Manchester University announces fall

‘Values, Ideas and The Arts’ series

Manchester University will be offering more than a dozen programs in its “Values, Ideas and the Arts” series this fall. Presentations are at 11 a.m. Mondays in Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester campus, unless otherwise noted. They are free and open to the public.

Aug. 28: Manchester University President Stacy Young welcomes students to the 2023-24 academic year. The longtime opening convocation tradition features faculty in full regalia and the president’s welcoming address.

Parkview stresses importance of water safety to prevent drowning

Though summer is nearing an end, Parkview Health — along with the family of a young boy who survived a drowning earlier this year — is urging area residents to not let down their guard when it comes to water safety.

A drowning is any incident in which a person’s breathing is impaired due to submersion in a liquid; often, but not always, it results in death. Drowning is the singleleading cause of death among children ages 1-4 and a top cause of death among teens. Children can drown in as little as a few inches of water, whether that’s a bathtub or bucket, in a backyard swimming pool or at the lake.

No single device or solution can fully erase the threat of drowning, but Tony GiaQuinta, MD, Parkview Physicians Group Pediatrics, stresses proactive steps are the best way to protect children.

When around water, whether large natural bodies of water or even small kids’ wading pools, children should be supervised at all times by an adult, GiaQuinta said. Barriers that separate children from water, such as fences, gates or ladder locks and/or motion alarms, also provide another layer of protection in case a child wanders away from adults while they are occupied.

When out at the lake or on a boat, children should always wear a life jacket and should only swim in safe, supervised places, like a public beach or within a designated swimming area. Adults should not be swimming or supervising children if they’ve been drinking alcohol.

“I like to tell families: never assume supervision,” GiaQuinta said. “When lots of adults are around water, we tend to let our guard down, assuming everyone is watching, when in fact no one is. Be very deliberate to have a ‘water watcher’ at all times when children are around pools, ponds, or lakes.”

Education is also important. Children can begin taking swim lessons even as toddlers, while parents should be trained in CPR and water rescue in case of an emergency.

“Summer should be a fun time for families, but having fun in the pool or at the beach also means remembering to be safe around the water,” GiaQuinta said. “Parkview is always ready to help in an emergency, but following these safety tips can help you avoid an emergency in the first place.”

Sept. 4: Manchester alumnus Luke Bentley shares how he turned his degree into a passport for life as mens head volleyball coach at William Penn University. He started the program there and led the team to a national championship.

Sept. 11: Author and podcast host, Dave Zirin, explores the politics of 21st century sports. Great controversy has been raised by the outspokenness of athletes on a host of social issues, especially racism; Zirin argues that we need to listen.

Sept. 18: North Manchester McKee Mortuary owner and Manchester alumnus, Joe Egner and Andy Clayton, executive director and chief executive officer of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, will speak about how their profession draws on a wide and deep array of duties and challenges, from composing obituaries to preparing counseling sessions on grief.

Sept. 25: Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker, Oscar Guerra, screens his film “After Zero Tolerance,” the story of a Honduran family’s struggle to reunite after being separated at the U.S.Mexico border. The film will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Guerra.

Oct. 2: Nathan Harmon, founder of Your Life Speaks, explores the development of inner strength during college, emphasizing the importance of work ethics, priorities, being intentional, time management and a healthy balance.

Oct. 7: Tanglewood Marionettes presents “The Dragon King,” an underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, during homecoming at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in Wine Recital Hall.

Oct. 9: Drag queens, Neon Van Ryan and Dixxie Licious, perform, reflect on their coming-out experiences and speak about the politicization of drag. Both attended Manchester, and Neon Van Ryan is a graduate.

Oct. 11: Screening of “The Best We’ve Got,” a 90-minute documentary celebrating the life of Major League Baseball player and human rights activist, Carl Erskine. The film highlights topics of race in the MLB and Erskine’s work with Special Olympics.

Oct. 23: Margaret Elwell, assistant professor of peace studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, digs into questions of the speeds of peace and violence for people concerned about enacting justice and building peace in our time.

Oct. 30: MU religious studies

Associate Professor, Justin Lasser, and student members of Pagans of Manchester discuss misconceptions surrounding contemporary paganism and discrimination against those in the religion.

Nov. 6: Former political prisoner and veterinarian, Denis Antonio Garcia Jiron, and political asylum requester, sports writer and Manchester graduate, Camilo Velasquez, analyze the events that occurred in Nicaragua in 2018 and their repercussions on the country’s population, the migration, the U.S. policies toward the regime, the forced exile of more than 300 opponents of the regime, and possible solutions to a political coup.

Nov. 13: Professor Emeritus Leonard Williams reflects on his experience living and teaching in Doha, Qatar, for two years. Williams taught political science (prelaw) at Manchester from 1982 until he retired in 2020. He later accepted the Qatar position.

Nov. 27: Manchester Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Kyle Watson, who is also a Manchester graduate, explores what life was like before antibiotics and the story of how penicillin was discovered and developed for common use, and looks at the future of antibiotic therapy.

Dec. 4: Performance by The Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Details to be determined. For more information about individual presentations and the organizers, visit manchester.edu/ academics/VIA.

O Bituaries

Wendy Irene Benzing

Wendy Irene Benzing, 78, died July 28, 2023.

She was born Feb. 8, 1945. On Nov. 1, 2005, she married Norman Benzing; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Robert Brumfield, Leesburg, and Ryan Helser, Warsaw; sister, Carla Bullock, Durham, N.C.; a cousin; stepsons, David Benzing, Norman Benzing Jr. and Michael Benzing; seven grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; three nieces; three nephews; nine stepgrandchildren; and 17 stepgreatgrandchildren.

The family is grieving privately. No services are planned at this time.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Lee Clay

Robert “Bob” Lee Clay, 88, Warsaw, died at 2:57 a.m. July 31, 2023.

He was born June 12, 1935. On June 12, 1960, he married Juanita Ann Franks. She preceded him in death June 24, 2019.

Surviving are sons, David Clay, Seymour, Dan Clay, Columbia City, and Steve Clay, Taylor, Texas; five grandchildren; and brother, John Clay, Warsaw.

A private family graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Lee Denton

Robert Lee Denton, 86, Warsaw, died at 5:47 p.m. Aug. 1, 2023.

He was born March 19, 1937. On May 29, 1963, he married Barbara Johnson Chiddister, who preceded him in death Feb. 28, 1985. On Oct. 22, 1988, he married Sandra Sue Kain Banghart; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Foy Banghart, Tim Banghart and Frank Banghart, all of Mentone, and Donald Chiddister, Goshen; daughters, Beth Williams, Rochester, Penny Banghart, Katina Robinson and Tammie Denton, all of Warsaw, Pam Shaffer, Angola, and Michelle McKee, Goshen; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brother, Francis Denton, Goshen; and sisters, Ethel Weaver and Carolyn Hapner, both of Syracuse.

Services were held Aug. 9 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Violett Cemetery, Goshen, with military rites conducted by active duty members of the Air Force Honor Guard.

Ora Frederick Detwiler

Ora Frederick “Fred” Detwiler, 92, Bloomington, formerly of Warsaw, died Aug. 1, 2023.

He was born March 29, 1931. On Oct. 23, 1951, he married Patricia J. Lemmon; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Kenneth L. Detwiler, Bloomington, Lawrence E. Detwiler, Hartsville, and Sharon K. Sanders, Greentown; seven grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren.

Services were held Aug. 7 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. A graveside service followed at

Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post 49 and VFW Post 1126, both of Warsaw, and active duty members of the Marine Honor Guard.

Charles R. Fawley

Charles R. Fawley, 85, Warsaw, died Aug. 1, 2023.

He was born June 3, 1938. On Sept. 22, 1957, he married Norma Ellis, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Fawley; son, Robert Fawley; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; sister, Donna Wiles; and half sister, Twylla Tolley.

Services were held Aug. 9 at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Warsaw. Burial was in Leesburg Cemetery.

Margaret Ruth Fink

Margaret Ruth (Pinkham) Fink, 83, Nappanee, died at 2:15 a.m. July 30, 2023.

She was born June 18, 1940. On May 3, 1972, she married Ralph “Bud” D. Fink; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Pamela Betzoldt, Tecumseh, Mich., Cindy McLaughlin, Pendleton, Mike Fink, Wolcottville, and Randy Verberkmoes, Antwerp, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Paul Thatcher, Clarkston, Mich.

Services were held Aug. 4 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial was in Union Center Cemetery, Nappanee.

Dona Marie Hall

Dona Marie Hall, 72, Warsaw, died Aug. 3, 2023.

She was born Aug. 8, 1950.

Surviving are daughters, Jessica Fisher and Christy Coonce; sons, Joseph Coonce and Jeremy Fisher; brother, Patrick Swain; sister-in-law, Della Swain; an aunt; five grandchildren; and her best friend.

All services are private. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Robert D. Jackson

Robert D. “Skip” Jackson, 95, Bourbon, died Aug. 1, 2023.

He was born Aug. 11, 1928. On June 1, 1948, he married Shirley Nunemaker; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Jerry Jackson, Noblesville, and Jim Jackson, Bourbon; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Ellen Alderfer, Lafayette.

Services were held Aug. 5 at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.

Virgina Lee Johnson

Virgina Lee Johnson, 76, Ligonier, died at 2:08 p.m. Aug. 2, 2023.

She was born Dec. 1, 1946.

Surviving are her children, Rick Johnson, Indianapolis, and Sarah Prater, Ligonier; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, James L. Blake, Howe, and Patricia L. Morris, LaGrange.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier. Burial will be in Oak Park

Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at the funeral home.

Roger Lee Keppler

Roger Lee Keppler, 79, Campobello, S.C., formerly of Warsaw, died July 30, 2023.

He is survived by a daughter, Monica R. Temple Parris; sisters, Marlene Anne Keppler Walker and Eileen Ruth Keppler Schue; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 16 nieces and nephews; 38 great-nieces and nephews; and 38 great-greatnieces and nephews.

Per his request, no services will be held.

Petty Funeral Home, Landrum, S.C., was in charge of arrangements.

William L. King

William “Bill” L. King, 72, LaFontaine, died at 10:15 p.m. July 28, 2023.

He was born May 1, 1951.

Surviving are sons, Kenneth King and James King, both of Wabash, and Kalib Wilson, Tulsa, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Walter King III, Warsaw.

A graveside service was held at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Marion. McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.

Jonathan Ray Martin

Jonathan Ray Martin, 49, Wakarusa, died at 6:35 p.m. July 25, 2023.

He was born April 13, 1974. On June 2, 2018, he married Susannah Ramer; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Kyle; his mother, Mable Martin, Wakarusa; brothers, Rodney Martin, Goshen, Burnett Martin, Bremen, Earl Martin, Prescott, Mich., and Keith Martin, Au Gres, Mich.; sisters, Sheryl Wenger, Marlette, Mich., Donna Hoover, Goshen, Berdena Hoover, Elkhart, Karen Shaum, Nappanee, Jane Shaum, Akron, Glenna Martin, Ashland, Wis., and Rosanne Martin, Elkhart; 81 nieces and nephews; and 139 great-nieces and nephews.

Services were held Aug. 2 at Cornerstone Mennonite Church, Nappanee. Burial was in Cornerstone Mennonite Church Cemetery. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

Hernando L. Martinez

Hernando L. Martinez, 90, Fort Wayne, died at 6:15 p.m. July 28, 2023.

He was born April 13, 1933. On July 20, 1985, he married Felicitas Martinez; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Hernando Martinez, Olga Martinez, and Tony Gonzalez, all of Toledo, Ohio, Eduardo Martinez, Maumee, Ohio, Daniel Martinez, Fort Wayne, and Sara Pineda, Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren; a sister, Eulalia Martinez, Austin, Texas; and brothers, Fred Martinez, Columbus Grove, Ohio, and Marlin Martinez, Brownsville, Texas.

Services were held Aug. 2 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. A graveside service with military honors followed at Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell.

Corrina Messick

Corrina Messick, 62, North Webster, died July 25, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.

James Edward Overbey

James Edward Overbey, 73, Claypool, died at 1:53 a.m. Aug. 3, 2023.

He was born Sept. 7, 1949. On Aug. 9, 1969, he married Mary Bell Manns; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, James Overbey, Silver Lake; daughters, Cathy Luther, South Whitley, and Patty Lyons, Bourbon; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Bobby Overbey, Dyersburg, Tenn., and Johnny Overbey, Henderson, Tenn.; and a sister, Brenda Over- bey, Dyersburg, Tenn.

Services were held Aug. 8 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in South Whitley Cemetery.

Joan Perez

Joan Perez, 67, Warsaw, died July 31, 2023.

She was born Feb. 27, 1956.

Surviving are sons, Nathan Perez and Brian Perez, both of Fort Wayne; a brother, Rocky Rotrock, Salina, Kan.; a sister, Bev Bickel; and two grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Linda K. Roberts

Linda K. Roberts, 79, North Webster, died July 27, 2023.

She was born Jan. 24, 1944.

She is survived by a granddaughter; two great-grandsons; sisters, Barb Freel and Cheryl Hoppel; brother, Roger Miller; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

A memorial service was held Aug. 3 at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.

Ellen J. Ruppel

Ellen J. Ruppel, 81, Ligonier, died July 29, 2023.

She was born Oct. 14, 1941. She married Henry Ruppel, who preceded her in death Oct. 16, 2015.

Surviving are sons, Randy Ruppel, Roanoke, Va., and Brad Ruppel, Ann Arbor, Mich.; four grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Simmons, Bloomington.

Services were held Aug. 3 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial was in Oak Park Cemetery.

Danny Allen Strevy

Danny Allen Strevy, 78, North Manchester, died July 30, 2023.

He was born Oct. 13, 1944. On Sept. 10, 2004, he married Wilma J. Lemler Hudson; she survives.

Also surviving are brothers, Fredric Strevy, Grand Haven, Mich., and Rusty Strevy; and sister, Melody Gressett, Grand Haven, Mich.

A military service was held Aug. 4 at Halderman Park, North Manchester. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Louise Strickler

Barbara Louise Strickler, 91, formerly of Syracuse, died July 13, 2023.

She was born Feb. 13, 1932.

She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Gaspari; and two grandchildren.

You may send cards of condolence to: 2111 Hauser Road, Lewisville, NC 27023. A celebration of life will be held in Elkhart later this year.

Shirley Jean Strock

Shirley Jean Strock, 81, North Webster, died Aug. 2, 2023.

She was born March 28, 1942. She married Dennis Strock, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Jim Strock and Sue Weibler; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; brother, Steve Seybert; and nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster. The memorial service will immediately follow.

Chasity Taylor

Chasity “Chas” Sloderbeck Taylor, 42, Warsaw, died July 30, 2023.

He was born Oct. 8, 1980.

She is survived by her mother, Rita; pops, Eddie; nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and all of her bubbies and baby sisters.

A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 19, at 452 W. Clearwater Drive, Warsaw, with a celebration of life service beginning at noon.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Susan K. Toumey

Susan K. Toumey, 66, Syracuse, died at 2:34 p.m. Aug. 2, 2023.

She was born March 8, 1957. On Aug. 27, 1983, she married John Toumey; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Matt Bammerlin, Goshen, and Jeff Toumey, Syracuse; six grandchildren; her mother, Josephine “Jo” LaVine, Bourbon; a brother, Roger LaVine, Elkhart; and a sister, Janet LaVine, Plymouth.

Services were held Aug. 7 at Nappanee Missionary Church Worship Center. Burial was in Bremen Cemetery. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

John Henry Thompson

John Henry Thompson, 44, Wakarusa, died at 1:39 a.m. Aug. 1, 2023.

He was born Nov. 16, 1978.

Surviving are sons, Jeremiah Thompson and Maverick Tennant, both of Mishawaka, John Henry Thompson Jr., Wakarusa, Caleb and Quinn Thompson, both of Bristol; two grandsons; parents, Mike and Robyn Thompson, Wakarusa; brothers, Chad Thompson, Bremen, and Chris Lutz, Mishawaka; sister, Sarah Jackson, Wakarusa; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held Aug. 5 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Cremation will take place and inurnment will take place at a later date.

Rebecca Thompson

Rebecca “Becky” Thompson, 70, died July 31, 2023.

She was born Nov. 8, 1952. On April 15, 1978, she married Jim Thompson, who preceded her in death in 2012.

She is survived by a son, Steven Thompson, Syracuse; sister, Candice Walls, Syracuse; and sister-in-law, Patricia Thompson, North Webster.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Solomon Creek Cemetery, just south of Benton.

Skyelar N. Vandegrift

Skyelar Nykole Vandegrift, 18, Goshen, died at 7:30 a.m. July 27, 2023.

Continued on page 9

B Irths

Isla Magdalene Hochstetler

Michael and Lillian (Hochstetler) Hochstetler, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Isla Magdalene, born at noon July 28, 2023. She weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces.

Jacob Isaiah Schwartz

Kenneth and Diane Schwartz, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Jacob Isaiah, born at 12:11 p.m. Aug. 2, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 9.5 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Katy Jolise Bontrager

Lavon and Elaine (Yoder) Bontrager, Goshen, are the parents of a daughter, Katy Jolise, born at 9:39 p.m. Aug. 2, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Lavon and Ruth Yoder, Topeka. Paternal grandparents are Harley and Carolyn Bontrager, Middlebury.

Katy joins a sibling, Jace Michael. Kade Westyn Zimmerman

Eric and Shondella (Martin) Zimmerman, Mentone, are the parents of a son, Kade Westyn, born at 7:11 a.m. Aug. 4, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Leon and Brenda Martin, Goshen. Paternal grandparents are Devon and Doreen Zimmerman, Claypool.

Kade joins a sibling, Ashlyn.

Continued from page 8

She was born Feb. 9, 2005.

Surviving are her parents, Adam and Jay Vandegrift, Goshen; siblings, Christina Bush, Battle Creek, Mich., Michael Stiles Jr., Goshen, and Maryssa Heckathorn and Andrea Trueblood, both of Nappanee; a niece; grandparents, Rick and Susan Vandegrift, Wakarusa, and Mary Moore, Mottville, Mich.; and aunts, uncles and lots of cousins.

Visitation was held Aug. 1 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa.

Kenneth Richard Wolf

Kenneth Richard Wolf, 96, Osceola, died July 20, 2023.

He was born Oct. 1, 1926. On Nov.