Joshua Rogel, 32 of South Bend, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence, Tuesday, April 21, 2015.

He was born April 22, 1983, to Gary L. and Robin  (Loshbough) Rogel in Watervliet, Mich. Joshua was a miniature tractor collector.

Joshua is survived by his mother: Robin Rogel, Nappanee; father: Gary (Carolyn) Rogel, New Paris; sisters: Jennifer (Russ) Price, Nappanee; Micah (Rob) Hamanaka, Chicago, Ill.; grandmother: Margaret Rogel, Kewadin, Mich.; and his nieces and nephew: Ryan, Rylie, Jessie Price and Maria Hamanaka.

Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2014, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral Services will follow at 12 p.m. His father will lead the service and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Heifer Project.

Kenneth V. Emerick, age 99, of South Bend, died peacefully at 5:40 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Hospice House, South Bend, after a short illness. He was born May 8, 1915 in Warsaw to Oscar Ray and Dessie Alice (Linn) Emerick.

Mr. Emerick lived most of his life in South Bend. He was a graduate of Riley High School in South Bend. He was a WW II Army Veteran. On Nov. 11, 1945, he married Mary E. Teeter in Syracuse. She preceded in death April 19, 2000.

Mr. Emerick was a member of American Legion Post #284 in South Bend and the South Bend VFW. He was also a member of NRA. Mr. Emerick had worked in experimental Engineering at Bendix for over 30 years.

Surviving is his son: Kenneth Emerick, South Bend; and a granddaughter: Amber Marie Emerick, Phoenix, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by a sister: Juanita Johnson; and brothers: Norman; Robert Oscar; and Donald Emerick.

Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the funeral home. Burial will be in South Union Cemetery, with military graveside services by Nappanee American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice House.

Michael D. Kern, 59, of Elkhart, died on at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Golden Living Center in Elkhart where he had been for two weeks.

He was born Oct. 17, 1955, in Elkhart, to Max and Marian (Ingle) Kern.

He lived most of his life in the Nappanee area and was self-employed for several years, and was a former employee of Reese-Cequent Incorporation in Goshen. He enjoyed wood working.

Surviving are a brother Rick (Martha) Kern of Elkhart, sister Diane (Tom) Buday of Goshen; nieces Shannon Proffitt, Kim Garner, and Amanda Buday; great nieces Hope and Brittany Proffitt, Norah Garner, and great-great niece Laiken Proffitt.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, Pha Kern.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Union Center Cemetery, Nappanee.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Center for Hospice Care.

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

Amos Jesse Sheets, 92, formerly of Nappanee, died at 12:05 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2015, at Greencroft Nursing Center, Goshen, where he had resided for five years.

He was born March 18, 1923, in Locke Township to Curtis and Chloe (Pippenger) Sheets.

Amos lived his lifetime in this area and was a 1941 graduate of Nappanee High School and was the salutatorian of his class.

On Feb. 14, 1945, he married Virginia Jackson in Gravelton. She preceded him in death Sept. 10, 2014.

Amos was a farmer and worked in woodworking. He retired from Interior Woodworking Corp. in New Paris. Amos had served on the Elkhart County Soil Conservation Board and Elkhart County Drainage Board. He was also an Elkhart County Commissioner. He was a member of Union Center Church of the Brethren where he served as a deacon. He had also attended Turkey Creek Church of the Brethren.

Amos was also active in preserving the history of the One Room Schools in our area. In 2001 he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Gov. Frank O’Bannon.

Surviving are his children, daughter, Jeanne (Howard) Cross, Nappanee; sons, Sam (Brenna) Sheets, Jack Sheets, both of Nappanee, Dan (Pam) Sheets, Fayetteville, N.C.; grandchildren, Robert Cross, Samantha Wilson-Raza, Sonya Wolfe, Andy Sheets, Joe Sheets, Katelyn Sheets, Maggie Sheets; 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Norma Mikel, Edwardsburg, Mich., and Ruth Anglemyer, Nappanee.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jesse Sheets; a sister, Dorothy Klotz; and brothers, Russell and Carl Sheets.

Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2015, at Union Center Church of the Brethren and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Tuesday, May 12, at the Church. 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 or Greencroft.

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

Carolyn J. Weber, 78, formerly of Nappanee, died at 5:53 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2015, at Lakeland Rehab and Healthcare in Milford.

She was born Aug. 20, 1936, in Kosciusko County to Ivan and Mildred (Stouder) Martz.    She was married to Arthur “Red” Weber Aug. 11, 1967, at their home on Jackson Street in Nappanee by Rev. Baker.

The Webers were former owners of Gold Crown Lanes and Torch Lounge in Nappanee.  Carolyn was a member of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary 154.  She had served as Auxiliary president and treasurer for several years.

In 1985, she received the high honor for District 3 as state president for the Department of Indiana. She was a life member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary 6638, later transferred to 1342. In 1986, she was elected president for the Third District of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Color Guard. Carolyn also enjoyed crafts, puzzles and reading.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter: Kathy (Dale) Cline, Nappanee; sons: Kevin (Jeri) Hand, Milford, Kenton Weber, Oklahoma City; son-in-law: Gary Heckathorn; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister: Sandi Martz, Mishawaka; brothers:  Richard (Kathy) Martz, Leipsic, Ohio, Gary (Lavonna) Martz, Nappanee, Dennis and Ron (Nancy) Martz, both of Elkhart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter: Barbara Heckathorn; sister: Marilyn Hamilton; brother: Ivan Martz Jr. and companion Jim Fervida.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 also at the Funeral  Home. Officiating will be Rev. Janet McFall-Brown of First Mennonite Church in Nappanee.  Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Lakeland Rehab and Healthcare for activities or Goshen Home Care Hospice.

Dorothy Lucille Matz, 94, formerly of the Bremen area, died after a brief illness at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Millers Merry Manor, Wakarusa, where she had resided the last 10 years.

Dorothy was born March 18, 1921, in Bremen to George Martin and Dorothy (Hardy) Reed. She lived her lifetime in this area. She married Roscoe W. Matz, Sept. 6, 1944, in South Carolina. He preceded in death in 1980. She was a housewife and a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Bremen.

Surviving are her daughters: Molly ( Dennis) Hartzell and Connie Click, both of Nappanee; grandchildren: Danielle Dodwell, Troy Buell and Dawn Wigent, all of Nappanee, Paul Buell, Elkhart, Ryder Tinkey, Syracuse; eight great-grandchildren; a sister: Linda Corwin, Wakarusa; a brother: George Jr. Reed, Mentone; sister-in-law: Julia Reed, Nappanee; nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; stepmother: Flossie Reed; her husband, sisters: Cora “Skeet” Truex and Glenice Reed; brothers: Lewis “Bill” and Glen Reed; stepsisters: Dora Gosbin, Betty Miller, Maxine Ryman; and stepbrother: Charles “Bud” Gaut.

Family and friends may call from 1–3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. Pastor Norm Reimer will officiate and burial will be in Bremen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Family Christian Development Center or Open Door.

Ann M. Stutzman, 75, formerly of Milford, died at 4:55 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2015, at IU Health Goshen Hospital.

She had been in ill health and had been a patient at Courtyard in Goshen.  Stutzman was born July 17, 1939, to Garland L. and Elinore (Yarian) Enyeart in Wabash. On Oct. 19, 1957, she married Lamar D. Stutzman in Nappanee. He preceded in death August 11, 2001.

Ann was a graduate of Bethany Christian High School. She had been a lifetime resident of Milford. She had worked at Choretime in Milford for 25 years. Ann attended First Church of God in Nappanee, where she volunteered for Church meals.

Surviving are her children: Charolette (William J. ) Yoder, Millersburg; Sonya Stutzman, Syracuse; Philip (Sue) Stutzman, Greg Stutzman, both of Milford; grandchildren: Kathy (Carl) Boatman, Sarasota, Fla.; Brian Yoder, Lisa Yoder, both of Elkhart; Derek Stutzman, Syracuse; sister: Pat Borkholder, Warsaw; brothers: Keith Enyeart, North Webster; and Kenny Euyeart, Fort Worth, Texas

She was preceded in death by a brother: Ed Euyeart.

Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 18, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, at First Church of God. Rev. Sam Bennett will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Church Cemetery.

Bryan Jarvis Carter, age 82, of Nappanee, died on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at his home together with his loving wife.

He was born April 30, 1933 in Rutledge, Tenn., to Conley and Bessie (McElhaney) Carter.

He married Diane Smeltzer on August 23, 1959. She died with him on June 4, 2015.

He lived most of his lifetime in Nappanee. Bryan was in the United States Army and served in Germany. He was a graduate of Bourbon High School and a graduate of Manchester College, and also he received his master’s degree from Indiana University.

He was a retired NorthWood High School Business Teacher, where he taught for 40 years. He was the “Voice of the NorthWood Panthers” for 50 years. Bryan was also in the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame, and was the founder/former member of the Optimist Club in Nappanee. He was a member of Union Center Church of the Brethren where he served as a deacon. He played Santa Claus for many school, church, and special events, and for friends. He and his wife were winter residents of Mission, Texas.

Surviving are a daughter Shelley (Troy Finefrock) Bond, Nappanee; sons Tracy (Sandra) Carter, Nappanee, Stacy (Suzi) Carter, Elkhart; foster daughter, Deborah (Cesar) de Molina, of Colorado; grandchildren, Cassandra Graber, Gabrielle Graber, Andrew Jarvis “AJ” Carter, Dylan Carter, Travis Carter, and Branston Finefrock; sister Frances Berkey of Bourbon, and brother Kyle (Bev) Carter of Etna Green. He was preceded in death by granddaughter McKyla “Kylie-K” Finefrock.

Friends and family may call on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, June 10 at Union Center Church of the Brethren. Rev. Frank Ramirez and Rev. Rhonda Dorn will officiate.

Burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to The Galilean Children’s Home (712 South Fork Church Road/P.O. Box 880, Liberty, KY, 42539).

Diane K. Carter, age 76, of Nappanee, died on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at her home together with her loving husband.

She was born September 24, 1939, in New Paris, to Wayne and Mary (Mishler) Smeltzer.

She married Bryan Jarvis Carter on Aug. 23, 1959, in New Paris. He died with her on June 4, 2015.

She was a lifetime area resident. She retired from Supersweet (A.D.M.) Feeds in Nappanee, where she worked for over 25 years. She was a member of the Union Center Church of the Brethren, where she served as deaconess, the former secretary, and was a part of the jail ministry. She also enjoyed singing for many church engagements. Diane was a volunteer at the Nappanee Public Library. She and her husband were winter residents of Mission, Texas. She was the “best” mom in the world.

Surviving are a daughter Shelley (Troy Finefrock) Bond, Nappanee; sons Tracy (Sandra) Carter, Nappanee, Stacy (Suzi) Carter, Elkhart; foster daughter, Deborah ( Cesa) de Molina, of Colorado; grandchildren, Cassandra Graber, Gabrielle Graber, Andrew Jarvis “AJ” Carter, Dylan Carter, Travis Carter, and Branston Finefrock; and sister Donna (Larry) Herr of Nappanee. She was preceded in death by granddaughter McKyla “Kylie-K” Finefrock, and brother Lynn Smeltzer.

Friends and family may call on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, June 10,at Union Center Church of the Brethren. Rev. Frank Ramirez and Rev. Rhonda Dorn will officiate.

Burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to The Galilean Children’s Home, 712 South Fork Church Road/P.O. Box 880, Liberty, KY, 42539.

Lorene M. Harman, age 86, of Nappanee, died peacefully at 9:44 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Elkhart Hospice House, after a short illness. She was born Oct. 7, 1928, in Warsaw to George F. and Gladys E. (Kring) Grimm. She married Richard Lee Harman, May 24, 1947. He preceded in death March 18, 2010.

Mrs. Harman lived her lifetime in this area. She attended Nappanee Schools. Lorene was a housewife and had worked on the family farm. She had also worked at Wegmiller’s Dimestore, Family Fare, 1st National Bank in Nappanee, and managed the Box Office at Amish Acres. She had also been a hostess at Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Elkhart and Florida.

Mrs. Harman was a member of First Brethren Church in Nappanee and former member of First United Church of Christ in Bourbon . She had also been a member of a Home Economics Club.

Lorene is survived by a daughter: Sonya L. (Richard) Nash, Granger; sons: Larry L. (Cindy) Harman, Elkhart; Gail L. (Denise) Harman, Nappanee; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, with number 13 expected in October; a great-great-granddaughter; and sisters: Bonnie Hepler, Nappanee; JoAnn (Gene) Proctor, Seattle, Wa.; and Sue Ringenberg, Nappanee. She was preceded in death by a son: Gregory; brothers; Carlyle; Max; George Jr.; Billy Ned Grimm; and sister: Marilyn Kay Grimm.

Family and friends may call from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral Services will begin at 6 p.m. Rev. Tom Schiefer will officiate and burial will be in South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Elkhart Hospice House.

Omer E. Hochstetler, age 87, Milford, died at 2:04 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the home of his son, LaMar Hochstetler.

He had been ailing for several years. Mr. Hochstetler was born Feb. 11, 1928, in Kosciusko County, to Eli J. and Sarah (Miller) Hochstetler. On Aug. 15, 1948, he married Wilma Hochstetler. Mr. Hochstetler was a lifetime area resident. He was a retired carpenter and had worked at Gehl Industry in Nappanee. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Mr. Hochstetler is survived by his wife: Wilma; children: Lamar O. (Sarah) Hochstetler, Milford; LeAnna (Neal) Bontrager, Colon, Mich.; Paul D. (Kathryn) Hochstetler, Goshen; Mary Ellen (Allen) Schwartz, Milford; Henry E. (Rose) Hochstetler, Bremen; 39 grandchildren; 105 great-grandchildren; sisters: Verda (Levi J.S. -preceded in death) Hochstetler, Nappanee; Ellen (John J. -preceded in death) Chupp, Nappanee; brothers: Jesse (Wilma) Hochstetler; Lonnie (Verba) Hochstetler; Earl (Erma) Hochstetler, all of Nappanee; and Marvin Hochstetler, Goshen.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Rosanna Bontrager; sisters: Edna Chupp; Lavina Miller; Sylvia Lehman; Mattie Yoder; and brothers: Willis and Glen Hochstetler.

Family and friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday, July 30, and all day Friday at the Allen Schwartz’s residence at 4719 W. 1050 N. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, also at the Allen Schwartz residence. Biship Lyle Yoder and the home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate. Burial will be in Graber Cemetery.

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

David W. Mattern, 32, of Mishawaka, formerly of Nappanee, died unexpectedly at 2:50 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at his residence of natural causes.

He was born June 11, 1983, in Elkhart to Dennis and Kathy (Bennett) Mattern. David was a lifetime resident of this area. He was a graduate of NorthWood High School and Purdue University. He was the manager of Nappanee Veterinary Hospital. David was a 10 year 4-H member of the Beef and Swine clubs. He was a history buff and enjoyed woodworking and video games.

Mattern is survived by his parents: Dennis and Kathy; brother: Rev. John (Emily) Mattern, Greensburg; sister: Beth (Ryan) Stutzman, Salt Lake City, Utah; and nieces and nephews: Elijah and Luke Mattern; Claire and Elliott Stutzman.

Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015, and for 1 hour prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service, Monday, Aug. 3, all at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. His brother, Rev. John Mattern will assist with Funeral Services. Burial will be in South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to NorthWood Scholarship Foundation.

Darlene J. Conrad, age 91, of Nappanee, died at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at the home of her niece in Syracuse, after a short illness. She was born March 8, 1924, in Scott Township to Ivan and Daisy
(Pippenger) Haney. On June 12, 1943, she married Lowell “Dutch” Conrad in Eaton Town New Jersey. He preceded her in death Feb. 14, 2008.

Mrs. Conrad was a lifetime area resident. She graduated from Nappanee High School in 1941. She farmed with her husband for many years and was a dedicated volunteer for World Missionary Press. Darlene was a member of Hepton Union Church and served as the church organist. She was a member of Nappanee Caregivers.

Surviving are nieces; nephews; great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant son: Joseph William Conrad.

Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19,  at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 3:00 pm, Thursday, Aug. 20, at Hepton Union Church. Rev. Eric Eickhoff will officiate and burial will be in Hepton Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hepton Union Church or World Missionary Press.

Larry L. Herr, 72, Nappanee, died at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw. For several years, he had suffered from complications of diabetes.

Larry was born Jan. 21, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was adopted by Floyd B. and Lulu (Berger) Herr, and graduated from Wakarusa High School in 1961. He married Donna Smeltzer Oct. 9, 1965, at Union Center Church of the Brethren.

Herr was a lifetime Kosciusko resident. After high school, he did work in Chicago concerning civil rights for Brethren Volunteer Service. During that time he participated in the Martin Luther King March on Washington. He had worked at CTS for 14 years. He had also worked at Eby Auto Sales in Wakarusa and Nappanee and then owned and operated Larry Herr Motors in Nappanee.

Larry was a member of Union Center Church of the Brethren. He was an outdoorsman, loved archery and was an avid hunter.

Surviving are his wife: Donna Herr; daughter: Carissa (Brad) Wuertemberger, Huntersville, N.C.; grandchildren: Lillian Mae;  and Elsa Mary Wuertemberger. 

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Elana Reese Wuertemberger.

Family and friends may call from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  Monday, Aug. 24, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and for one hour prior to the Funeral Service which will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Union Center Church of the Brethren. Rev. Frank Ramirez and Rev. Rhonda Dorn will officiate. Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to Holt International, Eugene, Ore., or Union Center Church of the Brethren.

Virginia Mead, 86, of Bourbon, died at 2:05 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Milford from an extended illness.

Virginia was born Aug. 23, 1928, in Bremen to David and Mable (Miller) Schuch. She had lived in the Bourbon area, traveling back and forth from Jupita, Fla. and Ontario, Canada.

Virginia married Thomas Brooke Tregunno on Jan. 3, 1980, in Toronto, Canada, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 20, 2004. Virginia was a Sales Representative for Clinique, and was a member of the Rainbow Girls. She kept her deep faith until she went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Surviving are sister: Doris Stiver, Winona Wake; niece: Callie (David) Coppes, Warsaw; great-nieces: Krista (Andrew) Plank, Noblesville, and Erin (Neal) Morrison, Bangor, Maine.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Virginia’s wishes were to be cremated, and there will be a graveside service at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Bremen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Child Evangelism Fellowship. Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home is helping the family with arrangements.

Jill McLean Stover, age 81, passed away peacefully at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, surrounded by family at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Milford.

She was born in Hillsdale, MI on July 6, 1934.  Jill graduated from Hillsdale High School in  1952 and married her husband of 60 years, Bob Stover, at the end of their junior year in Hillsdale College.  She graduated cum laude from Hillsdale College in 1956.  Jill taught high school English for a year after college and then focused on raising her family. Jill and Bob have three daughters: Julie Stover, Kalamazoo, Mich; Laura (Eric) Basset, Los Angeles, Calif.; and Sallie (Tim) Hanson, New Carlisle; and grandchildren: Isabelle and Robert Hanson; and Luc Basset. Jill has a surviving sister: Marcia Van Deusen, Hillsdale, Mich.She was preceded in death by her mother: Inez Baker McLean; and father: Alan McLean.

Jill was a loving, caring mother and devoted many years to raising and nurturing her daughters. She also had a passion for the arts and theatre and was very active for many years in the Nappanee Civic Theatre.  Jill did her graduate studies in English Literature at the University of Notre Dame and while there took classes in theatre at St. Mary’s College. Jill and Bob purchased the enchanted Hills Playhouse in Syracuse, and Jill ran the operation for nine years, producing primarily musicals. She then opened the Plain and Fancy productions at Amish Acres in Nappanee and went on to form her own theatre company called, Playhouse Productions and produced Dinner Mystery Theatre performances for eleven more years before retiring.

Jill was a very creative and loving person and enjoyed her family and many friends.  She was a wonderful woman who marched to the beat of her own drummer. Her wisdom, quick wit and knowledge of most all Jeopardy questions were all amazing traits.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her daughters who benefited from her integrity and positive outlook on life.

A  special thanks goes out to the nurses, aides, and staff at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the great care and support provided to Jill and family during her stay there.

Family and friends may call from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will begin at 6. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Bankers Cemetery, Hillsdale, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to  the Alzheimer’s Association.

Bradley Devon Eby, age 56, Nappanee, died surrounded by his family after a nine year battle with cancer (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia), at 6:23 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus. He was born Sept. 11, 1959, in Elkhart to Devon and Elaine (Neff) Eby. On June 11, 1994, he married Connie Kirkdorffer.

Brad was a 1978 graduate of NorthWood High School where he was an outstanding Scholar Athlete, participating in football, basketball, and baseball . He received his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice at Indiana University. He later attended Indiana University South Bend and received his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education.

Mr. Eby was a Tulsa, Okla. city policeman for eight years prior to moving back to Nappanee. In 1990 he started teaching at NorthWood Middle School, where he was the seventh grade girls basketball coach. Brad also helped organize the fifth and sixth grade girls basketball programs and also was involved in the Upwards Basketball program, serving as an official. He owned Hoosier Monument Specialites and poured many foundations for NorthWood Monuments and other area monument companies.

Mr. Eby attended Nappanee Missionary Church. For many years, he volunteered and taught Sunday School at Wakarusa Missionary Church and currently at Nappanee Missionary Church. He was involved in Bible study groups that often met in his home. He was a leader of the Silent Witness Prayer Group at NorthWood Middle School which meets weekly with over 200 students attending. Brad helped organize and planned special Veteran’s programs including “See you at the Pole” at NorthWood Middle School. In 2014, he was named WaNee Educator of the year by the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered and coached with the Wakarusa Little League program.

Brad is survived by his wife: Connie Eby; daughters: Terin and family, Indianapolis; Eric and family, Nashville; son: Kirk, at home, and currently a student at Ball State University; four grandchildren: Ivy Bradley; Lauchlin David; Paisley Rose; Clay Edward; parents: Devon and Elaine Eby, Nappanee; sisters: Tereasa (Jim) Hess, Goshen; Tammy Snyder, Fishers; brother: Brian Eby, Indianapolis; mother and father-in-law: Larry and Mary Kirkdorffer, Milford; and sister-in-laws: Chris (Steve) Dahlgren, Riverside, Calif.; and Cheryl Miller, Milford.

A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Nappanee Missionary Church. Pastors Jon Andrews and Terry Bley will officiate. Following cremation, inurnment will take place at a later date at South Union Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to make memorial contributions to the James Cancer Center for research for CLL at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

Arrangements are entrusted to Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home.

Lois Ilene Miller

Lois Ilene Miller, 88, Nappanee, passed away in her home that she shared with her daughter, at 2:05 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. She was born March 24, 1927, in Elkhart to Albert and Eva Wilson. On Dec. 3, 1966, she married Harold J. Miller, Nappanee, in Hutchinson, Kan. He preceded in death Nov. 2, 2014.

Survivors include two daughters: Gay Lynn (Mark) Sellers, Elk Grove, Ill., and Kay Marie (Doug) McMullen, Nappanee; four grandchildren: Kelly Fisher, Nappanee, Jessica (Chad) Haviland, Wakarusa, Ashley (Ryan) Joyce, Chicago, Ill., and Corey Sellers, Elk Grove, Ill.; two great-grandchildren: Allison Slagle and Cadence Fisher, Nappanee; and a sister, Doris (Robert) Knox, Edwardsburg, Mich.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral Services will follow at 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association.

Ralph L. Greene, age 94, of Elkhart and formerly of Nappanee, died Oct. 7, 2015, at Hubbard Hill Estates, where he has resided since January 2, 2007.

Ralph was born July 29, 1921, to Harry and Grace (Lamb) Greene in Nappanee.

He graduated from Nappanee High School in 1939. He continued his education at Fort Wayne International Business College, graduating in 1940.

On Dec. 20, 1941, he married Dorothy L. Hoover in Nappanee.

Ralph entered the US Army in November, 1941, where he served in Africa, Corsica, and Italy. He was discharged as a Master Sergeant in November, 1945. After his discharge he worked at the State Bank of Nappanee for one year, then became an insurance agent for Equitable Life Insurance Company, retiring on July 29, 2005, after 59 years of service.

Mr. Greene was a member of the Grace Point Presbyterian Church, serving as elder and also clerk of the session for 17 years. He was City Clerk of Nappanee for 14 years, at which time he was appointed Mayor and served in 1962 and 1963. He served on Elkhart County Council for eight years and then was appointed to serve as representative at Elkhart General Hospital. Ralph served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for seven years. He was a Mason for over 50 years and was a 50 year member of Nappanee Noon Kiwanis with perfect attendance.

Mr. Greene is survived by a son: Tom (Claudine) Greene, Western Springs, Ill.; a daughter: Kathy (Frank) Weidner, Nappanee; sister-in-law: Anita (Wendell) Sheets, Nappanee; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren with twin great-grandchildren expected in December.

He was preceded by his wife, Dorothy, March 23, 2010.

Family and friends may call for 1 hour prior to the 3 p.m. funeral service, Monday, Oct. 12 in the Chapel at Hubbard Hill Estates. Rev. Terry Tyler will officiate with Chaplain Tim Henke assisting. Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Point Presbyterian Church.

Timothy Jacob Furney, 20, Syracuse, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, from a train accident in New Paris.

He was born May 18, 1995, in Warsaw, to Bruce and Minnie (Smith) Furney, Jr. He was a 2013 graduate of Fairfield High School. He worked at Rotational Molding Technologies (RomoTech) in New Paris.

He is survived by his mother: Minnie Furney, Syracuse; daughter: Emma Elizabeth Furney, New Paris; sisters: Jennifer and Sarah Furney, both of Syracuse; grandfather: Bruce Furney Sr., Warsaw; niece: Aubree Yoder, Syracuse; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father: Bruce Furney Jr., and grandmothers: Mary Furney; and Kelly Smith.

Timothy will be cremated, and there will be visitation from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. A time of sharing is set for 6 p.m. also at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Timothy Jacob Furney Memorial Fund.