Ruby V. Sanders, 81, North Manchester, and previously of North Webster, passed away at 3:35 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester. Arrangements, entrusted to Titus Funeral Home, are tentatively scheduled for Sunday. Condolences may be sent and an updated obituary viewed at www.TitusFuneralHome.com

Ruby V. Sanders, 81 and a longtime resident of rural North Webster, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.

She was the daughter of Goldie and Luella (Parsons) Bell. She was born on April 10, 1938, in Somerset, Ky. She was married to Denny Sanders on Nov. 25, 1966, and was previously employed by Kimble Glass.

She loved time spent with her family. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and fishing. She liked Westerns and anything featuring Audie Murphy or George Jones. When she was younger, she enjoyed gardening. She previously attended Country Bible Church.

Survivors include husband, Denny Sanders of North Manchester; four children: Donna Malott Mosco of Pierceton; Kenneth Malott of Mooresville; Cheri Malott of Michigan; and Cassaundra (Charlie) Clements of Michigan; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her siblings: Willard Bell, Bud Bell, Reva Miller, Clyde Bell and Mary Duncan. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Dorothy Gibson, Helen Story, Alice Prater, Joe Bell and Glady Gerting.

A memorial gathering will take place at Titus Funeral Home from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, June 16. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Myron Drent of Country Bible Church, will begin at 5 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.TitusFuneralHome.com

Daniel Lee “Danny” Shoemaker, 70, Roann, died at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, after a short illness.

He was born Sept. 7, 1948, in Union City, to James Daniel and Mary Louise (Ault) Shoemaker.

He attended Northfield High School and worked at Workshop Enterprises and then ARC of Wabash County for over 50 years. He was a proud member of the Roann Lions Club, an avid fan of the Roann Festival, and had a love of John Deere tractors, especially his restored JD 50 that was given to him by his Uncle Charlie that was bought by his Grandpa Ted. He was a determined fellow and overcame a lot of challenges. In his younger years, you would find him at his uncle’s and his neighbors, driving tractor, helping bale, whatever they needed. Later years, you would find him spending time in his barn or man cave, watching TV, listening to music and helping the Roann Lions Club however he could.

He is survived by his mother: Mary Louise Shoemaker, Roann; brother: Tim (Katrina) Shoemaker, North Manchester; nephews and nieces: Erica (Kurt) Snyder, Roann; Marx (Christina Baucco) Shoemaker, Indianapolis; Kody Shoemaker, Huntington; Baylee Shoemaker, North Manchester; and great nephews and nieces: Nick Cole, Avery and Asia Snyder, and Arthur Shoemaker.

He was preceded in death by his father: James Daniel Shoemaker, who died April 5, 1986.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Roann Chapel, 335 S. Chippewa Road, Roann, with neighbor and friend, Gary Dawson, officiating. Burial will be in Palestine Cemetery, Palestine. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Roann Lions Club or the Roann Fire Department.

Philip Lee Smith, 83, North Manchester, passed away at home surrounded by family at 3:25 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

He was born on May 16, 1936, in Tipton, to Elva Mae (Stevens) Smith and Morris Thomas Smith. On Aug. 16, 1957, he was married to Marianne (Byrum) Smith.

He was a 1955 graduate of Jackson Central High School in Arcadia. He attended Marion College for two years and also enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He was honorably discharged in 1970. He was a resident of Kosciusko County, for the past 50 years where he was a member of Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Never afraid of a hard day’s work, he enjoyed being a proud hog farmer. He was a member of the Indiana Pork Producers Association and avid woodworker, and he was the original author of the Kosciusko County Farm Tour.  He received the Kosciusko County Conservation Farmer Award in 1981. He would most want to be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Marianne Smith, North Manchester; three sons: Gary Lee (Melody) Smith, Silver Lake; Jeffrey Charles (Kathy) Smith, North Manchester; and Kevin Dean (Kathy) Smith, Silver Lake. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Megan, Morgan, Angela, Melissa, Kayla, Kyle and Kole; seven great-grandchildren; brother: Charles Smith, Tipton; and three sisters: Donna Mae Dillow (Texas); Mary Jane (Jerry) Mickles, North Carolina; Annabelle Robertson, Kokomo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

His funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Andrew Morton.  Burial will follow with a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake, Indiana.

Memorial donations in Philip’s name may be directed to Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High Street, Warsaw, IN 46580; or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 7030 Pointe Inverness Way #230, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 and would be appreciated by the family.

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

Jenae Colleen (Allen) Renz, 50, North Manchester, passed away June 24, 2019, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. On April 20, 1969, Jenae was born to Marvin and NeVonna (Bowers) Allen in Wabash, IN. Jenae worked as a certified medical assistant with KCH Lutheran Health Network for three years as well as in various other medical positions.

She was a vibrant ray of sunshine who instantly became the life of any room she entered. Loving and kind by nature, she always delighted in helping others and planning and coordinating fundraising events for the people of North Manchester. For the last six years, she was a wedding coordinator and relished helping people on their special day. She loved crafting for weddings, reading a variety of books and was a member of the Lions Club for the past five years. She also enjoyed playing card games such as Spoons, Left Right Center, and 5 Crowns but enjoyed each one more when she was winning. Like her personality, she loved “bling.”

Jenae is survived by her parents, Marvin and NeVonna Allen, North Manchester; one daughter Mikaela “Mikie” (Trevor Kelley) Crate, Warsaw; one brother Jason Allen, North Manchester; one sister by heart, Bernadette (Jonathon) Clark, Huntington. She was preceded in death by one sister, Angela Allen, who passed away in infancy in 1968.

Friends and family may call from 2-7 p.m., Saturday, June 29, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. A memorial service will begin at the conclusion of calling. Pastors J.P. Freeman and Kurt Stout will officiate.

A love offering may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962 to assist the family with final expenses.

Arthur L. Gilbert, 87, North Manchester, passed away June 26, 2019, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center.

He was born Nov. 26, 1931, at Elkhart County, Indiana to Arthur & S. Marie (Noss) Gilbert.  On June 3, 1956 he married Ellen Stroup.

He graduated from Milford High School in 1949 and from Manchester College with a B.S. degree in 1953.  He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University in 1954.  Art started his career as a professor of business and Accounting at LaVerne College, LaVerne, CA from 1954-1957. He spent one year at Indiana University teaching accounting associates before becoming a professor of accounting at Manchester College in 1958.  He never thought of himself as a professor of accounting but rather as a professional Certified Public Accountant helping prepare the next generation of accountants.  n 1971 accounting became a separate department at Manchester College. He would later become the chair of the accounting department. He retired in 1998 from Manchester College after 40 years. In 1968 he co-founded with Ralph Naragon, Gilbert-Naragon & Co. CPA’s.

Serving on many committees and boards, Gilbert was president, treasurer and board member of Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America, National Fenton Glass Society and Fenton Glass Collectors of Greater Kansas City. He was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren and served as treasurer for 25 years. He was a long time member of the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce serving as president in 1977, life member of Indiana CPA’s and a member of American Accounting Association. He was a member of the board of directors of Timbercrest Senior Living Community at North Manchester from 1968-2008 and served as treasurer of the finance committee. He served on the board of directors for the North Manchester Center for History and various committees at Manchester College.

Surviving is his wife Ellen Gilbert, North Manchester; a son, Jeff (Tonja Stern) Gilbert, Elkhart; two daughters, Debbie Kay Gilbert, Frankfort, KY and Cathy (Jerry Brenneman) Gilbert, Fort Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Gilbert, Elkhart; and six grandchildren. 

One son, Brad Gilbert died in 2014.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. July 13, at the Timbercrest Assembly Room, 2201 East St., North Manchester. The family will greet friends from noon to 2 p.m. Pastor Karen Eberly, Pastor Kurt Borgmann and Pastor Jerry Brenneman will officiate and burial will be held at a later date at Milford Cemetery. The Gilbert family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with handling final arrangements.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Arthur L. Gilbert, memorial contributions may be made to Manchester Symphony Society, P.O. Box 113, North Manchester, IN 46962 or the North Manchester Center for History, 122 East Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Timbercrest Charitable Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.

Paul E. Kline, 74, Roann, passed away July 6, 2019, at his residence. He was born to Ray L. and Opal F. (Simpson) Kline Sr. on Dec. 30, 1944, in Wabash County.

On Aug. 7, 1965, Paul Kline married Ruth Ann Miller, she survives in Roann. He worked for Metzger Trucking, Silver Lake, retiring after several years. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and woodworking and attended Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren.

Paul Kline will be remembered by his wife Ruth Ann Kline, Roann; one son Todd (Cathy) Kline, North Manchester; three grandchildren: Jacob Kline, Columbus, Ohio; Brandon Kline and Aaron “A.J.” Kline both of North Manchester; three brothers: Bennett Kline, Andrews; Kenneth (Ethel Mae) Kline, Milton, Ky.; Edward (Louise) Kline, North Manchester; four sisters: Ruby Utter, Peru; Pearl (Jerry) Davis, Morrilton, Ark.; Dorothy (Wayne) Leighan, Madison, Va.; and Violet Kline, North Manchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Ray Kline and Hank Kline, and two sisters Mary Blow and Martha Kranzman.

Friends and family may call from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, July 11, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 12, at 10 a.m. at McKee Mortuary with one hour of calling prior. Pastor Erin Huiras will officiate and burial will be held at Laketon Cemetery, 200 West and 950 North, Laketon.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

Deann Warren went to be with the Lord at 10:55 p.m., July 12, 2019. She was born on Dec. 17, 1966, to Frank Warren and Cass Rish.

She was a very talented young lady with a list of hobbies that had no end. She was an avid skater and had competed as a dance Roller-skater at Rock Lake Skate Rink which was owned by her grandparents. She helped start several skating clubs in Warsaw and Mishawaka.

While in high school, she was well-loved. She was involved in rifles and she even competed in the Junior Miss contest, she was very proud of the dress she had worn made by her and her mother.

Dee had many hobbies and one of her most cherished was her involvement in Girl Scouts. She was a member and then later became a troop leader. She loved to share her experiences of horse camp at Kokiwanee and the times she would help start the summer getting the horses ready for the campers.

She was a very talented homemaker, making all of the baby clothes for her children.

She also took part in Taekwondo. She earned her 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo and she was proud of Jacob’s board breaking abilities and getting the belts that showed the ranks.

She later in life got the courage to get her motorcycle license and she had a motorcycle of her own which she called Emma, she was so proud to be able to keep up with the bigger bikes. She loved to be the off-bike that everyone asked questions about.

She enjoyed music and had several bands she went to see. One of her favorites being, Small Town. Anywhere they played she would travel to see them. She became part of their band family.

She continued to serve the community by becoming a volunteer with the Wabash County Emergency Management Agency, and Cert team. She always looked for ways to serve. She even served at the Congregational Christian Church as the person who watches the children. She really enjoyed kids and this made her an even more loving person. Her love extended to animals and most notable, her three cats who she rescued. There was not a person in town that did not have a connection with Dee in one way or another. She graduated from Manchester High School in 1985. She also earned her associates degree from Ivy Tech in business and accounting where she graduated first in her class. Deann was employed with Kalenborn Abresist, Urbana, Indiana since 2003 where she had multiple positions, most recently doing estimating.

She is survived by her daughter, Kayleigh (John) Powell, Noblesville; son, Jacob (Shay) Shepherd; mother and step-father, Cass (John) Rish, North Manchester; brother, Tony (Margaret) Warren, North Manchester. Also survived by her grandson, Theodore “T-rex” Powell who made her proud to be called grandma; nephew, Mathew and niece, Sarah; and her longtime companion, David Holley.

She was preceded in death by her father Frank Warren and grandparents: Ray and Mabel Warren and Clarence and Theda Hairrell.

There will not be a funeral but, a celebration of life at a later date. As she was determined she wanted friends and family to remember how to have fun as she had always tried to live life.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

Marabelle Vore, otherwise known as, Mar, Mary, Mom, Grammy and Doll, died early Monday, July 29, 2019. She was 90 years young. Born in Fort Wayne to Florence and Warren Locker on March 12, 1929, she had four siblings: her twin Bill, sister Joan and two older brothers, Ted and Jim, all preceding her in death.

She attended Manchester College where she met Robert O. Vore, when she caught his eye on the tennis court. They would remain at love for the next 67 years, with no breaks. They were married senior year and moved back to Plymouth for a lifetime of love and friendship. The unwavering tenderness and kindness in their relationship was a rare constant in a world full of reasons to lose your temper.

She shaped the character of many children as an elementary school teacher before retiring to do the same for her own: Bill (Vore), Cindy (Fleming) and Lori (Miller).

Her gift of teaching was evident in her lone ability to finish reading her grandchildren a story over the distractions of youth and ice cream, with a style that followed a few simple rules: distastefulness can be defused with a compliment rather than a curse, board game buzzers are impolite, and you don’t have to raise your voice to command attention or corral a crowd. You didn’t have to when you set an example like hers.

Mar took fashion cues from no one. With an always classy but modern assortment of white, beige and black, her grace and style were the only accents of color needed to look amazing. Her calmness was the foundation of her entire family’s rapport, although she never failed to surprise by being silly at the right moment. Thanks to her, we are reminded to interrupt our regularly scheduled programs for a laugh with our loved ones, and to celebrate a life lived with that smile that we’ll always remember.

A church service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, at Plymouth Church of the Brethren, 1130 North Michigan Street, Plymouth.

After the service, the family would like friends to join them for a Celebration of Life from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Pretty Lake Golf Club, 10055 Pretty Lake Trail, Plymouth.

Memorial contributions can be made to Plymouth Church of the Brethren, 1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Plymouth Public Library 201 N. Center Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.

Marjorie J. Metzger, 88, North Manchester passed away July 30, 2019, at 3:11 a.m. at her residence. She was born Jan. 5, 1931, to Harry D. and Nettie J. (Metzger) Geiser in Ionia County, Michigan. On April 3, 1949, she married Robert E. Metzger. They were married for 69 years before Robert passed away on October 16, 2018.

She will be remembered by her three sons Gerald (Gladys) Metzger and Dale (Aleeta) Metzger both of North Manchester, Wayne (Gayle) Metzger, Goshen; one daughter Linda (Jeff) Bocchetto, Westfield; two daughter-in-law’s: Kathleen Metzger, Waynesboro, Penn.; Alice Metzger, Ferrum, Va.; one brother, Max Geiser, Delphi; fifteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons Dean A. and Lynn R. Metzger, and two brothers.

Friends and family may call from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, at Old German Baptist Brethren Church, State Road 13 North, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 4, at the church. The Home Brethren will officiate and burial will be held at the Old German Baptist Brethren Cemetery, North Manchester. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Marjorie, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202.

James “Jim” Claude Hensley, 72, North Manchester, passed away peacefully in his home at 1:10 a.m., July 30, 2019, surrounded by family. The son of Jimmie and Cora (Travis) Hensley, Jim was born on March 19, 1947, in Wabash.

After attending Manchester High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. After coming back from the war, Jim worked with his dad and became the sole owner at Hensley Tree Trimming Service and knew the meaning of hard work. He could often be seen climbing trees or in the treetops trimming. He did this for many residences here in North Manchester and the surrounding communities, including around the lakes. He also worked as a caretaker for Mount Hope Cemetery, Huntington, Indiana, for 5 years.

On July 27, 1985, Jim married Rebel L. Moore. The two were wed for 34 years. During this time, Jim began a relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He became a member of Sweetwater Assembly of God in North Manchester.

The loving memory of James “Jim’’ Hensley will be forever remembered by his wife Rebel L. Hensley, North Manchester; two sons, Christopher Fields and Donald (Amanda) Adkins both of Huntington; three daughters, Barbara Fields and Alana Brown, both of North Manchester and Jennifer (Aaron) Lalonde, Huntington; one brother, Frank (Peggy) Hensley, North Manchester; fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edward Cannon; and two sisters, Frances Shepherd and Christine Stephens.

Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1, at Sweetwater Assembly of God, 2551 State Road 114 East, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, at Sweetwater Assembly of God, with one hour of calling prior to the beginning of the service. Pastor Jeremy Jones will officiate. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of James “Jim” Hensley, memorial contributions may be made to Sweetwater Assembly of God, 2551 State Road 114 East, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

Thomas L. Drew

Thomas L. Drew, 84, formerly of Columbia City, died at 8:44 a.m. Friday, Aug.t 2, 2019 at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester where he had been a resident for the past 3 1/2 years.

He was born July 13, 1935, in Decatur, the son of the late Thurman and Mary (Bauman) Drew. His formative years were spent in the Decatur area where he graduated in 1953 from Monmouth High School in Adams County. Tom furthered his education at Ball State University, Muncie, earning his BS and Masters in Education.

On June 29, 1957, he was united in marriage to Marilyn V. Jaberg. The couple always made their home in Columbia City.

In 1958, Tom started teaching drafting, wood working, and industrial arts at Columbia City Joint High School. In 1964, he transferred to South Whitley High School where he taught for three years, then returned to Columbia City Joint High School where he became an administrative assistant. He retired in 1990. Additionally, Tom was an insurance agent for Columbus Life from 1957 to 2013.

A past president of the Old Settlers Day Association, Tom was also a member of Columbia City Masonic Blue Lodge 189, Mizpah Shrine, Columbia City United Methodist Church and Rotary International. He served on the Whitley County Hospital Board and was an over 25-gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross Bloodmobile. He volunteered countless hours helping organize local bloodmobiles.

Tom built his family home and loved woodworking and lawn work. He was most passionate about time spent with family, delighting in taking his grandchildren to Disney World.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; two sons, Brent (Tami) Drew, and Scott (Elaine) Drew both of Columbia City; a daughter, Cynthia (Dan) Frye of Logansport; grandchildren Gia, Dane, Leah and Molly Drew all of Columbia City, Katie Clements of Denver, Colo., Dustin Clements of Nashville, Tenn., and Clayton (KyLeigh) Frye and Krista Frye of Logansport; great-grandsons, Coban and Kade Parker of Columbia City; two sisters, Marjorie Gilliom of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jane Heller of Weslaco, Texas; and a brother, Robert E. (Bertha) Drew, Zeeland, Mich.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer’s Association or Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund.

James “Jim” R.C Adams, 90, North Manchester, IN passed away August 5, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN. Arrangements are pending at McKee Mortuary.

Kenton Sterling Martindale, 60, North Manchester, died at 8:45 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at his home. He was born Sept. 23, 1958, in Wabash County, to Richard Edward Martindale and Lois Jean Flynn.

Kent “Buff” was a 1977 graduate of Northfield High School and attended Indiana University. He married Laura Rager in Wabash on July 10, 1993. He worked for Bellinger Construction, Gaunt & Son Asphalt, and also Moore Construction. Buff was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a member of Cruizin Illusions. He enjoyed going to auctions with his twin brother and traveling with his sons.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Rager and two sons, Samuel Timothy Edward Martindale and Joseph David Nicholas Martindale, all of North Manchester, two sisters, Louise (Dennis) Hart of Fort Wayne, and Lisa (Mark) King of Wabash, twin-brother, Thomas Martindale of Wabash, his step-sister, April Martindale, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a Celebration of Buff’s life at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Bender Chapel, 207 W. Main Street, North Manchester with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Friends may call 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Parkinson’s Foundation.

Deann Warren went to be with the Lord at 10:55 p.m., July 12, 2019. She was born on Dec. 17, 1966, to Frank Warren and Cass Rish.

She was a very talented young lady with a list of hobbies that had no end. She was an avid skater and had competed as a dance Roller-skater at Rock Lake Skate Rink which was owned by her grandparents. She helped start several skating clubs in Warsaw and Mishawaka.

While in high school, she was well-loved. She was involved in rifles and she even competed in the Junior Miss contest, she was very proud of the dress she had worn made by her and her mother.

Dee had many hobbies and one of her most cherished was her involvement in Girl Scouts. She was a member and then later became a troop leader. She loved to share her experiences of horse camp at Kokiwanee and the times she would help start the summer getting the horses ready for the campers.

She was a very talented homemaker, making all of the baby clothes for her children.

She also took part in Taekwondo. She earned her 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo and she was proud of Jacob’s board breaking abilities and getting the belts that showed the ranks.

She later in life got the courage to get her motorcycle license and she had a motorcycle of her own which she called Emma, she was so proud to be able to keep up with the bigger bikes. She loved to be the off-bike that everyone asked questions about.

She enjoyed music and had several bands she went to see. One of her favorites being, Small Town. Anywhere they played she would travel to see them. She became part of their band family.

She continued to serve the community by becoming a volunteer with the Wabash County Emergency Management Agency, and Cert team. She always looked for ways to serve. She even served at the Congregational Christian Church as the person who watches the children. She really enjoyed kids and this made her an even more loving person. Her love extended to animals and most notable, her three cats who she rescued. There was not a person in town that did not have a connection with Dee in one way or another. She graduated from Manchester High School in 1985. She also earned her associates degree from Ivy Tech in business and accounting where she graduated first in her class. Deann was employed with Kalenborn Abresist, Urbana, Indiana since 2003 where she had multiple positions, most recently doing estimating.

She is survived by her daughter, Kayleigh (John) Powell, Noblesville; son, Jacob (Shay) Shepherd; mother and step-father, Cass (John) Rish, North Manchester; brother, Tony (Margaret) Warren, North Manchester. Also survived by her grandson, Theodore “T-rex” Powell who made her proud to be called grandma; nephew, Mathew and niece, Sarah; and her longtime companion, David Holley.

She was preceded in death by her father Frank Warren and grandparents: Ray and Mabel Warren and Clarence and Theda Hairrell.

A celebration of life for Deann will be held Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Warvel Park Scout Hall, 702 North Market Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 from 1-6 p.m. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a final motorcycle ride with bikes escorting the family to Kokiwanee Nature Preserve, 5825 East 50 South, Lagro, IN 46941. Cars are welcome. Once arrived, the family will walk the trail to release cremated remains. They will then return to the Scout Hall for the celebration.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

Jackie Ray Dingess

Jackie Ray Dingess, 63, North Manchester, died at 4:43 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at Parkview Hospital Randallia, Fort Wayne. On June 6, 1956, Jackie was born in West Virginia to Ray and Cora Lee (Dalton) Dingess.

Jackie was a man that enjoyed working on old hot rods and other types of cars. He could often be heard singing bluegrass, country, and classic rock. He relaxed by fishing and building toy houses. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and was proud of his close knit family. Jackie started working at Midwest Poultry then onto United Technologies until they went out of business. After United Technologies, he worked as a mechanic for a year then started at Midwest Poultry and worked there from 1992 to 2009. On Nov.r 4, 1988, Jackie married Tana (Fivecoat) Helton.

Jackie will be missed by his wife, Tana Dingess, North Manchester; three sons Jackie R. Dingess and Joshua Dingess both of Laketon, and Stacy (Angie) Helton, Columbia City; one daughter Brandy (Tyler) Rash, Grabill; two brothers Wallace Dingess, Servia, and Oscar Dale (Kathy) Dingess, North Manchester; six sisters Christean Calloway, Deloris J. Horne, Carolyn R. (Randy) France, Pamela K. Craft all of North Manchester, Virgie M. (Jake) Shepherd, Servia, and Mildred G. (Randy) Eckman, Lincolnville; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Bobbie and Allen Dingess, and one sister Madeline Shanklin.

Friends and family may call from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, with one hour of calling prior to the service at the funeral home. Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate and burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Servia.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Jackie Dingess, memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation, 921 East 86th Street No.150, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or National Kidney Foundation, 911 East 86th Street No.100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

Carol A. Bright, 71, Rochester, passed away at 10:55 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, at her residence.

She was born on Aug. 16, 1948, in Rochester, the daughter of Fred R. and Rosemary (Holloway) McGlothin. On Febr. 24, 1968 in Rochester, she married Michael D. Bright and he survives.

Mrs. Bright had worked at the former Hart, Schaffner and Marx, Rochester, Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, and retired from Topps Safety Apparel in Rochester. Early in her life she attended Grace United Methodist Church and was currently attending Mill Creek Missionary Church. She had been a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, enjoyed making and decorating cakes, making Afghans, motorcycle rides, loved to cook and enjoyed going garage sale shopping on Saturday mornings.

Survivors include her husband, Michael D. Bright, Rochester; son, Brian and wife Jenifer Bright, Rochester; daughter, Heather and husband Herman Medina, Rochester;, grandchildren: Chase Bright, Chandler Bright and Caitlynn Miller, all of Rochester; Hayley Bright, Rochester; and Michael Bright, Pensacola, Fla.; great-grandchildren, Melanie Bright, Rochester; Jaxson Bright and Travis Bright, both of Pensacola, Fla.; sisters: Connie Mitchell, Diane and husband Robert “Bob” McGriff, Brenda and husband Donn Kale, all of Rochester; brothers: Fred A. McGlothin and Jimmy and wife Kim McGlothin, both of Rochester; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Ray McGlothin.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to service Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester

Julene (Adams) Stout, 62, Liberty Mills, passed at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester, at 11:30 p.m, Aug. 16, 2019. Born on Nov. 26, 1956, in Paintsville, Ky., she was the daughter of Cecil and Martha (Williams) Adams.

On Jan. 25, 1976, she married her best friend, Lowell Stout. The two were wed for 43 years. She spent twenty-seven years working in production at Singer/Controls, North Manchester. She is remembered as a kind-hearted person that would do anything for anyone. She would intend to go shopping for herself but would end up giving the things she bought to people who needed it more. Julene loved to make people laugh with her jokester personally. Anyone who met her knew the deep love she had for her family. She loved her husband dearly and her kids, but she especially had a soft spot for her grandchildren. Described as a great cook, Julene taught her sisters how to cook. Family wasn’t the only important part of her life. She was a faithful servant to her Lord, Jesus Christ. She enjoyed her church family at Free United Baptist Church, Pierceton, where she was a member.

The loving memory of Julene (Adams) Stout, will be forever remembered by her husband, Lowell Stout, Liberty Mills; one son; Kenneth Ray Stout, Liberty Mills; one step-son, Paul (Rachel) Adams, Claypool; one brother, Willis (Nora) Adams, Silver Lake; five sisters, Shirley (Wendall) Troyer, Milford; Wanda (Lloyd Jr.) Hurley, Etna Green; Sue Greer, Claypool; Rita (Terry) Collins, Palestine; and Diana (Mark) Ostrom, Elkhart; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at Free United Baptist Church, 7035 State Road 13, Pierceton, IN 46562. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23, with calling one hour prior to the start of the service at Free United Baptist Church. Pastor Etsie Allen will officiate. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, County Road 300 East and County Road 1000 North, Servia.

McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, has been entrusted with final arrangements.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Julene Stout, memorial contributions may be made to Wabash Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Free United Baptist Church, 7035 State Road 13, Pierceton, IN 46562.

Galen Eugene “Gib” Gilbert, 86, Columbia City, passed away quietly at his home at 10:20 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. He was born on July 7, 1933, in South Whitley, the son of William Lester and Hulleta M. (Kistler) Gilbert.

He graduated from South Whitley High School with the Class of 1952. He went on to serve his country during the Korean War from 1953-1955 with the United States Army. He married Julia A. (Egolf) on July 5, 1958, in Sidney. He started work at American Tractor and J.I. Case Company until they moved their plant to Iowa and then worked for Bechtold Excavating, Kay Davis before working for Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne for 30 ½ years, retiring in 1992.

After retiring he worked for Whitley County Door & Exterior for 11 years and lastly for Bart’s Car Dealership. Galen was a member of the Blue River Community Church, where he was a former Deacon and current Elder. He was a volunteer fireman for 42 ½ years with Thorncreek Fire Department, where he served as Captain, Assistant Fire Chief, Treasurer, Fire Chief, Arson Investigator, Master Fire Fighter and First Responder. He also was Fire Fighter of the Year in 1985 and 1986, presented by the American Legion. His memberships also included Tri-Lakes Overlander’s Camping Club, American Legion Post #98 and Eagles Lodge #1906.

Survivors including his loving wife of 61 years Julia A. Gilbert, Columbia City; four sons, David E. (Sally) Gilbert, Columbia City; Larry D. (Sharon) Gilbert, Columbia City; Michael W. (Elizabeth) Gilbert, Plainfield; and James L. (Shannon) Gilbert, Auburn; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way; ten siblings including, Ada Rumsey, Churubusco, Eloise Bolinger, South Whitley, Frances Cottrell, North Manchester, Doris Krider, Kimmel, Helen Bowman, Wabash, Wanda Stover, Kokomo, Norma Jean Hogan, Kokomo, Donald (Molly) Gilbert, North Manchester, Gyneth Kethcart, Old Town, FL and Patricia (Hank) Foy, South Whitley. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Mildred Burnett and Phyllis Baker.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 Thursday, Aug. 22, at DeMoney-Grimes, A Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23, at the funeral home with Pastor Chad Shively and Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery with graveside military rites provided by the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Gilbert’s memory to Heartland Hospice.