Ronald Yates

Ronald “Ronnie” Yates, 73, Claypool, peacefully passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021, at his home in Claypool surrounded by family. Ronnie was born Oct. 30, 1947, in Warsaw to Eddie and Elzire (Marshall) Yates. Ronnie married Kimberly Allen on March 3, 1979.

Ronnie enjoyed working on lawn mowers, flying his Ultralight Plane, cutting wood, playing music and working on cars. He loved spending time with family, friends and especially his grandchildren. Ronnie was a hard worker his entire life and honorably served in The United States Air Force.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Kimberly of 42 years, one son Shane (Kimberly) Yates of North Manchester; two grandchildren: Tyler Yates of Mentone; Brayden Yates of North Manchester; and one brother, William  (Judy) Yates of Palestine; and two sisters: Phyllis (Gary) Beam of Mentone; Wilma Richardson of Claypool.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Willard Yates and Terry Yates and a sister, Thelma Black.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held at noon Aug. 7, at the Free United Baptist Church, 7035 South SR 13, Pierceton, IN 46562. Pastor Etsy Allen is officiating. A memorial visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m.-noon.

Memorial donations in memory of Ronnie may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice.

Sue Ann Henderson, 78, rural Wabash, died 2:17 a.m., Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at her lake home in Claypool. She was born July 6, 1943, in Goshen, to Byron G. and Mary E. (Snider) Schlemmer.

Sue was a 1961 graduate of Wabash High School, and received her bachelor and master degrees from Ball State University in Muncie. She married Stephen Henderson at the Rushville Presbyterian Church, in Rushville, June 10, 1972. She was a special education teacher for the Wabash-Miami Area Program at Wabash City Schools. Sue was a member of the Wabash Presbyterian Church and the Womens Clubhouse Association. She enjoyed quilting, and was a member of the Sew Pieceful Quilt Guild and the Quilts of Honor. She also enjoyed her dog Tilli.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Henderson of Wabash; three children: Kent A. (Julie) Henderson of Wabash; Kelli S. (Elise Lindborg) Henderson of Seattle, Wash.; and Kryston E. Henderson of Wabash; five grandchildren: Carli Henderson and Cody Henderson, both of Wabash; Emily Eckelbarger of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Eryn Eckelbarger and Evan Eckelbarger, both of Bloomington; sister, Sondra (Philip) Douglas of Palatine, Ill.; and sister-in-law, Susie (Peter) Schlemmer Swanson of Cicero. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jon Schlemmer.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 13, at Wabash Presbyterian Church, 123 W. Hill Street, Wabash, with Pastor Laura Helm officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave, Wabash.

Preferred memorial is Wabash Presbyterian Church.

Gerald D. Smalley

Gerald D. Smalley, 87, of rural Claypool, passed at 12:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at his residence.

Gerald was born Nov. 25, 1933, in Burket, to the late Donald D. and Minnie (Sands) Smalley. He married on Oct. 7, 1956, in Atwood, to Sherry S. Parks, she survives.

He was a 1951 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Gerald was known for many things. He was a former bus driver for Tippecanoe Valley Schools. He was a familiar face at the Livestock Auctions at Shipshewana and Topeka for over 38 years. He served his community as a Kosciusko Commissioner for 10 years as well as a 12 years Director of the Kosciusko REMC.

Gerald was an over 60 year member of the Beaver Dam United Methodist Church. He enjoyed 4-H and served as Leader for many years. He also was known for having exotic animals. It was not uncommon to see zebras or other less common livestock around his farm. With all of the talents and interests he had, most people would not know the struggle he had with Polio as a child. He never forgot that battle, so for many years he regularly met with a group of Polio survivors in Warsaw.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sherry Smalley of Claypool; daughters: Tammy Horn and Brant Nellans and Cara and husband Mark Kissell; son, Gary and wife Deb Smalley; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Linda and husband Mitch Tucker, and brother, Wayne and wife Shirley Smalley.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law Timothy Horn.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 23, at the Beaver Dam United Methodist Church 9798 W. 1000 S. Akron, with Pastor Butch Troke officiating.

The interment will take place in the Nichols Cemetery near Akron.

Visitation hour will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Donations can be made in Gerald’s memory to the Beaver Dam Church/Wheels on Fire to assist the community members who are fighting cancer or to the Beaver Dam Church Youth or Nehemiah Vision Ministries with the memo line saying “Intern #3” which helps Brooke Smalley in Haiti.

Paul A. Shoemaker, 81, of rural Claypool, passed at 4:25 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at Kosciusko Community Hospital of Warsaw.

Paul was born on April 1, 1940, in Gilead, Miami County, to the late Walter G. and Olga (Zimmerman) Shoemaker. He married on Nov. 26, 1982, in Rochester, to Bonnie J. Marti, who preceded him in death on March 16, 2016.

He is survived by his daughters Candra Marie and husband William Dorell of Powder Springs, Georgia and Kimberly Kay Hunsberger of Etna Green; son David L. Shoemaker of Warsaw; several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, and a sister Ruth Anna and husband Robert E. Frantz of Warsaw.

Hartzler Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Lyle J. Metzger, 83, passed away on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

Born on Jan. 14, 1938, in Claypool, he was the son of Joseph and Mamie Yonts Metzger.

Lyle is survived by his adored wife, Alice Feck Metzger; and his beloved daughters, Wende Corcoran and her husband Patrick, and JoDeane Knowles and her husband Carl; sister Norma Kirkwood; brother Leroy Metzger and his wife Ruby; one grandchild; and four great-grandchildren.

Eugene “Mike” Engel,  83, Claypool, passed away at 5 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in his residence. Born April 6, 1938, in Warsaw, Mike was the son of Walter and Charlene (Inman) Engel. He was united in marriage to Carol L. Smith Dec. 30, 1967, in Warsaw.

Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Engel of Claypool; children, Michelle Engel and Cheri Engel both of Warsaw; stepchildren, C. Dean Bayne of Fort Myers, Fla.; and Douglas Bayne of Bluffton; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw have been entrusted with arrangements.

Lyle J. Metzger

Lyle J. Metzger, 83, passed away on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

Born on Jan. 14, 1938, in Claypool, he was the son of Joseph and Mamie (Yonts) Metzger.

Lyle graduated from Silver Lake High School in the class of 1956. He joined the Army after high school, where he contracted polio. After fighting, and winning an 18-month polio battle, he went on to work at Miller & Sons, Wholesale Electric Company, Ace Hardware and then onto one of his favorite passions (cars), selling automobiles at Munson’s Chevrolet. However, his main occupation was selling insurance at C.V. Yeager and then on to start his own independent insurance business.

Lyle is survived by his adored wife, Alice (Feck) Metzger: and his beloved daughters: Wende Corcoran and her husband Patrick; JoDeane Knowles and her husband Carl; sister, Norma Kirkwood and brother Leroy Metzger and his wife Ruby; and his cherished granddaughter, Eileen (Knowles) Nicola and her husband Scott; and great-grandchildren: Mason, Jackson, Dalton and Cameron.

He had one brother, Harold Metzger and his wife, Pauline, who proceeded him in death.

Lyle was the “energy” in the room and his liveliness was infectious. He was the Dad that made sure he had the “fun house” in the neighborhood by pulling everyone around on Halloween in a hay cart, building snow ramps on the hill for sledding and clearing out the furniture in the family room for dance parties.

Lyle had a passion for classic Coke machines and classic cars and restored many of them over the years, winning two-garage full of trophies at numerous car shows, including a special invitation from Disney World to participate in a classic car parade. He loved his family, dancing, the outdoors, swimming, fishing, boating, mushroom hunting, making his famous “mush and eggs” for breakfast, spending time with his “buddies” and did someone say 50s music? Lyle loved to play it in his cars, dance to it anywhere, and reminisce about the “good ol’ days” while it played.

Lyle lived life to the fullest, and as one song says he “owned every second that this world could give” and with every challenge life threw his way, he survived and found passion in his hobbies and joy in people.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held in the future.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Lyle’s name, the family request donations be made to one of his favorite causes, the Wounded Warrior Project.

For condolences and service information see: csori.com.

Norman R. Krichbaum

Norman R. Krichbaum, a Warsaw resident and lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, passed away quietly at home, surrounded by his loving family Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. He was 88 years old.

Born Jan. 4, 1933, in Claypool, Norman was the son of Rex and Nellie (Evans) Krichbaum. He was a graduate of Claypool High School where he played basketball and was a straight-A student. Norman went on to serve in the United States Army as a medical technician. He was honorably discharged from Fort Sheridan, Ill. March 5, 1953.

Norman worked for the former Morton Powdercoating and Morton International. He spent many years there, retiring from purchasing and provisioning. It was while working at Morton where he met the love of his life, Georgia Conley. Norman and Georgia were united in marriage Aug. 19, 1985; she survives at home in Warsaw.

Norman was kind, selfless and dependable. He was often the family peace maker and was truly the “King of Compromise.” He was a collector of many things and loved time spent outdoors, tinkering in the yard and around the house. He loved watching college basketball and was an avid fan of both IU and Bobby Knight. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially when Bobby Labonte took home the checkered flag. More than anything, he loved time spent with his family and grandchildren.

In addition to Georgia Krichbaum, his wife of 36 years, survivors include six children: Edward (LeahAnn) Stahl of Silver Lake; Maranda Evett of Warsaw; Cindy (Sai) Poe of Pierceton; Randall Stahl of Bristol; Allen (Kim) Krichbaum of Mentone; and Barbara Krichbaum. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his parents and three sisters: Betty Olinger, Marjorie LaGarde, and Phyllis Scott.

Warsaw’s Titus Funeral Home and Cremation services is assisting the family. Friends may gather on Oakwood Cemetery’s Pine Street Wednesday, Sept. 15, for a graveside service and military honors. The service will begin at 11 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to North Webster American Legion, 756 South Main Street North Webster, IN 46555 or to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Written condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com

Barbara Arlene “Barb” Slater, 88, Claypool, passed away Sept. 19, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born Aug. 12, 1933, in Kosciusko County, Barb was the daughter of the late Talman Gerald and Thelma Eileen (Secrist) DeLaughter.

Barb married Harold G. Slater on May 26, 1951.

The loving memory of Barbara Arlene “Barb” Slater will be forever cherished by her sons, Kim (Kathy) Slater, South Whitley; and Kent (Jo Ellen) Slater and Kris (Jill) Slater, both of Claypool; daughters-in-law, Pamela Slater, Elkhart; and Cindy Slater, Warsaw; brothers, Darwin DeLaughter, North Manchester; and Talman (Kelly) DeLaughter Jr., Bettendorf, Iowa; sisters: Connie (Joe) Gottschalk, Columbia City; and Janice Gerardot, Claypool; brother-in-law, Richard Maroney, Angola; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

McKee Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Lewis, 82, Claypool, passed away Sept. 28, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

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

Roma J. Terrell, 53, Claypool, passed away at 12:12 p.m.Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Claypool. Arrangements are pending at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw.

Betty Lewis

Betty Lewis, 82, Claypool, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born June 4, 1939, in Dwale, Ky., Betty was the daughter of Virgil and Lilly (Castle) Blair.

She formerly worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Prestonsburg, Ky. prior to continuing her career in Warsaw. Betty enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren in which she dearly loved.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Lassie Lewis of Claypool; son, Mark (Rose Marie) Blair; one sister, Virgie Little of Prestonsburg, KY; nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by two sons, both parents, two brothers and five sisters.

A visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton – 105 S. First St. Pierceton. A funeral service in celebration of her life will begin at noon in the Pierceton funeral chapel with Pastor Jimmy Shepherd officiating the service. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Masks are optional, and social distancing is encouraged. No food is permitted at this time.

Memorial donations to assist the family for funeral expenses may be made to: McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel 2290 Provident Ct. Warsaw, IN 46580

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

Reba Hamilton

Reba Hamilton, 92, Warsaw, passed away at 9:40 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

Born on Sept. 19, 1929, in Westmoreland, Tenn., she was the daughter of Raven Bird and Anna (Willis) Likens. She was united in marriage to William Graves for 53 years; he preceded her in passing in 1998. She married Walter Hamilton on Aug. 29, 2015, in Warsaw.

She retired from Sears with 20 years of service. She was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Indianapolis, and attended the Free Will Baptist Church, Claypool. She and Walt enjoyed spending their summers at Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp Resort, Pierceton. 

Reba is survived by her husband: Walter Hamilton, Warsaw; son: Danny (Carrie) Graves, Claypool; siblings: Bobby Likens and Gladys Hoskin; grandchildren: Nathan and Stephanie Graves, Tricia Stavedahl, Vicki Murray, Mark Hamilton, and Amie Farmer; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by a son: Ronnie Graves; brothers: J.C. Likens and Hollis Likens; and granddaughter: Jasmine.

A visitation is planned from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A funeral service in celebration of her life will begin at 5 p.m. with Pastor Lewis Wedstel Shepherd officiating. Burial will be in Rocky Mountain Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Westmoreland, Tenn. 

Masks are optional and social distancing is encouraged. No food is permitted at this time.

Memorial donations may be made to: First Free Will Baptist Church of Kosciusko County, 58 W. 700S, Claypool, IN 46510.

Arrangements are handled by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

Sgt. Joe Rose

Sgt. Joe L. Rose, 81, Claypool, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Kosciusko Community Hospital Monday morning, Oct. 4, 2021.

Joe was a decorated veteran who honorably served with the 101st Airborne Rangers Army Division, The Screaming Eagles, Special Air Assault Operations in The Viet Nam War.

Joe was born on March 23rd, 1940, in Prestonsburg, Ky. to his parents Bob and Lizzie (Campbell) Rose. He married the love of his life, Deloris (Wallen) Rose, with whom he shared 54 wonderful years before she preceded him in death Oct. 12, 2014.

Joe retired from RR Donnelley & Sons after 41-years. Joe was past commander and chaplin of the American Legion, Post #258, Pierceton, and a member of the V.F.W., Post #1126, Warsaw, past member of The American Legion Riders and The Indiana Patriot Guard Riders. He had many hobbies, including shuffleboard, hunting, fishing, target shooting, and riding his Harley Davidson. He loved his wife, his family, his country, his brothers-in-arms, and his many friends, who knew him lovingly as “Papa Joe.”

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Lizzie (Campbell) Rose, and his siblings: John Rose, Wesley (Shirley) Rose, Howard (Velma) Rose, Robert (Evaline) Rose, Willie Jane (Emerson) Allen, Nora (Randell) Goble, Liddie (Roy) Burkhart.

Joe is survived by his five children: Kimberly (Michael) Whitaker, Debra (Douglas) Drudge , Joe Rose, Jr., Lisa (Christopher) Pett, Lori (Bret) Stanger; nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; and his sister, Kate (Solomon) Burkhart.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 8, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Ct. Warsaw. A memorial service in celebration of his life will begin at noon in the funeral chapel. Chaplain Glenn Hall will officiate. Military Honors rendered by the American Legion Post #258 and VFW Post #1126. Private interment will follow at a later date.

Masks are optional, and social distancing is encouraged. No food is permitted at this time.

Memorial donations may be made to: Indiana Patriot Guard Riders, Inc. – 3310 E 350 S, Bluffton, IN 46714 or
American Legion Post # 49 – 301 N. Buffalo St. Warsaw, IN 46580

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

Kelly Coburn, 76, Claypool, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at Kosciusko Community Hospital.

Born in Lenore, W. Va., March 8, 1945, he was the son of Eligha and Elizabeth Coburn.

Those who cherish memories of Kelly include his loving companion, April Baxter; children, John (Cheryl Pitts) Rhoads, Joe (Linda Tillberry) Rhoads, James (Shonda) Coburn; Debra (Steven) Keen, Sandra (Dallas Honeycutt) Williams, Barb (Troy Thrush) Sommers, and Sabrina (Lacie) Adams; 16 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his dog, JoJo and previous loving relationships, Mary Kendrick, Jan Moore Gaines.

Titus Funeral home is assisting the family.

Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Davis, 69, Claypool, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Community East Hospital in Indianapolis. Arrangements are pending at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw.

James “Jim” A. Fiorucci, 54, Claypool, passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, unexpectedly at home. He was born Dec. 14, 1966, to James L. and Francis (Hutchcroft) Fiorucci in Plymouth. On July 23, 1992, Jim married Dena Lehman. She survives.

Jim is survived by his wife of 29 years, Dena; two children: Philip Fiorucci of Claypool; Shayna (Thad) Dewitt of Warsaw; and one granddaughter, Zoey Dewitt. Also surviving are his stepfather and mother, Skip and Fran Davidson of Plymouth; two sisters: Laurie (Joe) Glaub of Plymouth; Teressa (Julian) Alvis of Colorado; five brothers: Mike (Rita) Quinby of Plymouth; Kevin (Pat) Nuenemaker of Plymouth; Skippy (Kathy) Davidson of Plymouth; Joe Fiorucci of Alaska; and William Fiorucci; father and mother-in-law Sam and Vonda Lehman of Pierceton; and brother and sister-in-law, Doug and April Lehman also of Pierceton.

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

Alice (Lambert) Hunter, 81, Claypool, passed away Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at Millers Merry Manor, Warsaw.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw have been entrusted with arrangements.

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

Honey Lee Sawyer

Honey Lee Sawyer, 55, Warsaw, passed away on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at her home.

Born on Dec. 10, 1965, in Fruita, Colo., she was the daughter of Wanda (Place) Roatcap. She was united in marriage to Brian Sawyer on July 28, 1990, in Warsaw.

Honey is survived by her husband: Brian Sawyer, Warsaw; children: Ricky Stanton and Raymond Stanton, South Whitley; and Amanda Sawyer, Claypool; brother: Jack Roatcap, Ligonier; and nine grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by her mother and a brother: Robert Roatcap.

A memorial service in celebration of her life will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Pastor Terry Bradford will officiate the services.  

Masks are optional, and social distancing is encouraged. No food is permitted at the funeral chapel at this time.

Jeffery L. “Jeff” Davis, 69, Claypool, passed away at 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Community East Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1952, in Rochester, to Richard Lee and Eileen Joan (Study) Davis.

He is survived by two sisters: Rainelle (Terry) Dowell, Mentone; and Leslie (Charles) Jarvis, Green Valley, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Michael Davis.

Arrangements are with Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, Warsaw.