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Eugene R. Christiansen
PLYMOUTH -- Longtime Plymouth resident, Eugene R. Christiansen, 89, passed to his eternal
home at 7:20 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne from complications
of a stroke last Sunday evening. He had recently moved to Kingston at Dupont -- Memory Care
Unit in Fort Wayne. Since 2003, Gene had resided at Grace Village at Winona Lake, but no
matter where Gene Christiansen resided, he instilled in others his true sense of community and it
was never greater than while he called Plymouth his home.
Gene was born, the son of Alvin F. and Elsie M. (Kerchenfaut) Christiansen, in Gibson City, Ill.
Oct. 16, 1921.
He graduated from Brookston High School in 1939 and from Purdue University in December of
1942 with a degree in agriculture. He remained true to his alma mater and had been active with
the John Purdue Club and was proud of his descendants who also became Boilermakers.
Gene served his country in WWII in the Army Air Corps.
Dec. 28, 1944, he married
the former Anna F. Vanderbilt in Brookston. Ann preceded him in
death Nov. 9, 1996 while they were attending a function at Purdue.
His working career began as an ag teacher in Lowell and then continuing in Spiceland. In 1952
Gene accepted a position in Plymouth with Prudential as a mortgage loan officer for the next 17
years. He then shifted to Norcen Bank in that same position and after another 17 years he
retired as a senior vice president.
Gene remained an integral part of the Plymouth business community and served as an interim
director of the Chamber of Commerce, a PIDCO officer and eight years as a member and past
president of the Plymouth Community School Board.
He was a Sunday school teacher and served on numerous church boards of the First United
Methodist Church of Plymouth which he attended for more than 50 years.
He was a proud member of the Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge No. 149 since his transfer from
Spiceland in 1956. He received the Indiana Grand Lodge 'Award of Gold' in May, 1999 for 50
years of continuous membership. He also held membership in the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite Valley of South Bend.
Continuing his civic efforts, Gene was a 40-year member of the Plymouth Chapter of Kiwanis
International, having served as president.
His all important role was being a family man, he is remembered for his love of pie -- especially
Ann’s, teaching his sons the art of fishing and gardening and the staying power of a true Chicago
Cub fan. Gene could have been a meteorologist as he loved to watch the weather.
Gene is survived by two sons and their families. They are: Mark A. and Terri L. Christiansen, of
Auburn, and children, David, Mae and Benjamin Christiansen, and Scott E. and Arlene Joy Q.
Christiansen who live in Baldwinsville, NY and children: Anthony and Erik Christiansen; one
great-grandson, Tony’s son Xander, also survives.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ann, his wife, and Harold, a brother.
Visitation will begin Sunday, July 10, 2011, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral
Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Masonic Rites will be accorded Gene at 4 p.m. Sunday
in the funeral home by members of Lodge 149.
Calling at the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, after 10 a.m.
Monday, July 11, 2011 until time of services at 11 a.m. conducted by the Rev. Matthew Pickut.
Military graveside honors in New Oakhill cemetery will be provided by members of the American
Legion Post 27, VFW Post 1162, D.A.V. and the Indiana Honor Guard of South Bend.
Memorial gifts may be made to the church or Kiwanis Twin Lakes Camp Inc. 15543 12th Road,
Plymouth, IN 46563
Funeral Director – Randall L. Danielson – 574-936-2829
Avis Rose Riddle
SOUTH BEND -- Avis Rose Riddle, 92, of South Bend passed away at 5:44 p.m. Thursday, July
7, 2011 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Avis was born October, 1918 to Herman Delbert and
Nellie May (Harbaugh) Holloway in South Bend. She was married
to Raymond Earl Riddle April
12, 1941 in Nappanee. She has lived in the South Bend and Lakeville community all her life,
except when spending winters in Pharr, Texas from 1978-1996.
Avis graduated from Lakeville High School, class of 1936 as valedictorian, Manchester College,
received her B.S. from Bethel College and her M.S. from IUSB. She taught elementary school in
Lakeville, at Studebaker and Hamilton schools in South Bend. She retired in 1978 with 28 years
of teaching experience. She was an active member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church,
participating in the chancel choir, as organist, also in bell choir. She was a member in the Lovina
Circle, a Sunday school teacher and a quilter in the ladies sewing group and any other places
where she was needed. Her passion was her quilting, sewing, her family and her church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray in 1997 after 57 years of marriage,
and by a son, Devon, in 1964. She is survived by three sons, Roger (Carol) Riddle of South
Bend, Loren (Candie) of Lakeville and Larry (Betsy) of Lakeville, four grandchildren, Brian, Craig,
Scot Christopher, and Jennifer and two great grandsons, Christopher and Raymond. Her sister,
Mable Henry and Ruth Bowers also preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in the Lakeville United Methodist
Church, 610 N. Michigan St. Lakeville. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens,
Osceola. The family will receive friends in the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2011 and
one hour prior to the services. Palmer Funeral Home-Lakeville is helping the family with
arrangements.
Contributions in memory of Avis Rose Riddle may be offered to the Lakeville United Methodist
Church, 610 N. Michigan St. Lakeville, IN 46536.
Howard Young
BOURBON -- Howard Young, 85, of 200 W. Florence St., Bourbon passed away Friday, July 8,
2011 at 9:45 p.m. in Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth.
He was born the son of Ray Young and Grace Johnston Young Dec. 11, 1925, in Bourbon. He
married
Anna Secor July 24, 1970; she passed away Jan. 5, 2009.
He is survived by his four children, Jeri (Robert) Chenoweth of Lawrenceburg, Ky., Michael
Young of Tippecanoe, Sam (Sue) Young of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Laurie Keenan of
Bourbon; and two stepchildren, Connie Jean Miller of Claypool and James (Marge) Hawn of
Goshen. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, along with a
sister, Marie Graham of Warsaw; and a brother, Harold Young of Maranna, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Marceline Workman; and a brother, Jr. Young.
He had been a resident of Bourbon most of his life. He spent 10 years in Arizona and from there
at Plymouth until his recent move back to Bourbon. He was a retired farmer and had worked at
Bendix Corporation where he retired in 1986. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #741
of Plymouth.
There will be a memorial visitation Monday, July 11, 2011 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens
Funeral Home, Bourbon with a memorial service following at 6 p.m. with Pastor Tom Padberg,
Hospice chaplain, officiating.
'Howard never met a stranger. He had a joke or story for every occasion and relished sharing
them. Howard’s best moments were spent recalling early memories from school and farm life.
He took particular pride recalling successes of his family, and was especially fond of reunions
where all his children came together. Howard wore many hats, but his most cherished role was
that of a family man.'
'Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;'
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home of Bourbon is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Hazel M. Sarber Skinner
PLYMOUTH -- Hazel M. Sarber Skinner, 104, of 18568 6th Road, Plymouth, passed away
Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 2:30 a.m. at home in the care of her family.
Hazel was born the daughter of Lewis Stout and Margaret Rhoads Stout April 11, 1907 in
Marshall County. Hazel married
Cyril E. Sarber Oct. 10, 1926; he died Dec. 8, 1955. She then
married
Howard Machlan March 27, 1957; he died March 18, 1960. She later married
Arthur
Skinner Jan. 14, 1973; he also preceded her in death May 17, 1985.
Hazel is survived by her two children, Deane and wife Joyce Sarber of Plymouth, David Lewis
and wife Nancy Sarber of Anchorage, Alaska; two stepchildren, Jim and wife Carolyn Skinner of
Plymouth, Louise Krick of Rushville; and daughter-in-law Carole Sarber of Plymouth. Hazel was
blessed with 11 grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 16 step great grandchildren,
two great-great-grandchildren and six step great-great-grandchildren. Hazel was
preceded in death by two sons, Cyril Jr. and Dwight Sarber; a stepdaughter, Jean Murray; and a
sister, Edna Stout.
Hazel had been a resident of the area all of her life. She had worked at Price’s Abattoir and at
the Tyner School in the cafeteria. She was a graduate of Tyner School class of 1925. She also
attended the Tyner United Methodist Church. She was a Christian lady; she will be remembered
as a kind caregiver to many people. Hazel was a very thankful person for all she had and that
she was able to share with others.
Funeral services for Hazel will be held Friday, July 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Tyner United
Methodist Church with Pastors Dave Inskeep and Tami Boggs officiating. Burial will follow at the
Tyner cemetery.
A time of visiting with the Skinner family will be Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the
Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, IN 46563.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 112 S.
Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Tyner United Methodist Church.
Jimmie Dale Cummings
KNOX -- Jimmie Dale Cummins, 64, an area resident most of his life passed away at 8:01 p.m.
Sunday, July 10, 2011, at his residence.
The son of Harry B. and Sylvia Brannam Cummins, Jimmie was born Aug. 11, 1946 in Sullivan.
He was a 1965 graduate of Plymouth High School. Jimmie served in the U.S. Air Force from
1965 to 1969 and was a Vietnam veteran.
June 4, 1975, Jimmie and his best friend Lorraine Smith, whom he had met at the Big Mug DriveIn,
were married
in the Gospel Lighthouse Tabernacle in Plymouth.
Jimmie had worked at Whitley Products in Plymouth, retiring Jan. 4, 2009.
Jimmie’s family was very important to him, especially his son and granddaughter. A practical
joker, he loved life, was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping, and riding motorcycles.
He was a member of the LaPaz American Legion.
Jimmie is survived by Lorraine, his wife of 36 years; a son, Dan (Kristie) Cummins and their
daughter, Jennifer 'Wild Thing' Cummins, all of Knox; three sisters, Clara Winters of Rochester,
Wanda Heliene of Terre Haute, Linda (Glenn) Anders of Plymouth; and three brothers, Jack
(Gloria) Cummins of Bourbon, Ray Cummins of Mishawaka and Steve (Carol) Cummins of Etna
Green.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jean Graham; two sisters-in-law, Benji
Cummins and Nikki Cummins; and three brothers-in-law, Ed Winters, Bob Heliene and Paul
Graham.
Friends may visit with Jimmie’s family Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011 in the funeral home.
Military graveside honors in Oakhill cemetery will be provided by members of the American
Legion Post 385, D.A.V. and the Indiana Honor Guard of South Bend.
Funeral Director – Kevin L. Russell – 574-936-2829
Harley D. Miller
NAPPANEE -- Harley D. Miller, 85, of 501 W. Randolph St., Nappanee died at 2:05 a.m.,
Sunday July 10, 2011, at Miller’s Merry Manor after a short illness.
Survivors are his sons, Nelson (Cynthia) Miller and Maynard (Tammy) Miller, both of Nappanee,
and Lyle (Lori) Miller of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Marilyn (LeRoy) Knepp of Goshen; 11
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Leona (Harvey) Miller, Linda Mae Miller, Clra
(Lamar) Hershberger, and Verba (Lonnie) Slabaugh, all of Nappanee; brothers, Sylvanie (Mary)
Miller, Homer (Frieda) Miller, both of Nappanee, and Lester (Mary Esther) Miller, Middlebury.
Visitation is Wednesday 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Thompson-Lengacher
& Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, July
15, at Bethel Conservative Mennonite Church in Nappanee. Burial will be in Bethel Conservative
Mennonite Church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gospel Echos or North
Liberty Mennonite Church.
Helen Ruff Pettigoue
NAPPANEE -- Helen Ruff Pettigoue, 82, of 705 W. Centennial St., Nappanee, died at 12:35
a.m., Monday, July 11, 2011 at Bremen Healthcare.
Surviving are daughters, Rita (Conrad) Tucker of Nappanee, Pamela Metzler of Elkhart; seven
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters, Betty Canen of Lansing, Mich., Shirley
Landin of Jensen Beach, Fla., and Elsie (Ralph) Snyder of Middlebury.
Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Nappanee Missionary Church chapel and for one
hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the church sanctuary.
Burial will be in Union Center cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Austin John McCleary
WARSAW -- Austin John McCleary of 2102 Highlander Drive, Warsaw was released to the Lord
surrounded by his parents, brothers, sister and other family members at his residence at 2 a.m.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the age of 11.
He was born Sept. 30, 1999 to Andy D. McCleary and Angie L. (Wagoner) McCleary. Austin
made an impact on his family, friends and others in the local community and beyond. He
completed the fifth grade at Eisenhower Elementary School.
He was a member of the Chess Club, honorary captain of the Eagles track team, a member of
the Weatherman Forecaster Club, multiple recipient of 'Student of the Month' award, and a
recipient of the Kailey Zehr Spirit Award. Austin, together with the help of his school established
donations to Kate’s Kart providing free books for children at local and Fort Wayne hospitals. He
attended Warsaw Community Church where he was a member of Club 56 and the children’s
drama team. Austin was also an avid Nintendo video gamer, loved swimming, building with Lego
sets and played baseball at the Warsaw Little League Park.
He served the Lord enthusiastically, witnessing to everyone around him, sharing his faith and
bringing others to accept Christ as their savior. He was a strong and brave young man through
his battle with cancer. His family, buddies, nurses, doctors, and pastors rallied around him and
encouraged him through his trials. His courage and attitude were a leading factor in surviving the
disease as long as he did.
He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Andy and Angie McCleary; two brothers, Drew
and J.W.; and one sister, Alyssa, all of Warsaw. Also surviving are his paternal grandparents,
David and Mary McCleary of Warsaw; maternal grandmother, Sue Geist and step grandparent
Bob Geist of Plymouth; great-grandparents, Miriam McCleary of Warsaw and Wilma Wagoner of
Plymouth; aunts and uncles, Becky and Shawn French of Warsaw, Beth and Mike Nutter of Fort
Wayne, Lisa and Jeff Corban of San Antonio, Texas, Mike and Amy Wagoner of Indianapolis.
He leaves behind 11 cousins, Trenton, Megan and Madison Corban; Alec, Dillon, Adam and
Lauren Wagoner; Logan and Jacob French; Carson and Katelynn Nutter. He was preceded in
death by his grandfather, David Wagoner.
His funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Dennis Wilson and conducted at Warsaw
Community Church, 2300 Ranch Road, Warsaw, Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. Burial will
follow at Oakwood cemetery, Warsaw.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Warsaw
Community Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in Austin’s name which can be directed to the
Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc., 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 and
designated to the Kailey Lynn Zehr Memorial Scholarship Fund. Online gifts may be made at
www.kcfoundation.org/donate. Memorials can also be made to the Kosciusko County Cancer
Care Fund, c/o K-21 Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1810, Warsaw, IN 46581-1810, and would be
appreciated by his family.
