Smithstrong Fund receives new donation

Michelle (Smith) LeDrew Hansen, owner of Glam Boutique, presented the Kosciusko County Community Foundation with a donation representing proceeds from Glam’s 2022 Fashion Gala held Nov. 3 for the Smithstrong Foundation Fund, a component fund of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The gift brought total gifts to the fund from friends and supporters from 2022 to date to $4,016, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The Smithstrong Foundation Fund was established in 2015 by Hansen and Ryan Smith in memory of their father, Charlie Smith, and brother, Scott Smith, who died in a plane crash Oct. 2, 2015.

Charlie Smith was a successful business and community leader and had served as a longtime football coach for Tippecanoe Valley High School.

Scott Smith was a local attorney and past graduate and student athlete at Tippecanoe Valley High School.

The Smithstrong Foundation Fund helps Tippecanoe Valley High School’s athletic program recognize outstanding student athletes who exemplify the values demonstrated by Charlie and Scott Smith during their lifetimes. The financial awards are presented at the high school’s May awards program and are used to assist athletes in obtaining higher education.

To date, the fund has awarded six grants to Tippecanoe Valley High School in support of these awards, with additional awards planned for May.

Metz Auto Group expanding to Syracuse

Metz Auto Group announced Saturday, March 11, it will expand exceptional sale and service with Davidson Auto Deals and Anvil Automotive Sales, Service and Detail.

“We are excited to welcome the successful Davidson team into our family of dealerships,” said Adam Mason, Metz Auto Group General Manager. Metz Auto Group is located at 2450 N. Main St., Nappanee.

The location, 1015 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, serves residents of the greater Syracuse area with a wide selection of vehicles.

“This enriches our presence in the community, supports local causes and gives customers more choices for quality vehicles,” said Travis Davidson.

Swiss steak dinner March 25

A Swiss steak dinner will be available for pickup at North Webster Church of the Brethren. The church will be offering Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn and pie between 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

The church is located at 7281 E. 600N, North Webster.

The meal is carry-out only. The cost is $15.

Janet L. Elam

Retired WHS Bookkeeper

Janet L. Elam passed away at 6:34 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake at the age of 87. She was a longtime former resident of Syracuse.

She was born May 15, 1935, in Herrick, Shelby County, Ill., to Ethel (Rogers) Hamilton and John L. Hamilton. Janet graduated from New Castle High School in New Castle. On April 29, 1952, she married Marion Jackson “Jack” Elam. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage together before Jack passed away on Sept. 17, 2018.

Janet was a staple at Wawasee High School in Syracuse where she worked as a bookkeeper and treasurer. She retired after 27 years of service. Janet was a member of Dewart Lake Friends, past member of the Syracuse Church of God from 1963-1999 and presently a member of First Christian Church of Warsaw. She loved her Lord and Savior and the first thing she would do every morning was to read her Bible.

Janet had a wonderful soul that loved and accepted everyone, always finding the good in people. She was especially a saint for tolerating her beloved husband, Jack. Janet was the “steady one,” a great cook and it was a treat to taste the best cornbread dressing whenever she prepared it. A lovely lady has left this world and is now rejoicing as she spends her eternity in heaven.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Beth (Phil Johnson) Yoder, Peru; son, Joe (Pat) Elam, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Brett (Daron) Elam, Marietta, Ga., Adam (Jennifer) Yoder, Greentown, and Debbie (Brian) Pinnegar, Bellville, Ohio; five great-grandchildren; and her sister, Joyce Fermi, Indianapolis.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Janet’s life was celebrated with a funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the funeral home and officiated by Pastor Matthew Rogers. Burial followed with a graveside service at Syracuse Cemetery of Syracuse.

Memorial donations in Janet’s memory may be directed to Wawasee Community School Corporation, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse, IN 46567; or to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.

Laura J. Hoffer

Retired From GTI

Laura “Jean” J. Hoffer, Warsaw, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, at Mason Health and Rehab at the age of 99.

Born on Aug. 26, 1923, she was the daughter of Charles and Anna (Goshert) Schell. In 1941, Jean graduated from Nappanee High School. On Jan. 2, 1943, Jean married the love of her life, Donald Hoffer, in Laurinburg, N.C.

Professionally, Jean worked for GTI for over 25 years until her retirement in 1988. An assiduous and diligent individual, Jean always kept herself busy with sewing, gardening and other chores. In her retirement, she continued to keep herself active with hobbies she enjoyed, which included cross stitching, crocheting and completing crosswords and other word puzzles. Most of all, Jean loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Mary Ann Rule, David Hoffer and Kathy Hoffer; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; sister, Nina Schell; son-in-law, Charles Rule; and daughters-in-law, Diana Hoffer and Dixie Hoffer.

Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with Jean’s care. A graveside service took place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Stony Point Cemetery with Pastor Mike Beezley officiating.

Memorials may be given to the K21 Cancer Care Fund, 1101 Park Ave., Winona Lake, IN 46590.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Rebecca Irene Doll Owner Of Doll’s Decorating

Rebecca “Becky” Irene Doll, a well-known and well-loved resident of Milford, went to be with the Lord at 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023. She was at home surrounded by those she loved.

Becky was born Dec. 8, 1935, the daughter of Theo and Naoma (Speheger) Beer in Milford. On March 27, 1954, she married Arnold “Pete” Doll and together they shared nearly 69 years of marriage.

Becky loved people and would help anyone in need. She was a very hard worker, painting and hanging wallpaper for 16 years before opening her own business, Doll’s Decorating in 1974. She was also very involved in the community, serving on the Leisure Living Board, the K21 Foundation Board and numerous Milford Planning Committees through the years. Becky was very musically inclined and loved to sing. She especially loved to break out in song to her grandchildren. She got great pleasure cooking and swimming with them. She was a member of Wawasee Community Bible Church and served as choir leader at special events. Becky loved her family and was loved dearly by them.

Becky will be greatly missed by her husband, Pete Doll of Milford; their three sons, Dan (Kiley) Doll of Culpeper, Va., David (Bobi) Doll of Milford and Dick (Julie) Doll of Milford; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; along with two siblings, Mim Speicher of Syracuse and Bernie (Peg) Beer of Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings, Marguerite, Phillip, Alan and Mary.

A funeral service was held in Becky’s honor at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Wawasee Community Bible Church, 2035 E. 1300N, Milford. Pastor and nephew, Tom Speicher, officiated. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Family and friends were received from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Wawasee Community Bible Church. There was also visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service on Friday.

Memorial contributions in honor of Becky may be given to the church. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mishlerfhcc.com.

Robert T. Althoff

Robert T. Althoff, 93, Goshen, died March 9, 2023.

He was born July 7, 1929. On June 3, 1956, he married Eleanor J. Wills. She preceded him in death April 12, 2021. Surviving are his children, Melinda Sue Sharp, New Paris, and David Althoff, Menomonee Falls, Wis.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held March 18 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Goshen. Burial will be at a later date in Cedar Point Cemetery, Pasco, Ohio.

Sue A. Anders

Sue A. Anders, 77, Warsaw, died at 6:30 a.m. March 14, 2023.

She was born Feb. 6, 1946. On Feb. 17, 1968, she married David H. Anders, who preceded her in death. Surviving are sons, Phil Anders, Christopher Anders and Troy Anders; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy Mason, Michael Alspaugh and Debra O’Connell; and sisters-in-law, Peggy Alspaugh and Kitty Alspaugh.

Services were held March 18 at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Dolores Jean Black

Dolores Jean Black, 93, Florida, died March 8, 2023.

She was born Dec. 28, 1929. She married Orlie Black, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a son, Lynn Black, Orlando, Fla.; daughter, Joni Bowerman, Port Saint Lucie, Fla.; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Marlene Lower, Kankakee, Ill.; and brothers, Donald Gall, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Gary Gall, Terra Ceia, Fla.

A life celebration service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the North Webster Church of God. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Marvin E. Blackshire

Marvin E. Blackshire, 66, Ligonier, died March 11, 2023.

He was born April 27, 1956. On Nov. 21, 1975, he married Vicki Murphy; she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Sara Glick, Albion; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Danny Blackshire, Ligonier; and sisters, Debbie Beckner, Wawaka, and Sandy Magnus, Ligonier.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Bridgeway Evangelical Church, Kendallville. A private cremation committal will take place at Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center, Ligonier. Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, is in charge of arrangements.

Dorthy Marie Blocher

Dorthy Marie Blocher, 85, North Manchester, formerly of South Whitley, died March 10, 2023.

She was born Dec. 14, 1937.

Surviving are siblings, Dan Blocker, North Manchester, Walter Blocher, Pierceton, and Eileen Cahill, Colfax; brothers-in-law, Phil Metzger, Claypool, and David Wolf, Rossville; stepmother, Marie Blocher Baker, Rossville; 29 nephews and nieces; and many greatnephews and great-nieces.

Services were held March 15 at Eel River Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Silver Lake. Burial was in Eel River Old German Baptist Brethren Cemetery. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

Cookie Bryant

Cookie Bryant, 71, Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Warsaw, died March 14, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Judith A. Cain

Judith A. Cain, 86, Warsaw, died March 12, 2023.

She was born Jan. 21, 1937.

Surviving are stepsons, Judd, Kregg and Scott Cain; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; and sister, Susan Marshall.

No service are planned. Titus FuContinued on page 8

Obituaries

neral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Pamela Ann Chaplin

Pamela Ann Chaplin, 72, Warsaw, died Dec. 10, 2022.

She was born April 26, 1950.

She is survived by a son, Dean Chaplin, Warsaw; a daughter, Beth Ann Jungels, Warsaw; a brother, Kerry Thrasher; and three grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held March 18 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Gary L. Clemons

Gary L. Clemons, 75, Ligonier, died March 13, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier.

James F. Cook

James F. Cook, 93, Kimmell, died March 12, 2023.

He was born March 24, 1929. On April 12, 1947, he married Thelma Stingley. She preceded him in death Dec. 8, 2010.

Surviving are his children, Judy Clayton, Kimmell, Larry Cook, Albion, and Peggy Strock, Kimmell; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brothers, Howard Cook, Rochester, and George Cook, New Haven; and sisters, Hazel Ann Goings, South Whitley, and Jane Champ, Lucerne.

Services were held March 16 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial was in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell.

Janet R. Coughenour

Janet R. Coughenour, 84, Warsaw, died Jan. 15, 2023.

She was born Aug. 17, 1938.

She is survived by a daughter, Toni Keppen; two grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; sister, Margot Koehlinger; sister-in-law, Dael Bowman; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held March 18 at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Richard Daniel

Cripe

Richard “Dick” Daniel Cripe, 88, Syracuse, formerly of Goshen, died March 10, 2023.

He was born Sept. 30, 1934. On Easter Sunday in 1959, he married Carolyn Cobb, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Douglas Cripe, Elkhart, and Jeannine Tom, Mid- dlebury; four grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; and a brother, Robert Cripe, Goshen.

Continued from page TRAY PACK CHICKEN THIGHS $1.00 Lb.

Services were held March 14 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Elizabeth A. Edwards

Elizabeth Anne “Libby” White Edwards, 81, died March 9, 2023.

She was born Feb. 13, 1942.

Surviving are daughters, Mari Anna Miller Shepherd, Indianapolis, and Niccole Edwards de Campos, Washington, D.C.; and five grandchildren.

A private burial and funeral mass was held for the immediate family. A reception was held March 15 at Twin Lions, New Castle.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home.

Mary Louise Fowl

Mary Louise Fowl, 92, Peoria, Ariz., died March 9, 2023.

She was born June 6, 1930. On June 10, 1951, she married Alvin F. Fowl, who preceded her in death in 1988.

She is survived by a son, Col. Guy Fowl (USAF, retired), West Friendship, Md.; daughter, Katherine Gill, Winona Lake; daughter-in-law, Jane Fowl, Glendale, Ariz.; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services were held March 20 at Hansen Mortuary, Phoenix, Ariz. Burial was in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Jack Harold Greider

Jack Harold Greider, 73, rural Churubusco and Venice, Fla., died March 12, 2023.

He was born March 20, 1949. On May 2, 1987, he married Anita Sue Mitchell; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Anthony J. Greider, Anderson, and Tonya McKinney, Sheridan; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sisters, Beverly Earnhart, Goshen, Nancy Cook, Peru, Cindy Keirn, Columbia City, Sharon Cripe, Albion, and Angie Kidd, Kendallville.

Services were held March 16 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Barbara Jean Hanford

Barbara Jean Hanford, 75, Leesburg, died March 12, 2023.

She was born June 15, 1947. On May 18, 1969, she married Norman Hanford, who preceded her in death in 2017. Services were held March 19 at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Burial was in Salem Cemetery, Wilmot.

Gary Wyatt Hentze

Gary Wyatt Hentze, Arlington, Texas, died March 4, 2023.

He was born July 11, 1931. On Oct. 24, 1985, he married Sally Jo White Grim; she survives.

He is also survived by a sister, Jackie Etter Paul; his children, Karla Kae Crawford, John Paul Hentze, Robert Scott Hentze, Elizabeth “Beth” Anne Hentze Owens, Joseph Michael Hentze, Monty Ray Grim, Andrew Joseph Grim and Jill Ann Banister; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Burial was held March 15 at DallasFort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

Delores E. Hepler

Delores E. “Babe” Hepler died March 11, 2023.

She was born June 26, 1940.

Surviving are her sisters, Ruth Manges, Bremen, and Marilyn Shaw, Vernon, Fla.; six nieces; five nephews; and several great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

At her request, no services will be held. A celebration memorial will be planned for a later date. Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, was in charge of arrangements.

Cloyce Hopkins

Cloyce Hopkins, 86, died March 13, 2023.

He was born Sept. 30, 1936.

He is survived by a son, Greg Hopkins, Atlantic Beach, Fla.; daughters, Gerri Lynn Olson, Sheboygan, Wis., and Gay Daniel, Illinois; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in Florida in the near future. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Sara Jane Hoppas

Sara Jane Hoppas, 72, Mentone, died at 8 p.m. March 13, 2023.

She was born Jan. 11, 1951.

Sonja Kay Kinch

Sonja Kay Kinch, 73, Warsaw, died March 15, 2023.

She was born July 22, 1949. She married Rodney Fuller, who preceded her in death. Later she married Tom Kinch, and for the past 35 years she has been the lifelong companion to Jim Winchester of Warsaw.

Surviving are sons, Brian Fuller and Patrick Fuller, both of Warsaw; a brother, Robert, Winona Lake; and four grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Jane Leigh

Jane Leigh, 85, Leesburg, died at 3:28 p.m. March 15, 2023.

She was born Oct. 20, 1937. On March 2, 1957, she married Francis Robert Leigh, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Kevin Leigh, Atwood, Roxanne Leaming and Keith Leigh, both of Leesburg, and Roberta Kline, Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Howard Gevry, Webster, Mass.

Visitation was held March 20 at Titus Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Shelley Marie Long

Shelley Marie Long, 70, Andrews, died at 5:18 p.m. March 12, 2023.

She was born Oct. 21, 1952. Her first marriage was to Tom Barrus. On Sept. 17, 1977, she married James E. Long; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Tisha Barrus, Kristina Barrus and Cameron Long, all of Andrews; stepchildren, James Long Jr., Battle Creek, Mich., Valencia Long, South Bend, Jeffrey Long, Peru, John Long, Warsaw, and Jan Long, River Haven; three grandchildren; several stepgrandchilren; and her sister, Helen Hattabaugh, Roann.

Services were held March 16 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash. Burial was in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash.

Kenneth R. Muncy

Kenneth R. Muncy, 84, Bremen, died at 6:10 p.m. March 13, 2023.

Burial was in Olive West Cemetery. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

James R. Tenney

James R. “Jim” Tenney, 61, North Webster, died March 12, 2023.

He was born Oct. 11, 1961.

Surviving are his children, Chandler Tenney, Syracuse, Brittney White, Leesburg, and Chase Tenney, Winona Lake; his stepmother, Georgia Tenney, Pierceton; a brother, Richard Tenney, Fort Wayne; sisters, Leslie Stapleton, Leesburg, and Jeanene Walls, North Webster; and seven grandchildren. Services were held March 16 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Pierceton. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery at a later date.

Bruce Wayne Unger

Bruce Wayne Unger, 75, Strongsville, Ohio, formerly of New Paris, died March 6, 2023.

He was born Nov. 23, 1947. On Sept. 25, 1970, he married Rebecca Mougteotte; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Tricia Carmack, New Paris, and Brent Unger, Maryville, Tenn.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brothers, Randall Richmond, South Bend, and Blake Unger, Elkhart.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. memorial Saturday, April 8, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main St., Goshen. Burial with military honors will follow at New Paris Cemetery.

Lajos Vegso

Lajos Vegso, 78, Tippecanoe, died at 3:55 p.m. March 10, 2023.

He was born Jan. 29, 1945. On Dec. 4, 1972, he married Margit Bures; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Lewie Vegso, Mishawaka, Zsolt Vegso, Culver, Zsuzsa Vegso, Budapest, Hungary, and Karl Vegso, South Bend; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

UNION BACON $2.60 Lb.

TRAY PACK BONELESS/SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS $2.00 Lb.

LUNCHABLES 5/$1.00

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KEYLIME NOOSA YOGURT $1.75 6 - 4.5 OZ. CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS $48.00 20 Lbs.

Surviving are daughters, Jenny “Becky” Bays, rural Mentone, and Ferol Hawkins, Kentucky; sons, Joe Holloway, Warsaw, and John McCloughan, Kentucky; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and siblings, John McCloughan and Gloria Reed.

Services were held March 18 at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Robert E. Jackson

Robert E. Jackson, 68, Goshen, died at 10:22 p.m. March 14, 2023.

He was born Aug. 16, 1954. On May 4, 1973, he married Linda Ecklebarger; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Jen Hunsberger, Wakarusa, Kevin Jackson, Millersburg, Jeremy Jackson, Goshen, and Rachel Shoopman, New Paris; 16 grandchildren; and siblings, Barbara Strahm, Walkerton, Sharon Miller, Fort Wayne, Dennis Jackson, Mill Creek, and David Jackson, Silver Lake.

Services were held March 22 at New Paris Missionary Church. Burial was in Rock Run Cemetery. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

Joy Johnson

Joy Johnson, 102, Bremen, formerly of Nappanee, died at 10:49 a.m. March 12, 2023.

She was born June 21, 1920. On Oct. 14, 1941, she married Robert Johnson. He preceded her in death Nov. 13, 1991. She is survived by a son, Fred Johnson, Nappanee; a daughter, Barbara Braniff, Nappanee; two grandsons; and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held March 15 at South Union Cemetery.

Denny Kessler

Denny Kessler, 75, Leesburg, died March 15, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

He was born March 1, 1939. On Sept. 6, 1959, he married Charlene D. Grossman. She preceded him in death June 3, 2012. He later married Donna Hundt on Aug. 16, 2016, and she preceded him in death Jan. 1, 2021.

Surviving are his children, Susan Montague, Bremen, and Scott Muncy, Lafayette; six grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; a sister, Shirley Boone, Rochester; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Muncy, Bloomington.

Services were held March 18 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial was in Bremen Cemetery with military rites.

Jacob E. Showalter

Jacob E. Showalter, 73, Millersburg, died March 15, 2023.

He was born March 27, 1949.

He is survived by a daughter, Nanette Galloway, Goshen; a son, Andrew Showalter, Goshen; seven grandchildren; four grandchildren; his mother, Phyllis Showalter, Millersburg; brothers, Jerry Showalter, Millersburg, and Jay Showalter, Bloomington; a sister, Janet Showalter, Millersburg; and his former wife, Judy (Stutsman) Showalter.

A memorial service was held March 21 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Fannie Mae Stichter

Fannie Mae Stichter, 83, Elkhart, formerly of Wakarusa, died at 6 p.m. March 14, 2023.

She was born Dec. 22, 1937. On April 9, 1961, she married Ralph Lowell Stichter; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Ron Stichter, Joan Rhoade, Beth Birky and Jim Stichter; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Bill Kuhns.

Services were held March 19 at Olive Mennonite Church, Elkhart.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Country Church, 2951 9B Road, Bourbon. Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, Argos, is in charge of arrangements.

Karen S. White

Karen S. White, 75, Warsaw, died March 9, 2023.

She was born June 1, 1947.

She is survived by her twin sister, Sharen White; sister, Ramona Clayborn; her beloved cat, Maggie; and nieces and nephews. Services were held March 16 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Merl E. Wise

Merl E. Wise, 69, Nappanee, died at 10:10 p.m. March 13, 2023.

He was born May 21, 1953. On Oct. 6, 1972, he married Diane Hunsberger; she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Christi Stankovich, Wakarusa; son, Jeff Wise, Nappanee; five grandchildren; a great-grandson; sisters, Barb Kindig, Goshen, and Betty Hahn, Nappanee; and a brother-inlaw, Steve Biller, Warsaw.

Services were held March 16 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial was in Union Center Cemetery.

Linda Yoder

Linda “Lou” Yoder, 73, died March 14, 2023.

She was born Aug. 10, 1949. On April 3, 1971, she married Daryl R. Yoder; he survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Lisa Yoder, Goshen, and Mia Curtis, Wakarusa; and eight grandchildren.

KLA cadets create campaign highlighting transplants to Kosciusko County

Cadets from this year’s Kosciusko Leadership Academy are organizing a marketing campaign called “Kosciusko by Choice,” featuring individuals who have chosen to move to and stay in Kosciusko County.

Team members working on the project include Laura Rothhaar, Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Leo Patino, Indiana Tech; Jeremy Price, Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams; and Logan McDonald, Instrumental Machine & Development.

For this project, the KLA team has partnered with KCCVB, Clearly Kosciusko and DreamOn Studios to create eight video interviews with community members who are transplants to Kosciusko County and have chosen to make this area their home.

The project is focusing on representing the diversity as well as the quality of life the Kosciusko County community offers and will primarily act as a talent attraction tool.

These videos will be Clearly Kosciusko branded and be published via Clearly Kosciusko’s website and social media channels. They will also have accompanying blog posts that feature more of each individual’s story that could not fit into the videos.

The first five videos will be released every Tuesday through April 11. The remaining three videos will be published throughout the rest of the year. Individuals being featured include: Lakesha Green, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts; Rusty Martinez, Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams; Chris

Births

Ellianna Kate Lehman

Brian and Mary (Schwartz) Lehman, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Ellianna Kate, born at 6:34 p.m. March 9, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Hilkiah Jasper Oberholtzer

Jason and Brenda (Friesen) Oberholtzer, LaGrange, are the parents of a son, Hilkiah Jasper, born at 6:17 a.m. March 10, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Hilkiah joins two siblings, Jadiel and Ezekiel.