Rannells Funeral Home

Betty Jean Hostrawser, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 80 years old. Born on March 8, 1945, in Chicago, Betty was the daughter of the late Raymond and Elizabeth (Smith) Harvey. On June 3, 1967, in Valparaiso, she married the love of her life, John Hostrawser. Together they shared 58 beautiful years filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Betty's life was marked by kindness, compassion, and an unwavering love for her family, church, and community. She was a longtime member of Walkerton Community Church (formerly Walkerton United Methodist Church), where her...

WALKERTON - Iva E. Clark of Walkerton passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Memorial Hospital following an illness. Visiting hours will be from 11:00 to 1:00 EDT Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Walkerton Community Church (1001 Georgia ST., Walkerton), with Funeral Services to be held at 1:00 EDT also on Saturday May 10 at the church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. For a full obituary please visit [email protected].

Kathleen (Kate) Mereda Pugsley, 92 of Brownsburg and formerly Walkerton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with family by her side. Kate was born on April 23, 1932, in Winamac, Indiana. She was the daughter of William DePoy and Dorothy Frye Blackford, who preceded her in death. Kate married Robert Clayton Pugsley Sr. on June 17, 1950, who preceded her in death on July 19, 2012. Surviving are children Kathy Pugsley of Pittsboro and Bobby (Dawn) Pugsley of Walkerton; eight grandchildren Troy, Keri, Trisha, Shannon, Stephen, Jimmy, Eve and Terry; nine great-grandchildren Noah, Julia, Emma, Jill, Kate, Alex, Logan, Rori, Riley and Brogie; and two great-great grandchildren...

Thomas Arthur Walter, 71, of Walkerton, Indiana, passed away with his wife by his side on Saturday, March 1, 2025 after a sudden diagnosis of advanced stage metastatic melanoma cancer. He was born October 24, 1953 in Rensselaer, IN to Robert and Tennis (Deardurff) Walter. On August 18, 1973, he married Debra (Woodruff) Walter at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Rensselaer. They were married for 51 years; had four children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Tom is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Paul Allen Walter (Brother), Helen Jean Walter (Sister), and Harold Walter (Brother); and grandson, Alexander Walter. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Michael...

WALKERTON - Mary Alice Pavey, 87, passed away peacefully at Avow Hospice, Naples, FL on Monday, November 18, 2024. She was born on July 27, 1937, in Mishawaka to the late Aloysius and Alice (Dalke) Sokola and was a lifelong resident of the Walkerton area. On September 10, 1960, in Starke County, she was united in marriage to W. DeWayne Pavey, who passed away on June 10, 2013 after 52 years of marriage. Mary Alice is survived by two daughters, Mashelle Pavey of Naperville, IL and Monique Pavey of Walkerton; Lisa Jolly of Plymouth who was just like a daughter; one son, Wesley Pavey of Elkhart; one grandson, Dyllon Pavey of Plymouth; one granddaughter, Madeline Maurer of Elkhart; Ryan Jolly...

Maryln E. Hochstetler WALKERTON - Marlyn E. Hochstetler passed away on Saturday, August 10 surrounded by her children who were talking about things moms don't want to hear about. She was born on July 3, 1938 in Bremen to the late Ervin and Cecil (Swoverland) Stuntz, and was 86 years-old at the time of her death. On May 12, 1960, Maryln married her love, Wyman (Hop) Hochstetler in Bremen, IN. She accomplished her biggest goal in life as she let go of this world to be with her Lord and Savior Smiles and laughter will fill their hearts when mom and dad embrace. And because of the promise Jesus made to his believers, mom's memories and dreams are once again hers. She greeted everyone with a...

Memorial services for Terry Lee "Floor Boss" Dipert, 68, of Walkerton, will be Saturday, October 21 at 2 p.m. CT at the Tracy Church on U.S. 35 in Hamlet, with a Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends there from 12 p.m. CT until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Tracy Church Operation Christmas Child or the Walkerton Presbyterian Church. The Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial services for Terry Lee "Floor Boss" Dipert, 68, of Walkerton, will be Saturday, October 21 at 1 p.m. CT at the Tracy Church on U.S. 35 in Hamlet, with a Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends there from 11 a.m. CT until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Tracy Church Operation Christmas Child or the Walkerton Presbyterian Church. The Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Lee Hayes, 56, passed away suddenly on July 9, 2023. Born July 20, 1967 to Janet and Thomas Hayes, Mike spent his youth on the family farm with his brother, Scott. There were days filled with dirt-bike excursions, barn shenanigans, and everything typical a farm kid could muster. During Mike's adolescence, family vacations, 4-H fairs, and youth sports consumed his time until he graduated from Oregon Davis High School in 1985. Mike attended Purdue University, later joining the family farm. It was in the corn and soybean fields of Hamlet, Indiana that Mike flourished and nurtured his true calling; farming. In the late 90's, Michael was given the precious gift of fatherhood. Austen...

WALKERTON - David E. Jensen passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 2, 2023 in his home. He was born on April 21, 1958 in LaPorte to Paul and Mary Ellen "Mae" (Boyle) Jensen, both whom survive. He was 65 years old at the time of his death. Dave lived in the area his entre life and on August 8, 1981 in Hamlet he married the late Bernadette "Loki" (Lenz). He was a retired Supervisor at Hoosier Racing Tire and a member of St. Dominick Catholic Church in Koontz Lake. Dave enjoyed car shows, cruise nights, traveling, and his recent retirement. Most of all Dave cherished his family dearly, especially spending time with his grandkids. He is survived by three sons D.J. (DeeAnn) Jensen of West...

Carolyn Sue "Susie" Salyer WALKERTON - Carolyn Sue "Susie" Salyer passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend following an illness. She was born on September 11, 1947 in South Bend to the late Robert C. and Nettie C. (Prater) Alward and was 75 years old at the time of her death. Susie lived in the area most of her life. On September 4th, 1965 in North Liberty, she married the love of her life Bruce Salyer. She was a crafty lady who enjoyed baking and gardening. Susie also really enjoyed decorating for and spending all the holidays with her family. Her family truly was her life as she cherished them all dearly, especially her grandkids with whom she spent...

Robert E. "Butch" Rauen NORTH LIBERTY - Robert E. "Butch" Rauen of North Liberty passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Raclin Hospice House following an illness. He was born on July 27, 1949 in LaCrosse, IN to the late Robert J. and Grace (Garner) Rauen. He was 73 years-old at the time of his death. Butch lived in the area most of his life and was a veteran of the US Navy Surviving during the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1954 in North Liberty, and enjoyed trips to the casino, playing bingo, and camping when he was able. He is survived by three sons Keegan (Heather) Rauen of Walkerton, Michael Rauen of Osceola, and Robert (long-time girlfriend Shyla...

PLYMOUTH - Richard L. Maze of rural Plymouth passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. He was born on March 27, 1945 in Plymouth to the late Ruby E. (Scott) Werner and Charles W. Maze. He was 78 years-old at the time of his death. A life-long resident of the Plymouth area, Rick was a retired Master Communication Electrician. On May 13, 1978 he married his beloved wife, Susan Engel, whom he just celebrated his 45th wedding anniversary with. He was a proud US Army Veteran experiencing combat, that served honorably for 5 years and 363 days, during the Vietnam War. Rick became active in the American Legion where he belonged for another 54 continuous years and...

HAMLET - Jimmie L. Berg of Hamlet passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka following an illness. He was born on January 21, 1938 in LaPorte to the late Albert A. and Selma E. (Harfert) Berg, and was 85 years-old at the time of his death. He lived in the area most of his life and on August 17, 1991 in Plymouth, IN he married Bessie (Personette) Early, who precedes Jimmie's death. He was a very proud Farmer who equally loved his time working his "second career" at the Starke County Co-Op. Jimmie was a lover of anything John Deere and was highly addicted to chocolate. Most of all he always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Jimmie is...

WALKERTON - Barbara J. Dill of Walkerton passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka following an illness. She was born on April 23, 1938 in Detroit Lakes, MN to the late Fred V. and Hazel H. (Kershner) Williams, and was 84 years-old at the time of her death. She lived in the area most of her life coming from Minnesota. On August 5, 1960 in Walkerton she married the love of her life Larry Dill, who also precedes her in death. Barb was a retired Legal Secretary having worked for several attorneys in South Bend. She had a great passion for helping her community, especially those in need, as was shown by becoming one of the first EMT's for...

Lisa Smothermon, 37, passed away unexpectedly, in her home, on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. She was born on March 5, 1985, in Plymouth, Indiana. She was a 2003 graduate of Oregon-Davis High School where she made lifelong friends, played volleyball, and acted in drama club. After high school she resided in Mishawaka for the majority of her life where Lisa found a career in finances with the most wonderful work family at Korhorn Financial. She stayed with them for eight years. Lisa cherished her family and friends with all her heart. Not only did she always make time for her siblings, aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents, but she raised two incredible sons. She dedicated her life...

NORTH LIBERTY - Ruth L. Stevens of North Liberty passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022, in Miller's Merry Manor, Walkerton following an illness. She was born on January 13, 1932, in Van Zant, KY to the late Truman and Nova Marie (Simpson) Dockery. She was 90 years-old at the time of her death. She lived in the area most of her life coming from Fairmount, IN and was a retired Healthcaregiver. Ruth attended the North Liberty Church of Christ until her declining health kept her from doing so. She was also a past member of the North Liberty American Legion Post #365 Ladies Auxiliary and loved gardening and fishing. Ruth is survived by her daughter Sherry (Dennis) O'Connor of North...

WALKERTON - Shirley A. (Hershberger) Hazel-Schaunaman of Walkerton passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Briarcliff Health & Rehab in South Bend. She was born on July 14, 1934, in Garrett, IN to the late George and Irene (Starner) Hershberger. Shirley was 88 years-old at the time of her death. Shirley lived in the area for most of her life. In 1960 in the town of Walkerton she married the late William Hazel. On January 6, 2001, she married the late Merle Schaunaman in Koontz Lake. Shirley was a member of the Koontz Lake Missionary Church. Most of all, Shirley cherished her family dearly and had a large influence on all three of her granddaughters. She is survived by two sons...

WALKERTON - James A. Chase of Walkerton passed away on September 24, 2022, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born on December 6, 1945 in Paw Paw, MI to the late Leland and Loretta (Garrod) Chase and was 76 years-old at the time of his death. He lived in the Walkerton area since 1973 coming from Paw Paw, MI. James married the love of his life, the late Suzanne M. Labadie in Gross Pointe Farms, MI. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Walkerton for over 50 years. He loved to dance, especially square dancing and was even a "Caller" for several different square-dancing clubs. James also loved helping people, especially his neighbors, anytime they were in need. James is...

PLYMOUTH - Doris Jean Pfender passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022 in her daughter Vivian's home following an illness. She was born on December 15, 1930 in Gary, IN to the late Arthur Marski and Mary (Barnes) Strader. She was 91 years-old at the time of her death. She lived in Plymouth since 2019 coming from Mishawaka and was a retired factory worker. Doris was a lifetime member to the VFW Post 360 Auxiliary in Mishawaka. She also loved camping and going to NASCAR races, and for many years enjoyed going to the Kentucky Derby. Doris is survived by: two daughters Vivian Miser and Janice Lamb both of Plymouth; 6 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and one...

Richard M. "Dick" Reese of Walkerton, IN, passed away on May 31, 2022. Dick was born on August 9, 1955, in Plymouth, IN, to Robert (Bob) and Melba Reese. Dick graduated from John Glenn High School in 1973, and continued his education at Ball State University with a Bachelor's in secondary education and a Master's degree and Ed.S from Indiana University. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Reese. Dick is survived by his wife Cathy; a brother Gene (Marsha) Reese of Walkerton and a sister Patty (Tim) Grace of Plymouth; three children, Adam (Kristy) Reese of Lafayette, IN, Diane (Nick) Brusius of Mesa, AZ, and Eric (Carole Marchand) Reese of Paris, France; five...