Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services

03/05/2026

Patricia Ann Spaulding, age 90, of Shipshewana, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital in LaGrange, Indiana.

Patricia was born on November 3, 1935, in Anderson, Indiana, to the late Roy Maurice and Marie (Friend) Ogburn. She graduated from high school in Anderson. On April 17, 1952, she married Donald P. Spaulding in Anderson, Indiana.

Patty spent many years working in manufacturing and assembly. She worked at Mallory Electronics for 10 years and greatly enjoyed her time there. She later worked for CTS Metals for another 10 years and then for Dometic for 7 years. Patty eventually retired from Lakeside Park Industries after 10 years of service.

She loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and gardening. Patty was an avid lover of Scottish Terriers, and her two favorite canine companions were Gabby and Scooter. In her leisure time, she enjoyed word searches, puzzles, and crafting.

Above all, Patty loved spending time with her family and loved ones. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include:

Son, Timothy Spaulding of Warsaw, IN.

Son, George Spaulding of Warsaw. IN.

Son, Donald Spaulding and Dora Fleming of Shipshewana, IN.

12 Grandchildren.

Sister, Joanna Holland of Anderson, IN.

Son-in-law, Buddy Margraves of Warsaw, IN.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Pam Margraves, 2 brothers; Bill and Roy Ogburn, and a daughter-in-law, Melody Spaulding.

There are no services scheduled at this time and cremation will take place.

Burial will take place at Scott Cemetery.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne,

View Patricia "Patty" Ann Spaulding's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Gary Lee Stilwell, 63, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, surrounded by the love of his family.

Gary was born on December 30, 1962, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Richard Stilwell and Phyllis Ramm. He was raised in Fort Wayne within a blended family that included his stepfather, Donald “Don” Ramm, and his stepmother, Shirley Stilwell. Gary attended Harding High School before beginning his working career.

In 1989, Gary moved to Oregon, where he built much of his adult life. It was there that he met his devoted partner of 35½ years, Kelli Ann Snapp. Together they created a life filled with loyalty, laughter, and deep family bonds. In 2020, Gary and Kelli returned home to Indiana to be closer to his family.

Gary was a proud and loving father to Brandie Snapp, Tiffany Stilwell, Nicholas Stilwell, and Tyler Stilwell. He was a deeply cherished grandfather to Jayden, Ethan, Brayden, Bryson, Zayn, Olivia, and Grey. His grandchildren were a constant source of pride and joy.

Throughout his life, Gary worked as a professional mover, helping families transition into new chapters of their lives. He was also a belt grinder for Precision Cast Parts and later as a delivery driver. He was known for his strength, dependability, and tireless work ethic.

He was a member of the Navy Club and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships he built there. In his free time, Gary loved fishing and golfing, cheering on the Chicago Bears and the Oregon Ducks, and listening to classic rock and roll and country music. He truly marched to the beat of his own drum. He was often the life of the party, spoke his mind freely, and didn’t take anything from anyone. Beneath that tough exterior was a man who loved his family fiercely and without condition.

Gary is survived by his life partner, Kelli Ann Snapp; his children, Brandie Snapp, Tiffany Stilwell, Nicholas Stilwell, and Tyler Stilwell; his grandchildren, Jayden, Ethan, Brayden, Bryson, Zayn, Olivia, and Grey; his father, Richard Stilwell; his mother, Phyllis Ramm; his stepmother, Shirley Stilwell; his siblings, Glenda Phillips, Richard Stilwell Jr., Brenda Drudge, and Mindy Miller; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Donald “Don” Ramm.

A memorial service will be held in Gary's honor on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00pm with calling prior from 11:00am-1:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

A Celebration of Life will follow Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #2457, 12700 Dawkins Road, New Haven, IN 46774.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Gary Lee Stilwell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

03/01/2026

This month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history. From famous inventors and dedicated activists to star athletes and talented artists, let’s honor the amazing women who shaped history and continue to pave the way for future generations.

02/27/2026

If you're planning a meaningful tribute for a loved one, it's important to understand your options. Click the link to learn more about the viewing, the visitation, and the differences between the two!

Not sure what the differences are between a viewing and a visitation? Check out this article to learn more about each one!

02/27/2026

At Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, we believe that every life is worth celebrating. That’s why we commit to walking with you through the advance planning process, step by step, so that you can create a personalized and meaningful service that truly reflects who you are - your beliefs, your values, your personality. Contact us at 260-336-4659 today to get started!

02/26/2026

Karen Sue Meyers, age 74, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN.

Karen was born on September 5, 1951, in Flora, IL to the late Robert Edwin and Hazel Natalie (Onstott) Soderquist. She graduated in 1970 from New Haven High School in New Haven, IN and continued her education in Naturopathic Medicine, earning her associate’s degree.

Karen married the love of her life, Dean Louis Meyers, at Waynedale Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, IN. Together they shared nearly 49 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories.

Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker who had a profound passion for helping others. Her artistic talents shone through her intricate diamond artwork, and she found great joy in creating beautiful pieces. She treasured spending her winter months with Dean in Tucson, AZ. Karen also enjoyed camping, traveling in their RV, exploring ethnic restaurants, and sharing meals and laughter with family and loved ones.

Above all, Karen loved her family deeply and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dean Meyers of Fort Wayne; her daughter, Christina (Eric) Meyers-Phovemire of Fort Wayne; her grandson, Cayden Phovemire of Fort Wayne; her step-grandson, Tyler Phovemire of Fort Wayne; her sister, Marsha Soderquist-Broyles of Columbia City; and her niece, Sonya Bondarenko of Fort Wayne.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

A private family viewing will be held, and cremation will follow in accordance with Karen’s wishes.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Karen Sue Meyers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Many elders today experience loneliness regularly, but you can make a difference! This National Letter to an Elder Day, send an old-fashioned letter and make a timeless connection.

02/23/2026

Charles “Chuck” Lee Gregory, age 65, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his residence.

Chuck was born on January 22, 1961, in Mansfield, Ohio. He graduated in 1979 from Clear Fork High School in Bellville, Ohio. He continued his education at North Central Technical College in Mansfield, earning an associate degree in political science and administration. Mr. Gregory served his country honorably from December of 1978- March of 1987 with the Ohio National Guard in Mansfield, OH.

Chuck’s dedication to serving and protecting others was a lifelong commitment. He proudly served from January 1988 – June of 1993 as a deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in Naples, Florida. He later worked alongside his father at RIA-Sonitrol Security Systems as Director of Customer Services. Chuck then retired after serving from June of 2003- November of 2010 as a police officer with the Mt. Dora Police Department in Mt. Dora, Florida, where he was honored multiple times as Officer of the Year.

Outside of his career, Chuck found great joy in the outdoors. He loved landscaping, tending to his yard, and helping neighbors with projects. He had a giving heart and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He dearly loved his cat, Missy, and treasured the companionship she brought him.

Chuck loved his family, and all his siblings will greatly miss his grin, jokes, and sarcasm he always brought. He greatly admired his dad and followed suit in many of his life’s footprints.

Chuck shared a special bond with his brother, Jon, and his close friend, Pete. Together they enjoyed golfing, following sports, playing ping pong, and creating lifelong memories filled with laughter and friendship.

Chuck will be remembered as a good, honest man, with a wonderful sense of humor, who deeply loved serving his community and whose dedication to others was evident in all he did. His legacy of service, kindness, and integrity will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include:

Stepmother, Carol Gregory.

Brother, Jon A. and Deb Squires.

Brother, Danny R. and Laura Gregory.

Sister, Kelly and Joe Mercado.

Sister, M. Renee and Doug Riegel.

Nieces and Nephews, Sarah Ozdemir, Steve Squires, Deputy Drew Moser, Deputy Kevin Moser, Jase Riegel, Jennifer Gibson, Danelle Gregory, Hailey Gregory, Leslie Mercado, and Officer Bryan Mercado.

6 Great-Nieces and Nephews.

Ex-wife and friend, Susan Schaaf.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, C. Ray Gregory and Joanna Gregory, and birthmother, Bonnie Croxall.

There are no services scheduled at this time and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Charles "Chuck" Lee Gregory's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/20/2026

Grieving the loss of a loved one doesn't just affect you emotionally; it can also affect your physical health. One issue many people face is appetite loss. If you're struggling with appetite loss while grieving your loved one, click here for 8 helpful tips that can help you cope.

Many people lose their appetite while grieving the death of a loved one. Here are a few tips to help you cope with appetite loss.

02/20/2026

How much do you know about your funeral options? We’re here to help you learn!

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