Albert Hayes Polson, 80, of Dunkirk and with family in Wells County, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. He was born in Albany, Ky., June 14, 1939, to Georgie Vitatoe and John E. Polson. He married Barbara D. Polson in 1977; she preceded him in death in 2003.  Survivors include a sister, Dorothy (Dorrance) Stinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Glemma Fowler. A service was held Tuesday in Dunkirk. Burial was in Dunkirk IOOF Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by MJS Mortuaries, Dunkirk Chapel.

Deborah J. Hunter, 65, of Markle, died at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born Aug. 19, 1954, in Portland, to Raymond Carl and Petschke and Joanna Hughes Petschke. She married Roger D. Hunter Sept. 5, 1987, in Geneva, Ind.; her husband preceded her in death Nov. 17, 2019. Survivors include her daughters, Melissa (Michael) Hudson of Geneva and Brittany Hunter of Decatur; a brother, David Petschke of Portland; and five grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Francis Petschke, Michael Petschke, and Bruce Petschke. A service to celebrate her life will be…

Wg Janet L. Smith 82, of Bluffton, passed away Sunday evening, Feb. 23, 2020, at Ossian Health Care in Ossian. Janet was born July 16, 1937, in Bluffton, to Lawrence Reaser and Nellie (Noble) Reaser-Dickason. Janet and James “Jim” Smith were married April 7, 1956, in Petroleum. A 1955 graduate of Petroleum High School, she worked at NFM Grain Elevator and Panhandle Eastern Pipeline. Janet served as a deputy in the Wells County recorder’s office from 1985 to 1992. In 1993, Janet was elected as Wells County recorder and held that position until 2001. She continued to serve as a deputy in that office until she retired on Aug. 2,…

Winifred “Fritz” Boxell, 96, died at 1:20 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at Heritage Pointe in Warren. Arrangements are pending at the Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren.

Benjamin V. Schwartz, 83, of Monroe, died at his residence at 8:50 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. He was born April 20, 1936, to Samuel L. Schwartz and Anna E. Eicher Schwartz. He married Lovina D. Hilty Oct. 10, 1963, in Adams County. His wife survives. Also surviving are his 12 children, including a son, Dan (Ann) Schwartz of Bluffton, plus 78 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother and a sister. His parents, two daughters, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and three brothers preceded him in death.   Calling will be at the Ben Eicher residence, 498 50S in Monroe, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday,…

Donald L. Reef, 89, of Geneva, died at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Swiss Village in Berne. He was born Oct. 4, 1930, in Flint, Mich., to S. Daniel Reef and Mabel Davidson Reef. He married Margaret A. Weaver Oct. 20, 1950, in New Corydon, Ind. His wife survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Beth A. (Robert) Martin of Decatur and Carol L. (Randy) Elzey of Geneva; two granddaughters and a step-grandson; and a brother, James (Jean) Reef of Ossian. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, William Reef. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Downing and…

Edith Irene “Babe Morningstar” Wheeler, 99, of Geneva, died at 2:52 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at her residence.  She was born Dec. 4, 1920, in Jay County, to Oren Erastus Bergman and Minnie Hazel Huey Bergman. Survivors include three daughters, Judy King of Bluffton, Bonnie Cart of Decatur, and Sharon Chaffins of Berne; a son, James Wheeler of Terre Haute; two brothers, John Bergman of Monroe and Skip Bergman of Jerome, Mich.; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Wheeler; four brothers, Orvill Jake Bergman, Harley Pete Bergman, Herb Bergman, and Bob Bergman; and three sisters, Mary “Monk” Bergman,…

Jerry E Fusselman Jerry E Fusselman, 77, of Bluffton passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at the Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Jerry worked at International Harvester/Navistar in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis for 37 years, retiring Oct. 1, 2000. He also worked for Grace Insulation and Remodeling in Greenfield for nearly 20 years. Jerry was a member of Warren Church of Christ and sang in church choirs for many years as well as did church maintenance for several years. He liked to go fishing, hunting, shooting and camping. He enjoyed carpentry, throwing tomahawks and making them. He loved telling jokes, “tall tales,” and being funny. Jerry loved his wife Shirley more…

Kevin L. Brickley, 60, of Bluffton, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital. Kevin was a 1978 graduate of Norwell High School, where he was involved in volleyball, band and the school newspaper. He had attended ITT in Fort Wayne. He was a grain and livestock farmer in Wells and Huntington counties. Kevin was a member and former chairman of the Wells County Soil and Water Conservation District since 2008. He enjoyed antique tractors, tractor pulls, gardening, flowers, making apple cider, NASCAR, IU basketball and the Indianapolis Colts. He enjoyed working with his friends on their longtime cabin project. Kevin loved going to 70s rock concerts and…

Linda Brinneman, 65, of Warren, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at her residence in Warren.  She was born March 7, 1954, in Binghamton, N.Y. She married Alan Brinneman in July 1978 in Warren; he survives in Warren. Survivors include a son, Tyler (Aubrey) Brinneman of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Stacia Brinneman of Warren; sisters, Gail (Jack) Robinson of Sweetser, Gretchen (Patrick) Yanes of Marion; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Parents, George Hesse and Enedina Pomalas Hesse.  Calling hours are from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Solid Rock United Methodist Church, Warren. Arrangements are being handled by Glancy – H. Brown & Son…

Max E. Ellison, 69, of Portland and formerly of Montpelier, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Persimmon Ridge in Portland.  He was born Oct. 5, 1950, in Wells County.  Survivors include his brothers, Allen (Jo) Ellison of Montpelier and Larry (Connie) Ellison of Montpelier; and a sister, Carolyn (Terry) Abney of Montpelier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester F. Ellison, and Pauline Nestleroad Ellison; and sisters, Barbara Elaine Dulworth and Marjorie S. Stanton.  Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Union Chapel Church of the Nazarene near Montpelier and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at the church. A service…

Johnny S. Quinn, 53, of Poneto, died Feb. 14, 2020, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.   He was born on Sept. 19, 1966, in Rockford, Ill. Survivors include his parents, John Quinn and Judy Call Quinn of Alabama; wife, Karla Crosby Quinn of Poneto; sons, Johnny M. Quinn of Poneto and Trevor S. Quinn of Poneto; daughter, Kristin of Texas; sisters, Lisa Hinkledire of Bluffton, and Jeannie Boyd of Alabama; brothers, Earl Quinn of Bluffton, and Josh Call of Alabama; and two grandchildren.             Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier. There will be no calling or…

Galen D. Ripple, 75, of Ossian, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 16, 2020, at Majestic Care in New Haven.  Galen was born in Bluffton on Aug. 1, 1944, to Galen N. and Ida P. Faus Ripple. Both parents preceded him in death. On Aug. 1, 1981, he married the love of his life, Norma Bauman Perry. She preceded him in death Oct. 25, 2017. A 1962 graduate of Bluffton High School, Galen served in the United States Military for 38 years, serving in the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, retiring in 2004, in the grade of Senior Master Sergeant. Throughout his military career he received numerous…

Galen Ripple, 75, of Ossian, passed away Sunday morning, February 16, 2020, at Majestic Care of New Haven. Funeral arrangements are pending with Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.

Kathryn Simpson Kathryn L. “Kathy” Simpson, 67, of Ossian passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. Kathy was born March 29, 1952, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of James and Barbara Lee Aspy Couture, and graduated from South Side High School in 1970. She worked 10 years at General Telephone, two and a half years as a U.S. Postal Service carrier, at McDonald’s in Bluffton, four years in her own daycare, and 20 years at Children’s Corner Daycare at the Ossian First Presbyterian Church where she was also a member serving in a number of capacities, including as a deacon and an elder.  Kathy also served as a Girl Scout…

Ervin Stuber, 100, of Warren and formerly of Wells County, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at Heritage Pointe in Warren. He was born March 5, 1919, in Grant County. He married Joan Derbyshire Stuber Oct. 11, 1942, in Van Buren; she preceded him in death.  Survivors include his son, John D. (Lana) Stuber of Warren; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy G. Stuber and M. Cleo Certsinger Stuber; a daughter, Carol Ann Brown; and a brother, Earle Stuber.  Calling hours are from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel, Warren. A service will follow at 4 p.m.…

Marjorie S. Stanton, 76, of Montpelier, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at IU Health-Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie.  She was born Oct. 21, 1943, in Montpelier. She married Billy E. Stanton Dec. 24, 1963, at the Union Chapel Church in Montpelier; he survives in Montpelier.  Survivors include a son, Jason E. Stanton of Berne; brothers, Allen (Jo) Ellison of Montpelier, Larry (Connie) Ellison of Montpelier, and Max Ellison; and a sister, Carolyn (Terry) Abney of Montpelier. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester F. Ellison and Pauline (Nestleroad) Ellison; and a sister, Barbara Elaine Dulworth.  Calling hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Walker…

Blanche “Jane” Bond, 94, of Ossian, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. Jane was a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church. She retired from Summit Bank in 1989 as an investment clerk. Jane enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Tunis, spending time with family, and playing bridge, euchre, and golf.  Jane is survived by her children, Cynthia L. Boldt of Albuquerque, N.M., Judith Ann Hagerman of Louisville, Ky., and James (Janna) Bond of Ossian. She is also survived by six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and  one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Tunis E. Bond. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.…

Evelyn J. Ivins, 88, of Bluffton, passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 2020, at Christian Care Retirement Community. Evelyn was born April 8, 1931, in Adams County, to Eli S. and Mabel Kaehr Kipfer.  She married Edson L. Ivins in Bluffton on Sept. 14, 1952;  her husband preceded her in death Dec. 1, 2010. A 1949 graduate of Kirkland High School, Evelyn worked as a waitress at The Dutch Mill in Bluffton for more than 40 years. She then worked as a waitress at The Corner Depot in Bluffton for several years until retiring.  She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church.   Survivors include two sons, Brent A.…

Maribelle L. Sparks, 94, of Markle, died Monday, Feb. 10, at the Markle Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born Dec. 9, 1925, in Huntington County to daughter of LeRoy J. and Hattie E. (Broyles) Lahr. She married Vern E. Sparks Dec. 6, 1946, in VanBuren; he preceded her in death Aug. 14, 1992. Survivors include two sons, Max E. (Doris) Sparks of Huntington and James L. (Vicki) Sparks of Huntington; a daughter, Linda E. (John) Allen of Warren; four sisters, Delphia (Don) Marshall of Markle, Roseleen (Carl) Christen of Huntington, Melba Kay (Don) Bolding of Huntington and Crystal Tester of Huntington; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded…

Ethel M. Medsker, 87, of Kokomo and formerly of Wells County, died Monday, Feb. 10, at the Golden Living Center in Kokomo. She was born May 11, 1932, in Wells County. Survivors include daughters, Betty (Tony) Esquivel of Fort Wayne, Darlene Arellano of Kokomo and Patricia (John) Schmidt of Fort Wayne; sons, Donald (Linda) Medsker of Fort Wayne and Billy Medsker of Berne; sisters, Harriett Bennett of Bluffton, Mary Jane Keffler of Fort Wayne, Karen (Stevan) Hartman of Montpelier and Sharon Uhl of Gladwin, Mich.; brothers, George (Penny) Gehrett of Bluffton and Richard (Mary) Gehrett of Gladwin, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her…

Joan Garrison, 77, of Bluffton, passed away on Saturday morning, Feb. 8, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Fort Wayne.  Joan was born June 8, 1942, in Bluffton to Paul Robert and Martha Edna Biberstine Garrison. A 1960 graduate of Bluffton, Joan furthered her education at International Business College in Fort Wayne. She worked in the office of Franklin Electric in Bluffton for her entire working career. She was a member of the Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene and had a talent for art. Joan enjoyed making sculptures when she was young and was gifted with oil paintings and enjoyed painting landscapes.  Joan is survived by 11 nieces and…

Neva M. Ramseyer, 65, of Bluffton, passed away Monday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2020, at her residence. Neva was born on March 4, 1954, in Fort Wayne, to Donald R. and Annalee E. Beam Roberts.  She married Thomas M. “Tom” Ramseyer in Bluffton on Jan. 4, 1985; he survives. Neva attended Wayne High school and worked as a baker at Pretzels in Bluffton for 32 years, retiring in 2016. She enjoyed bowling with her bowling team, “Dwayne’s Sweeper Shop,” and spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, Neva is survived by a daughter, Stefanie (Jon) Lykins of Petroleum; a son, Dale (Tammara) Slater Jr. of Bluffton; four grandchildren,…

Frederick K Booth was born on Jan. 27, 1938, in Bluffton, and passed away on Feb. 5, 2020, at the age of 82, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Fred had not been well for a number of years beginning with a stroke in 2013 and following years he suffered from COPD. In 1956 Fred graduated from Bluffton High School and was in the Navy Reserve. Fred and Carol Venis were married Sept. 6, 1959, in Bluffton, and later became parents to two sons, Mark in 1961 and William in 1966 in Bluffton. Soon after Fred graduated from high school, he acquired a barber license and worked as a barber in Fort…