Barbara A. Johnson, 96, formerly of Osceola, died at 2:48 a.m., Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

She was born July 15, 1918, in Hammond, Ind., to Nick and Vera (Gowocin) Cindric. She married Robert C. Johnson, Sept. 4, 1937, in River Park, South Bend.

Johnson lived her lifetime in Osceola, until moving to Miller’s Merry Manor. She was a housewife. She had attended Coalbush United Methodist Church, where she had taught Sunday school and was involved in the Ladie’s Aid.

She is survived by her husband; daughters: Monta Lou (Larry) Penrod,
Millersburg, Judy (Roger) Redman, Osceola; son, James (Lang) Johnson, LasVegas, Nev.; grandchildren, Karen (Mike) Gardner, Tenn., Pam (Ken) Poe, New Paris, Tammy (Ted) Salamon, Mishawaka, Laurie (Tim) Dill, Osceola, Roger Redman Jr., Osceola; great-grandchildren: Brandon (Kristina) Redman, Josh (Bridgette) Redman, Oscar Redman, Ted Salamon, Tyler Salamon, Brooke (Simon) Baumgartner, William Penrod, Nikolas Penrod, Savanna Dill; and great-great-grandchildren, Joycee, Hank, Annabelle Redman and Scarlett and Dylan Redman.

She was preceded in death by a son: Larry Dean Johnson, sisters: Anne Cindric, Catherine Singer, and brother: Richard Cindric.

Family and friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa. Funeral Services will begin at 12:30 p.m. Rev. Terry Tyler will officiate and burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions may be given to Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

Sandy Crilow, 70, of Wakarusa, formerly of Nappanee, passed away at 12:10 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, at IU Health Goshen Hospital.

She was born Oct. 19, 1944, in Goshen, to Lamar Kenneth and Maxine (Shenenan) Warren. Sandy lived her lifetime in this area. She was a 1962 graduate of Nappanee High School. On Aug. 21, 1964, she married Ernest Crilow in Nappanee.

She was a homemaker and “family caretaker” and had attended First Church of God and Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.

She is survived by her husband; daughters: Justine Crilow, Nappanee; Kelly (Travis) Benson, Sioux Falls, S.D.; grandchildren: Rylee, Sydney, Clare, Emeric, Dominic Benson; sister: Sharon (Ronald) Hughes, Galivants Ferry, S.C.; and stepfather: Don LeCount.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Maxine and Lamar Warren.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, at the church. Officiating will be Rev. Wes Bontreger and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Goshen Hospice or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Luke Brandon Stutzman, infant son of Brandon and Rachel (Ham) Stutzman of Nappanee, was stillborn at 6:55 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, at South Bend Memorial Hospital.

He is survived by his parents; twin brothers: Thomas and Daniel; a brother: Samuel; grandparents: Richard and Connie Stutzman, Nappanee; Steve and Portia Ham, Nappanee; great-grandmother: Donna Widmoyer Greeson, Nappanee; great-grandfather: Herbet Ham Sr., Maryland; great-grandparents: Marvin and Leona Stutzman, Nappanee.

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents: David Widmoyer; Harold Jr. and Dorothy Klotz; and Dorothy Barnett.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Nappanee Missionary Church. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the church with Rev. Jason Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Harvey A. Graber

Harvey A. Graber, 60, of Milford died unexpectedly 8:55 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at his residence of natural causes. He was born April 25, 1954 in Bremen to Albert and Katie Yoder Graber.

Harvey lived his lifetime in this area. He married Terry “Tessie” Stouder Oct. 31, 2000 in Nappanee. Harvey worked at Utilimaster in Wakarusa for 18 years. He was a member of Nappanee Conservation Club. He enjoyed hunting and mushroom hunting. Time with family was important to Harvey.

Surviving is his wife, Terry; son, N. Michael Sparks, Nappanee; mother, Katie Graber, Millersburg; brothers, Nelson (Ruby) Graber, Shipshewana, Glen (Polly) Graber ,Millersburg, Jonas (Diane) Graber, Paul (Carol) Graber, both of Nappanee, Marvin (Lydia) Graber, Belleview, Mich.; sisters, Esther (Bill) Schrock, Texas, Irene (Lester) Hochstetler, Bourbon; and a brother-in-law, Menno Schrock, Nappanee.

Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral service occurred at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2. His brother, Nelson Graber, officiated. Cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be given to the donor’s choice.

Max Gwin

Max J. Gwin, age 90, of Nappanee, died December 30, 2014 at 1:30 am. Who was Max Gwin? He was a son of Wilyard and Mary Ann (McGowen) Gwin. He was a devoted husband and a father of two. He served our country in the Navy during World War II. He was one of six cartoonists which called Nappanee home.

He was a graduate of Nappanee High School and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, a commercial artist, youth leader and Sunday School teacher for 40 years, and a pillar of the community. He was featured in many newspapers and his cartoon work is on display at the Nappanee Center. If you were one of the lucky ones who met him, he would have flashed one of his humble slanted smiles. His laugh was genuine and when you got him started you were in for a treat which would uplift you. Max was known for his quick wit and kind demeaner.

Max became interested in cartoons when he was a student at Nappanee High School. He began drawing his own cartoons after the war, while living in Chicago. He returned to Nappanee where he drew cartoons fulltime from 1952 – 1958, using his father’s filling station one mile south of Nappanee, at Gwin’s Corner as his office.

From 1958 to 1988, he operated the Max Gwin Advertising agency, providing commercial art for local customers such as Choretime and Brock in Milford. Max sold cartoons to over 300 publications and cartoon ideas to other magazines, such as” The New Yorker”,” The Saturday Evening Post” and “Cosmopolitan”. His longest lasting cartoon was “Slim and Spud,” which appeared in “Prairie Farmer” magazine from 1956 – 1996.

Other comic strips by Gwin were bought by trade and in-house publications. “Rolo, the Roto-Rooter Man” was used by the Roto-Rooter Company for 25 years. “Floyd’s Farm Supply” appeared in “Feed and Farm Supplier.”

Max was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church. He was a former member of the Nappanee Jaycees and Nappanee Rotary Club.

Max is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Postma Gwin, who he married Sep. 17, 1946 at her parents’, Forrest and Edna Postma, home; his daughter, Dawn Gwin (Mark) Chouinard, Franklinville, N.C.; his son, Kent (Lynne) Gwin, Elkhart; grandchildren, Christy, Alden, Dawn Bushnell; great grandchildren, Reid, Elliott, Scott Bushnell; sister, Ruth Gwin Heemstra, Elkhart and two brothers, Ross (Imogene) Gwin, Kissimee, Fla. and Gene (Frances) Gwin, Sacramento, Calif.

Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. The funeral took place Saturday, Jan. 3 at Nappanee United Methodist Church. Rev. Jim Davidson officiated. Military services by the Nappanee American Legion followed.
Cremation will take place and inurnment will be in Union Center Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee United Methodist Church, Nappanee Public Library, or the Nappanee Center.

Leon Dale Hochstetler, 26, of 2026 B Road, Bremen, died unexpectedly, at 7:10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at South Bend Memorial Hospital of natural causes.

Leon has had special needs since birth. He was born July 9, 1988, in Bremen to Randal L. and Susie E. (Borkholder) Hochstetler.

Surviving are his parents; brothers: David Wayne (Doris) Hochstetler, Nappanee, Marcus Allen Hochstetler, Kevin James Hochstetler; sister: Julie Anna (Friend, Joseph Mast) Hochstetler; nieces: Brianna, Alyssa Hochstetler; nephew: Isaiah Hochstetler; grandparents: Lonnie E. (Verba D. Mullet) Hochstetler, Nappanee, and Eli D. S. Borkholder, Bremen.

Family and friends may call after 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 and all day Monday, Jan. 5 at the family residence. Funeral Services will be at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6 at the Allen Borkholder Residence (2155 E B. Rd.). Bishop Wilbur Kuhns and the Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate. Burial will be in Borkholder Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Marion M. Scott, age, 96, formerly of Nappanee, died at 6:26 p.m., Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa.

She was born Oct. 24, 1918, in Wakarusa to Ira and Ida (Hahn) Null. She married Gibson F. Scott, March 29, 1942. He preceded in death July 14, 1980.

Scott was a graduate of Madison Township High School and Elkhart Business College. She was a member of Grace Point Presbyterian Church in Nappanee. Marion also enjoyed gardening.

Surviving is her son: Douglas (Cindy) Scott, Nappanee; three granddaughters, Emily ( Brandon) Borkholder, Sterling, Va., Liz (Jack) Gerhardt, Chandler, Ind., Meredith (Ryan) Eakins, Bremen; and three great grandchildren: Ella and Maxwell Borkholder, and Wyatt Gerhardt.

She was preceded in death by her brother: Carl J. Null and her sister: Marjorie Yoder.

Family and friends may call from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 9 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Rev. Terry Tyler will officiate. Private graveside services will follow at Violett Cemetery in Goshen.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Point Presbyterian Church.

Bernhard E. (Ben) Strohbehn, 89, passed away in the morning on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, following several years with Parkinson’s disease.

Ben was born Feb. 5, 1925, in New Plymouth, Idaho, to Ed and Josie Strohbehn. In 1943 he married Dorothy Knight, who died in 1946 from complications during the birth of a stillborn son. In 1951 he married Lorraine Evans in Dodgeville, Wis. The couple recently celebrated their 63 wedding anniversary.

Ben served in the US Air Force as a navigator on a B-29 and served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He then taught for 10 years at Bob Jones University and pastored for 37 years in churches in Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota. He and Lorraine later travelled for 25 years in a family conference ministry in association with The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center. Ben and Lorraine also enjoyed several opportunities to work with missionaries in Venezuela, Togo, Mali, Niger, the Philippines, and several provinces in Canada. He authored several articles for Christian publications and a book on family relationships, titled Home Sweet Home. In the last year, he completed a study in Proverbs, titled The Words of the Wise, which will be published posthumously.

He is survived by his wife: Lorraine, Nappanee; his son: Ed, Brooklyn, N.Y.; his daughters: Marcia (Brent) Ritchardson, Brownstown, Mich.; Karen (Dennis) Anderson, Ankeny, Iowa; Brenda Strohbehn, Nappanee; his grandchildren: Joshua (Stephanie) Anderson, Jillian Anderson, Janelle (Will) Thorsen and Eric Ritchardson; two great-grandchildren: Kaleb and Makayla Anderson; seven nieces and nephews; and a host of Christian believers to whom he ministered (who often affectionately referred to him as Dr. Ben)

He was preceded in death by his parents; his four sisters: Adeline Strohbehn, Phyllis Coonrad, Joan Hylton, and Marlys Johns; and two nieces: Addy Jo Hylton and Bonnie Cruickshank.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home  and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Bible Baptist Church in Wakarusa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the church. Pastor David Harper and Pastor Charles R. Phelps will conduct the service. Burial will be in South Union Cemetery in Nappanee with military graveside services by Nappanee American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts may be given to The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center, Brevard, N.C.; Bible Baptist Church, Wakarusa: or Goshen Home Care and Hospice, Goshen.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral  Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Bible Baptist Church.

Helen Neill Kirkwood, 86, of Nappanee, Ind., died on Jan. 9, 2015, at her residence from a long battle with cancer.

She was born on Dec. 10, 1928, in Dundee, Scotland, to Charles and Mary (Easton) Hill. Helen married John C. Kirkwood on August 8, 1952 at St. Andrew’s Church in Motherwell, Scotland.

In 1963, her and her husband John immigrated with their three young children to the United States. They settled in Benton Harbor, Mich., and were there until 1987 when the family moved to Nappanee. Helen worked for Fleetwood Avion Coach in Benton Harbor for 20 years. She was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor. She had read the Bible 3 times. She was a member of the Eastern Star. Helen enjoyed her iPad and playing solitaire. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.

Surviving are children: Yvonne (Steve) Reed, Nappanee, John (Marilyn) Kirkwood, Marion, Ind., and Neill (Pamela) Kirkwood, Nappanee; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary Bussey and Marjorie “Marj” Sleith, both of Naperville, Ill.; brothers: Charles (Barbara) Hill, Vero Beach, Fla., and Stephen (Marian) Hill of Wishaw, Scotland.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters: Charlotte Hill, Dorothy Carden, and brother: Alec Hill.

Helen’s wishes were to be cremated and friends and family may call from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Memorial Service. Pastor Terry Tyler will officiate. Inurnment will follow later this year in Scotland.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Goshen Home Care and Hospice.

Tanner Gene Zimmerman, infant son of Gene and Mary Neely Zimmerman, of Goshen, was stillborn at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at home.

Surviving are his parents: Gene and Mary Zimmerman; a brother: Trace Zimmerman; sisters: Madelyn and Ciarra Zimmerman, all at home; grandparents: Cynthia and Timothy Neely, Osceola; Arthur and Lois Zimmerman, Nappanee; great-grandparents: Naaman and Ruth Martin, Wakarusa; and great-grandmother: Wilma Plotner, Elkhart.

Private family services are being planned.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.

Dennis “Denny” Gene Smith, 67, of New Paris, died at 11:33 am, Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient for 11 days after a short illness.

He was born Sept. 11, 1947, in Goshen to Louis M. and Hilda L. Pfeiffer Smith.

He had lived his lifetime in the Nappanee/New Paris area. Smith was a 1956 graduate of Nappanee High School. He had worked at New Paris Telephone Company from 1968–1984. Smith was on the New Paris Jackson Townships Fire and EMS from 1975–1990. He helped start and served on the New Paris Emergency Service. Smith completed many fire and Emergency service classes. He was an Indiana Certified Emergency Medical Technician and was an American Red Cross Instructor.

He was a member of the Bremen VFW Post 8972, the Nappanee SAL Squadron 154, and Fraternal Order of Eagles 3760 in Syracuse.

Smith married Donna L. Long on Dec. 18, 2004. She survives; along with a son, Michael A. (Kelly) Smith, Bel-Air, Md.; a stepdaughter, Brenda L. Falcon, Syracuse; stepsons, Robert E. Long, Eic L. (Rhonda) Long, both of Syracuse, David M. (Daphne) Long, Virginia; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Kay (Ron) Bechler, Goshen.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Davis; brother, David Smith, and his parents.

Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bremen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Jackson Township Fire and EMS.

June Evelyn Mishler, 85, of Nappanee, passed away at 2:05 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa. She was a lifelong resident of Union Township and lived in the same farm house all of her life.

She was born June 7, 1929, to James C. and Bessie E. (Brown) Mishler and was a descendant of a number of pioneer Union Township families, e.g., Mishler, Brown, Stump, Stouder and Miller.

June was a graduate of New Paris High School and attended business classes in Fort Wayne.

Upon completion of her education, June responded to a request by Township Trustee Ansel Fervida to help in the kitchen and answer the telephone at Union Center School at CR 48 and 11. That beginning was the foundation for 30 years of service to the school, its teachers and students as school secretary.

During her tenure, Union Center School shared a principal with Harrison Township School. The school secretary often was the sole source of administrative support for teachers and students. She often drove ill students home from school if they couldn’t wait for the school bus, and provided whatever personal services were required by both teachers and students.

June also provided floral arrangements for the Union Center Church of the Brethren for 30 years and helped her sister, Lavonne, provide similar services to the Bethany Church of the Brethren. June was a life-long member, generous volunteer, and Sunday school teacher at the Union Center Church of the Brethren.

June maintained an active interest in genealogy and Union Township history. She assisted her sister, Helen who acquired and refurbished the Daniel Stump Homestead, located near the corner of CR 50 and 15. During the early transformation of the Homestead, the two sisters, singlehandedly cleared underbrush and trash from around several original buildings on the homestead. Later, they funded the restoration of the buildings, including a log main house and summer kitchen. Two barns were relocated on the Homestead in 1996 through 2002 which now serve as “people barns” which can each accommodate large groups.

Mishler is survived by her sister: Helen Louise Mishler, Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: infant, Miriam Mishler and Lavonne B. Amo.

Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 3, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Union Center Church of the Brethren. Rev. Frank Ramirez will officiate and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Union Center Church of the Brethren.

Walter Edwin Burkholder Jr., 67, of 11290 N 900 W, Nappanee, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, at his residence.

He was born July 23, 1947, in Goshen to Walter Edwin Sr. and Edna M. (Slabaugh) Burkholder.

Mr. Burkholder lived most of his life in this area. He married Eva Mae Kemp Sept. 9, 1972, in Nappanee. He was a duck farmer and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Mr. Burkholder is survived by his wife: Eva; daughters: Marlene (Ernest) Slabaugh, Milford; Rhoda (Lloyd) McCoige, Lakeville; Sandra (Floyd) Mullet, Etna Green; Elaine (Garry) Miller, Leesburg; sons: Aaron (Loretta) Burkholder, Brian (Neva) Burkholder, Michael (Elaine) Burkholder, all of Milford; 26 grandchildren; sister: Rosa Burkholder, Bourbon; and brothers: Lavern (Gertie) Burkholder, Garrnett, Kan.; Glen (Freida) Burkholder, Goshen; Wade (Miriam) Burkholder, Etna Green; and Norman (Dora) Burkholder, Bourbon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law: Daniel Kemp; and a sister-in-law: Verna Burkholder.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, and all day Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the David Lee Miller residence, 11464 N 900 W., Nappanee. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Joseph Hochstetler residence, 9304 W 1200 N, Nappanee. The Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in Graber Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Marvin Chupp, Joe Hochstetler, David Lee Miller, Sam Miller, Jason Stutzman and Lee Yoder.

Marjorie (Fox) Adams Miller, 81, of Nappanee, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 10:22 a.m., Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Jan. 30, 1934, in Milford to George and Ruth (Fisher) Fox. She lived her lifetime in this area. Marjorie was a graduate of Milford High School. She married Richard B. ‘Babe’ Adams Oct. 31, 1952, in Milford. He preceded her in death Nov. 13, 2000. Her second marriage was to Max Miller April 2, 2005.

Marjorie had worked at Johnson Controls for many years. She was a member of Nappanee Church of the Brethren. Marjorie enjoyed walking, traveling and playing cards.

Surviving is her husband: Max; daughters: Londa (Mark) Newcomer, Cindy Dodson Douglas; son, Richard (Brenda) Adams, all of Nappanee; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; stepdaughters, Pam Todd , Florida, Cindy Swinehart, Millersburg; stepsons, Mike (Pam) Miller, Goshen, Gary (Jackie) Miller, Elkhart; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; sister, Lois Hostetter, Nappanee; and brother, Virgil “Dean” Fox, Carthage, IN. She was preceded in death by son-in –law, Ron Douglas; a great granddaughter, Kaitlyn Parker; sisters, Dorothy Adams, Marie “Melba” Spence; and brothers, David, Robert, and Andy Fox.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Nappanee Church of the Brethren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the church. Rev. Byrl Shaver will officiate and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee Church of the Brethren.

Antonio Martinez, 79, of Nappanee, died Sunday at 2:40 a.m. at Elkhart County Hospice House.

He was born June 19, 1935, in Saginaw, Mich., to Jose and Tomasa (Cruz) Sanchez. He moved to the Nappanee area in 1997. He worked for CJ Rogers Construction until he started his own business Martinez Construction and Sons in Michigan. He retired from there and worked at McCormick Motors in Nappanee until his retirement. He was an avid deer hunter, and he enjoyed camping, motorcycles and trucks. Antonio married Maria Villanueva on Jan. 26, 1961, in Saginaw.

She survives, along with sons: Mark Martinez, Elkhart; Christopher Martinez, Mishawaka; Greg Martinez, Austin, Texas; daughters: Stephanie (Gregory) Sieja, Lakeville, Minn.; Lisa (Chris) Bean, Nappanee; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers: Tom Martinez, Austin, Texas; Frank Martinez, Saginaw; and sisters: Janie Martinez, Brunswick, Maine; Connie Delgado, Saginaw.

He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Cremation will take place and there will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the First Church of God in Nappanee.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Brody Osborn, infant son of Mark and LeAnn Osborn , Nappanee, died at 11:55 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, shortly after birth at Kosciusko Community Hospital.

Surviving along with his parents are a sister: Ashlee Osborn, at home; grandparents: Clark (Peg) Heckaman, Nappanee; Mike (Jan) Osborn, Goshen; grandfather: David Miller, Milford; and extended family.

Preceding him in death is a grandmother Laura Miller. There will be a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at at Stony Point Cemetery. The Rev. Michael Peterson will officiate. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Betty Lou Hochstetler, 72, of Milford, died at 12:20 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at her residence of acute leukemia. 

She was born July 22, 1942, in Milford to Elmer and Alda (Farmwald) Slabaugh. She married LeRoy R. Hochstetler Sept. 27, 1962. 

Mrs. Hochstetler was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Surviving is her husband: LeRoy; daughters: Cheryl (Willis) Miller, Milford; Marla (Paul) Stutzman, Leann (Joseph) Miller, Lora (Duane) Miller, all of Nappanee; Evonne (DeWayne) Miller, Middlebury; 19 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and brothers: Richard (Ada) Slabaugh, Nappanee; Allen (Ellen) Slabaugh, and Lyle (Barbara) Slabaugh, both of Milford. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5, and all day Friday, March 6 at the Willis Miller residence, located at 12711 N CR 400W. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, also at Willis Millers. Officiating will be the Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in West Union Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Delbert Miller, Nelson Slabaugh, Ernie Miller, Don Helmuth, Larry Lehman and Arlen Lehman.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Scott F. Roy, 44, Ligonier, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2015, in Topeka, Ind.

He was born on Jan. 3, 1971, in LaGrange, Ind., to Fred and Linda (Troyer) Roy.

He graduated from West Noble High School in 1989. He was employed by J.W. Priest and Son Lumber Yard in Topeka alongside his father for over 20 years. For the last couple of years, Scott worked for S&H Metal in Topeka. His children were his life. He loved hunting and fishing with his kids. He coached baseball for his kids and loved watching their sporting events. Scott did not know a stranger. He always found someone he knew to talk to, no matter where he went. He was loved by all who met him.

Scott is survived by his parents; his wife: Tina Roy, of Ligonier; his children: Meagan, Cameron, Landon and Laci Roy, all at home; a sister: Kristina Roy-McDonald, of Ligonier; two grandmothers: Wava (Wiard) Roy, Topeka, and Idella Troyer, Sturgis, Mich.; nieces and nephews: Preston Halsey, Bryce Salzbrun, Beatrice Harlan and Olivia McDonald. His monster cat, Maxx, also survives.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bernard Roy, his grandparents, Wilbur and Elizabeth Troyer.

A funeral service in his honor will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday March 10 at Ligonier United Methodist Church, The Crosswalk. Pastor Harold Gingerich and Pastor Lynn Stutzman will officiate. Pastor Jill Wright will assist with services. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery in Topeka. A time of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Monday, March 9 at the Crosswalk, as well as two hours prior to the funeral on Tuesday at the Crosswalk. Memorial contributions may be given to the family for Scott’s children’s college funds.

Violet Lutes, 101, formerly of Nappanee, died at 12:20 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Milford after a brief illness. She had resided there for the last 2 ½ years.

Violet was born Oct. 7, 1913, in Kosciusko County to Paul and Ida (Mock) Buhrt. She married Herman C. Lutes Aug. 15, 1934. He preceded in death Feb. 24, 1998.

She was a lifetime area resident. She was the oldest living graduate of Milford High School, graduating in 1931. She had worked at Blue Bell in Nappanee. Violet enjoyed sewing and sewed for many people in this area. She loved her grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Surviving are sons: Charles Lutes, Bremen, James (Lorrie) Lutes, Greenwood; daughter-in-law: Thelma (Don) Rink, Nappanee; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister: Mable Waldbeser, Milford; and brothers: Robert (Laura) Buhrt, Milford, and John Buhrt, Warsaw.

She was preceded in death by a son: Robert “Ben” Lutes; sister: Florence Nemeth; and brothers: Lewis Buhrt and Ray Buhrt.

Family and friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Stony Point Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southern Care Hospice.

Clara Lucille Burkholder, daughter of Henry and Lizzy (Yoder) Schmucker, wife of Edward J. Burkholder, passed away at 6:30 p.m. April 9, 2015.

Clara was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

She is survived by a son: Oscar (Maude) Burkholder, Bremen; daughters: Loretta (Eli) Yutzy, Bremen; Ina Marie (Jonas-deceased) Mullet, Nappanee; Elizabeth Jane (Pheanis) Wickey, Bremen; 36 grandchildren and 192 great-grandchildren. 

Clara was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers; six sisters; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Clara loved poetry and wrote many poems.  She has poem book out and other books in the making.

Visitation was held Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, at the Pheanis Wickey residence in Bremen. Funeral services were held Sunday, April 12, also at the Pheanis Wickey residence. Home Ministry of the Church officiated and burial was held in Borkholder Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.