This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Melcher, Merica, Holmes, Phillips, Prough, Zent, Wulliman, Henline, Edington,
VanVliet, Caudle, Egly, Vendrick
Classification: Obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ui.2ADI/2948
Message Board Post:
Obituaries courtesy of the News-Banner Publications, posted with permission.
Aug. 20, 2003
Carl E. ‘Pete’ Melcher, 86
Step-father of Mrs. Mike (Candace S.) Neuenschwander of Bluffton, Carl E. “Pete” Melcher,
86, of Fort Wayne died at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday in the Extended Care Unit at Adams County
Memorial Hospital in Decatur.
He was a lifelong farmer and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church at Preble.
Born Sept. 6, 1916, in Allen County, Mr. Melcher was a son of William and Bertha Hoffman
Melcher. He was married on May 28, 1939, in the St. John Church, Bingen, to Erna M.
Aumann, who died on June 28, 1992. His second marriage was on Nov. 26, 1994, to Willadene
F. Kleine, who survives.
Also surviving in addition to the wife and the Bluffton step-daughter, are two sons, Duane
A. of Fort Wayne and William H. of Decatur; a daughter, Mrs. Dale (Leanne) Busick of
Decatur; four step-sons, Steven W. Schroeder of Es Condido, Calif., Scott A. Schroeder of
Poe, Dennis L. Schroeder of Chicago and Kevin P. Schroeder of Fort Wayne; two other
step-daughters, Debra A. Christman of Hoagland and Mrs. Mitchel (Cynthia K.) McKinney of
Decatur; one sister, Loretta Scheumann of Lombard. Ill.; 13 grandchildren, 12
great-grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Randal J. Melcher, three brothers; one sister, Helen
Melcher, and a great-grandson.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in
the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home at Decatur, and also after 9:15 a.m. Friday at the
funeral home until a prayer service there at 10:15 a.m. Friday. The funeral service will
be at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble at 11 a.m. Friday, with Rev. Daniel J. Brege and
Rev. Thomas L. Olson officiating. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery.
Preferred memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Worship for Shut-ins or Wyneken Memorial
School.
Ruth Ann Merica, 47
A 1973 graduate of South Adams High School and credit manager for the Murray Equipment
Company since 1985, Ruth Ann Merica, 47, of Fort Wayne, died Monday at Parkview Hospital
in Fort Wayne.
She was born in Decatur and was a member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Surviving are her husband, Dennis D. Merica; her parents, Roy and Shirley Moser of Fort
Wayne; a brother, Michael Moser, step-daughter, Carmen Romack, and grandson, all of
Indianapolis; two nieces and one nephew.
Calling will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the D. O. McComb & Sons
Covington Knolls Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, where services will be at 11 a.m. Friday.
Entombment will be in Covington Memorial Gardens at Fort Wayne.
Memorials to the Leukemia Society of America.
Gwendolyn Holmes, 85
A former resident of Marion who moved to Leesburg, Fla, in 1985, Gwendolyn Holmes, 85,
died Monday at her residence in the Florida city.
She was born May 28, 1918, to William and Minnie Mae Hartley Hacker. Her marriage was on
July 7, 1941, to W. Kenneth Holmes, who preceded her in death in 1994.
Mrs. Holmes was a member of Jefferson Center Methodist Church in Warren, Ind.
Surviving are one son, Steve Holmes of Warren; one daughter, Mrs. Jay (Claudia) Marshall
of Leesburg, Fla.; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two
great-great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Linda Alspach, is deceased,
Funeral arrangements are by Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown & Son Chapel. There will be
no calling.
A brief memorial service will be at Garden of Memory Cemetery in Marion at 10 a.m. Monday,
Aug. 25, with Rev. Kathie Jones conducting the service. Burial will be in Garden of Memory
Cemetery at Marion. Memorials to Hospice or to donor’s choice.
Tommy D. Phillips, 79
Tommy D. Phillips, 79, of Dunkirk, died early Tuesday at his home following a short
illness. He was retired from Indiana Glass Company since 1990 after 47 years of service as
a mold-maker, and also was known as former director of the Portland American Legion Comets
Drum and Bugle Corps plus the Tommy Phillips Dance Band,
Born Oct. 8, 1923, in Jay County, he was a son of Dale B. and Hazel E. Ford Phillips.
He was a 1942 graduate of Dunkirk High School and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. In
addition to being well-known for his active musical roles and love of music, Mr. Phillips
was a ham radio operator for WA9KBT. He was a 59-year member of the Ralph Burgess American
Legion Post 227 at Dunkirk and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in that city.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty M. Phillips.
Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Mike (Dixie) Mumbower of Dunkirk and Donna Jill
Phillips of Bluffton; one son, Tommy “Chip” Dale Phillips II of Dunkirk; a sister, Madonna
Wehrly of Portland; nine grandchildren, including Brett McBride of Bluffton, and Branda
Musselman and Mitchell Westerman of Ossian, and five great-grandchildren.
Calling will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and an hour prior to services
Friday at the Lightner Funeral Home in Dunkirk, where services will be at 11 a.m. Friday
with Rev. Randy Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Dunkirk IOOF Cemetery with
graveside military rites by Dunkirk American Legion Post 227.
Memorials to Riley Children’s Hospital at Indianapolis, in care of the funeral home.
Ruth E. Henline Prough, 78 -- Pending
Arrangements are pending at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel for Ruth E. Henline
Prough, 78, of Huntington, who died at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday at Parkview Hospital in Fort
Wayne.
Robert Zent 50 — Pending
Robert Zent, 50, of Warren, died at 5:35 a.m. today, at Markle Healthcare. Rites are
pending at Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown & Son Chapel in Warren.
Aug. 21, 2003
Connie Wulliman, 63
Connie Wulliman, 63, of Berne, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Adams County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Wells County July 29, 1940 to Clarence and Mildred Neuenschwander Minnich, her
marriage to Van Wulliman took place Aug. 2, 1958 in Adams County. He survives.
A rural Berne letter carrier for 24 years, she also worked 10 years at Berne Furniture in
the cushion department. She was a member of the Berne First Mennonite Church Praise
Ensemble and volunteered at MOPS and Et Cetera Ecke. Her husband is retired from Franklin
Electric.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Kraig Wulliman of Virginia Beach,
Va.; two daughters, Mrs. Mark (Kim) Van Emon, of Chesterfield, Mo., and Tom (Katrina)
Jones of Berne; one brother, David Minnich of Berne; three sisters, Mrs. Robert (Jaci)
Reinecker of Santa Rosa, Calif., Mrs. Jon (Norma) Agler of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Mrs.
Eugene (Kathryn) Taylor of Alexandria, Va.; and six grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Mennonite Church in Berne.
Officiating will be Rev. Craig Maven and Rev. Harold Nussbaum and burial will be in M.R.E.
Cemetery west of Berne.
Calling at Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home in Berne is from 2-9 p.m. Friday. Calling will
also be one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Mennonite Loyal Workers Sunday School
class missions or Miracle Hill.
Robert Lee Zent, 50
A resident of Warren, Robert Lee Zent, 50, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Markle Health
Care.
He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio Aug. 1, 1953 to Walter and Velma Lucille Davis Zent. His
mother survives and lives in Markle.
A graduate of Huntington North High School, Mr. Zent worked at M&S Metal in Huntington
for many years. He attended the Huntington First Church of the Nazarene and was a ham
radio operator, belonging to the World Wide TV FM DX Association.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. John (Kathy) Gordon of
Muncie and Mrs. Tony (Elaine) Warren of Morrow, Ga.
Services at Harter & Son Funeral Home, 209 West Third St., Delphos, Ohio, will be held
at 2 p.m. Indiana time Friday with visitation two hours before services. Officiating will
be Rev. Joe Sumwalt and burial will be in the Venedocia Cemetery in Venedocia, Ohio.
Calling will also be held today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown &
Son Chapel in Warren.
Memorials to Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana.
Ruth E. Henline Prough, 78
A former Huntington City Council member, Ruth E. Henline Prough, 78, of Huntington, died
at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born Aug. 23, 1924 in Huntington County to Ervin and Lucille Draper Ellet, she married
Harley M. Henline Feb. 14, 1946 in Huntington. He preceded her in death in 1980. Her
second marriage was to Loyd Prough, Jan. 14, 1984 in Huntington. He died in 1994.
A 1942 graduate of East Union High School in Huntington County, she was secretary and
treasurer of Henline Inc. for 57 years. She served one full term on the Huntington City
Council from 1980-84 and was a member of the Huntington City Zoning Board from 1984-1988.
She was a member of St. Peter’s First United Church of Christ in Huntington where she had
served on the Morning Glory Circle. She was a past president of if Sigma Beta Sorority and
past president of the Chief LaFontaine Saddle Club. She was a member of the Huntington
Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She also had been a member of Blimp and Blimp Clowns in the
1960s.
Survivors include two sons, Donald D. Henline and Harley “Sonny” Henline II, both of
Huntington; two brothers, Ray Ellet of Markle and Paul Ellet of Albion; two stepsisters,
Mrs. Tom (Barb) Richardson of Indianapolis and Mrs. Ed (Betty) Runion of Markle; three
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; six step
grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother,
Max Ellet.
Calling will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Myers Funeral Home, Huntington
Chapel.
Services will be held there Saturday at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ray Scribner officiating and
burial will be in the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Huntington.
Preferred memorials are to the First United Church of Christ.
Aug. 22, 2003
Robert L. Edington, 89
Robert L. Edington, 89, of Bluffton, died Thursday, Aug. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Bluffton
Regional Medical Center.
Born in Marion on May 9, 1914 to Marion and Cora Dean Edington, he was a life-long
resident of Wells County, marrying Evelyn Bryan on Nov. 26, 1936 in Nottingham Township.
She died Nov. 25, 1999. He had been a resident at Meadowvale Health and Rehabilitation
Center in Bluffton since 1999.
He was a 1939 graduate of Lancaster High School and was a farmer in southern Wells County.
He also worked at Dunbar Furniture in Berne for 15 years, retiring in 1980. He was an
active member of Grace Baptist Church in Bluffton, serving as head usher for many years.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virgil
Kindle; two brothers, Kenneth and Dean Edington; and a foster sister, Mirian Whilhelm.
Calling will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, which will be
held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, with Rev.
Douglas McClure officiating. Burial will be in Alberson Cemetery. Preferred memorials are
to the church.
Aug. 23, 2003
David D. VanVliet, 59
Rural Poneto resident David D. VanVliet, 59, died Friday, Aug. 22, at Bluffton Regional
Medical Center.
Born Dec. 5, 1943 to DeWitt O. and Dorothy Burkhart VanVliet, his marriage July 4, 1987
was to Mary Alice Blair in Tampa, Fla. She survives.
A graduate of Jefferson Twp. High School in Huntington County, he was a self-employed
carpenter and a member of the Warren Sportsmans Club.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Jon D. VanVliet of Clarksville, Tenn.; a
daughter, Mrs. Kyle (Dawn) Small of Banquo; two brothers, Don VanVliet of Lawrenceburg,
and Dewane VanVliet, Grapevine, Texas; and five grandchildren.
Services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Glancy Funeral Homes, H. Brown & Son Chapel.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Warren. Calling hours are 2-8 p.m. Sunday and one
hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Warren Sportsmans Club.
August 25, 2003
Mada Lynn Caudle, 15
Known to many as an example and inspiration to family, classmates, teachers and others
amid her positive, caring attitude and love for others despite the afflictions of cerebral
palsy, Mada Lynn Caudle, 15, of 513 West Market St., Bluffton, died at 8:06 p.m. Saturday,
Aug. 23, 2003, at her home.
Born April 16, 1988, in Adams County, she was a daughter of Mark A. and Ginny Caudle of
Bluffton and Nancy Graves of St. Augustine, Fla., who survive.
Also surviving are three sisters, Brittany, Jordan and Gerryn Caudill, and two brothers,
Alexander and Jakeb Caudle, all of Bluffton, and grandparents Patricia Caudle of Monroe,
Randall and Kristi Alsip of Livingston, Indiana, and Cindy Hickey of Muncie. A
grandfather, Grover Caudle, is deceased.
Mada was a Bluffton High School student and a member of Sonlight Wesleyan Church,
Bluffton. The family moved here from Decatur and has resided here for the past four years,
As was reported in a News-Banner account Saturday, Mada achieved a cherished wish a few
weeks ago when she met and was able to talk backstage with the famous entertainer, Cher,
before Cher’s musical concert in Fort Wayne.
Mada also had exceptional prominence including a front page News-Banner photo in July of
2002 when she and Judy O’Bannon, the wife of Indiana’s governor, jointly cut the ribbon
for the much-heralded Agape Respite Care in Berne.
Mada played in the Handicapped T-Ball League in Bluffton. She was part of the pilot
program for “Disabled and Enabled Inclusions” at Tyrone Elementary in St. Petersburg, Fla.
-- a program enabling students with disabilities to learn in the same classroom as
friends. In addition, she was the Poster Child for the Jazzy Wheelchair Company and was
the first child to have a Jazzy Brand electric wheelchair.
She swam with dolphins through the “Dreams Come True” program and attend the Black Dog
Equestrian Camp in Marion among other highlights.
Calling is today from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Thoma-Rich, Hewitt & Chaney
Funeral Home and Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. until the service at Sonlight Wesleyan Church.
The service will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the church with Pastor James Matchett
officiating. Burial will be in Ray Cemetery at Monroe.
Memorials to Agape Respite Care in Berne, Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana or Sonlight
Wesleyan Church in Bluffton.
Robert C. Egly, 85
Robert Christian Egly, 85, died at 4:50 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in
Lafayette.
Born in Bluffton on June 27, 1918 to Christian and Helen French Egly, he lived in
Rossville much of his life until returning to Petroleum a few years ago before moving to
the Indiana Veterans Home one year ago.
A 1936 graduate of Petroleum High School, he was an educator for 40 years, serving in
Wabash, Roanoke and Carroll County before serving as a principal and superintendent for
the Rossville schools before retiring in 1980.
He was a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army, a member of the Bluffton American Legion
Post 111 and the Rossville Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by two sons, Steven Egly of Battle Ground, and Douglas Egly of Kenosha,
Wisc.; a brother, Max Egly of Bountiful, Utah; a sister, Christine Melick of Petroleum;
and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Colleen Lingam and a
brother, Donald Egly.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral
Home in Bluffton. Services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with
Rev. Guy Studebaker officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Linn Grove, where
military honors will be conducted. Preferred memorials to the Robert Egly Scholarship
Fund, Rossville Consolidated Schools, Post Office Box 11, Rossville, IN 46065
Ladarus J.E. Vendrick, 86
Ladarus J.E. Vendrick, 86, of rural Huntington, died at 1:18 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 at
Parkview Huntington Hospital.
Born on May 25, 1917 in Bracken to Frederick and Erma Ziegler Vendrick, he married Cora
Etta Leonard on July 11, 1936 in Huntington County.
He was a life long farmer in Huntington County and a bus driver for 25 years for the
Huntington County Schools, and a life member of Calvary United Methodist Church in
Bippus.
He is survived by the wife and two sons, Robert Vendrick of San Jose, Calif. and Charles
Vendrick of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by two sisters, Martha Lee and Mary Hull.
Visitation is today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Myers Funeral Home, Huntington Chapel,
with services scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take
place at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Huntington County. Preferred memorials to the
American Heart Association.