The News-Sun

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...

Rebecca (Becky) Oesch Edsall went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 15th, surrounded by her family at her home in Kings Mountain, NC. The daughter of Olive Marie Krisher Oesch and the late Billie Eugene Oesch, Becky was born on November 22, 1954, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by sister Ramona Oesch, brother Wayne Oesch, brother William Oesch, and nephews Douglas Oesch and Travis Tuffley. Becky is survived by her mother Olive Oesch of Kings Mountain, NC; her sister Renee Oesch Klein and husband Peter of Baltimore, Maryland; brother Wade Elliott Oesch of Waterloo, Indiana; daughters Brooke...

Sharon Lee Vendrely, 80 of Morrisville, NC passed away on February 2, 2022 after a long battle with lung disease. Sharon, born in Englewood, CO and raised in Avilla, Indiana, was born on June 22, 1941 to the late Charles and Frances Wolf. She was married for 60 years to her high school sweetheart, Richard Vendrely. Their life journey took them from Indiana to California, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas and Florida then finally North Carolina. She retired from Phillips Consumer Electronics in the Graphic Arts Department. After retirement, she resided in Sebring Florida prior to moving to North Carolina to be close to family. While in Sebring, her love of reading led to her re-vamping the...

Diane Daisy Perkins, 80, of Kendallville, passed away October 13, 2021. She was born in Wabash, Indiana to the late Earl Copeland and Sarah Lee on February 27, 1941. Diane graduated from Auburn High School. She then met and married the love of her life, Edwin Perkins, and Diane became a loving mother and homemaker to their three children. Later in life, she opened a floral shop in Kendallville, Indiana called "Home Sweet Home". Diane enjoyed her work not only because of her love of flowers, but because she was able to connect with her community. She spent countless hours donating her time. Diane was a member of Tri Kappa and also served as President of the Kendallville Public...

Judd Jason Foster, 45 of Seymour, Indiana went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Schneck Medical Center. He was born February 1, 1976 in Seymour, Indiana to Norman Dee and Monie Eileen Findley Foster. He grew up in Seymour, Indiana and graduated from Crothersville High School in 1994. He then received his bachelor's degree from The Krannert School of Business at Purdue University in 1998. He married the love of his life, Sophia Beth Rouch on September 4, 1999 in Kendallville, Indiana. They were blessed with a daughter, Samantha Paige on June 22, 2003 and a son, Alexander Norman on May 29, 2008. Judd lived life to the...

Jeffrey Alan Kessler, 57, of Elkhart, IN passed away on July 29, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 24, 1964 to Joe and Carolyn (Powell) Kessler in Kendallville, IN. Jeff proudly served as a Seabee in the United States Navy, combining his love of travel and working with his hands. For the majority of his adult life, he maintained his own business, Jeff's Home Repair. Throughout his life he contributed to his community, building homes and relationships to last. He married Michelle (Szulczyk) Kessler on July 30, 2011. Jeff is survived by his loving wife and mother; his step son, Jacob Marquardt; his step daughter, Katie Marquardt (Zachary Hertsel); his...

James Gregory Mitchell, 71, of Wolcottville, IN passed away suddenly on July 26, 2021 at his residence. He was born to the late Robert and Margaret (Schuttrow) Mitchell on February 7, 1950 in South Bend, IN. He married his loving wife, Annette (Salabura) Mitchell on May 22, 1976. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in South Bend, IN in 1968. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves; received his bachelor's in Business Management & Marketing and his Master's in Business Administration from Indiana University. He was a member of Sigma Pi National Social Fraternity. He is survived by his wife, Annette; his daughter Megan (Tim) Sloma; 3 sons, Michael (Hollie)...

Ted C. Owens, 77, of Rushville, passed away May 30th, at Major Hospital, Shelbyville, IN "Teddy" was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 23, 1943, to the late Ted and Viola Helen Owens. He attended Richland Township School in Rush County and later attended New Salem High School where he graduated in 1961. Shortly after graduation he quarried stone and helped lay rock for new home constructions. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on April 10, 1964, where he earned the rank of Staff Sgt. as an armament installer and a weapon systems instructor. He was a member of the 496th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. For three years he was stationed out of Hahn Airforce Base in Germany, followed...

Rev. Nelson Edward Weiker, age 89, of Kendallville, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at home with family. Rev. Weiker was born in Wayne, Ohio on August 18, 1931 to the late Clarence David Weiker and Glada C. (Woodruff) Weiker. He met the love of his life, Mary Gertrude Hunt, in first grade at recess and they married on December 16, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He graduated from Montgomery High School, Ohio in 1950 and Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri. Rev. Nelson and his wife, Mary, had a house full of eight children as they extended their family to help raise their nieces for many years. Over the past 50 years,...

Auburn, IN-Ted Warren Drury, 67, passed away at home on Monday, April 12, 2021. Ted was born in Mishawaka to the late Wilbert and Melvina (Harvill) Drury. On May 26, 1979, Ted married the former Laurie Swift who survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Erika (Brian) Jordan; grandchildren, Logan, Ethan, and Tiegan Jordan; brother, Don Drury; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Ted in death are his parents; and brother, Ron Drury. Ted worked as a train engineer for over 39 years for Amtrak. He was an avid Blackhawks and NASCAR fan. Visitation will be held 12-2 pm on Friday, April 16th at Hahn Funeral Home in Mishawaka with services to follow at 2 pm. Ted will be laid to...

LARGO, Florida- Mary Esther (Shew) Smith entered her heavenly home on Thursday, April 7, 2021 at Sabal Palms Health & Rehabilitation in Largo, Fla. at the age of 92. She was born in Kendallville, Indiana to Herald and Esther (Hayes) Shew on Dec. 9, 1928.She married Robert Claude Smith on Dec. 10, 1950. Robert passed away in Aug. 2014, after 64 years of marriage. Mary retired in 1992 from the East Noble School Corp. Superintendent's Office, Kendallville, Indiana. Robert and Mary Esther retired to Largo, Fla. from Kendallville in 1998. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Clearwater, FL. Mary was an avid IU Basketball and Tampa Rays fan. Survivors include two daughters, Debbie...

Marcelette Ann "Marcy" Elick, 82, of Indianapolis, passed away March 16, 2021. Marcy was born August 5, 1938, in Bremen, Ohio to the late Dean and Helen (Fahrer) Brown. She was a graduate of Bremen-Rushcreek Memorial High School and Hixon's Floral Design School. Marcy married the love of her life, James Franklin Elick on October 28, 1956 in Bremen. He preceded her in death. She also lived in Killeen, TX, Owensboro, KY, and Ft. Wayne, IN where she retired from Weight Watchers and Lopshire Flowers. Marcy was an active member of the Castleton United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and active in the Variety Bunch. She always had a project or hobby, and was always smiling. Marcy is...

Gaylord A. West, 77 of Fishers, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021 at home with his wife of 17 years, Rose Dickinson West, by his side. He is survived by 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Locally are his daughter; Holly Lash, husband; Michael and children, Mick and Cassidy Barden and Wyatt Lash. He is preceded in death by his parents Gaylord West and Joan Noe West and wife Donna J. Kiester West. Gay graduated from Ligonier High school in 1961 and the Indiana University School of Business in 1965. He was a passionate and lifelong IU sports fan. Gay worked at the American State Bank in Ligonier for 36 years, through five name changes, retiring from Lake City Bank in 2003. Gay was a...

Marjorie Lou Schrader joined our heavenly father and her beloved husband Thomas Eugene on January 10th just days after celebrating her 88th birthday on January 1st. In 1933, the Ft. Wayne Newspaper photographed her father holding the 1st Baby Girl of the New Year. Thomas Eugene Schrader was the love of her life ever since they met on the beach at Pokagon State Park. Marjorie always recalled asking her friends, "who is that good looking guy"? Tom and Marjorie celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this past summer on the patio at Orchard Point, while family gathered outside to watch them celebrate their love for each other. Marjorie enjoyed family, friends, and social activities. She...

Mishawaka, IN-Jeanne Barker, 87, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020, in Mishawaka, IN. She was born on December 12, 1933, in Kendallville, IN to the late Amos and Clara Botchuck. She married Richard L. Barker who preceded her in death in 1960. Surviving Jeanne is her son, Ron Barker; granddaughter, Lindsey; great-grandsons, Austin, Skyler and Jordan; brother, Dean; niece, Betty of Arizona. Jeanne was a graduate of Kendallville High School and graduated with High Distinction from Indiana University. Throughout her life she enjoyed and participated in family, faith, friends, musical theatre, golf, bridge, euchre and Lowery Organ. She was on the board of several organizations...

L. Duane Smith, The Villages, FL, Village of Chatham. Formerly of Kendallville, IN. Duane passed away November 21, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was married to Marilyn (Noffze) Smith since June 23, 1962. Duane is survived by his daughter, Stacy (Rito) Fernandez, Spring. TX. Son, Michael (Ann Barr) Smith, Magnolia, TX, and 6 grandchildren. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran in Summerfield, FL Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date in Indiana.

Robert A. Pruitt, of South Bend, Indiana, fought until there was no fight; he passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020. Affectionately known as "Papa," Bob was born September 5, 1940 in Frankfort, IN, to (the late) Virgil & Irene (Phillips) Pruitt. He was a proud Hoosier, having earned a bachelor's and a master's degree at Indiana University in Bloomington and later another master's degree from the University of Notre Dame. Bob served his country in the US Marine Corps and the world in the Peace Corps in Oruro, Bolivia, where he met his late wife, Mary Kingdon. Nothing gave him more joy than his family, and his life was full of love and adventure, especially his later years with...

John James "J.J." Sandor, 71, of Avilla died September 9, 2020 embraced in the love of his family. John was born June 17, 1949 in Youngstown, OH. He graduated from the United Electronics Institute in Akron, OH. He then served in the US Army where he was stationed in Taegu, South Korea at the Strategic Communication center. After his military service he returned to Youngstown, OH where he worked at The Record Shop. While working there he met the love of his life, Jane. They were married September 6, 1975 at St Charles Catholic Church in Youngstown, OH. John was employed by Bendix Field Engineering Corp. at Goddard Space Flight Center. While there he was on the communication team for the...

Rosalie nee Potts, (Cook) Malott, of LaGrange, In. & St. Joseph, MI, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020, at her home. She was born on June 15th 1936, in South Zanesville, OH, to Clifford & Leone Potts. Rosalie married David A. Cook on October 23rd 1954 who preceded her in death on January 7, 2002. On September 4th 2004 she married Herbert F. Malott. Rosalie was employed over 30 years at St. Joseph Savings & Loan where she retired as Vice President of the Mortgage & Loan Department. Her greatest joys were time spent with family and friends as well as cooking the most fantastic Sunday dinners. She will be deeply missed by all who have known her. Rosalie was a stranger to...

Rosalie nee Potts, (Cook) Malott, of LaGrange, In. & St. Joseph, MI, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020, at her home. She was born on June 15th 1936, in South Zanesville, OH, to Clifford & Leone Potts. Rosalie married David A. Cook on October 23rd 1954 who preceded her in death on January 7, 2002. On September 4th 2004 she married Herbert F. Malott. Rosalie was employed over 30 years at St. Joseph Savings & Loan where she retired as Vice President of the Mortgage & Loan Department. Her greatest joys were time spent with family and friends as well as cooking the most fantastic Sunday dinners. She will be deeply missed by all who have known her. Proceeded in death were...

Betty Zelma Fisher Farekas, 98, of South Bend, IN passed away at North Ridge Village Healthcare Facility in Albion, Indiana on August 9, 2020. Betty was born March 27, 1922 in Avilla, Indiana. She was a graduate of Wolcottville High School, Wolcottville, Indiana, where she was a cheerleader and a violin player, and from South Bend College of Commerce. On June 28, 1947, in South Bend, Indiana, she married Stephen E. Farekas who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Jo Ann Farekas, three brothers and a sister. She worked as an assistant at South Bend Lathe, at G.L.Perry's , and as a secretary with Commonwealth Insurance Company. She and her husband traveled...