Billings Funeral Home

Harold Eugene "Gene" Harding, 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born on March 3, 1934, in New Castle, IN, to the late Willard Harding and Vela Mae (Anderson) Thomas. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Dianne (Mettert) Harding of Elkhart; sons, Michael Harding of Osceola, and Tim Harding of St. Petersburg, FL; grandson, Little Wolf of Osceola; sister, Patricia "Patty" Harding of New Castle; brother-in-law, Bryant (Jackie) Mettert of New Castle; bonus sons and longtime caretakers, Rudi Arive of St. Petersburg, FL, and Brendan Leech of Osceola; several nieces and nephews; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances. In...

Daniel Bernard "Dan" Cavanaugh, 81, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home. He was born on February 7, 1943, in Michigan City, IN, to the late Bernard and Margaret (Carbury) Cavanaugh. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna; children, Brian and Julie; 3 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a loving host of extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his two brothers and two sisters. In accordance with Dan's wishes, cremation has been chosen. Services for Dan will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W Vistula St, Bristol, IN 46507,...

Christen (Chris) S. Michael, 64 of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. He was born on July 8, 1959 in Bryan, OH to the late Richard D. Michael and Linda R. (Stauffer) Sponseller. Chris was a former resident of Ney, OH and graduated from Fairview High School. Chris is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jody; daughters, Katherine (Ryan) King, Sarah, and Elizabeth; sisters, Shelley (Ronnie) Gebhart, Angie (Scott) Hall, and Holly (Bill) Wendling; his father- and mother-in-law, Jerry and Judy Bartell; his childhood best friend, Mike Edwards; and many nieces and nephews. Chris was a hard worker with an insatiable desire to learn. After serving as a firefighter and EMT first responder...

Christen (Chris) S. Michael, 64 of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. He was born on July 8, 1959 in Bryan, OH to the late Richard D. Michael and Linda R. (Stauffer) Sponseller. Chris was a former resident of Ney, OH and graduated from Fairview High School. Chris is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jody; daughters, Katherine (Ryan) King, Sarah, and Elizabeth; sisters, Shelley (Ronnie) Gebhart, Angie (Scott) Hall, and Holly (Bill) Wendling; his father- and mother-in-law, Jerry and Judy Bartell; his childhood best friend, Mike Edwards; and many nieces and nephews. Chris was a hard worker with an insatiable desire to learn. After serving as a firefighter and EMT first responder...

John Joseph Reedy, 67, of Middlebury, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born on July 17, 1956, in Terre Haute, to the late Donald A. and Virginia (Trout) Reedy. On June 17, 1978, John married the love of his life, Catherine S. "Cathy" Harris, in Elkhart. John is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Cathy Reedy; son, John (Valerie) Reedy II; daughters, Kelly Jean Reedy, and Kimberly A. (Captain Kristopher, USAF) Koll; grandchildren, Maya, Cora, and Tessa Reedy, James Anderson, Jr., and Wolfgang and Rosalind Koll; siblings, Steven, Mark (Glenna), Rose, Christine, and Amy Reedy, and Ginny Chole Miller; and a loving...

Roland Gerald Kinsman, II "Skip", 90, of Elkhart, IN went home to his Heavenly Father on February 25, 2024 in Haines City, FL while surrounded by family. Skip was born in Zion, IL on February 11, 1934 to the late, Roland Thomas Kinsman and Gladys (Schoepp) Kinsman. Skip married the love of his life, Alice Marie Hunt on June 7, 1958 at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Zion, Il. Skip is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice Kinsman; brother, Gary Kinsman of Illinois, and 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Children are: Lynne (Dr. Robert) Andrews of Chicago, IL, Laurel Kinsman of Elkhart, Roland Jerald, III.(Pamela) Kinsman, of Mishawaka, IN, Mark...

Roland Gerald Kinsman, II "Skip", 90, of Elkhart, IN went home to his Heavenly Father on February 25, 2024 in Haines City, FL while surrounded by family. Skip was born in Zion, IL on February 11, 1934 to the late, Roland Thomas Kinsman and Gladys (Schoepp) Kinsman. Skip married the love of his life, Alice Marie Hunt on June 7, 1958 at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Zion, Il. Skip is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice Kinsman; brother, Gary Kinsman of Illinois, and 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Children are: Lynne (Dr. Robert) Andrews of Chicago, IL, Laurel Kinsman of Elkhart, Roland Jerald, III.(Pamela) Kinsman, of Mishawaka, IN, Mark...

Michael Joseph O'Connell, 81, of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at his home surrounded by loving family. He was born on November 5, 1942, in Montgomery, WV, to the late Andrew Jr. and Arabelle (Garrage) O'Connell. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth (Nitchell) O'Connell; children, Duane (Martha) O'Connell, Michael O'Connell, Edward "Ed" Eggleston, Jackie (Rick) Hammond, and Melodie (Gordon) Nickerson; grandchildren, Rocky, Johnathan, Macey, Jeremy, and Justin; several great grandchildren; siblings, Andrew "Fuzz" O'Connell and Margaret Wright; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances. Michael was preceded in death by his first...

Gloria Bertha (Cervantes) Gonzales, 92, of Elkhart and formerly of Saginaw, MI, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 23, 2023. She was born on August 15, 1931, in Saginaw, MI, to the late Jose and Esther (Verduzco) Cervantes. Gloria is survived by her children, Rosa (Demetrio) Flores Gonzales and Carlos Gonzales; siblings, Deborah Villarreal and Ralph Cervantes; and a loving host of multigenerational extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and several of her siblings. In accordance with Gloria's wishes, cremation has been chosen and the family will hold private services at a later date. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the...

Darlene R. Angel, aka "Momma Angel", went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the age of 57. She loved the Lord and was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who had a great sense of humor and never knew a stranger. Darlene married Tom Angel on September 10, 1994, in Elkhart. Darlene is survived by her husband, Tom; five kids, Justin Gingerich, Melanie (Caine) Espinoza, Allison Angel, Derek Angel, and Christine Angel; brother, John (Gloria) Kucela; grandkids, Lincoln and Felix Espinoza. Darlene was preceded in death by her dad and mom, Frieda Kucela; sister, Sharon Kucela; brothers, Dick and Steve Kucela. Darlene most recently worked for Concord High...

Julie Rittenhouse, civic entrepreneur and committed citizen, exemplified the best versions of those words in 40 years improving the lives of Clevelanders. She passed away peacefully with family on October 11, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. Ms. Rittenhouse, 66, who arrived in Cleveland in 1982, helped transform St. Patrick Parish, Ohio City and Cleveland, crucially galvanizing the Housing First Initiative that led to more than 900 safe, clean residences for people who had been chronically homeless. Poised, observant and possessing a legendary memory, Ms. Rittenhouse led a delegation of county and city government officials, activists, foundation staff and reformers to Chicago in 2002 to...

Julie Rittenhouse, civic entrepreneur and committed citizen, exemplified the best versions of those words in 40 years improving the lives of Clevelanders. She passed away peacefully with family on October 11, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. Julie Ann Rittenhouse was born March 14, 1957, at Camp Pendleton, California, the first child of Peter and Mary Louise Rittenhouse. Julie is survived by her five siblings and seventeen nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at St. Patrick Parish, 3602 Bridge Ave., Cleveland with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, charitable gifts in Ms. Rittenhouse's name can be sent to St. Jude's Children's...

Daniel Bruce Morton, 74, went to meet the Lord, October 7, 2023, with his family by his side. Born June 11, 1949, in South Bend, he was the son of the late Aloysius and Grace Krakowski. Daniel was a graduate of the Clay High School class of 1968, where he met the love of his life. On October 19, 1968, he married Nancy Juanita Zoss. She survives him. Also left to cherish his memory are his children, Angela (Ed) Hill, Jennifer (Jeff) Hibshman, Kenneth (Carrie) Morton, Susan (Jon) Root and his nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Daniel was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always kept Christ at the center of his life. He enjoyed fishing and spending time...

Sheila Mary Dibley, 90, residing in Elkhart, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Center for Hospice Care, Esther House, surrounded by her loving family. Sheila was born on October 4, 1932 in Watford, Hertfordshire, England to the late George Patrick and Edith Gwendolyn (Dancaster) Dibley. In addition to her parents, Brother and sister in law Michael and Josephine Dibley and sister and brother in law Robert and Eileen Stevens, preceded her in death. Sheila is survived by numerous Nieces, Nephews, great nieces and nephews and many many friends. Sheila came to the United States when she was 15 years old, while attending St. Joan of Arc Convent School in England. She graduated in...

Kenneth "Ken" Michael Shepherd, 51, of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 14, 1971, in Warsaw, to Carrey Shepherd and Betty (Weber) De La Cruz. On July 19, 2019, Kenneth married his lifelong best friend, Barry Hyser, in Elkhart, whom he had spent over 30 wonderful years with before his passing. Kenneth is survived by his loving husband; parents; brothers, Nathan (Jamie) De La Cruz of Fort Wayne, and Kenton (Tasia) Shepherd of Warsaw; nieces, Kailey Emminger and Juliana Berkes, both of Fort Wayne, and Isabella and Alexandria Shepherd, both of Warsaw; nephews, Gabriel Shepherd of Warsaw, and Trevor (Jada Rothenberger) De La Cruz of...

The family of Dennis "Denny" Lee Foster, 70, of Elkhart, is sad to announce his passing on Wednesday. afternoon, August 30, 2023, at the Center for Hospice Care, Esther House, surrounded by the love of his family. Denny was born on July 19, 1953, in Elkhart, to Bernard Lee Foster and the late Ruth Anne (Berkshire) Foster. Surviving is his best friend and loving wife of 48 years Barbara Ann (Samuels) Foster; loving daughter. Theresa Ann (Tony) Detwiler; two grandchildren, Toryn Sean, and Chloe Rhiannon Detwiler, whom he cherished and adored deeply; also surviving are his father Bernard Lee Foster, three brothers, Gary (April) Foster, Daniel (Karen) Foster, Patrick (Katy) Foster, and...

Mr. Thomas Joe Wiley, 69, of Goshen, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 2:25 pm. He was born in Mishawaka on October 22, 1953 to the late Joe and Teresa Wiley. While Tom is preceded in death by his first wife Mary Ellen on November 13, 2003, Tom married Terry (Warner) Willsey, who survives him at home. Also surviving Tom is Terry's son Jordan (Chelsey) Willsey and Mary Ellen's daughter Karla (Shawn) Simmons, both of Mishawaka; siblings Sherry (Doug) Steffey of Kingsford Heights and Steve (Nancy) Wiley and Janet (Tom) Teller, both of Mishawaka; grandchildren Emily and Lucille Willsey, Kaitlyn (Dustin) Hayward, Cassandra (Chris) Miller, Jacob (Tara) Adams and...

Mrs. Suellen Geyer RN (Sue) passed away on June 16, 2023, at home. Sue was born to Glen Field and Elnora Robinson on March 17th, 1940 in Goshen IN. Sue had no brothers or sisters, but there were numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her paternal grandfather, Harvey Field, was the long time owner and editor of the Nappanee Advance News, paper. Sue's parents and grandparents preceded her in death. Sue married David Geyer, her high school neighbor and sweetheart, on December 2nd, 1960, at the Church of the Brethren in Nappanee. The couple was married for 63 years. Sue was the devoted Mother to three daughters; Polly Corpe (Tim), of Granger, Loralee Bentley (Pete) of Noblesville, and...

Sandra Irene (Murphy) Warner, 88, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving daughters. She was born on December 23, 1934, in Frankfort, IN, to the late William and Polly (Reed) Murphy. Sandra is survived by her children, Laura Warner, Dina Correll, Terry (Tom) Wiley, and Robert (Beth) Warner; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances. Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark Warner; and brother, Larry Murphy. In accordance with Sandra's wishes, cremation has been chosen. A memorial service will be held at Billings Funeral Home on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 1 PM with...

Joseph John "JJ" Weidner Jr., 74 of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, May 7, 2023 at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. JJ was born on October 9, 1948 in South Bend to the late Joseph J. Weidner Sr. and Lillian (Ivins) Weidner. In addition to his parents a brother Jim Weidner preceded him in death. He married Donna J. (White) Floyd on December 16, 1989 at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church. Surviving is his wife of 33 years Donna J. Weidner; two sons, Keith (Maria) Floyd of Overland Park, KS, Barry (Angie) Floyd of Noblesville; five grandchildren, Shawna (Kevin McAdams) Bentley, Collin Bentley and girlfriend Cameron Detar, Gavin Floyd, Anna (Floyd) Gomez, Dezmond...

Mrs. Joyce Ann Suiter, 86, passed away of natural causes at Elkhart General Hospital on Friday, April 21, 2023. She was born on November 26, 1936 in Davenport, Iowa to the late Arthur and Laura (Meyer) Christiansen. On June 18, 1955 she married Cecil Wayne Suiter in LeClaire, Iowa and he currently survives at home. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are honored to be hosting a private Memorial Homegoing Celebration for Joyce with her immediate family. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Joyce lived in Davenport until moving to Elkhart several years ago to be with her daughter, Carol. Friends and family may leave memorial donations to the...