McKee Mortuary Inc

01/02/2026

Centha Marie McKenzie

Centha Marie McKenzie, born on March 22, 1940, in Floyd County, Kentucky, to Amos and Rosie (Howard) Owens, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana.

After attending Silver Lake High School, Centha spent over two decades of her career dedicated to Alcoils, Inc. in Columbia City as a Coil Winder. Later, she transitioned to the Peabody Retirement Community, where she served for ten years, working in the kitchen as a cook, until her retirement.

In October of 1982, she married Willie McKenzie, with whom she shared fourteen wonderful years of marriage until his passing on February 20, 1996. Centha's helpful nature and her unwavering support for her children and grandchildren were the hallmarks of her character, and she cherished each moment spent with them, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Centha had many passions, most notably cooking, gardening, and quilting, which she pursued with great enthusiasm until her health began to decline. Her joy in canning her own produce and creating beautiful quilts spoke to her love for nurturing both her family and her passions.

The loving memory of Centha McKenzie will be forever cherished by her children, Betty J. (Tom) Brainard, North Manchester, Ernie Morrison, Plymouth, James Tolson, North Manchester, and Billy (Becky) Tolson, Wabash; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brothers, Earl Owens, Tacoma, Washington and Ellis (Dee) Owens, Alexandria, Indiana; sisters, Norma Meade and Sue (Don) Murphy, both of South Whitley; and many nieces and nephews. Centha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willie McKenzie; son, Richard Morrison; brothers, Earman and Edward Owens; and sisters, Edith Minnix, Juanita Wolford, and Bonnie Shepherd.

A graveside will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Claypool, Indiana in the spring.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Centha McKenzie, memorial contributions may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.

The family of Centha McKenzie has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

View Centha Marie McKenzie's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Donna Joan Zubowski, passed away on December 24, 2025, on her 95th birthday, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. Born on December 24, 1930, in La Salle, Illinois, to Harold and Elizabeth (Bernard) Prentice Sr., Donna lived a life marked by love, devotion, and service to others.

In 1948, Donna graduated from La Salle High School and pursued further education in nursing. However, her life took a beautiful turn when she met Richard H. "Zeke" Zubowski. Their love blossomed, leading to their marriage on September 23, 1950. Together, they spent fifty-two wonderful years raising a family blessed with four daughters and one son. Zeke, her beloved husband, passed away on September 24, 2002.

A dedicated and hardworking individual, Donna devoted many years of her life to her career as a store manager at Harvey's Dime Store and later as a housekeeper at Peabody Retirement Community until her retirement in 1995.

A devoted Catholic, Donna was known for her servant’s heart and her unwavering willingness to help others. Whether through acts of kindness in her or supporting her family, she exemplified selflessness and compassion in her daily life.

The loving memory of Donna Zubowski will be forever cherished by her daughters; Becky Timoteo of North Manchester, Veronica Zubowski of Warsaw, Roberta (Steve) Rohrer of North Manchester, and Mary (Preston) Moore of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard “Zeke” Zubowski; son, Richard H. Zubowski; brother, Harold “Bud” Prentice Jr.; sisters, Helen Locke and Haroldene Salz; and grandson, Scott A. Zubowski.

The family of Donna Zubowski will grieve privately.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Donna Zubowski, memorial contributions may be made to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 1203 State Road 114 East, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Donna Zubowski has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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12/28/2025

Joan Carolyn Robison

Joan Carolyn Robison, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and woman of faith, passed away peacefully at her home in North Manchester, Indiana, on December 25, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on September 1, 1936, in Oakland, California, to John T. Clark and Helen Margret (Irwin) Sexton, Joan spent her early years in Pasadena before her family moved to Victorville, California. She graduated from Victorville High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from La Verne University.

On October 10, 1958, Joan married Richard Robison, beginning a life filled with love and adventure. Their house was soon bursting with children, but Joan never slowed down. While pregnant with their fifth child, Joan spent an entire summer camping in Alaska with their four sons after Richard received a research grant to study near Anchorage. When the program’s housing couldn’t accommodate the growing family, Joan—undeterred—pitched a tent, fished for dinner, and fully embraced the adventure.

Their big van often doubled as a traveling home, with wet laundry hung out the windows to dry as they drove cross-country again and again. Everywhere they went, Joan made new friends and fearlessly immersed her family in new communities, from churches to Scout troops. With her feisty sense of humor, love of adventure, fondness for sneakers, and uncanny ability to connect with anyone, she never met a stranger—only a friend in the making.

A passionate educator and ever unfazed by the chaos of parenthood, Joan earned her Master’s degree in Education from Michigan State University while pregnant with her seventh child. She and Richard deeply valued education, traveling around the country whenever possible to attend many of their thirty-five grandchildren’s high school graduations.

When her oldest child left for college, Joan found the house too quiet with only six remaining children living at home, so she and Richard opened their hearts and home to foster children. Over the years, they fostered many children and formally adopted two. Joan had a gift for making people feel seen, loved, and welcomed, and she was almost always holding Richard’s hand—connected to everyone she met, but especially to him.

Her life was deeply rooted in faith. She was an active member of Sweetwater Assembly of God in North Manchester and treasured her involvement in the “Tuesdays at 2” Bible Study group, sharing her wisdom, encouragement, and devotion with all who attended.

Joan found joy in life’s simple pleasures—bargain hunting at Raber’s, TV marathons, gardening, and regaling her family with well-loved stories. Known for her “gift of gab,” she could hold a conversation with anyone.

Just 36 hours before her passing, Joan prophetically reflected, “I only ever wanted to be a wife and mother, and God gave me everything I wanted. I’ve been blessed.”

Joan’s legacy lives on in her family, the center of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard Robison; her children, Wayne Robison, David (Corinne) Robison, Gary Robison, Allan (Pati) Robison, Mark (Ingrid) Robison, Joani (Sam) Hazleton, Lauri (Todd) Hess, Larry (Whitney) Robison, and Luann (Ryan) Boswell; thirty-five grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and her sister, Alberta Lopez of Sylmar, California. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Helen Marie.

Family and friends may call Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sweetwater Assembly of God, 2551 State Road 114 East, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Jeremy Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers (which Joan would have found too pricey), those who wish to honor her memory may make memorial contributions to Sweetwater Assembly of God (Memo line: Missionary Support).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to McKee Mortuary for their care and support during this time.

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12/26/2025

Sonda Marlene Coble

Sonda Marlene (West) Coble, 86, born September 20, 1939, at home in North Manchester to Glenn and Mayme (Clark) West, passed away on December 23, 2025.

Sonda graduated from Central High School, North Manchester, Indiana, in 1957. On June 30, 1957, she married Kenneth (Kenny) D. Coble, and together they embraced the joys of parenthood with their two sons, Brad and Kerry Kent. Kenny later passed away on May 11, 2011.

Sonda began working early in her life as a pinsetter at Olinger’s Lane (then located above the Moose), Landis Drugstore, and Peabody Retirement Home. After marrying Kenny, she became co-owner of what was then called Coble Farm Equipment in South Whitley. During her retirement years, Sonda worked at Group Dekko in South Whitley for several years. She also held a fifty-year membership in Ivy Chapter #69 Order of the Eastern Star.

The loving memory of Sonda Coble will be forever cherished by her sons, Bradley Wayne (Judy) Coble, South Whitley, and Kerry Kent (Teresa) Coble, North Manchester; grandchildren, Julie Krider, South Whitley, Jeffrey Coble, Huntington, Christopher (Amanda) Clark, Warsaw, and Karla (Tyler) Huffman, Claypool; great-grandchildren, Sydney Krider, Devin Krider, Kaylee Clark, Emma Clark, Gage Huffman and Gunner Huffman; great-great-grandchild, River Clary; and brother, Terry (Edith) West, Warsaw. Sonda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Coble; brothers, Danny, Donny, Bobby, and Dickie West; and sister, Nancy Coble.

The family of Sonda Coble will grieve privately. Burial will be held at South Whitley Cemetery in South Whitley, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Sonda Coble, memorial contributions may be made to Peabody Caring Circle, 400 West 7th Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Sonda Coble has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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12/26/2025

Larry Gordon Herendeen

Larry Gordon Herendeen, born on April 19, 1944, at home in Silver Lake, Indiana, to Gordon K. and Lillie L. (Hamilton) Herendeen, passed away on December 24, 2025, at his residence in North Manchester.

Larry graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1962. Before his service in the United States Army, where he was drafted in 1965 and served honorably as a heavy machine operator in Korea, Larry worked at Sell’s Oil Company. His career as a mechanic spanned several notable companies, including Tri-State Harvester, Wabash Portable, Gragg Equipment, and ultimately, he retired from Indiana Coated Fabrics in 2010.

On April 5, 1969, Larry married Peggy Winger, with whom he shared a loving marriage for fifty-six years. Together, they nurtured a family that included their two children, Brent and Shelly. Larry cherished the joys of fatherhood and took immense pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A man of many interests, Larry had a passion for restoring tractors and building cannons in his spare time. He was known for his sense of humor and his preference for home, although he and Peggy did enjoy traveling together later in life, always looking forward to returning to the comfort of their home.

The loving memory of Larry Herendeen will be forever cherished by his wife, Peggy Herendeen, North Manchester; children, Shelly (David) Strobel, North Manchester and Brent (Lora) Herendeen, Mentone; two grandchildren, Caitlyn (Jared) Monce and Grant Strobel; and two great-grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tommy “Tom” Herendeen and Richard Herendeen; and sister, Linda K. Hamilton.

The family of Larry Gordon Herendeen will grieve privately.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Larry Herendeen, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Township Fire Department, 10459 North Ogden Road, Laketon, Indiana 46943.

The family of Larry Herendeen has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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12/20/2025

Rhoda Arnett

Rhoda Arnett, a devoted homemaker and cherished member of her church community, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. She was born to Arthur and Haley (Prater) Whitaker on May 24, 1939, in Salyersville, Kentucky.

On August 27, 1955, Rhoda married Kernie Arnett, and together they shared many wonderful years until his passing on February 3, 2022. During their sixty-six years of marriage, they were blessed with six children. First and foremost, Rhoda dedicated her life to raising her six children, instilling in them the values of love, faith, and kindness. Her nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren, whom she adored and often babysat, filling their lives with laughter and lessons. Rhoda was not just a nurturing figure but also a strong Christian woman, deeply committed to her faith as a member of Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God in Silver Lake. She took pride in teaching her family about the love of Jesus, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

In addition to her role as a homemaker, Rhoda contributed to her family's well-being by working part-time at United Technologies, Peabody Seating Company, and Warner Brooder Company, all located in North Manchester.

Rhoda's passions included gardening, canning, and sewing, activities that brought her joy and satisfaction, but nothing brought her more joy than having her family together. She was renowned for her cooking skills, delighting her family with her wonderful meals, often preparing the favorite dishes of her grandchildren. Moreover, she was known for her mean games of checkers that she loved to play.

The loving memory of Rhoda Arnett will be forever cherished by her children, Carolyn (Frank) Holden, Westfield, Robert (Sheila) Arnett, South Whitley, Lois (David) Wise, North Manchester, and Rhonda Fruitt, North Manchester; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brothers, James (Ann) Whitaker, Waterford, Michigan, Lloyd Whitaker and Jerry Whitaker, both of Gunlock, Kentucky; sisters, Kathy (J.D.) Howard, Moorehead, Kentucky and Brenda Thornsberry, Waterford, Michigan. Rhoda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kernie Arnett; sons, Ronald and Randall “Randy” Arnett; grandson, Frank Holden Jr.; great-grandchild, Kingston Wise; brothers, Harold, Roger, Michael, Ralph, and Randall Keith Whitaker; sisters, Janet Whitaker, Fern Jean Whitaker, and Clarise Hounshell.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Justin Harshman officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Rhoda Arnett, memorial contributions may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.

The family of Rhoda Arnett has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

View Rhoda Arnett's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

Mary Barnett

Mary Ellen Barnett, born Gloyeski on July 23, 1947, in South Bend, Indiana, to Irvin and Gertrude (Staszewski) Gloyeski, passed away on December 14, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Wabash in Wabash, Indiana.

Mary's dedication to education was matched by her commitment to personal growth. She graduated from South Bend St. Joseph High School and pursued higher education at Indiana University, earning her undergraduate degree followed by a Master’s degree in Education. This strong educational foundation equipped her to lead with confidence and compassion throughout her career.

Mary was a devoted educator for over 30 years whose passion for teaching and genuine care for her students shaped the lives of many children in her community. She began her career as a teacher before advancing to the role of vice principal, where she continued to nurture and inspire those around her.

In her personal life, Mary married Paul Barnett, with whom she shared a beautiful life full of love and adventure. Together they enjoyed the vibrant lifestyle that Boca Raton, Florida had to offer. Mary embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She had a passion for yoga and exercising, taking great pleasure in good food and relishing a nice glass of wine at the end of her day. Her love for beauty was evident in her well-maintained appearance, as she was always meticulous with her makeup, clothes, and hair.

Mary was not only a devoted wife and educator but also a warm and fun-loving individual who cherished the connections she made throughout her life. She was a proud member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton, where her faith served as an important part of her identity.

The loving memory of Mary Ellen Barnett will be forever cherished by her siblings, David (Carol) Gloyeski, Bon Aqua, Tennessee, Carol (Patrick) Fagan, The Villages, Florida, Michael (Anita) Gloyeski, North Manchester and Dale (Jie-Yeon “Gee”) Gloyeski, Ladera Ranch, California; nephews, Patrick, Tom, Sean, and Ryan; and nieces, Erin and Karen. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Paul Barnett.

The family of Mary Barnett will grieve privately.

As a request, Mary recommends donations to Missionary Flights International, www.missionaryflights.org, 772-462-2395, in her memory.

The family of Mary Barnett has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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12/17/2025

Carl Gene Jenkins

Carl Gene Jenkins, born on July 10, 1954, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Everett I. and Wretha E. (Montel) Jenkins, passed away at his home on December 15, 2025. He was 71 years old. Carl lived a life anchored in hard work and dedication, principles that guided him throughout his personal and professional endeavors.

Carl graduated from Whitko High School in 1972, a milestone that marked the beginning of his journey through life’s varied landscapes, including being a lifelong farmer. Carl took immense pride in the challenges of agriculture, finding joy in the rhythm of the seasons and developed a passion for International Harvester machinery. For many years, Carl also worked as a flagger at Whitley Mobile Homes in South Whitley.

Carl was known for being honest to a fault, having unwavering integrity, and always putting the needs of his loved ones before his own. He managed to do so despite life providing him no shortage of challenges. He had a passion for muscle cars, a love for street racing and cruising. During his final years everyone within the town of South Whitley could hear the roar of his white 2010 Dodge Challenger, whether they knew so or not. As a member of the North Manchester Moose Lodge 1518, Carl loved the weekly drawings and being around friends.

The loving memory of Carl Jenkins will be forever cherished by his sons, Curt (Jayme) Jenkins, South Whitley and Kyle (Maria Hernandez Muniz) Jenkins, stationed in South Korea; daughters, Lori (Joey) Menck Krouse, Fort Wayne and Lisa Menck, Nashville, Tennessee; brothers, Robert Jenkins, South Whitley and Leonard (Barbara) Jenkins, Marion; two grandchildren, Clay and Atlas Jenkins. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Arden Jenkins.

Family and friends may call Monday, December 22, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, with calling beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held at South Whitley Cemetery, with Pastor David Wagner officiating.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Carl Jenkins, memorial contributions may be made to Moose Charities, 155 South International Drive, Mooseheart, Illinois 60539.

The family of Carl Jenkins has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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12/15/2025

Marilyn Arlene Keirn

Marilyn Arlene Keirn, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 88 on December 14, 2025, at The Waters of Wabash West in Wabash, Indiana. Born on May 14, 1937, in Huntington, Indiana, to Clifford Arlo and Gladys (Sours) Cormany, Arlene was a devoted family member and a caring healthcare professional.

Arlene's educational journey began at Laketon High School, from which she graduated in 1955. She further pursued her passion for helping others by obtaining a degree in Nursing from Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a remarkable career spanning thirty-two years, she dedicated twenty years to Wabash Hospital before continuing her commitment to patient care for twelve additional years at Anderson Visiting Nurse. Her compassion and professionalism in nursing left a lasting impression on her colleagues and patients alike.

Beyond her professional life, Arlene was a woman of strong character and immense love for her family, particularly her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Her warm heart, independence, and strong-willed nature endeared her to many; she was known for her loving and giving spirit. In her leisure time, Arlene found joy in crafting, gardening—including picking dandelions, which she despised—taking car rides through the countryside, camping, and crocheting. Her three cherished Yorkies, Zip, Bronco, and Bella, along with her beloved cat, Sammy, brought additional warmth and companionship to her life over the years.

Arlene married Porter L. Eads on June 10, 1955. While their marriage did not endure, they shared the joy of raising five children together. After her first marriage, she married Dennis E. Idlewine on February 3, 1989, who sadly passed away on April 22, 2007. She later found love again with Bud Keirn, marrying him on May 1, 2010, until his passing on September 24, 2017.

The loving memory of Marilyn Arlene Keirn will be forever cherished by her children, Andrea Eads, North Manchester, Sylvia Eads, Warsaw, Laura (Mike) Leisure, North Manchester, and Steven (Lisa Workman) Eads, Lagro; sisters, Sharon Casper, Laketon and Connie Funk, Sandy Beach; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Dennis Idlewine and Bud Keirn; ex-husband, Porter Eads; son, Allen Eads; brothers, Jacob Cormany Sr. and Charles Cormany; sisters, Hilda Cormany and Norma Namislo; and grandchildren, Melynda “Mindy” Leisure and Gregory Welch.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral Services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Rocky Addair Jr. officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Marilyn Arlene Keirn, memorial contributions may be made to Wabash County CASA, 1 West Hill Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

The family of Marilyn Arlene Keirn has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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12/13/2025

The 2025 Memorial Ornament Event was once again a wonderful success. Every year we share smiles and tears and every year we feel more blessed than the attendees. Our tree is so full of memories and love from past years and the present and is a beautiful remembrance of so many.

12/11/2025

Today noon to 6 stop in and make that special ornament

12/10/2025

Lloyd Gene Ousley

NORTH MANCHESTER – Lloyd Gene Ousley, 86, passed away on Friday (December 5, 2025) with family at his side.

The first of seven children, Mr. Ousley was born on January 1, 1939 in Prestonburg, Ky. to Malcom and Alice Mae (Conley) Ousley. He married Verna Mae (Miller) who survived it all.

In addition to the mother of his children, Lloyd is survived by four children, Tammy K. Hardy of Warsaw, Linda (Bud) Baker of Andover, N.Y., Kenny Ousley of Columbia City, and Keith (Cristina) Ousley of North Webster; two siblings, Fran Fear of Oreano, Il., and Ray Arnold Ousley of Warsaw; 11 grandchildren, Johnny Baldridge, Ashleigh Lee, Lucian Hardy, Erinnae Cline, Titus Baker, Alethia Storm, Karissa Baker; Kirsten Ousley, Mason Ousley, Cierra Ousley, and Megan Ousley; numerous great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lloyd was preceded in death by siblings Lois Trump, Riley Ousley, Thomas Ousley, and Holley Ousley, as well as two grandchildren, Caleb Baker and Faith Ousley.

After leaving the Navy, in the early 1960’s, Lloyd relocated his family from Jackson, Ohio to northern Indiana. During his working years, he learned several trades of which he most enjoyed industrial painting. In later years, he spent much of his time attending AA meetings where he found friendship and support.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring of 2026. Arrangements are under the direction of McKee Mortuary in North Manchester and Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover, N.Y. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.

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