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Helen Delores (Trowbridge) Gillespie, age 83, of Garrett, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at Parkview Regional Me...
02/18/2026

Helen Delores (Trowbridge) Gillespie, age 83, of Garrett, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Helen was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on June 18, 1942, to the late Jack Delmar Trowbridge and Thelma Clara (Schmidt) Trowbridge. She graduated from Kendallville High School in 1960 and International Business College. She married Garth Owens Gillespie on November 17, 1961, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Oakland, California. Garth preceded her in death on February 11, 2015.

Helen was a devoted wife, homemaker and loving mother to her three daughters. She loved cooking and baking with her kids and grandkids. She loved her dogs, playing Yahtzee and card games, and watching her grandchildren play sports. She was always on the hunt for the best bargain at a local garage sale. She loved antiquing and thrift store shopping. She loved going to church at New Life House of Worship in Garrett where she was a member. Helen was dearly loved and her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Kathy and Dan Rupp of Edon, Ohio.
Daughter, Juli Dickson of Valdosta, Georgia.
Daughter, Cherie Gillespie of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Seven grandchildren: Stephanie and Tyler Stark of Vicksburg, Michigan; Drake Mason of Chicago; Jenea` and Travis Gunter of Valdosta, Georgia; Jacob Dickson of Valdosta, Georgia; Andrew Dickson of Fremont, Indiana; Aaron Myers of Auburn, Indiana; and Jalissa and Alex Rivera of Augusta, Georgia.
Seven great grandchildren: Carter, Camryn, Collin, Roslyn, Elaina, Caden, and Cedric.
Six step grandchildren: Tirzah Rupp of Bryan, Ohio; Miriam Rupp of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Faith Rupp of Edon, Ohio; Lily Rupp of Edgerton, Ohio; Charity Rupp of Edon, Ohio; and Isaiah Rupp of West Unity, Ohio.
Three step great grandchildren: Owen, Percy, and Azrael.

Helen was preceded by her parents, Jack and Thelma Trowbridge; her husband, Garth Gillespie; grandson, Adam Myers; sisters, Patricia Engle, Donna Conrad, and Judy Pretschold; and brother, Lawrence Trowbridge.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Kelly Banks officiating.
Burial will take place at Sweet Cemetery near Albion.
Memorial donations may be made in Helen's honor to either Dekalb Pregnancy Center, Auburn, Indiana or National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Mary Gertrude (Hunt) Weiker, age 94, of Kendallville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at home surr...
02/18/2026

Mary Gertrude (Hunt) Weiker, age 94, of Kendallville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. Mary was born at home near Rising Sun, Ohio, to the late Norman Welcome Hunt and Sarah Lucille (Morgan) Hunt.

Mary met the lively Nelson Edward Weiker, in first grade at recess and they married on December 16,1950 in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1950. Nelson preceded her in death on May 11, 2021.

Mary spent much of her life as a homemaker raising her children. Mary and Nelson had a house full of eight children as they extended their family to help raise their nieces for many years. She was clothed with strength and dignity and served her family and church with a joyful heart. A devoted pastor’s wife, she faithfully supported her husband’s ministry of over 50 years. She poured into countless lives through women’s ministry and played the piano for worship. Her hands were rarely idle; her home was a place of warmth and welcome, and her wisdom guided generations.

Her kitchen was a place of comfort with the smell of her freshly baked bread and home-cooked meals filling the air. In quieter moments, she kept her hands busy knitting washcloths and small gifts that reflected her steady, thoughtful love. Truly, her children rise up and call her blessed.

Survivors include:
Son, David and Irene Weiker of Casselberry, Florida.
Daughter, Rebecca and Tony Timms of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Daughter, Naomi and James Webb of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Daughter, Mary Jo and Rick Smith of Kendallville.

25 grandchildren including Adam Weiker, David Weiker, Jr. and Scott Weiker all of Casselberry, Florida; Michele Berkes of Fort Wayne; Rachel and Matthew Green of Lillian, Alabama; Rodney Timms of Huntington; Tony and Christina Timms of Foley, Alabama; Todd and Janet Timms of Gulf Shores, Alabama; Randy and Myla Timms of Columbia City; Troy Adams of Columbia City; James Webb, Jr. of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; Dwight and Merideth Webb of Paynesville, Minnesota; Valerie Feit of Foley, Alabama; Logan and Amanda Pant of Kendallville; Lucas and Ashlyn Pant of Kendallville; Rebecca Pant and her fiancé, Bryce Day of Kendallville and 42 wonderful great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Sister, Wanda Foster of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Sister, Zola and Orvan Cusick of California.
Sister, Bonnie Strong of Ohio.
Sister, Naomi and Tom Stark of Wisconsin.
Brother-in-law, David Mikula of Saginaw, Michigan.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Lucille Hunt; her husband of 70 years, Rev. Nelson Weiker; brother, Jack and Esther Hunt; sister, Joyce Mikula; two infant brothers, Preston and Marvel Hunt; two sons-in-law, Blaine Berkes and Ty Pant; grandson, Dustin Berkes; and brother-in-law, Gus Foster.

Visitation and funeral services will both be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Family Life Assembly of God, 815 North Riley Road in Kendallville. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. The funeral will be officiated by Rev. Jerry Hunt and Pastor Heath Kain. Burial will follow at Graham Cemetery, Wayne, Ohio.

Karen Stroman, 89, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.Born on August 3, 1936, in Kenda...
02/14/2026

Karen Stroman, 89, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.

Born on August 3, 1936, in Kendallville, Indiana, Karen lived a full and purposeful life marked by compassion, dedication, and service to others. She graduated from Kendallville High School in 1954 and married her high school sweetheart Darol Stroman on January 26,1957.

Throughout her 43-year career as a Registered Nurse, Karen touched countless lives with her skill and care. She became the first Industrial Nurse for Kraft Foods in Kendallville and went on to lead the first oncology service at McCray Hospital. Her commitment to patient advocacy and innovation in nursing left a lasting impact on the patients she served so faithfully.

Even after retiring, Karen continued caring for others by serving as a Stephen Minister, offering comfort and guidance to those in need. Her deep faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of New Covenant United Methodist Church, where her compassion found new ways to flourish.

Karen’s love of music was a constant source of joy—she lent her beautiful voice to several choirs including The Showtime Singers, The Gospel Notes, The Villages Voices Choir, and her church choir at New Covenant.

Beyond her professional and spiritual life, she found delight in friendships and leisure, enjoying golf, pickleball, and bridge with her community.

She is survived by her husband Darol, three children Scott (Sue) Stroman of London England, Steven (Patty) Stroman, of Longboat Key, Florida and Kimberly (Jim) Williams of Kendallville.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren who gave her great joy as they grew up in a family of love.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Jack and Susan Emerson and a granddaughter Mary.

Karen will be remembered fondly for her always "DOING THE BEST WE CAN, WITH WHAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH".

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date. Her family and friends take comfort knowing that her spirit continues to live on in every life she touched.

Oma Jean (Manns) Howard, age 94, of Kendallville, died February 7, 2026, at McLaren Hospital, Port Huron, Michigan. Oma ...
02/14/2026

Oma Jean (Manns) Howard, age 94, of Kendallville, died February 7, 2026, at McLaren Hospital, Port Huron, Michigan. Oma Jean was born June 30, 1931, in Wayland, Kentucky, to the late Jim Manns and Nora (Allen) Manns. She was raised up around Wayland, Kentucky and married Eugene "Sparr" Howard on July 16, 1948, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Oma Jean and Sparr moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1951, where they resided for 40 years. She worked at Brass Products in Detroit for 15 years. She moved to Kendallville, Indiana in 1978, to be closer to her kin, and has lived in Kendallville since she retired. Sparr preceded her in death on October 31, 2007.

Survivors include:

Daughter, Connie and David McMann of Oscoda, Michigan.

Five grandchildren: Dr. Shannon McMann of Troy, Michigan; Shawn McMann of East Pointe, Michigan; Kimberley McMann (Andy St. Onge) of Otisville, Michigan; Chad Mazurek of Clarkston, Michigan; and two great grandchildren.
Sister, Linda and Dan Alter of Fort Myer, Florida.
Sister, Louetta and James Hale of Kendallville.
Sister, Willa and Walker Tackett of Kendallville.
Brother, Jimmy and Dorothy Manns of Kendallville.
Brother, Bobby Manns of Kendallville.

Oma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Nora Manns; daughter, Peggy Lee Pawlowski, who passed away April 1, 2017; stillborn son, Charles; grandson, Marion "Michael" Mazurek; brothers, Clarence "Buddy" Manns, Junior Manns, Claude Manns, and Ray Manns; and sisters, Cleta Mae Knox, Mattie Slone, Ella Handshoe, Dorothy Mitchell, Lorean Hamdin and Christine Morr.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM. David Bolen will officiate the service.
Burial will take place Friday, February 27, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Lake View Cemetery.

James Allen Fetters, known to family and friends as Jim, was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 8, 1943, to K.M. and...
02/11/2026

James Allen Fetters, known to family and friends as Jim, was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 8, 1943, to K.M. and Vera Fetters of Lansing, Illinois. Jim passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in Syracuse, Indiana where he and his wife Jan had lived for the past 30 plus years.

Jim attended and graduated from Calvin Coolidge Grade School, Memorial Junior High School and T. F. South High School in Lansing, Illinois. He was a fierce competitor in any sport he tackled: baseball, football and wrestling. He was a top State Contender in his weight class as a wrestler at State and Regional tournaments. He has remained friends with many of his close high school friends: John Davis, Mickey Dudy, Don Rohde, and others.

After graduation, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and spent his service on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk, travelling to Japan and Hawaii. After his service he came back to the Calumet Region and worked locally while attending Thornton Junior College and then Northern Illinois University. Jim left school to pursue a career working in sales with Berry Bearing and Motion Industries. He worked in the Calumet Region, Indianapolis, and South Bend, Indiana where he married his second wife, Janet Campbell, later moving to Dewart Lake in Syracuse, Indiana.

Jim and Jan had many close friends in the area and in Florida where they lived for 17 years in the winter, most recently in Palmetto, Florida. Jim loved the golfing and beaches of Florida and boating on Dewart Lake in Syracuse. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren at the lake and on his golfcart. His passion for most of his life was golf and first and foremost, his wife Jan, and family.

Survivors include: daughter, Maureen “Reenie” Fetters of Johnson City, Tennessee; son, Jim Fetters of Munster, Indiana; brother, Hank Fetters of Sparta, Wisconsin; brother, Frank and Audrey Fetters of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Diane Panozzo and Dan Hooper of Wellington, Colorado; stepdaughter, Jolene Campbell and Mark Grzesiowski of South Bend, Indiana; stepdaughter, Diane and Jeff Lovin of Mishawaka, Indiana; stepson, Brian Campbell of Goshen, Indiana; and stepson, Ernie Campbell of South Bend, Indiana.

Grandchildren: Dana (fiancé, Jose’) Lovin, Jared (Bailey) Campbell, Kylie (Jayme) Andre, Luke (fiancé, Chantel) Campbell, Brandon Campbell and Alyssa Grzesiowski.

Great grandchildren: Sophia Campbell and Reese Campbell.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Kollis and Vera Fetters; his loving wife, Janet Campbell Fetters; and his brother, Jeff Fetters.

Per Jim’s request, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to leave memories of Jim on the funeral home website.

Jerome Carey Davis, age 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away February 8, 2026, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. M...
02/10/2026

Jerome Carey Davis, age 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away February 8, 2026, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. Mr. Davis was born in Springfield, Ohio, on May 8, 1939, to the late Lawrence E. Davis and Frances M. (O'Keefe) Davis. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1962-1964. Jerry was a welder with Dexter Axle. He was an avid golfer and movie buff, and he loved his cats Boots and Soxx. He also enjoyed feeding his birds and giving his grandchildren advice. Jerry prided himself on being a jack-of-all-trades and loved tinkering in his garage. Jerry enjoyed many summers on Big Long Lake with his family.

He is survived by his children Carey Jacquay, Juli (Tom) Geiger, Jeni (Jeff) Brown, Patrick (Norma) Davis.
Grandchildren, Rachel, Aaron, Kate Jacquay, Jeff (Abbey), Jacob (Stephanie), Isaac, Melanie Geiger, Becca Schmidt, and Alyssa Rivera.
Sister-in-law, Joan Davis.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Frances Davis; and brothers, Jack Davis, Larry Davis, Tom Davis, and Patrick (Lee) Davis.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Orchard Ridge Country Club, 4531 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jerry's memory to the Allen County Humane Society.

With heavy hearts, we announce that Scott Pawlowski joined his beloved wife Peggy Pawlowski in the afterlife on February...
02/10/2026

With heavy hearts, we announce that Scott Pawlowski joined his beloved wife Peggy Pawlowski in the afterlife on February 5, 2026. They are again enjoying each other’s company sharing their immense love for one another.

Scott was born on March 8, 1963, in Lansing, Michigan to Harold and Carolyn Pawlowski. In the years following, Scott was joined by five siblings – Chris Pawlowski, Lora Ridenour, Kevin Pawlowski, Craig Pawlowski, and Lisa Dougherty. Being the oldest of six meant a lot of responsibility fell on his shoulders. With his Dad travelling a lot for business, his Mom called upon him to be the “man of the house”, even at a young age. While living in Ohio Scott was responsible for clearing the family’s incredibly long driveway with a ride on tractor and snow blower. Fighting through snow drifts and being guided through on the spot snow blower repairs by his Dad via the phone, Scott came through, never letting his Mom down.

Indiana was Scott’s home for all of his adult life. Shortly after graduating from art school, he met the woman who would fill his world with love and joy, Peggy Pawlowski. Scott and Peggy married on Valentine’s Day in 1996, forming an amazing family that over time included daughter Angela Melton, granddaughter Paige Holsinger, grandsons Dylan Hart and Austin Hart, and great-grandson Lucas Freer. Family fun included delicious cookouts, lazy days on the pontoon boat, maybe a beer or two, and, of course, lots of music and entertainment.

Besides Scott’s boundless love for his family and friends, Scott loved music and art, especially comic book art. Scott shared his love of music with Kendallville, Indiana through his DJ role at Radio Station Wawk 95.5, where he spun tunes under the pseudonym Scott Pawl. His love of art was captured through the watercolor paintings he created and the comic book he authored and illustrated. His fondness for comic books extended to superhero movies, which he loved to attend with Angie, Paige, Dylan, Austin, and Lucas.

Scott was a bigger than life personality who shared wonderful laughs and even more glorious big, bear hugs. We will sorely miss the man who would give anything and everything to care for his family.

A visitation for Scott will be held Saturday, February 14 from 9 AM until 11 AM at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville, Indiana followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Carolyn Sue Kerley, age 84, was called home to our Savior on February 5, 2026, surrounded by friends and family after a ...
02/08/2026

Carolyn Sue Kerley, age 84, was called home to our Savior on February 5, 2026, surrounded by friends and family after a hard-fought battle with Parkinsonism. Sue faced her illness with quiet strength, grace, and unwavering love for those around her.

Born on December 7, 1941, Sue was the beloved daughter of the late Clement C. and Flora E. (Russell) Myers. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Sue is survived by her husband, Dr. William C. Kerley; her brother, Jerry (Linda) Myers; her sons, Klark (Christine) and Kyle (Sarah); four cherished grandchildren, Zachary (Kolbey), Caitlin (Jacob) Anderson, Stella, and Kellan; and three great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by many cousins, including Linda Flick; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear lifelong friends, Robert and Nina Rodocker.

Sue was a proud graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a degree in Consumer Sciences. Her passion for food, organization, and homemaking was evident early on. As a senior in high school, she was a state champion in swine and received the prestigious Betty Crocker Award for Cooking through her involvement in 4-H—honors that reflected both her work ethic and natural talents.

She began her professional life in education, first teaching kindergarten at Hanover Elementary School, and later teaching Home Economics in Lewisville, Indiana. Sue later taught in Fort Wayne at Ben Guyer Middle School and Bishop Luers High School, sharing practical skills and quiet encouragement with beloved students before transitioning into veterinary practice management.

Sue served as the practice manager at Anthony Animal Clinic for over 30 years, where her dedication, organization, and compassion were deeply valued. She retired after a career defined by commitment and steady leadership.

Sue was known for never passing up a good deal—whether for herself, her family, or anyone lucky enough to shop alongside her and she loved her annual “pilgrimage” to the “world’s longest yard sale.”

Above all, Sue will be remembered for her steadfast love for her family, her loyal friendships, her strong work ethic, and her kind, steady presence. She was the center of her family—a source of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional support.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be planned for family and friends later in spring.

Judy Kay Bixler, 69, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Celebrate Senior Living in Fort Wayne. ...
02/06/2026

Judy Kay Bixler, 69, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Celebrate Senior Living in Fort Wayne.

The world got a little quieter on February 5, 2026, when Judy K. Bixler decided she’d had enough of this place and headed upstairs—where she is almost certainly already cussing someone out. Born to Edward and Marna Bixler, Judy was also preceded in death by her brother Thomas, who is probably getting an earful right now. She leaves behind her long-term partner Jerry Scheid, brother Bud and sister Ginny, who can confirm she always said exactly what she meant… whether you were ready for it or not.

Judy was known far and wide for her firecracker attitude, her laid‑back charm, and her ability to turn even the simplest moment into a story worth retelling. Before her illness, she loved hanging out with friends and family, beer in hand, laughing, talking, and occasionally stirring the pot just to keep things interesting. She was strong‑willed, independent, and—let’s be honest—a handful in the most entertaining way possible. But she was loved fiercely, and she loved her people right back.

She is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Brown (James) and Sherri Jenkins (Joshua), who inherited at least some of her stubbornness and all of her ability to speak their minds. Her grandchildren—Aaron Lehman, Skylar Hargrave, and Brittany Barr—kept her proud, amused, and occasionally exasperated. Her great‑grandchildren—Ryker, Sophia, Cooper, Cash, Luanne, and one angel baby—gave her endless joy and plenty of stories to brag about.

In her final years, dementia tried to quiet her spirit, but Judy wasn’t having it. She continued telling people off with impressive accuracy, volume, and creativity. If you knew her, you can picture it perfectly.

Judy lived life boldly, honestly, and with a spark that never went out. She will be remembered with laughter, love, and plenty of “Oh, that was SO Judy” moments.

William Henry “Billy” Hall, 58, of Lisbon, Indiana and New London, Ohio, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, very unexpect...
02/01/2026

William Henry “Billy” Hall, 58, of Lisbon, Indiana and New London, Ohio, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, very unexpectedly, at home. He was born on May 11, 1967, the son of the late Larry Gene Hall and Yvonne Elaine “Bonnie” Hall.

His true passions in life were his family and friends. He was a loyal and loving son, brother, uncle and friend to all. He never hesitated to help anyone and everyone. He loved hunting, camping and all forms of muscle cars and off-road vehicles. He loved cruising around, and back in the day could be found, along with his brothers, up and down the streets of Kendallville driving his 1977 Cordoba with a 440 big block and plush crushed velvet interior swapped in. Nowadays he enjoyed driving around his side by side. Also, no man ever cherished sitting down for conversation and a hearty breakfast, more than Billy.

Billy was a lifelong professional welder and was employed the last 31 years at Reliable in Kendallville.

Billy is survived by his siblings, Robin (John) Farley of Kendallville, Indiana; Scott (Diane) Hall of New London, Ohio; Jamie Hall of Kendallville; Michael Hall of Norwalk, Ohio; Larry Hall of Garrett, Indiana; many nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Billy was the loving son of Larry Gene Hall who preceded him on January 6, 2002, and Yvonne Elaine “Bonnie” Hall who preceded him on October 8, 2023.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.

Graveside services and burial will take place in New London, Ohio at a later date.

Bonita Kay Ferguson (1946-2026).It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Bonnie Ferguson, 79, of Fremont, I...
02/01/2026

Bonita Kay Ferguson (1946-2026).

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Bonnie Ferguson, 79, of Fremont, Indiana- Clear Lake, who passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family, from pancreatic cancer on January 19, 2026.

Bonnie attended high school in Stryker, Ohio and nursing school. She worked as a nurse at the Community Hospital of Williams County, Williams County Health Department, and Edon Northwest Local Schools.

Bonnie loved visiting Clear Lake since 1946 and later living there with her family. She said her favorite things about life were being a mother and a nurse. She welcomed everyone into their home with open arms while offering food and goodies for all! At the lake she enjoyed water skiing, in her younger years, and more recently kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, walking, and driving the speed boat for her daughter and grandchildren. Bonnie filled her retirement days attending school and sporting events for her grandchildren, consistently connecting with many of her friends in person and via phone, and participating in multiple Church activities. She could also be found spending hours in her beloved flower bed and garden.

Bonnie was preceded in death by Ethel Woolace (mother), Olin Woolace (father), Daniel Ferguson (son), Vicky Woolace (sister-in-law), and John Fortmeyer (grandson) and is survived by Theodore Ferguson (husband), William Woolace (brother), Timothy and Margaret Ferguson (son), Matthew and Amelia Ferguson (son), Joseph and Tegan Ferguson (son), Jennifer Ferguson (daughter) and Carly Rosswurm, 9 grandchildren- Eric, Kathryn, Christopher, Elizabeth, Rachel, Isabel, Nathaniel, Bennett, and Marcey, and 3 great grandchildren- Audrey, Cohen and Charlotte.

A visitation and celebration of life service will be held at the Fremont United Methodist Church, 105 Tolford St, Fremont, IN 46737, on March 28, 2026. There will be a two-hour visitation starting at 10:00 am followed by the celebration of life service starting at 12:00 pm. There will not be a cemetery service following. Cemetery: Evansport Cemetery in Evansport, Ohio- Defiance County. Donations to the Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy and the Fremont United Methodist Church in Bonnie’s honor would be greatly appreciated.

Deborah Ruth Blaine, age 68, of Kendallville, passed away January 28, 2026, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. ...
01/30/2026

Deborah Ruth Blaine, age 68, of Kendallville, passed away January 28, 2026, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. Debbie was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on July 24, 1957, to Richard Vincent Rossington and Ruth Fern (Denney) Rossington. She graduated from Southside High School in Fort Wayne in 1975 and married Lynn Haviland Blaine on August 16, 1980, in Butler, Indiana. Debbie was a licensed insurance agent and employed for 30+ years with Stewart, Brimner and Lear Insurance Agency in Kendallville as well as working parttime with H&R Block. After she retired as an insurance agent, she continued working with H&R Block as a licensed senior tax advisor where she earned many achievement awards. She loved her fulltime job as a tax advisor through the very busy tax season! Debbie also loved spending time with her family and grandkids and grand dogs. She loved reading books and watching Hallmark and Lifetime on television. She loved cuddling with her cat, Homer, and going out to eat with Lynn to area diners...especially, Paula's on Main in Fort Wayne. She was an avid Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos football fan. She was a member of the Elks Lodge and served on the board of directors with Life and Family Services and the Kendallville Public Library.

Survivors include:
Husband, Lynn Blaine of Kendallville.
Son, Chris Blaine of Mundelein, Illinois.
Daughter, Erin Brady of Kendallville.
Daughter, Jennifer and Shannon Shape of Pleasant Lake.
Six grandchildren: Christopher "Topher" Blaine, II, Madilyn Brady, Tanner Larrance, Taven (Krista) Larrance, Ezra (Emilee) Shape, and Nicolette (Tim) Oakley.
Brother, David and Peggy Rossington of Millsboro, Delaware.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ruth Rossington; sister, Kathy English; and three brothers, James Rossington, Jerry Rossington and Thomas Rossington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home.
Burial will take place at Butler Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Debbie's honor to Life and Family Services.

Address

403 S Main Street
Kendallville, IN
46755

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