Noble County Indiana Library - Whan Collection
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Obituaries - Wia
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Wiant Grace, 74, died August 14 in the Sacred Heart Hospital in Garrett. She was born in DeKalb County to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Wiant. While she was a small child the family moved to their home near Swan, where she was living when she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in July 1945. She was a former school teacher, having taught in the LaOtto, Cromwell and Auburn Schools. She retired from the Auburn schools in 1918 and returned to the family home. The only survivors are a sister-in-law, Mrs. Della Wiant, of Garrett, two nieces, two nephews and several cousins. Services August 17 in the Zimmerman Funeral Home in Garrett. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 8-23-1951
Wiard Amelia, 87, died Tuesday in Sacred Heart Home, Avilla. Services Thursday in Carney Funeral Home, LaGrange. Burial, Greenwood Cemetery. + 1-?-1978
Wiard Harriet E, 98, of Fort Wayne, died Sept. 22, 2010 at Hamilton House in Fort Wayne. She was born in Charlevoix, Mich. on Aug. 31, 1912, to Charles and Amelia (Schaffer) Cork. On Oct. 12, 1934 she married Donald D. Wiard. She had been employed at the Valspar Paint Company in Fort Wayne for over 30 years, retiring from there in 1977. She attended the Eel River Baptist Church. Her husband preceded her in death on September 5, 1997. Surviving are a daughter, Phyllis Arvola of Arcola; two sons Robert C. (Joy) Wiard of Churubusco and Richard Wiard of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Betty L. Waltenburg on May 1, 2009. Also deceased are four brothers, five sisters, a half-sister, and one grandchild. Funeral Sept. 27 at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home. Burial, Salem Cemetery, north of Ligonier. ^ 9-23-2010
Wiard Harry, 78, died Monday at his home near here. Survivors include his wife, Amelia, two sons, including Alvin of Avilla, two daughters, 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a brother. Services Wednesday at the Carney Funeral Home in LaGrange. Burial, Greenwood Cemetery, LaGrange. ~ 2-13-1964
Wible B Eugenia, about 71, wife of Morton E. Wible, trustee of Wayne Twp, died of cerebral hemorrhage Sept. 26, 1957 in her home just northeast of Kendallville. She was a lifelong resident of Wayne Twp and a member of Wayne Center Methodist Church. Surviving are the husband; 2 daughters, Mrs. Helen A. Rynearson and Mrs. Ferne E. Cochard of Kendallville; a son, Harold A. of Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Charles L. Longyear of Kendallville; and a sister, Mrs. Angeline Merkling of Kendallville. Funeral Saturday in A. J. Berhalter Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-?-1957
Wible Bessie, 81, lifetime resident of Noble County, died Saturday in Murphy Medical Center. Funeral will be Tuesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. She was born in Albion April 7, 1888, the daughter of Hubert and Martha (Black) Stout. On Oct. 2, 1906 she married Roy E. Wible in Albion. He died Dec. 22, 1958. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Ben (Martha) Courtney, 505 Mathews St.; 2 grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Mrs. Daisy Schwab and Mrs. Francis Young, Albion. One son and 3 sisters preceded her in death. + 10-?-1969
Wible Cyrus, 56, Allen Twp farmer who resided 2 miles southwest of Lisbon, died Tuesday from pernicious anemia. He was famous as an onion and potato raiser, his methods being largely followed by successful producers elsewhere. He is survived by his mother, his wife and 2 sons. Funeral Thursday at Mt. Pleasant Church. ^ 2-3-1909
Wible Dale L, 92, of Kendallville, former owner of Wible Lumber in South Milford, died Tuesday in Kendallville Manor Healthcare Center. He was born January 12, 1906 in Kendallville to Frank and Minnie (Longyear) Wible. On January 21, 1932 in Fort Wayne he married Margaret J. Wagner. She died October 1, 1985. He was a lifetime Kendallville resident, a member of Faith United Methodist Church, life member of Elks Club and past member of Kendallville Lions Club. Surviving are 2 sons, Wayne A. of Kendallville, and Roger D. of Lewiston, N.Y.; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Phyllis Basta in 1975; and a sister, Eleanor Wilhelm. Services Friday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 8-4-1998
Wible David, 85, of Kendallville, died Jan. 18, 2006 at his home. He and his wife owned and operated Wible's Dept. Store in Wolcottville 1948-1977. He then worked 7 years as a payload operator for LaGrange County Highway Dept. In the late 1930s he joined the Whitson Brothers Acrobatic Troupe of Kendallville. He was a 1941 graduate of Kendallville High School and served in the U.S. Air Force 1942-1946. He was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist and American Legion in Kendallville, Meridian Sun F&AM Lodge 76 of LaGrange, Scottish Rite and Mizpah Shrine of Fort Wayne and Wolcottville Lions Club. He was born near Blackman Lake on Sept. 22, 1920 to Arthur David and Florence Eliza (Holly) Wible. He married Gene Marie Boszor on Feb. 26, 1944. Surviving are his wife; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Betty Shookman of Indianapolis and Kathleen and Richard DeCamp of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by a brother, John who died in WW II on Feb. 10, 1944. Services Saturday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 1-19-2006
Wible Elmer Everett, 66, lifelong resident of Wayne Twp and Kendallville, died Aug. 23 in a rest home at Mongo from a heart ailment. He was a former farmer in that area and was employed by Steckley Mill & Hatchery. He had been spending the winters in Fla. Surviving are a son, Everett, Wichita, Kansas; a daughter, Mrs. Walter Spangler, formerly of Venezuela and now en route with her family to Italy; 4 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Will and Frank of Kendallville, and Morton, trustee of Wayne Twp; and a sister, Mrs. Ida Thomas of near Lisbon. Funeral today in A. J. Berhalter Funeral Home. + 8-?-1955
Wible Everest E died July 9. He was born November 17, 1917 in South Milford to Elmer and Zelma (Taylor) Wible. He was a graduate of Kendallville High School and Indiana University. He received a bronze star in the Army Corps of Engineers. He married Gladys L. Hocker on March 30, 1945. She died November 14, 1987. He worked as a geologist in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma and was responsible for oil production from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Louisiana to as far as Canada. Surviving are 2 sons, Tom and Jerry; a sister, Estelle Spangler; and 6 grandchildren. Funeral Friday at Grace United Methodist Church, Okalahoma City. + 7-12-1990
Wible Florence E, 102, died February 28, 2000 at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She was born July 19, 1897 in South Milford to John B. and Carrie (Wert) Holley. On November 25, 1919 in Stroh she married Arthur D. Wible. He died January 5, 1978. She taught school for one year at Stroh and was a homemaker. She was a member of the South Milford Church of Christ and played piano for the church for many years. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, David and Gene Wible of Kendallville; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Miles Shookman of Indianapolis, and Kathleen and Richard Decamp of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren, Janet Simmermon, Thomas and Joseph Decamp and Holly Maranto; 7 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Cookerly of Huntington Beach, Calif. She was preceded in death by a son, John in 1944; a brother Leo Holly; and a grandson, Kent Shookman. Services Friday at South Milford Church of Christ. Burial South Milford Cemetery. + 2-28-2000
Wible Gertrude, about 68, died Nov. 14, 1943 at her home in Kendallville. The wife of William S. Wible, she had resided in her home community since she was 8 years old. Funeral Tuesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 11-?-1943
Wible Gladys, 69, Oklahoma City, Okla., died Saturday. Surviving are her husband, Everest, a Kendallville native; 2 sons, Dr. Jerry of Springfield, Mo., and Thomas of Oklahoma City; a sister, Stella Spangler of Tyler, Texas; and 3 grandchildren. Services Tuesday in Hahn-Cook Funeral Home, Oklahoma City. + 11-14-1987
Wible Harry J, 74, died Sunday at Kosciusko Community Hospital. The son of James and Frances (Wherley) Wible, he had lived most of his life in the Wolcottville area before moving to North Manchester where he owned and operated Wible’s Shoe Store, now operated by his son. He was a 1929 graduate of South Milford High School, the last graduating class at South Milford. Since retirement, he and his wife, Bea, spent winters in Bradenton, Fla., and summers at North Webster. Surviving are his wife; a daughter; a son; and 3 grandchildren. Services today at Bender Funeral Home, North Manchester. + 8-23-1985
Wible John died Nov. 7 from Bright’s disease. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio Feb. 5, 1824, aged 67 years 9 months and 2 days. He married Lucinda S. Varner of Ashland County, O., a native of Westmoreland County, Pa. on Feb. 8, 1849. He came to Noble County Nov. 11, 1851 and settled in Swan that winter. In the spring he moved one mile west of Lisbon. He joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Mt. Pleasant in 1879. They had 2 sons and 2 daughters. The oldest son, William N., died in Ohio at the age of 16 months. The widow and 3 children survive, Cyrus L., Mrs. Linda S. Myers and Mrs. Tilley S. Halferty, all who lived near the old home where they parents settled in Oct. 1852. Over half of his life was spent on the farm that he died on, a little over 2 miles southwest of Kendallville. ^ 11-17-1891
Wible Lucinda of Allen Twp, widow of John Wible, died Monday. She was 86 last January. She, together with her husband, were pioneers of Allen Twp. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Tillie Halferty of Anderson and Mrs. Peter Myers of this city. One brother, Jerry Varner, of this city also survives. Funeral Wednesday at Mt. Pleasant Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. ^ 5-24-1909
Wible Margaret J, 75, of 531 N. Riley St., Kendallville, died Tuesday in McCray Hospital. Born in Sturgis, Mich., Dec. 19, 1909, she was the daughter of Roy C. and Julia (Neuman) Wagner. On Jan. 12, 1932 in Fort Wayne she married Dale L. Wible. She moved to Kendallville from Sturgis 53 years ago. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and several bridge clubs. Surviving are her husband; 2 sons, Wayne A., R. 1, Kendallville, and Roger D. of Lewiston, N.Y.; a brother, Walter of Colon, Mich.; 7 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A daughter, Phyllis Basta, died in 1975; and a brother, Ralph preceded her in death. Services Saturday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-1-1985
Wible Morton (Oliver P), 87, R. 3, died in McCray Hospital. He was born June 28, 1884 on R. 3 to David and Mary (Strater) Wible and was married Jan. 21, 1909 to B. Eugenia Longyear. She died Sept. 26, 1957. He was a retired farmer. He was a member of Wayne Center United Methodist Church, Noble County Farm Bureau, Noble County Cancer Society and an 8-year Wayne Twp trustee. He is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Helen A. Rynearson and Mrs. Ferne E. Cochard of Kendallville; one son, Harold, Kendallville; a sister, Mrs. Ida Thomas, 117 E. High St.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral Wednesday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-?-1971
Wible Pearl, 319 Silver St., died Sunday in the Sacred Heart Home, Avilla. A lifetime resident of Kendallville, she was born in Kendallville to Joseph and Laura (Crofoot) Rosenbury. Her husband, Frank, preceded her in death. Survivors include a stepson, Dale Wible, Kendallville, and 2 nephews. Funeral Tuesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-?-1972
Wible Robert Owen, 621 Mott St., a native of Albion, died of a stroke today (d. 2-13-1967) at McCray Hospital. Born Jan. 19, 1911 in Albion, he was the son of Roy and Bessie Stout Wible. On Dec. 5, 1931 he married Virginia Merkling in Kendallville. A resident of Kendallville for 46 years, he was the owner and operator of Wible’s Service Co. at 110 E. Williams St. He was a member of the First Methodist Church, one of the first ham radio operators in this area, and active in archery and hunting clubs. Survivors include the wife; one son, Kirk, Valparaiso; one sister, Mrs. Ben (Martha) Courtney, 418 Garden St.; and his mother, 424 Pleasant St. Services Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-?-1967
Wible Roy Everett was born Aug. 23, 1885 and died Dec. 22, 1958. Services from Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home Dec. 24, 1958. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 12-?-1958
Wible Virginia Irene "Pinkie", 91, of Fort Wayne, died July 25, 2002 in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was a bookkeeper and in parts inventory control at the Allison Corp. in Kendallville for 28 years. She taught Sunday School for 25 years at Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville and served as secretary on the Kendallville Planning Commission 15 years. She was born June 5, 1911 in Kendallville to Harold and Agnes (Hanes) Merkling. She graduated from Kendallville High School in 1929. She married Robert Owen Wible on Dec. 5, 1936 in Kendallville. He died Feb. 15, 1967. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Kirk and Adrienne Wible of Huntley, Ill. Graveside services Saturday at Lake View Cemetery. ^ 7-28-2002
Wible Wayne A, 61, died Aug. 15, 2001 at home from cancer. He was the president of Wible Lumber, Inc., South Milford. A 1958 graduate of Kendallville High School, he was a 1959 graduate of the National Hardwood Inspection School in Memphis, Tenn. He was a member of Kendallville Elks, Mizpah Shrine and Masonic Lodge 170, Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville and Lahaina Yacht Club, Maui, Hawaii. He was born July 12, 1940 in Kendallville to Dale and Margaret (Wagner) Wible. On Sept. 22, 1961 in Kendallville he married Martha Gunsaullus. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Jennifer Wible of Wolcottville and David and Lori Wible of Kendallville; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and Dennis Nowels of Kendallville and Amanda and Brent Fitch of Birmingham, Mich.; a brother, Roger of Lewiston, N.Y.; and 10 grandchildren, Nathan, Nolan, Korynn and Kamryn Wible, Amanda, Cassandra and Alexandria Nowels and Natalie, Margaret and Genevieve Fitch. A sister, Phyllis Basta, preceded him in death in 1975. Services Sunday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. ^ 8-17-2001
Wichmann Dorothy E, 77, R. 2, Wolcottville, died Sunday in LaGrange Hospital. She was born Sept. 15, 1909 in Fort Wayne to Albert and Edna (Whitmore) Leiberenz. She married Arthur Wichmann on Nov. 27, 1928. She had lived in Wolcottville for the past 12 years. She and her husband were the owners of the Wichmann Florist Shop in Defiance, Ohio for several years. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Wolcottville. Surviving are her husband; 3 sons, Norman of Defiance, Richard of Fruitvail, Col., and Donald of North Hollywood, Calif.; one daughter, Luella of Wolcottville; one sister, Luella Krill of Columbia City; and one brother, Joe of Wolf Lake; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. One sister and 2 brothers preceded her in death. Services Wednesday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. + 12-28-1986
Wicker Aven "Al", 71, of Kendallville, died Tuesday in the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born in Mousie, Ky., January 31, 1928 to Lace and Minnie (Chaffins) Wicker. On January 7, 1956 in Mousie he married Edna Hunter. He retired in 1990 from StarCraft in Topeka after 21 years. He was a 17-year veteran, having served in both the U. S. Army and the Marine Corps, a veteran of WW II. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons, Billy G. of Edgerton, Ohio, and Roger of Kendallville; a sister, Grace Wicker of Albion; and a granddaughter, Lacey Wicker. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Tom A, Edgel, Virgil, Franklin and Carlton; and 2 sisters, Ocie Collins and Audrey Triplett. Funeral Friday in Little Flossie Church, Lisbon. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 4-27-1999
Wicker Carlton, 70, of Kendallville died November 7, 1996 in his residence. He was born in Mousie, Ky., July 28, 1926 to Lace and Minnie (Chaffins) Wicker. On May 5, 1951 in Munich, Germany, he married Wilhelmine "Minnie" Zimmer. He moved to this area in 1966. He had served in the U.S. Army for 20 years and in the U.S. Navy for one year, retiring in 1966. He also served during WW II. He worked for Hymatic Mfg. for 17 years. He was a member of Little Flossie Old Regular Baptist Church, Lisbon, and Kendallville VFW Post 2749. Surviving are his wife; 3 daughters, Mrs. Kim (Shirley) Miller of Rome City, Rita Spidel of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Scott (Minnie) Webb of Huntertown; a son, Franklin of Kendallville; 2 sisters, Audrey Triplett and Grace Wicker; a brother, Allen; and 8 grandchildren, Tim and Brandon Spidel, Jaime Owens, Ty and Taylor Miller, Crysta and Frankie Wicker and Bryan Webb. Four brothers, Frank, Virgil, Edgel and Tom A., and a sister, Ocie Collins, preceded him in death. Funeral Saturday in Little Flossie Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 11-7-1996
Wicker Edna, 75, of Kendallville, died June 12, 2009 in her residence. She had worked at Lyall Electric for 11 years and was a member of Little Flossie Church in Lisbon. She was born Sept. 4, 1933 in Garrett, Ky. to Simon and Alice (Moore) Hunter. On Jan. 7, 1956 she marriedAven Wicker. He died Apr. 27, 1999. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Sherie Wicker of Kendallville; a stepson; a granddaughter, Lacey and Robert Sills; 3 grandsons, Lane Wolfe, Nathan and Reese Fulk; 3 great-grandchildren, Daniel, Lucas and Collin Sills; 2 brothers, Paul Hunter of Prestonsburg, Ky., and Delbert Hunter of Auburn; 2 sisters, Ruby Wicker of Kendallville and Dorothy Wicker of Lima, Ohio. She was preceded in death by a brother, Chester Hunter; and 3 sisters, Reba Hays, Shirley Smith and Audrey Triplett. Funeral Monday in Little Flossie Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 6-14-2009
Wicker Ellen, 80, of Kendallville, died May 13, 1993 in the cardiac care unit of McCray Hospital. She was born in Elm Rock, Knott County, Ky., on March 11, 1913 to Bryce and Rachael (Combs) Green. On May 2, 1940 in Knott County she married Virgil Wicker. He died April 18, 1989. She moved to Kendallville in 1952 from Mousie, Ky. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Michael (Dani) Reed of Sylvan Lake, and Mrs. Billy (Racine) Smith of Kendallville; 3 sons, Virgil G. Wicker of Albion, Morton D. Wicker of Ligonier, and Bueford Coburn of Garrett, Ky.; 2 sisters, Maggie Green of Edgerton, Ohio, and Louelza Green of Cleveland, Ohio; 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. A brother, Jim, and 2 sisters, Sara Terry and Eva Hammans, preceded her in death. Funeral Saturday in Little Flossie Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 5-11-1993
Wicker Flossie, 54, of Kendallville, died Sunday in the Cleveland Clinic. Funeral was this afternoon in the Wicker residence on E. Diamond St. Born January 1, 1912, she was the daughter of Ballard and Ora Hicks. On March 15, 1926, she was married to John Wicker. Survivors are her husband; two daughters, including Mrs. Marion Scheurich of Avilla; six sons; three brothers; three sisters and 19 grandchildren. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ~ 12-15-1966 + 12-?-1966
Wicker Frank, 56, Kendallville, died Thursday in Wabash City Hospital’s emergency room from a massive heart attack. He was born in New Jersey April 24, 1932, the son of Bee and Magdalena (Eichenger) Wicker. He married Minnie P. Yates Oct. 9, 1953 in Hindman, Ky. He moved from Kendallville to Wabash one year ago. He was a former Newnam Foundry employee. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Lena Huelsenbeck, Avilla; two sons, Rick, Angola, and Ken, Rome City; two sisters, Beatrice Shehan of Delaware, and Jean Hess of New Jersey; two brothers, Donald of Denver Colo., and Paul of New Jersey; and four grandchildren. One son, a daughter, and a sister preceded him in death. Services Sunday in the Old Regular Baptist Church in Lisbon. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ~ 5-10-1988 + 5-5-1988
Wicker Jimmy, 35, S. Main St., Kendallville, died from injuries sustained Saturday after being hit by a truck on St. Main St. He was a Viet Nam Conflict veteran and had lived in Kendallville about one year. He was born Aug. 16, 1948 in Mousie, Ky., the son of Luther and Shirley (Hunt) Wicker. He married Kathleen K. Peternik Oct. 25, 1981 in Chesapeake, Va. Surviving are his wife; his father in Lima, Ohio; his mother, Shirley Smith, Newport, Va.; two daughters, Stephanie Ann and Stacy Lynne, and two sons, Jimmy and Joshua Edward, all at home; two brothers, Ishmel and Gregory, both Kendallville; and two sisters, Barbara Mullins, Yorktown, Va., and Linda Wicker of Buckrore Beach, Va. Services Monday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. ~ 4-5-1984 + 3-31-1984
Wicker John, 93, of Mousie, died Sunday, July 21, after a long illness. Born March 3, 1898, he was a son of Jessie and Nancy Triplett Wicker. He was a retired coal miner and a member of the Regular Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Flossie Wicker. He is survived by six sons, Lee of Hampton VA, Randolph of Clarksville IN, Clyde of Winter Garden FL, Robert of Kendallville IN, Phillip of Topmost and Bobby Glen of Washington DC; 2 daughters, Nellie Conley of Utica OH and Ruby Scheurich of Avilla IN; 2 sisters, Minda Steele of Mousie and Martha Martin of Hindman; 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral July 24 at the Little Flossie Regular Baptist Church in Lisbon IN. Burial will be in Orange Cemetery. Local (Kentucky) arrangements were under the direction of the Hindman Funeral Services Inc. * 1991
Wicker Leo, 66, died May 12, 1995 in the VA Hospital in Hampton, Va. He was born in Knott County, Ky. on April 3, 1929 to John and Flossie (Hicks) Wicker. He retired in 1969 as a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1986 as a mechanic for Newport News Shipyards. He was a member of the Regular Baptist Church. Surviving are 3 daughters, Maryann Smith of Hendersonville, NC, Jan Gochenauer of Downers Grove, Ill., and Wendy Craven of Chicago, Ill.; 2 sisters, Nellie Conley of Utica, Oh., and Ruby Scheurich of Avilla; 5 brothers, Clyde of Somerset, Ky., Randolph of New Albany, Phillip of Topmost, Ky., Bobby Glenn of Washington D.C. and Robert of Cottonwood, Ariz.; and 8 grandchildren. Funeral Saturday in Little Flossie Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 5-1-1995
Wicker Morton Denzil, 58, died March 16, 2002 at home. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of West Noble American Legion Post 243, Ligonier. He was born March 14, 1944 in Mousie, Ky., to Virgil and Ellen (Green) Wicker. He married Mary Ann Routson. Surviving are his wife in Ligonier; 6 daughters and 4 sons-in-law, Rose and Ron Short and Candace Garton of Ligonier, Tonya Snoden and Cynthia and Dave McClelland of Kimmell, Donna and Abed Shah of N.C., and Teresa and Tony Bush of LaSalle, Ill.; 3 sons and a daughter-in-law, Morty and Vivian of Ligonier, Jerry of Mousie and Cornell of N.C.; a brother, Virgil "Bud" of Kendallville; 2 sisters, Racine Smith of Albion and Dani Reed of Elkhart; 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A brother, Buford Coburn, preceded him in death. Services Monday at Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 3-17-2002
Wicker Rick, 55, of Fort Wayne, died March 27, 2010 in Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. He was a truck driver for Cripes Mobile Home Transport in Laketon. He was born July 13, 1954 in Garrett to Frank and Minnie (Yates) Wicker. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Shane Hug of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren, Kelsey, Kara and Kalob Lilly and Chloe Hug; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Lena and Tim Huelsenbeck of Avilla and Pam and Tim Nancy of Laketon; 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Ken Wicker of Fla., and James and Tammy Griffey of North Manchester. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dennis, and a sister, Sandra Wicker. Funeral March 30, 2010 in Little Flossie Church, Lisbon. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 3-29-2010
Wicker Talton DeWayne, 18, died July 15, 2005 in Lexington, Ky. He was born Aug. 22, 1986 in Goshen to Talton Morty and Vivian D. (Leslie) Wicker. He was a member of New Creations Christian Baptist Church. Surviving are his parents; a sister, Trina; grandmothers, Margaret Leslie and Violet Short of Ligonier. His grandfathers, Lloyd Leslie and Morton Wicker, preceded him in death. Services Thursday at Shiloh Baptist Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 7-18-2005
Wicker Virgil, 71, of Kendallville, died Tuesday in McCray Hospital. He was born in Knott County, Ky., Sept. 9, 1917, the son of Lace and Minnie (Chaffins) Wicker. On May 2, 1940 in Ky., he married Ellen Green. He moved to Kendallville from Kentucky in 1952. He was a coal miner for 11 years and retired from Newnam Foundry in Kendallville in 1977. He has been a minister at Little Flossie Church in Lisbon since 1958. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Mrs. Gil (Dani) Black and Mrs. Billy (Racine) Smith of Kendallville; 3 sons, Buford Coburn of Garrett, Ky., Virgil G. of Albion and Morton D. of Ligonier; 3 sisters, Ocie Collins of Lackey, Ky., Audrey Tripplett of Ray, Ohio, and Gracie Wicker of Albion; 2 brothers, Carlton and Aven of Kendallville; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Four brothers preceded him in death. Services Saturday in Little Flossie Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 4-18-1989
Widdifield Ralph of Columbia City died Sunday at his home in Columbia City. He was a retired business man and a summer resident of Natti Crow Beach, Lake Wawasee many years. Surviving are his widow; a stepdaughter and 2 grandchildren. + 4-?-1965
Widney H M, apple orchard owner of St. Joe, died Oct. 22 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was operated on for gallstones Sept. 30. A son of O. H. and Emily Widney, he was born in this county March 24, 1866. For a time he was in the lumber business in Auburn and later in Albion. He was also in the lumber and hardware business in St. Joe but late took up farming and fruit growing. He built up a fine apple orchard a mile north and east of St. Joe, and his ability as a fruit raiser brought about his appointment as a lecturer at Purdue University, a position he held for several years. Surviving are the widow, Harriette (Davis); and a son B. V., agricultural agent of Whitley County; a sister Mrs. Lenora Kagey. A daughter is dead. He was a member of the Methodist Church, the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. + 10-?-1927
Widup Minerva was born Jan. 18, 1854 near Defiance, Ohio to William Henry and Mary Ferguson Meek and at her death was aged 69 years, 2 months and 28 days. At the age of 10 she and her parents moved to Pleasant Lake, Ind., and at the age of sixteen her parents had both died. She was married Jan. 12, 1875 to Henry C. Widup, for several years a practicing dentist of this city. He died in Aug. 1908. They had 2 children, both of whom are teachers in the local school, Mrs. Pearl Grant, wife of Dr. E.L. Grant of this city, and Mrs. Maude Grant, wife of attorney Otto E. Grant of Albion. There are 4 grandchildren, Lowell and Walter Grant of this city, and Mary and Otto E. Grant Jr. of Albion; and a sister Mrs. Della Jones of Ann Arbor, Mich. Two brothers preceded her in death. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and OES. Funeral Wednesday from the home of Dr. E. L. Grant. Burial, Masonic Cemetery. + 1923
Wiechart Louella M, 51, Garrett, died last Sunday in DeKalb Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Garrett, born March 26, 1937 in DeKalb County to the late Walter and Mae (Sweezy) Custer. She married Alan Wiechart Sept. 26, 1964 in Garrett. Surviving are her husband; three sons, Kenneth Cousino and Alan Wiechart, Garrett, and Dennis Cousino of Avilla; three daughters, Diane Jordan, Mary Anne Gonser and Catherine Sloan, Garrett; three sisters, Arminda Payton, Margaret West, and Vivian Gillespie, Garrett; and 14 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Junior and Greg. She was a member of Soul’s Harbor Assemblies of God Church in Auburn. Services Wednesday at the McKee-Miles Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 6-14-1988
Wiedelman Carl H, 84, R. 4, Albion, died Sept. 4, 1987 at Whitley County Hospital. He was born in Fort Wayne and moved to this area in 1968. On Nov. 6, 1926 he married Agnes Bonnie Miller. In 1965 he retired from International Harvester. He was a member of Local 57, Summit City Lodge F&AM and was a 32nd degree Mason. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughter; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister. Funeral Tuesday at Hollingsworth Memorial Chapel, Columbia City. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. + 9-4-1987
Wiedeman Herman F, 70, of 804 E. Diamond St., died Sunday at his residence. He was born in Fort Wayne July 20, 1914, the son of Fred and Ann (Singer) Wiedemann. On July 8, 1939 in Fort Wayne he married Muriel Chalmers. He moved to Kendallville from Fort Wayne 38 years ago and retired as president of Kendallville Foundry Division of Flint & Walling Mfg. in 1978. He had been with the company since Jan. 1943. A WW II Navy veteran, he was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, Sol D. Bayless Lodge No. 359, F&AM, Scottish Rite, Mizpah Temple in Fort Wayne and was a volunteer at McCray Hospital. Surviving are his wife; a son, Rick of West Lafayette; his stepmother, Ethel Wiedemann of New Haven; a sister, Linda A. Brown of Fort Wayne; and 2 grandsons, Brad and Mark Wiedeman of West Lafayette. One sister preceded him in death. Services Thursday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-10-1985
Wiedenhoeft August E, 88, died May 21, 2007 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born in Kalona, Iowa on May 1, 1919 to August A. and Elizabeth (Schmalzried) Wiedenhoeft. He married Dona Jean Mowry on June 13, 1944 in Columbia, S.C. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. He owned and operated W&W Auto Sales in Kendallville, and was a member of the Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge 1301 and VFW Post 2749, all of Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; a son, David of Carlsbad, N.M.; and a sister, Venice Endsley of Huntington. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy; and 4 brothers, Harold, Arthur, Victor and Virgil. Services Friday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 5-22-2007
Wiedenhoeft Dona Jean, 89, died Sept. 11, 2007 at Shepherd of the Hill nursing home in Kendallville. She taught high school English early in her life. She was born Dec. 7, 1917 in Warsaw to George and Thelma (Frankford) Mowry. She married August E. Wiedenhoeft on June 13, 1944 in Columbia, S.C. He died May 21, 2007. Surviving are a son, David of Carlsbad, N.M. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jill, and a sister, Marilyn. Graveside services Friday at Lake View Cemetery. ^ 9-12-2007
Wiedenhoeft Nancy J, 49, of Kendallville, died June 28, 2005 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She worked at Foundations in Albion. She was born March 10, 1956 in Wabash to August and Dona (Mowry) Wiedenhoeft. Surviving are her parents and a brother, David, of Carlsbad, N.M. Graveside services Thursday at Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-29-2005
Wiedman Raymond Lee, 66, of Kendallville died Friday in Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. He was born June 15, 1932 in Kendallville to Theodore A. and Jessie May (Bell) Wiedman. A lifetime Kendallville area resident, he was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Surviving are a brother, Marion G. of Kendallville; and a sister, Thelma of Fort Wayne. Graveside services Wednesday in Orange Cemetery. + 10-23-1998
Wiedman Thelma May, 65, formerly of Rome City, died October 29, 2000 in Byron Health Center, Fort Wayne. She was born in Noble County February 5, 1935 to Theodore A. and Jessie May (Bell) Wiedman. As a teen, she worked at Kendallville Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Surviving is one brother, Marion Gene Wiedman of Kendallville; 3 cousins, John Edwards of Avilla, Mary Hirschmann of Fort Wayne, and Vada Shepherd of Kendallville. Preceding her in death were 2 brothers, Raymond L. in 1998 and Theodore A. in 1983. Graveside service Wednesday at Orange Cemetery. ~ 11-2-2000
Wiedman Theodore A, 52, of R. 3, Kendallville, died Saturday at McCray Hospital of an apparent heart attack. He was born June 26, 1930 in Kendallville, the son of Theodore A. G. and Jessie (Belle) Wiedman. He had moved here from Rome City in 1976 and was an employee of No Sag Spring Inc., a member of Kendallville Church of Christ and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He is survived by a sister, Thelma May of Logansport; and brothers, Raymond and Marion, both of rural Kendallville. Graveside services Tuesday at the Orange Cemetery. + 1-8-1983
Wies Neoma "Dolly", 72, of Fort Wayne, died April 19, 2004 at her home. She was a native of Kendallville and was a 4-H horse and pony club leader for 33 years. Surviving are her husband, Donald; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Gary Warner of Fort Wayne; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Jr. and Judi of Avilla, and Rick and Cathy of Big Arm, Mont.; 6 grandchildren, Kyle, Jason, Darcy, Cody, Adam and Heath; and one great-grandchild, Baily. Services Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home. Burial, Highland Park Cemetery. ^ 4-21-2004
Wietfeldt Clarence, 56, Fort Wayne, brother of Mrs. John Fischer, Avilla, died Friday in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Fort Wayne. Also surviving are another sister, Miss Adele Wietfeldt, Fort Wayne, and a number of nieces and nephews. Services Monday in Wellman’s Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, with burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. 6-7-1962
Wietfeldt Louise, 80, died Monday at her home, 1307 Stophlet St. She was a native of New Haven and a lifelong resident of Allen County. Surviving are four children, Mrs. John Fischer, Avilla, Mrs. Walter Miller, Fort Wayne, and Clarence and Miss Adele Wietfeldt, both at home; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five sisters, Mrs. William Fuelling, Decatur, Mrs. Christ Geoglein and Mrs. Martin Vonderau, both of the Goeglein community, Mrs. Louis Wietfeldt and Mrs. August Hartman, both of Fort Wayne. ~ 7-31-1947
Wigginton Doris L, 79, of Kendallville, died Dec. 25, 2001 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She retired from Uniform Printing in 1982 after 25 years of service and was a McCray Hospital volunteer for 18 years. She was born March 1, 1922 in Auburn to Dora E. and Laura J. (Whitcomb) Frain. On Jan. 13, 1972 in Kendallville she married James A. Wigginton. He died April 19, 1984. Surviving are 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Suzanne and Gilbert Hamman and Barbara and Kerry Leitch of Kendallville and Paula Kay and Thomas Riehm of New Haven; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Services Saturday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 12-27-2001
Wigginton Gwen F, 53, Terrace Hills, died Friday in St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born to Eimial and Elizabeth (Heintz) Jebsen on July 25, 1918 in Blue Island, Ill. She married James Wigginton on Feb. 14, 1939. She was employed as a nurse’s aid to Dr. Carl Stallman and was a member of the First Christian Church. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Joan at home; a son, Stephen, Shipshewana; 2 brothers, Fred, Alexandria, W. Va., and Peter, Cherokee, Ala.; and 3 grandchildren. Funeral Monday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1972
Wigginton James A "Jim", 65, of R. 3, Kendallville, founder of Jim’s Pizza in Kendallville, died Thursday at his residence. He was born Aug. 27, 1918 in Blue Island, Ill., the son of Arthur and Mamie (Wilkins) Wigginton. On Jan. 13, 1974 in Kendallville he married Doris Lucille Frain. He sold Jim’s Pizza in 1969, worked 5 years for J. O. Mory Stores in South Milford; and retired Sept. 1982 from King-Seeley. An Army veteran of WW II, he was a member of the Kendallville VFW Post. He had lived in the area 20 years. Surviving with his wife are a daughter, Joan Chase of Willard, Ohio; a son, Steven of Chandler, Ariz.; 3 stepdaughters, Suzanne Hamman of Kendallville, Paul Riehm of New Haven, and Barbara Leitch of Avilla; a sister, Margaret Moore, Flora, Ill.; 3 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services Monday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 4-19-1984
Wight Charles Calmer, 53, died Monday at his home south of Kimmell. Surviving are his wife, an aged mother in Baltimore, a brother and 2 sisters. Funeral Wednesday at the home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. * 1933
Wigton W H, Ligonier attorney, died at Goshen Hospital Feb. 17. He was a former mayor of Ligonier for 2 terms and was director of the American State Bank and the Farmers Elevator Co. In 1912 he married Lena Sack, to which union 3 children were born - Wilena, now Mrs. John Hurst, Emily, now Mrs. John Wellington, and Robert. His wife died in 1931, and in 1933 he married Mrs. Blanche Latta who survives with 3 children, five grandchildren and 2 sisters. Funeral Monday at the Presbyterian Church. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + No date Ligonier Leader 2-22-1940
Wilber Peggy S, 65, died June 22, 2007 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born Sept. 6, 1941 in Noble County to W. Franklin and Nina M. (Weaver) Growcock. She married James L. Wilber on Dec. 17, 1966. She had worked at Superior Sample in Fort Wayne. Surviving are her husband in Fort Wayne; 2 children, Mike Wilber of LaOtto and Michele Wilber of Fort Wayne; 3 grandchildren, Brittany, Brooke and Bailey; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Karen and James and Kathy Growcock of Wolcottville; 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Mary Jo Gard of Fremont, Nancy and Harold Fulford of Wawaka and Beverly and Raymond Groves of Albion; and one sister-in-law, Linda Growcock of Albion. She was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Shirley Rink, Donna Growcock and Jean Huth; and one brother, Pete Growcock. Services Monday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Avilla. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ^ 6-23-2007
Wilbourn Minerva, born Feb. 25, 1855 in Hancock County, Ohio, died May 8, 1882 at the home of her mother in this township of consumption, aged 27 years, 2 months and 13 days. Funeral at Weston Chapel. This is the third daughter lost in a little more than 2 years by consumption. ^ 5-18-1882
Wilbur Helen, 76, former Kendallville resident, died Wednesday in her home at Ogallala, Neb. of a heart attack. She was born May 13, 1898 in Nebraska. She lived in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Brechbill, Kendallville, from 1930 to 1973. She operated the Wilbur Health Salon in Kendallville for about 40 years. Before moving to Kendallville, she had been superintendent of Jay County Hospital in Portland. She was a member of Kendallville BPW and First Christian Church. She is survived by several brothers and sisters in the Nebraska area. Funeral Friday in Ogalalla. + 1-?-1975
Wilcox Carl F, 66, of Kendallville died Wednesday in McCray Hospital's emergency room. He was born September 13, 1932 in Croton, Ohio to Frederick and Grace E. (Doan) Wilcox. He married Sharon Feeney. He was a retired salesman for Holsum Bakery, a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and a member of Harvest Community Church in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Mary Wilcox of Findlay, Ohio; Phillip B. and Monica Wilcox of LaOtto; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine and Jeffrey Croy and Debra K. and Greg Miller of Kendallville; a brother, Luke of Defiance, Ohio; 8 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral Friday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial at a later date. + 1-20-1999
Wilcox Mary - Through the courtesy of S. K. Randall of Kendallville, former merchant and pioneer resident of this place, The News is informed of the death of Mrs. Mary Hill Wilcox, a cousin of his, which occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.B. Yaw, in Ilion, New York, on Monday, June 15, at the age of 83 years. She was born in Avilla on August 23, 1842 and was the daughter of Noah and Rebecca Hill. She will be remembered by a number of the older residents of this community, especially as being one of the pioneer school teachers of this section, as for a number of years she was a successful teacher in the district schools. She was married at this place to Newton Wilcox of North Litchfield, N. Y., by Edom Randall, who officiated at the ceremony. They took up residence in New York and lived on the Wilcox farm until the death of Mr. Wilcox several years ago, when she took up her residence with her married daughter at Ilion, N. Y. In speaking of her death, Mr. Randall became reminiscent, as memories of former years came crowding in upon him and said, "I remember of Mary Hill and her sister Jeanette taking me to school when I was four years old. The school was held in a log school house and the benches were made out of slabs taken from saw logs, and the desks were made from slabs turned flat side up. A large box stove stood in the center of the room. Many times I used to go to school with Mary, going two miles south of Avilla. We rode our horse, old Dollie, I in front and Mary behind. The school house was built by my grandfather King. It was called King’s Seminary. Grandfather also built a church, and for many years services were held there, the minister and his wife residing with my grandfather." ~ 6-25-1925
Wilcox Nathan R, 31, died Oct. 11, 2010 at his Kendallville home. He was born at McCray Hospital on Sept. 6, 1979 to Jerry Stanley and Faye (Lewis) Martin. He married Lashonda Handshoe on May 10, 1996 in Albion. He worked 10 years at Reliable Tool. Surviviors include his wife; his children, Christina, Allen and Skyler; his mother of Kendallville, his father of Roanoke, VA; a sister Chasity and Shawn Kilburn of Kendallville; a brother Jonathan and Mindy Wilcox of Auburn; his grandmother, Mable Carter of Roanoke, VA. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Irene Belcher, Raymond Lewis, and Buck Stanley. Funeral Oct. 15 at Independent Baptist Church in South Milford. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 10-13-2010
Wilcox Susan E, 67, died Tuesday in Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. She was born in DeKalb County May 29, 1911 to Ezra and Iva (Ives) Lung. On November 29, 1933 in Auburn she married John Millhouse. He died January 30, 1954. She married Fred Wilcox on April 4, 1965. He died July 28, 1984. A homemaker, she was a member of Angola Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mary Fertig of Wheatland, Wyo., and Martha Alwood of Ashley; 3 sons, Robert Millhouse of Albion, Walter Millhouse of Hamilton and James Millhouse of Wheatland; 18 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, William Millhouse; a granddaughter, Debra Lynn Millhouse; and a brother, Clarence Lung. Funeral Thursday in Johnson Funeral Home, Hudson. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. + 5-11-1999
Wilcoxson Frances Margueritte "Maggie", 87, died November 10, 2004 in Provena Sacred Heart Home. She was born January 21, 1917 in Mt. Vernon, Ill. to Burl and Myrtis (Piper) Brimm. On April 20, 1935 in Albion she married Ralph V. Wilcoxson. He died May 31, 1982. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Mary of Auburn; 2 daughters, Sandra of Fort Wayne and Peggy Stemen of Leo; one sister, Nina Mowry of Placerville, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son, Ralph, and a brother, Earl Brimm. She retired from Electric Motors & Specialties in 1965 after 14 years of service. She attended Garrett United Methodist Church and moved to Avilla 9 years ago. Services in Thomas Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 11-18-2004
Wilcoxson Mary E, 68, died December 27, 2005 at Provena Sacred Heart Home. She was born June 2, 1937 in Garrett to Roman and Laura (Blotkamp) Steigmeyer. She married Richard D. Wilcoxson on June 6, 1959 in Garrett. A lifelong Garrett resident, she was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne and the Garrett hospital. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garrett. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Linda Swartz of Warren, OH; sons, Tom of Auburn and Ron of Denver, CO; 4 grandchildren; and 3 sisters, Virginia Manon and Patricia Frymier of Auburn, and Sharon Simon of Garrett. She was preceded in death by 6 brothers. Funeral at Thomas Funeral Home. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 1-26-2006
Wilcoxson Ralph V, 85, Garrett, died May 31 in DeKalb Hospital. He was born February 8, 1914 in Huntington County, the son of Floyd and Altha (Feightner) Wilcoxson. He and Frances Brimm were married April 20, 1935 in Albion. He retired in 1976 from Stanadyne Distribution Center and was a member of the Garrett Eagles. Surviving are his wife; two sons, Richard, Garrett and Ralph D., Avilla; two daughters, Mrs. Wendall (Sandra) Moser, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Peggy Stemen of Auburn; two brothers, Lloyd and Carl, Fort Wayne; three sisters, Mrs. Lionel (Beulah) Rosenogle, Albion, Mrs. Ernest (Audrey) Johnson, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Opal Nesbitt of South Bend; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Service Wednesday in McKee-Miles Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 6-19-1982 + 6-2-1982
Wilder Henry Oscar, 73, of R. 4, Albion, died last Thursday at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne of injuries received in a head-on auto collision on U. S. 33 north of Kimmell 3 hours earlier. They were passengers in a car driven by Harry Howard, 75, R. 3, Columbia City. + 11-?-1962
Wildeson Blanche R, 71, died Monday in her home at 6900 County Road 71, Auburn. She was born March 20, 1914 in Allen County to Else and Hattie Klinger Surfus. She married Arthur Wildeson in Garrett on April 24, 1938. He survives. Two sisters preceded her in death. She was a member of the Butler Twp Homemaker’s Club. Service Wednesday in the Altarstar United Methodist Church, of which she was a member. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 4-18-1985
Wildeson Wilma E, 89, died Aug. 1 at her home in Naperville, Ill. She was born Aug. 17, 1906 in Auburn to Fred and Cora (Heitz) Knott. Her husband, George, preceded her in death. Surviving are 2 sons, John of Hanover Park, Ill., and Richard of Garrett; one brother, Robert of LaOtto; one sister, Frieda of Auburn; 2 grandsons, Ladd and Daniel Wildeson. Service at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home in Naperville. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 8-15-1996
Wildey Edna Marie, 86 of Warren and formerly of Albion died Feb. 3, 2009, at the Heritage Pointe in Warren She had been an elementary school teacher for the Central Noble Schools and was an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. She was a member of the Lancaster Wesleyan Church and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. She was born May 17, 1922, in Bluffton to Charles C. and Cora (Henschen) Wolf. She married Rev. Thomas A. Wildey on Aug. 7, 1945. He died July 21, 1994. Surviving is a brother, Gene E. Wolf of Fort Wayne. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Sue, who died at birth; and three sisters. Funeral services Saturday at Albion Wesleyan Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 2-5-2009
Wildey Thomas, 71, retired minister in Albion, died unexpectedly Thursday while fishing on Norman Lake from an apparent heart attack. He was born in Neosho, Mo. on December 24, 1922 to Charles and Effie (Hodge) Wildey. On August 7, 1945 in Geneva he married Edna Wolf. He moved to Albion in 1964 where he served as minister of the Wesleyan Church until his retirement in 1983. He had been a minister 30 years and an evangelist for 5 years. He was a WW II Air Force bomber radioman and an ordained minister with the Indiana North District Wesleyan Church. Surviving are his wife and a sister, Gladys Forsman of Havanna, Ill. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Sue; a brother and 3 half-brothers. Funeral Monday in Albion Wesleyan Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 7-21-1994
Wildman May, 76, 109 S. Lincoln St., pioneer resident of this city and a lifelong resident of Noble County, died last night at the Willis Haskins home, S. Main St. from complications. She was born in Albion, the daughter of the late judge Stephen and Mary Wildman. She was a member of the first graduating class of Kendallville High School. Later she taught school here many years. She was the oldest member of the local Presbyterian Church. No immediate relatives survive. Funeral will be Wednesday from A. J. Berhalter funeral chapel. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1-9-1934 ^ 1-8-1934
Wildman Stephen, one of the pioneer residents of Noble County, died at his home in Kendallville Sunday after an illness of some weeks. He was born in Berkhampstead, Conn. in 1815. He came to the state of Ohio when quite a young man, and after the manner of the times he taught school and studied law, being admitted to the bar in Portage County, Ohio. He came to Indiana in 1847 and settled at Albion and was soon after elected prosecuting attorney. After his retirement from the practice of law he held the office of mayor of Kendallville. Judge Wildman was married in 1837 to Mary Ann Conkell. They had 2 children. Jennie, the younger, died in her infancy; May survives, Mrs. Wildman having died in 1892. Funeral at the residence Tuesday. ~ 9-22-1898 ^ 9-23-1898
Wiler Ralph E, 50, Scottsdale, Ariz., died June 26 in Scottsdale Hospital. He was born Jan. 1, 1929 in Topeka and had resided in Topeka until entering the U. S. Air Force from which he was retired. He is survived by his wife, Ida; 2 sisters, Mrs. Peter (Juanita) Saunders of Scottsdale and Mrs. Howard (Madeline) Weaver of Lakeville; 2 brothers, Robert of Tulsa, Okla. and William of Amarillo, Texas. Funeral Monday in Ulrey Funeral Home. + 5-?-1979
Wiles Helen May, 93, of Ligonier, died June 21, 2008 at The Maples in Goshen. She retired in 1977 from Monsanto Plastics in Ligonier and had worked at Spangler Candy Factory in Ohio. She was a member of South Milford Church of Christ. She was born in Fort Wayne on Jan. 14, 1915 to Emery and Lilly May (Matthews) Kistler. She married George W. Poff on May 7, 1934. He died Jan. 19, 1956. She married Thomas Kennedy on June 13, 1964. He died April 2, 1977. She married Robert Wiles on June 8, 1982. He died June 8, 1990. Surviving are 4 stepchildren; 2 brothers, Darold and Betty Kistler of Kendallville and Leroy and Betty Weaver of Goshen; 17 grandchildren and and 42 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 3 daughters, Carol Cook in 1992, Sona Whalen on Jan. 4, 2001, and Violet Birch on July 8, 2005; 2 sisters, Donna Temple and Eileen Marshall-Temple; a brother, Pete Kistler; twin grandsons, Darlo Cook in 2006 and Darrel Cook in 1957; 2 great-grandsons, Darrel Cook and Tommy Gibson; and a great-great-granddaughter, Miracle Wieber. Services Wednesday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-23-2008
Wiles William R "Bob", 66, of Kendallville, died today in McCray Hospital. He was born in Montpelier, Ohio August 28, 1923, the son of William Henry and Hazel L. (Sunday) Wiles. On June 8, 1982 in Kendallville he married Helen M. Kennedy. He moved to Kendallville 9 years ago from Kansas City, Mo. He was a butcher in a Kansas City packing house and was a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of South Milford Church of Christ, FOE No. 985 and a U.S. Navy veteran of WW II. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Cheryl J. Shamp of Lee's Summit, Mo.; a son, George M. of Three Rivers, Mich.; 3 stepdaughters, Mrs. Gerald (June) Birch, Carol Sue Cook and Sona Whalen; a sister, Connie McKenzie of Raytown, Mo.; a half-brother, Willard Wiles of Pomona, Calif.; 5 granddaughters and 21 step-grandchildren. A son, William R. II, preceded him in death. Services Monday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-8-1990
Wiley Carlos R, auditor of Noble County, died at Columbus, Ohio last Saturday - just as the clock ushered in his 59th birthday. A sufferer from cancer in the face, he was under medical treatment at Columbus when the end came. He was a native of Vermont, born August 27, 1834. One year later his family moved to Huron County, Ohio, and in 1837 to Noble County, Indiana. In 1858 he was married to Miss Rose Barnhart, who, with their three children, survive him. After farming for some years, he engaged in mercantile business at Wolf Lake. He was chosen trustee of Noble Twp repeatedly and in 1890 was elected county auditor upon the Democratic ticket. Funeral was at Wolf Lake on Tuesday. Interment at the Wiley Cemetery. ~ 1893
Wiley Charles of Troy, Ohio, formerly of Albion, died March 2 from a heart condition. He taught in Albion for several years, mathematics, science and Latin. He left Albion in 1943 when the family moved to Troy. His wife, Hilda Gatwood, died in 1977. Two sons survive, Charles Lynn of Skokie, Ill., and David of Boston, Mass.; and David’s children, David Jr., Michelle (Kim), and Sara. Funeral March 4 in Troy. Burial, Vandalia, Ohio. + 3-2-1985
Wiley Chester E, 85, Orchard Ridge Trailer Park, Albion, died Tuesday (d. 10-30-1973). Born April 24, 1888 in Washington Twp, he was the son of Robert W. and Emma (Eagles) Wiley. His wife, Nellie, preceded him in death. He was a retired operator for a trucking firm, a veteran of WW I and a member of Albion American Legion Post 246. Surviving are one son, Robert P., Jackson, Mich.; 2 sisters, Mrs. Doris Parker, Avilla, and Mrs. Harriet Prickett, Wolf Lake; 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. One daughter, 2 brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral Friday. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 10-?-1973
Wiley David A, 86, lifelong Wolf Lake resident, died Saturday. He is survived by the widow, Mary C. (Tuttle); a son, Judd of Kendallville; 3 daughters, Mrs. C. F. Clark of Chicago, Mrs. Clyde Oplinger, Wawaka, and Mrs. A. W. Benfer, New York; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mrs. C. O. Clark, Kimmell, and Mrs. Dora Jones, Seattle; and a brother, Robert W. of Kimmell. Funeral at the residence Tuesday. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 1-?-1943
Wiley Elizabeth Emberling was born in Logan County, Ohio Nov. 18, 1849. Her parents, brothers and sisters all having died, she was the last one of her family. Most of her life was spent in Ohio where she married and her nine children were born. They are Ada B. Hines, Rome City, Arch Coffel, Rome City, William Coffel, Kendallville, Mrs. Ed Bruce, Avilla, Mrs. Dave Long, Fort Wayne, and Charles, Ella , Victoria and Elizabeth Coffel deceased. There are several grand and great-grandchildren. About 38 years ago she came to Rome City and has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hines. She died Dec. 28, being more than 91 years of age. Funeral at the Ada Hines home in Rome City Dec. 31. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 1-?-1941
Wiley Emma, 75, died at her home in Wolf Lake Tuesday from complications. She is survived by the husband, Robert; 3 sons, Prentice and Chet of Wolf Lake, and Shelly of Auburn; 3 daughters, Mrs. Dwight Parker, Wolf Lake, Mrs. Frank Prickett, Pottsdam, N.Y., and Mrs. Roscoe Rimmel, Albion; 3 sisters, Misses Eva and Harriet Eagles, and Mrs. D. P. Miller of Albion; 3 brothers, Edward P., Chester M. Eagles of Albion, and Dr. A. C. Eagles of Wolcottville; 2 grandchildren, Robert and Evelyn Wiley who made their home with their grandparents, and 10 other grandchildren. Funeral from the home this afternoon. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 12-?-1933
Wiley Frank P, 73, of South Whitley, died Sunday in Whitley County Hospital where he had been a patient the past 6 days. He was born April 30, 1919 in Ligonier to J. A. and Marie (Parker) Wiley. On February 9, 1940 he married Wanda L. Kettlebar. He grew up in Ligonier and was a 1938 graduate of Kendallville High School. He worked for Roman Motor Sales, Kimmell Ready-Mix, I&M Toy Co., L.I. Griffin & Son and G&O Corp. After retirement on April 30, 1984 he continued to work part-time at Stump Printing Co. in South Whitley in an advisory capacity. A WW II U.S. Navy veteran, he was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church, past exalted ruler of Ligonier Elks and served 2 terms as a Ligonier city councilman. He was the first WW II commander of the Ligonier American Legion Post, a member of South Whitley VFW Post 1919, Columbia City American Legion Post 948 and served in Ligonier and South Whitley Chambers of Commerce and on the South Whitley Public Library board. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons, Randall J. of Altemonte Springs, Fla., and Douglas of South Whitley; a daughter, Dawn of Fort Wayne; 2 grandsons, Stan and Kevin Wiley; and a stepbrother, Hamilton Green of South Whitley. A sister, Donnabell, preceded him in death. Funeral Thursday in Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial, South Whitley Cemetery. + 3-15-1993
Wiley Frederick A "Pat", 62, of Wolf Lake, died Wednesday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born May 16, 1924 in Kimmell to Nathaniel Prentice and Mildred Frances (Drake) Wiley. On June 3, 1945 in Merriam he married Marceil McDowell. A lifetime area resident, he was a retired farmer and truck driver for Hudson Trucking Co., Kendallville, and was former fire chief for Wolf Lake Fire Dept. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Alan (April) Billings of Fort Wayne; 2 sons, Frederick Jr. of Albion and Robyn A. of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Clarence (Emma Jean) Gaff of Kimmell; 2 brothers, Nathaniel P. Jr. of Montgomery, Ala.; and David A. of Bloomington; and 8 grandchildren. Services Saturday in Orr Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 7-30-1986
Wiley Hilda (Gatwood), 71, died on Oct. 23 at her home in Troy, Ohio. She was born and raised in Albion and taught music in Albion-Jefferson School. Surviving are the husband, Charles; 2 sons; 3 grandchildren; one brother and one sister, Leona Gatwood of Richmond. + 10-?-1977
Wiley M Don, about 26, of Kimmell, died Nov. 16, 1947 at Billings Hospital at Indianapolis. He was a veteran of WW II, having served in Italy and later in the Philippines. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School and entered the service Sept. 5, 1944. Surviving are the wife, the former Betty Rice of Topeka; one son, Gerry Charles; one daughter, Marlene Carole; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. P. Wiley of west of Wolf Lake; one sister, Mrs. Clarence Gaff of Kimmell; and 3 brothers, N. P. Jr., in the Army at Decatur, Alabama, and Frederick and David at home. Funeral Tuesday at the home of his parents. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 11-?-1947
Wiley Mary C, 86, (b.4-9-1859) died July 6, 1945 at her home in Wolf Lake. She was the widow of David A. Wiley who died Jan. 3, 1943. Surviving are a son, Judd of Kendallville; 3 daughters, Mrs. C. F. Clark of Chicago, Mrs. Clyde Oplinger of Wawaka, Mrs. Frank A. Benfer of New York; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. William Coyl of Leesburg; and a brother, John Tuttle of Warsaw. Services Sunday at the residence at Wolf Lake. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 7-?-1945
Wiley Mildred F, about 63, (b.8-21-1896), wife of Nathaniel P. Wiley and a resident of the Stringtown community west of Wolf Lake for many years, died Nov. 5, 1959 in her home from a coronary occlusion. She was a native of Whitley County and a member of Ormas Baptist Church. Surviving are the husband; a daughter, Mrs. Clarence Gaff of Urbana, Ill.; 3 sons, Frederick of Wolf Lake, Nathaniel P. Jr., Montgomery, Alabama, and David A., Chicago, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Mrs. W. C. Beezley, Pierceton. Another son, Myron Don, died in 1947 while in the Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis. Services Sunday in Ormas Baptist Church. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 11-?-1959
Wiley Myron Don was born June 19, 1921 and died Nov. 16, 1947. Services at the N. P. Wiley home Nov. 18. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 11-16-1947
Wiley Nathaniel P, about 71, of R. 1, Kimmell, died June 10, 1966 at the Whitley County Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was born July 31, 1894 in Noble County, a son of Robert and Emma Eagles Wiley. He was a retired farmer and a member of the United Church of Christ at Kimmell and the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Wolf Lake. Surviving are the widow, Cecile; one daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Emma) Gaff of St. Joseph, Ill., 3 sons, Frederick Pat of Wolf Lake, Nathaniel Prentice Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama, and David of Huntsville, Alabama; 16 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 stepdaughters; 2 sisters, Mrs. Harriet Prickett of Wolf Lake, and Mrs. Doris Parker of Albion; 2 brothers, Shelly of Auburn, and Chester of Albion. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. + 6-?-1966
Wiley Nellie, 85, Albion, died Sunday in the Wolf Lake Nursing Home. She was born June 2, 1887 in Albion, the daughter of James and Martha (Ray) Cole. She was married Feb. 1926 to Chester Wiley. She was a member of Sparta Christian Church and York Twp Homemakers Club. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. O. G. Ice, Springfield, Ohio; a son, K. C. Baker, Springfield, Ohio; 2 sisters, Mrs. G. E. Wadsworth, Sun City, Ariz., and Miss Betty Cole, Jackson, Mich.; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Funeral Wednesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 11-?-1972
Wiley Robert W, 84, (b.11-19-1859 - d.5-28-1944) died Sunday at Truelove Convalescent Home in Kendallville. Funeral May 31 at the residence. Burial, Stringtown Cemetery. He was a pioneer farmer of Washington Twp. Surviving are 3 sons, Prentiss at home, Shelly at Auburn, and Chester at South Bend; 3 daughters, Mrs. Roscoe Rimmel and Mrs. Dwight Parker of Albion, and Mrs. Harriet Prickett of South Bend; two sisters, Mrs. Charles Clark of Kimmell and Mrs. Dora Jones of Seattle, Wash.; 2 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. + 5-?-1944
Wilhelm Anna L, 96, of Sturgis, Mich., died Wednesday in the Sturgis Hospital emergency room. Born in Ligonier April 17, 1893, she was the daughter of Jesse and Alice (Spriegel) Gage. In May 1916 in Sturgis she married Robert A. Wilhelm, who died Dec. 28, 1957. She grew up in Ligonier and spent her adult life in the Sturgis-Bronson area. In 1986 she was honored as being the oldest living graduate of the 1911 class of Ligonier High School. She attended South Bend Business College where she also taught commercial subjects before moving to Sturgis to work for Berridge Shear Co. and Grobbiser Furniture Co. She and her husband owned and operated the Bronson Furniture Co. in Bronson. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. William (Lois) Diamond of Washington, D.C.; 2 sons, Christ of Rochester, N.Y., and Robert of St. Louis, Mo.; 3 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. Two sisters and 3 brothers preceded her in death. Funeral mass Saturday in St. John’s Episcopal Church of which she was a member. Burial, Oak Lawn Cemetery, Sturgis. + 8-10-1989
Wilhelm Dale, 62, of R. 1, Ashley, died Tuesday in McCray Hospital. He was born in DeKalb County March 3, 1918, the son of Shirl and Minnie (Blech) Wilhelm. He married Eleanor Wible April 26, 1941 in Fairfield Center, DeKalb County. He was a lifetime area resident and a self-employed electrician. He was a member of Ashley-Hudson Lions Club. Surviving are his mother in Ashley; his wife; 2 daughters, Mrs. Bill (Judith Ann) Pollack of Auburn and Miss Karen L. of Ashley; a sister, Mrs. Earl (Janet) Walker of Waterloo; 3 brothers, Royal of New Paris, Glenn of LaGrange, and Keith of Coldwater Lake, Mich.; and 4 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother. Services Friday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 11-?-1980
Wilhelm Eleanor J, 74, died Tuesday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was a homemaker and a resident of County Road 27, Ashley. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church-West Fairfield. She was born December 24, 1919 in Kendallville to David Franklin and Minnie L. (Longyear) Wible. She married Dale Robert Wilhelm on April 26, 1941 in Kendallville, and he died November 11, 1980. Surviving are 2 daughters, Judith Ann Pollack of Auburn and Karen Wilhelm of Ashley; one brother, Dale L. Wible of Kendallville; and 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, Michelle and Susan Pollack of Auburn. Services Friday in Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-22-1994
Wilhelm Pamela Lynn, 30, died July 18, 2001 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1990 and had worked as a prep cook at The Magic Wand, Churubusco. She was born Dec. 17, 1970 in Kendallville to Walter Harold and Marilyn Rose (Murphy) Smith. On Aug. 24, 1997 at Collins United Methodist Church she married Neil A. Wilhelm. Surviving are her mother in Churubusco; her husband; 3 sons, Neil, Brandon and Codie; 2 brothers, Gary and Dale Smith of Albion; 2 sisters, Deborah Holden of Albion and her twin, Paula Smith of Columbia City. Her father preceded her in death. Services Sunday at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 7-20-2001
Wilkenson Edria O, 80, who had lived in Fort Wayne most of her life, died Monday at Lawton Nursing Home in Fort Wayne. She was born in Kendallville Sept. 7, 1908 and was a retired waitress. Only cousins survive. Graveside services Wednesday in Lake View Cemetery. + 3-16-1989
Wilkins Charles F was born near Wolf Lake on Feb. 2, 1878, the son of Isaac and Mary Wilkins, and died at his home in Wolf Lake on May 16, 1946, being past 68 years of age. In 1934 he was married to Vera Galloway and the ensuing years spent in Wolf Lake and in Florida. He is survived by his wife; a sister, Mrs. Lura Haney of Wolf Lake. Services May 19. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 5-?-1946
Wilkins Charles Morris was born in Noble County Sept. 12, 1867 and died on Oct. 3, 1926, being 59 years and 21 days of age. His parents were John and Nancy Wilkins, and there were 6 children, 3 of whom with the parents have preceded him in death. One sister, Mrs. Robert Martin of Merriam; and one brother, Oscar of Wyatt, Ind. survive. On May 12, 1894 he married Jennie Marks, and they had 2 children, one son died at the age of six weeks, and one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Dempsey and one grandson, Junior Dempsey, survive. He was a member of the Christian Church at Merriam and the Bourbon Blue Lodge at Plymouth. For several months he and his wife conducted the South Side Grocery at Albion. + 10-?-1926
Wilkins Elnora, 90, died July 4 at Prairie View Rest Home, Warsaw. Ind. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Ola Carpenter, Argos; 5 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was born April 3, 1870 in Merriam and was a resident there for the greater part of her life, residing with her daughter in Argos for the last few years. She was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel where services will be held July 7. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 7-?-1960
Wilkins Frank D, 67, of W. Pleasant St., Churubusco, died in the VA Hospital at Fort Wayne Oct. 8. He was born Dec. 12, 1911 to Charles M. and Mary Tucker Wilkins of Noble County. He married Geneva Mae Murchison in 1943, and they lived in Memphis, Tenn. before moving here in 1957. His wife died in Jan. 1973. He was an Army veteran from WW II and was a self-employed carpenter until retiring in 1976. He was a member of American Legion and VFW in Churubusco, the 40 and 8 in Fort Wayne, and Eagles Lodge in Columbia City. Survivors are a son, Frank Jr. of Churubusco; one daughter, Mrs. Shirley Hunt of Memphis; 6 grandchildren; 5 sisters, Mrs. Lenna Ferguson, Mrs. Perry Garrison and Mrs. Edna Addis of Churubusco, Mrs. Homer Whittaker of Columbia City, and Mrs. John Tomlinson of Rome City; and one brother, Dawson. Services at Sheets Funeral Home Oct. 10. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 10-?-1979
Wilkins Homer, 61, residing one mile and a half southeast of Wolf lake, was found dead Aug. 18 along a county highway in that area. Death was due to angina pectoris. A nephew, William M. Winebrenner of Ligonier, and 3 nieces survive. + 8-?-1942  Ligonier Leader 8-20-1842
Wilkins Isaac L, son of Andrew and Caroline Wilkins, was born in Somerset County, Pa., April 10, 1852, and died at his home at Wolf Lake, Jan. 8, 1928, aged 75 years, 8 months and 29 days. He was married to Mary E. Sherwood, Jan. 8, 1874. They had 3 children, Bessie dying in infancy. He leaves his wife; 2 children, Lura of Columbia City, and Charles at home; a sister, Mrs. Dora Winebrenner of Auburn; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. + 1-?-1928
Wilkins Marion James, 70, died at his home in Wolf Lake Sunday. Surviving are a brother, P. M. of Churubusco; and 2 sisters, Mrs. Fannie Stangland of Albion, and Mrs. Ethel McNeal of Grovertown. Funeral Tuesday at Merriam Chapel. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 4-?-1933
Wilkins Mary Ellen, 81, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. M. Haney one mile west of Columbia City, from the infirmities of age. There is also a son, Charles of Wolf Lake; 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren surviving. Funeral Thursday from Wolf Lake Methodist Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 9-?-1935
Wilkins Vera G, 99, formerly of Wolf Lake, died July 1, 1991 at Miller's Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born March 21, 1892 in Noble County to Scott and Rebecca (Cramer) Galloway. She married Charles Wilkins on May 20, 1920. He died in 1932. She was a school teacher for 37 years in Noble County and served as postmaster in Wolf Lake for 8 years. She was a member of Wolf Lake Baptist Church. Surviving are nephews, DeWitt and Theo Thomas; nieces, Mary Alice and Lucy Erickson and Virginia McBride. Two sisters and a brother are deceased. Service Wednesday at Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 7-1-1991
Wilkinson Alvernis D, 75, of Winona Lake, died Friday at Murphy Medical Center in Warsaw. Burial, Salem Cemetery near Wilmot. A retired farmer and former employee of the Free Methodist Publishing Co. at Winona Lake, he was born in Whitley County June 3, 1884, the son of Sylvester and Caroline (Hindbaugh) Wilkinson. He married Nellie Roush April 15, 1911 and is survived by 3 daughters, Hannah of Winona Lake; Mrs. Walton (Alys) Klingaman of Cromwell, and Mrs. Daniel (Virginia) Kauffman of Mendon, Mich.; 4 brothers, Arbie of Wauseon, Ohio, Ernest of Cromwell, Otho of Los Angeles, and Joseph of Larwill; 5 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. + 9-?-1959
Wilkinson Alvin L, 74, R. 1, Cromwell, died Thursday at Goshen Hospital. He was born April 24, 1913 in Whitley County, the son of Ernest and Rosa (Galloway) Wilkinson. On Sept. 30, 1934 in Wakarusa he married Kathryn Rathke. A lifetime resident of Whitley and Noble Counties, he was a farmer and electrician and member of Broadway Christian Chapel. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons, Ronald and Larry of Kimmell; and 7 grandchildren. One brother and a grandchild preceded him in death. Services Sunday in Broadway Christian Chapel near Cromwell. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 10-8-1987
Wilkinson Carrie (Ritter), 100, died at Kendallville Nursing Home Monday. She was born in Davis County, Kans., Dec. 16, 1872, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Bixler) Ritter and was married in Noble County March 2, 1914 to James S. Wilkinson, who died about 30 years ago. She was a resident of the vicinity since 1914 and lived in Kendallville in 1943, moving from Steuben County. Surviving are a stepson, Cecil Wilkinson, Lafayette; a brother, Otto Ritter, Willis, Tex.; several nieces and nephews including Gordon Henney, Witmer Lake. She was preceded in death by 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Funeral Thursday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Mount Zion Cemetery near Angola. + 6-?-1973
Wilkinson Ernest, 78, of near Cromwell, a retired farmer, died of complications in McCray Hospital Monday. Funeral Wednesday from Ulrey-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Ligonier. Burial, Salem Cemetery at Wilmot. He was born Jan. 2, 1888 in Whitley County to Sylvester and Caroline (Hindbaugh) Wilkinson. On May 11, 1912 he was united in marriage to Rosa Galloway. He had been a resident of southeast of Cromwell on the Broadway Road for the past 47 years. Survivors include his widow one son, Alvin, R. 1, Kimmell; 2 brothers, Arbie, Wauseon, O., Otto of Los Angeles; 2 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. + 5-?-1966
Wilkinson Henry W, 69y8m25d, son of Austin and Margaet (Heltsel) Wilkinson) was born in Elkhart County Feb. 2, 1849 and died at his home in Ligonier on the evening of October 27, 1918. He married Mary Grisamer Dec. 23, 1875. They had two children, Miss Iona and Mrs. Rosalie Dickinson, both of Ligonier. He prepared himself for a teacher and for a brief period followed that profession.  In 1887 he and his family moved to Ligonier, He was an employee of the Inks Monument Co. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Alice Thurnander of Elkhart. He was a member of the Methodist Church. * Ligonier Leader 10-31-1918 Contributed by Margaret Ott
Wilkinson James S, 82, 228 Vine St., retired Jefferson Twp farmer and former resident of Jay County, Ind., died this afternoon at the St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne. He located in Jefferson Twp, moving from Jay County about 20 years ago. He retired from farming 3 years ago and resided south of this city on State Road 3 until last spring when he and Mrs. Wilkinson moved to the late residence on Vine St. Surviving besides the wife are two sons, Leo and Cecil Wilkinson, Portland. Several brothers and sisters in and near Portland also survive. * 8-?-1943
Wilkinson Kathryn M, 74, of Ligonier, died April 15, 1991 in Kinney Retirement Community in Ligonier. She was born July 30, 1916 in Noble County to Ferdinand and Mary (Fell) Rathke. On September 30, 1934 in Wakarusa she married Alvin L. Wilkinson. He died in 1987. A lifetime Noble County resident, she was a homemaker and member of Ligonier United Methodist Church. Surviving are 2 sons, Ronald and Larry of Kimmell; 2 sisters, Elda Kalb of Elkhart and Helen Vories of Valparaiso; a brother, Omar of Sebring, Fla.; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Services Friday in Ligonier United Methodist Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-15-1991
Wilkinson Mary Ann, 87, of 3 ½ miles east of Syracuse, died at her home Saturday. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, she was born near Syracuse Dec. 25, 1861. She married Jacob Wilkinson and he died April 10, 1950. She was a member of Calvary EUB Church. Surviving are 2 sons, Roy and Ray of Syracuse; 3 daughters, Mrs. Stanley (Leone) Munson, South Bend, Mrs. Blanche Green, Cromwell, and Mrs. Carl (Mary) Funk of Warsaw; a sister, Mrs. Catherine Beck of near Syracuse; 22 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Three children, Lora Bobeck, Gladys Bechelhmyer and Wilber preceded her in death. Services from Calvary EUB Church in Syracuse Tuesday. Burial, Byers Cemetery. + 10-?-1959
Wilkinson Mary Margaret, 89, a resident of Ligonier all her life, died at her home on Sunday. She was the widow of Henry Wilkinson and is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Iona Smalley of Syracuse and Mrs. Rosalie Dickinson of Ligonier; 2 grandchildren, Mrs. Joe Miller of Nappanee and Floyd Ebert Dickinson of Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 2-?-1943
Wilkinson Nellie, 97, of Warsaw, a native of Noble County, died Feb. 13, 1985 at Three Rivers, Mich. Surviving are 2 daughters, Alys Klingaman of Cromwell and Virginia Kauffman of Mendon, Mich.; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Services Monday in Warsaw. Burial, Salem Cemetery, Washington Twp. + 2-13-1985
Wilkinson Patterson Mrs of LaOtto died last Monday from burning while engaged with the family washing, presumably from using gasoline. ^ 10-4-1889
Wilkinson Ray Ernest, 74, of R. 1, Cromwell, died of an apparent heart attack Friday in his home. He was a retired farmer. Born in Syracuse July 11, 1901, he married Erma Gross in Churubusco in Oct. 1928. Surviving are the widow; 2 daughters, Mrs. Enos Yoder and Mrs. Jack Forrester, both of Nappanee; 2 grandchildren and 3 sisters, including Mrs. Mary Funk of Warsaw and Mrs. Blanche Green of Ligonier. A twin brother, Roy, died in 1970. Services Monday in Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse. Burial, Syracuse Cemetery. + 8-?-1975
Wilkinson Roberta Ruth, 15, of R. 3, Columbia City, died Saturday at Whitley County Hospital from cancer. Funeral was Tuesday at Smith Funeral Home in Columbia City. Surviving are her mother, Mrs. Jeanette Douglas, R. 3, Columbia City; her father, Lawrence O. Wilkinson, Larwill; one brother, 2 sisters, 2 grandmothers and one great-grandmother. + 1-?-1973
Wilkinson Rosa A, 83, R. 1, died Friday at her home. She was born in Noble County Dec. 29, 1888, and had lived most of her life in Sparta Twp. She married Ernest Wilkinson who died in May 1966. She was a member of Broadway Christian Chapel. Survivors include a son, Alvin, R. 1, Cromwell; 2 sisters, Mrs. Sarah Prentice, Kimmell, and Miss Mary Etta Galloway, Cromwell; 2 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral Sunday at Broadway Christian Chapel. Burial, Salem Cemetery. + 6-9-1972
Wilks Albert John, 81, Mongo, died last evening in the LaGrange County Hospital. He was a retired carpenter and farmer. He is the son of Christian and Lucetta Wilks who were born in Germany. He is survived by Mrs. Leo Delucenay, Avilla, Mrs. Milford Bell, Scio, Oregon, Mrs. Alberta Lewis, Sequim, Wash., 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Services March 21, with burial in Lake View Cemetery. ~ 3-19-1964
Wilks Amelia Magdalene, 64, died this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Albert Krahn, 212 W. Grove St. She had been in ill health for the last six years, but the immediate cause of her death was dropsy. Born in Allen Twp October 4, 1865, the daughter of Peter and Mary Berkes, she grew to womanhood there. In 1884 she married Frederick Hoffmeyer, who preceded her in death 21 years ago. She was married to William Wilks seven years ago. She had been a member of the Lutheran Church all her life. Surviving are the husband, two daughters, Mrs. Bertha Krahn and Mrs. Mathilde Kurtz, both of this city; also seven grandchildren and three stepsons, C. F. Hoffmeyer of Detroit, E. L. of Albany, N. Y., and Henry of this city. Other surviving relatives include four brothers, Sol, Will and John Berkes of Avilla, and Chris Berkes of Elkhart; and three sisters, Mrs. Adam Hess, Mrs. Adam Weimer and Mrs. George Keck, all of Avilla. Funeral Saturday at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, with burial at Lake View. * 1930
Wilks Charles, a resident of this city, and formerly a salesman in several business houses here, but lately has been working in a cigar factory in Chicago, was run over and killed by the GR&IRR on Wednesday. It is supposed that in a fit of despondency he placed his head upon the track with the above result. He had one fault - the habit of drinking. He leaves a wife and a child, also father, mother, brothers and sisters. ^ 11-23-1882
Wilks Chris died at his residence about 5 miles northwest of this city on Monday. He had been a resident of this vicinity for many years. His funeral took place at the Lutheran Church in this city on Wednesday. He was perhaps about 45 years of age. ^ 1-27-1888
Wilks Edith M, 72, R. 3, died today in McCray Hospital. Funeral will be Monday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. She was born Jan. 30, 1898 in Allen County to Timothy and Catherine Bahrdt Disler. On Feb. 13, 1913 she married Samuel Wilks. They moved from Cedarville in Allen County to rural Kendallville in 1937. Surviving are the husband; 2 daughters, Mrs. Lee (Lillian) Hague, R. 3, and Mrs. Fred (Audrey) Strater; 2 sons, Arthur J., R. 1, Auburn, and Delbert, Sanford, Fla.; 2 brothers, Frank, Angola, and John, Fort Wayne; a half-brother, Leonard Wilks, Antwerp, Ohio; 2 half-sisters, Mrs. Carrie Burkhalter and Mrs. Clara Kaylor, Fort Wayne; and 14 grandchildren, including Eugene Mowery who had made his home with the Wilks. A daughter preceded her in death. + 4-?-1970
Wilks Fred, 77, died Friday from a stroke of apoplexy at the home of his sister, Mrs. Julius Ortstadt. Funeral Sunday at the sister’s home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + No date 11-7-1940
Wilks Henry, 67, resident of Kendallville all his life, died Tuesday at the home of a sister, Mrs. Catherine Wolf. At one time he was employed by the McCray Refrigerator Co., and during WW I had been a construction worker. Following the war he was stricken by partial blindness, later becoming totally blind. He was an uncle of Mrs. Leo Delucenay. ~ 12-16-1948
Wilks Samuel Arthur, 80, R. 3, died today in McCray Hospital. He was born in Cedar Creek Twp, Allen County, April 12, 1893, a son of Noah L. and Alberta (Stevich) Wilks, and was married Feb. 13, 1913 to Edith Disler. She died in April 1970. He was a farmer and attended Center Chapel Church. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Lee (Lillian) Hague, R. 3, and Mrs. Fred (Audrey) Strater, Kendallville; 2 sons, Arthur J., Auburn, and Delbert, Fort Myers, Fla.; 2 sisters, Mrs. Carrie Burkholder and Mrs. Clara Kaylor of Fort Wayne; a brother, Leonard, Antwerp, Ohio; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. They also raised a grandson, Eugene Mowery. Funeral Saturday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 7-?-1973
Wilks William F, 66, died Sunday at the Mrs. Clarence Simon home in Kendallville, after an illness of six weeks from uremic poisoning. He is a brother of Mrs. Adam Hess of this place. Funeral Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 7-17-1930
Will Mary Ellen died at Sacred Heart Home March 17. She had been a resident of the home the past seven years, having moved there from Evanston, Ill. She was born to Patrick and Margaret Leahy near Ege and was the widow of Ray Will, who preceded her in death. Survivors include seven sisters and one brother. Funeral mass Saturday at Sacred Heart Home. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ~ 3-25-1976 + 3-?-1976
Willennar Alfred H, 66, (b.11-7-1915) R. 2, Syracuse, died June 14, 1982 in Goshen Hospital. He was born in Waterloo to Zeller and Audrey (Vogtman) Willennar and on July 25, 1940 married Donna Metz in Albion. They moved to Lake Wawasee from Canton, Ohio about a year ago following his retirement as vice president of systems operations of American Electric Power Co. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse. Survivors are his wife; a daughter, Donna Anne Hoslar of Norton, Ohio; a sister, Mrs. James (Georgia) Moeller of Fort Wayne; and 2 grandchildren, Michael Scott and Valerie Michelle Hoslar. Services Thursday at Brazzell Funeral Home in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 6-14-1982
Willennar Audrey E, 86, of 110 W. Highland St., Albion, died Tuesday (d.4-21-1981) in Fort Wayne Health Center. Born July 25, 1894 in Steuben County, she was the daughter of Thomas and Meda (Vogtman) Jones. On Dec. 24, 1913 in Waterloo she married Zeller Willennar, who served as principal of Albion High School for years. He died in 1960. She moved from Garrett to Albion in 1929 where she was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James (Georgia) Moeller of Fort Wayne; and a son, Alfred H. of Canton, Ohio. A brother and a sister preceded her in death. Services Friday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 4-?-1981
Willennar Donna B, 90, formerly a second-grade teacher at Albion School, died Nov. 15, 2005 in Wadsworth, Ohio. She was born Jan. 29, 1915 to Hershel J. and Bessie L. (Baugher) Metz. She was a graduate of Albion High School and Manchester College. On July 25, 1940 she married Alfred Zig Willennar. Surviving are a daughter, Donna Hoslar of Wadsworth, Ohio, and her husband, Ronald; grandchildren, Valerie and Michael Hoslar. Preceding her in death were her husband and 2 brothers, Harry and Walter Metz. Services Monday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ^ 11-19-2005
Willennar Zeller A, 70, a retired school teacher and a former principal of the Albion School, died Sunday from leukemia while being taken to the McCray Hospital. He was principal of the school here from 1929 until 1941, then was employed by the Indiana Employment Security Division in Fort Wayne. He was a member of Albion Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge and Fort Wayne Scottish Rite. Surviving are the widow, Audrey; a daughter, Georgia at home; a son, Alfred, Columbus, Ohio; and a granddaughter. Services Wednesday in Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 7-?-1960
Willert William, son of John Willert, was born in Germany Feb. 21, 1837; died at his residence on Railroad St. in this city March 7, 1905, aged 68 years and 14 days. At the age of 22 he left his native land and came to America. In 1862 he married Mary Leuder. Of the 5 children born to them, only one survives, Mrs. Joseph Schwarz of this city. Mrs. Willert died March 22, 1883. He was married to Mrs. Catharine Reber April 13, 1884, who survives. No children were born to this marriage. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Funeral Friday from the Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 3-17-1905
Willett William E, 56, of Kendallville, died at his home on E. Diamond St. this morning. He leaves his wife, father, William of Jefferson, O., a brother John T., and his mother, who is making her home at South Bend. Funeral Thursday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery.^ 2-28-1911
Willey Phyllis K, 73, resided at Corunna and died Thursday in DeKalb Hospital. Born in Corunna March 6, 1906, she was the daughter of William and Anna Etter McDonald. She and Ensley Cline were married in 1924. He died in 1935, and she then married Joseph Willey in March 1941. He died in 1945. Survivors include Ford H. Clifton; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Westphal, Elkhart, and Mrs. Helen Eldredge of Detroit, Mich.; four sons, Harry Cline of Tampa, Fla.; Robert Cline, Avilla, Joseph Willey and John Willey, both of Corunna; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. A daughter and a brother preceded her in death. Services Sunday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Fairfield Cemetery. ~ 6-21-1979 + 6-14-1974
Williams - the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Williams died Friday at their home near Wolf Lake. He was about one year old. He was born a twin. Funeral Sunday at the M. P. Church at Wolf Lake. ^ 11-29-1909
Williams Albert F, 73, died at his home in Culver on Tuesday. Surviving are the wife, Mable; 2 daughters, Mrs. Zora Fry of Columbia City, and Mrs. Cuba Waltman of Indianapolis; a son, Charley of Albion. He was born in Ohio, moved to Albion with his parents when 3 years of age, taught school for about 20 years, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and has owned and managed an apartment house in Culver for the past 12 years. Funeral at Easterday’s Chapel in Culver on Thursday and at the Methodist Church at Wolf Lake. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 5-?-1935
Williams Alma, 85, died March 15, 2003 at her residence. She was employed for many years at Starcraft Boats in Goshen and was a member of Bethel Christian Baptist Church. She was born at Pine Ridge, Ky. Feb. 14, 1918 to Pete and Laura (Caudill) Browning. She married Bobby Williams March 23, 1936 in Knott County, Ky. He died Aug 12, 1994. Surviving are 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Violet and Ralph McCoy of White River Junction, Vt., Laura and Jim Fugate of Wolcottville and Linda Keck of Rome City; 4 sons and 3 daughters-in-law, Howard and Cheryl and Wilmer and Kathleen Williams of Rome City, Ivan , and Greg and Viva Williams of Wolcottville; one brother Wilmer and Bess Browning of Lexington, Ky.; 4 sisters, Maude Guthrie of Hamilton, Ohio, Vera Cottrell of Colonial Heights, Va., Kathleen Pigman and Ruth and Bob Hyman of Lexington; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Simon, in 1937; a grandson, Tony Williams in 1987; a great-grandchild, Bailey Hall in 2000; a brother, Elmer Browning and 2 sisters Beulah Campbell and Marie Devereaux. Services Tuesday at Bethel Christian Baptist Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 3-17-2003
Williams Andrew W was born at Cohasset, Mass., 10 miles from Boston, Aug. 12, 1837; died at Kendallville May 28, aged 59 years 8 months and 16 days. When he was 3, his father drowned at sea, and at the age of 9 he became a sailor, which vocation he continued until manhood. He served in the War of the Rebellion in the army of the Potomac with honor and credit. Shortly thereafter he accepted the position of housekeeper and for 4 years had charge of Minot Ledge lighthouse in the Bay of Massachusetts. For 2 years thereafter he served on the light ship in the same bay. In 1872 he was married in Kendallville to Miss Fannie Paul. Two children were born but both died in infancy. He became a resident of this city in 1876. He leaves one sister a few years older than himself in Mass. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the G.A.R. Funeral from the residence Monday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-4-1897
Williams Bobby, 79, of Rome City, died Friday at his son's residence. He was born in Dwarf, Ky. on January 2, 1915 to Henry and Lucinda (Tucker) Williams. He married Alma Browning on March 23, 1936 in Hindman, Ky. He was a coal miner for 23 years, moving to Rome City in 1959 and worked at Newnam Foundry for 15 years. He was a member of Bethel Christian Church in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; 3 daughters, Linda Keck and Sue Fugate of Wolcottville, and Violet McCoy of White River Junction, Vt.; 4 sons, Hank of Rome City, Howard of Middlebury, Ivan and Greg of Wolcottville; 2 sisters, Susie Engle of Denver, Co., and Dollie Napier of Stanton, Ky.; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Two sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral at Bethel Church Monday. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 8-12-1994
Williams Bonnie Eileen, 82, died June 20, 2007 at Provena Sacred Heart Home, Avilla. She was born in Kendallville on Jan. 25, 1925 to Willard and Anna Mae (Weilbaker) Gustin. She married John Williams on Oct. 27, 1973 in Fort Wayne. He died Feb. 14, 2004. Surviving are 6 sons and 4 daughters-in-law, Mike and Emma Kline of Williams Lake, Steve and Trina Kline of Albion, Raymond Kline of Brimfield, Gary and Cathy Williams of Orland, Jack and Jane Williams of Phoenix, Ariz., and Richard Williams of Montezuma, Ind.; 5 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Kathy and Steve Lang of Greenwood, Roxie and Neal Sands of Orlando, Fla., Paula and Brad Fox of Rome City, Carol and Dave Walters of Bloomington and Vivian Sarkisian of Phoenix; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Judy and Bob Robinson of Elkhart and Margaret Stettler of Fort Wayne; 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Pete Parot of Indianapolis and Gene and Marie Parot of New Jersey; 15 grandchildren; 16 great and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by 6 brothers, Harvey, Jack, Virgil and Bill Gustin, Mike and Ed Parot; and 3 sisters, Alma Gustin, Lillian Shank and Dorothy Swanders. Services Saturday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 6-21-2007
Williams Charles, 56, (b.11-19-1887) died at the State Hospital in Fort Wayne Nov. 1, 1944. Funeral was held from Bonham & Miser Funeral Home in Albion Friday. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. A resident of the Wolf Lake vicinity, he was a farmer. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Cuba Waltman and several nieces and nephews. + 11-?-1944
Williams Charles A died at the home of his father from consumption in Rome City Nov. 10, aged 26 years, 2 months and 5 days, and was taken to Auburn for burial Sunday. Robert Williams returned from Iowa in time to attend the funeral of his brother. ^ 11-16-1882 and 11-23-1882
Williams Clair, 62, Kendallville resident 36 years, died Tuesday at his home. Funeral will be Friday. Burial, Brushy Chapel Cemetery. A native of Metz and former resident of Butler, he came here in 1940 and became employed in the sheet metal department of McCray Refrigerator Co., working there 36 years. Surviving are 3 sons, Ralph of Fort Custer, Mich., Quentin of Orlando, Fla., and Richard of this city; one daughter, Mrs. Harriet Stienbarger of this city; and a stepdaughter, Mrs. Evangeline Vaughn of Rome City. + 1-7-???? 1-6-1941
Williams Darold E, 73, of R. 1, Rome City, died Sunday in McCray Hospital. Born in Ohio City, Ohio, July 18, 1914, he had lived in the Rome City area 14 years, moving from Defiance, Ohio. On June 12, 1937 in Fort Wayne he married Rosemary Winhover. He was a dock foreman for a grocery in Defiance, a member of Rome City United Methodist Church, Lions Club and Odd Fellows, and Rebekah Lodge, Van Wert, Ohio. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Nancy Koons, Eaton Rapids, Mich., and Sue McGinnis, Lawrence, Mich.; 2 sons, Ronald, Kokomo, and Arthur, Eaton Rapids; 11 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Three sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Services Thursday in Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, Ohio. Burial, Ohio City Cemetery, Ohio City. + 6-12-1988
Williams Dora, 55, wife of Judd Williams of Kendallville, died Friday from a heart attack at her home there. Surviving are the husband; 2 sisters, Mrs. William Coffel, Mrs. Mollie Wagner; and a brother, Henry Hemer, Kendallville. Funeral Monday from the Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1933
Williams Edward "Ted", 85, of Adams Lake, R. 1, Wolcottville, died Monday in McCray Hospital. Born in Nottingham, England, May 12, 1902, he was the son of Phillip E. and Agnes (Kitchen) Williams. On May 23, 1931 in LaGrange, He married Lucy Hoak, who died in 1972. He moved to the Wolcottville area 15 years ago and had previously lived in Fort Wayne 50 years. He owned OIM Transit Co., Fort Wayne, and was a member of Forest Park United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, Wayne E. of Fort Wayne; a sister, Agnes Russo of Glendale, Ariz.; and 2 grandchildren. A daughter, Agnes May, died in 1934. Two sisters and 2 brothers preceded him in death. Services Thursday in Hutchins Funeral Home, Wolcottville. Burial, Woodland Cemetery. + 9-24-1987
Williams Effie, practically a lifelong resident of Kendallville, died this morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. A.R. Otis, 804 E. Mitchell St., from complications. She was born in Brunersburg, O., the daughter of the late Dr. S. T. and Mary Williams. She came with her parents and grandfather, Dr. Nathan Williams to Kendallville in 1864 and has resided here continuously ever since. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Allie Otis, wife of A. R. Otis, and Mrs. Minnie Thomas of Chicago. Dr. W. S. Williams, who died in 1914, was a brother. + 5-16-1925
Williams Eliza E, 96, one of Kendallville’s oldest residents, died Sunday in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred D. Butz, Kendallville, where she had made her home since 1916. She was born April 8, 1851 in Franklin County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Jane Ann Fravel. She was married to Francis Williams October 29, 1876. She lived with him here in Avilla many years. Following his death in November 1916, she moved to Kendallville. She was a member of the Methodist Church and at one time was active in OES in Avilla. Surviving besides Mrs. Butz are a stepdaughter, Mrs. Avilla Slagle of Riverton, Wyo., and four grandchildren, Mrs. Helen Louise Ross and Fredrick Butz of Anderson, Mrs. Mary Beth Free of Springfield, O., and Dan Butz of Kendallville. Seven great-grandchildren also survive. Services Tuesday in the Kendallville Mortuary. Burial, Hopewell Cemetery. ~ 9-25-1947
Williams Emeline (Heath) died Monday. For the past several weeks she has been lying at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. O.W. Lobdell, southwest of this place, suffering from dropsy. She was born in Bronson Twp, Huron County, Ohio, August 25, 1832, and was married to Giles Williams in 1854. They came in 1856 to Swan Twp, where they resided eleven years, then moving to Milford Twp, LaGrange County. Two years later Mr. Williams was killed in a sawmill, and his widow returned to Avilla, where she remained until her death. Her age was 60 years, 8 months, 20 days. She was the mother of two children, one of whom survives her. Funeral at the M. E. Church yesterday. Burial, King Cemetery. ~ 5-18-1893
Williams Ethel B, 90, died at Fairfield Health Care Center in Fort Wayne Sunday. She was born Aug. 7, 1891 in Avilla, the daughter of Siegel E. and Arabelle (Bolton) Crawford. She was the widow of Dr. Harold O. Williams, whom she married in Kendallville in 1913. He died Aug. 1, 1959. She was a lifetime resident of Kendallville and a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, the Tuesday Club and the McCray Hospital Auxiliary. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Dean (Patty) Cutshall, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Wayne (Nancy) Stewart of Stone Harbor, N.J.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Graveside services Tuesday. ~ 9-3-1981 + 8-30-1981
Williams Eugene E, 94, of 202 S. Orange St., Albion, died Saturday in Strawberry Village Nursing Home, Ligonier. He was born July 18, 1886 and married Velma R. Russell Sept. 12, 1968. He had been an Albion resident since 1968 when he moved from Fort Wayne. He was a retired accountant for General Electric in Fort Wayne and was a member of Albion Rotary Club. Survivors are 2 stepdaughters, Marjorie Mason of Albion, and Jane Packard of Calif.; a stepson, George Durfee; and 4 grandchildren. A son and a sister preceded him in death. Funeral Tuesday in Brazzell Funeral Home in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 3-?0-1980
Williams Everton Groce "Brud" was born April 28, 1904 in Wolf Lake, to Curt and Margaret Williams of Wolf Lake and Ligonier. He died November 21 in Grayling, Mich. He attended school in Ligonier and worked for the Ford Motor Co. in Detroit, retiring to Au Sable River, Grayling, Mich. He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Grayling; two sisters, Mrs. Vance (Eleanor) Moots, Syracuse, and Evelyn Williams, also of Syracuse; several nieces and nephews. Services November 25 at Sorenson Funeral Home in Grayling. Burial, North Star Michigan Cemetery. + 11-?-1977
Williams Flora, wife of Albert Williams, rural mail carrier out of Albion, died at her home on N. Oak St. Friday from dropsy and cancer. She was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. DePew of Wolf Lake. For a number of years she was a teacher in the Noble County schools. She is survived by her husband, 2 sons, 2 daughters, her parents, mother-in-law who makes her home with them, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. ^ 10-30-1909
Williams Florence M, 74, Rome City businesswoman, died Saturday at Lakeside Hospital at Kendallville. Funeral was Monday at Bonham Funeral Home at Albion with burial at Ligonier. Surviving is one sister, Mrs. Margaret France of Rome City. + 11-?-1938
Williams Francis A was born at Mansfield, N.J. March 13, 1833. He was the last survivor of a family of four brothers and four sisters. When he died at his home here in Avilla Nov. 1, 1916, he was 83 years, 7 months and 18 days of age. In the early years of his life he came to Ohio and when between the age of twelve and fifteen years, his mother’s family migrated to Noble County, where he spent the balance of his long life, between 42 and 43 years, of which were lived in Avilla. On May 31, 1855 he was married to Hannah A. Gragg. They had 3 children, Mrs. Ellen D. Worman of Bluffton, Mrs. Adelia Swihart of Huntington, and Mrs. Emily Strong of Kendallville. After the death of his first wife, he was married to Annie P. Williams, Aug. 7, 1865. One daughter, now Mrs. Avilla Slagle of Upton, Wyoming, was born to them. Hardly six years had come and gone, however, when the wife and mother died. It was on Oct. 29, 1876 when he was married to Eliza E. Flavel, who has been the companion forty years. They became the parents of two children, Mrs. Maud Butz of Kendallville, and Don of Indianapolis. There are of the family now, Mrs. Eliza E. Williams, his wife; six children, thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was a man of wide acquaintance and took active part in all local affairs. He has stated that he assisted in the production of the first issue of this paper. Funeral Saturday at the M. E. Church. Burial, Hopewell Cemetery besides his first wife. ~ 11-8-1916
Williams Frank, ex-deputy sheriff, son of ex-sheriff Richard Williams, fell from a building on which he was at work in Ketchum, Idaho, on June 9 and died instantly. + Clippings book ^ 6-29-1883
Williams Frank, 49, died at his home in Omaha, Neb. on Aug. 20. He was born and raised in the vicinity of Albion, going to Omaha several years ago. He was a nephew of Mrs. Firmer Applegate. His death was due to spinal meningitis. + 8-?-1930
Williams Harold O, 69, a Kendallville physician for 46 years, died August 1 in McCray Hospital. He was hospitalized for a short period but resumed his practice upon dismissal. Thursday night he had another heart attack and was hospitalized. He was the fourth generation of the Williams family to practice medicine in Kendallville, his father, paternal grandfather and great-grandfather having practiced before him. Surviving are the widow, the former Ethel Crawford; two daughters, Mrs. Wayne Stewart, Cape May Court House, N. J., and Mrs. Dean Cutshall, Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren and two sisters, Miss Lucille Williams, Kendallville, and Mrs. Anna Pugh, Fort Wayne. Services Tuesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 8-6-1959
Williams Isaac "Ed", 55, of South Milford, died March 23, 2005 at Lutheran Hospital. He was born February 22, 1950 in Albion, Mich., to John E. and Opal Wanitta Williams. On February 6, 1971 in Albion, Mich. he married Kathryn E. Coplin. Surviving are his wife; a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Melinda; 2 sisters and their spouses, Pauline and Jack Nelson of Las Vegas, and Patricia and Scott Mills of Frankfort, Ill.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gloria Paulsen, Dianne and Lillian Williams, Sharon Niccum, Bruce and Sharon Coplin and Christine and Kenneth Butler. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, John E. Jr., Michael, and Ralph Williams, and Joseph and James Niccum; and a sister, Barbara Wright. He grew up in Floyd County, Ky. and moved to Noble County when he was 17. He was a truck driver for Maple Tree in Elkhart. He was a deacon in the Kendallville Assembly of God. Services March 26 at Brazzell Funeral Home, Avilla. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ~ 4-7-2005
Williams James C died Thanksgiving Day at his son, Clinton's home in Garrett. He was born July 28, 1875 in Green Twp, Noble County. He was at Devil's Lake, N.D. when he volunteered for service during the Spanish-American War. He was a member of the 35th regiment of volunteers and was in the Philippines more than 2 years. After returning from the army in 1901 he was employed by McCray Refrigerator in Kendallville. He became an employee of the B&O Railroad in 1903 and had been a conductor on the Capitol Limited for 4 years before his retirement on the 40th anniversary of his service. He married Pearl Cramer of Albion on April 19, 1905. Surviving are the widow, 2 sons, James C. Jr. and Clinton B., both of Garrett; a granddaughter, Colleen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Williams Jr.; a brother, B. A. Williams and one half-brother, Walter Williams. He was a charter member of the Garrett FOE. Funeral at the Garrett Methodist Church Sunday. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. Garrett Clipper 11-29-1943
Williams James Robert, 16, a resident of Green Twp, was pronounced dead at the scene of a car-truck accident at County Roads 500E and 300S in rural LaOtto on Jan. 23, 1996. He was born in Fort Wayne on May 31, 1979, a son of Steven S. and Patricia Richards Williams, and spent all of his lifetime in the Churubusco area. He was a junior at Cornerstone Christian School in Merriam. For the past 2 months he had been employed at Flexfab Inc. in Albion. He was a member of the Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, Merriam. Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Patricia and Richard Flaherty of rural LaOtto; his father of Fort Wayne; 2 brothers, Joseph Williams and Jarrod Flaherty, rural LaOtto; a sister, Stephanie Williams of rural LaOtto; his grandparents, Robert and Delores Richards of Churubusco, James R. Williams of Churubusco, Naomi Williams of Fort Wayne, James B. Flaherty of Churubusco, and Cynthia Flaherty of Churubusco; and a great-grandmother, Dorothy Tatman of Kendallville. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 2-1-1996
Williams John, 92, of Williams Lake near Albion died February 14, 2004 at Kendallville Manor Health Care Center. He was born in Northumberland, England on May 14, 1911 to William and Emma (Nicholson) Williams. He married Bonnie Eileen Gustin on October 27, 1973 in Fort Wayne. Surviving are his wife; 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law, Jack and Jane of Phoenix, Richard of Montezuma, Ind., and Gary and Cathy of Orland; 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Vivian Sarkisian of Phoenix, and Carol and Dave Walters of Bloomington; 6 stepchildren; a sister, Mary Ann Brockelman of Lebanon, Mo.; 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Loretta Clark; sisters May Foncannon, Ethel Kepers, Jane Kenny, Emma June and Edna Williams; and brothers, Jim, Charles, Lloyd and William Jr. Williams. He came to America with his parents when he was 2 years old. He was a truck driver employed with Gateway Transportation in Kendallville before retiring in 1974. Services at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ~ 2-26-2004
Williams John "Herb", 67, Rome City, died at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne Thursday. He was born in Iowa on March 7, 1909, the son of Francis and Alice (Shaw) Williams. He was married in Rome City Nov. 1, 1970 to Jessie Meisner. He was a member of the Wolcottville Masonic Lodge 380 and Rome City American Legion Post 381. Surviving are his wife; 4 sons, John and Richard of Fort Wayne, Robert, Indianapolis, and Timothy, Peoria, Ill.; stepchildren, Victor Meisner, Rome City, Mrs. David Campbell, Battle Creek, Mich., Mrs. Donald Branning, Angola, and Mrs. Melvin Berkes, Albion; a sister, Mrs. Lawrence Heid, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; 10 grandchildren. Services at Hutchins-Williams Funeral Home, Wolcottville, Sunday. Burial, Woodland Cemetery. + 12-?-1976
Williams John E Jr. was killed in a double fatality Saturday just east of the Noble-DeKalb County line. He was born in Chicago, Ill. June 11, 1957, a son of John E. and Opal J. Williams. He married Diane Clark July 5, 1980. She survives in Avilla along with their infant son, Nathan. He was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in LaOtto and had moved to this area five years ago from Chicago. Other survivors include another son, John, Chicago; two sisters, Mrs. Pauline Nelson and Patricia Mills, Riverdale, Ill.; and three brothers, Isaac, Avilla, and Michael and Ralph, both Chicago. A sister, Mrs. Barbara Wright, preceded him in death. Services Tuesday in Brazzell Funeral Home here. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ~ 4-16-1981 + 4-?-1981
Williams John R, born at Eel River, Whitley County, Ind. Nov. 26, 1859, died Nov. 22, 1944, aged 84 years, 11 months, 22 days. His wife died March 3, 1925. He is survived by 2 sons, Harry R. of Tulsa, Okla., and Ray G., Chicago, Ill.; 2 daughters, Mrs. J. McClese and Mrs. W. M. Fitzpatrick of Omaha, Neb.; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. An elder son, Frank E, deceased, is survived by his widow Bessie and a son Robert serving with the armed forces overseas. He formerly resided in Albion. + 12-?-1944
Williams Joseph Gordon, 54, Wolcottville, died February 2004 at his home at Witmer Lake. He was born October 5, 1949 in Kendallville to Joseph Norton and Isabel (Miller) Williams. On August 2, 1970 in Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, Mich., he married Joanne Nowak. Surviving are his wife; his mother and stepfather, Isabel and H. Dean Luke of Ashley; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph M. and Heather Williams of Kendallville; a daughter, Jennifer L. Williams of Avilla; a sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Rick Crummit of Waterloo; 2 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Judy Nowak, and Sonny and Eve Rinehart of Mongo; a half-sister and her husband, Wanda Lou and Johnny Clark of Richmond, Va.; a stepsister; a sister-in-law, Peggy Hall of White Pigeon, Mich. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam Conflict as a door gunner. He was an electrical estimator for more than 30 years and had been employed at J.O. Mory the past 15 years. Services at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Waterloo. Burial St. Michael's Cemetery. ~ 2-26-2004
Williams, Judd, 83, 518 E Diamond St. died in McCray Hospital. He had suffered a stroke. Born in Wolf Lake, March 7, 1885, the son of George Henry and Bella Dora (Stangland) Williams, he had lived the past 53 years in Kendallville. He was a retired mail carrier. Surviving- 1 stepson, Donald L. Taylor, 614 E Diamond St and 5 step-grandchildren. One sister preceded him in death. Burial in Lake View. + 3-14-1968
Williams Lucile, who served 49 years as a librarian in Kendallville, died Friday in Parkview Hospital. She was born in Kendallville, the daughter of Dr. Warren S. and Jennie (Otis) Williams. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, American Library Association, BPW and Tri Kappa. She spent most of her life in Kendallville. One brother preceded her in death. One sister, Mrs. Anna Pugh, Fort Wayne, survives. Funeral Monday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-?-1976
Williams Lydia (Eicher) was born in Fayette County, Pa., Sept. 2, 1810 and died at Kendallville, Dec. 11, 1890, aged 80 years, 2 months and 17 days. She was married to Dr. Nathan Williams Sept. 25, 1831, having been thus related to Brother Williams for 59 years, 2 months and 16 days. They had two sons and three daughters, only one of whom survives her, Dr. S. T. Williams of this city. The family came to Kendallville July 28, 1865, which as been their home up to the time of her death. She became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of 19. + 12-11-1890 ^ 12-19-1890
Williams Lydia D was born July 27, 1876 and died May 5, 1957. Services at Porter Funeral Home, North Salem, Ind., May 8. Burial, Fairview Cemetery. + 5-5-1957
Williams Mamie Pearl, 92, of Strawberry Village Nursing Home, Ligonier, died there Sunday. She was born June 16, 1890 in Fairmont, W. Va., and on July 4, 1909 married Paul Williams, who died in 1965. She moved to the Ligonier area 6 years ago from Ohio. Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Margaret Williams of Knapp Lake; a son-in-law, Virgil Walsh of East Sparta, Ohio; a sister, Gladys Klein of Akron, Ohio; and 5 grandchildren. Services Thursday at Gordon Funeral Home, East Sparta. Burial, Baxter Ridge Cemetery, New Harrisburg, Ohio. + 12-12-1982
Williams Margret S, 65, of Ligonier, died of a cerebral hemorrhage September 15 at Battle Creek, Mich. She was born at Wolf Lake, moving to Ligonier about 38 years ago. Surviving are two sons and four daughters; a brother, Charles D. Inks of Albion; 13 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Services at Ligonier Saturday. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 9-?-1955
Williams Marie, 75, former Kendallville resident from 1920 to 1943, died Saturday in the home of her daughter in Las Vegas. She was born Jan. 14, 1899 in Parr, Ind. to Marion O. and Lillian (Garriott) Gant. She married James O. Williams in 1923 in Kendallville. He died Feb. 3, 1942. She has lived in La Vegas since 1963 when she moved from Memphis, Tenn. While living in Kendallville, she was an employee of McCray Refrigeration Co. She joined the U. S. Air Force after leaving Kendallville and worked in Dayton, Indianapolis and Memphis where she retired. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 86 in Kendallville. Funeral Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-?-1974
Williams Mary, 85, native of near Kendallville, died July 7 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D. G. Roser of west of Huntertown, of senility. Survivors are the daughter; a son,; 2 sisters; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral was Saturday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 7-?-1938
Williams Mary, relict of ex-sheriff Richard Williams, deceased, died at the home of her son-in-law, J.W. Eaton, in Garrett Feb. 9, 1901, aged 68 years, 7 months and 4 days. She was born in Richland County, Ohio July 5, 1832. Her first husband, George Shambaugh, died about 1863. She married Richard Williams April 13, 1865. She became a resident of Albion when her husband assumed the office of sheriff and continued to reside here until a few years ago when she went to Garrett where she lived with her daughter. Obsequies were held Monday at the Lutheran Church. Burial, Albion Cemetery. She leaves one son, Pierce Shambaugh of South Chicago, and one daughter, Mrs. William DeCamp of Jefferson Twp by her first marriage, and one daughter, Mrs. Eaton by her second marriage. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. + 2-19-1901
Williams Mary E (Lehman) was born in Brunersburgh, O., Dec. 17, 1837 and died in Kendallville June 26, 1895. She was married May 20, 1858 to Salathiel T. Williams. They moved to Kendallville in 1865. They had four children, all of whom are living. The father died three years ago. She leaves five sisters, four brothers and her children, Dr. W.S. Williams, Miss Effie Williams, Mrs. E. S. Thomas of Chicago and Mrs. A.R. Otis of this city. She has long been a member of the M. E. Church of this place. Funeral at her late residence June 28. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-26-1895 ^ 7-5-1895
Williams Mary Kay, 79, a resident of Noble Twp, Noble County, died October 24, 2000 in the Select Specialty Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born July 29, 1921 in Noble County to Lewis F. and Mary Jane (Bitner) Wolfe. She graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1939 and received her degree from Ball State Teacher's College. She was a member of Ormas Baptist Church and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. She taught school 33 years, beginning at Wolf Lake High. In 1973 she retired from Central Noble High School in Albion. She married Herschel Williams on January 20, 1951 and lived for a while in Logansport. She lived on the Wolfe family farm at Loon Lake for the past 30 years. Surviving are her husband; 3 sisters, Elizabeth A. Thompson of Columbia City, Rebecca J. Pittel of Ocala, Fla., and Lois C. Craig of Muncie. A sister, Barbara Elliott, preceded her in death. Services Saturday at Ormas Baptist Church. Burial, Thorn Cemetery. + 10-25-2000
Williams Mary Leona, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Williams of Elkhart, Ind., was born near Rome City April 21, 1892. About one year ago she was severely burned on the hip. She died in her Elkhart home Sept. 29. Funeral in the U. B. Church at Brimfield. Burial, Osborn Cemetery. ^ 10-7-1904
Williams N Dr was born in Fayette County, Pa. March 10, 1811; died in Kendallville, Nov. 20, 1892 in his 82nd year. He married Lydia Eicher Sept. 25, 1831. She died Dec. 11, 1890. They had five children, 3 of whom died many years ago. Their daughter, Tryphenia, wife of Dr. D.C. Wilson, died April 12, 1890, and their son, Dr. S. T. Williams, died April 30, 1892. He united with the church at 19. Funeral from the residence on Tuesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 11-20-1892 ^ 11-25-1892
Williams Nettie Jane, wife of Noah Williams, died Saturday at her home at St. Johns in Butler Twp. Mrs. Williams, who was nearly sixty-five years of age, had not been in ill health. She was sitting in a rocking chair sewing. Her husband was in the room and his attention was attracted to his wife when she suddenly fell forward. Death was instantaneous and was due to a heart attack. Coroner B. O. Shook of Spencerville conducted an inquest. Mrs. Williams’ maiden name was Grocock and she was born in Swan Twp Feb. 3, 1870. She and Mr. Williams were married Jan. 1, 1890 and they lived at different times in Noble and DeKalb Counties. They resided at St. Johns for nineteen years. Surviving besides the widower are two sons, Floyd J. Williams of Detroit, and Ferda R. Williams of Owatonna, Minn.; two brothers, Newman Growcock of Swan Twp, and Joseph Growcock of Green Twp; two sisters, Mrs. William Jordan of Swan Twp and Mrs. Fred Jones of Kendallville; and thirteen grandchildren. A daughter, Mrs. Grace Bradley, has been dead seven years. The funeral will be held Monday at the Butler Center Church. Burial, Swan Cemetery. Garrett Clipper 12-17-1934
Williams Noah of Detroit, formerly of St. Johns, Butler Twp, was born in Stark County, Oh. May 9, 1869 and lived at St. Johns about 25 years. He was married to Nettie Jane Grocock of Keyser Twp 56 years ago and she died Dec. 15, 1934 at St. Johns. Mr. Williams died Sunday from pneumonia and the body was brought to Garrett Tuesday. Surviving are a son, John F. of Detroit; a brother, Curtis of Ligonier; a sister, Mrs. Harriett Truby of Mongo; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mr. Williams had been residing with his son. The funeral was Wednesday at the George W. Der Mortuary in Garrett. Among those attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John Williams of Detroit and Mrs. Emma Williams of Owatonna, Minn. Burial, Swan Cemetery. Garrett Clipper 2-2-1945
Williams Patricia, 47, died Sept. 24, 2003 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was a member of Bethel Christian Church and had worked at Starcraft in Topeka for many years. She was recently employed at Teleflex in Kendallville. She was born Nov. 6, 1955 in Ary, Ky. to Arthur and Jeanette (Combs) Stacy. On Nov. 19, 1973 in Donaldsonville, Ga., she married Keith Williams. Surviving are her father in Ary; her husband in Albion; a daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Jim Miel of Kendallville; a son, Allen of Albion; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Barbara Goodson of Hazard, Ky., and Veldora and William Ritchie of Hazard; 3 brothers and sisters-in-law, Dana and Linda Stacy of Frankfort, Ky., Darrell and Sue Stacy and Kenny and Rhonda Stacy of Ary; and a granddaughter, Acacia Miel. Services Saturday at Bethel Christian Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 9-25-2003
Williams Pearl, 53, wife of Clair Williams of Kendallville, died Friday from complications. Surviving are the husband; 2 daughters and 3 sons, Mrs. Evangeline Johnston, Rome City, Ralph, Fort Thomas, Ky., Richard, Quentin and Harriet at home; 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Mrs. Allen Stroh, Mrs. Delbert Lanning, Kendallville, Perry Frock, Flint, Mich., Bert Frock, New Haven, and the mother of (appears to be a line missing) Kendallville. + 8-?-1935
Williams Raleigh, 43, former Avilla resident, was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday in a semi-trailer rig accident near Omaha, Neb. He was born in Magoffin, Ky., January 5, 1941, the son of Ben and Harriet (Rowe) Williams. He married Bernice Sparkman February 13, 1972 in Wolcottville. He had moved to Kendallville a year ago from Avilla and was employed by Kidd Company Inc., Ligonier. Surviving are his wife and his mother; four daughters, Marina C. Bollinger, Kathy R.. Tracy L, and Lena D. Williams; three sons, Brian Sparkman, Steve and Aaron L. Williams; two stepsons, Dwayne and Paul B. Sparkman; two grandchildren; six sisters, Fay Green, Irene Green, Jurlene Williams, Turlene Eberle and Sheila Nickels, all of Lima, and Eva Salt, South Bend; four brothers, Grandville, Rensselaer, Allie and Seldon, both Lima, and Ernie, Waynesville, Ohio. ~ 5-19-1983 + 1983
Williams Raymond D, 53, died Saturday in his residence following an accident. He was struck by a falling utility pole at his residence. He was born October 2, 1942 in Ary, Ky. to Green Berry and Oma (Conway) Williams. On December 26, 1961 in Rowdy, Ky. he married Alice Williams. He had lived in this area 19 years. He was employed by Brunswick Marine in Topeka as a boat assembler. Surviving are his wife; a son, Kevin R. of Ligonier; 4 daughters, Sondra Addis of Ligonier, Cheryl Taylor of Topeka, Kim Driscoll of Albion and Cynthia Williams of Kimmell; 3 brothers, Roy and George of Ary, and Keith of Albion; 11 grandchildren; 9 sisters, Letha Terry, Bonnie Combs, Mary Neace, Betty Terry, Dorothy Ritchie, Norma Scully, Pamela Southwood, Sherry Hayes and Reva Coe. Funeral Wednesday in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-26-1996
Williams Richard, ex-sheriff, died at his home in Albion, Nov. 14, 1893. He was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio and was aged 64 years, 6 months 14 days. He passed the early part of his life on the farm assisting his father. He afterwards learned the blacksmith trade which he followed in Ohio, New York and Indiana. He first became a resident of Indiana in Allen County where he remained 5 years when he became a citizen of Noble County. He returned to Allen County 2 years afterwards where he enlisted in the 88th Indiana Volunteers, Co. E. in July 1862 but was compelled to resign after 6 months’ service on account of ill health. After his army service he located in Green Twp. He was elected sheriff of Noble County in 1878 and served one term. He was elected again in 1886. He was a member of Worden Post, G.A.R. of this city and Albion Lodge F&AM. He was married twice, his first wife being Martha Dolan, who died in 1863, leaving 4 children, B. Franklin, John, James E. and Jennie. He was married to Mrs. Mary Shambaugh in 1865. They had one child, Olive, who is the wife of J. W. Eaton of Garrett. Funeral at the Lutheran Church Thursday. Burial, Albion Cemetery. + 11-14-1893 ^ 11-24-1893
Williams Richard B, 81, died at his home in Swan Twp April 24 from complications. Funeral was held from the Hopewell Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Surviving are the widow and 5 children, Mrs. Amanda Johnson, Fort Wayne, J. O. Williams and Mrs. Lura Brovont of Mich., Mrs. Maude Meyette, West Hollywood, Cal., and S. L. at home. A brother, J. W., resides in Pasadena Cal. + 5-?-1935
Williams Robert Allen, 57, of Fort Wayne, died May 20, 2009 at his home. He was born in Mount Pleasant, Pa. on Dec. 21, 1951 to Charles and Norma (Walt) Williams. He served in the U.S. Navy and was employed at Kraft Foods in Kendallville before becoming disabled in 1991. Surviving are a son, Robert and Trina Williams Jr. of Kendallville; a daughter, Julie Williams of Fort Wayne; the mother of his children, Pam Williams of Evansville; 7 grandchildren, Austin, Keyana, Kyrah, Ashanti, Maria, Kevin and Damien; a great-grandson, Ajay Arnett; 2 brothers, Clyde and Mark Williams of Smithton, Pa. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dane Williams and a grandson, JeQuinn Williams in 2005. Funeral May 24 at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 5-23-2009
Williams Robert B was born July 2, 1822 near Winchester, Frederick County, Va. He was the youngest of a family of 14 children, 8 boys and 6 girls, only one, Mrs. Rachel Elzy of Decatur, Ind. surviving him. When at age of 10 years his father who was a farmer crossed the Alleghenies with teams and wagons and came west and located in Muskingum County, Ohio. Here he studied medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. Jennings, completing his studies at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. He came west and located in Adams County, this state. Here he married Sophia Wing in 1855 and they had 4 boys and one girl, only 2 surviving, Robert B. Jr. and William A. He moved to Rome City in 1872 and remained ever since except living one year in Brimfield. His death occurred on June 8, 1893 at the age of 70 years 11 months and 6 days after 8 months of suffering from blood poison contracted in the practice of his profession. Funeral at the late home June 10. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 6-23-1893
Williams Robert B Jr, aged 36 years 6 months and 11 days, died at Rome City Oct. 14. He attended Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, during 1883-84; married Florence Skillen at Rome City March 3, 1886; went into the drug business at Goshen, Ind. in Sept. 1886; and moved his business to Rome City in July 1887. He leaves a wife, his mother and an only brother. He was a member of F&AM Lodge No. 451, Rome City and OES of Kendallville. Funeral at the residence. ^ 10-19-1894
Williams Robert L, 70, R. 2, Syracuse, died of an apparent heart attack Friday at his home. Born April 7, 1903 in Anderson, he was the son of John D. and Kate (Danforth) Williams and had resided in this area since moving from Anderson 17 years ago. Double funeral services were Saturday at Harris-Troxel Funeral Home in North Webster. Burial, North Webster Cemetery. + 5-?-1973
Williams Rosa V was born March 6, 1874 and died March 1, 1944. Services at Bonham’s March 4. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 3-?-1944
Williams Rose, about 69, a former resident of our county, died at Toledo, Ohio March 1, 1944 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Doyle Wisely. Funeral at Bonham Funeral Home Saturday. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 3-?-1944
Williams Ross, 52, Indianapolis, a former Ligonier resident, was found dead at his home on Friday. An insurance claim representative, he had lived in Indianapolis for the past 30 years. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ed Williams of Ligonier. There are no immediate survivors. Funeral at Ulrey Funeral Home, Ligonier, Monday. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 10-?-1975
Williams Salathiel T was born in Mount Gilead, Ohio, June 15, 1835, and died April 30, 1892, making him 56 years, 10 months and 15 days old. He was married to Mary E. Lehman May 20, 1858. He graduated in medicine this same year and practiced up to the day of his death. He moved with his family to Kendallville in 1866 and was his father’s partner till 1884 when his son, W. S., became associated with him. He leaves a wife, a father, 4 children and several grandchildren. + 4-30-1892 ^ 5-6-1892
Williams Sarah, 92, of Cromwell, died last Wednesday in the Johnston Nursing Home, Ligonier. Surviving are several nephews and nieces. Funeral Friday in L. H. Moore Funeral Home in Cromwell. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1951
Williams Tony was born Dec. 24, 1969 in Kendallville, the son of Wilmer and Kathleen (Ritchie) Williams. He was a senior at East Noble High School and attended Bethel Christian Church in Brimfield. Surviving are his parents in Rome City; a sister, Phyllis Carla at home; 2 brothers, Rick D., Rome City, and Robbie L. of Kendallville; grandparents, Hubert and Armelda Ritchie of Rome City, Bobby and Alma Williams, Rome City; and great-grandmother, Hallie Ritchie of LaGrange. Services today at Mt. Assembly Church of God, Wolcottville. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 10-24-1987
Williams Velma Durfee Davis, longtime Albion resident, died last Wednesday and was to be buried near Toledo on Wednesday of this week. She is survived by a son, George Durfee, Toledo, and daughters, Jane Packard in Calif., and Mickey Mason in Berea, Ohio. She was about 92 years old, had lived in Toledo many years where she was a buyer in perfumes for LaSalle and Koch. After retirement she made her home with her father, George Russell, here in Albion, and later married Eugene Williams who died a few years ago. + 6-?-1982
Williams Wayne L, 38, of Avilla, died August 23, 2000 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born May 8, 1962 in El Monte, Calif. to Curtis L. and Jean (White) Williams. They survive in Kendallville. He married Elizabeth Conrad, who also survives. He was a truck driver at Brunswick. Also surviving are 2 sons, Blake and Colten, of Avilla; a stepdaughter, Ashley Kline of Avilla; 5 brothers, Gary, Steve and Butch of Kendallville, Steven of Michigan and Larry of Toledo, Ohio; a sister, Candy Stoneburner of Kendallville. He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Joe Williams. Services in Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 9-7-2000
Williamson Adaline died Sunday. Services were at the house. Burial, Springfield Cemetery. She leaves 3 brothers and one sister. ^ 12-15-1881
Williamson Althea Smith), 57, (b.4-22-1890) of 2126 Alabama Ave., Fort Wayne, died Aug. 14, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Hospital after she was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage while driving her automobile. Surviving are her husband, Chauncey; 3 daughters, Mrs. Hays Huntsman, Albion, Mrs. William Kestner, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Norman Gerig, Woodburn; a son, Walter, Fort Wayne; her mother, Mrs. Lois Castator, Albion; and 6 grandchildren. Services at Sparta Christian Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 8-?-1947
Williamson Carol I, 76, of Washington and formerly of Kimmell, died February 28, 1992 in Daviess County Hospital. She was born December 25, 1915 in Plymouth, the daughter of Clarence and Hazel (Crance) Fruits. She married George A. Williamson January 29, 1942. He died January 31, 1992. She was a homemaker and executive secretary at Sorg Mfg. for 12 years. She was a member of Kimmell United Methodist Church and was church organist 30 years. She was a member of OES. Surviving are 2 daughters, Cindy Sandberg of Washington, and Becky Williamson of Kimmell; a brother, Fred Fruits of Rocky Mount, N.C.; and 4 grandchildren. Services today in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 2-28-1992
Williamson Carrie, youngest daughter of Jacob Reyher, and wife of Allen Williamson, was born at Edgerton, Williams County, Ohio April 6, 1863; married March 21, 1880. She died July 30 at the age of 18 years 3 months and 24 days. Funeral at the Disciple Church Aug. 1. ^ 8-4-1881
Williamson Chauncey J, about 72, (b.11-25-1884) died May 28, 1957 at Sheehy Nursing Home. Surviving are a son, Walter of Fort Wayne; 3 daughters, Mrs. William Kestner of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Norman Gerig of Auburn, and Mrs. Hays Huntsman of Albion; 9 grandchildren; one brother, Sherman of Albion; and a sister, Mrs. Glenn Roe of Wawaka. Services Friday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 5-?-1957
Williamson Claude Leroy, 52, born and reared in Albion, died at his home in Morocco, Ind. March 29, 1940. Son of Memory Ann and Daniel E. Williamson, he was born Feb. 4, 1888 in Albion. He graduated from Albion High School and Purdue University school of pharmacy. He took over management of a store for Meyer Brothers in Fort Wayne until he entered business with his father-in-law in Morocco in 1911. He was a member of the Baptist Church in Morocco, the K of P and Masonic Lodges. On Oct. 26, 1910 he was married to Bertha Padgett. They had 3 sons, William, Anderson, Ind., Robert, West Lafayette, and Jack at home. He also leaves a grandson and a half-brother, Melvin. Funeral in Morocco Baptist Church Sunday with burial in the cemetery there. + 3-?-1940
Williamson Elmer Vincent was born Dec. 15, 1868, died in Berlin, Md. Dec. 10, 1923, age 54 years, 11 months, 26 days. He was married to Sadie Growcock Nov. 6, 1894. They had 4 children. He leaves a wife; one son; 3 daughters; 7 grandchildren; one half-sister and 3 half-brothers. He united with the M. E. Church over a year ago. + 12-?-1923
Williamson George A, 81, formerly of Kimmell, died January 31, 1992 in his Washington, Ind. home. He was born September 9, 1910 in Leesburg to Grover and Muriel (Heckaman) Williamson. On January 29, 1942 he married Carol Fruits in Plymouth. A WW II veteran, he managed the Kimmell Elevator and lived in Kimmell over 40 years. He was a member of the Kimmell United Methodist Church, Ligonier Masonic Lodge and OES, and Fort Wayne Scottish Rite. He served as a board member for Sparta Cemetery. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Cindy Sandberg of Washington and Becky Williamson of Kimmell; one sister, Enola Powell of Noblesville; and 4 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral Monday in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 1-31-1992
Williamson Josa J, son of H. A. and Carrie Williamson, this city, died at the residence of J. Duerling Aug. 27, aged 4 months. The body was taken to Edgerton, Ohio and buried last Sunday. ^ 9-1-1881
Williamson Juanita B, 61, of 103 Grand St., Ligonier, died Saturday at Goshen Hospital. She was born Feb. 11, 1921 in Rome City to Melvin E. and Ada (Zeigler) Bloom. In June 1948 in Ligonier she married Stanley E. Williamson who died in 1980. A retired waitress for Bellman’s Lounge in Ligonier, she was a lifetime area resident and member of the American Legion Auxiliary No. 243 in Ligonier. Surviving are 2 daughters, Jackie DeBolt and Mrs. Wayne (Peggy) Conrad, both of Ligonier; 3 sons, Jerry Gray of Maumee, Ohio, James Gray of Freeport, Ill., and Richard Williamson of Ligonier; 2 sisters, Mrs. Ray (Zelma) Joslin and Mrs. Buss (Audrey) Scittles of St. Petersburg, Fla.; 4 brothers, Gale and Bernard of St. Petersburg, Vance of Ligonier, and Melvin Jr. of Lapel; 15 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Services Tuesday at Orr Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 1-?-1983
Williamson Martha, 79, (b.9-5-1880) died Oct. 18, 1959 at her home in Albion. She was born near Ligonier and had lived here more than 40 years. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge. Surviving are the husband, S. J., to whom she had been married 62 years; 2 daughters, Mrs. Frank Clouse of Albion and Mrs. Roger Shively of Ortonville, Mich.; one son, Forrest; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Services Wednesday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 10-?-1959
Williamson Memory A, 37, died Thursday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Breeden of Albion. Cause of death was cancer of the throat. She left 2 children, a boy and a girl. She was a sister of Claude Breeden who was suffocated in a well on Garden St. in this city a few years ago. Funeral was at the Breeden home Sunday. Burial, Albion. ^ 2-6-1908
Williamson Sadie, 80, a resident of Kimmell 46 years, died Sunday at her home in Kimmell. Surviving are a son, a grandson and one brother. Funeral Tuesday in Sparta Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1952
Williamson Sadie, 68, of Kimmell, died from a ruptured appendix at Kendallville Hospital July 11. She had been a resident of Kimmell for many years and is survived by one son, Lloyd of Ligonier; three daughters, Mrs. John Adair of near Ligonier, Mrs. Richard Kessler, Chicago, and Mrs. Blanche Saville, Willard, Ohio; three brothers, Marion Growcock of Kimmell, Frank Growcock of Ligonier, and Fred Growcock of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. Jesse Biddle of Ligonier, and Mrs. Frank Kimball of Fort Wayne. Services Wednesday at the Sparta Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 7-?-1938
Williamson Sherman J, 94, died Jan. 14, 1968 at Spartanburg, S.C. from a stroke. He was born in Noble County Dec. 11, 1873 and had engaged in farming many years before retiring after some years of employment by Noble County at its heating plant. His wife, Martha, died several years ago. He was a 50-year member of North Star Lodge IOOF 380. He is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Frank (Betty) Clouse of Albion and Mrs. Sarah Shively of Spartanburg, S.C.; one son, Forrest of Chicago; one sister, Mrs. Florence Roe of Ligonier; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home Wednesday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 1-?-1968
Williamson Stanley E "Andy", 65, of 103 Grand St., Ligonier, died Wednesday at his residence. He was born Aug. 18, 1915 in Kimmell, the son of Lloyd B. and Eva M. (Spry) Williamson. He married Juanita Bloom in Ligonier June 1948. A lifetime Ligonier area resident, he was a retired employee of Dana Corp., Syracuse. He was an Army veteran of WW II, a member of the Ligonier Eagles, Elks, American Legion Post 143 and Syracuse VFW. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Wayne (Peggy) Conrad; a stepdaughter, Jackie DeBolt; and a son, Richard, all of Ligonier; 2 stepsons, Jerry Gray of Maumee, Ohio, and James Gray of Freeport, Ill.; a sister, Mrs. George (Bonnie) Hinsch of Fort Wayne; a brother, Herman of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren. Services Saturday in Orr Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 9-?-1980
Williford Robert Allen, 34, of Kendallville, died Wednesday in Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne following coronary bypass surgery. He was born in Auburn October 12, 1959. On October 1992 in Waterloo he married Rochelle Clear. He was employed by Handy & Harman and was a member of Freewill Baptist Church in Waterloo. Surviving are his wife; his mother and stepfather, Helen I (Watson) and Cliff Dennison of Newville; a son, Jamie Lee Stayer of Butler; 4 stepchildren, Samuel, Stanley and Jeremy Woods, and Danetta Chorpenning; 4 brothers, Clifford, Mike and Scott Dennison of Newville, Tim Dennison of Auburn; and 7 step-grandchilden. Funeral Saturday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 12-8-1993
Willis Gloria M, 25, Kimmell, became the first weekend traffic victim when she was struck by a car driven by Norman K. Stangland, 17, R. 6, Columbia City. According to a report, she had been drinking and was riding with her common-law husband, Phillip Brown, along Indiana 109 just north of Columbia City. They had an argument and she subsequently left the car and walked in the road. He got out and followed her. When he saw the car coming he called to her, but apparently she didn’t hear him. She had recently come here from Texas. Five children, aged 10 through 7 months survive. + 2-?-1970
Willison Beauford E, 79, Kendallville, died Sunday in Kendallville Manor. He was born in West Virginia April 20, 1909, the son of Clifton E. and Cora Mae (Emrick) Willison. He married Gertrude Fay Smith Sept. 29, 1932 in Albion and she died Jan. 5, 1979. He moved to near Helmer 69 years ago and to Kendallville in 1974. He was a retired farmer and member of the Helmer United Methodist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Max (Beverly) Strater of Huntertown, and Mrs. Herman (Linda) Hammer of Roanoke; a son, John of Wolcottville; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. One sister preceded him in death. Services Nov. 9 in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. ~ 11-15-1988 + 11-?-1988
Willison Gertrude Fay, 67, 842 S. Main St., Kendallville, died today at her residence. Born in Noble County May 15, 1911, she was the daughter of Quincy and Mable (Reade) Smith. She married Beauford Willison Sept. 29, 1932 in Albion. She had lived in Kendallville the past 3 years moving from Helmer. She was a member of Helmer United Methodist Church. Survivors are the husband; 2 daughters, Mrs. Max (Beverly) Strater, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Herman (Linda) Hammer, Roanoke; one son, John, Helmer; 2 sisters, Mrs. Eunice McEntafer, Ashley, and Mrs. Florence Longbrake, Kendallville; 4 brothers, Eursal of Marion, Elmer and Howard, Kendallville, and Clardon, New Haven; and 9 grandchildren. Funeral Sunday at Helmer United Methodist Church. Burial, Fairfield Center Cemetery. + 1-?-1979
Willits Allen E, 88, died Monday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. A U.S. Navy veteran of WW II, he was associated with Booth-Rose Real Estate. He retired in 1973 as the owner of James Real Estate Service. He was born January 21, 1908 in Noble County to Frank Willits. On December 26, 1966 he married Verna Smitty. Surviving are his wife; 2 stepsons Jerry and Jack Smith; one stepdaughter, Charlotte Werstler; one brother, Dwight of Albion; one sister, Dorothy Wible of Muncie. He was preceded in death by one brother, Glenn. Funeral Thursday in Klink Funeral Home, Angola. Cremation and burial, Lindenwood Cemetery. + 10-13-1996
Willits Ann E, 57, of R. 2, LaGrange, died Friday in Camdenton, Mo. She was born in Kendallville Dec. 21, 1928 to Lloyd and Dorothy (Windle) Cook. She married Raymond Bauman who died Feb. 3, 1980. On Sept. 18, 1982 she married Freeman Willits in South Milford. An employee of Richard’s Restaurant, Auburn, for 8 years, she was former owner of Annie’s Restaurant in Auburn. She was a member of the Moose Lodge No. 261 Auxiliary, Auburn, and South Milford Firehouse Auxiliary. Surviving are her husband; 4 daughters, Mrs. Larry (Linda) Uehlein of Houston, Debra Bauman of Auburn, Shirley Oviedo of Montpelier, Ohio, and Mrs. Paul (Cheryl) Grube of Fort Wayne; a son, Larry Bauman of Auburn; 2 stepsons, Devon Willits, and Tim Willits of Texas; a stepdaughter, Fannie Willits of Texas; 7 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services will be Wednesday in Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, South Milford Cemetery. + 5-?-1986
Willits Dwight G, 96, died Dec. 23, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. He was born in Ligonier on Aug. 15, 1912 to Frank and Jessie (Earle) Willits. He married Enid Schwab Feb. 4, 1978. She died Oct. 9, 2008. He was employed with GE as a supervisor for 40 years and was a member of Sparta United Methodist Church in Kimmell.Surviving are a daughter, Sharon Morrissey of Jacksonville, Fla.; a son, William of Alma, Colo.; 2 grandchildren, Thomas (Robin) Morrissey and Christopher Morrissey; 2 great-grandchildren; Wyatt and Rider Morrissey; one sister, Dorothy Wible of Muncie, Ind. He was preceded in death also by brothers Glenn and Allen. Funeral at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Greenlawn Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Albion New Era 10-29-2008
Willits Enid, 95, of Columbia City, died Oct. 11, 2008 in Parkview Whitley Hospital. She was an assistant office manager for PCA in Columbia City and a member of OES. She was born June 9, 1913 in Albion to Avon and Daisy (Stout) Schwab. She married Dwight Willits on Feb. 4, 1978. Surviving are her husband and 2 stepchildren. Preceding her in death were a brother, Avon D. Schwab. Services Friday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ^ 10-13-2008
Willits Frank, 64, of 5 miles east of Ligonier, died last Friday at the Luckey Hospital at Wolf Lake from heart disease. He was a lifelong resident of Noble County. Surviving are the widow, Jessie; 3 sons, Allen, Glenn and Dwight, all of Fort Wayne; one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Wible of Fort Wayne; and one half-sister, Mrs. M. Harness of Etiwande, Calif. Funeral Monday. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 5-?-1941
Willits Jane died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Damond, at Swan, last Friday. Jane Belle Morron was born July 7, 1804 in Cumberland Co., Pa. She emigrated to Columbiana County, Ohio, with her parents in 1821 and in 1826 was married to James Willits. In 1842 they moved to Swan. She was the mother of eight children, of whom four survive her. Mr. Willits died in 1849. Mrs. W. united with the Presbyterian Church in 1850 and remained a faithful member until her death. She died on the 11th of September at the age of 87 years, 2 months, 4 days. Funeral at the M.E. Church at Swan on Sunday. Burial, Swan Cemetery. ~ 9-17-1891 ^ 9-18-1891
Willits Mary, 78, was born Dec. 24, 1848, the daughter of L. H. and Nancy Holmes. She married Allen Willits, who died 21 years ago. They resided on a farm near Diamond Lake and later moved to Ligonier, where he died. She was practically a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Surviving are a son, Frank Willits of Ligonier; one sister, Mrs. Olive Wilson near Kendallville; one brother, Howard S. Home in California. One daughter, 2 brothers and one sister preceded her in death. Five grandchildren and a stepdaughter also survive.  She died Sunday at the Clarence Simon home.  Ligoneir Banner 7-14-1927 Contributed by Judy Richter
Willits Stephen Mac, 10-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Willits, formerly of this city, but now of R. 10, Fort Wayne, was fatally injured Sept. 3, 1949 when an automobile driven by Fred J. Karst struck him as he was riding his bicycle on the Sand Point Road in Fort Wayne. Funeral Sunday. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park. + 9-?-1949
Willits Zoe of Lake James, died at her home on May 29, 1965. She was born June 18, 1911. A native of Noble County, she had lived in Fort Wayne 30 years prior to moving to Lake James 3 years ago. She is survived by her husband, Allen; 2 daughters, Mrs. Charles Bromelmeier of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Robert Watkins of Anderson; her father, J. C. Roscoe of Albion; 2 brothers, Nelson of Albion and John of Fort Wayne; and 5 grandchildren. Funeral Tuesday at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Burial, Lindenwood Cemetery. + 5-?-1965
Wills Emma Alice, 78, died here Friday at the home of her son, Kenneth O. Hartzell. Born in Ligonier, she had been twice married, first to O. C. Hartzell who died in 1904 and later to Lewis Edward Wills, who died 2 years ago. She had resided in Kendallville since 1913. Surviving are 2 sons, R. H. Wills of Chicago and Kenneth Hartzell of this city; and one daughter, Mrs. F. Murphy of Butler, Pa. Funeral Monday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-?-1939
Wills George, 82, lifelong resident of this community, died Saturday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H. R. Mann of Elkhart. Surviving are 4 sons, Carl of Cleveland, Vern and James of Elkhart, and Herbert of Toledo; 4 daughters, Mrs. Mann, Mrs. B. E. Glaser of Ligonier, Mrs. Charles A. Wagner of Cromwell, and Mrs. James Baker of Kendallville; 12 grandchildren. Funeral Monday. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 9-?-1941
Wills, James J, 75 years and 10 months died May 20, 1917 at his home in this city. He had been a resident of Ligonier for forty years. He leaves a wife, two stepdaughters, Mrs. Otis Rordner of Mishawaka, IN and Mrs. Hattie Emmett of Detroit; one stepson and one son, Geo. Wills of Ogden UT. The funeral service was held at the home on Tuesday afternoon, burial in Oak Park. + Ligonier Leader, May 24, 1917
Wills Johanna Gertrude Wilhelmena, 85, of 613 N. State St., Kendallville, died Thursday in McCray Hospital. Born in Town Burnett, Wis., Dec. 7, 1894, she was the daughter of Rev. William and Gertrude Johanne (Mueller) Rehwinkel. She graduated from Kendallville High School and retired from McCray Refrigerator Co. in 1952 where she had been employed for 37 years in the advertising department. She then became employed by the Lutheran Home. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Max (Ellen Margaret) Munk of R. 3, Kendallville; a grandchild; 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Monday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 12-?-1979
Wills Mary, 64, died at her home in Kimmell April 22. Surviving are the husband, Thomas and 4 daughters, 2 sons, 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral at the Methodist Church in Kimmell Wednesday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1940
Wills, Mary E, 74, daughter of William and Rebecca Warvel was born May 1, 1848 in Beamsville, OH and departed this life Feb 9, 1923, aged 74 years, 9 months and 8 days. Deceased came to Ligonier 46 years ago and remained until death. In 1873 she united with the Disciple church at Greenville, OH and retained her membership there till death. On Nov 2 she suffered a stroke of paralysis from which she failed to recover. Surviving: 4 children, Mrs. Hattie Emmett of Detroit, MI, Chas Stillwell of Columbus, OH, Maggie Bordner of Mishawaka, IN and Geo Wills of Ogden, UT; Two children William VanScoyke and Anna Wills having preceded her in death. Besides there remains 1 brother, L. H. Warvel of Converse, IN and 2 sisters, Mrs. J. H. Kooken of Garrett, IN and Lucinda Hahn of Greenville, OH and 6 grandchildren. Funeral services held at the late home in charge of Rev. A. Grubbs of Warsaw, IN, assisted by Rev. F. B. Parker of Ligonier. Burial in Oakwood cemetery. + Ligonier Leader, Feb 14, 1923
Willsey Carl S, 73, 608 Lincolnway West, died at his residence Monday of complications. A shoe cobbler, he had resided in Ligonier 42 years. He was born Nov. 12, 1895 in Claremont, S.D., the son of William and Harriett (Leak) Willsey. Survivors include 3 brothers, Perry, Ligonier, Mark, Twin Park, Calif., Earl, Bloomington, Calif. Services Thursday in Ulrey Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 9-?-1969
Willsey Rose D, 91, of R. 1, Crestview, Fla., and formerly of Ligonier, died Sunday in N. Okaloosa Medical Center, Crestview, Fla. She was born January 10, 1902 in Eden, S.D. to Andrew and Carolyn (Deutsch) Halbauer. On October 20, 1924 she married Emil Willsey. He died in 1967. A Ligonier resident most of her life, she was a homemaker, a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Women's Relief Corps, both of Ligonier. Surviving are 4 daughters, Grace Cripe of Topeka, Dorothy Mynhier of Ligonier, Edith Dotson of Clintwood, Va., and Marjorie Willsey of Crestview; a son, Leonard of Crestview; a brother, Andrew of Eden, S.D.; a sister, Agnes Lendway of St. Paul, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Eight brothers and 5 sisters preceded her in death. Funeral Friday in St. Patrick's Church. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. 6-20-1993
Willson John Robert, 80, died Jan. 27 at a Winter Haven, Fla. hospital. A native of Auburn he also resided in Garrett and Kendallville before moving to Winter Haven in 1959. He was a U. S. Army veteran of WW II and a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven. Surviving are his wife, Juanita (Eldridge); a daughter, Celia Harben; and a granddaughter, both of Winter Haven; and a son, Jack and a grandson, both of Jacksonville, Fla. + 1-27-1988
Wilmeth George of Elkhart Twp died June 10, 1892. ~ 6-8-1893 He died at the home of his nephew, Lewis W. Smalley, in Elkhart Twp. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio May 21, 1825. In 1835 he came with his parents to what is now Noble County. They settled near Ligonier where his father and mother both died many years ago. Feb. 24, 1863 he married Mary Hamilton, a daughter of one of the pioneers. She died June 6, 1888. They had no children. ^ 6-9-1893
Wilondek Bernard J, 87, died Jan. 26, 2009. He served as a former Chief of Police in Kendallville and in later years worked for Campbell & Fetter Bank, Fischer's Drug Store, Coachmen Motor Homes and Shepherd's Automotive. Surviving are his wife, Virginia (Ley) Wilondek; his children and their spouses; Brenda and Mike Coffey, Mike and Carole Wilondek, Gail and Dick Graham, Pat and Rick Brown and Sally and Kevin Thomas; grandchildren, Mary, Andy and Geoff Coffey, Angela Paquin, Cindy Wilondek, Eric and Megan Schultz, Brad and Ryan Graham, Nichole and Katie Carmichael, Jessica and Melissa Thomas. An infant son, Timothy, preceded him in death. Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church in Kendallville on Jan. 30. Burial, Lake View Cemetery with military honors. ^ 1-27-2009