Noble County Indiana Library - Whan Collection
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Obituaries - Lec
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Lechleidner Eugene, 44, 206 S. Martin St., was burned to death in his truck last Wednesday in a collision involving two trucks and a car at the entrance to Grissom Air Force Base on U. S. 31. He was born Sept. 22, 1927 in Metz and moved to Ligonier from Hamilton. On April 17, 1945 he was married to Edna Louise Fender. He was a member of the Ligonier Nazarene Church and a veteran of WW II. Surviving are the widow; three sons, James Leroy, Detroit, Robert Eugene and Kenneth W. at home; 2 daughters, Mrs. Veth (Louise) McCullough and Mrs. Keith (Barbara Ann) Wooten of Ligonier; 4 grandchildren; a brother, Carl, Monticello; and 3 sisters, Mrs. Larry Green, Pittsford, Mich., Mrs. Amos Randall, Hamilton, and Mrs. Roy (Mildred) Smith, Columbia, Ohio. Funeral Saturday at Ulrey Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 11-?-1971
LeCount Anna, 82, died last Thursday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Homer Campbell, near Ligonier, with whom she had resided the past 12 years. Other survivors are another daughter, Mrs. Wayne Thunander of Kimmell; two sons, Vassa of Cromwell, and Millard of Green, N.Y.; three brothers, Harry, Lewis and Eden Schlotterback of Ligonier; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral in L. H. Moore Funeral Home Sunday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 8-?-1949
LeCount Chester Ray, 79, lived at 613 Van Scoyoc St. and died Sunday in McCray Hospital. Retired from McCray Refrigeration Company in 1967, he was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. He was born in Norton, Kan., Nov. 21, 1898 to Gideon and Minnie (McGarity) LeCount. He married Isabell (Hill) Pratt March 9, 1956 in Mississippi. Survivors include his widow; one son, Corlyss, Noblesville; two stepsons, Sam Pratt, Kendallville, and Adrian Pratt, Fort Wayne; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Dick (Elizabeth) Jones, Fort Wayne; one sister, Mrs. Edgar Gordon, Elkhart; four grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. Services Tuesday in Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Syracuse Cemetery. ~ 8-10-1978 + 8-?-1978
LeCount Elsie, a former Cromwell resident, died Sunday in LaGrange County Hospital. Surviving are the husband, Roscoe; five sons, Maurice W., Seattle, Wash., and Herbert, Robert, Ray and Jack of Ligonier; five daughters, Mrs. Elton Griffith and Mrs. Frank Sprague of Ligonier, Mrs. Harold A. Jones of Fairborn, O., Mrs. Asher Garber of Cromwell and Mrs. Lester Hunt of Bellevue, Ohio; and 22 grandchildren. + 11-?-1952
LeCount Florence E, 98, of Warsaw, formerly of North Webster, died Sunday at Grace Village. She was born Aug. 3, 1890 in Noble County to George and Izora (Winebrenner) Miller and moved to North Webster from Wawaka in 1951. On Oct. 13, 1909, she was married to Jesse LeCount who died in 1985. She was a member of the North Webster United Methodist Church and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. She is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Juday of Syracuse and Doris Gene Ferrari of San Antonio, Texas; one son, Paul of North Webster; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Services Wednesday at Eastlund-Harris Funeral Home in Syracuse. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 2-26-1989
LeCount Florence N, a native of the Cromwell area, died Monday in her home. She was born Dec. 23, 1881, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Green. She married Vassa LeCount, who died in Nov. 1959. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Cromwell. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Burl Miller, R. 1, Pierceton, and Mrs. Mary Winebrenner of Cromwell; two brothers, Cleo of Ligonier, and Hobart of Napa, Ida.; a sister, Mrs. Fay Kline of Three Rivers, Mich.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services Thursday in L. H. Moore Funeral Home in Cromwell. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + No date
LeCount Helen Kathleen, 88, of North Webster, died Jan. 9, 2004 at Kosciusko Community Hospital. She was a member of North Webster United Methodist Church and the Farm Bureau. She was born June 10, 1915 in Noble County to Joseph Harry and Edna (Gard) Yeager. On April 1, 1939 she married Paul G. LeCount. Surviving are her husband; a son and daughter-in-law, Nelson and Joy of Wawaka; a daughter and son-in-law, Paulette and Garry Dowden of Thorntown; a granddaughter and her husband, JoNel and Jeffrey Kurtz of Wawaka; a great-granddaughter, Amelia Kurtz. She was preceded in death by a brother, Herman Yeager; and a sister, Lucille McCloughan. Services Thursday at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 1-14-2004
LeCount Herbert W, 90, died Nov. 2, 1999 in Goshen Hospital. He was born Dec. 15, 1908 in Cromwell to Roscoe and Ethel (Stocker) LeCount. On Dec. 1, 1938 in Ligonier he married Isabell Sprague. A lifetime area resident, he had been a security guard at Starcraft and worked at Essex Wire in Ligonier, Atz, Weaver and Calbeck's hardware stores. He was a member of American Legion Post 243 and VFW of Ligonier and a U.S. Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife; 3 daughters, Mrs. David (Nancy) Ethridge of Decatur, Miss., Katherine Wagner of Mishawaka, and Mrs. Pete (Pattie) Green of Comwell; 2 sons, Larry of Ligonier and Rick of Goshen; 4 sisters, Luella Jones of Naples, Fla., and Martha Sprague and Ethel Lehman of Ligonier; and Mary Brock of Syracuse; 2 brothers, Ray and Jack of Ligonier; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Maurice, Bob and Junt; and a sister, Elsie Griffith. Services Friday in Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 11-2-1999
LeCount Isabell (Sprague), 82, died Feb. 9, 2003 at her home. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary 243 of Ligonier. She was born in Ligonier Oct. 20, 1920. She married Herbert William LeCount Dec. 1, 1938. Surviving are 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and David Etheridge of Decatur, Miss., Katherine and George Wright of Mishawaka, and Pattie and Pete Green of Cromwell; and 2 sons and one daughter-in-law, Larry of Ligonier and Rick and Teresa of New Paris; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-grandson; 2 sisters, Betty Chiddister of Ligonier and Janis Rarick of Cromwell; and 3 brothers, Frederick and Glen Sprague of Ligonier and Phillip Sprague of Auburn. Preceding her in death were her husband; 2 sisters, Mary Marker and Faye Lahr; and 7 brothers, Donald, Morris, James, Duane, Lewis, Adrian and Frank Jr. Services Thursday at Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 2-11-2003
LeCount Isabelle, 88, of Kendallville, died July 6, 2005 in Lakeland, Fla. She lived most of her life in this area and was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Avilla. She was born November 26, 1916 to Dan and Jenny (Kurtz) Hill in Adams County. She married George Pratt and he died in 1955. She married Chester R. LeCount and he died in 1977. Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth Jones of Florida; 2 sons, Sam Pratt of Kendallville and Adrian Pratt of Decatur; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Hannah Schele and Gloria Hake. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Adrian, Dan and Chester Hill. She retired from Flint & Walling in Kendallville. Graveside services at Lake View Cemetery. ~ 7-14-2005
LeCount Kathryn Elizabeth, 54, Ligonier, died Friday in Goshen Hospital. She was born Feb. 23, 1921 in Brimfield to John and Bessie Ramer and married Ray C. LeCount April 4, 1952. She was a member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God. Survivors include the husband; two daughters, Mrs. Roy (Bonnie) Messer, Cromwell, and Connie at home; one sister, Mrs. Bernard Hofferman, Garrett, and one brother, Robert, Fort Wayne. Services Monday in Werker Funeral Home in Ligonier. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 8-?-1975
LeCount Olen G, 59, who lived at Cromwell, died Tuesday at his home. He was a retired farmer and was a former resident of Merriam where he was a member of Christian Chapel. He was born in Norton, Kansas, Dec. 10, 1904 to Gideon and Minnie (McGarity) LeCount and married Chloie Hoover in Leesburg in 1926. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Ray (Jeanette) Cripe, New Paris, Mrs. Berton (Eileen) Kolberg, Syracuse and Mrs. Raymond (Beverly) McDonald, Cromwell; one sister, Mrs. Edgar (Gladys) Gordon, Elkhart; three brothers, Elijah, Goshen, Ray of Avilla and Jesse of Marion; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. One daughter, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Services Saturday in Werker-Orr Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Syracuse Cemetery. ~ 7-8-1976 + 6-?-1976
LeCount Paul G, 96, formerly of Wawaka, died Sept. 22, 2005 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had farmed and worked for Napoleon Egg Co., Noble County Highway Dept., and Noble County Farm Bureau Co-op. He wintered in Fla. where he worked for a mobile home manufacturing company and operated a mobile home repair business. He retired at 85. He was a member of North Webster United Methodist Church. He was born Oct. 2, 1914 in Noble County to Jesse and Florence (Miller) LeCount. He graduated from Wawaka High School and attended Manchester College. On April 1, 1939 in Topeka Methodist Church he married Helen K. Yeager. She died Jan. 9, 2004. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Nelson and Joy LeCount of Wawaka; a daughter and son-in-law, Paulette and Garry Dowden of Thorntown; 2 sisters, Kathryn Juday Spahr of Syracuse and Doris Ferrari of San Antonio, Tex.; a granddaughter and her spouse, JoNel and Jeffrey Kurtz of Wawaka and a great-granddaughter, Amelia LeCount Kurtz. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Schermerhorn. Memorial services Wednesday at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 9-26-2005
LeCount Ray Clinton, 79, died May 8, 2001 at Goshen General Hospital. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in WW II and a member of American Legion Post 243, Ligonier. He was an electrician for Paul R. Becker & sons and retired in 1983 from Essex Wire in Kendallville. He was born Sept. 6, 1921 in Cromwell to Roscoe D. and Ethel G. (Stocker) LeCount. His first wife, Kathryn E. (Ramer) died in 1975. In 1979 he married Louise Hall. Surviving are his wife in Ligonier; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Roy Messer of Syracuse and Connie and Bob Clark of Cosperville; 2 stepdaughters; a stepson; 4 sisters, Mary Brock of Syracuse, Martha Sprague and Ethel Lehman of Ligonier; and Luella Jones of Naples, Fla.; a brother, Jack of Ligonier; 3 grandsons and 6 great-grandchildren. Four brothers, Bob, Herb, Maurice and Roscoe LeCount Jr.; and a sister, Elsie Griffith, also preceded him in death. Services Friday at Orr Funeral Home. Burial , Orange Cemetery with military graveside rites. ^ 5-9-2001
LeCount Roscoe, 71, a retired New York Central railroad cook, and Mrs. Leafa Hewitt, 67, both of Ligonier,were killed in the crash of an automobile and truck-trailer near Albany, Ga. Saturday. A veteran of WW I, he is survived by 5 sons, Robert, Herbert, Ray and Jack of Ligonier, and Maurice of Seattle, Wash.; five daughters, Mrs. Elton Griffith, Naples, Fla., Mrs. Frank Sprague, Jr., and Mrs. Lester Hunt, Ligonier, Mrs. Harold Jones, Enon, Ohio, and Mrs. Asher Garber, North Webster; one sister, Mrs. Marie Henney, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 28 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a son of the late Warren LeCount, born near Cromwell. He resided in this community most of his life. Services Friday in the Ligonier Methodist Church. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 11-?-1961.
LeCount Vassa, 67, a retired carpenter and lifelong resident of the community, died Sunday at VA Hospital, Fort Wayne of a heart attack. Born May 27, 1892 in Cromwell, he was the son of William and Anna (Schlotterback) LeCount. He served in WW I. Surviving are the widow, Florence; a brother, Millard of New York; a sister, Mrs. Lena Thunander, Ligonier; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Burl Miller of near Cromwell, and Mrs. Mary Winebrenner of Cromwell. Services were Wednesday in L. H. Moore Funeral Home in Cromwell. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 11-?-1959
LeCount Vern was born July 9, 1888 in Milford Ind. and died April 11, 1976 in Warsaw, Ind. Services at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home April 13, 1976. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. + 8-11-1976
LeCount William settled before 1840; died in 1894, aged 70 years. ^ 6-14-1895 An old resident of Noble County, he died in Sparta Twp Aug. 17, aged 70. Kendallville Standard 8-31-1894 Contributed by Judy Richter
Ledford Garrett G, 76, died Thursday in his Kendallville home. A WW II U.S. Army veteran, he owned the City Cigar Store in Kendallville before his retirement. He was a member of American Legion Post 86, VFW Post 2749 and Eagles Lodge in Kendallville. He was born May 12, 1923 in Ky. to Everett and Lizzie (Combs) Ledford. On Jan. 14, 1956 in Hazard, Ky. he married Martha Messer. His wife died Friday. Two brothers and 2 sisters also preceded him in death. He is survived by 2 daughters, Rita Ledford and Hazel Mapes of Kendallville; a son, Jerry of Kendallville; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral Sunday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 7-1-1999
Ledford Martha, 62, died Friday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born Jan. 27, 1937 in Ky., to William and Sallie (Jent) Messer. She married Garrett Ledford on Jan. 14, 1956 in Hazard, Ky. He died Thursday. A brother and a sister also are deceased. Surviving are 2 daughters, Rita Ledford and Hazel Mapes of Kendallville; a son, Jerry of Kendallville; a brother, Ira Messer of Vicco, Ky.; 3 sisters, Ollie Wells and Barbra Messer of Viper, Ky., and Nervie Layne of Vicco, Ky.; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral Sunday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 7-2-1999
Lee E Gertrude, 88, of Kendallville, died Feb. 23 in Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She was born in Louisville, Ky. July 16, 1909 to Louis W. and Lilly (Sullivan) Jones. On July 13, 1929 in Huntington she married John S. Lee, who was a former Kendallville police chief. He died July 8, 1984. Formerly of Columbia City, she had lived in Kendallville since 1942. She retired in 1982 as a sales lady for the Hobby Shop when it closed. She was a member of the Women of the Moose 730 and Lady Elks 1194, Kendallville, and American Legion Post 240 Auxiliary in Avilla. Surviving are several nieces and nephews; a sister, Dorothy Tinney of Fort Wayne; and 2 brothers, Kenneth E. and W. Leroy of Columbia City. Funeral was Thursday in Berhalter Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 2-26-1998
Lee Frances, 70, a resident of rural Churubusco, died on Jan. 19, 1996 at the residence of her daughter east of Columbia City. She was born in Marion on May 5, 1925, a daughter of Paul C. and Florence D. Niccum Page. She moved to Churubusco in 1942. She was formerly employed as a driver for the Safety Cab Co. in Fort Wayne for 11 years and for Deluxe Cab Co. in Fort Wayne for 8 years, retiring in 1994. She was a female race car driver, the first woman driver at Fort Wayne Motor Speedway, and she also raced in Alexandria, Warsaw, and throughout Ohio and Michigan. Survivors include 2 daughters, Mrs. Duane (Deborah) Clark and Mrs. Ola (Pamela) Mullins of Columbia City; 2 brothers, Paul J. of Avilla and Donald E. of Fort Wayne; 5 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Idella Page and Betty L. Burke; and 2 nephews, Philip and Clinton Page. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 2-1-1996
Lee John S, 83, of 710 W. Rush St., died Sunday at his residence. Born in Homer, Ill. April 12, 1901, he was the son of John R. and Icel C. (Rodgers) Lee. On July 13, 1929 in Huntington, he married Gertrude Jones. A Kendallville resident 42 years, he moved from Columbia City. In 1971 he retired from the Kendallville Police Force after 20 years of being an officer. An Army veteran, he was a member of the FOP, Kendallville Elks Lodge No. 1194 and Moose Lodge 1301. Surviving are his wife; two sisters, Mrs. Edwin (Flossie) Heupel of Columbia City, and Mrs. Herman (Gladys) Walsh of Kendallville. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Services Tuesday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 7-8-1984
Lee Linda R, 53, of Cromwell, died Saturday at home. She was born Feb. 10, 1936 in Muncie, the daughter of Leo K. and Sarah E. (Roush) Hoagland. On Feb. 15, 1953 in Muncie she married Rev. Roy C. Lee, pastor of Cromwell and Indian Village United Methodist Churches. She moved to Cromwell from Anderson in 1987. She had been a florist with Marsh Super Market in Muncie and was a member of Cromwell and Indian Village United Methodist Churches. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mary Brant of Muncie; two sons, Michael of Indianapolis, and Emmett of Anderson; a brother, Ronald of Hollywood, Md.; and nine grandchildren. Services Tuesday in Cromwell United Methodist Church. Burial, Elm Ridge Cemetery, Muncie. + 8-26-1989
Lee Minnie, Three Rivers, Mich., died this morning. She had lived in Kendallville until 1939 when she moved to Michigan. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Pauker. she married Raymond A. Lee, who ran a plumbing and electrical shop in Kendallville, on July 19, 1911. He died Oct. 7, 1970. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Duane (Evelyn) Libey, Niles, Mich. Funeral Friday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-?-1975
Lee Paula, 48, of LaOtto, died December 8, 2004 at her home. She was born July 4, 1956 in Garrett to Arthur L. and Pauline (Keller) Troyer. Her father died May 26, 1999. Surviving are her mother; 2 sons, Aaron and Ryan Lee; a stepdaughter; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Phillip A. and Kathy Troyer of LaOtto and Don and Vickie Troyer of Avilla. Also preceding her in death was a brother, Michael, on November 10, 1993. A 1974 graduate of East Noble High School, she also graduated from a floral design school. She had been a designer for FTD and Teleflora, Walter Eckels, Bakers' Flowers, the Sprinkling Can, the Flower Nook, Chloe's Florists, Floral Creations by Diana and Armstrong's Flowers. For the last few years she had been employed at Perry Hill Elementary School. She had been the music director at LaOtto Wesleyan Church for many years, having started performing on piano and organ at the church at age 12. Services at LaOtto Wesleyan Church. Burial, Huntertown Cemetery. ~ 12-16-2004
Lee Ruth E, 87, died Sunday in her residence. She was born in Monroeville on Dec. 12, 1910 to Melvin and Clara (Hendricks) Babcock. On Dec. 24, 1928 in Coesse, she married Ralph E. Lee. He died March 31, 1979. She was a nurse's aide at McCray Hospital and later a secretary at Kendallville Auto Parts. She attended Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville. Surviving are 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Gerald and Doris Mefferd of Kendallville and Linda Netzinger of Ladysmith, Wis.; a son and daughter-in-law, William H. and Connie S. Lee of Kendallville; a brother, Melvin Babcock of Alma, Mich.; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers and one sister. Funeral Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-28-1998
Lee Thomas Grant, 67, of Kendallville, died Nov. 6, 2008 at Parkview Noble Hospital. He was born in Terre Haute, Ind. on March 11, 1941 to Archie and Lucy (Vaught) Lee. He graduated from Indiana State University in 1964 with a B.S. degree in Education. He obtained his M.S. degree from DePauw University in 1970. He married Sandra Marker on May 20, 1994 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was a teacher and later was employed by several insurance companies, a telephone company and as an auditor. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael and Julie Lee of Indianapolis, and Jeffrey Kosteck of Columbia City; 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Laurie and Shawn Gobert of Greencastle, Kelly Lee of New Holstein, Wis., and Rachelle and William Neely of Columbia City; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dom, who was killed in Vietnam in 1968. Services Monday at First Christian Church, Kendallville. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 11-7-2008
Leech Anna Catherine, 82, died Tuesday in Miller's Merry Manor. She was a member of Garrett United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and served as a Meals on Wheels volunteer for more than 20 years. She was born June 10, 1911 in Allen County to Montgomery and Lillia (Ott) Arnold. She married John Leech in Allen County on April 4, 1931. He died in 1952. Surviving are 3 daughters, Virginia Kelham of Garrett, Phyllis Clark of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Karen Severson of Sturgis, Mich.; 2 sons, William of Garrett and Thomas of San Diego; a brother, Kenneth R. Arnold, Avilla; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Forrest, Donald, George and Ralph. Services Friday in Garrett United Methodist Church. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. + 4-26-1994
Leech John E, 43, of Garrett, manager of the Garrett Branch of the Pet Milk Company, and a member of the public school board, died Monday at Sacred Heart Hospital. He was active in community affairs, an active member of the Methodist Church, the Lions Club, and was a member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He was born April 16, 1908 at Churubusco and was united in marriage to Catherine Arnold April 4, 1931. Surviving besides the widow are two sons, Thomas and William; three daughters, Phyllis, Karen and Virginia, all at home; the father, James Franklin Leech, of Columbia City; and a sister, Mrs. Jacob Killian of LaPorte. Funeral at the Methodist Church Wednesday. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. ~ 4-3-1952
Leedy Mary M, 80, of Pierceton, died Saturday in Whitley County Hospital. Born in Celina, O., Sept. 25, 1886, the daughter of John and Deliah (Henline) McDonald, she had been a lifetime resident of the Pierceton area. On Jan. 13, 1905 she married Amsa Leedy, who died in March 1938. She attended the Warsaw Church of God. Survivors include three sons and 4 daughters, including Mrs. Mabel Maggart of Cromwell; 27 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister. Funeral Tuesday at Spangle Funeral Home in Pierceton. Burial, Hillcrest Cemetery at Pierceton. + 5-?-1967
Leedy Myrtle O, 82, formerly of South Bend, died this morning in Ferris-Lombardy Nursing Home, South Bend. She was born April 3, 1891 in Kosciusko County to William and Ida (Noel) Sellers. Her husbands, Chester Treesh and Albert Leedy, both preceded her in death. Surviving are two sons, Luther Treesh, Waterloo, and Clarence Treesh , South Bend; one sister, Glenna Sharp, Angola; 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. One brother preceded her in death. Funeral Thursday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 12-?-1974
Leek Beulah Irene, 85, R. 1, Cromwell, died Sept. 5 in Goshen Hospital. She was born in Goshen on Feb. 27, 1891. She was a retired school teacher and married Orrie Fredrickson on June 3, 1920. He died on May 10, 1929. She married Owen Leek on May 10, 1930. He died Nov. 11, 1964. Surviving are three sons, Allen W. Fredrickson of Goshen, Nathan C. Leek of Indianapolis, and John J. Leek of Davenport, Iowa; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Irvin Frey of Goshen, and Mrs. Glen Roy of Topeka; two stepsons, Owen M. Leek Jr., Orlando, Fla., and Richard L. Leek of Elkhart; 23 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ralph Manahan of Goshen. Funeral was Sept. 8 at Yoder Culp Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Ridge Cemetery in Goshen. She was a member of the Rock Run Church of the Brethren. + 9-5-1976
Leek Owen died this week at his home in Pocahontas, Ark. of a heart attack. He was a former resident of Washington Twp. Funeral Saturday at Yoder Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial, Goshen Cemetery. + 11-?-1964
Leeman Aaron J, 29, died Oct. 22, 2003 at his home. He was a temporary employee for Pro Resources in Kendallville. He was born Dec. 30, 1973 in Tipton. Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Genney L. (McGinnis) and James Hunsberger of Kendallville; his grandmother, Lena Leeman of Atlanta, Ind.; 2 brothers, Robert Leeman III and Andrew Jones of Kendallville; and 3 sisters, Rebecca Leeman of Englewood, Ohio, Felicia Jackson of Fishers and Amy Rittenhouse of Corunna. His father, Robert E. Leeman Jr., preceded him in death. Services Monday in Thomas Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 10-25-2003
Leer Daniel D, 70, of Huntington, died Monday in the VA Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born in Goshen March 13, 1913 to Forest J. and Dora R. (Hines) Leer. On Dec. 17, 1945 in Goshen, he married Florence May Leonard, who is his only survivor. He was a veteran of WW II. Services Thursday at Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 3-7-1983
Leer F Lucile, 88, died April 21, 2007 at her Ligonier home. She was a member of Richville United Methodist Church in Ligonier. She was born Sept. 10, 1918 in Elkhart County to Charles F. and Blanche (Bobeck) Hinderer. She married Wilbur John Dukes on Sept. 10, 1938. He died March 9, 1945. She married Clayton Leer in 1971. He died in 1978. Surviving are a daughter, Karen Sue Richendollar of Ligonier; a stepdaughter; 4 grandsons, John and Brenda Richendollar and James Richendollar of Ligonier; Jerry Richendollar of Millersburg and Justin Noll of Syracuse; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Hannah and Hailey. Services Wednesday at Richville United Methodist Church. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 4-23-2007
Leeson Fred M, 78, died Tuesday in Goshen Hospital. He was born Feb. 22, 1915 in Altona to Thomas E. and Anna (Houser) Leeson. He married Marguerite Wolf on Aug. 16, 1954 in Goshen. He was a 1933 graduate of Garrett High School. He owned and operated Leeson Insurance Agency in Ligonier for 28 years and was an Indiana State Police trooper for 21 years. He was a member of Ligonier Elks Lodge 451 and Eagles Lodge 1763. Surviving are his wife; a brother, Don of Garrett; and a sister, Margaret Dolan of Garrett. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers and one sister. Funeral Saturday in Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 2-15-1994
Leeson Marguerite C, 84, died Feb. 13, 2000 in Greencroft Nursing Center, Goshen. She was born Nov. 6, 1915 in Wawaka to Grover and Mary (Piggott) Weaver. She married Herbert Wolfe and he died in 1952. On Aug. 16, 1954 in Goshen she married Fred Leeson. He died in 1994. She had lived in this area since 1942 and was a bookkeeper for 25 years at American State Bank. Nieces and nephews survive. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers. Services Thursday in Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 2-13-2000
LeFever Dale J, 82, Churubusco, died Sept. 4, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born in Columbia City on March 30, 1927, a son of Arthur and Fern (Secrist) LeFever. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1945 and IBS College. On Sept. 4, 1949 he married Imogene Allman in Churubusco. He was employed at the former McCoy Lumber Co. in Churubusco and Schlater Hardware in Fort Wayne. He served as Churubusco clerk-treasurer 45 years and was a member of Churubusco United Methodist Church and Lodge No. 515 F&AM. His wife died Dec. 30, 1992. Surviving are 2 sons and daughters-in-law, David and Monica LeFever of Churubusco and Gary and Elaine LeFever of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral Wednesday at Sheets Childs Funeral Home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 9-6-2009
LeFever Edna E, 86, died July 18, 1994 in Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. She was born Sept. 29, 1907 in LaOtto, a daughter of Seth and Margaret Ann (Smith) Bonar. She married Clarence "Jiggs" Diller and he died Feb. 1, 1960. She later married Arthur D. LeFever and he died Aug. 25, 1981. Surviving are a son, Richard W. Diller of Fort Wayne; 2 daughters, Mrs. Harold (Margaret) Cart of Goshen and Mrs. Don (Sue) Foster of Albion; 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Iva Wappes Schultz; a brother, Elza Bonar; and 3 grandchildren. Funeral Friday at Sheets Funeral Home. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. + 7-18-1994
LeFever Imogene C, 62, died Wednesday at her Churubusco residence. She was born May 4, 1930 in Churubusco to Cecil F. and E. Isabell (Cox) Allman. On Sept. 4, 1949 in Churubusco she married Dale LeFever. She was a member of Churubusco United Methodist Church and OES No. 136. Surviving are her husband; 2 sons, David L. and Gary F. LeFever of Churubusco; one brother, Jimmie R. Allman of Churubusco; and 2 grandchildren. Funeral Sunday at Orr Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 12-30-1992
Leffel Jean M, 73, died Sept. 2, 2007 at Northridge Village in Albion. A graduate of Avilla High School, she was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. She was born in Avilla on July 29, 1934 to Harley and Alma (Weimer) Ott. She married Ramon Leffel on Dec. 10, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. She was a volunteer at McCray Hospital. Surviving are her husband in Kendallville; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Teresa Leffel and Kerry and Shari Leffel of Kendallville; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and David Edmonds of rural Wawaka and Kim and David Winn of Butler; 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Harold Ott and Larry and Deb Ott of Kendallville; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, June Ott of Avilla and Ruth and John Seidel of Kendallville; 2 sisters-in-law, Nancy Burns of Butler and Barbara Ott of rural Avilla; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Lee and Paul Ott. Services Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ^ 9-4-2007
Leffel Larry L, 74, of Albion, died February 13, 2014, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on July 13, 1939, in Peru, Indiana, one of 3 sons born to Raymond and Beulah (Grindle) Leffel. On June 10, 1961, he married Diana Seymoure in Albion. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business from Manchester College, and was a meter reader for Noble County R.E.M.C., retiring in 2001. He also worked for Forker Excavating for many years. He was very involved in Masonic Lodge, where he was a member of the Albion Lodge #97. He was a member of the Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine, the Order of the Eastern Star Prentiss Chapter #178, the Rite Valley of Fort Wayne, and of Asbury United Methodist Church in Albion. Surviving are his wife; 3 sons, Larry D. (Carrie) Leffel of Three Rivers, Michigan, Eric J. Leffel of Albion and Brian Leffel of Auburn, Washington; 2 grandchildren, Larry J. Leffel and Rebecca Catherine Leffel. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Fred Leffel and John Leffel. Funeral, February 16, 2014 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Albion. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery.  ^ 2-15-2014
Leffel Mary Lois, 40, died Tuesday after being stricken at St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, where she was attending classes. She was born October 6, 1924 at Albion, the daughter of Ernest and Olga Black Weeks. She was graduated from North Manchester College and has been a teacher since 1946. Surviving are the husband, Herman J., to whom she was married in June 1948; two sons, Joseph K., and Bruce M., at home; the father, Ernest of Albion; six brothers, Don, formerly of Avilla and now of Wawaka, Robert of LaPorte, Bill of Albion, Dick of Fort Wayne, Kenneth of LaOtto, and George, Albion; and three sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Pollock of Syracuse, Mrs. Ruth Conkling of Cromwell and Mrs. Emma Kostielney of Avilla. Funeral will be Friday at the Bender Funeral Home in North Manchester. ~ 6-17-1956 + 6-15-1965
Leffel Ramon G, 82, died August 3, 2013, at Byron Healthcare Center in Fort Wayne. He was born in Steuben County, Indiana, on November 9, 1930, to Edgar and Ileth (Bebee) Leffel. He graduated from Angola High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Jean Ott in Avilla on December 10, 1955. She died September 1, 2007. He retired as a machine operator at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Surviving are his children, Kerry Leffel of Kendallville, Kathy (Dave) Edmonds of Wawaka, Kim Rummel of Kendallville, Kevin Leffel of Kendallville; his grandchildren, Lindsey, Chelsey, Tasha and Lucas Leffel, Sarah Hostetler, Missy Watts, Elizabeth Payne, Katie Kimpel, Matt Edwards, and Ryan and Nick Winn; and his great-grandchildren, Deklyn, Austin, Cayden and Koen Hostetler, Aiva Wilson, Paige Watts, Jasiah and Channing Payne, Keyn and Audilynn Kimper, and Zane Christian. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Betty Pairan; and his half-brother, Cecil Leffel. Funeral, August 8, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. ^ 8-6-2013
Leffers Bertha C, 94, formerly of rural Churubusco, died Jan. 14 in Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She was born March 12, 1901 near Decatur to Henry C. and Siddnie (Noack) Buettner. On Feb. 9, 1926 she married Edward G. Leffers. He died March 20, 1991. She and her husband lived in the Arcola area until 1950 when they moved to a farm in Eel River Twp in Allen County. Survivors include Mrs. Donald (Ruth Ann) Stapleton of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Phillip (Catherine "Kate") Riecke of Avilla; 4 sons, Paul E. of Columbia City, and Donald E. and Arthur J. of Fort Wayne, and Charles D. of Churubusco; 2 brothers, Elmer of Churubusco and Norman of Craigville; 36 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Francis; 2 brothers, Oscar and Walter; and a sister, Irma Boesse. Burial, St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Arcola. ~ 1-18-1996
Leffers Charles D, 63, died June 15, 2010 from the results of a two vehicle accident on U. S. 33, south of Churubusco. He born in Fort Wayne on June 27, 1946, a son of Edward G. and Bertha C. (Buettner) Leffers. He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1964, and as a young man served with the U. S. Army. On April 1, 1966 he was married at Ege to Constance L. Foster-Sharp. Employed as a general contractor, he was the owner and operator of C. Leffers Construction Company, and had also been engaged in farming. He was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco, the Gilbert Davis American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco.Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters Tamara (Gary) Johnson of Arcola and Teresa Fawcett of Churubusco; two sons Joseph (Trina) Leffers of LaOtto and Joshua Leffers of Churubusco; three brothers Paul E. (Mary) Leffers, Donald E. (Jean) Leffers, and Arthur J. Leffers, all of Fort Wayne; two sisters Catherine “Kate” (Phillip) Riecke of Avilla and Ruth Ann Stapleton of Fort Wayne; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant brother. Mass of Christian Burial will be, June 19 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco. Burial, St Patrick's Cemetery, Arcola. Sheets and Childs 6-16-2010
LeGras Charles J, 88, of Kendallville and formerly of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday in McCray Hospital. He was retired from International Harvester Co. Surviving are one son, Charles J. Jr. of Kendallville, and three grandchildren. Services today in Klaehn’s Wayne Street Chapel, Fort Wayne. Burial, Lindenwood Cemetery. + 7-25-1985
Lehman Barbara A, 83, of Wawaka, died Feb. 7, 2013, at her home. She was born on Aug. 25, 1929, in Kendallville to Hilda (Bowman) & Harold Reichard. She retired from Johnson Controls in Goshen and is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ligonier. Survivors include one son, Barry (Betty) Thompson of Wawaka; one daughter, Deborah (Marty) Haugen of Sacramento, Calif.; 6 grandchildren, Lawanna Thompson, Terry Morris, Tina, Wade, Chris and Mitch Thompson; 12 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Jerry (Virginia) Reichard of Wawaka, and Harold Thomas (Pat) Reichard of Fort Wayne; and one sister, Elizabeth Lemon, of Wawaka. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Thompson; a great-grandson, Anthony Carter; sisters, Shirley Nicodemus, Evelyn Leitch and a brother, Neil Reichard. Funeral at Yeager Funeral Home Feb. 11. Burial Rose Hill Cemetery. ^ 2-10-2013
Lehman Corey, 1-hr old infant of Diana Lehman, died Friday in McCray Hospital. Surviving is the mother; grandparents, John and Theresea Nichols; and great-grandfather, Robert Nichols, all of Kendallville. Graveside services Tuesday in Lake View Cemetery. + 9-?-1990
Lehman Edward "Beanie", 65, 723 W. Williams St., died Wednesday at VA Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was a retired auto repairman and a member of the Kendallville American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Henrietta (Arens) Lehman; two daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Carol) Theismann, Fort Wayne, and Patricia Lehman at home; two sons, Robert, Fort Wayne, and David, Kendallville; and 7 grandchildren. Funeral Saturday at Mungovan & Sons Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Burial, Catholic Cemetery. + 5-?-1981
Lehman Ethel B, 84, of Linden, Mich., died Saturday at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, Flint, Mich. She was born in Kendallville Sept. 7, 1896. On Aug. 15, 1915 in Kendallville she married Julius W. Lehman, who died Dec. 29, 1980, Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Geneva Miller and Mrs. Amber Miller, both Kendallville; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Celia M. Crane, Fenton, Mich. Services Tuesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1981
Lehman Ethel Gertrude, 77, of Ligonier, died Feb. 15, 2005 in Goshen Hospital. She was born Nov. 29, 1927 in Cromwell to Roscoe and Ethel (Stocker) LeCount. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Lester and Cindy Hunt of Kimmell; a brother, Jack LeCount of Ligonier; 3 sisters, Luella Jones of Naples, Fla., Martha Sprague of Ligonier, and Mary Brock of Syracuse; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Services Friday at Orr Funeral Home. ^ 2-16-2005
Lehman Eva Ann, 83, R. 1 LaOtto, died Sunday in her residence. Funeral was April 22. Burial, Scott Cemetery near Scott, Ohio. Living most of her life in Fort Wayne, she was a native of Scott, Ohio. She moved to LaOtto two years ago. Surviving are the husband, Homer F., three sons, Noah Wirick, Fort Wayne, Charles Wirick, Howe and Elza Wirick, Fremont, Ohio; two daughters, Mrs. Clifford Burkhart, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Roy McCoy, R. R. 1, Avilla; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. ~ 4-23-1959
Lehman Harry A, 75, of Grants Pass, Ore., died July 9 at Josephine Memorial Hospital. He was born Dec. 20, 1906 in Fairfield Center and moved to Grants Pass in 1947. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. While living in Kendallville he resided on N. Main St. and was employed by Flint & Walling Mfg. Co. Surviving are his wife, H. Marie; a daughter, Esther Brown; and a son, Richard, both of Grants Pass; a sister, Esther Tritch of Auburn; a brother, Royal of Osceola; two granddaughters. Memorial services were held in St. Paul’s Church with cremation in Hillcrest Crematory. + 7-9-1982
Lehman Louise, 81, New Paris, died in Goshen Hospital June 2 of a stroke suffered two weeks previous. A short prayer service was held at the Lehman home Sunday with services at Milford Apostolic Christian Church. Burial, Milford Cemetery. She was born in Tremont, Ill., July 3, 1873, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Oertle. On Sept. 21, 1893 she was married to Carl Lehman, who died Jan. 2, 1939. A member of the Milford Apostolic Christian Church, she was a resident of the New Paris community for the past 40 years. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Braden (Louise) Hadley of Cromwell, and Mrs. Lloyd (Esther) Welty, New Paris; four sons, George of Leesburg, Chris of Columbia City, John of Pierceton, and Roy at home; 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph of Tremont, Ill,; a twin sister, Mrs. Bertha Lusher of Delabon, Ill. Four sons are deceased. + 6-?-1955
Lehman Mary Elizabeth, 67, Syracuse, died Dec. 22 at her resident of an apparent heart attack. She was born May 5, 1914 in Noble County, a daughter of John H. and Florence (Stewart) Gard and was a lifelong Ligonier community resident. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. Surviving are two sons, Donald R. Downing, Wolcottville, and Richard A. Downing, El Paso, Texas; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; a brother, Neal , Goshen; and a sister, Mrs. Forest (Ruby) Clawson, Las Vegas. Funeral was Dec. 24 from Ulrey Funeral Home in Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 12-22-1981
Lehman Menno I, 90, of Swiss Village in Berne, died today in McCray Hospital. He was born to Isaac and Caroline Lehman June 29, 1897 in Berne and married Helen Cleveland June 15, 1927 in Fostoria, Ohio. They had recently been living in Kendallville with their daughter. He taught school in West Liberty, Ohio and was physical director at YMCA’s in Ohio, Ark., Mo., and Ind. before retiring in 1948 after 20 years working for YMCA. In 1948 he became owner of Berne Publishing Co. and later served as president of Hoosier State Press Association. He also owned the Travel Bureau of Berne and served as a board member of National Mill & Supply and Swiss Village. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Virginia Hayes of Kendallville, and Barbara Henderson of Fremont; 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. One sister and two grandsons preceded him in death. Services will be Friday in First Mennonite Church in Berne. Burial, M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne. + 5-4-1988
Lehman Nelson, 99, Diamond Lake, died Wednesday at Goshen Hospital. He was born Oct. 2, 1876 in Locke to Jesse and Mary (Shartz) Lehman. On June 20, 1900 he married Alice Liszt in Nappanee. He had been a resident of Diamond Lake for 40 years after moving there from Goshen. He was a retired railroad postal clerk and member of the Goshen Presbyterian Church. Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lorraine Lehman, South Bend; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Services will be Saturday at Ulrey Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Violett Cemetery. + 10-?-1976
Lehman Paul J, 12, Ligonier, son of Merlyn Lehman, LaGrange County, and Shirley (Moore) Swank, Ligonier, was accidentally killed Wednesday when a 12-gauge rifle he and a juvenile friend were holding discharged. The boys had skipped school and were playing with the rifle at the friend’s home when it went off. He was born in LaGrange Feb. 2, 1971. Other survivors are two stepsisters, Laura and Merlann; and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Lehman and Mrs. Curt (Ellen) Davis, all of LaGrange. A brother, Kenneth, died mysteriously at his home on Jan. 18, 1980, dropping over in the family yard. An autopsy was performed but the cause of death was never determined. Services will be Saturday at Community Baptist Church near Wolcottville. Burial, Woodruff Cemetery. + 1-11-1984
Lehman Ruth T, Fort Wayne, died Saturday in Regency Place. She was a native of Ligonier and was retired as assistant manager of Business Men’s Credit Association. Surviving are her husband, Lamar; a sister, Ellaine Patberg of Fort Wayne; and a brother, Ralph K. Miller of Kendallville. Services were Monday in Klaehn’s Chalfant-Perry Chapel, Fort Wayne. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park. ~ 8-27-1987 + 8-22-1987
Lehman Samuel E, 54, a resident of Ligonier until about 3 years ago, died at his home in South Bend Sunday. He lived nearly all of his life in the Ligonier and Cromwell communities. His death was caused by a heart ailment. Surviving are the widow, Mabel; one son, George of Ligonier; four brothers, two sisters; his mother; and a grandchild. Funeral Wednesday at Ligonier. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1949
Lehmberg Grace Jeanette, 80, formerly of 706 W. Park Dr. here, died today in Miller’s Merry Manor in Columbia City. Born in Albion on July 10, 1905, she was the daughter of John Henry and Sarah Pressler. In Albion on April 28, 1928 she was married to Dr. Otto F. Lehmberg, who died Feb. 1, 1984. She graduated in 1923 from Albion High School and in 1926 from the Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses in Fort Wayne and worked as an RN. A member of Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City, she had resided in Columbia City since 1928. Her survivors include two nephews, Herschell and Everett Targgart, both of Columbia City. Services in Zion Lutheran Church, Columbia City, Friday. Burial, South Park Cemetery. + 1985
Lehner Donald R, 69, died Friday in Golden Years Homestead Nursing Home, Fort Wayne. He was born July 9, 1923 in Kendallville to George J. and Margaret A. (Babcock) Lehner. A WW II Marine veteran, he was a construction worker for Rieth, Riley & Hipskind and a self-employed contractor. He was a member of Kendallville VFW, Rome City American Legion Post 381 and Masonic Lodge. He is survived by 2 daughters, Renee Hollenbeck of Fort Wayne and Debra Belshaw of Cincinnati; one son, Denny of LaGrange; 3 sisters, Georgianna DeGroff of Kendallville, Maxine Wert of South Milford and Zylpha Thompson of Southfield, Mich.; 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Graveside services Monday at Lake View Cemetery. + 3-19-1993
Lehner George Jacob was born in Germany March 10, 1807; died Feb. 7, 1894, aged 86 years, 10 months. He was married to Mary Ann Treash May 29, 1838. They had 11 children, 3 of whom preceded him in death. His wife died 16 years ago. He leaves 8 children, 45 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Funeral Feb. 9 at Richland Center. ^ 2-16-1894
Lehner Joyce O, 82, died Thursday in her Kendallville residence. She was born in Allen County Oct. 11, 1908, the daughter of Luther and Martha (Shanabarger) Boggs. On Dec. 16, 1938 in Columbia City, she married Robert Lehner. He died Dec. 1, 1980. She was a member of First Christian Church, Noble Chapter OES No. 122, White Shrine and Kendallville BP&W Club. Her only immediate survivor is a sister, Audra Owen of Kimmell. A brother, Harmon, preceded her in death. Services Sunday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 8-29-1991
Lehner Marie I, 60, 120 Clark St., died Thursday in McCray Hospital. The daughter of Archie and Ruth Hahn, she was born Oct. 27, 1916 in Kendallville. On May 29, 1940 she married Harold (Andy) Lehner in Kendallville. A lifetime resident of the city, she had been employed as a secretary for the East Noble School Corporation. She was a member of the Mitchell Street United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving are the husband; a daughter, Mrs. Ed (Pamela) Baker, 206 W. Mitchell St.; three sisters, Mrs. Olive Sturgis, Wolcottville, Mrs. Betty Kief, Auburn, and Mrs. Barbra Louthan, Chandler, Ariz.; one brother, Thomas, Huntertown; and two grandchildren. Services Saturday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1-?-1977
Lehner John, 87, resident of Kendallville 38 years, died June 11 at his home. Born in Richland County, O., he moved to the Corunna community in DeKalb County when a child and resided in that vicinity until moving to this city. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Charles Swartz; and a son, George of this city; 13 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Funeral Saturday at Sixteen Church southeast of Corunna. Burial, church cemetery. + 6-?-1941
Lehner Robert "Bob", 63, resided at R. 1, Kendallville, and died last Monday in McCray Hospital. Born in Allen Twp July 8, 1917, he was the son of Frank and Viola A. (Richards) Lehner. He married Joyce O. Boggs Dec. 6, 1938 in Columbia City. He was a lifetime Kendallville area resident and had been a mail carrier for the Kendallville post office for 21 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Masonic Lodge No. 276, Kendallville Kiwanis, Noble Chapter OES, and Elks Lodge. He was a past Wayne Twp assessor and served as city councilman in Kendallville 1960-64. Surviving are his wife; two sisters, Mrs. Gretta Gehring, Kendallville, and Mrs. Lois Shoener, Garrett; a brother, Harold "Andy" of Kendallville. Services were held last Tuesday in First Christian Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 12-?-1980
Lehner Viola A, 92, 612 Mitchell St., died Friday in the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born Dec. 2, 1887 in Allen Twp, she was the daughter of William and Elsie (Johnson) Richards. She married Frank Lehner in Jan. 1910 in Noble County. He died in 1926. She was a lifetime resident of the area, a member of the Mitchell Street United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Lois Shoener, Garrett, and Mrs. Gretta Gehring, Kendallville; two sons, Harold (Andy), and Robert (Bob), both Kendallville; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Services Monday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-?-1980
Lehr Andrew J was born near Wooster, Wayne County, O., Oct. 25, 1826; died Sept. 20 at the age of 70 years 10 months and 21 days. In 1848 he came to this county to visit his brother Barney and decided to remain. There he met Martha M. Isbell, a sister to his brother’s wife. They were married on Thanksgiving Day 1856. She survives, with 2 sons and 2 daughters, all being present except the oldest son, Primrose, who was hindered by long distance. Funeral was at the family residence on N. Railroad St. Sept. 23. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 10-1-1897
Lehr Barnet died Dec. 7, aged 65 years, 6 months and 8 days. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa. on May 18, 1819; was married to Hortense Isbell in 1846. They had one boy and 2 girls. The girls survive. His first wife died in 1859. He was married to Mrs. Margaret Burns in 1866, who survives. Funeral was at Allen Chapel. ^ 12-11-1885
Lehr Louise was born at Fort Wayne, Ind. Jan. 8, 1866, and died at her home in Kendallville May 2, 1896, aged 30 years, 3 months and 24 days. Five years of her childhood were spent with her father’s family in Fort Wayne, 4 years at Waterloo, and since her ninth year she hade made her home with her mother, Mrs. Sophia Zimmerman on S. State St. She was married to L. Primrose Lehr March 25, 1886. They had one daughter, Ethel, now 6 years old. She united with the Church of Christ in Kendallville Feb. 28, 1894. She leaves her widowed mother; a husband; a daughter; 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Funeral at the Church of Christ May 4. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 5-2-1896 ^ 4-24-1896
Lehr Margaret, who resided with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weber on Mott St., hurriedly attended the fire Sunday morning, which was a short distance from her home. She had arrived but a short time when she was suddenly taken sick and fell to the ground. She was given the best of attention by the ladies present. Medical aid was summoned but it availed nothing and she died in a few minutes from heart failure, trouble from which she had often experienced. Funeral at the Catholic Church Tuesday. Burial, Catholic Cemetery at Avilla. Kendallville Standard 9-11-1896 Contributed by Judy Richter
Leighley Ira A, 74, retired attorney who had practiced in all Michigan courts before settling in Richmond and practicing there, died Tuesday at his home in Kendallville. He retired from the practice of law and moved to Kendallville in 1925. He was prominent in Masonic circles here. Surviving are a sister, Miss Carrie; and a brother, Ernest, both of Akron, O. His wife died 2 years ago. Funeral this afternoon at the residence. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + No date
Leighton Carolyn “Sis”, 62, of Kendallville died March 14, 2010, in her residence. She retired from Teleflex in Kendallville in 2007. She was a member of the Full Gospel Lighthouse in Kendallville. She was born October 18, 1947, in Hueysville, Ky., to Russell and Tilly (Shepherd) Stevens. On July 1, 1983, in Altona she married Walter Leighton. Surviving are her husband; three daughters and one son-in-law, Robin and Heath Smith of Kendallville, Rhonda Handshoe of Albion, and Jennifer Katt of Ligonier; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Tim Messer of Fort Wayne, T.J. and Amiee Leighton of Leo, Jesse Messer III and Emily Messer of Kendallville, and Chris and Erica Messer of Auburn; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Betty and Wayne Gose of LaGrange, Terri “Toby” Lockhart of Kendallville, and Deborah and Robert Bloomfield of Wolcottville; and four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Gary “Bo” Stevens of Kendallville, Larry and Joy Stevens of Sturgis, Mich., Rick and Cindy Stevens of Kendallville and Jim Stevens of Kendallville. She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jesslyn Gallo. Funeral Wednesday in Young Family Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 3-15-2010
Leighty Betty J, 75, died unexpectedly Saturday in her Kendallville home. She was born Oct. 10, 1921 in Peru to Joseph and Ruth (Williamson) Snyder. On Aug. 5, 1974 in Cicero, Ill., she married Earl Leighty. She was a retired secretary from Alden Dept. Store in Chicago and a member of Moose Lodge 424 in Berwyn, Ill. Surviving are her husband; a son, Gerry Turnpaugh of Fort Wayne; and a granddaughter, Melissa Sue Turnpaugh. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca Sue Leighty. Funeral Wednesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-21-1997
Leighty Calvin G, 83, 623 N. State St., died Sunday in McCray Hospital. Born Oct. 27, 1890 in Kendallville, he was the son of Timothy and Alice Rosalie (Hill) Lighty. He married Louise Schlueter Nov. 23, 1910. A retired employee of McCray Refrigeration, he was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Surviving are a son, Edward (Ted), Kendallville; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. One sister and two brothers preceded him in death. Funeral will be Tuesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 12-?-1973
Leighty Dorothy K, 87, of Kendallville died Jan. 19, 2011, at Parkview Noble Hospital. She was born in Boyceville, Wisc., on January 29, 1923, to Ernest and Ella (Ziehr) Karlen. She graduated from Kendallville High School in 1941. She married Marve Leighty on June 12, 1943, in Kendallville and he died Aug. 14, 1997. She was a librarian with the Orange Township Library in Rome City for many years and retired from the Kendallville Public Library in 1999. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #86. Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Linda Leighty of Kendallville and Richard and Doris Leighty of Churubusco; her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Ira Magginnis of Kendallville; 4 grandchildren, Phillip and Julie Leighty, Elizabeth and Nelson Salazar, Jennifer and Allan Dodd and Jeanette and Billy Perry; 3 great-grandchildren, Michael Dodd, Zackery Leighty and Kaitlyn Leighty; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Lorraine Seidel of Kendallville and Patricia and Arthur Flickinger of Fairfax Station, Virginia. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Ardis Jean Karlen and Lois Kester; one infant brother, Robert Karlen. Funeral Jan. 22 at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 1-20-2011
Leighty Earl D, 79, of R. 1, Kendallville, died today in McCray Hospital. Born in Kendallville Jan. 2, 1901, he was the son of George and Abigail (Sowers) Leighty. On July 22, 1919 in Fort Wayne he married Sarah Collins. He was a carpenter. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Oliver (Eleanor) Ellenbecker, and Mrs. Robert (Betty) Diehl, Kendallville; two sons, Earl G. of Cicero, Ill., and John Ray of Casselberry, Fla.; a brother, Ernest of Kendallville; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A son, Walter, and a brother preceded him in death. Services will be Friday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-?-1980
Leighty Earl G, 75, died Sunday in his Kendallville residence. He was born in Kendallville July 15, 1922 to Earl D and Sarah (Collins) Leighty. (Appears to be a line missing). She preceded him in death Sept. 27, 1997. He was a retired security guard and a member of Moose Lodge No. 124 in Berwyn, Ill. Surviving are a son, Gerry Turnpaugh of Fort Wayne; a sister, Betty Diehl of Kendallville; a brother, John Leighty of Casselberry, Fla.; and a granddaughter, Melissa Sue Turnpaugh. Funeral Friday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-15-1998
Leighty Eleanor J was born in Portage County, Ohio July 12, 1843; died at Lisbon Feb. 13, aged 60 years 7 months and 1 day. At one year of age she, with her parents, moved to the farm near Lisbon where she grew to womanhood. She married George Leighty Oct. 20, 1861. They had 5 children. Two daughters and the son preceded her in death. She leaves a husband, 2 daughters, Tilly at home, and Mrs. G. E. Graham of Boyne City, Mich.; one sister, Mrs. John Leighty; and 2 brothers, Sylvester Boszor of Lisbon and Roy Boszor of Talmage, O. Funeral was at the home Monday. ^ 2-19-1904
Leighty Ernest J, 88, of Kendallville, died Sunday at McCray Hospital. Born in Indiana Aug. 16, 1894, he was the son of George D and Martha (Sowers) Leighty. On Oct. 18, 1917 in Albion, he married Goldie D. Shook. He was in the trucking business for many years and more recently was park superintendent for the city of Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; a son, Harold of Fla.; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. A daughter, June Anna Silberg, and brothers preceded him in death. Services Tuesday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 4-3-1983
Leighty Frank, 82, Kendallville, died September 16, 2009 at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. He was born May 19, 1927 in Kendallville to Marve and Alice (Brown) Leighty. He graduated from Kendallville High School in 1945 and married Bondell Gunder on Feb. 8, 1946 in Kendallville. He was a farmer and was employed with Kraft Foods and A-1 Production, Kendallville. He was a member of Kendallville Moose Lodge 1301 and VFW Post 249 Men's Auxiliary. Surviving are his wife; a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Nancy Leighty of Kendallville; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Terry Hanks of Fort Wayne, 6 grandchildren, Marc Schlichtenmyer, Ryan and Michele Schlichtenmyer, Scott and Amber Leighty, Todd Leighty, Jill and Kevin Floyd, Chad and Crystal Leighty; 4 great-grandchildren, Laney and Levi Schlichtenmyer, Grace and Cayden Leighty; a brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Connie Leighty of Kendallville. He was preceded in death by a brother Marve; and a sister, Josephine Clouse. Funeral Sept. 19 at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 9-18-2009
Leighty George D 80, an aged resident of Lisbon, died Thursday at his home. He is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. G. E. Graham of Detroit, and Miss Tillie at home. Funeral was Saturday.
Leighty George T, 89, a LaOtto native who died last Thursday resided at 649 E. North St. in Kendallville and died at McCray Hospital. Born in LaOtto Sept. 7, 1876, he was the son of Timothy G. and Alice Hill Lighty. He was married Sept. 17, 1904 to Orpha Belle Baker. He retired from the McCray Refrigerator Co. after 2 years of service. Survivors include two sons, a brother, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His wife, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral Saturday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 10-7-1965 + 10-?-1965
Leighty Goldie D, 87, 302 Ashton Dr., died Friday at McCray Hospital. Born Sept. 24, 1897 in Noble County, she was the daughter of George and Lydia (Brundige) Shook. On Oct. 18, 1917 she married Ernest Leighty, who died April 3, 1983. She was a member of the Mitchell Street United Methodist Church. She is survived by a son, Harold of Hudson, Fla.; a sister, Emerald Castator of Fort Wayne; 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Services Monday at Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-8-1985
Leighty Gordon Ray, 39, 117 ½ W. Rush St., died Friday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Born in Kendallville May 14, 1933, he was a lifetime resident of this city, a son of Lewis and Hazel (Miller) Leighty. Surviving are a half-sister, Mrs. Don (Margaret) Long, Troy, Mich., and a half-brother, Paul Streich, Kendallville. The body will be cremated. Services will be Sunday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. + No date
Leighty Hilda L, 79, of Kendallville, died Nov. 15 in Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She was born in DeKalb County Aug. 24, 1920 to Henry A. and Clara E. (Hovarter) Gardner. On Jan. 21, 1949 in Angola she married Wayne W. Leighty. He died in Sept. 1986. A lifetime area resident she was a lifetime member of McCray Hospital Auxiliary. Surviving are a sister and brother-in-law, Doloris R. and Willis Peachy of Kendallville. Services in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 11-18-1999
Leighty John died at his home in Lisbon on Tuesday. He had been working in his garden in the forenoon and ate a hearty dinner. After dinner he laid down to rest and was found dead in a few minutes. He was about 80 years of age. ^ 6-15-1888
Leighty John was born in Franklin County, Penn. Dec. 26, 1834; died in Lisbon, Ind. Sept. 22, 69 years 8 months 27 days. His parents came to Wayne County, Ohio when he was about 9 years old, where he lived until 19, coming to Noble County in 1853, where he made his home with his mother’s brother, Timothy Ulrich of Lisbon, until his marriage with Aurelia Boszor in 1855. All their married life has been spent at this place. Eighteen months ago he was stricken with paralysis. He leaves 2 sons, one daughter, 4 grandchildren, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. ^ 9-30-1904
Leighty John Ray, 74, of Winter Springs, Fla., died Sept. 17, 2004 at his home. He was a carpenter and held several custodial positions before retiring from the Seminole County Public Schools in 1994. He served as a Casselberry city councilman 1970-1993 and was a member of Northland Church, Masonic Lodge, Noble Shriner and Bahia Shrine Temple in Maitland. He was born in Kendallville to Earl and Sara Leighty. Surviving are his wife, Jeanie of Winter Springs; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Kris and Harold Ebert of Longwood, Fla., and Kim and Max Taylor of Winter Springs; a son, Robert; 4 stepchildren; a sister, Betty Diehl of Kendallville; and 4 grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred; a sister, Eleanor Ellenbecker of Kendallville; 2 brothers, Earl Jr. and Walter of Kendallville. Services today at Northland's Chapel Annex in Casselberry. Burial, All Faiths Memorial Park. ^ 9-21-2004
Leighty Louise E, 95, died Saturday at Sacred Heart Home. She was born in Germany Nov. 20, 1889, the daughter of William and Wilhelmina Schlueter. Her husband, Calvin Leighty, died Dec. 16, 1973. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville. Surviving are a son, Ted, Kendallville; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Services Tuesday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 5-16-1985 + 5-11-1985
Leighty Marjorie, 86, died Monday in her daughter's Kendallville home. She was born Oct. 25, 1912 in Kendallville to Ralph and Edith (Coffelt) Ihrie. On April 21, 1932 in Howe she married Edward Glen "Ted" Leighty. He died June 22, 1989. She was a 1930 graduate of Kendallville High School and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kendallville; Lady Elks, BP&W, and Indiana Clerk Treasurers Association, having served as Kendallville clerk-treasurer 1971-79. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Dale "Skip" and Sarah Leighty of Melbourne, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Duane Axel of Kendallville; 6 grandchildren, Laura and Erik Leighty, Lisa Blankenship, Shelley Hantz, Michael Axel and Kerri Leedy; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Wendell and Kenneth Ihrie. Funeral Thursday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-15-1999
Leighty Martha, 81, lifelong resident of the county, died Friday at McCray Hospital, death resulting from a fractured hip, shock and complications. She was born near Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Phillip and Harriet Sowers. Surviving are three sons, Marve V., near Kendallville, and Ernest J. and Earl of Kendallville; one sister, Mrs. Ella Fike of Corunna; and 11 grandchildren. Funeral at the home Monday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-?-1943
Leighty Marve, 75, of Kendallville, died Aug. 14 in his residence. He was born in Kendallville on Dec. 5, 1921 to Marve V. and Alice (Brown) Leighty. On June 12, 1943 in Kendallville he married Dorothy K. Karlen. He had worked at Kraft Foods and was a farmer. He retired from A-1 Production Co. He was a WW II U. S. Army veteran and a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was a life member of VFW Post 2749, Eastern Indiana Agriculture Association and board member of the Noble County Community Fair Corp. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Nancy E. of Kendallville; 2 sons, Donald of Kendallville and Richard of Churubusco; a sister, Josephine Clouse of Avilla; 2 brothers, Franklin and Eugene of Kendallville; and 4 grandchildren, Jennifer and Jeanette Leighty of Churubusco and Phillip and Elizabeth Leighty of Kendallville. Funeral in Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 8-28-1997
Leighty Mildred D, 55, of Casselberry, Fla., died July 5. She was a native of Kendallville, moving to Casselberry in 1959. She was an aide at Lyman High School. Surviving are her husband, John; two daughters, Kimberly K. Taylor of Winter Springs, Fla., and Krista Nickell of Winter Park, Fla.; two sisters and two grandchildren. Funeral was July 8 in Fla. Burial, All Faiths Memorial Park, Casselberry. + 7-5-1987
Leighty Sarah Ellen, 83, R. 1, Kendallville, died Monday at McCray Hospital. Born Oct. 29, 1901 in Roanoke, Va., she was the daughter of John and Sally (Dickens) Collins. On July 22, 1919 she married Earl D. Leighty, who died Sept. 17, 1980. She was a member of the First Christian Church and VFW Auxiliary, Kendallville. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Oliver (Eleanor) Ellenbecker and Mrs. Robert (Betty) Diehl of Kendallville; two sons, John of Casselberry, Fla., and Earl G. of Cicero, Ill.; one sister, Mrs. Walter (Mary) Martz of Kendallville; two brothers, James of Fort Wayne and William Allport of Carmichael, Calif.; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A son, Walter, two brothers, a sister and a granddaughter also preceded her in death. Services will be Thursday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-7-1985
Leighty Wayne W, 72, of Kendallville, died Sunday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born in Kendallville June 25, 1914, the son of George and Orpha (Baker) Leighty. On Jan. 21, 1949 in Angola he married Hilda Gardner. He has lived on Shalley Dr. since 1966 and was a WW II veteran. He had been an employee of the Kendallville post office for 32 years. Surviving are his wife and a brother, Warren of Monroeville. Services Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 8-31-1986
Lein Daphne Jean, 45, died Saturday in Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. She was born May 21, 1950 in Athens, Tenn. to Norven and Jimmie L. (Wyatt) Lein. She was a registered nurse. Surviving are 2 sisters, Patricia Lein of Hicksville, Ohio, and Fletcher Lein of Holland, Mich. Funeral Tuesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-21-1995
Leins Bessie E, 94, died at Sacred Heart Home, Avilla today. Born in Brimfield Feb. 19, 1888, she was the daughter of J. and Martha Russell. She had been a lifetime area resident and a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Arthur McCullough and Ray Leins, as well as a daughter, a brother and a sister. Surviving are a grandson, Jack W. Slater of Kendallville; four grandchildren; and a sister, Nellie Hopper of Sarasota, Fla. Services Saturday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Fairfield Center Cemetery. + 3-18-1982
Leins Eldon E, 57, died Tuesday in Whitley County Hospital. He had resided in Waterloo for several years before moving to R. 4, Albion, where he lived for the past year. He was retired from Dana Corp. after 30 years of service. He was born in Fairfield Twp, DeKalb County on Jan. 14, 1929 to Lesla and Esther (Freed) Leins. His father died in Feb. 1978. Surviving are his mother in Waterloo; two sons, Michael of Macon, Ga., and Donald of Auburn; one stepson, Dennis of Waterloo; two daughters, Mrs. David (Sue) Burk of Bucyrus, Ohio, and Mrs. Larry (Judy) Creager of Waterloo; two brothers, Lesla Jr., and Herbert, both Auburn; two sisters, Mrs. George (Iris) Haskins of Waterloo and Mrs. James (Doris) Merrick of Raytown, Mo.; and 12 grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of the Waterloo VFW, a member of the Albion Eagles Lodge, and a former U. S. Air Force sergeant. Funeral in Feller Funeral Home in Waterloo Friday. Burial, Fairfield Cemetery. + 6-17-1986
Leins Elizabeth, 93, died Jan. 22 at the United Methodist Home at Franklin. She was married to Frank Iddings who preceded her in death. She later married William Leins who also preceded her in death. A retired teacher, she taught for 42 years in the East Noble School Corporation. She was a member of Franklin First Presbyterian Church and Indiana State Teachers Association. Burial, Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Carthage. + 1-22-1988
Leins Esther Marie, 68, died Monday in DeKalb Memorial Hospital. She lived in rural Corunna and was a member of the Corunna Fire Department Auxiliary. She worked for 20 years at DeKalb Hospital where she was the head cook. She was born in Noble County on Feb. 23, 1919 to Elmer and Elma (Targgart) Biddle. On July 4, 1941, she married Roy Leins. He died Aug. 11, 1969. She is survived by a daughter, Linda M. Stahl of Corunna; two sons, Thomas L. of Kendallville and Steve A. of Waterloo; four brothers, Jack of Grand Rapids, Mich., John of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Charles of Kendallville, and Robert of Sturgis, Mich.; three sisters, Katherine Blanchard of Osceola, Mary Ruth Christlieb of Butler, and Patricia Keller of South Bend; and 10 grandchildren. A daughter, Lois Collins, and two grandchildren preceded her in death. Funeral will be Thursday in McComb, Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home, Auburn. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. + 4-13-1987
Leins Florence L, 79, was born Sept. 20, 1895 in Noble County to Albert and Minnie (Mamerow) Weber and married Ivor Porter Leins Nov. 14, 1918 in Centreville, Mich. She died Tuesday in the Kendallville Nursing Home. She was a lifetime area resident and the mother of Mrs. Dean (Joyce) Cramer, Kendallville, who survives. Other survivors include one sister, Mrs. Ray Tritch, Pleasant Lake; one brother, Charles Weber of Kendallville, and one grandson, Bobby Cramer. Services were Aug. 28 in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 9-4-1975 + 8-?-1975
Leins Ivor, 62, died Monday in his home near Kendallville. Death was due to a heart seizure. He was born in DeKalb County, March 2, 1894, a son of William and Maude Leins. He was married November 14, 1918 to Florence Weber, who survives. Others survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Dean Cramer, Avilla, and a sister, Mrs. Thelma Whitcomb of Kendallville. One brother preceded him in death. Services were Wednesday in Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 8-9-1956
Leins John G was born April 27, 1822 in Germany and moved to Kendallville. He remained there until 1879 and then moved to DeKalb County and remained there until his death. He was 79 years 6 months and 27 days. He was married to Rosa Miller and they had 12 children. Two of them preceded him in death. He leaves a wife, 6 sons, 3 daughters, 33 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, brothers. ^ 12-20-1901
Leins Myrtle A, 81 a resident of R. 1, Corunna for the past 60 years, died today in Kondas Nursing Home near Albion. She was born July 29, 1879 near Sedan, the daughter of Simon and Lydia Treesh Rohm and was married in 1898 to Adam Leins, who died Jan. 31, 1956. Surviving are a son, Roy C., R. 1, Corunna; two daughters, Mrs. Audrey Halferty of Auburn, and Mrs. Geraldine Ernest, R. 1, Wawaka; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces including Mrs. Clara Botchuck, Mrs. Thelma Whitcomb and Mrs. Ivor Leins of this city. She was also preceded in death by a son Ralph in 1936, and a brother Willis. She was a member of 16 Zion Lutheran Church where funeral will be Thursday. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. + 1960
Leins Rhea Maude, 89, died Wednesday in her home at Corunna. She was a member of the Pleasant Chapel Church of the Brethren, Ashley and of the Ladies Auxiliary of Kendallville VFW. She was born Feb. 22, 1900 in Fairfield Twp, DeKalb County to the late Purd and Nellie (Brugh) High. She married John Leins on April 28, 1917. He died Feb. 17, 1974. Surviving are a son, Everett of Corunna; six grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Three brothers, Paul, Carl and Clifford preceded her in death. Services will be Saturday at Pleasant Chapel Church of the Brethren. Burial, Fairfield Cemetery. + 3-29-1989
Leins Rosa nee Mueller was born July 20, 1828 at Baden-bacht, Goeppingen, Wurttemberg, and died at her home Dec. 26, 1903. About 2 years ago her husband died. She was married Jan. 16, 1852 and had 12 children, the father and 3 children have gone on before. In 1854 she came to this county and settled in the neighborhood of Kendallville. In the same year she became acquainted with the German Methodist Church. She leaves 9 children, 35 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Burial took place at 16 Church two miles south of Corunna. ^ 1-1-1904
Leins Roy C, 56, died last Monday. He lived on R. 1, Corunna all his life. He was born Sept. 3, 1912 to Adam and Myrtle Rohm Leins in Corunna. He married Esther Marie Biddle in Wolcottville in 1941. Surviving are the wife; two sons, Thomas, R. 2, Avilla and Steve, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Cyrus Stahl, Corunna, and Mrs. Artie Collins, Kendallville; two sisters, Mrs. Iden Halferty, Auburn, and Mrs. Clifton Ernest, Kendallville; and four grandchildren. The Corunna farmer was a member of Zion Lutheran 16 Church. Funeral was August 13 at Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. ~ 8-21-1969
Leis Albert W, 62, of 4806 Carroll Road, owner of Leis Welding Co. for 38 years, died March 6 in Memorial Hospital at Sarasota Fla., while vacationing in Florida. A Fort Wayne native, he is survived by his wife, Eva; three daughters, Sue Marchand of Huntertown, Vickie Gerbers of Grabill and Cathy Leis of Fort Wayne; and a brother, Robert of Fort Wayne. Services in Fort Wayne March 10. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park. ~ 3-13-1980
Leitch Abbie E, 81, of Churubusco, died in Whitley County Hospital Sept. 5, 1964. She is survived by two sons, Russell of Albion, and Kenneth of Churubusco; a daughter, Mrs. Hilda Gaff of Cromwell; a foster son, Theron Leitch of Wolf Lake; a sister, Mrs. Ellie McCoy of Churubusco; 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Funeral Tuesday at a Churubusco funeral home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 9-?-1964
Leitch Betty J, 57, resided in Kendallville and died Sunday in the emergency room of McCray Hospital from a heart attack. She was born in LaGrange County April 27, 1924, the daughter of Russell I. and Alice T. (Smith) Pontius. She married Donald R. Leitch October 15, 1944. She had been employed at Dick’s Flower Shop in Kendallville and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are her husband and mother; a daughter, Mrs. Craig (Karen) J. Munk, Kendallville; a granddaughter, Aren Kay Munk; three sisters, Mrs. Harold (Ellen) Weirich, Bristol, Mrs. Clarence (Geneva) Porter, Stroh, and Mrs. Norman (Trena) Stringfellow of Wawaka; three brothers, Richard and Allen D., both Kendallville, and Donald L., Churubusco. Preceding her in death was a son and a granddaughter. Services in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home in Kendallville. Burial, Woodruff Cemetery. ~ 10-1-1981 + 9-27-1981
Leitch Betty L, 67, died Thursday in St. Joseph Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born March 26, 1925 in Angola to Robert and Edith (Kinsey) Cole. On May 2, 1978 in Wawaka she married Bryan Leitch. She was retired from Lyall Electric in Albion and was a member of Wawaka United Methodist Church. Surviving are her mother in Albion; her husband; 4 daughters, Jeanie Keene and Julie Hakey of Wawaka and Roberta Hicks and Connie Sanders of Cromwell; 4 sons, Denny Sanders of Cromwell, Howard Sanders of Orland, Donald Sanders of Wawaka, and Gary Sanders of North Ridgeville, Ohio; 3 stepdaughters and 3 stepsons; a sister Naomi Wilson of Hamilton; 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral Monday in Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 3-4-1993
Leitch Bruce S, 56, of Kimmell, died June 26, 2013 at home. He was born February 19, 1957 to Carroll V. and Martha J. (Clouse) Leitch in Kendallville. He married Helen Winkleblack on November 7, 1975 in Albion. He is survived by his wife; a sister, Nancy (Ed) White of Larwill; 3 brothers, Norman (Marcia) Leitch of Kimmell, Russ (Colleen) Leitch of Columbia, S.C.; and Tim (Helen) Leitch of Albion. He retired from Silgan Plastics as a maintenance man 8 years ago. Funeral, July 3, 2013 at Yeager Funeral Home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 6-30-2013
Leitch Bryan W, 73, died Jan. 31, 1997 in Parkview Hospital. A lifelong Albion resident, he was an electrician. A veteran of WW II and the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Navy 4 years and retired from the Army in 1964 after 27 years of service. He was a member of Albion American Legion and VFW. He was born December 13, 1923 in Noble County to Owen Leitch and Dorothy (Potter) Leitch Rinehart. He married Deloris J. Thompson Sept. 9, 1995 in Wawaka. Surviving are his mother; his wife; 3 daughters, Evelyn Prince and Joy Ramerez of Cromwell and Ellen Horsfall of Middlebury; 3 sons, Ernest of Bristol, Edwin of Ocala, Fla., and Eldon of Wolf Lake; 2 stepsons; one stepdaughter; 2 brothers, Orland of Albion and Marion of Georgia; a sister, Fay Malony of Albion; 10 grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. A daughter, Elaine Leitch, and 2 sisters preceded him in death. Funeral Tuesday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery with military rites. + 1-31-1997
Leitch Carroll V, 90, of Kimmell, died April 27, 2012 at Parkview Regional Center in Fort Wayne. He was born June 19, 1921 to Russell and Lenna (Hrrendeen) Letich in Noble County. On Aug. 10, 1946 he married Martha Clouse in Albion. She died Dec. 9, 2009. He served in the U.S. Army and ws a member of American Legion Post 246 in Albion. He was a farmer and an LP gas man. Suviving are one daughter, Nancy (Ed) White of Larwill; 4 sons, Norman (Marcia) Leitch of Kimmell, Russell (Colleen) Leitch of Kimmell, Tim (Helen) Leitch of Albion and Bruce (Helen) Leitch of Smalley Lake; 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one brother, Gene (Natalie) Leitch of Lafayette, Tenn.; and 4 sisters, Lavone Cleland of Kendallville, Marciel Clouse of Albion, Kate Clouse of Albion and Dee Coy of Albion. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter; 2 brothers; and one sister. Funeral May 2, 2012 at Yeager Funeral Homne. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 4-28-2012
Leitch Dallas C, 97, a former resident of Albion, died November 26, 2004 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born January 18, 1907 in Allen County to James H. and Ottie (Duglay) Leitch. He married Mary E. Kesling on September 6, 1926 in Green Twp. She died June 15, 1995. They lived in Green Twp and at Adams Lake, moving to Albion in 1980 and spending winters in Sebring, Fla. until 1990. Surviving are 5 sons and daughters-in-law, Leo and Josie of Bay City, Mich., Willard and Effie of Pineville, La., Ray and Barbara of Danville, Ia., Richard and Nancy of Fort Wayne, and Daniel and Kim of Ocala, Fla.; 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Freida Leach of Garrett; Marcille and Joseph Leatherman of Albion, and Rosalie and Keith Johnson of Elkhart; 3 sisters, Gladys Strong of Bryant, Ruth Troyer of LaOtto and Mary Runyon of Albion; 38 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, James and Wilmer; and 2 daughters, Mary Leitch and Joan Houser. He was an inspector for Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire Co. in Fort Wayne and retired in 1972 after 28 years. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Albion. Services in Churubusco. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. ~ 12-2-2004
Leitch Daniel A, Noble County farmer residing in Green Twp, died last Tuesday from a stroke of paralysis which he suffered last Friday. He was born in Penn. and came to Noble County many years ago, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Malcomb Leitch. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. + 11-?-1923
Leitch Daniel Devoid, 82, former Avilla resident, died Feb. 14 in St. Joseph Medical Center, Fort Wayne. He moved from Avilla to Churubusco in 1926. He was born Aug. 3, 1906 in Noble County, the son of Malcomb E. and Mae (Keller) Leitch. He married Thelma J. Cramer Nov. 13, 1925. He formerly owned and operated Leitch Grocery Store for 43 years and Leitch Hardware for five years, retiring in 1972. He was a member of Churubusco United Methodist Church and had served on the Volunteer Fire Department, Churubusco town board and plan commission. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. David (Betty) Bonar of Churubusco; a son, Max E. of Churubusco; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. One brother, Merl, preceded him in death. Services Friday in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. ~ 2-21-1989 + 2-14-1989
Leitch Daniel V, 82, of Green Twp, died Sept. 11, 1960 in Whitley County Hospital. He was a native of Green Twp and a member of the Charter Oak Methodist Church. He had served for two years as pastor of the EUB Church at Auburn. Surviving are the widow, Abbie; two sons, Russell of Albion, and Kenneth of Churubusco; one daughter, Mrs. Hilda Gaff of Kimmell; 20 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren; two brothers and four sisters. Final rites yesterday at a Churubusco funeral home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 9-?-1960
Leitch Donald R, 76, who served as sheriff of Noble County 1983-86, died November 23, 2001 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born in Green Twp on January 6, 1925 to James Malcolm and Minnie (Schultz) Leitch. On October 15, 1944 he married Betty J. Pontius. She died September 27, 1981. On December 4, 1982 he married Janet Smith Biddle in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Craig (Karen) Munk of Kendallville; a brother, Robert of Kissimmee, Fla.; 2 sisters, Cleo Harter of Fort Wayne and Laurie Herendeen of Bronson, Mich.; a granddaughter and a stepson. He was preceded in death by 5 sisters, 5 brothers and one granddaughter. He graduated from Avilla High School in 1943. He was a WW II U. S. Navy veteran and member of American Legion Post 86 and the Indiana Sheriff's Association. He worked 27 years for the Noble County Sheriff's Department. Services Wednesday. Burial, Woodruff Cemetery. ~ 11-29-2001
Leitch Elaine R, 21, R. 4, Albion, was killed three miles east of Topeka in a single vehicle accident when her pickup truck hit an icy spot in the road. She was born Dec. 12, 1959 in Fort Wayne, was a lifelong resident of Albion and a 1978 graduate of Central Noble High School. She was employed at Wolcottville Electric and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ligonier. Surviving are her parents, Bryan W. Leitch of R. 4, Albion and Lillian Ray of Ocala, Fla.; three brothers, Ernest, Bristol, Edwin, Ocala, Fla., and Eldon, R. 4, Albion; two sisters, Ellen Horsfall of Bristol, and Evelyn Leitch of R. 3, Ligonier; a half-sister, Joy Leitch of R. 4, Albion; four stepbrothers; four stepsisters; and a grandmother, Mrs. Owen (Dorothy) Leitch of R. 4, Albion. Funeral will be in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion, Dec. 16. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 12-?-1980
Leitch Eldon D “Whitey”, of Rome City, died August 22, 2011 in his residence. He was a graduate of Albion Jefferson High. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1997 from G.E. in Fort Wayne, then worked for S&S Oil in Auburn and managed the Rome City service station for 11 years. He was a member of the 40 & 8 through American Legion Post 246 in Albion. He was born October 7, 1941, in Noble County to Russell and Lenna M. (Herendeen) Leitch. On May 19, 1990, in Wolcottville, he married Carol Broom. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Anisa Leitch of Albion and Anita (Dale) Sherman of Albion; 3 stepchildren; 2 grandchildren, Tayler Sherman of Albion and Austin Leitch of Albion; 4 sisters, Marceil Clouse of Albion, Kate Clouse of Albion, Dolores Coy of Albion, and Ellen LaVon Cleland of Kendallville; 2 brothers, Carroll Leitch of Kimmell and Elda “Gene” (Natalie) Leitch of Lafayette, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Budd; and a brother, Larry Leitch. Funeral Aug. 26 in Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery with honor guard services by American Legion Post 246. ^ 8-24-2011
Leitch Evelyn C, 38, R. 4, Albion, died Saturday at her home. She was born Sept. 4, 1938 to Harold and Hilda (Bowman) Reichard at Wawaka. She married Bryan Leitch July 13, 1968. She was a lifetime Noble County resident. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Joy, rural Albion; three stepdaughters, Elaine, rural Albion, Evelyn, Albion, Ellen Horsfall, San Francisco, Calif.; three stepsons, Ernest, Elkhart, Eldon, Albion, Edwin, Florida; three sisters, Barbara Lehman, Elizabeth Lemon and Shirley Nicodemus of Wawaka; three brothers, Neal and Jerry, Wawaka, Harold (Tom), Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren. Services will be Tuesday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 2-?-1977
Leitch Everett K, 68, of R. 3, Churubusco, died Tuesday at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born May 28, 1917 in Noble County, the son of Merl and Fanny Hossinger Leitch. On July 4, 1937 he married Ilene Winebrenner. A lifetime area resident and of R. 3 Churubusco since 1955, he was owner of Leitch Mobil Station for 26 years. For the past 19 years he was assistant manager of Root’s Camp & Ski in Fort Wayne. He was a member of the 21 Repeaters Group and Amateur Radio Club, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Elks Lodge in Columbia City and Churubusco Fire Department. Surviving are his wife; a sister, Mrs. Robert (Phyllis) Zolman of Dallas, Texas; and a brother, Paul M. of Topeka. Services Saturday at Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 10-15-1985
Leitch Fanny M, 83, Churubusco, died Saturday in St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born July 10, 1897 in Noble County, the daughter of Urias and Rebecca (Keller) Hossinger. She married Merl Leitch Dec. 4, 1915. She moved from Green Center to Avilla where she and her husband owned and operated a grocery and meat market. They moved to Churubusco in 1926 where they also operated a grocery store and meat market. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Phyllis) Zolman, Churubusco; two sons, Everett, Churubusco, and Paul, Albion; a sister, Mrs. Roscoe (Goldie) Shambaugh, Fort Wayne; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A daughter, Virginia Watson, four brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Services Tuesday in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 11-6-1980 + 11-?-1980
Leitch Genevieve E, 58, died Tuesday at her Albion residence. Born Jan. 7, 1935 in Ford County, Ill., she was the daughter of Alfred and Lela (Mehrer) Shellman. In 1952 in Burr Oak she married Gene Leitch. She was a farm wife. Surviving are her husband; a son, Perry of Albion; 3 sisters, Lovella Ford and Natalie Edsall of Kendallville and Marilyn Brumbaugh of Albion; a brother, Robert Shellman of Albion; and a grandson. Funeral Friday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 3-2-1993
Leitch Hilda Irene, 85, died today in Kendallville Manor Health Care Center. She was born in Swan Twp, Noble County, on May 12, 1908 to Homer E. and Bertha Ellen (Diffendarfer) Herendeen. On Dec. 22, 1926 in Albion she married Carl Malcolm Leitch. He died June 7, 1955. She was a graduate of Warner Beauty School in Fort Wayne and owned and operated Compact Beauty Shop in her home on Prospect Ave., retiring in 1986 after 23 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kendallville, BP&W Club, Eagles Auxiliary and Second Time Around Club. Surviving are 2 daughters, Norma Jean Musselman of Sebring, Fla., and Sandra Walsh of Houston, Texas; a son, Joseph Leitch; a sister, Neva Musselman of Kendallville; Elda of Albion, Gary of Avilla, Lawrence of Kendallville and James of Brimfield; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-7-1998
Leitch Iva A, about 85, a former resident of R. 2, Albion, died Sept. 30, 1973 at McCray Hospital. She was born May 26, 1888 in Allen County, the daughter of George and Rosella Maxwell Johnson. She was married to William O. Leitch in 1907. He died July 21, 1972. They had lived most of their married life in Noble County and the last 52 years at Green Center. She was a member of the United Methodist Church at Green Center. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Robert Winebrenner of R. 2, Albion, Mrs. George Breinfolk of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Dorwin Frazier of R. 3, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Max Horsewood of Auburn; one sister, Mrs. Orpha Greenwell of Churubusco; ten grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Freida, one brother and one sister. Funeral Oct. 3. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. + 9-?-1973
Leitch James H, 85, of R. 1, LaOtto, died Monday in McCray Hospital. Born Sept. 15, 1880 in Noble County, he was the son of Daniel and Mary Diffendarfer Leitch. He married Ottie Duglay in 1906. He resided most of his life in Noble County and since 1936, on a farm near LaOtto. In 15 days he and his wife would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. A retired farmer and salesman for DeKalb Seed Company, he attended Albion Wesleyan Methodist Church. Surviving besides the wife are a son, Dallas, of R. 1, Wolcottville; three daughters, Mrs. Gladys Strong of Pleasant Lake, Mrs. Allen Troyer of R. 1, LaOtto, and Mrs. Thomas Runyon of R. 3, Albion; 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren; a brother, William, of Albion; two sisters, Mrs. Clinton Bloom and Mrs. Luella Moree, south of Albion. Services Thursday in Sonday & Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. ~ 2-3-1966 + 1-?-1966
Leitch John E died Saturday in River Forest Nursing Home in Three Rivers, Mich. He was born in Green Twp Jan. 20, 1907, the son of John M. and Minnie (Schultz) Leitch. He married Velda Herendeen April 25, 1925. He moved to Vicksburg from Avilla 32 years ago and was retired from Penn Central Railroad after 45 years employment. Surviving are his wife; two sons, Arnold, Vicksburg, and Dwayne, Fostoria, Ohio; four sisters, Mrs. Cleo Harter, Fort Wayne, Lora Herendeen and Mrs. Kenneth (Tillie) Keck, Kendallville, Mrs. Richard (Mable) Snyder of Florida; four brothers, Donald, Kendallville, Ronald, Grand Ledge, Mich., Robert, Florida, and Leroy, Coldwater, Mich.; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Services were Wednesday in Berhalter Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ~ 9-3-1981 + 8-29-1981
Leitch John M, 57, of Avilla, died yesterday at the State Hospital in Richmond. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Minnie Leitch; seven sons, Carl of near Avilla, Everett of Kendallville, Delbert of Fort Wayne, and Leroy, Donald, Ronald and Robert at home; seven daughters, Mrs. Bertha Davis of Kendallville, Mrs. Anna Chamberlain of Helmer, Miss Esther of Ligonier, Mrs. Cleo Harter and Mrs. Mabel Hire of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Laura Herendeen of near Avilla, and Mrs. Tillie Bruce, Brimfield. Services will be Tuesday. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. + 3-?-1941
Leitch Joseph C, 78, of Kendallville, died April 22, 2010 in Parkview Noble Hospital. He was a 1951 graduate of Kendallville High School. He served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was retired from Eaton Industries. He was a member of the Fort Wayne G.E. Alumni Apprentice Association, Immaculate Conception Church in Kendallville, American Legion Post 86 and Moose Lodge 1301. He was born July 22, 1931 in Kendallville to Carl and Hilda (Herendeen) Leitch. On Feb. 11, 1955 in Helmer he married Beverly Hoyer. Surviving are his wife; 4 sons and a daughter-in-law, Bradley, Brenden, Kyle, Curtis and Susan Leitch, of Kendallville; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Jenifer and Kevin Sabrosky of Kendallville and Celeste and Mark Gates of Virginia; 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Brooke, Jessica Leitch, Andrew and Beth (Dinehart) Desmonds, Aaron and Megan Desmonds, Amber (Sabrosky) and Eric Bradley, Brittney (Leitch) and Troy Harmeyer, Chelsea Leitch, Alexander Leitch, Nathan, Jacob and Jordan Gates; and a sister, Sandra (Leitch) Walsh of Texas. He was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Musselman. Mass of Christian Burial April 27 in Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 4-24-2010
Leitch Juanita Maurine, 84, of Albion, died Saturday at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Terry Marker, Silver Lake. Services June 22 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 6-16-2009
Leitch Kenneth Jr, 83, of Churubusco, died Jan. 28, 2009 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born Aug. 5, 1925 in Whitley County, a son of Kenneth P. and Thelma Evangel (Herron) Leitch. He served during WW II in the U.S. Marine Corps. and retired in 1983 as a machinist with International Harvester in Fort Wayne after 27 years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco. He married Ruth E. Miller on June 5, 1963. Surviving are his wife; his children Ellen (Gary) Smith of Albion, Valeria (Jerry) Cheek of Auburn, Jeannette (Gary) Petelle of Churubusco, Vickie Leitch of Moore, Oklahoma, Scott (Debbie) Leitch of Churubusco, and Christopher Hardacre of Columbia City; his sisters Arrena Diffendarfer and Janette Johnson, both of Churubusco; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ross and Don. Funeral Feb. 2 at Faith Lutheran Church. Burial, Concordia Cemetery, Fort Wayne, with military rites. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home 1-29-2009
Leitch Kenneth P, 87, of R. 1, Churubusco, died today in Byron Health Care Center, Fort Wayne. Born March 24, 1902 in Noble County, he was the son of Voris and Abbie (Russell) Leitch. On Jan. 27, 1921 in Green Center, he married Thelma Evangel Herron, who died in 1988. A lifetime Noble County resident, he was a mechanic and owned and operated the West Side Garage in Churubusco. He was a member of Charter Oak Church and Churubusco IOOF. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Floyd (Arrena) Diffendarfer and Mrs. James (Janette) Johnson, both Churubusco; two sons, Don of Columbia City, and Kenneth Jr. of Avilla; a sister, Hilda Gaff of Kimmell; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were a son, Ross in 1983, and two brothers. Services Sunday in Orr Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 12-28-1989
Leitch Larry, 59, died Jan. 10, 2005 in St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born Sept. 18, 1945 to Russell and Lenna (Herendeen) Leitch in Kendallville. He worked as a machine press operator for Vibracoustics of North America for 14 years prior to going to work for the Noble County Highway Dept. Surviving are 4 sisters, Lavon Cleland, Marceil (Bernard) Clouse, Kate Clouse, Dolores Coy of Albion; 3 brothers, Carroll (Marty) of Kimmell, Gene (Natalie) of Lafete, TN, Dwight (Carol) ; and 2 stepsiblings. Services Jan. 13, 2005 at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ^ 1-11-2005
Leitch Lenna M, 81, died March 15 in McCray Hospital. She was the daughter of Homer and Ellen (Diffendarfer) Herendeen. She married Russell Leitch October 16, 1920 in Noble County. He preceded her in death in 1979. She was a lifetime resident of the Albion area. Surviving are five daughters, Edna Budd, Mrs. Bernard (Marceil) Clouse, and Mrs. James (Kathleen) Clouse, R. 1, Albion, Mrs. Robert (Lavon) Cleland of Albion, and Mrs. Robert (Delores) Coy, R. 1, Albion; four sons, Carroll, R. 1, Kimmell, Gene and Dwight, R. 1, Albion, and Larry, R. 4, Albion; four sisters, Dorothy Latta, Warsaw, Velda Leitch of Michigan, Hilda Leitch, Kendallville, and Neva Musselman of Albion; four brothers, Gary, R. 1, Avilla, Elda, R. 1, Albion, Lawrence, Rome City, and James, Brimfield; 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Services at Albion Wesleyan Church March 18. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 3-25-1982 + 3-15-1982
Leitch Lenora Jean, 74, Wolf Lake, died February 28, 2002 in Wayne County Hospital in Monticello, Ky. She was born May 30, 1927 in Noble County, a daughter of Prentiss and Dortha J. (Dazey) Miller. She graduated from Wolf Lake High School and received her nursing degree from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne. She married Theron "Whitey" Leitch on September 4, 1948. They lived in the Wolf Lake area and since 1986 have spent the winter in Monticello, Ky. Surviving are her husband; 2 sons and one daughter-in-law, Steven Leitch of Fredericksburg, Va., and William V. and Frances Leitch of Wolf Lake; a daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Lawrence Engle of Springfield, Ohio; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Monna and Forrest Parks of Avilla and Lecinda and Robert Keisling of Columbia City. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Todd A. and Lynn E. Leitch. She worked for Luckey Hospital in Wolf Lake, Linville and Whitley County Hospitals in Columbia City, Weatherhead Co. in Columbia City, St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne and the Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. Services in Columbia City. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. ~ 3-7-2002
Leitch Lynn E, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theron Leitch of Wolf Lake, died Nov. 30, 1969 in Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne from injuries received in a Nov. 23 auto accident. A car driven by his brother, William, collided with another vehicle. Born March 17, 1955 in Noble County, he is survived by his parents; two brothers, Stephen of Wolf Lake, and William at home; one sister, Marjorie at home; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Prentiss Miller and Mrs. Helen Myers, all of Wolf Lake. He was preceded in death by a brother, Todd, who died two years ago at the age of 13 in a shooting accident. He was a member of the Wolf Lake Baptist Church. Funeral Wednesday in Wolf Lake Baptist Church. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 11-?-1969
Leitch Malcomb E, 64, died Saturday in his home in Churubusco following a heart attack. Surviving are the widow, Mae; two sons, Merl and Devoyd, both Churubusco; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Voris, Churubusco, James, LaOtto, and William of Albion; four sisters, Mrs. Luella Moree, Albion, Mrs. Rosa Veazey, Hamilton, Mrs. Anna Whonsetler, Kalamazoo, and Mrs. Lillie Bloom, Albion. He was a member of the EUB Church. He owned and operated a meat market in Avilla some time ago. Services Tuesday in the EUB Church. ~ 2-21-1957 + 2-?-1957
Leitch Martha J, 83, of Smalley Lake near Kimmell, died Dec. 9, 2009. She had retired from Dana in Churubusco after 26 years of service. She was a member of Stone's Hill Community Church in Ligonier. She was born April 19, 1926 in Noble County to John and Iva (Coats) Clouse. She married Carroll "Peck" Leitch in Albion on August 10, 1946. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Nancy (Ed) White of Larwill; 4 sons, Norman (Marcia) of Kimmell, Russell (Colleen) of Kimmell, Tim (Helen) of Albion and Bruce (Helen) of Kimmell; 19 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Edith Romine of Kimmell. She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Clouse; and 7 brothers, Junior, Russell, James, Bernard, Harry, William and Donald Clouse. Funeral Dec. 14 at Stone's Hill Community Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 12-11-2009
Leitch Martin Leroy, 65, died at his home April 25. He was born June 25, 1922 near Avilla, the son of John and Minnie (Schultz) Leitch. He married Anna Guthrie. Surviving are his wife; two sons, Charles and Terry, both Melbourne, Fla.; two daughters, Charlene Parnell of Melbourne and Sharon Hasselman of Phoenix, Ariz.; three brothers, Donald, Kendallville, Ronald, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Robert of Kissimmee, Fla.; four sisters, Cleo Harter, Fort Wayne, Laura Herendeen, Bronson, Mich., Tillie Keck, Kendallville, and Mabel Snyder, Kissimmee; and 11 grandchildren. Three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death. Services May 7 in Davis Funeral Home in Melbourne, Fla. ~ 5-10-1988 + 4-25-1988
Leitch Mary E, 84, died June 15, 1995 at McCray Hospital, Kendallville. She was born in Green Twp in Noble County on July 23, 1910, a daughter of William and Emily (Kuhns) Kesling. She married Dallas C. Leitch on Sept. 6, 1926. In addition to raising a large family, she was employed as a telephone operator for United Telephone for 22 years, retiring in 1972. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Albion. Surviving are her husband; 4 daughters, Freida Leach of Garrett, Mrs. Joseph (Marcille) Leatherman of Albion, Mrs. Donald (Joan) Houser of Shipshewana and Mrs. Keith (Rosalie) Johnson of Elkhart; 7 sons, Wilmer of Albion, Leo of Brownwood, Texas, Willard of Pineville, La., Ray of Danville, Iowa, Richard of Fort Wayne, James and Daniel of Las Vegas, Nev.; a sister, Lucille Allman of Churubusco; 38 grandchildren 63 great-grandchildren and one great-grandson. Preceding her in death were a daughter, Mary; 2 brothers, Guy and Clair Kesling; and 2 sisters, Ida Hufty and Lura Strouse. Funeral Monday in Trinity United Methodist Church, Albion. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. + 7-15-1995
Leitch Max E "Skip", 77, died Sept. 21, 2003 at The Oaks in Columbia City. He was a meat cutter for his father at Leitch's Market in Churubusco, Dick's Market in Fort Wayne, and retired in 1991 from Egolf's IGA in Churubusco. He owned Churubusco Hardware for 6 years. He was a 1944 graduate of Churubusco High School and served in the Merchant Marines in WW II and in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was born Aug. 29, 1926 in Green Center to Daniel Devoyd and Thelma (Cramer) Leitch. On Dec. 16, 1948 in Ligonier he married Beatrice J. Egolf. Surviving are his wife; his mother; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Rex Carter of Churubusco; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Loree Leitch of Albion; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and David Bonar of Churubusco; 3 grandchildren, Lacey Buss, Aubreeanna and Gavin Leitch; and a great-grandson, Colan Buss. Services Wednesday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home. Burial, Riverview Cemetery with military rites. ^ 9-22-2003
Leitch Nellie Mae, 87, of Churubusco, a resident of Noble County most of her life, died yesterday in the Hillcrest Nursing Home, Columbia City. She was a member of the EUB Church, Churubusco. Survivors include two sons, Merl and Daniel V., Churubusco; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Gene Manuel, Mrs. Alta Krider, and Mrs. Laura Settle, all Fort Wayne. Services Sunday in the EUB Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 1964
Leitch Noah T, about 71, of R. 1, LaOtto, died July 24, 1960 at the Whitley County Hospital. A lifelong resident of Green Twp and a retired farmer, he was a member of the EUB Church at Green Center. Surviving are the widow, Edna; two daughters, Mrs. Marie Strater of Wolcottville, and Mrs. Kenneth Applegate of Hicksville, Ohio; two sons, Vern A. of LaOtto, and Laurell of R. 2, Albion; a brother and two sisters. Funeral Wednesday at Green Center EUB Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 7-?-1960
Leitch Ottie O, 95, died Wednesday in the Kendallville Nursing Home. She was born June 6, 1887, the daughter of Loraine and Lucretia Ann (Johnson) Duglay. She married James H. Leitch Feb. 15, 1906. He preceded her in death Jan. 31, 1966. She moved from Allen County to a farm in Noble County in 1914 and attended the Wesleyan Church in Albion. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Lewis (Gladys) Strong of Bryant, Ruth Troyer of LaOtto, and Mrs. Thomas (Mary) Runyon, R. 2, Albion; a son, Dallas, R. 4, Albion; 19 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and 35 great-great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday in Sheets Funeral Home in Churubusco. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. ~ 7-15-1982 + 7-7-1982
Leitch Owen B, 81, R. 4, Albion died Thursday in McCray Hospital. He was born March 23, 1897 in Green Twp to James M. and Mary (Owen) Leitch. He married Dorthy D. Potter Dec. 12, 1922 in Centreville, Mich. A member of the Eagles Lodge, Ligonier, he was a retired factory worker. Survivors include his widow; three daughters, Mrs. John (Beulah) Miller, Goshen, Mrs. Jack (Alice) Huff, Ligonier, and Mrs. Walter (Fay) Wilson, Albion; three sons, Bryan, R. 3, Albion, Marion, Trenton, Mich., and Orland, Albion; a sister, Mrs. Gertrude Grogg, Shipshewana; 29 grandchildren and two-great-grandchildren. Two brothers, three sisters and one grandson preceded him in death. Services were July 10 in Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. ~ 7-13-1978 + 7-?-1978
Leitch Paul M, 84, of Albion, died Feb. 13, 2009 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Terry Marker, in Silver Lake. Memorial service Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 2-17-2009
Leitch Robert H, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Leitch, was born in Green Twp Sept. 4, 1892; and died at his home in Talequah, Okla. Saturday night from Bright’s disease. He graduated from high school at Waverly, Ohio in 1911, moving from that place and settling at Talequah in that year. He was 24 years, 6 months and 6 days of age and is survived by his parents, 2 sisters. Services yesterday at the Frank Crothers residence. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. ~3-14-1917
Leitch Ronald J, 75, died Jan. 16, 2001 at Grand Ledge, Mich. A retired supervisor of East Lansing State Bank, he was a WW II Navy veteran and a member of the Grand Ledge Church of the Nazarene. He was a Noble County native. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Sue Leitch of Grand Ledge; a daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Gary Ford of Grand Ledge; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Donald and Robert; and 3 sisters, Cleo Harter, Laura Herendeen and Tillie Keck. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and a son, Larry. Services Friday at Grand Ledge Church of the Nazarene. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery. ^ 1-18-2001
Leitch Russell G, 79, of R. 4, Albion, died Wednesday (d. 1-31-1979) in McCray Hospital. Born Nov. 5, 1899, he was the son of Daniel V. and Abbie (Russell) Leitch. He married Lenna Herendeen Oct. 16, 1920 in Green Center Church. He was a lifetime resident of the Albion area and was a retired farmer and highway employee. Survivors include the wife; five daughters, Mrs. Edna Budd, Mrs. Bernard (Marceil) Clouse and Mrs. James (Kathleen) Clouse of R. 2, Albion, Mrs. Robert (Lavon) Cleland of R. 3, Albion, and Mrs. Robert (Delores) Coy of R. 1, Albion; four sons, Carroll of R. 1, Kimmell, Gene and Dwight of R. 1, Albion, and Larry of R. 4, Albion; one sister, Mrs. Laurel (Hilda) Gaff of R. 1, Cromwell; one brother, Kenneth of R. 2, Churubusco; 20 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother and one grandson. Funeral will be Saturday in the Wesleyan Church in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 1-?-1979
Leitch Thelma E, 83, R. 1, Churubusco, died Jan. 14, 1988 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born July 3, 1904 in Noble County, the daughter of Albert and Vinnie (Gaff) Herron. She married Kenneth Leitch Jan. 27, 1921 in Green Center. A lifetime Noble County resident, she was a member of Charter Oak Church and attended Cornerstone Wesleyan Church in Merriam. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Floyd (Arenna) Diffendarfer, and Mrs. James (Janette) Johnson, both Churubusco; a son Kenneth Jr. of Avilla; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Ross, in 1983, and one brother and two sisters. Services Sunday in Orr Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 1-19-1988 + 1-14-1988
Leitch Thelma J, 101, Churubusco, died March 22, 2011, at her home. She was born in Avilla on July 4, 1909, a daughter of Thomas and Ethel (Owen). On November 14, 1924 she married Daniel Devoyd Leitch. She assisted her husband in the operation of the former Leitch’s Grocery in Churubusco for 43 years, and also worked at the former Bang’s Dime Store for a period. She was a member of the Churubusco United Methodist Church. Her husband died February 14, 1989. Surviving are her daughter Betty (David L.) Bonar of Churubusco; 5 grandchildren Gary (Gisele) Bonar, Mark (Teresa) Bonar, and Carol (Rex) Carter, Jeffrey Bonar, and Scott Leitch;12 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Jackie Lee Leitch on September 17, 1931 and Max E. “Skip” Leitch on September 21, 2003; her brothers Orlo and Wilbur Cramer; and a sister Hilda Glass. Funeral March 27 at Churubusco United Methodist Church. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. Sheets Childs Funeral Home 3-23-2011
Leitch Theron E "Whitey", 79, of Wolf Lake, died Jan 28, 2008. Born June 22, 1928 in Fort Wayne, he was a son of Vearl and Helen (Green) Leitch. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School. On Sept. 4, 1948 he married Lenora Youse Miller. She died Feb. 28, 2002. He was employed 30 years at International Harvester, retiring in 1978. He was a member of Cromwell Lodge 705 F&AM, Mizpah Shrine, Eagles Lodge 1906 and American Motorcycle Association. Surviving are 2 sons, Steven (Sandy) Leitch of Fredericksburg, Va., and William (Frances) Leitch of Wolf Lake; a daughter, Marjorie (Lawrence) Engle of Springfield, Ohio; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; a half-brother, Daniel Leitch of Fla.; and a half-sister, Bonnie Patterson, of Indianapolis. He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Todd and Lynn. Services Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. Fort Wayne Journal Gazette 1-30-2008
Leitch Velda Marie, 83, Three Rivers, Mich., died Oct. 30 at her home. She was born April 8, 1906, the daughter of Homer and Ellen (Diffendarfer) Herendeen. She married John Everett Leitch April 25, 1925 in Albion, and he died in August 1981. She lived in Noble County until 1955, moving to Vicksburg, Mich. and later to Clear Lake at Three Rivers. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James (Geneva) Baker of Three Rivers; two sons, Arnold, Vicksburg, Mich., and Dwayne of Fostoria, Ohio; two sisters, Hilda Leitch of Kendallville, and Neva Musselman of Albion; four brothers, Lawrence of Wolcottville, James of Brimfield, Gary of Avilla, and Elda of Albion; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. A daughter, Betty, and a son, Calvin Eugene, preceded her in death. Services were Thursday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ~ 11-7-1989 + 10-31-1989
Leitch Vern Allen, 73, Larwill, died Feb. 22, 2002 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. He was born May 2, 1928 in Noble County to Noah and Edna (Diffendarfer) Leitch. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1946. He was first employed as a home delivery bread route salesman for Nickles Bakery. In the late 1950s he owned and operated Leitch Brothers Shell Service in Albion. He retired from Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne in June 1990. On Aug. 31, 1960 he married Alice Jean Harter. She died Feb. 28, 1987. He was affiliated with the Larwill United Methodist Church. Surviving are 4 daughters, Cheryl (Donald) Shaw of Kendallville, Melinda Leitch of Larwill, Carolyn (Steven) Dirck of Warsaw and Karen Price; 2 sons, Kerry (Bobbi) of Kendallville and John (Janelle) of Larwill; 2 sisters, Marie (Robert) Strater of Kendallville and Vera Applegate of Harlan; a brother, Laurell (Mary Anna) of Churubusco; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. Services Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. ^ 2-24-2002
Leitch William O, 88, was born Dec. 1, 1883 in Noble County to Daniel and Mary (Diffendarfer) Leitch. He married Ida Johnson in 1907. He had been a resident of Green Center since 1922. He died Friday in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Max Horsewood of Auburn. Surviving him are his wife; four daughters, Mrs. Robert Winebrenner of R. 2, Mrs. George Breinfalk and Mrs. Dorwin Frazier, both of R. 3, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Horsewood; two sisters, Mrs. Luella Moree of R. 3, and Mrs. Lillie Bloom of Wolf Lake; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. One daughter, Freida, preceded him in death. Services were July 24 in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Riverview Cemetery. ~ 7-27-1972 + 7-?-1972
Leitch Wilmer G, 75, died March 18, 2003 at his home. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and Merchant Marines. He retired in 1989 as a truck driver for Sunrise Trucking Co. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 246 in Albion and the Noble County Historical Society. He was born in Green Twp, Noble County, April 14, 1927 to Dallas and Mary (Kesling) Leitch. He married Mary Ellen Ohlwine Aug. 6, 1949. Surviving are his wife; his father of Kendallville; a son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Andrea of Pinconning, Mich.; a daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Keith Bissonette of Midland, Mich.; 5 brothers and 4 sisters-in-law, Leo and Josephine of Bay City, Mich., Willard and Effie of Pineville, La., Ray and Barbara of Danville, Iowa, Richard and Nancy of Fort Wayne and Daniel of Ocala, Fla.; 4 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Freida Leach of Garrett, Marcille and Joseph Leatherman of Albion, Joan Houser of Shipshewana and Rosalie and Keith Johnson of Elkhart; 4 granddaughters; and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were a sister, Mary Ellen Leitch; and a brother, James. Memorial services March 29 at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 3-20-2003
Leiter Abraham, 91, of two and a quarter miles northwest of LaOtto, died Wednesday, October 6, following a stroke of paralysis he suffered three weeks ago and complications of old age. The body was taken to the McKee and Clark Funeral Home at Avilla where final rites will be held Friday. Burial, Hooper Cemetery. He was a pioneer resident of the community. He was born July 24, 1857, near Liverpool, Juniata County, Pa.; and with his parents, moved to Noble County in 1865. He and Elmina Christlieb were married in 1881. She died in 1915. He retired from farming in 1922. Surviving are three sons, Clarence of LaOtto, Ward of near Avilla, and John of Fort Wayne; one daughter, Mrs. Bessie Weldrick at home; a sister, Mrs. Ella Skiles; a brother, William, of Avilla; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Burial, King Cemetery. ~ 10-7-1948 + 10-?-1948
Leiter Christian died Saturday. Funeral Monday. ^ 4-3-1891
Leiter Clarence F, 92, retired area farmer, R. 1, LaOtto, died Saturday at Sacred Heart Home. He was a member of the Modern Woodman, Kendallville. He was born in Whitley County June 6, 1883 to Abraham and Elmina (Christlieb) Leiter. He married Pearl Wood April 26, 1906. She survives. Other survivors include six daughters, Mrs. Carrie Russell and June Hadley, both from LaOtto, Helen Thorn, New Haven, Mrs. Mary Peduto, Shelbyville, Mrs. Gladys McNabb, St. Joe, Mich., and Mrs. Dorothy Martin, Kendallville; five sons, Glen, Robert, Cleo and Ray, all from LaOtto, and Glade from Wabash; one sister, Mrs. Bessie Sadler, LaOtto; 31 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Services were Monday at Krider-Bair Funeral Home in Churubusco. Burial, Hooper Cemetery. ~ 1-8-1976 + 1-?-1976
Leiter Cleo C, 86, of Kendallville, died October 21, 2000 at DeKalb Hospital in Auburn. He was born December 21, 1913 in Noble County and had lived in LaOtto. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Cavalry and worked at Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne for 27 years, retiring in 1975. He was also a farmer in Noble and DeKalb counties. He was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Garrett and the New Beginnings Church of God. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Glenn, Glade and Robert; and 2 sisters, Carrie Russell and Helen Thorn. Surviving are his wife, Ethel, of Kendallville; 2 daughters, Rebecca Haaser of South Milford and Susan Svardahl of Elk River, Minn.; a son, Alan J. of Pasadena, Calif.; 4 sisters, Mary Peduto of Shelbyville, Gladys McNabb of Bridgman, Mich., June Hadley of LaOtto and Dorothy Martin of Kendallville; 1 brother, Ray of LaOtto; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Services Thursday at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Burial, Covington Memorial Gardens. ~ 11-2-2000
Leiter Glade Allen, 88, died April 14 in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born Aug. 22, 1909 in Noble County. He had lived in Wabash from 1965 to 1988. He was a farmer and was employed by Dana Corp. He also owned Leiter Tax Service in Wabash and was a member of the World Wide Church of God. Surviving are 2 daughters, Lorna D. Goad of Fort Wayne and Nancy F. Newman of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; 2 brothers, Cleo of DeKalb County and Ray of LaOtto; 4 sisters, Mary Peduto of Shelbyville, June Hadley of Churubusco, Gladys McNabb of Michigan and Dorothy Martin of Kendallville; a grandchild and 2 great-grandchildren. His wife, Ruth, died in 1989. Burial, Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Wabash. ~ 4-23-1998
Leiter Glen H, 88, died Sunday in Kendallville Manor. He retired in 1991 as a self-employed farmer and formerly lived in rural LaOtto. He was a member of Huntertown Masonic Lodge and Royal Arch of Auburn. He was born May 22, 1907 in Swan Twp to Clarence S. and Pearl (Wood) Leiter. He married Laura A. Mallon on Sept. 12, 1934 in Albion. Surviving are his wife in LaOtto; a son, Keith E. of Fort Wayne; 2 daughters, Suzanne Buehrer of Angola, and Linda M. Tyler of LaOtto; 3 brothers, Glade of Fort Wayne, and Cleo "Pete" and Ray of LaOtto; 5 sisters, Carrie Russell and June Hadley of LaOtto, Mary Peduto of Shelbyville, Gladys McNabb of Garrett, and Dorothy Martin of Kendallville; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Burial, Hooper-King Cemetery. ~ 11-23-1995
Leiter John L, 80, died Saturday in Allen County Health Center. He was born April 14, 1894 in rural LaOtto to Abraham and Elmira (Christlieb) Leiter. A resident of Fort Wayne many years, he was a retired employee of Phelps Dodge, Fort Wayne, and a member of Fort Wayne Moose. Survivors include one daughter, Miss Mary Ellen Moody, Butler; two sons, Bert H. Leiter, Santa Ana, Calif., and Robert Moody, Huntington; one sister, Mrs. George Sadler, Avilla; one brother, Clarence, rural LaOtto; and 12 grandchildren. Services Tuesday in McKee Funeral Home. Burial, Hooper Cemetery. + 8-?-1974
Leiter John W, 74, associated with the Metropolitan Insurance Company here and in Fort Wayne for 25 years, died at the Methodist Hospital at Fort Wayne. He was the father of Dr. Arthur Leiter of Columbia City. His wife died last June 30. He was born in Noble County. Surviving besides Dr. Leiter are two sisters, Mrs. Emma Warner of Elkhart and Mrs. Alice Skiles of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Abraham and Will, both of near LaOtto. Services from the funeral home November 3 and burial was at Eel River Cemetery. + 11-?-1939
Leiter Laura A, 88, died May 3 in Betz Nursing Home, Auburn. She was a homemaker and lifetime resident of the LaOtto-Ege area. She was a member of Huntertown United Methodist Church and Churubusco OES. Born in Ege on Aug. 20, 1907, a daughter of Fred and Phoebe (Fulk) Mallon, she married Glen H. Leiter on Sept. 12, 1934. He died Nov. 12, 1995. Surviving are a son, Keith E. of Fort Wayne; 2 daughters, Suzanne E. Buehrer of Angola, and Linda M. Tyler of LaOtto; one brother, James M. of Huntertown; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. One brother, O. Frank; and 2 sisters, Frona Whan and Clara Cook, preceded her in death. Services May 7 in McComb, Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home, Auburn. Burial, Hooper-King Cemetery. ~ 5-9-1996
Leiter Margaruitte, 26, of LaOtto, was killed and her husband, Ray D. Leiter, 24, critically injured, when their car, driven by Mr. Leiter, collided with one driven by Elden B. King, 41, of R. R. 1, Albion. Mr. King died of a fractured neck and a crushed chest. Mrs. Leiter, who died of a skull fracture, was a native of Fort Wayne and a graduate of Central Catholic High School there. She and her husband had resided in LaOtto for the past nine years. Survivors are the husband; a son, Mark Raymond, and a daughter, Roberta Kay, both at home; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Schafer, LaOtto; two brothers, William and Harold Schafer, at home; and a grandmother, Mrs. William Schafer, Fort Wayne. Services this morning in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ege. Burial, Ege Cemetery. ~ 11-24-1955
Leiter Mertie, 78, of northeast of Avilla, died Saturday in McCray Hospital. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. She was born Sept. 3, 1885 in DeKalb County, daughter of Martin and Colonial Smith Brechbill. Feb. 19, 1917 she was married to Ward A. Leiter, who died July 1, 1951. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Calvin Harvey, R. 2, Avilla; a brother, Ray Brechbill, Auburn; a sister, Mrs. Effie Jenner, San Francisco; and two grandchildren. She was a member of the First Methodist Church, Garrett. Funeral Tuesday in McKee Funeral Home, Garrett ~ 9-3-1964
Leiter Pauline A, 68, LaOtto, died Dec. 31 in Parkview Hospital. She was born in DeKalb County March 3, 1917, the daughter of William and Dorothy (Brown) Pepple. She married Robert S. Leiter March 28, 1936. She was a lifetime LaOtto area resident and had owned and operated her own beauty shop for many years. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in LaOtto. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Barry L., Huntington, and Bill of LaOtto; a sister, Ilene Young of Fort Wayne, and two brothers, Merle, Hicksville, Ohio, and Stanley, Bryan, Ohio. Services Friday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, LaOtto. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 1-9-1986 + 1-2-1986
Leiter Pearl Edith, 95, died Aug. 13 in Sacred Heart Home. Born Feb. 12, 1886 in Swan Twp, she was a daughter of Martin J. and Mary (Rhodenbaugh) Wood. She married Clarence Leiter April 26, 1906. He preceded her in death Jan. 3, 1976. Surviving are five daughters, Carrie Russell and June Hadley, LaOtto, Mary Peduto, Shelbyville, Gladys McNabb, Garrett, and Dorothy Martin, Kendallville; five sons, Glen, Robert, Cleo and Ray, LaOtto, and Glade of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Oscar (Marie) Christlieb of Angola; 31 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Services Saturday in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Hooper Cemetery. ~ 8-20-1981 + 8-?-1981
Leiter Robert S, 74, LaOtto, died Monday in McCray Hospital. He was born Jan. 12, 1912 in Noble County, the son of Clarence and Pearl (Wood) Leiter. He married Pauline Pepple March 28, 1936, and they lived most of their lives in the LaOtto area. She died Dec. 31, 1985. He worked for Dana Corporation 27 years and retired in 1974. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of LaOtto, the F&AM Lodge in Huntertown, and the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne. Surviving are two sons, William S., LaOtto, and Barry L. of Huntington; four brothers, Glenn and Ray, LaOtto, Glade of Fort Wayne, and Cleo of Garrett; five sisters, Carrie Russell and Mrs. Vaughn (June) Hadley of LaOtto, Mrs. Lewis (Mary) Peduto, Shelbyville, Mrs. Harold (Gladys) McNabb of Garrett, and Mrs. Ed (Dorothy) Martin of Kendallville. One sister, Helen Thorn, preceded him in death. Services today in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, LaOtto. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 8-14-1986 + 8-11-1986
Leiter Sarah, 78, resident near LaOtto, died Monday at Sacred Heart Hospital in Garrett where she had been taken Friday. She was born October 10, 1864 in Allen County to Anthony and Anna Gresch Kugler. Surviving her are the husband William Leiter; and six brothers, Joseph, Isador and Anthony, LaOtto, Samuel of Churubusco, John and George of Avilla. Services Wednesday in LaOtto Wesleyan Methodist Church. Burial, Huntertown Cemetery. + 8-?-1943
Leiter Ward, 65, died at his home in Richland Twp, following an illness of five years. A native of Noble County, he had resided on his farm in Richland Twp for the past 39 years. Surviving are the wife, Mertie; a daughter, Mrs. Maxine Harvey, Keyser Twp; two brothers, Clarence of LaOtto and John of Fort Wayne; and one sister, Mrs. Bessie Weldrick of LaOtto. Services Tuesday at the Union Church. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. ~ 7-5-1951

Noble Notes: He who laughs last didn't get it.