Paula G. Herron
May 23, 2026
Paula G. Herron, 64, of Churubusco, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026.
She was born in Fort Wayne, on March 21, 1962, to the late Max Hathaway and Shannon (Wonderly) Hartman.
She graduated from Carroll High School in 1981. After high school, she attended Ivy Tech College and received her certificate in Phlebotomy.
Paula loved to play pickleball, garden, cook, and be...
Timothy Knepple
May 18, 2026
Timothy Knepple, 25, of Fort Wayne, passed away on May 18, 2026.
He was born on May 4, 2001, in Fort Wayne. Timothy was a much-loved son to Ken and Alissa Knepple, a cherished brother to Devan, a grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Tim was a graduate of Churubusco High School, Class of...
Sandra L. Royal
May 16, 2026
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Sandra L. Royal, 68, of Columbia City, passed away on May 16, 2026, at Ashton Creek in Fort Wayne, IN.
She was born in Fort Wayne, IN, on January 23, 1958, to Melvin E. and Bonnie (Niedermeyer) Royal. She graduated from Columbia City High School in 1977.
She worked at the deli at Wal-Mart in Columbia City for 10 years.
Sandra is survived...
Judith K. Murphy
May 15, 2026
Judith K. Murphy, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in Indianapolis.
She was born on February 25, 1946, in Fort Wayne, to the late Paul and Ruby (Pepple) McDougall.
She was married to Paul Jack Murphy on March 6, 1984. He preceded her in death in January 2005.
She retired from the VA Hospital in 1982, where she...
Joann Murphy
May 15, 2026
Joann Murphy, 72, of Churubusco, passed away on May 15, 2026, at her home.
She was born on October 7, 1953, in Fort Wayne, to the late William and Sarah (Wiley) Murphy. She spent her formative years in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1972.
Throughout her life, Joann exhibited a profound passion for reading and a love for...
William Charles Novy
May 13, 2026
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William "Bill" Charles Novy, 77, of Avilla, passed away on May 13, 2026, at his home in Avilla, IN.
He was born in Puerto Rico on August 22, 1948, to the late Charles and Joan (Dreher) Novy.
He graduated from Garrett High School in 1966. After high school, he earned his bachelor's degree in science and then his Master of Arts degree.
Bill...
Wayne Gilbert Yager
May 6, 2026
Wayne Gilbert Yager, 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, at The Waters in Columbia City. Wayne was born September 25, 1934 on the family farm near Craigville, to Laurin Day and Naomi (Gilbert) Yager. He graduated from Lancaster Central High School and Manchester College (now University). He began his teaching career at Akron High School leading classes in physical...
William C. Richardson
May 3, 2026
William C. Richardson, 82, of Churubusco, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at his home.
He was born on November 13, 1943, in Fort Wayne, to the late Woodrow and Martha (Meilke) Richardson. He spent his formative years in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1962.
On June 14, 2008, William was united in marriage to Tracie Mendenhall...
Kenneth W. Kurtz
Apr 27, 2026
Kenneth W. Kurtz, 96, of rural Allen County, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on April 27, 2026. Born in Arcola, on September 13, 1929, to the late Wilbur and Mary (Felger) Kurtz.
He married Marlene Cox at St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township on September 19, 1954. He retired from the purchasing department of ITT Aerospace after 43 years of...
Sharon Ann Smith
Apr 22, 2026
Sharon Ann Smith (Dick), 81, passed away on April 22, 2026, at Parkview Hospital Randallia.
She was born on January 16, 1945, in Fort Wayne, to the late Melvin and Virginia (Leammle) Dick. She spent her formative years in Fort Wayne and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1962.
Sharon met and married her husband, Gene, while working at Wolf &...
Peggy J Elser
Apr 10, 2026
Peggy J. Elser, 82, of Albion, passed away on April 10, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.
She was born on October 5, 1943, at Lucky Hospital in Wolf Lake, to the late Benjamin and Phyllis (Krieger) Carpenter. Peggy spent her formative years in Churubusco, where she graduated from Churubusco High School.
On November 22, 1963, Peggy married Harold Elser in Brimfield;...
Cheryl Marie Bracht
Apr 8, 2026
Cheryl Marie Bracht, 74, formerly of Huntertown and most recently of Laotto, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus and reunited with her daughter on April 8, 2026, at Parkview Hospice.
She was born on November 16, 1951, in Auburn, to the late Billie and Maxine (Brown) Romine.
Cheryl was a faithful and devoted member of Lifehouse Community Church for more than...
Ira Everett Baker
Apr 5, 2026
Ira Everett Baker, 86, of LaOtto, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at his home.
He was born on September 22, 1939, in Rochester, to the late Ira and Edna (Felty) Baker. He spent his formative years in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School. Following his time serving in the United States Army, he completed his Bachelor's degree at...
Jose Ricardo Lucio
Apr 4, 2026
Jose Ricardo Lucio, born January 27, 1942, in Del Rio, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at 8:40 a.m.
He was the beloved son of Santos and Maria Lucio, whose love and guidance shaped the generous, hardworking, and deeply caring man he became.
As a young man, Jose worked as a laborer, building the strong work ethic that defined his...
Scott James Carpenter
Apr 3, 2026
Scott James Carpenter, 60, of Avilla, passed away on April 3, 2026.
He was born on October 22, 1965, in Columbia City. Scott spent his formative years in Churubusco, where he graduated from Churubusco High School.
Scott was a dedicated Owner/Operator at Northside Tavern, where he devoted many years to serving his community.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Scott found joy in...
Nicholas F. Reith
Apr 3, 2026
Nicholas "Nick" Frank Reith, 87, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at St. Anne's Home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 7, 1938, in Kokomo, Nick was the second of seven children born to William and Mary Reith. He grew up on the family farm in Walnut Grove, where he developed a strong...
Eden Mae Parteko
Apr 2, 2026
Eden Mae Parteko, 3 months, of Huntington, left this world on April 2, 2026. Born on January 3, 2026, Eden brought immeasurable joy and love into the lives of her family and all who had the fortune of knowing her.Eden is survived by her loving parents, Corey Parteko and Maggie Auer; her adoring brothers, Austin, Harrison, and Calvin Parteko, as...
Paul Lee Geiger
Mar 30, 2026
Paul Lee Geiger, 90, of Churubusco, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2026, at Ashton Creek in Fort Wayne.
Paul was born on September 12, 1935, to Emanuel "Snick" and Mabel (Cotton) Geiger. He spent his entire life in the Churubusco area, growing up just outside of town, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family. From...
Connie Sue Slagal
Mar 27, 2026
Connie Sue Slagal, 58, of Huntertown, passed away on March 27, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Connie was a cherished wife, loving mother, devoted daughter, and respected nurse whose kindness and spirit touched the lives of many.
Born and raised in Leo, Connie graduated from Leo High School before pursuing further education at Ivy Tech, IPFW, Indiana Wesleyan,...
Charlene M. Dickes
Mar 26, 2026
Charlene M. Dickes, 94, of Huntertown, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the Towne House Retirement Community.
She was born on June 20, 1931, in Huntertown, to the late Raymond and Grace (Johnston) Smith. Charlene graduated from Huntertown High School in 1949 and continued her education at International Business College, earning her degree in 1950.
On December 23, 1950, Charlene...
