It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Leigh Ruble, 81, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Joan was born on January 12, 1943, in Aurora, Illinois to Sheldon and Maxine Witt. She graduated from Kaneland High School in Elburn, IL. She then attended University of Illinois where she met and married her husband, John. After moving briefly to Michigan, finishing her degree and having her first child, Kirste, n, the young couple moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Joan completed her Masters in Teaching at Indiana University and then forged her career with Fort Wayne Community Schools. Soon her second child, John Charles, arrived and the Ruble family was complete.
Joan Ruble was a huge personality, full of great passions, creativity, and generosity. She was a force of nature and a quintessential people person. She demonstrated it through her dedication to family, friends and causes she championed. She empowered young people, through education, rehabilitation, or job opportunities. When teaching, not a year would go by without inviting her entire class to her home – a day complete with coordinated games, prizes, nature hikes, bonfires, hot chocolate and toasted weenies for each child. After thirty years of service, Joan quipped she knew it was time to retire when her five year olds started calling her “Grandma” rather than “Teacher.”
She advocated for families in her community through her work with Wellspring Interfaith Social Services. Bringing hope to hundreds of children, she spirited food pantries, provided clothing for job seekers, mentored young mothers, and raised awareness of the need in the area. i
Joan was a Thieme Member of the Fort Wayne Art Museum and Past President of the Fort Wayne Art League, promoting programs to support art. She belonged to Designer Craftsmen Guild, providing educational opportunities and space for local artists and she was a longtime member of the Gallery Committee at First Presbyterian Church. Joan spent a lifetime searching for beauty. She had exquisite taste. She believed that “style is something one is born with” and bad taste is a “condition for which there is no known cure.” She was not shy about giving her opinions on decor, furniture, place settings, food, and even thank you notes for which she was known to return to senders with grammatical errors edited. And don’t ask her what she thought of chewing gum…She immortalized the phrase “the hostess with the mostest” Exceptionally skilled at hosting parties, Joan went above and beyond in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere, excellent menus and an overall memorable experience for all her guests. Her generosity and attention to detail was unmatched, keeping journals to “set the scene” for each one of her gatherings. Joan heartily believed that the key to a good party was to invite guests who could carry a conversation, love to laugh out loud, and could be counted on to keep the party going longer than it was supposed to go. She loved strongly opinionated – and funny – men and women because she was one herself. She valued diversity as she embraced and respected others traditions. Joan was fortunate enough to travel extensively throughout the world, from Thailand to Vietnam to Italy, she appreciated discovering new foods, new textiles and new perspectives gained from traveling. These insights often coincided with her enormous appetite for reading. Joan read voraciously everything she could get her hands on. For most of her life, she had a ritual of lying on her couch after work, surrounded by stacks of books and magazines.
With all her community involvement and her dedicated career, family was always foremost in Joan’s life, especially her seven grandchildren. She is remembered as a talented seamstress, spending hours at her beloved machine making handmade costumes, dresses, and table clothes for every occasion. Nothing in her home was off limits- furniture turned upside down into castles, flour filled kitchens with chocolate chip fights, homemade popcorn, fine china tea sets for princess parties, and typewriters with piles of paper for playing “office.” Her love of children, make-believe, and fairy tales transformed all things ordinary to Imagination Station.
Joan is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Gerald Ruble of Fort Wayne, In; son John Charles (Alison) of Westminster, CO; daughter Kirsten (Jonathan) Romm of Potomac, MD; sister Mary Lou Fowler of Charlottesville, VA; grandchildren Maxwell (Brittany), Madeline, Myles (Hannah), Mason, Miller Romm, Julia (Arthur) Rea and Tristan Ruble.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. All are welcomed to pay their respects and share a memory. Please join us at First Presbyterian Church 300 W. Wayne Street Fort Wayne, IN with a reception in the Gallery to follow.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Attn: Joan Ruble Memorial, 311 E Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802; or First Presbyterian Church, Attn: Joan Ruble Memorial Gift, 300 W. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Ronald Neil Taylor II, aged 83, passed away on August 31, 2024, in St. Augustine, Florida. Born on May 15, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Ronald N. and Garnet Taylor, both of whom preceded him in death, Ron left a lasting impact through his extensive career and warm personality.
A proud alumnus of Purdue University, Ron was a dedicated supporter of Purdue sports. His professional journey began in the early 1960s when he joined the B&O railroad as a management trainee. Over the next fifty years, Ron’s career flourished as he undertook various roles across nine states with companies such as B&O, Chessie, CSX, Indiana Railroad, and RWT. Renowned for his charm, intelligence, and affable nature, Ron made lifelong friends wherever he went.
Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Beverly; sister, Sondra Loson; brother, Michael Taylor (Patti); sons, Neil Taylor (Dorie), Russ Farrell (Laura); and daughter, Christine Berry (Ron). He was also a cherished grandfather to Sam, Hannah, Michael, Alea, and Riley, and a beloved uncle to numerous nephews and nieces.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32207. A funeral service will commence at 11:00 am, followed by committal services.
Robert Allan Burton, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, in West Chester, Ohio, at the age of 92. Born on April 24, 1932, in Algood, Tennessee, Robert (Bob) was a man of integrity, intelligence, and ingenuity, whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Bob’s journey began as the son of Herman Allan Burton and Fannie Lue Huddleston Burton, and he grew up alongside his siblings in the warmth of a close-knit family. Bob and his parents moved to Homestead in Crossville, Tennessee in the mid-1930’s as one of the original Homestead families. Bob worked at the family grocery store, Burton-Huddleston Grocery Store, where he learned the important lessons of Golden Rule and the ‘customer is always right.’ He was a proud graduate of Crossville High School in 1950 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Math from the University of Tennessee in 1954. Bob’s professional affiliations included the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Fraternity, where he shared his knowledge and experience with peers and mentees alike. His academic achievements set the stage for a distinguished career and a lifelong passion for innovation and problem-solving.
After completing ROTC in 1954, Bob served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, from 1955 to 1956. His commitment to excellence and leadership continued throughout his life, both in his military service and in his professional endeavors.
Bob’s work history was marked by dedication and achievement, where he started his career after service at Dodge Trucks. He retired from Navistar in 1988 after 26 years of exemplary service as Director of Heavy Duty Truck Engineering, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to the field of mechanical engineering. His creative spirit found another outlet in 1994 when he authored “The Cadmus Project,” a thriller novel that explored the challenges of the electric car industry, presciently anticipating its significance decades later, which was published through Amazon Press in 2014. In addition, Bob and his wife Coba, traveled extensively during retirement, including Russia, China, Israel, England, Scotland and Czechoslovakia.
A man of faith, Bob attended the First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where he served for a number of years as an Elder and became a Jubilee Member in 2014. His commitment to his church community reflected the depth of his character and his belief in service to others. Beyond his professional and spiritual life, Bob was an extraordinary handyman, always ready to tackle any project. His four-acre yard was a testament to his love for the outdoors and his skill in its upkeep. He applied his engineering skills to every task, whether it was maintaining his home or inventing new solutions to everyday challenges.
Family was the cornerstone of Bob’s life. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Coba Aileen Robertson Burton of Lebanon, Ohio; his daughters, Coba Susan (Susan) Burton Cornejo of Pensacola Beach, Florida and Sarah Louise Burton-Price of Mason, Ohio; their spouses, Anthony (Tony) Cornejo and Brenda Burton-Price; his granddaughter, Carmen Marie Cornejo of Pensacola Beach, Florida; his brothers, Fred Thomas (Tom) Burton of Suwannee, Georgia, and Jack Ray Burton of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and his sister, Linda Kay (Kay) Burton Eastman of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Allan Burton and Fannie Lue Huddleston Burton, and his brothers, Charles Burton and James Edward Burton. Each family member carries forward the legacy of his kindness, wisdom, and love.
Bob Burton lived a life marked by accomplishment, service, and devotion to his loved ones. His memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we celebrate a life well-lived and a journey completed with honor.
A graveside service and interment will be held Saturday, August 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Quarles-Burton Cemetery in Algood. Rev. Michael McLaughlin will officiate. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the service at The White Plains Historic Home, 2700 Old Walton Rd., Algood, TN 38506. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to be made to Quarles-Burton Cemetery Trust Fund, c/o Howard Bilbrey, 3616 Burton Cove Rd, Algood, TN 38506 and/or First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 300 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Fannie Moore McCowan of North Manchester, Indiana passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Peabody Retirement Community at the blessed age of 101. Fannie was the seventh child born to the late Thomas Moore and Sallie Holley Moore on January 17, 1923 in Butler County, Alabama.
Growing up in a family where Christianity was a central focus, she joined the Mulberry Baptist Church and was baptized at age 13 by the Rev. D.B. Bennett as were her siblings. When they moved near Greenville, she and her family joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Fannie attended and completed grade school in Butler County. When it came time for their daughter to move on to high school the Moore’s faced a challenge. There was, at that time in Butler County, no high school open to Negroes. Fannie’s mother arranged for her and one sister to live with relatives in Crenshaw County, Alabama and continue school there. Fannie graduated from high school and started working to earn money and pay for college; each summer she attended college until she graduated from Alabama State in 1955 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. There she learned of the possibility to qualify to teach elementary grade school; and she qualified.
Fannie taught in public schools in Bullock, Alabama, until she took a leave of absence in order to enroll in graduate studies of social work at Michigan State University in 1960. Completing her first year, Fannie found the expense was daunting and secured a social work position with the Indiana Department of Mental Health in La Porte County, Indiana. During her third year of employment there, Fannie was offered a stipend by the Indiana Department of Mental Health to complete her social work degree. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University in 1965. Upon achieving her degree, Fannie accepted a job transfer to the Richmond State Hospital’s aftercare office in downtown Fort Wayne.
It was at this point in life that Fannie transferred her church affiliation from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Alabama to the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne. In that congregation, she served as Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, an Elder, member of Pastor Nominating Committees, and in other volunteer capacities within the mission of the church. She was one of the many jubilee members.
It was at First Presbyterian that Fannie married Herbert J. McCowan on February 28, 1989. Herbert preceded her in death in April 2002. They both were active in several community organizations. Their favorite may have been Habitat for Humanity. They enjoyed vacation travel. Their favorite location was Chautauqua Institute in the State of New York. They made repeated, satisfying trips to Chautauqua.
During Fannie’s extensive employment tenure with the State of Indiana, she instructed in social work for five years at Ball State University, served in administration for three years at the State Department; and was employed for three years by Allen County Child Protective Services. Fannie retired in 1989 but continued to work on a part-time basis for several local agencies including Park Center and Catholic Charities.
In 2005, Fannie relocated to the Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, IN. She was able to continue active membership at First Presbyterian, Fort Wayne, as long as health allowed. Peabody had a full-time pastor who provided opportunities for continuous religious enrichment and participation. She was able to continue her contacts with close friends in Fort Wayne. They visited her at Peabody on many joyous occasions.
All of Fannie’s siblings and their spouses preceded her in death: her brothers Justice and John Wesley Moore; and her sisters Annie Mae Ball, Daisy Augustus, Mary Lou Moore, Ollie James, and Agnes Hamilton. Six nephews and four nieces also preceded her in death. Fannie was able to maintain a close relationship with her nieces, Naomi Crawford, Catrina Lanum, and nephew, Sebastian James. There are numerous other nieces and nephews living in different cities and states who visited and assisted occasionally.
A visitation for Fannie will be 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturday, July 13, 2024 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Lakeside Park, 1140 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Funeral services celebrating her life will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church 2240 S. Mt. Zion Road, Greenville, Alabama 36037 with Dunkin & Daniel Funeral Home 812 W. Commerce St. Greenville, AL 36037 in charge of final services. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Zion Church Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2240 Mt. Zion Road, Greenville, AL 36037; Peabody Retirement, 400 W. Seventh Street, North Manchester, IN 46962; or First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Fond memories may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.
Lorraine “Laurie” (Hofmann) Weier, 92, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 30, 2024, after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Laurie moved to Fort Wayne with her beloved husband Herbert (Laurie’s Herbie) in 1958. Married for 66 years, Herb preceded his wife in death in January of 2022. Together, and separately, they impacted the lives of everyone they met, engaging people where they were and improving their lives through education, conversation, philanthropy or just by being the best listeners. Laurie was instrumental in creating improvements in her neighborhood and was a dedicated volunteer for many civic organizations, most notably, the Center for Non-Violence and the Allen County Historical Society. Other commitments included being a docent at the FWMOA, a dedicated supporter of the PFW College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Philharmonic, and the NE Indiana Radio Readers Service.
In 1951, Laurie received an Associate’s Degree from of Blackburn College (where she met Herb) and in 1953, received a Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Cum Laude, from the University of Illinois. With this degree in hand, Laurie traveled around rural Illinois to help farm women learn how to better extend the life of their family vegetable gardens. To hear Laurie tell it, many of these women were not that welcoming of a stranger with a college degree. Upon arriving in Fort Wayne, Laurie taught kindergarten and began a life-long commitment to the arts and human services organizations throughout Fort Wayne.
A person did not see Laurie without her beloved Herb nearby, supporting each other in ways that were a testament to their dedication and love. Both were life-long learners often attending lectures at churches, civic organizations, and local universities until only their health prohibited it. She had legions of friends spanning the country. She was both brilliant and down-to-earth, always able to present her point of view with clarity and gravity, while considering other’s ideas. Laurie was known by many for her frequent, to say the least, letters to the Journal Gazette on all matters civic, political, and cultural. Laurie is survived her sister-in-law Thelma Hofmann and her children, nephews Steve (Nancy), Carl, John (Cindi) and niece Kathleen (Dennis) McIntire from Iowa and Fred (Sheila) of Kansas. Numerous cousins including Creta and Harold Wilson, and C.R. and Betty McDonald, all of central Illinois.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home 6424 Winchester Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following: The History Center, Center for Non-Violence, and WBOI Public Radio.
Iona “Onie” H. Mensch, 97, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died on May 20, 2024. Onie was born on Valentine’s Day in Austin, Texas, where she lived with her grandparents and aunt and uncle for much of her childhood while her mother, Dr. Iona (Cuyler) Hamlett, completed a doctorate at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., becoming a clinical psychologist at the Fort Wayne State Hospital. Onie joined her mother in Fort Wayne and graduated with honors from North Side High School in 1945. Onie proudly followed in her mother’s footsteps, continuing to pave the way for other determined family members by pursuing an education at IU, where she joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority sisterhood and met her future husband James R. Mensch MD. She graduated from IU in 1949 with honors and had regular joyful reunions with her sorority sisters for many years. Together, James and Onie traveled extensively, relished home life on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and, most importantly, grew a large and beautiful family. They shared 41 years of partnership before James preceded her in death on January 3, 1992.
Onie will be remembered as a nature lover who could identify any plant she encountered; a night sky observer who enjoyed spotting constellations, comets and planets; an advocate for science and child education, having volunteered for many years at Fox Island County Park and Science Central; an IU basketball fan who always carved out time to watch a game; a night owl who would answer the phone to chat at any hour; and everyone’s favorite valentine. She was a mom, gramma and gigi of many talents, including plant and flower tending, pie making, nature hike leading, poker winning and crossword completing. She made black-eyed peas for good luck every New Year’s Day, collected items featuring partridges in pear trees, and owls, and admired the wild daisies and birds in her backyard through her large living room windows, and was the family Jeopardy aficionado.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Steven Mensch; her mother; and her sister, Sarah Suzanne “Sally” (Hamlett) Haggard.
She will be greatly missed by her surviving family by: sons, James R. (Karen-Jo) Mensch Jr., of Chicago, Ill., and Thomas (Pamela) Mensch, of Fort Wayne; daughters, Theresa (Brian) Kelley, of Englewood, Colo., Sarah Hull, of Fort Wayne, and Iona “Onie” H. Mensch, of Fort Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Ann Mensch, of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Tyler (Gretchen) Mensch, of Noblesville, Ind., Thomas (Shae) Mensch, of Fort Wayne, Andrea Mensch, of Wauwatosa, Wis., Peter (Erika) Mensch, of Fort Wayne, Charles L. Mensch, of Fort Wayne, Ray (Meagan) Kelley, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alex Kelley, of Newark, Del., Dan (Liz) Kelley, of Denver, Colo., Riley Hull, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Brendan (Rachel) Mensch, of Fort Wayne, Kevan (Britni) Mensch, of Fort Wayne, Kristan (Zachary) Seitz, of Fort Wayne, and Ellen (Kody) Mensch, of Fort Wayne; and great-grandchildren, Ella, Halle and Camille Mensch of Noblesville; Noah and Lucas Haberman of Wauwatosa; and Thomas and Margot Mensch; Leo, Mila and Nadia Mensch; Mya, Lincoln and Jude Mensch; and Julian, Soren and Matilda Seitz, all of Fort Wayne.
Onie’s life was celebrated at FairHaven Funeral Home and interred at Lindenwood Cemetery at a private family service. Memorials to Fox Island Alliance.
Cynthia Ann “Cindi” (Ruoff) Simerman, 72, of Fort Wayne, passed away on May 3, 2024, Cindi is survived by her son, Mark Simerman; brother, Trip Ruoff (Lisa Eskes) and his children, Hunter Ruoff and Erin Ruoff-Brown; aunt, Judy Ruoff and her children, Chris Ruoff and Sarah Ruoff; and special long-time friends, Janet Miller (and her daughters Becky, Candy, Holly), Aimee, Ann, Carolyne, Jacki, Lydia, and Robin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederic Lexington II and Isabelle Lousie (Hoverstock) Ruoff. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
Linda Elaine Huge, the “Schoolmarm,” passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2024 at the age of 87 surrounded by family and her devoted cat, Zinger.
Linda is survived by her husband, Arnold E. Huge; her niece, Marie Elena Lyon; her nephews, Miles Briggs, Michael (Jennifer Noe) Levine and Alan Levine; her grandnieces, Felicity Nicholson, Adelaine (Jack) Belford and Chelsea Briggs; grandnephew, Benjamin Levine; great grandnieces, Isla and Chloe Belford. She is predeceased by her parents, Claude and Sara Hurley; her sisters, Clauda Levine and Clora Perry; her nephew, William H. Lyon; and her niece,Thea Levine.
Linda Huge attended Southside High school, class of 1955 and Ball State University, class of 1959. Linda lived a life of service as a dynamic community volunteer and board member. In the 1970s she tirelessly served the West Central Neighborhood Committee, now known as Wellspring Interfaith Social Services. She was passionate about preserving local history. She was an active member of Settlers, Inc., provided tours of the Allen County Courthouse, and will long be remembered as the Schoolmarm who took groups on local history bus trips and welcomed countless numbers of children to her classroom in the Aboite Center School #5, the one-room schoolhouse which she worked to preserve. Linda was a voracious reader and a staunch supporter of the environment and animal welfare.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Summit Middle School, 4509 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814. Following the service people are invited to walk next-door to the Center School for a reception. We encourage people to wear lively colors. In remembrance of Linda’s life, the family asks that any memorial donations be given to the Center School Preservation Fund, Inc., (Tax exempt organization created for the purposes of preserving the Aboite Center School) c/o Carson LLP, 301 W. Jefferson, Suite 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Linda L. Simon, 83, of Fort Wayne, died Sunday April 14, 2024, after an extended battle with cancer. She was born in Danville, Illinois on February 17, 1941, the daughter of (the late) Cedric and Mary (Rich) Campbell. Linda was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne and she the co-owner of Simon Insurance Agency along with her husband, James Simon, who preceded her in death on October 17, 2017. Linda enjoyed caring for her pets over the years, most recently her cat, “Pogo”. Linda is survived by her daughters, Lori (Kevin) Bordner of Bloomington, IN and Jerri (Mike) Sproat of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Jessica (Kade) Zvokel of Fort Wayne, Jeremy Sproat, stationed at Beale AFB, CA, and Jacob Sproat of Loveland, CO; great-grandson, Oliver James Sproat, and brother, Chuck (Becky) Campbell of Defiance, OH.
Visitation for Linda is from 5-8pm Friday, April 19, 2024 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue. Private burial in Prairie Grove Cemetery. The family’s preferred memorial is Humane Fort Wayne, online at humanefw.org or by mail to 4914 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne, IN 46806. To share a remembrance of Linda or to offer condolences to her family, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.
Elizabeth (Betty) Margaret Johnson Dew, 103, died in her sleep Thursday, April 11, 2024 at The Towne House Retirement Community, Fort Wayne, IN. Betty was born December 13, 1920, in Monmouth, Illinois to Charles and Mabel (Frymire) Johnson. The oldest of the three Johnson daughters, Betty rode her pony to rural one-room schools and at age 12 learned to drive so she could attend Alexis (IL) High School from which she graduated in 1937. She studied piano for nine years, was a member of the Illinois All-State Chorus for two years and participated in a number of state musical contests. She was a member of the chorus at Monmouth (IL) College which she attended from 1937 to 1939. She still was in her teens when she left college to teach elementary education in one-room rural schools in Western Illinois. She met and dated Clairus Dew at Monmouth College. They married at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa on June 14, 1943 when he was on a two-week leave from the U.S. Army Air Corps. Betty worked at a Davenport business college during most of World War II becoming a homemaker when Clairus returned from five years of military service in November 1945. They settled in Monmouth where their daughter Sharon and son David were born.
In 1953, they moved to Ft. Wayne when Clairus became head underwriter for Midwestern United Life Insurance Company. Betty was an engaged Christian who studied the Bible throughout her life and was concerned about religious and social issues. She sang as a soprano in the Calvary-Third Presbyterian Church choir and actively participated in many church activities particularly the Presbyterian Women. She belonged to the League of Women Voters, PTA, was a Cub Scout den mother and an enthusiastic participant at her monthly gathering of women friends called the Sewing Club. She returned to college part-time in the 1950s, graduating with a B.A. in history from St. Francis College in 1961. Though she would eschew the label “feminist,” Betty, like many of her generation, struggled with women’s limited options and during this time had a nervous breakdown from which she fully recovered. She went on to get a master’s of science in education from St. Francis in 1971, the first in her family to have an advanced degree.
She taught in the Ft. Wayne Community Schools at Weiser Park Middle School and later as a first-call substitute at South Side High School. She was at South Side so much many students didn’t realize she was a substitute.
In retirement, she and Clairus enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Europe with family and friends. They were active members in Smock Ministries for older Presbyterians and early supporters of Audiences Unlimited, which enables seniors to attend live performances.
Betty was always up for adventure and new experiences from a glider ride while traveling in California to learning how to e-mail in her 80s so she and her younger sister Doris could correspond daily. She and Clairus were poll watchers in Indiana elections and, for several years pre-internet, telephoned in results from key precincts to a national television network. She loved music and playing the piano for joy and relaxation, reading and a good discussion, and being with family.
She is survived by her children Sharon and Nils Stangenes of Chicago; David and Kathleen Dew of Ft. Wayne; grandchildren Daniel and Dawn Dew of Churubusco, Ind. and Kirsten Stangenes and Alec Lilliebridge of Conifer, Colorado; nine great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; three nephews and four nieces. She is predeceased by Clairus, her husband of 76 years; granddaughter Kari Stangenes and grandson Matthew Dew.
Funeral Service is 1:30 pm Sunday, April 21, 2024 at The Towne House Retirement Center Chapel, 2209 St. Joe Center Road; (46825) with visitation one prior to service. The Rev. Doug Vogel, officiating. Visitation also 4-6pm Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes – Pine Valley Park 1320 E. Dupont Road (46825). Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery.
Memorials are to First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne; Audiences Unlimited, Inc. of Fort Wayne, or Monmouth College, Alumni Office, 700 E. Broadway, Monmouth, IL 61462.
Fond memories may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.
Natalie Ann “Nan” Bloodgood, 91, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital. She was born January 18, 1933, in Indianapolis, to the late Don and Margaret (Austin) Bloodgood.
Natalie graduated from West Lafayette High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Purdue University. Natalie started her career in interior design with Wolf & Dessauer of Ft. Wayne in 1955. She went to work for L.S. Ayres in 1969 and retired as Department Manager of the China and Silver Department in 1992.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Wayne, the Red Hat Society and P.E.O. Sisterhood. She faithfully served in many ministries of the church and at Well Spring and enjoyed her L.S. Ayres employees lunch group.
Surviving are sister-in-law, Carole Bloodgood of Columbus, nieces and nephews, Linda (husband Dale) Guse of Columbus, David Austin (wife Sheila) Bloodgood of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Elizabeth A. Bloodgood of Cataula, GA, Tom (wife Laura) Bloodgood of Woodridge, FL, Julie Myers of Waynesville, NC. Also surviving are thirteen great nieces and nephews and seven great great nieces and nephews. Natalie was preceded in death by brothers, Donald Bloodgood and Thomas Bloodgood, a nephew, Daniel Bloodgood and a Sister-in-law, JoAnn Bloodgood.
A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Entombment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette next to her parents. Memorial contributions may be made in Natalie’s name to First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St. Ft. Wayne, IN 46802.
M. Evelyn Seeger, 96, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at home on January 13th 2024. She was born on August 28th 1927 in Grand Rapids Michigan. She married Richard A. Seeger in November 1946 and had four sons. Richard S. (Judy Harrigal), Nevin A. (Gail Jackson), Lee A., and Robert L. (Mary). Grandchildren include Adam Seeger(Amanda), Ashley Seeger, Breanna Seeger and great grandchildren Ava and Grace Seeger.
Evelyn obtained a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Ball State University. She was an accomplished clarinet and oboe player who loved to teach children in public schools and privately. Her never wavering faith in God also led her to assist with music programs for the church as well as administrative work.
Her infectious smile always greeted family and friends. She was dedicated to her garden and wildlife. She was constantly followed by her canine friend, Rascal. Evelyn was also a giving person who provided care for numerous people throughout her life.
The family would also like to give a special thank you to Ann Badger for her support and companionship over the years.
A Celebration of Evelyn’s life will take place on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Calling will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Paul H. Sheets 94 years old passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at home in Granger, Indiana. Paul was born on June 27, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Benjamin C. Sheets and Reland (Conley) Sheets. On September 24, 1950, Paul and Patricia R. Hoover were married in Ossian, Indiana. They resided in Fort Wayne until 2018 when they relocated to Granger to be near family.
Along with his wife Patricia, Paul is survived by sons Steve Sheets of Kissimmee, Florida and Ben (Nancy) Sheets of Granger, Indiana; grandchildren, Tim Griffin, Travis (Jessica) Sheets, Andy (Julie Morrison) Sheets, Mackenzie (Chris) Meyer, Marshall Sheets, Stephanie Sheets, Allison (Chris) DeBlock, Eric Sheets and seven great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers Gayl Sheets and Lowell Sheets; daughter Kathleen Sheets and son Richard Sheets.
Paul graduated from Ossian High School in 1947. He served his country in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1950. For most of his working career he was a computer programmer, first at International Harvester, then at Fort Wayne National Bank. He retired in 1994.
Paul was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne for nearly 50 years and served on many committees and posts while there. He enjoyed camping, canoeing and bicycling and rode on several long distance bike trips in his younger years. After retirement, Paul and Patricia enjoyed traveling to many countries around the world. They also participated in weekly dinners and euchre games with friends.
A graveside service and a celebration of life will be held at a later date in Ossian, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paul H. Sheets may be donated to the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne or to the American Cancer Society.
Margaret “Marg” Ellen Thena , 68, passed away peacefully at Parkview Randallia on Sunday, October 1, 2023. “Marg” as she was known to many was a lifelong member and involved with 1st Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne. She was involved with the Johnny Appleseed Festival as a board member helping with many facets of the festival. Marg enjoyed traveling to Williamsburg, PA and Frankenmuth, MI with various friends each year. Marg was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick C. Thena and Betty H. Thena. Marg spent many of her years working in the financial industry and most recently with Fairway Mortgage as an analyst. Margaret is survived by her older brother, Brian F. Thena (Elaine) of Easley S.C.; nephews Michael C. Thena (Krista) of Fort Wayne and William R. Thena (Kelly) of Kawkawlin, MI; great nephews Matthew Thena and Cole Thena and great niece Ashley Miller (Taylor) of Fort Wayne. There will be no calling or services. Memorials can be made in the memory of Marg to ARC of Allen County.
William Walter Wareham, 98, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was born on Thanksgiving Day November 27, 1924, son of the late Ralph E. and Myrtle P. Wareham in Ironwood, Michigan. He spent 3 years in military service in WWII, ending as a weather technician for the Air Corps in Seoul, Korea in 1946. Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1948 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, where he met and married Elaine I. Sigmund. He worked at G.E. and Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire Co. retiring in 1985 as Executive Director of Technical Operations. After the passing of Elaine in January 1983, he married Mary Ann Dohrmann in June 1984. Bill was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne where he served as an usher for 62 years and was a leader of several committees and boards. He enjoyed ping pong and bowling and traveled to over 50 foreign countries and islands after retirement. Bill also volunteered with the Family & Children’s Services Board and with several United Way boards. He is survived by his daughter, Judi Griffiths; his son, Bill Wareham; as well as an extended family of five stepchildren; 13 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church Chapel 300 W. Wayne Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at The Townehouse Retirement Center Chapel 2209 St. Joe Center Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church “Elaine and William Wareham Award for Christian Service”.
Edward A. McGiffin, 74, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Life Care Center of Fort Wayne. He was born on April 23, 1949, in Pittsburgh, PA. His family moved to Maple Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, OH and then to Portsmouth, OH to accommodate his father’s job with the railroad. Edward graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1967. After high school he attended electronic school in Louisville that brought him to Fort Wayne upon completion of his training on a potential job assignment. Edward was a traffic engineer with the City of Fort Wayne for 23 years, retiring in 2012. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s athletic and musical events, coaching little league and diving, serving as a swim official for several years, spending time with his grandchildren, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Joyce A. McGiffin; his siblings, Carol (Jim) Horr of Farmington Hills, MI. and Ric (Mary) McGiffin of Columbus, OH; his children, Stacey McGiffin, Heather McGiffin, and Ryan (Dana) McGiffin all of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Brayden (Sarah) McGiffin, Dakota McGiffin, Hunter Fox, Clayton McGiffin, and Gage McGiffin; great-granddaughter, Baylee McGiffin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Emerson and Florence Opal McGiffin. Service is 11:00 a.m. Friday September 1st, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN, 46802 with calling one hour prior. Viewing also from 4-7 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2023, at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5th, 2023. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Fresenius Kidney Care of Fort Wayne.
Marilyn Snyder, 88, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023. She was born on October 14, 1934, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of the late Claude and Ilow (Trenary) Ellingwood. She worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at Edward Jones. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed providing volunteer support in Fort Wayne area schools and at local election polling sites, as well as many church functions. Surviving family include her son and grandson. Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband, Robert Snyder; sister, Barbara; and daughter, Lisa Shelton. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. A private graveside will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Memorials in Marilyn’s name may be made to American Cancer Society. Condolences and memories of Marilyn may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com.
Peter Paul Fettig III, 81, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Born on June 7, 1942, in Connersville, he was the son of the late Nilah and Charles Fettig. Peter attended Connersville High School where he was the Valedictorian and then DePauw University where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. During college, Peter met his wife of 58 years, Vernell. After college, Peter began his career at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company where he worked until his retirement.
During his retirement, Peter enrolled in tax preparation classes to keep his mind sharp and most recently, he was working at David L. Wade and Associates. Peter also served on the Board of PHP, was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
Peter enjoyed travelling to Siesta Key every year, Sudoku puzzles, watching sports, shopping, and eating out whether at home or in another city. Some of his favorite spots were Spiaggia (Chicago), Ophelias (Siesta Key), Nan (Atlanta), Puccini’s, Three Fires Pizzas, and Anastasia’s. But, everyone knows Peter’s favorite spot was Catablu. You could always find him on Tuesdays and Fridays enjoying his go to meals as well as connecting with his many Catablu friends or treating his family to a nice dinner. He loved the restaurant and the people so very much.
Peter’s pride and joy were his daughters and grandchildren. There was not an accomplishment of theirs that he did not celebrate and he made sure to clip every newspaper article where they appeared. He spent countless years watching soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, and swimming. Peter loved attending all the UNC-Chapel Hill soccer games while his daughter played there. He was known for bringing Cookie Cottage cookies to all the matches. He will be deeply missed on the sidelines and in the stands.
To know him was to love him. His generosity was felt by many and his humor was enjoyed by all. He is survived by his wife, Vernell (Gehron) Fettig; daughters, Amelia McArdle, of Fort Wayne, and Nelwyn (Andrew) Hayes of Tampa, FL; siblings, Fred (Chuck) Fettig, and Sara (Phil) Mills; and grandchildren, Keegan, Peter, Kellyn, and William McArdle; Lily, Cooper, and Caroline Hayes.
A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be at 4:00pm, Monday, July 24, 2023, at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, with calling from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Inurnment will be at First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to First Presbyterian Church or The Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
Mary “Jeannine” Stinson, 91 of Xenia, Ohio passed away on Monday morning, June 19, 2023, at Shawnee Estates Senior Living in Xenia, Ohio.
Jeannine was born on January 6, 1932, in Connellsville, PA to J. Lloyd Reasoner and Esther (Ford) Gable. Jeannine married Gordon M. Stinson of Bluffton on April 3, 1949, in Coldwater, MI. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together until his passing on April 22, 1999. During their early years of marriage, the couple traveled with Gordon’s military service. They lived and farmed in Wells County from 1958 until 1994, when they moved to Fort Wayne.
Jeannine valued being a homemaker and mother as she raised her two daughters. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, American Legion Auxiliary Post #82 and the Bluffton Garden Club. Jeannine enjoyed dancing, gardening as well as painting and drawing, having her artwork exhibited at the First Presbyterian Church art shows.
She is survived by her two daughters: Lisa (Steven) Topper of Xenia, Ohio, and Debra (Steven) Thieme of Fort Wayne, along with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon, two stillborn daughters, her brother John Reasoner, and her sister Barbara Pemberton. Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 1, from 11AM to 2PM with funeral services starting at 2PM Saturday, at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, 308 West Washington St, Bluffton. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery at 3500 East State Road 124 in Bluffton. Memorials may be made in Jeannine’s memory to the American Cancer Society.