Obituaries

Brenda Elston

November 25, 1963 to February 4, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Brenda “Bren” Elston, 59, of Medaryville, passed away surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, Feb. 4, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Nov. 25, 1963 to Ernest D. and Krystal K. [Critser] Woodard, in Gary. She graduated from West Central High School in 1981. She married Brad Elston on Oct. 3, 1987 in Medaryville. They affectionately referred to one another as “baby” for over 37 years. He survives.

Brenda Elston

She is also survived by:
Heather (Mike) Ross, Medaryville, Daughter
Bradley “Heck” (Rachel) Elston, Francesville, Son
Skyler Elston, Medaryville, Daughter
Kristin Wall Hunt, the one Bren called her adopted daughter
Trinity Ross, Granddaughter
Lyric Ross, Granddaughter
Briar Ross, Grandson
Easton Elston, Grandson
Bryntlee Elston, Granddaughter
Krystal Woodard, Medaryville, Mother
Lavon (Sidney) Dulin, Medaryville, Sister
Tammy (Doug) Mason, Monon, Sister
Ruth (Rick) Critser, Elk Horn, NE, Foster Sister and Cousin
Gabby, Beloved Dog
Steve (Remi) Elston, Cheyenne, WY, Brother-in-law
Scott (Claudia) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Bob (Cathy) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews and Great-Nieces and Nephews
Delores Miller, Medaryville, Aunt
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ernest Woodard, Father
Raymond and Beatrice Kors, Grandparents

Mrs. Elston enjoyed crafting and flower gardening. In her younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she would turn the house into the North Pole. Some of the best family memories were made while camping, fishing, and spending time at the pool. Her grandchildren will always remember their “nanna” singing You Are My Sunshine and the many ways in which she reminded them that they were her sunshine. She had worked at Federal Mogul and most recently at the Pulaski County Surveyor’s Office. While she enjoyed her time at these jobs, her true passion was being a devoted wife, mother, and “nanna.” She loved her family very much. She could light up a room with her personality and was never shy to tell you like it was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at the funeral hoe with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

 

Dwayne M. Terry

November 16, 1943 to February 1, 2023

WINAMAC  - Dwayne Milo Terry, 79, of Winamac, passed away at 4:55 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

He was born Nov. 16, 1943 in Winamac, to the late Gerald Milo “Red” Terry and Myrna Louise Poss Terry. He married Della Lorraine Dilts on Dec. 21, 1963 in Winamac. She died Aug. 22, 1997. He married Beverly K. Beauchamp on June 28, 2003 in Winamac. She died March 23, 2014.

Dwayne Terry

He is survived by:
Wesley (Lynn) Terry, Winamac, Son
Robert (Marsha) Terry, Winamac, Son
Theresa (Steve) McKinley, Westfield, Daughter
Christina (Josh) Girton, Winamac, Daughter
Sarah (Grant) Selking, Granddaughter
Markus (Amanda) Terry, Grandson
Michael (Emma) McKinley, Grandson
McKenzie Terry, Grandaughter
John Terry, Grandson
6 Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Della, Caroline, Henry, Olivia and Karlie
Marlene (Fran) Fox, Winamac, Sister
Pam Weaver, Winamac, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Cynthia E. Terry, Daughter
Darrell Terry, Brother
Linnea Lloyd, Sister
David Terry, Brother
Donald Terry, Brother

Mr. Terry was a farmer and truck driver. He loved his time working the land. He drove a Citgo Gas truck for many years. He was a very social person who touched many lives. He enjoyed participating in tractor pulls and drag racing. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He loved spending time with his family especially the little ones. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW Auxiliary and First United Methodist Church in Winamac.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. FOE Services will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. The funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home with Pastor Butch Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to VFW 1728 in Winamac or the Winamac Eagles Lodge.

Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

 

Betty J. Shorter

May 26, 1942 to January 30, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Betty J. Shorter, 80, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 6:45 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

Born on May 26, 1942 in Monticello, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Wanetta (Allen) Ezra. She was a 1960 Winamac High School graduate. On Nov. 5, 1960 she married James “Jim” Shorter.  He preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 2020.

Betty Shorter

Survivors include her sons Gregory (Tracey) Shorter of Winamac and Steven (Chris) Shorter of Winamac, and daughter Amy (David) Bailey of Star City. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Ashley  (Tommy Coop) Stemm of Osceola, Brittni (Steve Kasten) Bailey of Winamac, Emily Campbell of Winamac, Andrea (Kenny) Sanson of Star City, Trent Shorter of Star City, Jamie (Brandon) Sells of Lakeville, Tiffani Shorter of Winamac; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one due in April; sister Carolyn Knebel of Indianapolis; grandson-in-law Tim Hoffa and granddaughter-in-law Brandi Shorter of Winamac.

She was preceded in death by brothers Benny Ezra and Larry Ezra, sister Shirley Peters, grandson Michael Shorter and granddaughter Christi Hoffa.

Many knew Mrs. Shorter best for the sewing and alterations she provided as the owner and seamstress of Betty’s Snip & Sew Barn. She was self-taught in her trade and provided sewing classes to the community over the years, including local 4-H clubs. She enjoyed spending many summers teaching her granddaughters to sew as well. She attended the First Christian Church in Winamac. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cross-stitch, reading, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, completing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Instilled from her parents at a young age, she was an avid card player. She never turned down the chance to play cards or board games, passing this love on to her kids and grandkids. It would not be a family-get-together without gathering around the table playing multiple, high-spirited games with many laughs shared.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home in Royal Center. The funeral service will follow directly after with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating.

 It was Betty’s wish to celebrate and honor the life of her late husband, Jim, in conjunction with her service. The family was unable to hold services at the time of his passing due to COVID.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church, 106 Market St., Winamac.

Mrs. Shorter’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

 

Lawrence H. Juniper

September 1, 1935 to January 23, 2023

WINAMAC - Lawrence Henry “Larry” Juniper, 87, of Winamac, passed away at 8:50 p.m., Monday, Jan. 23, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. 

He was born Sept. 1, 1935 in West Swanzey, NH to the late William Henry and Elizabeth May “Bessie” [Hazard] Juniper.  He married Mavis Jean Felker on Dec. 17, 1966 in Monticello.  She survives.

Larry Juniper

He is also survived by:
Linda Greenidge, Daughter
Larry Juniper Jr., Son
Mike (Candy) Juniper, Son
George Randall Juniper, Son
David (Brenda Paul) Juniper, Son
Roger Metz, Son-in-law
Many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Charlie Juniper, Brother
Ruthie Warren, Sister
Georgia Juniper, Sister-in-law
Numerous Niece and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeannie Metz, Daughter
Laureene Buffum, Daughter
Natasha Juniper, Daughter-in-law
James Juniper, Brother
Elizabeth Walker, Sister
William David Juniper, Brother

Mr. Juniper served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean War. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves and the U.S. Army National Guard. He retired from the military on Oct. 27, 1997 after 25½ years of service. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #71 and a lifetime member VFW Post #1728 in Winamac. He proudly served on the local Honor Guard for many years. He was especially honored to receive a Quilt of Valor several years ago. He worked hard his entire life retiring from Eaton Corporation in Winamac where he had worked for over 30 years. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing in the local Merchant’s Softball League as well as coaching Little League Baseball for his sons. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 3, at the funeral home with Pastor Martin Burns officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 6, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Church of the Nazarene, Winamac American Legion or Winamac VFW.

Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

 

John Klein

January 30, 1938 to January 18, 2023

WINAMAC - John Klein, 84, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Panama City Beach, FL.

He was born Jan. 30, 1938 in Romania to John and Maria [Gross] Klein Sr. He married Theresia Plach on Nov. 7, 1967 in Germany. She survives.

John Klein

He is survived by:
Franziska (Ricardo) Mancha, Chicago, Daughter
Manuela (Keith) Marvin, Westville, Daughter
Monika Braun, Brookfield, IL, Daughter
Hannelore (Mike) Bachmann, Hobart, Daughter
Roy (Nicole) Klein, Montgomery, IL, Son
10 Grandchildren
6 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Parents

Mr. Klein and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Florida. He enjoyed gardening. In his younger years, he enjoyed snow skiing and swimming in the pool. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, Jan. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, Saturday, at the funeral home with Pastor David Norris officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McFarland Addition) in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

 

Larry J. Schwartz

September 19, 1964 to January 17, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Larry Jay Schwartz, 58, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 17, at home, surrounded by his family and friends, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 19, 1964 in Knox, to the late Bernard and Phyllis Bartgen Schwartz.

Larry Schwartz

He is survived by:
Stacie Conner, Winamac, Daughter
John (Anita) Lasanowski, North Judson, Brother
Felicia Emigh, Crown Point, Sister
Brenda Grimmett, Winamac, IN Sister
William Michael (Faye) Voight, New Lenox, Brother
Pat (John) Wawrzyniec, Chicago, Sister
Michael “Whistle” Schwartz, Winamac, Brother
Bernard (Traci) Schwartz Jr, Portage, Brother
Cathy (John) Fritz, Winamac, Sister
Daniel “Dino” Schwartz, North Judson, Brother
Terry (fiancé Amy) Schwartz, North Judson, Twin Brother
Theresa Schwartz, Winamac, Sister
Randy Schwartz, North Judson, Brother
Rodney (Joleen) Schwartz, Winamac, Brother
Janet Schwartz, Grinnell, IA, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
Andy (Bree) Conner, Winamac, Son-in-law
Beau Conner, Fort Myers, FL, Grandson
Jade Conner, Winamac, Grandson
Sata, Devoted Dog

Preceded in death by:
Wayne Schwartz, Infant Brother
Bernard Voight, Brother
Jean Schwartz, Sister
Don Grimmett, Brother-in-law

Mr. Schwartz began driving different types of trucks when he was age 14 with his dad. He was a cross-country trucker and enjoyed getting to see the different sights. He was a jack-of-all-trades and loved to tinker on trucks. According to him, every job required a hammer. He was an avid Eagles fan, and loved having their music playing while working in his shop. He enjoyed hosting family cookouts and bringing everyone together. While he was not working, he enjoyed spending time at the local Eagles FOE 2580, of which he was a proud member since 1985, and spending time at home with his best friend and loyal canine companion, Sata. He also enjoyed taking trips to Texas each March for the Oyster Fest in Rockport.

In the last two years, Larry enjoyed his time with his family and close friends, while tormenting them as well. His nickname was hemorrhoid, and he lived up to that name well. He always knew how to give someone a good laugh after getting under their skin. He enjoyed a good glass of rum-and-coke, and being with his family and friends. Most of all, he was a loyal and faithful friend to many. He loved his family and friends very much. He will be sadly missed.

The family will host a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at Winamac Eagles #2580.

Ran’s Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Mr. Schwartz’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

 

Betty J. Smith

March 15, 1933 to January 17, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Betty Jo Smith, 89, of Francesville (formerly of Monticello) passed away Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born March 15, 1933 in Idaville, to the late Forest Edward and Wilma Rebecca [Biddle] Weaver. She grew up in a family of 10 children in the Idaville area. On Feb. 8, 1953, she married Donald Ray Smith at his family home in rural Pulaski.

Betty Smith

She is survived by:
Mary Ann (Loyal Jr.) Bowsher-Good, Daughter
Dona K. (James) Heater, Daughter
Pamela Marie (Lonnie Sr.) Joseph, Daughter
9 Grandchildren
13 Great-Grandchildren
5 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Agnes Anne Jeffers, Sister
Marcia Funk, Sister
Margaret Van Meter, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
William Edward Bowsher, Former Husband

Preceded in death by:
Donald Ray Smith, Husband
Kenneth Argyl Smith, Son
Jeanne Johns, Sister
Lola Marie Snavley, Sister
Lyle Alen Weaver, Brother
Wayne Neil Weaver, Brother
Larry Edward Weaver, Brother
Kenneth Weaver, Brother

Mrs. Smith worked hard her entire life. Over the years, she had been employed at Bryan Manufacturing and Morgan Driveaway. She retired as the manager of Burger Shake at Indiana Beach. She enjoyed crocheting and gardening as well as traveling; especially visiting Ireland and England. She adored her dogs. In recent years, she really enjoyed attending church services and BINGO at the nursing home. She will be dearly missed by her family.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Bell Center Cemetery in Bell Center, IN. Burial will be at at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association.

Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.