Archive - Obituary
February 18th, 2013
Richard D. “Hoss” Hawkins, 74, of South Whitley, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 in Winter Haven, Fla. where he resided during the winter months. He had been in failing health.
He was born Aug. 29, 1938, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, a son of the late Clarence Dean and Elizabeth (Hootman) Hawkins. He spent his formative years in New Philadelphia.
On Oct. 12, 1961, he entered the U.S. Army. He became a heavy equipment operator and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
February 15th
Virgil Lewis Ferrell, 72, of New Haven, formerly of Columbia City, passed away at 5:05 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at New Haven Care, New Haven.
Born Sept. 12, 1940, in Columbia City, he was the son of Wilbert L. and Henrietta (Boschet) Ferrell.
He attended Columbia City High School. Virgil spent most of his life in Whitley and Allen County and was a dedicated employee of South Side Gardens, Fort Wayne for 24 years.
Virgil will be lovingly remembered by his sister Bessie (Erville “Duke”) Callison and many nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Alta I. Acres, 81, a former resident of Columbia City, died at 2:17 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in the North Woods Village in Kokomo.
She was born near Albion March 3, 1931, a daughter of Orson and Gladys Smith Moore. Her formative years were spent in the Rome City community and she completed her education in the Rome City High School.
Ned S. Byall, 84, of Columbia City, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013.
Born in Whitley County, Ned graduated from Jefferson Center School. He served in the U.S. Army and went to Radio School in Fort Benning, Ga. He was with the 1st Cavalry Ski Patrol during the Korean War and was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan.
Ned, along with his wife, Delores, operated the family farm with the help of their son, Brent. He was a member of Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, Fort Wayne.
February 14th
Lura M. Baublet, 88, of Bluffton, passed away at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, at Meadowvale Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Marion on Dec. 23, 1924, to Guy Henry and LaTressie (Sailors) Comstock, she married Carl E. Baublet on May 2, 1943, in South Whitley; he passed away Dec. 1, 1999.
A 1943 graduate of South Whitley High School, she was a homemaker and also worked at the Wells County Home for 12 years.
February 11th
June L. Scofield, 100, formerly of Columbia City, passed away at 3:19 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, in Dunlap, Tenn.
Born June 15, 1912, in Rosemont, Neb., she was the daughter of Claus and Gertrude Estella (McWilliams) Rose, Jr.
June grew up in Stratton, Colo. graduating with the Class of 1929 at the age of 17. In September 1929, she enrolled at the University of Colorado, in Boulder, until January 1931, at which time she returned to Stratton to teach in a one-room, eight-grade country school north of Stratton.
Viola G. Baker, 68, of Columbia City, died at 1:15 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Parkview Oaks.
She was born Oct. 13, 1944, in Livingston County, Mich. to Clyde and Mary (Robinson) Beauchamp. As a teenager, she moved to Jackson, Mich. She graduated from Jackson High School.
Her last employment was with Marlin Manor.
Surviving relatives include three children, Richard (Tina) Baker Jr. of Columbia City, Michael (Vicki) Baker of Jackson and Karen Baker of Jackson; 13 grandchildren; a brother, William Beauchamp of Michigan and a sister, Connie Beauchamp of Michigan.
February 8th
Lt. Col. James (Jim) Obermiller passed away Jan. 30, 2013, in San Antonio, TX. He was born June 30, 1921, in Ft. Wayne.
After high school, he was selected to attend the Army Air Corps Pilot Training program. He became one of the first class of enlisted pilots, followed by his commission as an officer and assignment to the 339th Fighter Squadron, flying P-38s in the South Pacific.
Mildred L. Sweeden, 82, of South Whitley, died at 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at her home of natural causes.
She was born Aug. 27, 1930, in White Pine, Tenn., a daughter of Arthur C. and Flora J. (Mattox) Coleman. Her formative years were spent in Tennessee.
On Oct. 3, 1949, she married J.T. Sweeden. They made their home in Windfall before moving to Summitville. Mr. Sweeden died May 14, 1978.
She was employed at Kraft Foods in Summitville, Chamberlin Products in South Whitley and retired from Seamco in South Whitley with more than 10 years of service.
Leona M. Uptgraft, 83, a resident of Merriam and widow of William A. Uptgraft, passed away at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013.
Mrs. Uptgraft was born April 20, 1929, in Allen County, a daughter of Earl and Mary (Harter) Geiger.
Surviving relatives include her six children; two daughters-in-law; three brothers; three sisters; 24 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco with Father Danney Pinto, the celebrant.
