Rosa M. Miller, 88, Nappanee, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at Elkhart General Hospital, where she had been a patient since Monday.

She was born Nov. 1, 1928 in Nappanee to Manas D. and Fannie C. (Hochstetler) Miller.

Rosa lived her lifetime in this area. She attended Weldy School and was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.  Rosa was a caregiver.

Surviving are nieces and nephews: Etta (Wayne) Risser, Elkhart; Rosa Newbry, Goshen; Viola Miller, Nappanee; Larry (Cyndy) Miller, Elkhart; Lanadell (Carl) Helmuth, Adair, Okla.; Wayne (Brenda) Miller, Elkhart; Joyce Evans, Nappanee; Sherri (Merle) Alderman, Nappanee; Rhonda (Jim) Bellman, Nappanee; and four cousins.  Preceding her in death were her parents and brothers, Harvey and Albert “Sunshine” Miller.

Family and friends may call after 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30 and all day, Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Earl Schwartz Residence (30538 CR 56).  Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 2 at the Schwartz residence. Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in Weldy Cemetery.

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

Mary Ann Miller Hochstetler, 90, Nappanee, died at 1:05 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at her daughter’s residence. 

She was born June 3, 1926 in Arthur, Ill. to Stephen and Emma (Gingerich) Miller.

On Oct. 20, 1949, she married Jonas Hochstetler. He preceded her in death Jan. 12, 1997.

Mrs. Miller lived her adult life in the Nappanee area. She was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Mrs. Miller is survived by seven children: LaVerne (Kathy) Hochstetler, Milford; Linda (Mel) Borkholder, Warsaw; Larry Hochstetler, Nappanee; Carol Jane Hochstetler, Nappanee; Jan (Pete) Bontrager, Goshen; Richard (Susannah) Centreville, Mich.; Lorraine (Everett) Borkholder, Nappanee; 26 grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren; and a sister, Mattie Brenneman, Arthur, Ill.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three grandchildren, a great grandchild, ten brothers, and a sister.

Family and friends may call after 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2  and all day Saturday, Dec. 3 at the family residence (26732 CR 52), where funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 4.  Bishop Lonnie Kauffman and the Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate.  Burial will be in West  Union Center Amish Cemetery.

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

Kim Ann Truex, 58, Nappanee, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at her residence of natural causes.

She was born June 20, 1958 in Three Rivers, Mich. to Lee and Bonnie (Treisch) Webb. She moved to the Elkhart area in 1975. Kim married Don Truex June 19, 1976 in Elkhart at Grace Brethren Church. She was a medical assistant at South Bend Clinic in Granger. She attended Nappanee United Methodist Church. Kim was active with all of her grandchildren. She liked to bowl and travel.  She also enjoyed cooking and shopping.

She is survived by husband, Don; sons: Matthew (fiancé Jamie Evans), New Paris; Christopher (Heather) Truex, Nappanee; Steven (Anna) Truex, Wakarusa; Corey Truex, Indianapolis; six grandchildren: David, Calix, Casin, Emma, Malcolm, and Zoey Truex;  four adopted grandchildren; mother, Bonnie Booth, Angola; brothers: Tracy (Sheila) Webb, Sturgis, Mich.; Brian (Natalie) Weible, Angola; sister, Pam (Greg) Smith, Quincy,  Mich.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lee, and niece, Abby Weible.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at Nappanee United Methodist Church. Pastor Jim Davidson will officiate.  Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Susan B. Komen Foundation.

Francis “Fritz” Bollman, 85, Nappanee, died at 5:15 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 at Lakeland Health Care Center, Milford, surrounded by his family. 

He had resided at Lakeland for four years. He was born July 15, 1931 in Elkhart County to Charles L. and Amelia (Wengerd) Bollman.

Francis Bollman attended Union Center School and lived his lifetime in the Bremen and Nappanee area.  On July 7, 1951, he married Delores Heckaman at Island Chapel Church.  Fritz had worked on the railroad for over 30 years.  He was a member of First Mennonite Church and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Surviving is his wife, Delores; children: Cathy (Thomas) Moody, Milford; Carol (Eric) Botset and Kim (Rick) Walters, both of Nappanee; Brad (Paula) Bollman, Bristol; 16 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by a son, Steve Bollman and sisters, Evelyn Bellman and Verda Weirich.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for 1 hour prior to the funeral service which  will be at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 14^th at First Mennonite Church.  Pastor S. Robert Rosa will officiate and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Children’s Bible Hour or Nappanee Open Door.

Online condolences may be given at www.tlyfh.com

Henry Hochstetler, 86, Nappanee, died at 5:25 a.m., Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at Signature Healthcare, Bremen, where he had been a resident for three weeks. 

He was born May 2, 1930 in Middlebury to Jerry and Emma (Eash) Hostetler. He grew up in the Middlebury area and has lived most of his life in the Nappanee area. Henry married Edna M. Miller Aug. 20, 1950 in Nappanee, she preceded him in death July 16, 2009.  He was a woodworker at Nappanee Wood Products. He most recently did lawn care at NWHS, he was very particular how the football field was mowed. Henry was a member of the North Main Street Mennonite Church.  He enjoyed his grandchildren.  Loved being outdoors, farming, and caring for his yard.

He is survived by a son, Henry Eugene (Anna) Hochstetler, Milford; daughters, Anna (Gary) Weaver, Battle Creek, Mich.; Diana (Steve) Yoder, Goshen; Debra (Dennis) Neidig, Bourbon; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sisters: Rachel (Edward) Hochstetler, Nappanee; Lizzie Ann Borkholder, Goshen; Esther Hochstetler, Bremen; Susie (Wilbur) Hochstetler; Charlotte, Mich.; Lucy Fry, and Emma Troyer, both of Lagrange; Anna Ard, Baytown, Texas; Martha (Don) Haab, Syracuse; Millie Fry, Shipshewana; brothers: Jacob (Sylvia) Hostetler, Warsaw; and  Jerry (Deb) Hostetler, Jr., Nappanee. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; a daughter, Anglia Sue Hochstetler; parents, Jerry and Emma; brothers, Levi and Amos Hostetler; and sister, Fannie Hochstetler. 

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14 at North Main Mennonite Church. Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 15 at South Union Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at North Main Mennonite Church.  Memorial contributions may be given to Family Christian Development Center.

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

Edna Mae Bender, 101, Milford, passed away at 10:02 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care.

She was born Aug. 14, 1915 in Au Gres, Mich. to Peter and Lydia (Knepp) Swartz. She moved to Indiana in 2000. Edna married Lloyd M. Bender in 1946, and he preceded her in death on April 25, 2007.

She was a member of Riverside Mennonite Church in Turner, Mich. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and was a great quilter.

Surviving are children: Elaine (Pat) Borsa, Etna Green; Karlan (Linda) Bender, Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Darwin Bender, Alger, Mich.; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Charles Bragg; brothers: Levi, John, and Elmer Swartz; and a sister: Rose Jantzi.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and also from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at Riverside Mennonite Church (3620 Twining Road, Turner, MI 48765). Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Riverside Mennonite Church. Lyle Swartz, Edna’s nephew, will officiate. Burial will follow at Sims- Whitney Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Feed the Children Organization.

Bernice E. Hollar, 95, Nappanee, died at 8:45 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse, where she had been a resident since January 2016.                

She was born June 28, 1921 in Elkhart County to Nelson VanBuren and Rosa Alta (Cripe) Fink. Bernice lived her lifetime in this area. Her first marriage was to Merl “Mose” Hamilton, July 6, 1939. He preceded her in death March 27, 1972.  Her second marriage was to Max “Dan” Hollar Jan. 6, 1977 in Nappanee. He preceded her in death March 11, 1989.

Bernice had been a helper to others, doing housework, ironing, elderly care and childcare.  She had also worked at Uline Manufacturing, Mutschler Brothers Kitchens, Raymonds , Main Grill, and Odies Restaurants.  She was a member of the Nappanee American Legion Auxiliary and a former member of the Syracuse VFW Auxiliary.

Surviving are sisters, Mildred Elliott, Goshen, Lula Jean Kirkpatrick, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by sisters, Vera Fink, Clara Moneyheffer, Dorothy Skirvin, infant sister, and brothers, Howard, Harold, Milton Fink.

Family and friends may call from 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 22 also at the Funeral  Home.

Officiating will be Rev. Byrl Shaver and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

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

Mary Evelyn Hochstetler, 85, Nappanee, passed away peacefully at 2:03 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2016 at her home. 

She was born Aug. 2, 1931 in Nappanee to Simon J. and Susie (Hochstetler) Slabaugh.  Mary lived her lifetime in this area.  On February 20, 1955 she married Eli J. Hochstetler in Nappanee.  He preceded her in death August 26, 1998.  She was a member of the Sandy Ridge Conservative Mennonite Church in Bremen.  Mary owned and operated Mary’s Pastries in Nappanee.

Surviving are her children, Glenn (Debra) Hochstetler, Plain City, Ohio; Doris (Cliff) Schrock, Arthur, Ill.; Karen Hochstetler, Goshen; Mark (Marsha) Hochstetler, Plain City, Ohio; Marie (Brandon) Mullet, Meadville, Penn.; Phillip (Rhoda) Hochstetler, Plain City, Ohio; Steve Hochstetler, Sarasota, Fla; JoAnna (J.D.) Kauffman, Nappanee; grandchildren: Jeff Hochstetler, Jenna Hochstetler, Doriece (Tom) Choy, Katie (Tim) Boggs, Justin (fiancé Miranda Myers) Hochstetler, Patrick Mullet, Kipp Mullet, Stuart Mullet, Christopher Mullet, Brooke (Mychal) Hill, Dustin Hochstetler, Ryan Hochstetler, Logan Kauffman, Randy Kauffman, Jannessa Kauffman, and Paxon Kauffman; great-grandson, Jayden Hill; siblings, Verna Yoder, Va.; Martha Schmucker; Barbara Hochstetler; John Slabaugh; Eddie Slabaugh, Va.; Esther Schwartz; Howard Slabaugh, Ohio; and Sue Mast, Ill. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eli; granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Kauffman; brothers, Omer, Junior, Larry, and Glenn Slabaugh. 

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Sandy Ridge Conservative Mennonite Church, (3085 7^th Rd, Bremen, IN). Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Bethel Conservative Mennonite Church Cemetery. 

A memorial service will follow at Sandy Ridge Conservative Mennonite Church at 11 a.m.  John Miller and Collier Berkshire will officiate. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Sandy Ridge Conservative Mennonite Church.  Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  

James M. Toman, 90, Nappanee, formerly of Naperville, died at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at his residence. 

He had been in ill health for one month. James was born Feb. 3, 1926 in Chicago, Ill. to James and Anna (Zabran) Toman.   

James was a graduate of Morton East High School in Berwyn, Ill. He was a WWII Army Veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater. On May 14, 1949, he married Dorothy Nevsimal. He had worked for the United States Post Office in Berwyn and at Ace Hardware in Downer’s Grove, Ill. The Tomans moved to Nappanee one and half years ago. James attended Nappanee Missionary Church. He was a member of the VFW in Naperville. He was a Cubs fan and enjoyed fishing and gardening.

James is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters: Cathryn Wilkey, Nappanee; Teresa (Don) McLuckie, Morris, Ill.; grandchildren: Lisa (Max) Thain, Scott McLuckie, Jay (Katie) Wilkey, Maegen (Brad) Duerksen; great grandchildren, Slyler and Chase Duerksen; brother, Joe (Barbara) Toman, Mokena, Ill.; and sister, Grace Castongue, Summerfield, IL.  he was preceded in death by a brother, John Toman and sisters, Florence Jurceka and Lillian Mevsimal.

Memorial service will be planned, with military honors at a later date in Naperville.

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

Rose Mast, 81, Nappanee, died at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa. 

Rose was born March 24, 1935 in Niles, Mich. to Charles and Lucy (Kirk) Richardson.

Rose graduated from Niles High School. On Feb. 19, 1956 she married Winifred Mast in Niles, Mich. He preceded her in death Dec. 14, 2007.  After marriage she moved to Nappanee.  She was a dairy farmer’s wife and cleaned at Hollander Motel, Superior, and Henschen Oil.  Rose was a member at First Mennonite Church, Nappanee.  She enjoyed time with her family.

Surviving are her sons: Michael Mast, Nappanee; Mark (Barb) Mast, Goshen; Matt (Diane) Mast, Milford; Mario (Julie) Mast, Nappanee; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Scott, Jackson, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Winifred; great-granddaughter, Emily Mast; and sister Ruth Covault. 

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral services on Thursday, Dec. 29 at First Mennonite Church, Nappanee.  Rev. Janet McFall- Brown will officiate.  Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be given to First Mennonite Church, Nappanee.  

Frank Hartman, 80, Nappanee, died at 11:50 a.m., Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 at his residence after a short illness with pancreatic cancer.  

Frank was born Dec. 11, 1936 in Nappanee to Ralph and Martha (Housour) Hartman. He graduated from Nappanee High School. On Dec. 21, 1957, he married Rosemary Baird. She preceded him in death on Dec. 26, 2004.  Frank’s second marriage was to Janet Seeber on June 25, 2005 in Nappanee. 

For seventeen years Frank was the manager for Miller Manufacturing  Company. In 1972 Frank and his wife Rosemary bought the Sears Catalog Store in Nappanee. In 1975 they started the Hartman Furniture Store on South Main Street and was there until the year 2000.

From 2000-2004 Frank worked for Tri-County Ambulance Service.  He also started working part-time in 1971 for what is now the Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, first as an ambulance attendant, and then as an employee of the funeral home.  Where he was still working until the time of his illness.  Frank was a dedicated member of the volunteer Nappanee Fire Department from 1964 to 1984.  He served as chief of the Smokey Stovers from 1980-1984.  He was also in the first group of firemen to be trained as EMT’s to better serve the Nappanee area.  Frank was a chairman and one of the first organizers of what is now the Bulldog Reunion.  As a teenager he was a member of the Nappanee Injector’s Club in the 1950’s and 60’s, leading to his love of 1957 Chevrolets.  As an owner of a 57 Chevrolet for over 25 years, he was called upon to transport the big shots, fair queens, governors and mayors, Ronald McDonald, and others in area parades.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Anne (Marion) Nisley, Nappanee; son, Dave (Deborah) Hartman,  Spokane, Wash.; stepson, Eric (Rachael) Seeber, Warsaw; grandchildren: Trystan (Myriah Brown) Nisley , Jilayne Nisley, Taylor Nisley, Caitlin Hartman, Thomas Hartman; great grandson, Phineas Nisley;  sisters: Sharon (Lowell) Chapman, Dewart Lake; Shirley Stahley, Nappanee; Carol (Joe) Schrock, Farmington, N.M.; Mim Warner, Chandler, Ariz.; brother, Willard “Bill” (Ruth) Hartman, Syracuse.  He was preceded in death by his son, James Hartman who died of cancer in 1965; sisters, Lois Cornell, June McDonald, Norma Mitschelen; brothers, Lloyd M, Charles E, Ralph “Dick”  and Robert Eugene Hartman.

Family and friends may call from 3-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 29 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to funeral services which  will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery. Rev. Janet McFall-Brown of First Mennonite Church, Nappanee will officiate, assisted by Rev. Frank Ramirez of Union Center Church of the Brethren. 

Memorial contributions may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or the Nappanee Fire Department.  

Carol Adams

Carol Adams, age 83, of Nappanee, died at 3 a.m., Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 at Elkhart Hospice House, where she was admitted on Thursday following a long illness. Carol was born Dec. 18, 1933 in Tippecanoe, to Wren and Evelyn (Doubt) Crane.

Carol graduated from Bourbon High School.  She married Lotus “Lody” Adams in June 1950. Carol grew up in Tippecanoe and moved to Nappanee after marriage.  She was an Antique Dealer in Nappanee. Carol enjoyed going to auctions and playing cards. She enjoyed vacationing in Branson, Mo. and Disney World.

She is survived by her husband, Lotus “Lody” Adams; son, Bob (Shirley) Adams, Nappanee; daughters, Shirley (Jim) Ganger, Nappanee, Pam (Eric) Morrell, Nappanee; grandchildren, Michelle Kieffer, Ben Adams, Tracy Freed, and Rachel El-Hassanni, Vickie Kauffman; nine great-grandchildren; and sisters, Phyllis Jean Johnson, Gainesville, Fla. and Sandy (Dick) Baughman, Elkhart.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Bitting.

Family and friends may call from 4-7pm, Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3 funeral services also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery. Pastor Jeremy Grueser, of Mt. Tabor Church, will officiate.

Frank Junior Hoffer, 89, died at 2:45 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa, after a short illness.

Frank was born Nov. 5, 1927 at home in Nappanee, to Willard and Lucy (Tea) Hoffer.

Frank graduated from Nappanee High School. He served as an U.S. Navy Veteran from 1945-1947, he then attended Ashland College in Ashland, Ohio.  On Jan. 6, 1951 he married Carole Lee Heckaman in Amboy.  She preceded him in death June 9, 2011.  Frank was a truck driver for Heckaman Ice Cream and Desco Chemical.  He was a member of the Nappanee American Legion and Teamsters Union.  He enjoyed IU Basketball and football.

He is survived by his sons: Scott (Teresa) Hoffer, Nappanee; Frank Todd Hoffer, South Bend; daughter, Roxanne Mikel, Nappanee; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and sister, Georgia Pletcher, Marietta, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole; and twin brothers, Harold and Gerald Hoffer.

Frank will be cremated. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 at Dal-Mar Catering Banquet Hall.  Rev. Janet McFall-Brown will officiate.  Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee American Legion.  Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Virginia Ellen (Lemler) Waters, 80, Nappanee, died at 6:50 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2017, exactly 17 years after her mother. 

Virginia was born March 7, 1936 in Elkhart County.  She married the love of her life, Robert Allen Waters on June 13, 1953 in Plymouth. He preceded her in death April 18, 2012.

Their union was blessed by God with the birth of three children: Robert A. (Jeanette D.) Waters, Jr., Wesley Chapel, Fla.; and Vivian L. (Gary D.) Hughes, Nappanee. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Paula S. Waters, South Bend; Gary D. Hughes Jr., Nappanee; Amy M. Hughes, Denver, Colo.; Elizabeth A. Waters, Nappanee; Amanda J. (Peter D.) Wells, Nappanee; and Victoria M. Hughes, Nappanee; 12 great-grandchildren: Marketa J. Waters, South Bend; Kyle N. Bradford, South Bend; Sean E. Fisher, Nappanee; Lillian Hughes, Elkhart; Leah Hughes, Elkhart; Katelyn R. Bradford, South Bend; Brianna M. Taylor, Nappanee; Makayla M. Bradford, South Bend; Ryne J. Wells, Nappanee; Mason S. Boriboune, Nappanee; Kaiden A. Bradford, South Bend; and Logan D. Wells, Nappanee; and a brother Wilber (Joyce) Lemler, Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Frederick and Gladys Fern (Swarzlander) Lemler, husband, Robert, her son Steven L. Waters and her granddaughter Christina L. Hughes.

Virginia was a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.  She also worked outside the home at Blue Bell, Memcor, Gin’s Pet Shop and Family Fare Bakery.  Following her passion for cooking and baking she opened her own business, Country Catering and Cakes. Virginia retired in 2009. Virginia loved her family, pets, flowers, cooking, sewing, quilting, and her church family – especially the youth group.  She was tough but fair, demanding and loving.

Visitation will be held at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 and one hour prior to the 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7 funeral service also at the funeral home.  Pastor Stan Godfrey will officiate.  Burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the New Paris Church of the Brethren or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).  

Beverly Jean Williams, age 79, of Nappanee, died at 1:45 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at her residence, after a 4 month illness.

She was born July 14, 1937 in Kosciusko County to Dale and Louis (Laudeman) George.  She had lived in this area all of her life. Beverly was a 1955 graduate of Nappanee High School.  On July 21, 1957, she married Leo Eldon Williams in Nappanee.  She had worked as an Office Manager at Vitreous Steel Products, and an office worker at Henschen Oil.   She was a member of Nappanee United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed baking cookies, sending cards of all occasions to friends. The Girls of Class of 55, met every month for 61 years.  She was a lifetime Cubs, Northwestern University and NorthWood fan.  Beverly also volunteered at the Thrift Shop at Nappanee United Methodist Church.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Leo; sons: Bruce Williams, Wakarusa; Brian (Melanie) Williams, Nappanee; and Brad Williams; grandsons, Jordan Williams, Brandon (Brittney) Williams, Cameron Williams, and Justin (Tim Flickinger) Williams; sister, Karen (Thomas) Stutsman, Bristol; brother, Dennis R. (Sandy) George, Goshen, Dale L. George, and Jim (Sharon) George, both of Bremen.  She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Sherry George.

Family and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service, Saturday, Jan. 14 at Nappanee United Methodist Church.  Rev. Jim Davidson will officiate.  Burial will be in Hepton Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to United Methodist Thrift Shop, or Elkhart County Hospice.

Bethel S. Reaker, 68, Nappanee, passed away at home unexpectedly of natural causes at 5:35 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017.

Bethel was born March 8, 1948 to Leonard and Jessie (Small) Stouder in Elkhart.  She was a graduate of Nappanee High School.  On Aug. 6, 1966 she married Roger Reaker in Bremen.  She was a homemaker and a fulltime grandma.  Her family, especially her grandchildren meant everything to her.  She made a point to go to all of their sporting events.

She is survived by her husband, Roger; daughters: Shelley (Dane) Bradberry, Shannon (Tobias) Sell, both of Nappanee; and Heather (Troy) Sell, Bourbon; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; siblings: William (Barb) Stouder, Nappanee; Robert (Linda) Stouder, New Carlisle, Fran Stouder, Nappanee. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Joseph Stouder.

Family and friends may call 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20 also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to Team Mila. 

Vern E. Hershberger, 78, Nappanee, passed away peacefully at his home at 9:45 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 after a long illness. 

He was born June 19, 1938 in Goshen to Ezra and Katie (Yoder) Hershberger. Vern lived his lifetime in Elkhart County.  On Sept. 3, 1959, he married Rachel Miller. Mr. Hershberger had worked at Fairmont Homes for 37 years.  He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Mr. Hershberger is survived by his wife, Rachel Hershberger; children, Omar Hershberger, Goshen; Richard Hershberger, Alice Hershberger, Harvey Lee (Laura) Hershberger, all of Syracuse; Merle (Barbara) Hershberger, Nancy Hershberger, Rosa Hershberger, Rhoda Hershberger, Bertha Hershberger, Jessica (Kenneth) Borkholder, all of Nappanee; Norman (Jean) Hershberger, New Paris; Mark Hershberger, Milford; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and brothers, Melvin Hershberger, Gambier, Ohio; Alvin (Mary) Hershberger, Roman (Katie) Hershberger, both of Nappanee; and Leroy (Wilma) Hershberger, Shipshewana. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Hershberger in 1997; grandson, Kory Hershberger; parents;  sisters, Fannie Mae Schrock, Pauline Hershberger; and sister-in-laws, Orpha Hershberger and Esther Hershberger.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 Friday, Jan. 20, and all day Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Carlyle Hersberger residence (25559 CR 50).  Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Hershberger residence.  The Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in West Union Center Cemetery.

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

Judith “Judy” Rose, 68, Nappanee, died unexpectedly  at 9:58 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at her residence.  

She was born Aug. 15, 1948 in Joliet, IL to William and Loretta (Johnson) Castello.

On Sept. 1, 1989, she married Charles “Charlie” Rose in Argos.

Mrs. Rose spent her childhood in Shorewood, IL and moved to Nappanee from Argos 12 years ago.  Judy enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving is her husband, Charlie Rose; son, Charles Rose Jr., Nappanee; sisters, Pam (Donald) Birkey, Channahon, Ill.; Valerie (John) Davis, Fallston, Md.; Diane (Steve) Bailey, West  Frankfort, Ill.; and brothers, Bill (Sandy) Castello, Michigan City; Dave (Judy) Castello, Ocala, Fla.  She was preceded in death by  a brother, Vincent Castello.

Mrs. Rose will be cremated and graveside services will take place at a later date.

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

Ann M. Earl, 59, Nappanee, died unexpectedly from natural causes at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at her residence. 

She was born Feb. 14, 1957 in Batavia, N.Y. to Charles and Ellamae (Hyland) Blatt.  On Feb. 22, 1975, she married Bruce Earl in New York.

Ann M. Earl was a graduate of Attica Central High School in New York.  She moved to Nappanee in 1975.

Ann was a member of Nappanee Church of the Brethren.  She enjoyed her grandchildren, playing bingo, Elvis music, playing on the computer, and the movies Twilight.  She received a double lung transplant in 2005.

Surviving is her husband, Bruce Earl; daughter, Amy Jo (Keith) Swihart, Dayton, Tenn.; sons: Bruce Dennis (Amanda) Earl, Mississippi; Todd Eric Earl, Nappanee; 12 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; mother, Ellamae Blatt, Attica, N.Y.; sisters, Gloria (John) Carpenter, Zaundra (Ed) Harris, both of Elkhart; brothers, Richard Blatt, Walter Blatt, Charles Blatt, all of Attica, N.Y.; Terry (Shone) Reed, Dayton, Tenn.  She was preceded in death by three granddaughters and two grandsons.

Family and friends may call at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ann Earl Memorial Fund.

Justin Lewis “Dean” Dean, 21, Elkhart, died at 12:18 pm, Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 in South Bend Memorial Hospital, from injuries received in a tragic car accident Thursday evening. 

He was born Feb. 23, 1995 in St. Joseph County to Frank and Donna (Logan) Dean.

Justin lived his lifetime in Nappanee and Elkhart. He attended North Wood High School. Justin had worked at Dean’s Electric in Elkhart and attended New Life Church in Goshen.

Justin is survived by his son, Keegan Hamilton, Elkhart; father and stepmother, Frank and Amy Dean, Elkhart; mother, Donna Logan, Nappanee;  grandmothers, Emily Kuhn, Cromwell, Sally Loya, Collins, Miss.; grandfather, Frank Dean, Arroygrande, Calif.; siblings: Megan Marie Dean, Elkhart; Race Bridenstine, Nappanee; Morgan Landis, Goshen; and Colton Halloman, Elkhart.

Family and friends may call from 4-8, Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 at the funeral home.  Pastor Steve Holmes, a friend of the family, will officiate.  Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Justin Dean Memorial Fund.