Boyd R. Cardin, 90
Former owner of Cardin’s Home Store in Liberty Center, Boyd R. Cardin, 90, of Bluffton, died at 7:55 a.m. today, Aug. 20, at Ossian Health & Rehabilitation. Born in Delaware County May 4, 1925 to Ermal and Anna Pool Hodson, she was married to Roger Simerman who preceded her in death Nov. 18, 1991. A member of the Ossian United Methodist Church, she was also a member of the Ossian Eastern Star, a Girl Scout leader and a Brownie leader. She was a homemaker and had formerly worked at House of Flowers in Ossian. Survivors include two sons, Steve of rural Ossian and Lanny of rural Markle; a daughter, Mrs. Mike (Janice) Tryon of Berkeley, Calif.; two brothers, Jay Hodson of New Haven and Jack Hodson of Lodi, Calif.; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Services at 2 p.m. Tuesday will be held at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home in Ossian with Rev. Tim Dilley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Calling at the funeral home will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to the Ossian United Methodist Church.

Pauline Nichelson, 89
Pauline Nichelson, 89, Warren, died Feb. 22, 1995. A 1933 graduate of Lancaster Township School, she was a homemaker and also worked in the dietary department at the United Methodist Memorial Home for 33 years. She retired in 1985 and became a resident there in 1995. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Uniontown. Survivors include a son, Gene Nichelson of Warren; a daughter, Patsy Slagle of Deland, Fla.; six grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Warren with Rev. John Wallace officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown & Son Chapel in Warren.

August 14, 2004

Floyd A. Runyon, 73
Retired after 46 years of service at Franklin Electric Co.,. Floyd A. Runyon, 73, of Bluffton, Cemetery at Linn Grove. Military honors will be performed by the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton at the cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

Richard D. Walker, 64
A native of Ossian, Richard D. Walker, 64, died Thursday, Aug. 12 at his residence. A veteran of World War II with the U.,S. Army, he was a member of Nine Mile United Methodist Church and the Rea Wire 25-Year Club. Born Nov. 23, 1919 in Hoagland, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth M. Hisner; a daughter, Marsha K. Hisner of Fort Wayne; a son, Rick L. Hisner of Ossian; two brothers, Gerald Hisner of Hoagland and Parnell Hisner of Monroeville; three granddaughters and one great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven M. Hisner, a brother, Gordon Hisner, and a sister, Marvene Hisner. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Nine Mile United Methodist Church. Calling will be Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, Fort Wayne, and one hour before the funeral at the church on Monday. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Nine Mile Cemetery.

Merlin D. “Doc” Studebaker, 80
A native of Wells County, Merlin D. “Doc” Studebaker, 80, of Logansport, died at 9:52 p.m. Friday, August 13 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. A native and life long resident of Bluffton, he was died at 7:26 a.m. Sunday, August 15 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born in Benedict, Va. on June 3, 1935 to Julian and Gracie Lands Wafford, he married Dianne Jones on April 22, 1973 in Bluffton; she survives. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a carpenter and construction worker. He attended the Gilead Church. Other survivors include two sons, Billy Ray Wafford, Jr. of Bluffton and Pastor Richard W. Wafford of Pennville, who will officiate at the service; a daughter, Ashley Wafford of Bluffton; four sisters, Edith Spacey and Wilma Kiser, both of Bluffton, Mamie Speers of Tenn. and Mary Speers of Washington; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Calling hours are Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in the Mossburg Cemetery in Liberty Center with graveside rites by the American Legion.

Carl A. Johnson, 81
A former resident of Yoder, Carl A. Johnson, 81, of Fort Wayne, Cemetery in Ossian. Preferred memorials to Parkinson disease research.

Harvey D. Schwartz, 60
A former co-owner of Swiss Maid Bakery, and D.L. Schwartz Blacksmith Shop, Harvey D. Schwartz, 60, of rural Berne, Cemetery at Monroe. Calling today until 8 p.m. at the residence, located at 2198 South, U.S. 27.

August 17, 2004

Robert D. Blocker, 79
A 1943 graduate of Rockcreek High School, Robert D. Blocker, 79, of Huntington, died at 8:32 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 at Markle Health Care, where she had been a resident since 2000. She was employed at the Dutch Mill for 17 years and also worked for 13 years at Keebler Co., retiring from there in 1993. Born Nov. 1, 1916 in Wells County to John and Emma Scrogham Plummer, her marriage on July 8, 1934 in Berne was to Wilmer Biberstein,who preceded her in death on March 17, 1999. Survivors include a son, Richard Biberstein of Bluffton; two daughters, Mrs. James (Carol) Levy of Houston, Tex., and Mrs. Frank (Shirley) Gaier of Bluffton; a brother, Paul Plummer of Syracuse; nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, John Plummer Jr. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Goodwin Memorial Chapel with Dr. Dave Biberstein officiating and burial in Six Mile Cemetery. Calling at the funeral home will be Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Hospice of Northeast Indiana.

Delories V. Grissell, 89
A former resident of Pennville and a retired Pennville and Bluffton telephone operator, Delories V. Grissell, 89, died Feb. 1, 1952. Surviving in addition to the former Bluffton son, are nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Another son, Charles (Bud) Grissell, died Tuesday, Aug. 17 at his residence. He was a member of the New Beginnings Worship Center where he served as an elder. A 1940 graduate of Union Township High School, he worked for 30 years at Triad-Utrad, retiring in 1984 as a foreman. Born Oct. 17, 1921 in Huntington to Frank Henry and Justine Reed Kline, he was married on Sept., 1, 1947 in Huntington to Pauline Harris, who survives. Other survivors include a son, Milton, of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Rhonda Mishler and Karen Wolf, both of Huntington;; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Kline of Austin, Tex. He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters. Calling will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Myers Funeral Home, Huntington Chapel, where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday with Pastor Wilbur Whitaker officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Huntington. Preferred memorials to the Gideon’s International or John Bevere Ministries.

Thomas Paul Derloshon Sr., 93
Father of Tammara Juliana Horn of Ossian and a 37-year Fort Wayne postal clerk who retired in 1968, Thomas Paul Derloshon Sr., 93, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Born Aug. 27, 1936, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Joseph Max and Mary Berkenstock Biddle. His marriage was on Aug. 23, 1959, to Linda Weicks, who survives. Mr. Biddle was a 1954 graduate of Shelbyville High School. He was a self-employed auctioneer for many years, specializing in antiques. Accompanying also was his real estate career. Radio broadcasting of Indianapolis 500 time trials brought him a still wider notice. He served in the Indiana National Guard from 1954 to 1963. Memberships included the American Legion, Eagles Lodge, Knights of Columbus (associate member) and the Indiana Auctioneers Association, of which he was a past vice president. Surviving in addition to the wife, are his mother, Mary Biddle Western of Columbus; two sons, Mark of Rushville and Kevin of Warren; one daughter, Mrs. Brett (Michele) Orme of Rushville; two brothers, Mike of Connecticut and Bruce of Columbus; two sisters, Mrs. David (Myra) McIntosh of Massachusetts and Diane Biddle of Columbus; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services were Aug. 11, 2004, and burial was in East Hill Cemetery, Rushville, with graveside military rites.

Anna E. Geisel, 92
Anna E. Carper Geisel, 92, died at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. Born in Blackford County on July 16, 1920 to Harmon and Bessie O. Havens Rains, she was a 1938 graduate of Montpelier High School and a member of the Pleasantdale United Methodist Church. Ms. Rogers was the owner/operator and cook for several restaurants in Blackford County, including The Point, Hoosier House and Hideway restaurants in Montpelier. She also attended St. Johns Catholic Church in Hartford City. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. James (Patricia) Trant of Montpelier. She was preceded in death by three husbands, including Delma L. Quillen and C. Joe Rogers; three sisters, Mable Dawson, Marie Futrell and Elsie McDirmit; and two brothers, Leonard Rains and Harry L. Rains. Calling hours are Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Glancy Funeral Homes, Walker Chapel in Montpelier. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Darren Williams officiating and burial in the Twin Hill Cemetery in Pennville. Preferred memorials are to the Pleasantdale U.M. Church or the Montpelier-Harrison Township Cancer Society.

Brayden Schwartz
Brayden James Schwartz was stillborn at 2:25 a.m. this morning, Oct. 8, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Survivors include the parents, Elmer and Emille J. Smith Schwartz of rural Bluffton; a brother, Caleb Schwartz at home; and grandparents, Larry & Madge Smith of Berne and Marvin & Irene Schwartz of Geneva. A private family service will be held Saturday with Pastor Larry Sprinkle officiating. Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home in Bluffton is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Riley Childrens Hospital.

Thomas L. Hiatt, 79
Graveside services for Thomas L. Hiatt, 79, will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Bluffton. Mr. Hiatt died Monday, Oct. 4 at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. A native of Quincy, Mass., he was Product Manager with Franklin for 20 years, retiring in 1986. Survivors include his wife, Sue, Fort Wayne; four sons, Richard and Jonathon, both of Fort Wayne, Bradford of Columbia City and David of Columbus, Ohio; five sisters; one brother; 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Arrangements are being handled by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home. Memorials to the Hospice Home. William Wright The former owner of Wright’s Golf Range (now Bobick’s Golf) in Fort Wayne and well known in Wells County, William W. “Bill” Wright, died at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 at the United Methodist Memorial Home in Warren.

October 2, 2004

Charley “Junior” Ward, 74
A former resident of Bluffton, Charley “Junior” Ward, 74, Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

October 4, 2004

Woodrow “Woody” Spaid, 91
Woodrow E. “Woody” Spaid, 91, Bluffton, died at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at his home. Born August 30, 1944 to Frey D. and Nevah M. Maddux Stockman, he married Michelle McFadden on Sept. 5, 1964 at Plum Tree; she survives. A 1962 graduate of West Rock Creek High School, he attended IPFW and was an active member of the Plum Tree United Church of Christ. He retired from General Electric, Fort Wayne in 2001 after 38 years; he was a member of the GE Quarter Century Club and the GE ELFUN organization. Other survivors include two sons, Michael Stockman and Brian Stockman, both of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Jeff Stockman of Markle and John Stockman of Huntington. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Middleton. Calling hours are Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Myers Funeral Home, Markle Chapel. A private service is planned, with burial in the Markle Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the church’s building fund

Phyllis Knotts, 83
Phyllis J. Knotts, 83, Bluffton, died July 29, 1984. A 1939 graduate of Elwood High School, she was a resident of the rural Pennville area for 50 years before moving to Bluffton. She retired from Franklin Electric in 1983 after 25 years of service. She was a member of the Park United Brethren Church in Bluffton. Survivors include a son, Kenneth Knotts of Bryant; a daughter, Mrs. Gene (Diana) Stotlar of Uniondale; five grandchildren; seven great grandchldren; nine step grandchildren; 25 step great grandchildren; and one step great grandchild. She was preceded in death by a sister, Lula Byus; and a brother, Meredith Thornton. Calling hours are today from 2 to 8 p.m. at Glancy Funeral Homes, Walker Chapel in Montpelier, with services there Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Brookside Memorial Park in Montpelier. Preferred memorials to the Wells County Cancer Society.

Josephine McPheeters Massman, 99
Josephine Massman, 99, a sister of the late Dr. James A. McPheeters of Bluffton, Cemetery in Seymour Wednesday morning. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

October 5, 2004

Camellia “Cammy” Collins, 54
A 1968 graduate of Southern Wells High School, Camellia Kay “Cammy” Collins, 54, died at 2:10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the home. Born Sept. 19, 1911 in Wells County to John and Laura Jackson HunNicutt, her marriage in Muncie to John J. Houtz took place Jan. 17, 1934. He preceded her in death Jan. 11, 1997. A member of the Boehmer United Methodist Church, Mrs. Houtz had been a resident of rural Warren for 67 years. She was a member of the Willing Workers Circle, the W.C.S., and a 59-year member of the Rural Friendship Extension Homemakers Club of Huntington County. A homemaker, she had worked at one time or another for Buckeye Grocery, Myers Department Store, Mrs. Bonifeld’s Gift Shop, McCord’s Five & Dime and Coolman’s Drugs. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Carlton K. (Joyce) Dahlquist, and Mrs. Harold (Betty) Parker, both of Warren, and Carol Watkins of Columbia City; nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, several step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, and step great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brothers Everett, Charles and Carl Hunnicutt; by sisters Nettie Hunnicutt, Rosa Ruble, and Ida Collins and A great-granddaughter. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the home. Services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the home will be under the direction of Pastor Barry Humble with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Warren. Memorials may be made to Boehmer United Methodist Church. Glancy Funeral Homes-H. Brown & Son Chapel, Warren, is in charge of arrangements.

Deone Ethel Erb, 85
A resident of the Warren United Methodist Memorial Home, Deone Ethel Erb, 85, died at the Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana in Fort Wayne at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Born in Huntington Feb. 9, 1931 to Floyd and Nina Bell Pardue Braden, her marriage March 16, 1952 in Huntington was to Charles William Crago. He survives. A 1949 graduate of Huntington High School, she was an Avon representative for 18 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Floral Chapter #75 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2689 Women’s Auxiliary. Also surviving are a son, Thomas L. Crago, of Huntington; a second daughter, Mrs. Chris (Jean) Cain of Huntington; three step grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Braden Jr. Services Saturday at 2 p.m. will be at Myers Funeral Home, Huntington Chapel, under the direction of Bishop Elzie Spencer. Burial will follow at the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery in Huntington. Calling at the funeral home will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday. Memorials may be made to the Huntington Police Athletic League Club.

October 29, 2004

Alice Aschliman, 82
Alice J. Aschliman, 82, rural Bluffton, died Sept. 25, 1998. A homemaker, she also worked at the Dutch Mill Restaurant and the Corner Depot. She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church. Survivors include a son, Derryl Aschliman of Decatur; four daughters, Mrs. Von (Diane) Heyerly, Mrs. David (Loretta) Smith, and Mrs. Keith (Lou Ann) Kaehr, both of Decatur, and Mrs. Mark (Laura) Grime of Fort Wayne; three brothers, Dale Fiechter of Bluffton, John Fiechter of Tocsin, and Gerald Fiechter of Craigville; four sisters, Mrs. Irene Reinhard, Mrs. William (Mildred) Neuenschwander, Mrs. Charles (Doris) Neuenschwander, and Mrs. Walter (Lillian) Bertsch, all of Bluffton; 21 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one grandchild. Services are scheduled for Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church East. Calling hours are Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. at Goodwin Memorial Chapel, and for one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Preferred memorials to the church’s Charity Fund or Meals on Wheels.

Gary L. Drill, 58
Former Norwell High School principal and Northern Wells Community Schools assistant superintendent Gary L. Drill, 58, of 2455 E. Terrace Drive, Bluffton, Cemetery in Winchester. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

Elton Abenath, Sr., 68
Elton W. Abenath, Sr., 68, of Huntington, Cemetery in Bluffton.

October 30, 2004 Gary L. Drill -- Graveside Rites
While the funeral service for former Norwell High School Principal and former Northern Wells Assistant Superintendent Gary L. Drill will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Bluffton First United Methodist Church, the graveside service and burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester.

Maro Day, 94
Wells County native and former resident Maro Day, 94, died at 10:50 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29 at the Ossian Health & Rehabilitation Center. Born Aug. 13, 1904 in Domestic to Fred and Bertha Coffman Anson, she married Fred B. Pence on Sept. 1, 1921 in Centerville, Mich.; he Cemetery in Huntington County. Preferred memorials are to the Cancer Services of Huntington County. Arrangements were handled by Myers Funeral Home, Huntington Chapel.

Larry J. Michael, 68
Larry J. Michael, 68, Warren, Cemetery in Warren. Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown & Son Chapel in Warren is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Home.

Jean Pitzer, 89
Services for Jean Bernice Pitzer, 89, Marion, will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown & Son Chapel in Warren. She died June 15, 1992. A graduate of Warren High School, Mrs. Pitzer was a member of the Church of Christ in Warren and later in Marion. She lived in San Diego, Calif., for several years before returning to this area. Survivors include a daughter, Gloria D. Heinemann of Buffalo, N.Y.; two sons, Jerry L. Pitzer and Terry L. Pitzer, both of Marion; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a brother and four sisters. Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Huntington. Preferred memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Bruce I. Maxwell, 71
A life-long farmer in Union Township of Huntington County, Bruce I. Maxwell, 71, of Huntington, Interment will be at the Star of Hope Cemetery in Huntington County after a private service. Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.

November 2, 2004

Edith “Iva” Deming, 88
Edith “Iva” Deming, 88, of 822 South Wayne St., died at 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at Markle Health Care in Markle. Born in Uniondale Aug. 9, 1918 to Homer and Nellie McAfee Harshman, she married Noble L. Hoag April 4, 1947, in Uniondale. He preceded her in death Oct. 12, 1973. A 1935 graduate of Rockcreek High School, she was retired from the Norfolk Western Railroad where she worked as a clerk. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Uniondale. Survivors include four sons, Doug of Markle, Jim of Tocsin, Larry of Bristol, and Guy of Antwerp, Ohio; three daughters, Mrs. Jim (Mae) Cobb of Bluffton, and Mrs. Terry (Diane) Bunch and Mrs. Jeff (Marilyn) Langley, both of Leesburg; a brother, Tom Harshman of Colorado; a sister, Madeline Brindle, Bluffton; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Hoag. Services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will be at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Uniondale under the direction of Pastors Gene Kinney and Bill Peterson. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Calling at Goodwin Memorial Chapel will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Dean E. Crum, 72
A native of Uniondale, Dean E. Crum, 72, of Fort Wayne, died at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1 at the home of a daughter. Born Aug. 8, 1926 in Craigville to Ervin and Sylvia Kaehr Gerber, her marriage on Dec. 23, 1951, in Bluffton was to Willis U. Prichard, who survives. Mrs. Prichard was the valedictorian of the Lancaster Central Class of 1951 and a member of the ODO Women’s Club. She attended Peace Lutheran Church in Berne. During their 53 years of marriage, she and her husband worked together in the family business, Gerber Locker in Craigville. She was also employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years. In addition to the husband, she is survived by 10 children, including two sons, Jeffrey U. Prichard and Michael A. Prichard, both of Craigville; eight daughters, Mrs. David (Larilyn) Cole of Roanoke; Kathy Prichard of Craigville; Mrs. William (Sally) Endorf of Berne; Janna Johnson of Bluffton; Mrs. Mark (Lisa) Wolfe of Lafayette; Mrs. Michael (Julie) Moser of Indianapolis; Mrs. Todd (Kristi) Hollman of Huntington and Mrs. Kevin (Tracy) Pflum of Indianapolis. Also surviving are four brothers, Luther Gerber of Craigville, Herbert Gerber and Russell “Butch” Gerber of Bluffton and Glen D. Gerber of Indianapolis; a sister, Mrs. Charles (Maxine) Fiechter of Bluffton, 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Galen D. Gerber. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Goodwin Memorial Chapel with Rev. Paul Stohlman officiating and burial in Apostolic Christian Cemetery. Calling at the funeral home will be Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 12 noon until time of services.

Dorothy M. Rose, 81
A former teacher in Wells County, Dorothy M. Rose, 81, died at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, at River Terrace Estates. She had been in failing health for the past year. Born April 6, 1912, in Wells County to William and Anna Howard Gavin, she was graduated from Liberty Center High School in 1930. Her marriage was on Dec. 24, 1936, in Bluffton to Lawrence Lockwood,who died in 1990, and three sisters, Ruth Gavin,Victo Gavin and Mary Smith. Calling hours will be 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, where services will be at 10 a.m. Friday with Pastor Bud Abrams officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Preferred memorials to First Baptist Church.

Wayne W. Dwyer, 89
A Warren resident since 1991, Wayne W. Dwyer, 89, died earlier this month. He was a graduate of Yorktown High School and was employed by Standard Oil, the Indiana Railroad and Southern Life Insurance Co. before establishing the Dwyer Insurance Agency. He was a member of the Yorktown United Methodist Church. Surviving are two sons, Dr. James A. Dwyer of Hamburg, Germany, and Dr. Rex A. Dwyer of Raleigh, N.C., and five grandchildren. Burial was with a brief graveside service at 1 p.m. today in Spring Hill Cemetery at the United Methodist Memorial Home in Warren with Rev. Herbert Edwards officiating. A memorial service is to be at a later date. Memorials to the Yorktown United Methodist Church or the Warren United Methodist Memorial Home. Glancy Funeral Homes-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Edna Ruth Harris Heckert, 59
Mother of Joyce Gerber and Angela Harris, both of Bluffton, Edna Ruth Harris Heckert, 59, of Amity, Arkansas, born May 12, 1945, at Rosboro, Arkansas, a daughter of Charles and Maggie Craig Spears. She was a Bluffton resident for 20 years before moving back to the Arkansas location in 1994. Surviving in addition to the Bluffton daughters are her companion, Don Anderson of Amity, Arkansas; two sons, Roger Keith Moore of Amity and Brian Christopher Harris of Decatur; four brothers, Marlin Joe, Charles, Ricky and Bobby Spears, all of Arkansas; four sisters, Virginia Quinones, Judy Miller, Shirley Davis and Elaine Wilder, all of Arkansas, and seven grandchildren. The funeral service was Sunday, Oct. 24, in Arkansas, with burial at Coker Cemetery, Rosboro, Arkansas.

October 28, 2004

Roscoe J. Lydy, 91
A resident of 307 East Townley St. in Bluffton, Roscoe J. Lydy, 91, Cemetery in Ossian.

Carolyn J. Ziegler, 70
A native of Bluffton and a 1952 graduate of Bluffton High School, Carolyn J. Ziegler, 70, of Huntington, Cemetery in Bluffton. Calling hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Renal Care Group.

Gary L. Drill, 58 — Rites Pending
Former Norwell High School Principal Gary L. Drill, 58, of Bluffton, died this morning at the Hospice Home of Indiana. Arrangements are pending at Goodwin Memorial Chapel.

Louis Pearl Welch Davis, 81
Louis Pearl Welch Davis, 81, Winchester, died at Bluffton Regional Medical Center at 9:52 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27. Born Nov. 19, 1943 in Peru to Raymond and Audrey Armstrong Flitcraft, she married Paul Rolston Oct. 8, 1971 in Bluffton. He preceded her in death Sept. 12, 2002. She retired from Bluffton Regional Medical Center in November of 2002 following a career in telecommunications. She was a 1962 Jackson Center High School graduate. Survivors include five sons, Rick and Troy Rolston of Decatur, Dallas Martin of Richmond, Darren Martin of Portland, and Doug Martin of Iowa; daughter Taya Amstutz, Indianapolis; three brothers, Bill Flitcraft of Elkhart, and darrel Scelzo and Terry McCardy of Indiana; two sisters, Carol Smith of Kokomo and Betty White of Florida; and 10 grandchildren. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday will be held at Goodwin Memorial Chapel. Pastor Scott Meier will officiate and burial will follow at the Decatur Cemetery. Calling hours will be 2-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are to the donor’s choice.

Ruby Mae Copeland, 78
A resident of 417 West Miller St., Ruby Mae Copeland, 78, died at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 at Lutheran Hospital. Mr. Flowers was a diesel operator at the city power plant, retiring in 1987 after 43 years of service. He was a past president of the Six Mile Cemetery Association, serving in that post for over 10 years. Born Feb. 19, 1925 in Wells County to Theodore R. and Pansy Moyer Flowers, his marriage on March 19, 1946 in Hartford City was to Martha M. Raber, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Thomas (Linda) Claussen of Del Tona, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Helen Ray of Decatur and Mrs. Hilbert “Skip” (Mary) Ross of Bluffton; three brothers, Roger Flowers and James Flowers of Bluffton and Donald Flowers of Berne; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Goodwin Memorial Chapel with Larry Sprinkle officiating and burial to follow in Six Mile Cemetery. Calling at the funeral home will be Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Lutheran Hospital Critical Care Unit or Parkview Hospital Oncology Department.

George O. Halterman, 78
A resident of rural Poneto, George O. Halterman, 78, died at Parkview memorial Hospital at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27. Born June 25, 1926 in Bement, Ill., to Joseph and Frances Schumard Halterman, he married the former Joyce L. Wildman in bement April 17, 1948. She survives. An employee of the Wabash Railroad in Bement for 14 years, he moved to Wells County in 1957 and was a dairy farmer until 1975. He worked for G&H Fertilizer in Bluffton, Kaiser Fertilizer in Bluffton and Helena Chemical Co. in Vera Cruz. He was employed by the Wells County Highway Department from 1976 to 1978. He served with the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947. Survivors include a son, Robert L. Halterman, Poneto; a sister, Ann Lust of Bement, and three grandchildren. he was preceded in death by a son, terry Halterman, in 1968, and a sister, Bessie Vinson. Services at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home will be under the direction of Rev. Gene Betts. Burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery. Calling will be at the funeral home from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday. Memorials may be made to the Wells County Animal Shelter.