who survives. Also surviving are four daughters, Marsha Quilty, Middlebury, Clara (Greg Downs) Sanderson, San Tan Valley, Arizona, Patricia (Dwight Bontrager) Miller, Wakarusa, Crystal (Justin) Musall, Honolulu, Hawaii; son, Toby (Jacyln) Miller, Carmel; four grandchildren, Ethan Miller, Haley Miller, Elizabeth Miller, Donald Musall; sister, Mary Bontrager, Mio, Michigan; three brothers, Mose (Katie) Miller, Shipshewana, Vernon (Elsie) Miller, Homer, Michigan, and Melvin Miller, Shipshewana. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Harley Miller; and daughter, Lois Miller. Reuben was an over-the-road truck driver for more than 40 years, putting more than 2 million miles on his Peterbilt...

Mrs. Gloria L. Walejewski (Detweiler) age 71 passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 17, 2018. Gloria was born April 22, 1946 in Sellersville, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard, parents Mahlon and Edna Detweiler, grandson Trinity Avilon Alderman. Surviving are her children Marijo Walejewski Zandbergen, Marilee Walejewski Mast, Steven (Christina) Walejewski; her grandchildren Serina, Devin, Mosheven, Johnny, Donnie, Zara and Brayden; two brothers Walter (Gladys) Detweiler, Darvin Detweiler; three sisters Eleanor (Walt) Guenin, Lorraine (Omar) Mast, Bernice (Clarence) Whirledge; several nieces and nephews. Gloria retired from the Michigan Veterans Facility in 2002 as a CNA. She loved her three C’s… chocolate, cookies and coffee, which she enjoyed right up until the time she passed. Gloria enjoyed many travels with Bernie, especially her trips to Hawaii and Great Britain. Walking outdoors with her husband, and later with her dog “JoeBoxer”. Busha cherished her time with...

Stella Niebauer , Wachula, Fla. He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, David Sprinkle. Gravesides services are at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Grant Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Nanci Rosinski officiating. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount.

STELLA M. BUTRICK Oct. 11, 1948 - April 8, 2018 Butrick, Stella ELKHART — Stella M. Butrick, 69, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018, at her home. She was born Oct. 11, 1948, in Mundelein, Illinois, to the late Norbert and Jeanette (Rourke) Eckman. Surviving are two children, Tammy (Travis) Hopkins of Bristol and Brian Butrick (fiancé Heather Yoder) of Edwardsburg; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are eight siblings, James Eckman, Grace Johnson, Tom Eckman, Phil Eckman, Karen Molina, John Eckman, Paul Eckman and Jeannie Johnson; and Stella’s best friend, Deb Ganshorn of Elkhart. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael Butrick who passed away Aug. 20, 2015. Stella enjoyed working in her flower garden, spending time with her grandchildren, and her love of laughter. She worked as a pharmacy technician at Alick’s Drug Store and for Osco Drug Store. In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place and ...

Lavern Orville Myers, 88, died Saturday, April 7, 2018 at his home. He was born Dec. 9, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Roy and Beulah (Smeltzer) Myers. On June 2, 1962 he married Martha “Marty” Merkle in North Manchester. She survives along with three children, Michael (Kathy) Myers, Fort Wayne, Angela (Todd) Bryant, Princeton, and Vernon Edward (Amber) Myers, Seoul, South Korea; 10 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Cassia Ryleigh Martin; a sister, Emma Belle “Michaele” Myers and a brother, Richard Myers. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-54 in Germany and France. He was selected for the All-European basketball team and competed as a champion volleyball player in the Air Force. Affectionately known as “Squeak,” he coached basketball and baseball while teaching at Sidney High School from 1957-62. He also taught for 23 years at West Side Middle School in Elkhart. His big voice, kind heart, and patient...

James Ebersol, 90, of Middlebury, died Tuesday, March 6, 2018. He was born April 28, 1927, to Menno and Faye (Stutzman) Ebersol. He married Doris Miller; she survives. Survivors also are three sons, James (Cindy) Ebersol, Timothy (Shelley) Ebersol and Steven (Darcy) Ebersol; two daughters, Brenda (Michael King) Ebersol and Janet (Chuck VanCamp) Crook; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Helen Pullen, Carmen Lehman and Mary Michelen. Jim had worked as a realtor in Goshen for Carl Lehman Reality. Visitation will be from 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 12, also at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart. Memorials may be given to the funeral home for expenses.

October 1, 1943 -- February 11, 2018 Jon Michael Witmer, 74, of Middlebury, died at 7:40 pm on Sunday, February 11, at his residence as a result of cancer. He was born on October 1, 1943 in Elkhart County, to Ellis and Verda (Tyson) Witmer. On July 5, 1981 in Elkhart County he married Carol Brown; she survives. Survivors in addition to his wife are two daughters, Tina Marie Cooper-Viruez of Goshen, Teresa Ann Cooper-Grissom of Kalamazoo, MI; four granddaughters, Brittany, Jessica, Melissa and Gabrielle. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles and Merlin Witmer. Jon was a proud member of the American Legion Post 210 and two gun clubs, Elkhart Rifle and Pistol Club and the Edwardsburg Rifle and Pistol Club having served on the board for both for many years. He was proud of his service in the U.S. Army where he served as Procurement Officer and an assistant Army Chaplain. He was a longtime resident of Middlebury where he worked for Clarence Varns at Varns and Hoover...

February 16, 1944 ~ January 8, 2018 Thomas L. Cooke, 73, of Wolcottville, died at 9:32 pm on Monday,  at his residence. His death was unexpected and due to natural causes.   He was born on February 16, 1944 in San Diego, CA, to Robert and Betty Jane (Franco) Cooke.  On June 30, 1969 in Lake County he married Bettye Jo Farris; she survives. Survivors in addition to his wife are daughter, Veronica (Shank) Cooke of Wolcottville; seven grandchildren, Isabella, Cheyenne, Josephine, Adrianna, Chance, Journey, Catch; five great-grandchildren, Chloie, Lylibeth, Riley, Roselynn, Jaxson. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchild, Lacoste, sister, Terry Blaydes, brother, Robert Cooke. He touched so many as a US Navy man, the mechanic at the Arco until 1985, the tow truck pull out guy, a fireman, a town of Middlebury & Shipshewana employee, President of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, an American Legion Post # 210 member who was active on ...

The Reverend James F. Simpson, 74, joined his Lord and Savior November 18, 2017. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1961, Wittenberg University in 1965 and from The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1969. He married Delores (Alsbrook) Simpson on June 16, 1968 and was ordained at Bethlehem Lutheran Church June 16, 1969.  Serving St. John’s Lutheran Church, Nappanee, IN, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Lafayette, IN, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Middlebury, IN, and Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Lagrange, IN gave Jim the opportunity to minister to and encourage many in their faith journey. Puppets Prince and Peace (AKA Paul and Eve, Monty and Zoey) were favorite characters used to spread the Gospel. Camp Lutherwald, where Jim, in his teen years as a camp counselor, was called to ministry, continued to be a special part of his life; he continued to support and serve as property chairman for 15 years. ...

PATRICIA A. BONTRAGER WHITE May 17, 1942 - Oct. 3, 2017 GOSHEN — Patricia “Pat” Ann Bontrager White, 75, of Goshen, formerly of Middlebury died Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017. She was born May 17, 1942, to Wallace and Nellie (Teall) White. Surviving are daughter, Joni (Ben) Jones; two sons, Tony Bontrager and Troy (Angie) Bontrager; eight grandchildren, one great-grandson; three sisters, Marge Vaugh, Helen Gray and Charlotte Hoffman; three brothers, Jack White, Don (Sheila) White and Tim “J.T.” (Addie) White. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Todd Bontrager; two sisters, JoAnn Singell and Betty Hoffman. Patricia loved her grandchildren dearly. She had graduated from Elkhart High School in 1960. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service all at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury. Burial will be at a later date in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury. Memorials may be given to Goshen Home Care & Hospice.

Frank D Miller, 87, died Friday, Sept. 1, in Killbuck, Ohio, where he was residing with his wife, Sue Miller. He was born April, 7, 1930, to Milferd and Florence (Kauffman) Miller in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he lived to young adulthood. He married Miriam E Keim, Dec 20, 1953. They were married for 56 years and made their home in Middlebury. She preceded him in death Sept. 4, 2010. Frank loved the out-of-doors and enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He loved auction sales and flea markets. He was an active member of Forks Mennonite Church in Middlebury and the Methodist church in Killbuck. Frank is survived by his wife, Sue; three children, Annette (Mike) Neff, Goshen, Mike (Marcia) Miller, Middlebury, and Brian (Kim) Miller, Middlebury; eight grandchildren, Brooke Minor, Brad Neff, Elyse Ostrega, Bryce Miller, Andrew Miller, Amber Delcamp, Adam Miller, and Arthur Miller; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Sue Williams of Gulfport, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by h...

J. Andrew Harnish, age 44, Carmel, Indiana, passed away February 13, 2017, due to complications of liver disease. He was born December 2, 1972, in Elkhart, Indiana, the son of Joe and Jan (Oyer) Harnish. Andy grew up in Middlebury Indiana, where he was active in the Brethren and Mennonite Church families, Cub Scouts, Little League, Heritage School band, and high school wrestling. In 1990, he graduated from Northridge High School. He continued his education at Eastern Mennonite College and James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Economics. He was the manager of the Harnish Agency of Nationwide Insurance, West 96th Street in Indianapolis. He loved working with his clients, many of whom became life-long friends. He had an appreciation for literature and poetry and loved creative word use which led to a mischievous sense of humor. Andy often expressed his aspirations for writing a book of his life's journey. A favorite pastime was watching...

Alvin K. Beachy 76 of 4508 TR 365 Millersburg died Monday, January 30, 2017 in Pomerene Memorial Hospital in Millersburg following an extended illness. He was born December 31, 1940 in Holmes County to the late Ben B.F. and Katie M. (Raber) Beachy. He is retired from Bunker Hill Cheese and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He is survived by his wife, the former Sara B. Weaver whom he married February 20, 1964; his brother John (Mary) Beachy of Millersburg, 2 sisters Bena Miller of Millersburg and Malinda Yoder of Dundee, his caregivers Eli (Elsie) Yoder and Betty Yoder all of the home and their children Robert (Emily) Yoder and Matthew (Emily) Yoder all of Millersburg, his step sister Mary (Henry) Mast of Kentucky, step brothers Alvin (Katie) Hershberger of Dundee and Andrew (Fannie) Hershberger of Millersburg, step brother-in-law Henry Miller of Holmesville and step sister-in-law Martha Hershberger of Millersburg. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his step f...