The Goshen News

"Preach" Kim Huffman, 71, of Westport, passed away at 9:35 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Our Hospice Inpatient Center in Columbus. He was born on September 3, 1950 in Wabash, Indiana the son of Charles Raymond & Vera Imogene (Dyson) Huffman. He grew up in Roann, Indiana and has been a resident of Westport since 2019. He graduated from Northfield Jr./Sr. High School in 1968. Received his Bachelor's Degree in 1972 from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. In 1993 he received his Master's Degree from Johnson Bible College and in 2002 received his Master of Divinity Degree from Trinity Theological Seminary. In 1989 he attended clown school at Smiles Unlimited in Seymour. Kim served as a youth...

Ryan Ralph (Rooster) Miller was born on December 13, 1970, in Elkhart, IN and raised in Bristol, IN. He moved to Knoxville, TN in 1994 where he lived the remainder of his life. He is preceded in death by two brothers Donald Patrick Miller and Martin Paul Miller. He is survived by parents Stanley and Sharon (Bontrager) Miller, brother Rick (Dawn) Miller, nieces McKynze Miller and Megan Miller and nephews Austin Miller and Tyler Miller. He is a 1989 graduate from Elkhart Central High School and received his B.S. from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University in 1993. He was employed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for the last 28...

Grace Caroline (Hardcastle) Holmes of Wilmore, KY (formerly of Middlebury, IN) entered into her eternal rest on July 12, 2022, at age 83, with her husband and children by her side. Grace was born on July 4, 1939, near Goodlettsville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Antony and Carrie Hitt Hardcastle; and the youngest of a large, blended family - with three brothers, and nine half-siblings. Grace graduated from Goodlettsville High School and went on to earn a BA in Education from Asbury College, and later received her MA from St. Francis College. While at Asbury, in Wilmore, KY, she met her husband of 60 years, Allen Keith Holmes. They were married on September 1,1962 at the little...

Tracy Lynn Walesa, 32, entered into eternal rest on July 3, 2022. She was born on August 14, 1989 to William and Rebecca "Becky" Swain in Elkhart, IN. She loved her 3 dogs, coaching, and volunteering at track meets. Tracy found so much joy in life! She enjoyed reading, traveling, napping, and watching SVU. Tracy taught Special Education at Goshen High School. She was preceded in death by her mother, Becky Swain; and grandfather, Bud Miller. Tracy is survived by her loving husband, Charlie Walesa; father, Bill Swain; sisters, Stephanie Swain, Kim (Kyle) Magnuson, and Sammy (Tyler) Rumfelt; grandmother, Bonnie Miller; 3 nieces; and 6 nephews. A Memorial Visitation will be held on...

Mattie L. Prchlik, 81, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at StoryPoint Senior Living in Granger, IN, where she had been a resident for three years. She died as a result of a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Mattie was born December 15, 1940, in Nappanee, IN, to the late Levi J. and Katie P. (Miller) Mast. On June 30, 1962, she married the man who had eyes only for her, Florian C. Prchlik, known by many as "Floyd'' or "Sonny." Floyd and Mattie had one son, Kirt Edward Prchlik. Mattie most loved her roles as wife and mother, always keeping these two close in her heart and at the forefront of her mind. They both preceded her in death, Floyd in 1996 and Kirt in 2020. She is joyously...

Elmer Dale Maust, 78, of Goshen, entered into rest on April 21, 2022. He was born on October 19, 1943 to the late Paul and Esther Maust in Montgomery, Indiana. It was a loving and lively family of 12 children. Elmer enjoyed playing table games with family. He also enjoyed Chicago Cubs Baseball, IU basketball, and Notre Dame football. Elmer would fall asleep watching a game. If someone turned the channel it would wake him up. He told the person, "Hey, I was watching that!" After graduation from Odon High School in 1962 he did his 1-W selective services at Elkhart General Hospital. He worked in what was then called the housekeeping department. He was employed at Midwestern Rubber Company as a...

PATRICIA ANN THURSBY-DANIELS May 30, 1944 - April 10, 2022 ELKHART- Patricia Ann Thursby-Daniels, 77, of Mansfield, Texas, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, died Sunday April 10, 2022, at Mansfield Hospital in Mansfield, Texas. She was born May 30, 1944, in Elkhart, Indiana to Robert James and Opal Mae (Allison) Thursby. On February 14, 1965, she married Robert Paul Daniels. He preceded her in death on November 14, 2020. Also preceding her in death was her father Robert James Thursby and her mother Opal Mae Thursby Overmyer. Surviving are 4 siblings, Rebecca Jane Thursby-Maxey of NJ, James Robert Thursby of OR, Jennifer Kay (Paul) Thursby-Hess of Goshen, IN, Susan Thursby-Hoover...

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Angela Marie Nichols. She was one of the most kind-hearted women to grace this earth with her presence. Angela-Ang or Angie to those closest to her-was born September 4, 1980, in the small town of Goshen, Indiana. She attended Goshen High School, where she excelled in not only academics but in music. She began her musical endeavors in the sixth grade as a trumpet player and after many years, made the transition to playing the French horn. She was active in jazz band, pep band, concert band and marching band. Angie received many accolades in high school and chose to complete her undergraduate studies at Ball State...

John Wade Abshire, known affectionately to his many friends as Coach, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022. A native of Goshen, Indiana, he graduated from Goshen High in 1952 and went to Indiana University where he earned a degree from the Kelley School of Business in 1956. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army following graduation. During his ROTC time at IU, he was a member of the Scabbard and Blade, an honor he cherished through his adult life. Abshire Oil Company in Goshen was started by Coach's grandfather in 1915, and the recently discharged Army captain took on the role of vice president. He continued his service to others and began his passion for...

Timothy "Shane" Bontrager, 47, of Columbus, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 2:06 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022, in Indianapolis. Shane was born March 12, 1974 in Elkhart, Indiana, the son of John and Judy (Miller) Bontrager. He married Cathy Jo (Meyer) Bontrager. Shane graduated from Fairfield High School located in Goshen, Indiana in 1993. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran White Creek. Shane was employed at Toyota for 10 years as a welder. Shane was a former member on the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was highly involved in his children's extracurricular activities. Shane was an assistant scoutmaster for the Boy Scout Troop 526. He was a Vigil Honor Member of...

Jerry Lee Risser, Sr., 83, passed away on January 14, at his home in Fishers, Indiana, surrounded by family. He was born March 22, 1938, in Goshen, Indiana, to Woodrow and Arlene (Miller) Risser. He was a 1956 graduate of Goshen High School and a 1960 graduate of Purdue University, where he received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. Jerry was introduced to Jonna Van Hoy on a date that a blizzard almost caused him to cancel. He did make the date, and each found the loves of their lives. They married on July 9, 1966, at St. Patrick's Church in Oxford, Indiana. Two sons came to Jerry and Jonna: Jerry Lee, Jr., in 1967, and John Woodrow in 1969. Jerry enjoyed boating and water...

Kerry D. Lawson, 86, an unforgettable being, passed away on December 3, 2021, after a bout of pneumonia while residing at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen Indiana. He was born in Fort Wayne to the late Howard Devon Walters and Mary Josephine (Woehr) Lawson on November 28, 1935. Kerry grew up in Columbia City, graduating from Columbia City High School in 1953. He settled into a career as a professionally skilled maker of wind instruments and in retirement he served as a substitute teacher for Elkhart Community Schools. He volunteered as a supportive listener with Switchboard Concern Crisis Agency and enjoyed his volunteer time with the Elkhart County Teen Court program. We could...

SaDonna R. Fought, 88, of Ligonier, Indiana, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2021. She was born to Rev. Gerald and Thelma (Shroyer) Snyder on May 10, 1933 in Waterloo, Indiana. SaDonna married Jake Fought in 1984 in Florida. He passed away in 1995.SaDonna is survived by her daughters, Carol (Nelson) Hunter of Ligonier, Indiana, Carla (Roger) Moser of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Carrie Gloor Nelson of Ligonier, Indiana; 9 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and two brothers. SaDonna was an active member of Christian Fellowship Church and worked for Snider Jewelry...

Nancy R. Habig, age 80, of Ligonier, IN passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at home. She was born on July 28, 1941 the daughter of Daniel and Theda (Locke) Dalton. She married Ira Walter; he preceded her in death on October 7, 2021. She is survived by five children, Ruth Shull, Allen Walter, Daniel Walter, Rosalee Wichman, and Sherry Myers; numerous grandchildren, great-grand-children, and great-great-grandchildren; along with four siblings, Carol Steinke, Diane Nelson, Eugene Dalton, and Patricia Baysinger.She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother; and a sister. Nancy enjoyed knitting and crossword puzzles. She also loved to read and "Gossip." A funeral service will...

Harry L. Castetter, age 82, of Topeka, IN, passed away on Friday November 12, 2021 at 5:45 pm at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. He was born on February 7, 1939 the son of Charles Ray and Bernice (Garman) Castetter in Noble County, IN. On May 20, 1961, he married Stana Roy at the Topeka Baptist Church.He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Stana Castetter of Topeka, IN; three children, Curt (Julie) Castetter of Jacksonville, FL, Kit (Kim) Castetter of Millersburg, IN, and Cory Castetter of Kimmell, IN; grandchildren, Kevin, Kelli, Chandler, Christian, and Quintin; step-grandchildren, Aubrey and Morgan; and twelve great-grandchildren; along with a sister, Mary Mullins of Rome City, IN....

Priscilla E. (Laurie) Beaver, 74 of Osceola, IN passed away on October 12, 2021 at her residence. She was born to the late John and Dorothy (Zroka) Laurie on March 12, 1947 in Fort Wayne, IN. She married her loving husband Roger A. Beaver on November 27, 1976, who survives. She cherished her 2 dogs Gilly and Lucy. As an RN, she worked in many areas of Memorial Hospital, retiring in 2006. She was a past member of Memorial Nurses Alumni Association. Priscilla was a lover of animals and travel. She found enjoyment in volunteering at Catholic Charities and the Potawatome Zoo. Services for Priscilla will be Tuesday October 19, 2021 at 1PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home 10776 McKinley Hwy...

Edmund R Farmer, 97, of South Bend found peace Wednesday, October 13. Mr. Farmer was born January 22, 1924 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Leon C. and Martha Farmer. On October 2, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana, Edmund married the late Ruth B. Farmer. Surviving are his sister Nancy Sutherland of Hilton Head, SC, his children, Marilyn Bechler (David) of Menlo, GA, James Farmer (Deborah) of Granger, IN, and Donna Rau (James) of Lawton, MI. In addition are 6 surviving grandchildren: Emily Allen (Brian), Shane Bechler (Katy), Kathryn Farmer, Lauren Farmer, Kyle Rau, and Erika Rau; and 3 great-grandchildren, Vida Ruth Allen, Louna Kai Allen, and Ada Millie Bechler. He was preceded in death by...

Wakarusa - Jeannette Samolczyk, 89, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 in Miller's Merry Manor. Jeannette was born January 10, 1932 in South Bend to the late Marion and Clementine (Krol) Gorski. On May 10, 1952 in Christ the King Catholic Church Jeannette married the love of her life, Jesse Samolczyk, he preceded her in death on February 12, 2019. Also preceding her in death is her daughter in-law Colleen Samolczyk on August 19th, 2012 and her brother Robert (Sharon) Gorski on Friday, September 24th, 2021. Left to cherish the memory of Jeannette are her children, Michael Samolczyk, Mark (Cindy) Samolczyk, Anne Samolczyk, Jean Samolczyk, Susan (Ken) Wojtanek; grandchildren, David...

ELKHART- Aloma M. Scott, 79, of Elkhart, died Sunday September 12, 2021, at Elkhart Meadows. She was born May 6, 1942, in Bremen, Indiana to Emil and Laura (Thomas) Schutz. On June 20, 1965, in Bremen, Indiana she married Richard L. Scott. He survives along with 2 children, Christina (Douglas) Krugh of Elkhart, Michael (Sarah) Scott of Omaha, NE; 9 grandchildren, Dustin Hoy, Michael Hoy, Jarod Krugh, Jessica Scott, Allison Scott, Peyton Scott, Alexis Scott, Brittany Krugh, Courtney Reaper; 5 great-grandchildren, Mason, Elijah, Ember, Audrey, and Edith and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, KaSondra Soloman, Letricha Schutz, Regina...

Richard "Dick" Alan Booth, 66, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at his home. Dick was born on September 20, 1955 in Bluffton, Indiana to the late Carl and Edna Jayne (Paxson) Booth. On November 3, 2010 in Savannah, Georgia he married Elaine K. Yoder, who survives. Dick was a Tool Maker and Design Engineer at Medtronic, Inc. in Warsaw, Indiana for 18 years. Dick was an avid collector of vintage glass, guns, comic books and baseball cards. He was very athletic, enjoyed golfing and earned a guru status in the Filipino Escrima form of martial arts for 35 years. Dick was a CASA volunteer for 3 years and was involved for the Big Brother Big Sister Program of Elkhart County. Along with his...

Robert Lee Burger, 86, died on Thursday, July 22, at his home in Estero, Florida, peacefully and in the presence of loved ones. He was born on December 2, 1934, in Goshen, IN, to James Q. and Florence (DeYoung) Burger. Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Lageman) Burger, Estero, FL; a sister, Mrs. Ora (Dorothy) Miller, Goshen, IN; two daughters, Kim Goudey of Goshen, IN; Susan (Michael) Feller of Noblesville, IN; a son, James Burger of Noblesville, IN and a stepson, Marc Franceski, Sarasota FL; and 5 grandchildren-Donny and Shelby (Goudey) Norlander, Kelby Goudey, Bobbi Feller, Danielle Feller and Lily Franceski. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, James Q. and Florence (DeYoung)...