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Mary L. Thornton
BREMEN — Mary L. Thornton, 96, of Bremen, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 20008 at her son’s home
in Indianapolis.
She is survived by a daughter, Delores (Jim) Allen of north Fort Myers, Fla.; two sons: Devon
“Deak” (Diana) Thornton of Bremen and Wayne (Julie) Thornton of Indianapolis; 13
grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m at Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 State
Road 331, Bremen.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with burial to
follow at Bremen cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Missionary Church, 69009 Beech Rd., Nappanee, IN, 46550.
Linda A. Isley
PLYMOUTH — Linda A. Isley, 64, of 16155 6th Rd. Plymouth, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2,
2008, at Cornell Care Center, in Cornell, Wis.
Linda was born on Feb. 22, 1944, in Plymouth to Harry and Katherine Lucille (Muffley) Rhoades.
Linda and William A. Isley were united in marriage on Feb. 22, 1974. William passed away on
March 3, 1998. She had been employed at BPC Manufacturing Operations in Plymouth.
Linda is survived by her step-sons: Eric (Eva) Isley of Plymouth and Keith (Sherry) Isley of Iowa;
her brother, Steve Rhoades of Vista, Cali.; her nieces: Ronda (Duane) Wallace of Holcombe,
Wis. and Teresa Holbrook of Plymouth. Also surviving are Linda’s six step-grandchildren; and
one step-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; her parents;
and her sister, Sue Holbrook.
Funeral services for Linda will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the VAN GILDER
FUNERAL HOME. Pastor Keith Isley will officiate. Burial will be in New Oak Hill cemetery, Plymouth.
A time of visiting with Linda’s family will be Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
VAN GILDER FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, IN 46563.
Rexalea C. Warren
PLYMOUTH – Rexalea C. Warren, 60, of 601 Randolph St., Plymouth, died of natural causes in
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth, at 6: 15 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008.
Born in Plymouth on May 18, 1948, “Rexi” was the daughter of Howard “Smokie” and Patricia
Witham Stutzman.
She graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1966.
Rexi and Robert Warren were married
in 1966 in Etna Green. Robert died on Nov. 15, 1993.
Rexi was retired from Aearo Safety Manufacturing. She had also spent many years as a hair
dresser and had owned and operated her own salon.
A huge Colts fan, Rexi also was a NASCAR and Ryan Newman devotee. She was adept at
crocheting and made many lovely pieces.
Rexi is survived by a son and a daughter: Christopher “Scooter” (Rennee) Warren, Etna Green,
and Jennifer Warren, Rochester.
A brother, Samuel (Lori) Stutzman of Bourbon, also survives together with four grandchildren:
Ashley and Christopher Warren, Christopher and Rennee’s children and Niko and Robert
Warren, Jennifer’s children.
A great-grandchild, Cameron Warren, also survives along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews and devoted friends.
Rexi was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Bill Stutzman.
Friends are invited to join Rexi’s family to share memories of her life on Wednesday, Nov. 5,
2008, from 4 to 8 p.m. and after 7 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at the Johnson-Danielson
Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services for Rexi will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, in the funeral
home.The Rev. Dr. Dean Fager of the First United Methodist church will officiate.
Burial will be in New Oakhill cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts in Rexi’s memory may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.
Richard G. Chase
Richard G. Chase, 78, formerly of of Plymouth, died Monday, Nov. 3, in Bradenton, Fla. He was
preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette Chase, in 1996.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene; his children: Sheila Persinger, Sandy Chase Mehan,
Stephanie Chase Ward and Jeffrey Chase; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchild.
The family will have a private memorial service.
Lula Geraldine Taylor
BRISTOL — Lula Geraldine Taylor, 75, of Bristol, died Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at Elkhart General
Hospital.
She is survived by a son: Ricky Holt of Bristol; daughters: Linda Taylor of Elkhart, Martha
(Aaron) Smartt of Bristol, Connie Albright of Yellville, Ark., Stacy (Scott) Rinker of Yellville, Ark.,
and Peggy (Jim) Reeves of Bristol; brothers: Lester (Renate) Holt of Orange Park, Fla., and
Leamon (Rickie) Holt of Elkhart; sisters: Doris (Robert) Jewel of Elkhart, Darlene (Thomas)
Ronzone of Elkhart, Carolyn (Terry) Welles of Wakarusa, Lois Henson of Joplin, Mo. and Mary
Lauder of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen. Burial will take
place at the Bremen cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Ernest L. Ronk
PLYMOUTH — Ernest L. Ronk, 86 of Plymouth, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.
He is survived by his good friends, Gail and Lee Sargent.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home,
Plymouth. Funeral services will be held after visitation Friday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home.
Military graveside honors at Tyner cemetery, will be accorded by the VFW and the American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis.
Frances E. Hewes
SOUTH BEND — Frances E. Hewes, 85, of South Bend, formerly of Culver, died Wednesday,
Nov. 5, 2008 at home.
Frances is survived by nephews: Dr. Michael Glassley of Fort Wayne and Philip (Rita) Glassley
of Indianapolis; and niece, Susan Snyder of Glendale, Ariz.
Visitation is Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon at St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church,
Culver. Funeral services are Saturday at noon at the church. Interment will be at the Culver
Masonic cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
The Bonine-Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is in charge of the arrangements.
Ralph, Jr. Duram
SOUTH BEND — Ralph Duram, Jr. of South Bend, died peacefully on Nov. 7, 2008, at the
Cardinal Nursing Home in South Bend.
Ralph was born July 26, 1929, in Mishawaka and was a life-long resident of the Marshall County
and Saint Joseph County areas. Ralph graduated from Plymouth High School in the Class 1947.
He joined the United States Navy in 1947, serving in the Korean War, and was honorably
discharged in 1952.
On Feb. 14, 1954, in Plymouth, Ralph married
the former Sharon Wolff, who survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Lori Lynn Berkeypile of Plymouth, and Lisa Ann Switzer of
South Bend; three grandchildren, Heather Garrett, Howard Berkeypile and Lindsay Switzer; eight
great-grandchildren, Marval, Elizabeth, Michael, Ira, Maggie, Chelsea, Aalyah and Phoenix; his
mother, Pauline Robinson of Plymouth; and his aunt Betty Walters of South Bend.
Ralph had been employed by Redi Froz, Inc. and Elkhart Frozen Foods and also owned and
operated Keywest Seafood. Ralph had many interests and hobbies and was always busy
refinishing furniture, woodworking, building projects and working in his yard. He spent many
hours with his wonderful hobby of building sailing ships.
Ralph loved fishing in Minnesota, with his father Howard Robinson, who preceded him in death
on April 3, 2001. Ralph was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in South Bend.
The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, in the Van Gilder
Funeral Home, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held at the Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 W. Madison St., Plymouth,
IN, 46563, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m., with Mike Burroughs officiating at the service.
Mary L. Deckard
Mary L. Deckard, 93, of 101 North Pawnee Court, LaPorte, Indiana, 46352, and formerly of
Plymouth, Indiana, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Golden Living Center LaPorte.
She was born on Aug. 25, 1915, in Plymouth, to John E. and Louise T. (Nagel) Moore. Mary and
Harley L. (Joe) Deckard were married
on June 6, 1944. Mr. Deckard passed away April 26,
1969. Mary retired from the United Telephone Company, in Plymouth in 1982. She attended
Saint Michael’s School in Plymouth, Saint Mary’s Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, and was a
graduate of Plymouth High School. She was a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church in
Plymouth.
Mary enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge, and belonged to many card clubs. She was also a
member of Saint Michael’s Altar Rosary Society. Mary loved her family and was strong in her
Catholic faith. She will be greatly missed by all of those who knew her.
Mary is survived by her son, John “Jack” Deckard and daughter-in-law Alison of LaPorte; her
daughter-in-law, Ann Deckard of Arcadia; her grandsons: Michael (Kristie) Deckard of LaPorte
and Bret (Joyce) Deckard of Arcadia; her step-grandson, Brett Dolph of LaPorte; and her great-grandchildren:
Brooklynn and Samantha Deckard of LaPorte and Haley and Josh Deckard of
Arcadia. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Joe Deckard; her grandson, Mark Deckard;
her parents; her sister, Dorothy Moore; and her brothers, Vincent and George Moore.
A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at 2 p.m., at Saint Michael Catholic
Church, in Plymouth, with the Rev. Father William Kummer officiating. Burial will in New Oak Hill
cemetery, Plymouth.
A time of visiting with the family and friends, of Mary, will be on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, from
1 to 2 p.m. at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Plymouth.
VAN GILDER FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, IN 46563, in handling the arrangements.
Ellen Richard
ROCHESTER — Ellen Richard, 77, of Rochester, died Saturday, Nov. 8, at her residence.
She is survived by four daughters: Mary and Jim Rockenbaugh of Peru, Rita and Jim Jenkins of
Rochester, Ruth and Dwight Gunter of Rochester and Jane Richard of Rochester; eight sons:
Frank and Ruby Keitzer of Rochester, Theodore and Lynda Richard of Rochester, Hugh and
Vicky Richard of Rochester, Charles Richard of Rochester, Carl and Charla Richard of
Rochester, Joe Richard of Rochester, Mark and Kris Richard of Holiday, Fla. and Ed Richard of
Avon, Fla.; 34 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and four more on the way; sisters: Ladyne
Millican of Jackson, Ga. and Ethel Loehmer of Monterey; and brother, Richard and Ellen
Reinholt of West Virginia.
Visitation is from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.
Services are at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Citizen’s cemetery, Rochester.
Memorials may be made to the Manitou Training Center.
Peggy Splix Nelson
LAKE WORTH, Fla. — Former Washington Elementary School teacher and Plymouth native,
Peggy Splix Nelson, 47, died in JFK Hospital, unexpectedly in Lake Worth, Fla. on Sunday
evening, Nov. 9, 2008.
Peggy Ann Splix was born to Stanton and Teresa (Hummel) Splix on Oct. 2, 1961 in Plymouth.
She graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1980. She was a former Plymouth
Junior Miss and cheerleader; she played basketball, volleyball and ran track in high school.
Peggy graduated from Ancilla College and IUSB with a bachelor’s degree. She attended Purdue
NW and graduated from Indiana State University with a Master’s Degree.
She was a former elementary teacher at Washington Elementary in Plymouth, an elementary
principal at North Judson and Jeffersonville. In 2000 she moved to Florida and was an
elementary principal in West Palm County, Fla., up until the time of her death.
On Dec. 8, 2001, in Florida, Peggy married
Jeffery Nelson, who survives in Lake Worth, Fla.
Together they enjoyed life and were avid Dolphin fans having just attended the game prior to her
passing.
A loving mother and grandmother, Peggy is survived by two sons: Joshua (Janna) Vancza of
Indianapolis, and Eric Vancza of Orlando, Fla.; and three grandchildren: Tyler, Angelique, and
Jonah Vancza, all of Indianapolis.
Her parents also survive along with two brothers: Nick (Cheryl) Splix and Michael Splix, all of
Plymouth. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins survive as well.
She was preceded in death by her sister Sandra Splix in 1982, and her grandparents: Stuart and
Blanche Hummel, and Donald and Mary Splix.
Friends will be welcomed by her family to share memories and celebrate the life of Peggy from 4
to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 and after 7 a.m. on Thursday morning, Nov. 20, 2008,
at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services for Peggy will be held at the Plymouth Missionary Church, 1350 E. Jefferson
St., Plymouth, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 with visitation one hour prior to services.
The Rev. Pat Puglisi, pastor of the church, will officiate.
Burial will be in New Oakhill cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts in Peggy’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Glaster Back
KNOX — Glaster Back, 87, of Knox, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 at Golden Living Center, Knox.
He is survived by his wife, Lula Back of Knox; daughter, Carol (Jim) Siddall of Knox; son, Ron
Back of Knox; sisters: Opal Owens of North Judson, Carrie Mann of Knox and Evelyn Meyers of
Monon; brothers: Angelo Back of Knox, Costallo Back of Florida and Roger Back of Walkerton;
six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is Thursday, Nov. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, Knox.
Funeral services are Friday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Crown Hill
cemetery.
