Russell Sage

Russell H. Sage, 91, a former resident of Eel River Township in Allen County, passed away at 12:40 a. m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at Emeritus Senior Living in Fort Wayne where he had resided for the past year. Mr. Sage was born on August 23, 1920 in Eel River Township, a son of Herbert and Sarah (Hand) Sage. He spent his formative years on the family farm there, and graduated from Huntertown High School in 1938. As a young man he served in the U. S. Navy during World War II, and was married to Fern I. Rhodes in Fort Wayne on December 19, 1942. He was a lifelong resident of rural Allen County, and had been employed at General Electric in Fort Wayne for 33 years. He was also engaged in farming in Eel River Township for most of his adult life, retiring from that in 1982. In his leisure time he was an avid fisherman, and was a member of the International Association of Machinists Local 70, The surviving relatives include his wife Fern, to whom he was married for over 69 years; his two daughters Diane Nagel of Auburn and Marna Widmer of Leo; a sister Mabel Truelove of Winona Lake; three grandchildren Steve (Stephanie) Widmer of Churubusco, Jennifer (Abid) Saleem of Canada, and Jason (Natalie) Wells of Fort Wayne; four great-granddaughters, six step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers Loren Sage, Arthur Sage, and Gerald Sage. Graveside services will be held at 2 p. m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the Riverview Cemetery, south of Churubusco. Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, will officiate and interment will follow. In keeping with Mr. Sage's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 13733 Wesley Chapel Rd., Churubusco, IN 46723, or to the donor's choice. **************************