Obituaries

Shelle J. Malott Galbreath

November 18, 1964 to December 8, 2022

ROYAL CENTER - Shelle J. Galbreath, 58, of Winamac passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Thursday, Dec. 8, at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.

Born Nov. 18, 1964 in Rochester, she was the daughter of George and Betty (Reinholt) Malott. She was a 1983 Winamac Community High School graduate. On May 7, 1988 she married Eric Galbreath. He survives.

Shelle Galbreath

Survivors also include children, Nichole (Noah) Hawkins of Linton, Ryan (Holly) Galbreath of Winamac and Whitney (Kyle) Minnick of Winamac; mother, Betty Malott of Winamac; brothers, Randy (Rhonda) Malott of Star City and Gregg (Kris) Malott of Winamac; and grandchildren, Cambry, Bryant, Reece, Rory and Margo.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Malott, her grandparents Alfred and Rosie Reinholt, and George and Martha Malott.

Mrs. Galbreath enjoyed spending time with her family the most. As a selfless person, she always put her children and grandkids first. She made sure her grandkids were always spoiled, with the cabinets full of cookies, donuts and sweets. Her children were everything to her. She was always there for them no matter what and continued to make dinners and send care packages for them even in their adult years. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She loved planning the family gathering, giving gifts to her family and their annual Black Friday tradition. Her smile was truly infectious and would light up a room. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the celebration of life service and a time of sharing memories at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Winamac Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow at the Winamac Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Galbreath Family Charities, a charity that benefits the local community, PO Box 342, Winamac, Indiana 46996.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Lucreda A. Hutton

January 5, 1926 to December 5, 2022

WINAMAC - Lucreda A. “Crete” Hutton, 96, of Rochester, passed away at 4:59 a.m., Monday, Dec. 5, at Wynnfield Crossing.

She was born Jan. 5, 1926 in Logansport, to the late Ralph and Clara [Leffert] Williams. She graduated from Logansport High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Butler University, a master’s degree from Purdue University, and a PhD from Indiana University. On June 9, 1950, she married Dr. Charles E. “Chuck” Hutton in Logansport. He passed away March 10, 2017.

Crete Hutton

Survivors include:
Dr. Charles R. “Randy” (Donna) Hutton, Winamac, Son
Lucinda A. “Cindy” (Dr. Gene) McElhinney, Vancouver, WA, Daughter
Katherine (Kenyon) Maynard, Granddaughter
Charles Aaron (Dr. Andrea) Hutton, Grandson
Miles (Stephanie) McElhinney, Grandson
Dr. Elizabeth (Michael Almador) McElhinney, Granddaughter
7 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by parents and husband.

Mrs. Hutton and her husband enjoyed being together and shared many of the same interests, including traveling the world, water skiing, and snow skiing, as well as raising, showing, and judging llamas. They proudly founded the Boone County 4-H Llama Project. She taught spinning and weaving; starting a club that continues to this day. She was a beloved friend to many and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Logansport.

Memorial donations may be made to The Boys Town of Nebraska or Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Linda J. Johnston

March 10, 1951 to December 4, 2022

WINAMAC - Linda J. Johnston, 71, of Culver, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, at her home.

She was born March 10, 1951 in LaPorte, to the late William H. and Ruth R. [Gee] Mack Sr. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1969. On July 4, 1970, she married Terry G. Johnston in Winamac. He survives.

Linda Johnston

She is also survived by:
William (Catherine) Johnston, Toccoa, GA, Son
Daniel (Candice) Johnston, Rochester, Son
Angelina Gabbard, Granddaughter
William Johnston Jr., Grandson
Brooke Lehman, Adopted Granddaughter
Matthew Johnston, Grandson
Jacob Johnston, Grandson
Makinzee Johnston, Granddaughter
Averi Johnston, Granddaughter
Emily Johnston, Granddaughter
1 Great-Grandson
William H. Mack Jr., Francesville, Brother
Dale (Terri) Mack, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Roseanna Kennedy, Sister

Mrs. Johnston was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was affectionately regarded to as a teacher of life to her family. She worked at the Culver Union Township Public Library for 17 years. She was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church in rural Plymouth. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She collected dolls and enjoyed shopping. She took pride in her appearance and was always dressed nicely. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 12, at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Whitworth officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to Faith Baptist Church.

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

Daniel W. Rausch

September 15, 1954 to December 3, 2022

WINAMAC - Daniel Rausch, 68, of Frankfort (formerly of Winamac), passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 3, at his home.

He was born Sept. 15, 1954 in Logansport, to the late Francis and Gertrude [Meyer] Rausch. He attended St. Peter’s Catholic School and graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1973.

Daniel Rausch

He is survived by:
Vania Rausch, Former Wife
Tsetsy (John) Baron, Step-Daughter
Gabriela Angelova, Step-Daughter
3 Step-Grandchildren (and 1 on the way)
Joyce (Art) Kelsey, Sister
Trudy (Larry) Kruzick, Sister
Dr. F. David (Linda) Rausch, Brother
Larry (Cloretta) Rausch, Brother
Helen Rausch, Sister
Mary (Tom) Seidel, Sister
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
John Rausch, Brother
Dr. Mosey Rausch, Brother

Mr. Rausch spent over 26 years working in skilled trades as an industrial mechanic and electrician. He retired from Red Gold, Inc. in Elwood. He was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, and has been a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church since moving to Frankfort in 2002. Just this past year, he joined the Knights of Columbus Council #5294 in Frankfort. He was a very hardworking and talented man who could build anything, fix cars, and do anything mechanical. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, fishing, hiking, and traveling out West with his family. He was a proud member of the NRA and an avid supporter of President Donald J. Trump. He was an animal lover, with a soft spot for his little Pomeranian, Lily and his Yorkie, Maxie. He especially enjoyed riding his Harleys and had fond memories of numerous bike trips, including his trip to Sturgis, SD. He was a former member of the American Legion Riders Chapter #113 in Lebanon, and a former member of Pulaski and Clinton County ABATE. He was a current member of Sons of the VFW Post #1110 in Frankfort. He had a passion for music, especially playing bass guitar. While living in Winamac, he played in the following bands: Night Shift, Sidewinder, Vertical Hold, and Cactus Jack. While living in Frankfort, he played in Time Machine, 61/49 Blues Band, Paper Alley, and Whiskey Bent. Most recently, he was the bass guitarist for Mudhound Revival Band. He was a good man who would do anything for anyone, especially his family. He was a loving dad, brother, and uncle and will be missed by his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will follow at 8 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. The funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. Private burial will be at a later date at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Boy Scouts or Winamac Girl Scouts.

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

Cynthia Conover

1954 to December 2, 2022

WINAMAC - Cynthia Conover, 68, of Pulaski, passed away Friday, Dec. 2, at her home.

Arrangements are pending at Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Donald D. Van Meter

June 20, 1937 to December 2, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - Donald Dean Van Meter, 85, of Monon, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 2, at home following a brief illness.

He was born June 20, 1937 on a small farm east of Francesville, to Marion E. and Anna M. [Fields] Van Meter. In 1955, following his graduation from Roosevelt High School in Monticello, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1959, he married Helen Wilson, and they had two daughters. In 1992, he married Karen Pixey and gained three step-children.

Donald Van Meter

He is survived by:
Karen J. [Comer] Pixey Van Meter, Monon, Wife
Denise E. (Cliff) Walker, Liberty Hill, TX, Daughter
Deborah A. (David) Nixon, Bloomington, Daughter
Daniel P. (Brandy) Pixey, Eagle River, AL, Son
Barbara E. (Tate) Krigbaum, Paris, MO, Daughter
Emily Walker, Granddaughter
Eric Walker, Grandson
Alexandria (Surjit) Dawar, Granddaughter
Jenna Pixey, Granddaughter
Kale Pixey, Grandson
Phillip Barkho, Grandson
Joseph Barkho, Grandson
Coraline Barkho, Great-Granddaughter
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Marion E. Van Meter, Father
Anna M. [Fields] Van Meter Begley, Mother
A.D. Begley, Step-Father
Phillip M. Pixey, Son

Mr. Van Meter served his country for 20 years, retiring in 1975 as a chief data processing technician. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a clerk at the Lafayette Post Office for 22 years. While working at the post office, he met Karen Pixey. He was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church where he served as a deacon. He was an avid golfer and especially enjoyed playing at Myrtle Beach, SC and Biloxi, MS. He was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor several years ago.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at the Medaryville Christian Church. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. (Friday), at the church with Pastor Tony Schabel officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Medaryville Christian Church.

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

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

Randy D. Bennett

June 9, 1960 to November 29, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - Randy D. Bennett, 62, of Francesville, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, following an eight-month battle with cancer.

He was born June 9, 1960 in Cape Girardeau, MO to the late Richard and Shirley [Simpkins] Bennett. He moved to Indiana as a child and attended Hebron Elementary School, and graduated from Kankakee Valley High School. On Feb. 14, 1995, he married Linda S. [Clark] Owens in Winamac. She survives.

Randy Bennett

He is also survived by:
Timothy (Jodie) Bennett, Wheatfield, Son
Sean (Jennifer) Owens, Francesville, Son
Brice Schultz, Grandson
Cameron (Brittany) Owens, Grandson
Emily Bennett, Granddaughter
Wendy Bennett, Granddaughter
Isabelle Harris, Granddaughter
Randall Pierce, Brother-in-law
Barbara [Clark] Kapraun, Sister-in-law
Pat (Jeff) [Clark] Barngrover, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews as well as Great-Nieces and -Nephews
Naomi [Bennett] Mann, Aunt
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Chastity Nicole “Chas” Bennett, Daughter
Christopher Owens, Son
Marie Annette [Bennett] Pierce, Sister
Dawn Marie Bennett, Infant Sister
Clarence Kapraun, Brother-in-law
Joseph T. Clark, Brother-in-law

Over the years, Mr. Bennett had been employed at Owens Corning Fiberglass in Valparaiso, Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, Wabash National in Lafayette, and Vulcan Stone Quarry in Francesville. He retired from Lehigh Hanson Materials in Francesville. He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local #150 in Countryside, IL. He served on the Medaryville Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing as well as painting and drawing. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame football and Purdue basketball. Most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 5, at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Entombment will be at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, food, and gifts, memorial donations may be made to Indiana Burn Camp or Medaryville Volunteer Fire Department.