O BITUARIES

Bonnie Lett

Former R.R. Donnelley Employee

Bonnie Lett, 93, Rochester, passed away at 8:16 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at her residence.

On April 6, 1930, Bonnie Marie was born in Mulberry to Perry A. and Cora Mae Karn Skiles. Growing up, she was the next to the youngest of nine siblings.

As a dedicated employee, Bonnie worked at Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, and R.R. Donnelley, Warsaw, in packing. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church of Rochester.

Enjoying nature, Bonnie loved to go fishing and hunt mushrooms, but would not share her secret locales with anyone. She enjoyed crocheting beautiful blankets for her family. Working jigsaw puzzles was a great way to spend a cold winter day. During baseball season, the Chicago Cubbies were the first and only choice of entertainment. Bonnie sat in her favorite chair with Ace cheering for the Cubs.

Left to cherish Bonnie’s memory are two sons, Michael Cripe of Rochester and Richard Cripe and wife Catherine of Maple Valley, Wash.; granddaughter, Emily Marie Cripe and husband Peter Mavrovic of Chicago, Ill.; three stepgrandchildren, Terry Lett, Mike Lett and Tammy Rude and their families; a sister-n-law, Betty Jean Landes Skiles of Mulberry; several nieces and nephews; and canine companion, Ace, a chug.

Preceding Bonnie in death are her parents; first husband, Harold Francis Cripe, in 1978; second husband, Chester Lett; eight siblings, Homer Lee Skiles, Ruth Lucile Skiles Strong, Pauline Anna Belle Beachle, Elsie Ellen Skiles Brubaker, Glen Robert Skiles, Eldon Eugene Skiles, Catherine Mae Skiles Cunningham and Junior Perry Dale Skiles; and her canine, Otis, a shih tzu.

Per Bonnie’s request, private family services will be held. Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Joan Louise Eiser

Helping Hands Volunteer

After a lifetime of cultivating gardens as lush and perennial as her everlasting bonds with her boundless friends and family, Joan Louise Eiser passed on in the early hours of Friday, May 5, 2023.

The eldest of six, she was born to Everett and Arvilla (Passwater) Whetstone on Sept. 13, 1931, and wed to Michael Eiser Sr. in 1950, who preceded her in death after over 50 years of devotion, care and occasionally cutthroat card playing.

Joan spent 10 years in quality control at Kimble Glass, countless mornings and afternoons woodworking or crafting and thousands of hours volunteering her time with Helping Hands, as well as both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. But her greatest joy and comfort was the company of her adoring, ever-growing family.

She is survived by her brother, Dan Whetstone; her sister, Jewel Wood; her daughter, Linda Eiser; son, Michael Eiser Jr. and wife Lisa; son, Mark Eiser and wife Kim; grandchildren, Nicki Deskins, Raechel Kill, Brittany Estep, Cole and Thom Eiser; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Kollman, Austin Whittaker, Noah, Olivia, Lauren and Andrew Kill; great-great-grandchildren, Leah and Lona Kollman and Paige Estep; stepgreat-grandchildren, Hailey and Brad Deskins; and stepgreatgreat-granddaughter, Mila Deskins. Her memory will live on in the smiles and laughter she shared with everyone she met.

The funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastors Emily Gearhart and David Easton officiating. The interment was in the Tippecanoe Cemetery following the service. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Mentone Helping Hands or Promedica Hospice of Fort Wayne.

Patricia Ann Armstrong

Fletcher’s Lake Church Member

Patricia “Pattie” Ann Armstrong, 75, Lucerne, went to be with the Lord at 7:52 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023, passing away peacefully at her home.

She was born May 23, 1947, in Rochester, the daughter of Charles “Bud” and Margaret L. (Spencer) Sutton. On Oct. 2, 1999, she married Vancel Keith Armstrong. He preceded her in death in 2017.

Pattie was a member of Fletcher’s Lake Church. She spent several years of employment taking care of people with special needs. She enjoyed and loved spending time with family. She had a love for music, she loved to sing and play the omnichord, guitar and ukulele. She enjoyed playing euchre and canasta. She was a collector of angels and loved to take pictures.

Survivors include her sons, Tom (companion Laurie) Roush, Lucerne, and Troy Roush, Lucerne; grandson, Cole Roush; and daughterin-law, Jennifer Roush, Logansport.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and granddaughter.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Fulton, with Rev. Dave Sommers officiating. Friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peak Community Services through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh. com.

Robert Lee Brubaker

U.S. Air Force Veteran

Robert Lee Brubaker, 79, Rochester, passed away at 10:25 p.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 11, 1943, in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of Robert V. and Dorothy L. (Shobe) Brubaker. He spent many years living and working in California before moving to Rochester.

Robert had served with the United States Air Force and had worked for Indiana Metals in Rochester. He attended the Hillcrest Baptist Church and in his spare time enjoyed painting, making models and volunteering at the senior center.

Survivors include his sisters, Carolyn (Keith) Bathrick, Rochester, and Phyllis Arlene Croussore, Crestview, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; dear grandmother, Eva Shobe; grandparents; and brother-in-law, James Croussore. Graveside services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester. Friends visited from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday May 9, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh. com.

Spencer Allen Bach

Spencer Allen Bach, 25, North Manchester, died Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from a motor vehicle accident.

He was born May 8, 1997.

He is survived by his parents, Kim (Stanley) Witmer, North Manchester and John A. Bach, Delong; sisters, Angel Marie Bach, Rochester, Stephanie Baldridge, Claypool, and Jenna (Joel) Reavis, Wonewoc, Wis.; brothers, Brian Witmer, North Manchester and Trenton Witmer, Logansport; and maternal grandmother, Judy Spencer, Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ray Spencer; paternal grandparents, David and Jacqueline Bach Sr.; uncle, JR Spencer; and sister, Michelle Witmer Neal.

A gathering to celebrate Spencer’s life was held May 7, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR. 114 W., North Manchester.

Memorial contributions can be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR. 114 W., North Manchester, IN 46962, to assist with final expenses.

Janice L. Corbett

Janice L. (Beghtel) Corbett, 97, South Bend, a native of Rochester, died April 28, 2023.

She was born Dec. 11, 1925. On Dec. 20, 1946, she married Robert J. Corbett, who preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 2004.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Bowen, Mishawaka, and Robert L. (Marla) Corbett, Granger; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bonnie.

She is also preceded in death by her parents, Russel J. and Ruth (Charters) Beghtel; daughter, Suzanne Reynolds; sisters, Clara Sue, Doris, Mary, Patsy, Barbara; and a brother, Joe.

A private memorial service was held May 9, in Palmer Funeral Home — Welshiemer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Timothy L. Bahney

Timothy L. Bahney, 62, Akron, died at 8:09 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.

He was born Oct. 29, 1960. He married on Sept. 12, 1987 to Jane (Bass) Bahney, she survives.

Melissa Agee

Melissa “Mae” Agee, 71, Winamac, died at 2:22 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, in Pulaski Healthcare Center, Winamac. She was born Dec. 18, 1951.

She is survived by her sisters, Delores “Lorsie” (Jimmie) Stone and Bonnie (Thomas) Zimmerman, North Judson, and Peggy Mays, Plymouth; brother, Jed (Dorothy) Agee, Lalanto, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Julie (Bailey) Agee; sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Rose and Arlett Hiese; brothers, Earden Agee, William Riley Agee and Richard Agee.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in the Gospel Lighthouse Church, 5823 Center St., Delong, with visitation from 11 a.m. -1 p.m.

Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. Guest book and condolence can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

He is also survived by his children, Alex (Hannah) Bahney, Rochester, Hannah (Jessica Knudsen) Bahney, Indianapolis, Clayton Bahney (Kenzie Howard), Akron, and Garrett Bahney, Indianapolis; sisters, Karen (Kevin) Wilson, Walton, Sandy (Steve) Linn, Macy, and Tammy (Mayo) Medina, Fulton; brothers, Allen (Lane) Bahney, Macy, and Ted (Missy) Bahney, Wabash; mother-in-law, Betty Bass, Wabash; sister-in-law, Susan Bass (Kendra Ducy); and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Barbara Jo (Mygrant) Bahney; father-in-law, Richard Bass; sister-in-law, Beth Arwood and her husband Lee.

Services were held May 6, in Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 West Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Thad Stewart officiating.

The interment was in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Marion. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to The ALS Association Indiana Chapter, 9449 Priority Way W. Dr. #130, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

David W. Hutchison

David W. Hutchison, 62, Rochester, died unexpectedly May 6, 2023, in his home from natural causes. A private celebration of life with burial in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, will be held at a later date. The Good Family Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Expressions may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

B Irths O Bituaries

Allan Lee Van Dalsen U.S. Army Veteran

Allan Lee Van Dalsen, 75, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 24, 2022, at his home in Goodyear, Ariz.

Allen was born in Rochester to Richard Van Dalsen and Annabelle (Zolman) Van Dalsen. His early education was in Macy until the family moved to Rochester, where Allan graduated from Rochester High School, participating in baseball, basketball, senior ales, Lettermen’s Club, pep block, track, weight lifting, intramurals and play crew.

He married Carol (Miller) Van Dalsen and three daughters were born of that union, Andrea, Ali and Angela.

Allan proudly served in the United States Army in Vietnam and was awarded a purple heart, air medal, Vietnam campaign metal, Vietnam service medal, combat infantryman badge, National Defense Service medal and ARCOM W/V for exceptional service of heroism with valor.

He lived many years in Punta Gorda, Fla., Virginia Beach, Va., and Goodyear, Ariz. Allan’s great passion was his study and vast knowledge of nutrition, vitamins and supplements and helping people with their desire to understand the benefits on a journey to better health.

He enjoyed watching Notre Dame, football, men and women’s basketball and being an arm chair quarterback, as well as a side line coach and reviewing in slow motion controversial plays or calls with his brother Rich. He took great pride in landscaping his yard, building flower beds and gardening. And having to rise before sunrise to beat the afternoon heat in Arizona to keep it all looking perfect.

Because he lived a great distance from his family, he spent a great deal of time on the phone daily talking to his daughters, grandchildren, mother, brother and his cousin, Harry Dee Van Dalsen of Macy.

Allan is preceded in death by his baby brother, Michael; and father, Richard Van Dalsen.

Left to survive are his wife, Alba Van Dalsen, Goodyear, Ariz.; mother, Annabelle (Zolman) Van Dalsen (James) Deluca, Port Charlotte, Fla.; daughters, Andrea Yeargin and Ali Kosicki, both of Rochester, and Angela Van Dalsen, Florida; grandchildren, Zachary (Haley) Rogalski, Cody Kosicki, Lexis Van Dalsen, Berkley and Belle Van Dalsen; great-grandchildren, Ashton and Landon Rogalski, Ava and Avery Van Dalsen; brother, Richard (LuAnn) Van Dalsen II, Niles, Mich.

Military burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, May 15, at the Plainview Cemetery, Macy.

Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh. com.