Elsie M. Oldfather Saylor, 95

Elsie M. Oldfather Saylor, 95, passed away at 1:50 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2007 at Howard Regional Health Systems, Kokomo. Funeral arrangements are pending at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru.

Bertha A. Myers, 91 of Peru, passed away at 8:45 Sunday, May 27, 2007, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Miami County on February 14, 1916, to Charles and Ida Belle Finch Hoff. Bertha married Dean E. Myers on December 24, 1937, and he preceded her in death on December 19, 1999. A lifelong resident of Miami County, Bertha graduated from Peru High School in 1934. She and her husband, Dean, owned and operated the Fireside Cafe in Peru for many years. A woman of great faith and integrity, she was an active member of the Church of the Brethren in Peru, where she was a lifetime deacon. The church was a focal point in her life, and she served in many capacities in the church during her lifetime. Bertha's family was paramount in her life, and she was very important to each member of her family. She loved doing handicrafts, particularly sewing. Survivors include a daughter, Judith Myers of Dana Point, Calif.; a granddaughter, Christine A. Bowen, also of Dana Point; a grandson, Bret Bowen and his wife Eva, Laguna Hills, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Louise Hentgen and her husband Bill, Peru; nieces Kathleen Kepner and Debbie Kinney; and nephews Glenn L. Miller, Dennis Weideman, Gary Weideman, David Weideman, and Brian Weideman. A cousin, Glen Lowe and his wife Virginia, Bunker Hill, also survive. She was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Peter Bowen; and a sister Agnes Miller. A service celebrating the life of Bertha A. Myers will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Church of the Brethren, 134 E. Fifth St., Peru, with Pastor Marvin Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru. Friends may call at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the Church of the Brethren.

Marian E. Pohlman, 86, Peru, passed away at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2007 at Miller's Merry Manor, Peru. She was born March 29, 1921 in Lincoln, Neb. to Edward and Katherine Monke Nieman. She married Ray W. Pohlman May 16, 1946 in Celina, Ohio, and he preceded her in death April 26, 1997. Marian and her late husband owned and operated Pohlman's Home Improvement Co. in Peru for more than 45 years. She also was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, served as an American Red Cross volunteer for more than 25 years, was a member of the League of Women Voters, the Lutheran Missionary League and was a former Girl Scout leader. Survivors include three daughters, Wray Anne Crawford, Indianapolis, Mary Katherine Frushour and husband David, Peru, and Christine Mudd and husband James, St. Louis, Mo.; four grandchildren, Carley Everts and husband Chad, Michael Frushour, and Thomas and Daniel Mudd; and two great-grandchildren, Samuel and Lillian Everts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a sister, Josephine Schmidt.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Peru, with Pastor Kenneth Greenwald officiating.

Burial will be in Ever Rest Memorial Park, Cass County. Friends may call at the church one hour before the service Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church.

Elsie Marie Oldfather Saylor, 95, Peru, has gone to be with her Lord at 1:50 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2007 at Howard Regional Health Systems. She was born in Miami, Indiana on August 23, 1911. Her parents John and Clara (Antrobus) Oldfather preceded her in death. Elsie was a member of the Miami United Methodist Church. She attended grade school in Miami, but had to ride the inter urban to Kokomo to attend high school. After completing her education, she worked at the Reliance Garment Company. She soon met and married Jack Dillion, they had one son, James Albert (wife, Margaret) both deceased.

She then married Arthur Black, they had four children: Sharon Arnold Bartlett (husband, Glen) of Macy; Sally Lennon (husband, Thomas) of Peru; Shirley Bagley Collins of Logansport; and John Black (wife, Charlotte) of Bloomington, Illinois.

Elsie was then married to Homer Saylor June 19, 1947; they had two children: a son, Rev. Richard Saylor (wife, Jan) of Cullman, Alabama; and Cathy Wainscott (husband, Jeffrey) of Peru.

All three husbands preceded her in death, with Homer passing in 1972. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ida Hurlock and Mable Kuhns, and two brothers, John Riley Oldfather and Chod Oldfather. She is survived by her younger sister, Sedailah Stanley of Kokomo, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

From her seven children she was blessed with 22 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.

While raising her family, she worked as a head cook at Veach's Inn in Peru. Along with her husband Homer, she owned and operated the Saratoga Bar & Grill; cooked at the Patio Restaurant and the Paramount. She also found time to be a care giver to several people outside the family. She loved to sing, dance, listen to music, cook wonderful meals, make great popcorn balls and have family together anytime! Though going through a World War, in which she lost a brother and many childhood friends, she always would say that was the best of times. She was an interesting character and a great storyteller. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru, with Pastor Richard Saylor officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Edith M. Holdren, 87

Monday, June 04, 2007

Edith M. Holdren, 87, Hickory Creek Nursing Home, Peru, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2007 at her residence following an extended illness. She was born Oct. 20, 1919 in Pulaski County to Ira and Hettie (Freeman) Clark. She married Edward C. Holdren Feb. 18, 1939, and he preceded her in death Dec. 13, 1990. Edith was a homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Sue North and husband Ned, Peru; a son, Edward Clark Holdren and wife Mary Jo, Dayton, Ohio; five grandchildren, Mike North and wife Cindy, Jeff North and wife Amy, Kirk North, Brian Holdren and Michelle Long; and seven great-grandchildren, Michael North and wife Laura, David and Austin North, Jacob, Kaleb and Kara Long, and Brayden Holdren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers and four sisters.

A private graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru, with Pastor Steve Fleck officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru.

Todd Alan Horn, 37, of Rochester passed away at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester on Saturday, June 2, 2007. Todd was born March 26, 1970 in Peru to Mickey and Janice (Gibson) Horn. He had resided in Rochester for 17 years, coming from Macy. On February 17, 2006 he married Jacquelyn Lynn Scott in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and she survives. As a youngster, Todd enjoyed frequent visits to his grandparents' home on Lake Manitou, and looked forward to grandpa taking him slalom skiing and bare-footing. In 1988 with great Warrior pride, he graduated from North Miami High School. His love for mechanics and diligence in correcting flaws in engines led him to become a local businessman. Todd owned and operated Horn Automotive. He was the master technician and dedicated to providing the best automotive care to his customers.

Todd was a man of diversified interests. As an American sportsman, he embraced nature by camping, boating, fishing for bluegill, water skiing and, as a marksman, target practice. His intense intrigue of engines created opportunities for drag racing. His favorite tracks were at Bunker Hill and Osceola. He found catching the breeze, riding his Kawasaki Ninja, a.k.a. “the Mean Green Demon,” provided freedom and the ultimate in relaxation. As a Christian, Todd read his favorite book, the Bible, daily. As a family man, Todd was a devoted father, son, grandson, and uncle. He adored his wife and best friend, Jackie.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie Horn, Rochester; a daughter, Amy; two sons, Anthony and Kyle; parents Mickey and Janice Horn, Macy; a brother Troy and wife Missy Horn, Denver; maternal grandfather, Carl Gibson; paternal grandparents, Harold and Velma Horn, of Mentone; mother-in-law Carolyn Ness and husband Tom, Rochester; father-in-law Lavern “Butch” Scott and companion Tammy, Rochester; sister-in-law Victoria Bailey and husband Phil, Culver; and brother-in-law Bruce Scott and wife Mary, of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rhonda Horn, and his grandmother, Rose Gibson.

A celebration of Todd Alan Horn's life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., in Rochester, with Pastor Don Mayer officiating. Interment to follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Friends may visit with his family 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Hope Hospice/Northern Indiana Community Foundation. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at goodfamily@rtcol.com.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Terry A. McKinney, 52, Peru, passed away at 3 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2007 at his residence. He was born on July 28, 1954 in Peru to William F. and Mary Deeter McKinney. He married Becky Martin McKinney on Oct. 19, 1977, and she survives.

Terry was a member of the Moose and Eagles lodges. Survivors other than his wife include three daughters, Misty McKinney, Brittany McKinney and Tiffany McKinney, all of Peru; two sons, William "Bill" McKinney, Peru, and Dale McKinney and wife Angie, Bunker Hill; two brothers Bill McKinney, North Manchester, and Kevin McKinney, Peru; a sister-in-law, Barb McKinney, New Jersey; four sisters, Carla Worley, Peru, Mary Kay McKinney, Peru, Sue McKinney, Westfield, and Paula McKinney, Peru; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and two brothers, Richard and Garry McKinney. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru. There is no visitation planned. Love offerings can be made to the Terry McKinney family.

Rickie Wilcox, 54, of Wabash, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2007 in rural Wabash County. He was born on June 24, 1952 in Paintsville, Ky. to Robert and Minnie Alice (Hyden) Wilcox. Rickie worked at Wabash Alloys for 34 years. He married Lola Ann Berry in Wabash on July 25, 1998. She passed away March 27, 1999. He is survived by four brothers, Randell Wilcox and wife Beth of LaFontaine, Danny Wilcox and wife BillieJo of Wabash, Mike Wilcox and wife Colleen of LaFontaine, and Robby Wilcox and wife Sandi of Lenoir City, Tenn.; two sisters, Kay McAllister and husband Paul of Peru, and Brenda Wilcox of Wabash; ten nieces; eight nephews; nine great nieces; and six great nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one niece and one great nephew. Funeral services will be held at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service on Friday at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Lagro. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The memorial guest book for Rickie may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.
Mary Marguerite Freeman, 90

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Mary Marguerite Freeman, 90, Greentown, went to her eternal home at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at Century Villa Healthcare, Greentown. She was born in Howard County on Sept. 26, 1916 to Simpson Lawrence and Nettie (Hamblen) Heck. She married Von Freeman on Dec. 21, 1935 in Amboy. He passed away on April 22, 2002. Marguerite was a 1935 graduate of Jackson Township High School, a 60-year resident of Greentown, a homemaker and wonderful mother. She also was a member of Sycamore Friends Church, a 50-year member and Past Matron of the OES #195, a 60-year member of the Home Demonstration Club and a member of the Past Matrons Club. In addition, Marguerite was a great cook and enjoyed making Greentown Glass pictures and collecting antiques. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Darwin and Martha Freeman, Greentown; one daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Wade Howard, Alexandria; four grandchildren and spouses, Craig and Sherry Langley, Jody and Tim Leas, Bryan Freeman and Kevin and Jennifer Freeman; nine great grandchildren, Jeremy, Jason and Matty Freeman, Jenna and Brooke Langley, Eric, Todd and Haley Leas, and Eli Freeman; three sisters-in-law, Hazel Heck, Alice Rose and Opal Hurley; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sisters, Pauline Ottinger, Golda Boswell and Wilma Usher; and two brothers, Paul and George Heck. Services celebrating Marguerite's life will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N. 1100 E., Greentown, with Pastors Lou Herchenroeder and Jesse Vore officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown. Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Sycamore Friends Church Building Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.hasler-stout.com.

Mildred J. Castell, 84, Peru, passed away at 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru. She was born Jan. 6, 1923 in Peru to Raymond and Henrietta (Allison) Fenton. She married Joseph H. Castell Jan. 6, 1942, and he preceded her in death June 24, 2004. Mildred was a retired operator for Indiana Bell Telephone. She was a 51-year member of First Christian Church, a former member of the Peru Elkettes and a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Survivors include a daughter, Michele K. Trotter, Lansdowne, Va.; three grandchildren, Sean Trotter, Joseph A. "Jay" Trotter III and Kindra Cook; eight great-grandchildren, Eric, Michael, Matthew, Cassidy and Maggie Trotter, and Jeremy, Brendon and Caleb Cook; a nephew, Bill Shuey and wife Sharon, Peru; a niece, Barbara Nye and husband Gary, Peru; and a sister, Helen Michael and husband Daniel, Peru. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Lauraetta Crawford; and a grandson, Seth M. Trotter. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru, with Pastor George McCarty officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church and/or the University of Delaware Seth Trotter Memorial Fund, payable to the University of Delaware. Contributions may be sent to University of Delaware Library Associates, Newark, DE 19717-5267.

Richard P. Arnold, 40, Mexico, passed away early Thursday morning, June 7, 2007, as a result of injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. Arrangements are pending at McClain Funeral Home, Denver.

Marthann ‘Marty' Worsley, 70, Elwood, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following a brief illness. She was born on May 31, 1937 in Peru to Paul Edward and Helen (Sampson) Weinke. Marthann married Dean W. Wosley on September 1, 1957, and he survives. The 1955 graduate of Peru High School was a member of the Elwood Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served as a secretary for the Madison County Commissioners until retiring in 2003, and also volunteered for St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for three years.

Aside from her husband, Marthann is survived by four children, Theresa L. Jackel and husband Dave, Pittsburgh, David E. Worsley and wife Cindy, Elwood, Kathy A. bean, Gaffney, South Carolina, Mark E. Worsley and wife Terry, Elwood; one brother, Terry P. Weinke and wife Donita, Peru; eight grandchildren, Kristin Worsley, Elwood, Matthew Jackel, Pittsburgh, Sydnee Stephens, Gaffney, Kelsee Stephens, Gaffney, Andrew Jackel, Pittsburgh, Derek Worsley, Elwood, Troy Worsley, Elwood, and Kevin Worsley, Elwood. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Jay Weinke.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Elwood, with President Doug Beamer presiding and Jack Phillips conducting. Burial will be at Forrestville Cemetery, Summitville.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, Elwood, as well as from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday at the church. The Volunteers of St. Vincent Mercy Hospital will conduct a memorial service at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to copherfeslermay.com.
Frances Louise “Lou” Pier, 60

Friday, June 08, 2007

On June 6, 2007, a beautiful angel received her wings. Frances Louise “Lou” Pier, 60, Kokomo, passed away at 4:53 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. She was born on May 3, 1947 in Gate City, Va., to William “Bill” and Ada Frazier Rhoton. She married a lovely, devoted husband, James Edward “Ed” Pier, on June 6, 1964, and he survives. Lou was a homemaker with a passion for playing cards, quilting, crafts and softball. However, the most important thing to her was her family. Survivors other than her husband include her children, Lisa Brady and husband Jon, Rich Pier and wife Angie, Kimberly Catron and husband Kevin, Tina Lawson and husband Wayne, and Calvin Pier and wife Hannah, all of Kokomo; two brothers, William “Buddy” Rhoton Jr. and wife, Pam, Odon, and Larry Rhoton and wife Phyllis, Kokomo; sisters Brenda Kirby and husband Ken, Jerri Thompson and husband Wayne, and Loretta Stiner and companion Dave Morgan, all of Kokomo; grandchildren Kasey Pier, Contessa Lawson, Kayla Pier, Chelsie Lawson, Kyle Catron, Kortney Pier, Joe Lawson, Cheyenna Lawson, Braden Lawson, Kaitlyn Catron, Clayton Lawson, Kolbie Lawson, Kassee Lawson, Kamren Pier, Autumn Brady, and an unborn grandchild, Mackenzie Brady; four brothers-in-law, James “Jimmy” Lane, Kokomo, Ronnie Pier, Kokomo, Steve Pier, Peru, and Kenny Pier, Texas; and a sister-in-law, Roberta “Bert” Jackson, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Margaret Lane, and a nephew, William “Willie” Rhoton. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Allen Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, with Pastor Ron DeGraaff officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation through Allen Funeral Home.

Monty R. “Sonny” Beatty, 65

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Monty R. “Sonny” Beatty, 65, Peru, passed away at 4:40 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2007. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Allen Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, with Pastor Patrick Bousom officiating. Burial will be in Peoria Cemetery.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday.
Milton L. Tucker, 70

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Milton L. Tucker, 70, Bunker Hill, passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at his residence. There are no services planned. Arrangements are by Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, Peru.

Laura L. McGaffney, 84, Amboy, passed away at 9:25 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2007, at Century Villa Health Care, Greentown.

She was born on Sept. 14, 1922 in Upland to William Ray and Verna Shrock Swingle. She married Paul E. McGaffney on April 6, 1959 and he survives. Laura was a homemaker. She graduated from Amboy High School in 1940 and was a member of Converse Christian Church. Survivors other than her husband include a son, William Ray Huiras and wife Jolene, Silver Lake; a daughter, Monica Oliver and husband Jeffrey, Sheridan; a brother, Mark Swingle and wife Barbara, Edinburgh; sisters Marceille Siedlecki, Florida, and Pauline Feller and husband Robert, Cassville; grandchildren Nathan Hovermale, Mark Hovermale, Kyra Oliver, Erin Huiras, Ed Huiras, Chris Huiras and Tamara Roller; and great-grandchildren Evan Huiras, Alex Huiras, Charlie Huiras and Mikayla Roller. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Laird Funeral Home, Amboy, with Rev. Erin Huiras officiating. Burial will follow in Santa Fe Cemetery, Santa Fe.

Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Converse Christian Church.

Richard P. Arnold, 40, Mexico, passed away on Thursday morning, June 7, 2007, in Miami County. He was born on October 4, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard Phillip Arnold and the former Paula Jean Hunt. He was raised by his grandparents, James and Nancy Burton Hunt, who both preceded him in death. Richard worked for DaimlerChrysler in Kokomo. He enjoyed camping, hiking and riding motorcycles. On September 16, 2000 he married Melissa K. “Memmer” Correll in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and she survives. Other survivors include his father-in-law, Paul J. Correll Sr., Mexico; a brother-in-law, Paul J. “Shod” Correll, II, Indianapolis; a niece, Alicia K. Murphy, Mexico; a nephew, Gavin Michael Rose, Indianapolis; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Januita Correll, and a sister-in-law, Paula Ann Murphy. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Eugene Correll officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, Denver.
Shirley Ann Myers, 77

Monday, June 11, 2007

Shirley Ann Myers, 77, Roann, passed away at 3:12 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Wabash County Hospital, Wabash.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, Peru.
Robert “Bob” A. Cherry, 88

Monday, June 11, 2007

Robert “Bob” A. Cherry, 88, Wabash, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, Peru. He was born Feb. 21, 1919 in Elkhart to Arvel E. and Ruth E. (Shrader) Cherry. He married Hetty Louise (Armstrong) Cherry April 13, 1962, and she preceded him in death May 19, 1991. Robert was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, receiving five Bronze Stars, the American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He also retired from Delco and was a member of Bunker Hill United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Richard Bonner, Texas; a daughter, Nancy Kruger, England; five nephews; four nieces; two sisters, Anna Marie Eakright and Beulah Francis Singleton, both of Wabash; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Allen Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, with Pastor David Duke officiating.

Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery, Bunker Hill. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Bunker Hill United Methodist Church.