James R. Groves, 85, of Yellow Creek Lake passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Mentone. He was born June 29, 1932, in Parkston, S.D. to Taylor and Marie (Straka) Groves.

He married Reta R. Reed on Nov. 30 1958, in Claypool, who survives.

James had been a carpenter and mason for many years.

He was a 1951 graduate of Burket High School. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Mentone Masonic Lodge, the American Legion of Laketon, and the Silver Lake Lions Club where he was active at fish fries and called Bingo. He was a lifetime member of Sycamore Golf Club where he was an avid golfer and helped with grounds maintenance.

Survivors include his wife: Reta Groves, Yellow Creek Lake; daughter: Carolyn Groves, Warsaw; and grandson, Josh Johnson, Yellow Creek Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son: Ted A. Groves; and brothers Leland Groves and Eldon Groves.

Following his wishes no services will be held at this time.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Silver Lake Lions Club.

Donna Joan Metzger, 74, Claypool, passed away in her home with family and dear friends at her side Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

She was born Jan. 9, 1944, in Kosciusko County to Walter Leon and Tressie Amelia (Yoder) Blocher. On Jan. 1, 1964, she married Philip Dean Metzger. She was a homemaker and a member of Eel River Old German Baptist Church, Silver Lake. She enjoyed having company and entertaining.

Donna Metzger was a very generous and giving person. She was spontaneous and fun loving. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by her husband, Philip Metzger, Claypool; sons: Philip Metzger Jr., North Manchester; and David Metzger, Claypool; daughter, Carrie (Jim) Ash, La Mesa, Calif.; brothers: Danny (Michelle) Blocker, North Manchester; and Walter (Tana) Blocher, Pierceton; sisters: Dorthy Blocher, South Whitley; Joy (David) Wolf, Rossville; and Eileen (Bill) Cahill, Colfax; and ten grandchildren.

One brother, Arthur Blocher, died in 2017 and one sister, Rosadella Miller, died in 2011.

Family and friends may call from 1-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., Saturday, April 21, at Eel River Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Packerton Road and County Road 1200 South, Silver Lake. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 22, at Eel River Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Packerton Road and County Road 1200 South, Silver Lake.  Home Brethren will officiate.  Burial will be in Eel River Old German Baptist Brethren Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Glee E. Smith, 97, Claypool, died April 28, 2018, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw. Arrangements are pending at Titus Funeral Home.

Glee Smith, 97, a seven year resident of Claypool, passed April 28, 2018, at Mason Health & Rehabilitation Center.

She was born Sept. 7, 1920, to Sherman E. and Ida (Mohler) Butler in Rifle, Colo. She graduated from high school in Wauneta, Neb. and from Concord College in Athens, W.V. with a Bachelor of Science. For a brief period, she was in the Women’s Army Corp. (W.A.C.)

On Sept. 15, 1945, she was married to Clyde William Smith. Together they shared 53 years and, to their union, three children were born: William Eugene, Carol Elaine and Clyde Robert Smith.

Glee Smith was a retired elementary teacher, having taught for seven years in the rural schools of Nebraska and twenty-four years in West Virginia. She was a Christian who had served her church as the a

ssistant pianist and a choir member for many years. She was blessed with a loving family and church family, with good friends, and with kind neighbors.

In addition to her husband, Clyde Smith, Glee Smith was preceded in death by her oldest son, William Smith; sister, Dorothy Holderman; three brothers: Irvin, Jay and Ivan Butler; half-brother, Leonard Bird; half-sister, Carmen Merrill; step-father, Warren Bird; granddaughter, Jennifer Smith and grandson, John Droke.

Those who survive include son, Clyde Robert Smith of Bradley, W.V; daughter, Carol Elaine (Roy) Droke, Claypool; five grandchildren; four great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Local arrangements were trusted to Titus Funeral Home with funeral services held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 4,in Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, W.V. Visitation will take place there for one hour prior.

To send condolences or sign the electronic guestbook, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com .

Curtis Ousley, 86, Claypool, passed away at 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018, in Warsaw Meadows Healthcare. He was born Feb. 2, 1932, in Floyd County, Ky., to Pearl and Mary (Shepherd) Ousley.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Hall June 27, 1950, in Floyd County, Ky., who preceded him March of 2015. A former coal miner for Bucks Branch Coal Mine he was also employed as a pressman for Gatke Corporation for 21 years. He was a Kosciusko County resident since 1961 and attended the Pentecostal Lighthouse Church, Warsaw. An outdoorsman, he was an avid fisherman, raccoon and fox hunter. In addition, he was a beekeeper.

Survivors include his children: Troy (Janet) Ousley, Curtis (Linda) Ousley, Jr., and Deborah (Terry) Kreft, all of Claypool; a sister, Kathlene (Earl) Robinson of Ashland, Ky. Furthermore, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-geat grandchildren. Other family members who preceded him are brothers Estil, Pearl Gene and Harold Richard Ousley and sisters Ada Lou Hall and Georgia Ethel Porter.

Visitation hours are scheduled from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, May 20, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Funeral services are schedule for 11 a.m., Monday, May 21, with calling two hours prior, at the Funeral Chapel. Pastor Ron Patrick will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Claypool.

To sign the guest register or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Johnny L. Jude, 71 Claypool, passed away at 6:37 a.m., Tuesday June 12, 2018, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

He was born on May 11, 1947, to Ferrell and Elizabeth Jude in Logan, W. Va.

He was united in marriage to Linda Denny on Jan. 23, 1978, in Wayne, W. Va.

Mr. Jude retired from Maple Leaf Duck Farm after 27 and half years.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards.

He is survived by his wife Linda Jude of Claypool; sisters, Geraldine, Wanda, Loretta and Madeline; a brother, Bill Jude; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Services will be private.

Services are entrusted to McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to http://www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Betty Smith Aughinbaugh, 96, Cadiz, Ohio, passed away June 15, 2018, at home.

She was born at her home in Claypool, Feb. 3, 1922. She graduated from Claypool High School and went to work for GE in Fort Wayne until she married James Aughinbaugh in 1945.

She loved to read and work crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She was a member of the Scott Methodist Church in Cadiz, Ohio. Preceding her death was her husband James Aughinbaugh and her daughter Luanne Aughinbaugh Tate.

Betty Aughinbaugh is survived by two sons, James R. Aughinbaugh of Katy,Texas; Terry (Mary Anne) Aughinbaugh of Cadiz, Ohio; one daughter Noreen (Bill) Taylor of Reynoldsburg ,Ohio; three grandsons, James McAfee, Jerry (Bobbie) McAfee; and Terry (Amanda) Aughinbaugh. She also had six great grand children: Madyson McAfee,Cooper McAfee, Lucas McAfee, Cameron Aughinbaugh, Nathan Rich and Emily Rich.

There will be a memorial at the Mt. Pleasant Church in Claypool, at a later date  to be determined.

Elsie M. Saksa Mitchell, 89, Fairfield, Ill., formerly of Kosciusko County, passed away at 9:33 a.m., on Tuesday July 3, at her home.  She had been an art teacher at Merriam Grade School and was also a librarian at Hammond Public Library.

Elsie Mitchell is survived by daughters: Sandra (Ernest “Butch”) Smith, Fairfield, Royella (Phil) Smith, Claypool; and Cecilia (Patrick) Szeplakay, Hammond; son: Steve (Linda) Saksa JR, McMurray, Penn.; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Elsie M. Saksa Mitchell will be held at noon, Saturday, July 7, at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home with burial in Burnt Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of all the arrangements.

A memorial service to honor Mrs. Saksa Mitchell will be held at a future date at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, 900 Provident Dr., Warsaw.

Magalene Stephens, 82, Claypool, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on July 14, 2018, at Sage Bluff Health and Rehabilitation Center, Fort Wayne. One of five children, she was born on July 20, 1935, in Magoffin County, Ky. to Everett and Stella (Allen) Patrick.

After graduating from Sidney High School, Sidney, Magalene Patrick married Thomas Stephens on Feb. 10, 1956. Together they owned Tom’s Mobile and Used Cars in Sidney and had two children. Tom and Magalene were married for 28 years before Toms passing on April 8, 1984.

For all that knew Magalene Stephens, she will be remembered for being a compassionate, sweet, precious and a strong person that left a positive impact on peoples’ lives. People who knew her, knew the love she had for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family. She always put others before herself, including her pets Kiki and Buster and any other animal. She also enjoyed Congregational Christian Church, North Manchester.

Magalene Stephens’ memory will be carried on by one son, Terry Stephens, Claypoo; one daughter, Sandy (Dean) Calhoun, Coldwater, Mich.; two brothers: Bill (Nancy) Patrick and Menifee “Dick” Patrick, both of Sidney; two sisters: Christine “Teen” Hough, Dewart Lake; and Avadene “Dude” (Phil) Bradley, Sidney; three grandchildren, Brandon Stephens, Nicky (Aaron Stankewicz) Calhoun, Kelsey (Jeremy Klausing) Stephens; and two great grandchildren: Grady and Ella Stankewicz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Stella Patrick and husband Thomas Stephens.

Family and friends may call from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Monday, July 16, at Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, with calling one hour prior at Congregational Christian Church. Pastor J.P Freeman will officiate. Burial will be at South Whitley Cemetery, State Road 14 and Whitko Drive, South Whitley.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Magalene Stephens, memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.

Ronald “Ron” Hoppas, 77, of San Marcos, Calif., passed away at 10:25 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2018, in his home. He was born May 18, 1940, in Kosciusko, to Chester and Faye (Deafenbaugh) Hoppas. In 1964 He was united in marriage to Cynthia (Nichols) Hoppas on June 28,1964.

 He graduated from Claypool High School in 1958. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1958 to 1961. He loved riding his Harley Davidson as a pastime. He joined Dalton Foundry in 1961 and retired in 2005 after 44 years. A former resident of Warsaw, they moved to San Marcos in 2007. He belonged to Mission Hills Church in San Marcos, CA.

Ron is survived by his wife Cynthia Hoppas of San Marcos; a son, Kenton Hoppas of Monterey, Calif.; a granddaughter, Scout Hoppas of Monterey; and a sister Elsie Hoppas of Warsaw.

He was preceded by his parents and a son, Steven Hoppas.

A memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 28, with calling one-hour prior in the Claypool United Methodist Church, Claypool. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Claypool with Military Honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps, V.F.W. Post 1126 and American Legion Post #49.

Memorial Donations to Mission Hills Church, 400 Mission Hills Court, San Marcos, CA 92069

To sign the guest register or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Charles M. Courtney, 74, Claypool, passed at 10:02 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at his residence.

He was born on Jan. 23, 1944, in Marion County to Harold V. and Arnola (Seaton) Courtney. He married on July 5, 1971 in Franklin to Terry Reid; she survives.

He had worked for U.S. Airways as a part of the grounds crew.

He was a 1963 graduate of Ben Davis High School of Indianapolis. He enjoyed watching his grandsons race sprint cars.

Survivors include his wife Terry Courtney, Claypool.; sons Tony Courtney, Indianapolis, and Todd and wife Debbie Courtney, Indianapolis; five grandchildren: Blake, Lauren and husband Brandon, Reese, and twins Taylor and Tyler; a great grandchild, Hudson; and twin brothers, Harold “Ron” and wife Marsha Courtney, Freedom, and Gerald “Don” and wife Betty Courtney, Plainfield.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Harry.

Following his wishes no visitation or services will be held at this time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 West Rochester St., Akron.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the donor’s choice of charity in his memory.

Julia Faye Francis, 81, Claypool, passed away at 7:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw. She was born Sept. 12, 1936, in Prestonsburg, Ky. to Johnny and Mary (Adams) Owens.

On Nov. 1, 1952, in Silver Lake, she married the love of her life, Harold Francis, who preceded her in death in 1997.

Together they raised five children, Charles (Toni) Francis, Burket; Bobby (Brenda) Francis, Mentone; Jerry (Karen) Francis, Rochester; Debbie Francis, Claypool; and Brooks (Natalie) Francis, Claypool.

She had ten grandchildren, Ann (Bret) Torpy, Joel (Tina) Francis, Elizabeth (Neal) Smythe, Melissa (Travis) Maple, Coty (Rebeca) O’Dea, Colton Francis, Madison Francis, Austin (Mary Beth) Francis, Lindsay (Tanner) Scott, Drew Francis, and 18 great grandchildren. She is survived by four sisters; Madia Campbell, Eula Manns, Beulah (Willard) Yates, Alice Owens, and two brothers, Orville Owens and John (Helen) Owens.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and four brothers; Lynn Owens, Curtis Owens, Virgil Owens and Burl Owens.

She had a love for gardening, cooking and baking, greeting visitors with “Have you eaten yet? Can I fix you something?” But her most prized possessions were her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a previous member of the Gospel Hill church for 45 years, later becoming a member of First Freewill Baptist Church of Claypool.

Visitation will be at the First Freewill Baptist Church, Claypool, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28. The service will be at the church on Wednesday at 11 a.m., with Pastors Terry Bradford and Bob Brown officiating. Interment will follow the service in Lakeview cemetery, Silver Lake. McHatton-Sadler Funeral chapel, Warsaw is entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions are requested, and may be made to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County 3489 E 100 S, Pierceton, IN 46562

To sign the register book or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Linda L. Weirick, 57, Claypool, passed away at 8:20 a.m., Aug. 27, 2018, in her residence. She was born Sept. 16, 1960, in Washington D.C. to Thomas and Lenora (Murphy) Woodward. On Dec. 19, 2000, in Pierceton, she was united in marriage to Jeff Weirick who survives.

A lifelong resident of Kosciusko County she worked for McClure Oil in Silver Lake as a Customer Service Manager.

She is survived by her husband Jeff; her mother Lenora; and her children: Jason (and fiancée Elizabeth Rice) Slone, Ryan Slone and Kevin (and fiancée Nicole Smith) Slone, all of Pierceton.  She is further survived by her sister: Sandra (Jeff) Hibbs, Ligonier; step-children: Nicole Weirick, North Manchester; Justin Weirick, Laketon; Jessica (Gustavo) Parizotto Santian, Albion; along with step-brothers: Bob (Anette) Stump, Pierceton; Amos (Beverly) Stump, Chesterton; John (Terri) Stump, Warsaw; and three grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw. A private burial will take place with Pastor Holly White officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting memorials be made to Kosciusko 4-H Youth Programs in care of Kosciusko Purdue Extension, 202 W. Main Street, Warsaw, IN. 46580.

McHatton –Sadler Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with all arrangements.

Michael Allen McGriff, 32, Silver Lake, died at 9:48 p.m., Sept. 3, 2018, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, following an lengthy illness.

On Nov. 1, 1985, in Warsaw, he was born to Ricky McGriff and Robin A. (Canter) Bailey and had lived most of his life in Kosciusko county. He grew up in Claypool, lived in Warsaw and Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

He was a roofer for Timmerman Roofing, Warsaw; he also worked for Ziebart in Warsaw and KGP in Warsaw.

He attended Warsaw High School. He was an outdoorsman and loved camping, canoeing, surfing, hiking, spending time with his kids, and deer hunting. He loved playing basketball and softball.

He was a kind loving person who made friends easily and cherished those friendships dearly. He was a huge Boston Red Sox fan and was a master at fantasy sports. In his younger days he was a Kosciusko 4-H member.

Michael McGriff never knew a stranger, he made friends wherever, he went. He loved the state of Maine and made many friends while living there. He loved all that the outdoor had to offer there.

He is survived by his sons, Skyler McGriff and Micah McGriff; his parents: Ricky and Cindy McGriff, North Waterboro, Maine; and Robin (Ken) Bailey, Lodi, Ohio; sisters: Holly (fiancé Vuittonet) McGriff, Seville, Ohio; Anna (Dale) Stamper, Warsaw; step-sisters: Amanda Seamna, Alysha Mason and Ashley Bailey; step-brothers: Chris, Jessie and Nathan Bailey; grandmothers: Mary McGriff, Argos; Karen Stewart, Lodi, Ohio; his fiancée, Shasta Breidert, Silver Lake

Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m., Friday Sept. 7, at the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, 208 N. Michigan St., Argos. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, with Rev. Phillip Burris. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Argos.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Michael A. McGriff Memorial Fund – 208 N. Michigan St., Argos, IN 46501 or Skyler and Micah Education Fund – 208 N. Michigan St., Argos, IN 46501

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Richard L. Surface, 72, Claypool, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018.

He was born Nov. 14, 1945, in Warsaw, to Cornelius Surface and Irene (Brown) Surface.

He was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, where he was a 1964 graduate of Mentone High School. In 1965 he enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam until 1967. For a number of years he worked in construction until his employment with Zimmer, Inc. of Warsaw in the grounds and maintenance department, retiring in 2000. He was a member of the American Legion Post #49 in Warsaw, and he will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons: Ben Surface, Claypool; Josh Surface; two granddaughters, and one great-grandson. Also surviving are his two sisters: Catherine Surface, Warsaw; Karen (Sam) Brown, Warsaw; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Tonya in 1975, and two brothers, David and John Surface.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Ken Chupp. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 49, V.F.W. #1126 both of Warsaw and active duty members of the Indiana Army Honor Guard. There will be time for visitation an hour prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.

Memorial donations in Richard’s name may be directed to the American Legion Post #49, 301 N. Buffalo Street, Warsaw, IN 46580 and would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com