M.C. Smith Funeral Home

Alice J. (Harbeck) Fitzwater, age 76, of Knox, formerly of Westville, passed away January 17, 2023. Alice was born March 13, 1946 in Valparaiso. She is survived by her husband, Vernon E. "Bud" Fitzwater Sr., a daughter, Melissa Culbertson (John), step-sons, Vernon E. "Gene" Fitzwater Jr. and Patrick J. Fitzwater (Tonya), a sister, Katherine Cope (Charlie), eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eva May (Hough) Harbeck, and a brother, Robert R. Harbeck. A memorial service will take place Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11am (CT), with visitation one hour prior, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Knox. Memorials can be made to the...

Cynthia M. "Cyndi" Tippy, age 68, of Plymouth, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Cyndi was born May 12, 1954, in Gary, Indiana to Jack and Katherine Wells, both deceased. On February 3, 1996, she married Thomas J. Tippy, he survives. Also surviving are a stepson, Tom Tippy (Stephanie) of South Haven, Michigan, grandchildren, Branden, Ava and Mason Tippy. She was preceded in death by a stepson, Jeffrey Tippy (Jessica), and sister Cheri Vann (Wayne). Private family services will take place at a later date. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox is handling arrangements.

Olive Margret Wiggins, age 102 of Knox, passed away Monday, September 19, 2022. Olive was born June 3, 1920, in Ora, to Ernest Henry Ludwig and Anna Lola Ludwig. She spent her working years as a factory worker manufacturing dental appliances. She enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, and making things with her hands. She is survived by her children, Bonnie Archer, Edward Kimmey, Diane Roberts, Thomas Kimmey, and fourteen grandchildren, twenty-five greatgrandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael Kimmey, stepchildren Ray Wiggins, Phyllis Griffith, and sisters, Mary Cooper, Viola Parker, Clara Carter, and Majorie Denny....

Cindy Lea Endsley-Hanselman, age 62, of North Judson, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. Cindy was born August 2, 1959 in Lewisburg, Tennessee to George and Mary Ethel (Adams) Endsley. She loved Key West, Florida, spending time on the beach or just about anything to be near the water. She also loved animals and music. She is survived by her spouse, Joyce Endsley-Hanselman of North Judson, Indiana, a daughter, Kasey Endsley of Tennessee, a sister, Sandra Baker of Tennessee, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Anthony "Tony" Boyd Endsley (Phyllis) of Tennessee. A graveside service will take place on Saturday,...

Donnie Loyce Schaefer, age 89, of Knox, Indiana, formerly of Three Oaks, Michigan and Canyon, Texas, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family, on Friday, May 20, 2022. Loyce was born on July 16, 1932 in Gladewater, Texas to S.P. Collins and Donnie L. Furlow Collins. Loyce loved to read books and had volunteered for many years at the Three Oaks Township Public Library helping them make the move into the E.K. Warren building, on September 19, 2004 she was recognized by the Governor, Twenty-First District Senator and Seventy-Eighth District State Representative and the entire Ninety-Second Legislature of the State of Michigan for her outstanding community service in and around...

Beatrice Henriott, age 95, of Knox, passed away April 1, 2022. She was born at Wakarusa, Indiana on May 15, 1926, the oldest of four children born to Floyd and Mary Pearl Lehman. She has one living sister, Connie Wilson of Millersburg, Indiana and two of her siblings; Wallace and Shirley, died in their infancy. Bea graduated from Wakarusa High School in 1944 and Manchester College in 1948 She taught art at Mary Phillip and Batell elementary schools in Mishawaka for 8 years. On July 4, 1956 she married James Henriott in Hamburg, Germany. Together they have three children, Jay Henriott, Jill Harvey and Ann Nicoson. Jay and his wife, Rosie, live in Jasper, Indiana, Jill and her husband,...

Robert P. Tippy, age 92, of Knox (Bass Lake), passed away on January 30, 2022 surrounded by family at his home. Bob was born on January 25, 1930 in Gary, Indiana to Paul Tippy and Hilda Fuhlberg Tippy, both deceased. He was a Veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He was the owner and operator of Tippy's Big Top Tire in Schererville, Indiana for many years. He was an active member of the Elk's Club in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, loved to golf, loved sports, especially football and auto racing, especially the Indy 500. He truly enjoyed spending time at Bass Lake with his family and friends. On November 25, 1954 he married Norma Jean Teibel, she survives. Also surviving are his...

Robert (Bob) Shaw was born June 8, 1946 in LaPorte, Indiana to Robert and Georgia Shaw. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on December 13, 2021. Bob served as President of Knox Fertilizer Inc. and KMB Technology LLC following the passing of his father, Robert Shaw. Bob was a life-long and proud resident of Knox, Indiana, graduating from Knox High School in 1964, attending Vincennes University, then graduating from Purdue University in 1970. Bob was a leader in the Turf and Ornamental Industry, serving as a founding board member of the Indiana State Lawn Care Association (ISLCA), initiating training programs for Lawn Midwest Regional Turfgrass Foundation at Purdue...

eanne T. Kelly, age 57, of Bass Lake, Indiana passed away Monday, November 22, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jeanne was born August 14, 1964 in Elgin, Illinois to John Milnamow and Pat Hopkinson Milnamow, both deceased. She had worked for over 20 years as a second grade school teacher at the J.W. Robinson Elementary School in Lyons, Illinois. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and she especially loved her precious puppy Mitalda. On St. Patricks Day 2007 she married Keith Kelly, he survives. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Paul Milnamow (Penny), Mark Milnamow, Tim Milnamow, Bill Milnamow (Ellen), Annmarie Steffen (Mitch), Nancy Vandyke...

Virginia L. Thomas, age 90, of LaPorte, formerly of Portage and Knox, Indiana, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021. Virginia was born June 24, 1931 in San Pierre, Indiana to Walter Poston and Diana Thompson Poston, both deceased. She had a long career in government in and around Portage having been elected the very first Portage City Clerk, an office that she held from 1968-1976, she ran for Mayor of Portage, winning the primary election, held the office of Portage Township Trustee from 1979-1982, Secretary of the Sanitary Board from 1982-1988, and had been a licensed realtor and sold real estate for Century 21 from 1977-1980. She never slowed down in retirement having bought and...

Steven E. "Steve" Geniusz, age 54 of Knox, Indiana passed away peacefully at his home on Bass Lake. He leaves behind his wife, Kelly Geniusz of Knox, parents, Eugene "Gerald" and Mary Ellen Geniusz of Markham, IL, a daughter, Robyn Parchem-Geniusz of Markham, IL, step-children, Joshua Stewart (Christina) of Knox and Jessica Stewart (Nathan Halverson) of Knox, a sister, Angela Geniusz of Markham, IL, and two grandchildren, Keenan and Kinsley Stewart. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:00am (CT) at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Midlothian, IL. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 1:00pm at his home, located at 3420 S....

Chiri L. Pettinato (n?e Baughman), age 90, of Knox, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021. Chiri was born near Broughton in Paulding County, OH on March 26, 1931 to Ambrose and Averial Baughman. She worked as a medical technician in the Knox Clinic, and later as the co-owner of the Sears Catalog Merchant Store which she operated with her husband of 63 years, Richard Pettinato, who preceded her in death. Her passions included gardening, golf, home decor, cooking/baking, and following sports of all kinds. As a young woman, she was a classically trained vocalist. She had been an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and was a cantor. She was a...

Chiri L. Pettinato (n?e Baughman), age 90, of Knox, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021. Chiri was born near Broughton in Paulding County, OH on March 26, 1931 to Ambrose and Averial Baughman. She worked as a medical technician in the Knox Clinic, and later as the co-owner of the Sears Catalog Merchant Store which she operated with her husband of 63 years, Richard Pettinato, who preceded her in death. Her passions included gardening, golf, home decor, cooking/baking, and following sports of all kinds. As a young woman, she was a classically trained vocalist. She had been an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and was a cantor. She was a...

Thomas M. Doane, age 52, of Knox, Indiana, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021. Thomas was born on March 24, 1969 in Niagara Falls, New York. He was a hard worker and loved his job as Territory Manager for Sherwin-Williams. He also loved cooking, especially baking bread. He is survived by his father, Robert Doane of Knox, his wife, Glenda Loraine Doane of Knox, a son, Thomas A. Kieley, step-children, Melissa L. Garland, Michael S. Kieley Justin G. Kieley (Amanda), and Joseph P. Kieley (Amie), and a sister, Danielle Doane. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia A. Doane and a daughter, Deanna Kieley. A funeral service will take place Friday, April 30, 2021 at 6pm (CT), with...

Theodore Jordan "Ted" Sorchevich, age 73, of Knox, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 of liver cancer, surrounded by family. Ted was born to Eva (Brumbaugh) Sorchevich and Jordan Sorchevich on December 8, 1947 in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1965. He joined the Airforce and was a veteran of the Viet Nam War. He married his wife, Sharon, of 50 years on October 17, 1970 at the Altus AFB in Altus, Oklahoma. He had retired from Mittal Steel after 38years. Surviving are his wife, best friend, and love of his life, Sharon (Neuenschwander), two daughters, Misty Sorchevich (Camron Arnold) of Plymouth, IN, and Amy Weliczko (Scott) of Knox, IN, four grandchildren,...

Alice Jane Wamsley, age 94, of Monterey, passed away February 3, 2021. Alice was born April 21, 1926, in Goshen, Indiana to Jesse Mishler and Nellie Ermin Reed Mishler, both deceased. She was a 1943 Graduate of New Albany High School, and a 1947 Graduate of Franklin College where she met her future husband, Claiborn (Clip) Wamsley. They moved to Monterey in 1950 where she became a member of the Monterey United Methodist Church, was a founding member of the Monterey Home Economics Club, member ofthe Indiana Retired Teacher's Association, and a member of Pulaski County Extension Choir. She was awarded Culver Lion's Club Citizen of the year in 2010. She started her teaching career the year her...

Alice Jane Wamsley, age 94, of Monterey, passed away February 3, 2021. Alice was born April 21, 1926, in Goshen, Indiana to Jesse Mishler and Nellie Ermin Reed Mishler, both deceased. She was a 1943 Graduate of New Albany High School, and a 1947 Graduate of Franklin College where she met her future husband, Claiborn (Clip) Wamsley. They moved to Monterey in 1950 where she became a member of the Monterey United Methodist Church, was a founding member of the Monterey Home Economics Club, member ofthe Indiana Retired Teacher's Association, and a member of Pulaski County Extension Choir. She was awarded Culver Lion's Club Citizen of the year in 2010. She started her teaching career the year her...

Geraldine Ann "Gerri" Dolezal, age 92, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at her home following an extended illness. Geraldine was born October 30, 1928 in North Jackson, Ohio, now known as Warren, Ohio to Emerson and Dorthea Kistler, both of which have preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons, Dr. David E. Dolezal (Cynthia) of Marietta, Georgia and Gregory P. Dolezal (Cheryl L.) of Kewanna, Indiana, five grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Jozwiak (Steven), Kara Rhoda (Jon), Brett Dolezal, Julia M. Heise (Brad), Davis Dolezal, and four great grandchildren. Visitation will take place Monday, January 4, 2020 from 10am to 12 noon at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox. ...

Richard F. Lebioda, age 77, of Knox, Indiana and Calumet City, Illinois, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2020. Richard was born July 13, 1943 in Calumet City, Illinois to John and Florence Weber Lebioda, both deceased. He was a Veteran having served in the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion Post 330 in Calumet City. He loved to travel and watch TV. He is survived by his wife, Anne Lebioda, his children, John Lebioda of Knox and Kristin Lebioda of Calumet City, a grandson, Anthony Lebioda of Plymouth, and three great grandchildren, Damon, Cyrus and Emmett. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox is handling arrangements.

Lois I. Smith, age 93, of Bass Lake, passed away Sunday, August , 2020. Lois was born November 11, 1926 in Avon, Indiana to Herman Barker and Ada Reed Barker, both deceased. She was very musical and especially enjoyed playing piano and key board, for many years she volunteered by visiting and playing at area nursing homes, she played right up until the week before her passing at Catherine Kasper Home where she was a resident. She also loved embroidering, watching the deer and other wildlife, reading and cooking. She was a Cubs fan and really enjoyed spending winters in Padre Island and Corpus Christi, Texas. On December 17, 1949 she married Arthur Smith, he preceded her in death in...

Kenneth James Owens, age 51, of Peru, Indiana passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Kenneth was born November 5, 1968 in Winamac, Indiana to Ronald and Sandra (Francis) Owens. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having gone in to the service immediately after graduating from high school. After being discharged from the Army he went to Purdue University where he went on to earn a Bachelors Degree. He had been a corrections counselor for the past 12 years at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana. He had been a member of the First Baptist Church in Rochester, he was an avid coin collector, loved to read books and loved to travel. He would say that you haven't visited a state...