Robert “Bob” Lee Clay, of Warsaw, passed away at 2:57 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw at the age of 88.

Robert L. Clay

He was born on June 12, 1935, in Warsaw, to Dortha Belle (Parker) Clay and Wallace Clay. Bob was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County where he was a 1953 graduate of Claypool High School. He went on to get his degree in business administration.

Bob had a great job as a car salesman at Menzie Motors. One day he went to work and helped a lovely lady who was shopping for a car, and he ended up with a great wife. Juanita Ann Franks got a great bargain that day and one year later she married Bob on June 12, 1960, which was his 25th birthday. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage together before Juanita passed away on June 24, 2019.

He was a quiet man with a caring and wonderful personality. He was great with people in his job in sales for Mutual of Omaha. After 45 years of loyal service, he retired in 2012. Bob and Juanita wintered in Florida for over 22 years and enjoyed spending time together. Bob dearly loved his family, raising his children with his wife, sharing the joy of becoming grandparents and always made himself available when he was needed. He was of Christian faith and was thankful for a life well lived.

He will forever be remembered as a great dad by his three sons, David (Mindy) Clay, Seymour, Dan (Jody) Clay, Columbia City, and Steve (Brandie) Clay, Taylor, Texas. Also surviving are five grandchildren; and his brother, John (Sharon) Clay, Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Juanita Clay, in 2019; and his brother, Norman Clay.

Bob will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Juanita, at a private family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw and officiated by Pastor Doug Vogel. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Miller’s Merry Manor, 1630 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw, IN 46580.

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

James Edward Overbey, of Claypool, passed away at 1:53 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital in Warsaw at the age of 73.

James E. Overbey

He was born on Sept. 7, 1949, in Waukegan, Ill., to Betty Lou (Flippin) Overbey and Edward Ralph Overbey. He married the love of his life, Mary Bell Manns, on Aug. 9, 1969. They would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this month. They were blessed with many memories throughout their lives together, raising three children, sharing the joy of becoming grandparents and later great-grandparents.

James had been a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 51 years where he worked in various agricultural manufacturing and retail jobs. He retired from Penguin Point Systems in Warsaw in 2010 and enjoyed working at Lowe’s in Warsaw as a stocker. Most important to James was simply being a family man. He was a strong and steady presence in the lives of his family. He will be forever remembered as a faithful husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Mary Bell Overbey, Claypool; son, James (Stephanie) Overbey, Silver Lake; two daughters, Cathy (Rick) Luther, South Whitley, and Patty (John) Lyons, Bourbon; four grandchildren, Krystal (Caleb), Maris, Ellis and Gage; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Madalyn. Also surviving are two brothers, Bobby Overbey, Dyersburg, Tenn., and Johnny Overbey, Henderson, Tenn.; and his sister, Brenda Overbey, Dyersburg, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

James’ life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, officiated by Pastor Luther Bailey at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Friends and family may visit an hour prior to the service, from 9-10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at South Whitley Cemetery in South Whitley.

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

David A. Rangel, of Warsaw, passed away at 5:44 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, at Community Hospital Anderson, Anderson, at the age of 74.

David A. Rangel

He was born on March 29, 1949, in Brownsville, Texas, to Josefina (Aguilar) Rangel and Alfonso Rangel. He moved to Warsaw when his parents moved to the area in 1969 from Texas. He married Susan Marie Beyel, and they shared many years together before she passed away on July 27, 2009.

David was a hardworking man his entire life and worked for a number of years at Little Crow Foods in Warsaw and three years at R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Warsaw. David could be young at heart and enjoyed riding his moped, absolutely loved listening to music, and he could never resist finding some great deals at the many yard sales he happened to come across. He was great with his hands and had a knack for “trying” to fix things. David was very humorous and knew he had luck behind him; he loved to play the lottery, as it was fun to get a ticket for a chance to win. He dearly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. He tried his best to be there for his family, to celebrate many birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, cookouts, simply anything his family was celebrating. David enjoyed being able to meet and spend time with his great-granddaughter, Paisley. He will forever be remembered as a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and dear friend.

He leaves behind two daughters, Andrea A. Rangel, Claypool, and Bridget Dye, Warsaw; three grandchildren, Miranda Moore, Bailey Dawson and Bentley Dye; and his great-granddaughter, Paisley Annalesa Pruitt. Also surviving are five brothers, Joe (Dolores) Rangel, Milford, Arturo (Luisa) Rangel, Warsaw, Guadalupe “Lupe” Rangel, Warsaw, Richard Rangel, Warsaw, and Jesse Rangel, Warsaw; and his sister, Maria Hernandez, Pierceton. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfonso, on April 29, 2009; mother, Josefina, on June 23, 2010; and his wife, Susan, on July 27, 2009.

David’s life will be celebrated privately by his family. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

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

Lesa Regenos, 64, Warsaw, died at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

She was born July 12, 1959.

She is survived by two daughters, Nickie (Todd Jr.) Landry, Warsaw, and Amanda (Nathan) Ghrist, Claypool; 11 grandchildren; and three sisters, Le Anna Regenos, Muscatine, Iowa, Nila (Barry) Coy, Warsaw, and Lisa Martin, Berne.

Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, is handling arrangements.

Roland J. “Rolly” McFadden, 63, rural Claypool, passed away after a farming accident on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at his residence. 

Roland was born on July 3, 1960, in Rochester to the late Dr. Orville L. and Vanoma I. “Judy” (Sprague) McFadden. On Sept. 17, 1988, at the farm, he married Pamela S. Hampshire. She survives.

Roland J. ‘Rolly’ McFadden

Roland was a 1978 graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School. He was a farmer and a handyman. He raised beef cattle and hogs and made lots of hay. In earlier years, he worked for Dick Webb and farmed for McSherry Farms.

He had most recently been commercial maintenance manager for Cardinal Services of Warsaw, where he had worked for 24 years.

Roland served the community for more than 35 years with the Burket Fire Department, where he was a former assistant fire chief. He also served as Seward Township trustee in the past. Roland was a longtime member of the Mentone Masonic Lodge No. 576, where he was past master, as well as the Scottish Rite and the Mizpah Shrine.

He was a former member of the Talma Lions Club. Roland was a lifetime member of the NRA and Scoutmaster for more than 10 years. He enjoyed coaching with the Mentone Youth League, especially T-ball.

His tractor of choice was International, and he enjoyed riding his yellow Harley-Davidson Road King. Most of all, his family was his life.

Roland is survived by his wife, Pam McFadden, Claypool; children Beth and husband Chris Miller, Fulton, Nathan and wife Erica McFadden, Warsaw, and Devin and wife Haley McFadden, Warsaw; grandchildren Taylor, Caitlynn, Sammie, Jonathon, RJ and Ryker; great-granddaughter Rosalee; brother James and wife Debra McFadden, Mentone; sisters Deneice Childers, Florida, and Karen and husband Roy Dishong, Huntington; and nieces Rebekah, Megan and Jenna.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dean McFadden (1983); and brothers-in-law Keith Childers and Tony Hampshire of Louisiana (2023). 

The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone. The interment will take place in the Mentone Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at King Memorial Home, Mentone, with a fireman’s service at 7 p.m. 

Contributions may be made in his memory to Echoes of the Past, the Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center or the Burket Fire Department.

Family and friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

Mary M. Martin, 72, Claypool, died at 9:04 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

Arrangements are pending at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw.

Nathaniel S. “Nat” Miller, 65, died at 8:22 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at home.

He was born March 26, 1958. On May 12, 1979, he married Tina Kindig, who survives.

He also is survived by his children, April (Mark Buchanan) Eberly, Claypool, Shelly (Shane) Howard, North Manchester, Matthew (Brittany) Miller, Churubusco, and Anna Shelton; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marsha (Brad) Cleveland, Warsaw, Tim (Jane) Miller, Nappanee, Luke (Connie) Miller, Claypool, Frank (Carrie) Miller, Columbia City, and Carol Vick, Franklin, Ky.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, is handling arrangements.

Mary Marie Martin, of Claypool, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. She was 72 years old.

Born on June 1, 1951, in Paintsville, Ky., to David Sluss and Alma Honeycutt, Mary spent her formative years in Wabash. She was a graduate of Wabash High School and later of Lamson Junior College in Tempe, Ariz., with a focus on accounting.

Professionally, Mary worked for many years with Biomet and with Zimmer Biomet. A naturally hard worker, she spent most of her career in Box and Label, also known as the packaging department. More personally, she is remembered for her ability to make friends easily; in her neighborhood everyone knew her as “Miss Mary.” She is also remembered for her love of gardening, her love of the Lord and her longtime membership with Full Gospel House Tabernacle, where she enjoyed making music with her tambourine. Second only to the Lord was her love of family; she loved her children and grandchildren deeply — they remember sharing many nights together, simply sitting on the front porch.

Those who survive with memories to cherish include her two sons, Jeremy (Dawn) Davis, of Peru, and James (Erin) Davis, of Claypool; six grandchildren, Kat Davis, Aerion Larrison, Savannah Beigh, Maddux Davis, Drake Martin and Breanna Martin; and two step-daughters, Ashley and Andrea Martin. She was preceded in passing by her parents and by two sisters.

Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, is entrusted with the care of Mary Martin. The family is grieving privately. A Life Celebration will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be given to assist with Mary’s final expenses, by mail, to Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Written condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.

Helen M. Huffer passed away on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation in Warsaw. She was 104 years old and was born on March 2, 1919, in Dunfee, Ind.

Helen Huffer

Helen led a remarkable life dedicated to her family and farming. After graduating from Claypool High School, she wholeheartedly embraced the role of helping her husband run their farm. In recognition of her contributions to agriculture, Helen was awarded the Farm Bureau Woman of the Year title in 1984. This honor spoke volumes about her dedication and strong work ethic.

Those who knew Helen will remember her as a woman who was honest and forthright. She is also remembered for her cooking as her delicious meals brought people together around the table for countless gatherings. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and is also remembered for her large garden, canning its bounties with care. Helen found great solace in her faith in Christ, which provided comfort throughout her life’s journey.

Helen’s husband, Charles Huffer, preceded her in passing as did son, Jim Huffer, and his wife, Nancy Huffer; sister, Catherine Summerville; a great-granddaughter; and two infant siblings, Stan and Janice. She is survived by her daughter, Connie (Carl) Fields, of Columbia City; grandchildren, Christopher (Laura) Fields, of Palatine, Ill., Christine France, of Columbia City, James (Lisa) Rose, of Warsaw, Jacob Huffer, of Warsaw, Whitt Huffer, of Warsaw, and Wyatt (Molly Reynolds) Huffer, of Etna Green. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who will carry on her spirit.

Arrangements are entrusted to Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw. Visitation will be held there from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. A Life Celebration will be led by her family following the visitation. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army of Warsaw, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.

Connie Eileen Long, 73, of Warsaw, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Connie Long

Connie was born on July 10, 1950, in Warsaw, the daughter of Ernest and Ruby (Nelson) Mumford.

She enjoyed attending church at Mason’s with her friends. She was involved with and a great supporter of the Humane Society.

Connie will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Shelly Turek, of Winona Lake, and Delores Hawkins, of Warsaw; two brothers, Skip Mumford, of Silver Lake, and Ed Mumford, of Claypool; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by both parents.

A private celebration of life for Connie will be at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center at a later date.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw is entrusted with arrangements for the family.

The family kindly requests memorial donations to: Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, 900 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580

To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.

Parthena Justice, 79, Claypool, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving and caring family.

The daughter of Elijah and Flossie (Dye) Marshall, Parthena was born on Nov. 10, 1943, in Warsaw.

Parthena Justice

On May 28, 2005, Parthena married Thomas Justice. Each brought their own children into the marriage but quickly became one family. On Sundays Thomas and Parthena could be found worshiping at Full Gospel Tabernacle in Claypool, where both were members. Parthena was the cornerstone of her family and loved everyone dearly. She was their go-to person and prayer warrior when needed.

For most of Parthena’s life, she worked tirelessly as a certified nursing assistant around the Warsaw and Wabash areas, loving the patients she cared for over the years. She enjoyed fishing, tending to her flowers, and making various crafts for her home when she found time. She was known by many for her baking and cooking skills.

The loving memory of Parthena Justice will be forever cherished by her husband of 18 years, Thomas Justice, Claypool; sons, Donny (Pam) Shepherd, Roann, and Roy (Stacey) Shepherd, Claypool; daughters, Patricia Sanders, Warsaw, Brenda (Chip) England, North Manchester, Tiffany (Stephen) Taylor, Urbana, Tonya (Ricky) Cook, Warsaw, and Kimberly (Matthew) Shepherd, Claypool; stepsons, Thomas Larry (Kate) Justice, Theodore, Ala., Michael (Angelia) Justice, Carthage, Tenn., and Scott (Rosemary) Justice, Ky.; stepdaughter, Michelle (Jamie) Schnitz, Plymouth; sister, Loretta (Tim) Miner, Warsaw; 42 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and 33 great-great-grandchildren. Parthena was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah Marshall and Flossie Brown; brother, Danny Marshall; sister, Virginia Carol Prater; and a great-great-granddaughter, Charli Renee Taylor-Wallace.

Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Carl Hughes and Pastor Jerry Wadkins officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Myrtle Glen Drive, Silver Lake.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Parthena Justice, memorial contributions may be made to Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.

The family of Parthena Justice has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com.

Jackie “Jack” Miller, age 87, of Pierceton, passed away on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at Kosciusko Lutheran Hospital.

Jackie Miller

Jack was born on Feb. 17, 1936, in Prestonsburg, Ky., the son of Malcolm and Rhoda Miller. In 1954, he was united in marriage to Mildred Stephens, who passed away in 1984. In 2002, he married Gloria Miller, who survives.

He worked as a machinist making airplane hooks for Arnolt Corp. in Warsaw. When Arnolt closed its production, Jack worked at Medtronic, retiring in 1999. He enjoyed fishing and farming. He loved working in his gardening and canning his crop. Jack enjoyed watching Christian television programs and would often sing the old gospel hymn “The Great Speckled Bird” in church. He was a member of the Silver Lake Water of Life Church.

Jack will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gloria Miller, of Pierceton; sisters, Gail Blevins, of Ohio, and Judy K. Whitaker, of Kentucky; daughter, Brenda (Daryl) Beattie, of Bradenton, Fla.; stepdaughters, Beth (Ben) Cass, of Henderson, Nev., Lisa Lang, of Rhinebeck, N.Y., and Lynn (Tom) Van Ness, of Palm Bay, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Julie Kling, of Bremen. Together, Jack and Gloria have one granddaughter, six grandsons, 12 great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters, along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Mildred, Jack was preceded in passing by five brothers, Lewis, Paul, Bud, Terry and Gary Miller, and three sisters, Katie Sharp, Patsy Tackett Spencer and infant Betty.

Visitation will be from from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 105 First St., Pierceton. Funeral services in celebration of Jack’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Pierceton Chapel with Pastor Henry Arnett Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Grove Chapel Cemetery, 8693 S. 100W, Claypool.

The family kindly requests memorial donations to Water of Life Church, 401 E. Main St., Silver Lake, IN 46982.

Richard “Rick” Bennett Luther, of South Whitley, passed away at 12:12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, at the age of 60. He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer but gained a new body and home in heaven.

Rick Luther

He was born on Oct. 14, 1962, in Noble County, to Peggy J. (Middleton) Hartman and Franklin W. Luther. Rick was a 1982 graduate of East Noble High School. On June 16, 1993, Rick married the love of his life, Cathy Lynn Overbey, and were blessed to share 30 years together before he passed away.

Rick worked as a plumber for most of his life and was a reliable employee for Redman Plumbing Services in Columbia City, for over 25 years and also worked for a year for New Plumbing and Heating in Warsaw. He was of Pentecostal faith and dearly enjoyed spending time with his wife, Cathy. He loved his wife and always put her needs first before his own during his illness. He enjoyed getting together with his friends every Saturday for a meal, and he always enjoyed a good trip camping. Rick was a big-hearted person and would help anyone in need. Over the years he could be counted on by many of his friends in his community. Rick will be forever remembered as a faithful husband, loving son, brother and friend to many who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Cathy Luther, South Whitley; mother, Peggy J. Hartman, Peru; sister, Arlene Luther (David) Miller, Edwardsville, Ind.; half-brother, Arlie Hartman, Indianapolis; and half-sister, Amanda Luther Holmer, Indianapolis. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Mary Bell Overbey, Claypool; brother-in-law, Jamie (Stephanie) Overbey, Silver Lake; and his sister-in-law, Patty (John) Lyons, Bourbon. He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin W. Luther, on March 11, 2008, and his father-in-law, James Edward Overbey, on August 3, 2023

Rick’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, and officiated by Pastor Luther Bailey at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Friends and family may visit an hour prior to the service from 9-10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at South Whitley Cemetery in South Whitley.

Friends and family are invited for a funeral dinner at 12:30 p.m. after the graveside service Monday, Sept. 18, at Amvets Post 2919, 234 S. State St., South Whitley.

Memorial donations may be directed to Cathy Luther, 105 W. Pine St., South Whitley, IN 46787 to go toward care for daily and medical expenses.

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

Alden G. Jones Jr., 89, of rural Claypool, passed at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation of Warsaw.

Alden G. Jones Jr.

Alden was born on Aug. 28, 1934, in Sevastopol, to the late Alden and Emma Irene (Sparrow) Jones. He was a 1952 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. On June 24, 1967, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Warsaw, he married Yvonne C. “Penny” Miller, who survives.

Alden worked for AT&T for 34 years, retiring in 1985. After retirement, he worked for United Technology for 10 years. He also enjoyed farming, raising hogs and using his favorite, Oliver equipment. Alden was a charter member of the Mentone Flying Club. He had his own plane for many years. He also was a member of the Burket United Methodist Church. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed watching high school basketball. He loved his family and selflessly sacrificed for them.

He is survived by his wife, Penny Jones, of Claypool; sons, Christopher Alden, of Claypool, and Brian Thomas, of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Thiele Alden and Terra Dawn; and a brother, Howard Rudolph and wife Carol Jones, of Greencastle.

Alden was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Iris Dickerhoff.

Visitation hours will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon Saturday, Sept. 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison St., Warsaw, with the Rev. Jonathan Norton officiating.

The interment will take place in the Palestine Cemetery, Palestine, following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Burket Fire Department (first responders).

Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

Roger L Deardorff, 95, formerly of Akron, passed Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Timbercrest Health Care of North Manchester.

Roger was born on July 5, 1928, in Howard County, Indiana, to the late Ralph and Gladys (Little) Deardorff. He was a 1946 graduate of Clay Township High School. On Oct. 24, 1948, in Russiaville, he married Patricia A. Hawkins, who preceded him in death on Nov. 1, 2017.

He was a lifetime dairy farmer in the Akron area, raising Holstein cattle. Roger and Pat sold the farm in 1986 and moved east of Akron. He was a member of the Akron United Methodist Church, the Akron Lions Club, the Holstein Cattle Association and Associated Milk Producers (AMPI). His greatest joy was his family and the happiness of his beloved wife.

He is survived by his sons, Dr. Kerrick and wife Melanie Deardorff and Kevin and wife Amy Deardorff, both of Claypool; daughter-in-law, Pat Deardorff, Overland Park, Kan.; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a brother, Ralph and wife Linda Deardorff, of Huntington.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pat; son, Michael Deardorff on July 8, 2023; and sisters, Laura Deardorff and Dorothy Barr.

Following his wishes, private family services will be held with Pastor David Eaton officiating.

The interment will take place privately in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.

The arrangements are entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Akron United Methodist Church and Kosciusko Community Foundation.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

Phyllis Jane (Ross) Fruitt, 87, West Lafayette, a native of Sidney, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at home.

She was born Aug. 15, 1936. On June 14, 1959, she married Ronald Fruitt, who preceded her in death in 2009.

She is survived by her children, Mark Fruitt, Fort Wayne, David Fruitt, West Lafayette, Nancy (Dave) Halsema, Westfield, and Steven (Debbie) Fruitt, West Lafayette; three grandchildren; and a sister, Jenine Michael, South Whitley.

McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is handling arrangements.

Betty A. Eckert, 93, Beaver Dam Lake, rural Claypool, died at 5:36 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at home.

She was born June 8, 1930. On Nov. 4, 1950, she married Merl H. “Bud” Eckert, who preceded her in death in 1995.

She is survived by her daughter, Tina (Chris) Cook, Warsaw; son, Michael (Mary) Eckert, Claypool; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Barbara Ginter, Hobart.

Hartzler Funeral Services, King Memorial Home, Mentone, is handling arrangements.

Stanley R. “Stan” Williams, 91, Silver Lake, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at Parkview Wabash Hospital, Wabash.

He was born Aug. 3, 1932. On April 12, 1953, he married Mary Evelyn “Toots” Williams, who preceded him in death in 2009.

He is survived by his son, David (René) Williams, Silver Lake; daughter, JoAnn Richardson, Warsaw; two grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.

Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, is handling arrangements.

Betty Ann Parker

Betty Ann Parker of Claypool, went home to be with her Lord at 1:54 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Stillwater Hospice Home of Fort Wayne, at the age of 88.

She was born on Sept. 14, 1935, in Albion, to Pearl (Vanderford) Crothers and Lafayette Crothers. A longtime resident of Claypool for the past 48 years, she shared her life with her late husband, Meredith, in everything they did until he passed away on Feb. 7, 2015.

It is hard to put into words who Betty Ann Parker was. Yet, Proverbs 31 speaks of the woman of noble character, and Betty was the living definition of this woman. She was a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman, a rare and precious jewel. Anyone who met her knew what a gift she was. Their life was forever changed by meeting her. Her heart was full of love, mercy, kindness, and compassion. She cared for all, which drew her to a career in nursing. After graduating high school, she attended Parkview Methodist School of Nursing and became a proud registered nurse.

Betty was a faithful loving wife to Meredith L. Parker for 57 years. They were married on June 21, 1957, and quickly began to build a beautifully woven legacy starting with seven children: two boys and five girls. Betty worked alongside her husband on the farm, never idle. Though she put her career on hold to raise her children, she never stopped nursing. In the rural farm communities where they lived, people would call on her for medical aid. She was always willing to lend a helping hand.

After her youngest went to school, Betty returned to nursing. She spent 33 years working for Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw, in geriatric nursing, which she loved. Betty quickly became head charge nurse, then assistant director of nursing and acting director of nursing. She never desired to lead but found herself in that place often. As department heads came and went, Betty’s wealth of experience and knowledge was called upon to raise new leaders. She could fill any gap and often did. Her compassion for others was endless. She taught new nurses how to draw blood by practicing on her first. She said she would rather them learn on her than the patients. She served and honored every life she touched with gentle kind hands.

Her patients were always treated with dignity and respect. Betty helped develop a program to transport patients to and from the doctor and hospital and on various occasions drive the residents in the Miller’s van. She was their advocate when the family wasn’t able to do so. She spoke up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves and made sure they were not a number. She made sure her patients knew they still were valuable and mattered. In her last few days of life, one of her daughters told her she was a good nurse. She says it best herself as she retorted, “I was a damn good nurse!”

Quality time was Betty’s love language. It showed it in her personal life as well as in her career. Family meant more to her than anything. As her family increased from seven children, adding 22 grandchildren, which produced 30 great grandchildren, she always had time. She showed it by taking the time to teach them all her secret tricks, from making bread, sewing, crocheting, gardening and canning. Grandma Parker’s lap was always the best seat in the house. She had great wisdom to share and love to give. There was always room for one more and enough food to go around. She made sure her family knew how to thrive. Not to mention all the honorary children and grandchildren that call her mom and grandma. She took great care to nurture and raise her legacy in the way that they should go. As we celebrate and honor Betty’s life, let it be known she has run her race well. Her family rises up and calls her blessed! Yet truth be told, they are the ones who are truly blessed, happy, fortunate and to be envied, for the opportunity to be raised by such an amazing mother and grandmother.

She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Tony (Sharon) Parker, Waveland, Thomas (Tracy) Parker, Warsaw; and five daughters, Karen (Douglas) Foulks, New Haven, Janet Eherenman, Warsaw, Lori (Bruce) Spangle, North Manchester, Peggy (Donald) Roulo, Pierceton and Patty Wolfe, Claypool.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Meredith Parker, two brothers, Harry and Ralph Crothers and her sister, LaVerne Harrell.

Friends and family may visit from 3-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Betty’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Brian Smith and Pastor Matt Nichols. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Stillwater Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website.

Jan C. “Doc” Hiatt II, 66, died Thursday morning, Oct. 5, 2023, at home.

He was born Oct. 19, 1956. On April 24, 2014, he married Jean M. Roder, who survives.

He also is survived by his son, Denny (Tonya) Hiatt, Mississippi; stepchildren, Brandon Hobbs, Jennifer Roder, James Roder, Aaron Gans and Ashley Gans; two grandchildren; many step-grandchildren; sisters, Debbie (Robert) Petrone and Tammy (Ken Steele) Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is handling arrangements.