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Hite Funeral Home, 403 S Main Street, Kendallville, IN (2026)

04/04/2026

Michael Lynn Davis, age 74, of Avilla, passed away April 1, 2026, at Miller's Merry Manor, Garrett, Indiana. Michael was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on August 11, 1951, to the late Richard Lee Davis and Beatrice Irene (Hovarter) Davis. He graduated from East Noble High School in 1969 and married Wanda Sue Campbell on October 11, 1969, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Laotto, Indiana. Mike was employed by Kraft Foods, International Harvestor, Magnavox, and Raytheon. Mike was an avid woodworker and gardener and he loved fishing. In his younger days, he played slow pitch softball. He was also an avid sports fan and golfer. He was a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. Most importantly, he loved his family and spending time with them.

Survivors include:
Wife, Wanda Davis of Avilla.
Daughter, Dawn and Dennis Mast of Avilla.
Son, Doug and Jennifer Davis of Kendallville.
Grandchildren: Cody Mast and Terri Maggart both of Albion; Kyle and Haley Mast of Kendallville; Kevin Mast and Paige Bennett both of Bluffton; Ashley Davis and Zach Miner of Kendallville and Fort Wayne; and Allison Davis of Avilla.
Six great grandchildren: Kellen, Kinley, Nylah, Brody, Bayeigh, and Briella.
Sister, Darlene Ritchie of Kendallville.
Sister, Cheri and Mike Shearer of Ligonier.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Beatrice Davis; and a sister, Vicky Wallen.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00pm at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00am at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Mark McCue officiating.
Burial will follow at Perry Township Cemetery, Huntertown.
Memorial donations may be made to Noble County Humane Society.

04/03/2026

Patricia “Pat” Pontzius (Young), 80, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 29th, surrounded by her three granddaughters.

Pat, one of four children and only daughter, born to Preston and Eva Young, attended Albion Jefferson High School and graduated in 1963. She married Billy Pontzius in 1965 and they welcomed two daughters, four grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

With an infectious giggle and gentle spirit, Pat was well-known for her crocheting talent and delicious strawberry jam, but one of the most fulfilling roles she held was that of a foster parent and babysitter to numerous children.

Pat was incredibly resilient, experiencing a lot of grief during her time on earth, including the passing of the love of her life of 49 and a half years, as well as her two daughters, but she held onto her faith and the promise of meeting them again one day.

She is survived by her four grandchildren, Jessica (Jason) Miller of Rome City, Jennifer (Taylor) Orr of Albion, Jacqueline (Justin) Price of New Haven, and Timothy Wells Jr of West Virginia, her 10 great grandchildren, her brother, Dennis (Eileen) Young of Fort Wayne, and her sister-in-law, Barb Young (Jerry) of Churubusco. She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Pontzius, her two daughters, Dee Meadows and Mary Wells, and her two brothers, Jerry and Ernest Young.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.

04/03/2026

Sandra Lee (Walters) Parisot, age 82, of Fort Wayne, passed away March 24, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Mrs. Parisot was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 19, 1943, to the late Dale Walters and Wanda (White) Walters. She first married Ross Gambrell who preceded her in death in 1977. She later married Ronald Parisot who also preceded her in death in 2012. Sandy was employed with the U.S. Food Service in customer service.

Survivors include:
Son, Kevin and Barbara Gambrell of Big Otter Lake, Fremont.
Daughter, Tammy and Richard White of Ossian.
Four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Companion, Paul Conover.

Sandra was also preceded in death by daughter, Kim Elizabeth Gambrell, in 1996; and two sisters, Bonnie Walters and Ruth Walters.

Interment will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne at a later date.

03/31/2026

William Gordon Ashmore, age 77, of Kendallville, passed away March 30, 2026, at Orchard Pointe in Kendallville. Mr. Ashmore was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on May 16, 1948, to the late Freeman Ashmore and Christine Kate (Griffin) Ashmore. He graduated from Landrum High School in South Carolina and was owner/operator of an automotive care and detailing business.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Sandi and Chris Maners of Albion.
Three grandchildren, Tabbetha Moran of Albion; John and Christina Maners of Wawaka; and Fabiola Maners of Albion.
Five great grandchildren, Grace Moran, Emrey Moran, Austin Salzbrenner, Ellisyn Moran, and Charlee Maners.
William was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jimmy Ashmore; and three sisters, Mary Lawson, Joyce Wessinger, and Judy Edney.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church, 2900 N. 500 E., Kendallville.

03/31/2026

Leroy Charles "Chuck" Pratt, age 80, of Kimmel, died March 23, 2026, at home. Mr. Pratt was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 26, 1945, to the late Leroy Charles Pratt, Sr. and Leanna (Tassler) Pratt. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Chuck was employed with Dexter Axle, and he was liked by all his friends and neighbors. There will be no services held.

03/31/2026

Beverly Ann (Benz) Schweizer, age 90, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at TowneHouse Retirement Community where she resided on March 19, 2026. She was married to her husband, Richard Walter Schweizer, for 62 years. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, service, and compassion. She was a devoted and loving mother of five children and was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

For many years, Beverly was an active volunteer in her community. When her children were young, she helped with their Boy Scout and Brownie troops and was involved with the EACS Head Start Program. Her professional work as a Recreational Technician at Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana—now Easterseals NE Indiana—was where Beverly truly shined, bringing joy, dignity, and encouragement to those she served. In the 10 years that Bev and Dick chose to live in a retirement community in Florida, they volunteered at Universal Studios and Camp Boggy Creek, a camping experience for children who have chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Beverly’s strong faith and remarkable resilience carried her through many challenges in life and inspired others. She had a big heart for anyone who was suffering or at a disadvantage and supported numerous charitable organizations on a regular basis, including Doctors Without Borders. Her smile could light up a room, her laugh was infectious, and she had a gift for striking up a conversation with just about anyone.

She was a graduate of Central (Southside) High School and was most recently a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne.

Beverly is survived by her five children: John Philip Schweizer of North Port, Florida; Stephanie Lynn (Chris) Welbaum of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Elizabeth Schweizer Struckholz of Indianapolis, Indiana; Cynthia Louise (Jim) Gabbard of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Kathleen Ellen (Kevin) Martin of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren: Jason (Jamie) Schweizer, Joshua (Crystal) Seibert, Shaun Schweizer, Kevin Seibert, Jennifer Struckholz, Sarah (Jeremy) Begle, Zachary Struckholz, Jessica Gabbard/Drew Getz, Daniel Gabbard and Justine Schweizer; as well as twelve great-grandchildren: Alanna, Olivia, Haley, Hannah, Gabrielle, Morgan, Hayden, Jackson, Eryn, Miles, Maci and Mia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edwin Benz Sr and Celeste Adele (Klenke) Benz; her brother, Charles Edwin Benz Jr; her husband, Richard Walter “Dick” Schweizer; and her great-grandson, Ethan A. Seibert.

A celebration of Beverly’s life will be held on April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Entombment dedication will immediately follow the service in the columbarium, followed by a light luncheon and fellowship. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, Heartland Hospice, or Madina Village School and Hospital at madinavillageschool.org.

03/31/2026

James Earl Jackson, age 75, of Leo, passed away on March 26, 2026, and is now at peace in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. James was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 19, 1950, to the late James Edgar Jackson and Erlene Catherine (Chamberlin) Jackson. He graduated from Leo High School in 1968 and entered into the United States Air Force where he honorably served his country from 1970-1972. He married Suzanne Hetrick on September 23, 2000, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Grabill. Jim was a truck driver for JAT of Fort Wayne. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as elder. He was also a member of American Legion Post 409, Leo. He deeply loved his family and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren. He enjoyed baseball and fishing, and will be remembered as a sweet, kind, and thoughtful man.

Survivors include:
Wife, Suzanne Jackson of Leo.
Son, Josh and Carrie Jackson of Grabill.
Son, Jon Jackson of Fort Wayne.
Seven grandchildren, James Eric Jackson, Jesslyn Jackson, Jade Jackson, Justin Jackson, Tanner Jackson, Juliahna Jackson, and Allysen Jackson.
One great granddaughter, Eleanor Jackson.
Stepson, Mike and Angie Hetrick of Fort Wayne.
Stepson, Chad and Maryann Hetrick of Spencerville.
Four step grandchildren, Micha Murfield, Kyle Hetrick, Jenna Moore and Courtney Johnson.
Two step great grandchildren, Joannabelle Johnson and Elijah Johnson.
Sister, Marcia Armstrong of Grabill.
Daughter-in-law, Edith Jackson of Wabash.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Erlene Jackson; son, James Jackson in December of 2025; grandson, Jonathon Jackson; step granddaughter, Marissa Sue Hetrick; and brother, Steven Jackson.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, from 3:00-7:00pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 12640 Saint Joe Road, Grabill, Indiana.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1:00pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Eichmann officiating. There will also be an hour of calling prior to the service.
Burial with military honors will take place at Leo Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Grabill.

03/27/2026

Sandra Hagerty Funeral Service

03/24/2026

Sandra Louise (Stabe) Hagerty, age 87, of Kendallville, passed away March 21, 2026, at Ascension Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. Mrs. Hagerty was born in Garrett, Indiana, on February 13, 1939, to the late Harold F. Stabe and Lorene B. (Hissong) Stabe. She graduated from Avilla High School in 1956 and married Jim Adam Hagerty on April 2, 1966, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Sandy was a longtime employee of Kraft Foods where she retired in 1995 after 30 years of service. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville and Zion Lutheran Church near Corunna. Sandy loved spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She loved hosting family gatherings, cooking, and baking with her grandchildren and attending all their activities. Her family deeply loved her and they will miss her greatly.

Survivors include:
Husband, Jim Hagerty of Avilla.
Son, Kevin and Kelly Bortner of Albion.
Son, Ron and Sandra Bortner of Huntington.
Son, Terry and Elizabeth Bortner of Ligonier.
Son-in-law, Dave Ladig of New Haven.
14 grandchildren: Jerimee Bortner of Columbus, Ohio; Joshua and Sarah Bortner of Goshen; Melissa and Charles Northrop of Indianapolis; Chad and Erica Bortner of Hackenberg Lake, Wolcottville; Justin and Holly Bortner of Fort Wayne; Brandy and Doug Carroll of Bippus; Amanda and Jared Knipper of Albion; Kristen Bortner of Huntington; Jamie and Andrew Dean of Florence, Arizona; Benjamin Ladig of New Haven; Daniel and Mara Ladig of Noblesville; Crystal and Jamie Parks of Laotto; Ethan Bortner of Huntington; and Kara Calhoun of Pierceton.
37 great grandchildren.
Sister, Sharry and David Wiehe of Columbia City.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Harold and Betty Stabe; her mother, Lorene (Hissong) Stabe; four-year-old daughter, Vicki Lynn; daughter, Diana Ladig; brother, Freddie Lee Stabe; and sister, Jacqueline Snyder.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Rigdon officiating.
Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Casket bearers will be her six grandsons, Jerimee, Joshua, Chad, Justin, Ben, and Dan.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church.

03/24/2026

Debra Ann Geiger was born to John "Jake" Cramar and Sandy Krider on September 16, 1955, in Columbia City and died March 18, 2026, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She went to Churubusco School. Debbie spent her earlier years in LaGrange County. She moved to Fort Wayne in the early 80's. She was a member Amvets Post 33 since 1991, where she served as the Ladies Auxiliary President from 1998-2017 and VFW Post 1421 since 2007. She called Waynedale her home where she lived with her dog Toby. Surviving are three children, David (Andrea) Beard, Deanna (Steve) Hockema and Shawn (Delilah) Geiger. Eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her mother, Sandy Krider, and sister, Dawn Cramar. She was preceded in death by her father.

A celebration of life will be held at the AmVets at 6620 Koester Dr, Fort Wayne, Indiana on Thursday, March 26th from 2:00-7:00 p.m.

03/22/2026

Paul Frederick Topping, 77, passed away on March 19, 2026, in Marion, IN. Born on October 1, 1948, Paul dedicated much of his life to service, both as a medic in the U.S. Army during the
Vietnam War and later at the Marion VA Hospital. Paul is remembered for his profound love for his family and his country. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971, including a crucial stint in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He continued his commitment to service in the Army Reserves from 1975 to 1979. Following his military service, Paul worked for over 33 years at the Marion VA Hospital, where he was a beloved member of the grounds crew and engineering department.

Beyond his professional and military life, Paul's personal life was filled with joy and laughter. He loved telling dumb jokes, loved all kinds of food, enjoyed fishing and bowling, and one of the things he loved most was watching TV. He especially enjoyed watching sports and the Weather Channel. He was an avid supporter of the Marion Giants basketball team and loved going to the games.

Paul had a love for gardening and yard work, and spent many hours working outside in his yard. He loved being a dad and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Teresa Kay; children, Heather (John) Mullins, Summer (Chad) Roots, and Justin (Lindsey) Topping; grandchildren, Sophie, Liam, Corydon, Maddie, Frederick, Ella, and Cora; sister and brothers-in-law, Sandy Hendey (Steve Arrendale), Dwight (Cindy) Johnson, Mike (Diane) Johnson, and Jeff (Vicky) Johnson; and numerous nieces and
nephews. His beloved little doggy, Rizzo, also survives him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Esther Topping, and his in-laws, Andrew and Maxine Johnson.

A viewing will be held from 1-3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Chapel at VA Hospital in Marion, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life.
A committal service with military honors at Marion National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Legion.

Paul's legacy of service, laughter, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the Marion VA Hospital and the staff who took care of Paul for so many years. A special thanks goes to the loving staff in Building 172, Unit 1B who cared for him
with such compassion and were like a family to him.

03/21/2026

Mikaela Forker’s Funeral Service

Hite Funeral Home

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