Obituaries

Merle Larry Ezra

August 22,1943 to January 17, 2022

WINAMAC - Merle Larry Ezra, 78, lifelong farmer from Winamac, passed away Monday, Jan. 17, at his home.

He was born Aug. 22, 1943 in Winamac to the late Merle Emory and Wanetta Emaline Allen Ezra. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1961 and served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

M. Larry Ezra

He is survived by:
Timothy (Kelly Samson) Ezra, Indianapolis, Son
Stephanie (Chad) Watts, Winamac, Daughter
Benjamin Watts, Grandson
Molly Watts, Granddaughter
Carolyn Knebel, Indianapolis, Sister
Betty Shorter, Winamac, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Bene Franklin Ezra, Brother
Shirley Peters, Sister
Loren Knebel, Brother-in-law
Jim Shorter, Brother-in-law
Geraldine Rose Lewis Ezra, Former Spouse

Mr. Ezra was a member of the Indiana American Legion. He was a hardworking farmer and was very knowledgeable about raising sheep and hogs. For many years, he owned and operated a Christmas tree farm. He enjoyed the outdoors and attending the annual NIPFP Antique Power Show at the Winamac Town Park. He imparted a lot of wisdom to his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, at the funeral home, with Barbara Kleinofen officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Arlene Simpson

June 13, 1952 to January 16, 2022 

Arlene Simpson

KEWANNA - Arlene Simpson, 69, of Kewanna passed away at 3:40 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.

Born on June 13, 1952 in Pineville, Ky., she was the daughter of the late James and Ollie Clark Simpson.

Surviving are her son Michael Conner of Kewanna; grandchildren Brandon (Faith) Conner of North Judson, Tristan Conner of Burbank, CA, Jacob Conner of Winamac, Michael Conner of Wabash, Kaylee Conner of O’Fallen, MO, Wyatt Conner of O’Fallen, MO, Kenna Conner of Kewanna, Tiffany (Garrett) Rimpler of Winamac, and Tiranda Stevens of Wabash; and great-grandchildren Ian, Curt, Asher, Grant, Gracelyn, AJ, Kayden, Brooklyn, and Gavyn. Also surviving are siblings Winton, Keith, Vivian and Marin. 

She was also preceded in death by her husband Michael Conner and siblings June, Virginia, Wayne, Jenny, Burt and Bernice.

Ms. Simpson formerly worked at Robinson’s in Rochester and also at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Winamac. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching reruns of CSI, and making sure no one got too rowdy at the Kewanna Village Apartments. 

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. The funeral service will be at 1 pm., Thursday, Jan. 20, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna. Burial will be at Citizens IOOF Cemetery in Kewanna.

Mrs. Simpson’s online guest book is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Phyllis E. Tomlinson

June 21, 1944 to January 16, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - Phyllis E. Tomlinson, 77, of Monon, passed away peacefully Sunday Jan. 16, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born June 21, 1944 in Francesville to the late Lewis V. and Doris A. Kruger Fritz. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1962. She married Harlen E. Tomlinson in Winamac. He passed away Jan. 20, 2019.

Phyllis Tomlinson

She is survived by:
Harlen R. (Amber) Tomlinson, Rensselaer, Son
Lori A. (Thomas) Harper, Muncie, Daughter
Cheyenne N. (Rob) Golik, Rensselaer, Granddaughter
Timothy R. Breen, Monticello, Grandson
Calla D. Tomlinson, Rensselaer, Granddaughter
Kate R. Tomlinson, Rensselaer, Granddaughter
Timothy R. McAlister, Atlanta, Step Grandson
Coy M. McAlister, Springfield, MO, Step Grandson
4 Great-Grandchildren: Madison, Jayden, Bentley, and Caylee “Mouse”
1 Step-Great-Grandson: Ezra
Karen J. Fritz, Monon, Sister
Alan L. (Kay) Fritz, Winamac, Brother
Stephen V. Fritz, Francesville, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Sam, Pomeranian Companion

Mrs. Tomlinson enjoyed playing Bunco and a variety of card games. She also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. She was an avid reader and loved music. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, Jan. 22, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon, Saturday, at the funeral home with Ed Clark and Alan Fritz officiating. Entombment will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Darlene J. Ames

August 20, 1939 to January 14, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - Darlene J. Ames, 82, of Francesville, passed away Friday, Jan. 14, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born Aug. 20, 1939 in North Judson, to the late Lloyd Frederick William and Lavada Mae Cawby Hanke. She was a 1957 graduate of North Judson High School. On Sept. 24, 1960, she married Donald H. Ames in North Judson. He passed away Dec. 21, 2007.

Darlene Ames

She is survived by:
Drinda S. (Kris) Obermeyer, West Lafayette, Daughter
Deneen J. (Brian) Bartlett, Crawfordsville, Daughter
Donita L. (Michael) Stimson, Francesville, Daughter
Austin Bartlett, Grandson
Collin (Lauren) Bartlett, Grandson
Megan Stimson, Granddaughter
Adam Stimson, Grandson
Nathan Stimson, Grandson
Several Nieces and Nephews
Lois (Charlie) Comer, Medaryville, Aunt/Sis
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Richard Lloyd Hanke, Brother

Mrs. Ames and her husband owned and operated the Francesville Tribune from 1971-2005. She was an active member of the Francesville First United Methodist Church and the Francesville American Legion Auxiliary Unit #228. She served on numerous committees and held several offices in each organization. She was a longtime member of the Classy Red Prairie Chicks of the Red Hat Society where she served as the club’s photographer (aka the Red Snapper). She proudly served as co-grand marshal of the Francesville Fall Festival Parade in 1999 and 2007 alongside her husband. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, and rock collecting. She was an outgoing person with a great sense of humor. Most of all, she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She faithfully attended the many events of her children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville United Methodist Church or to the family for a charity to be determined at a later date.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Michael L. Shidler

October 28, 1963 to January 14, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - Michael Lee Shidler, 58, of Francesville, formerly of Spring, TX, passed away Friday, Jan. 14, at Parkview Haven, Francesville.

He was born Oct. 28, 1963 in Indianapolis. He grew up in Francesville and graduated from West Central High School in 1982.

Mike Shidler

He is survived by:
Thomas Michael Shidler, Portland, ME, Son
Elvira “Toots” Gutwein Lamp, Francesville, Mother
Ralph Shidler, West Lafayette, Father
Bryan (Karen) Lamp, Tomahawk, WI, Brother
Mike Lamp, Wheatfield, Brother
Makayla Lamp, Niece
Numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Scott Shidler, Brother
Richard Lamp, Step-Father

Mr. Shidler’s first job was with Ward Stone running heavy equipment and then Sun Chemical in Frankfort.  He moved to Louisiana where he began working in the oil industry. This led him to Texas, where he worked for Baker Hughes, Halliburton, and Schlumberger until he started his own company, Maverick Supply Services, which he successfully owned and operated for many years. Through his life, he worked very hard and received many blessings. He always stayed strong in his faith and had an undying love for his family and friends, especially his son. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Francesville, where he was baptized as a teen. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me. -Psalm 13:6

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Thursday, Jan. 20, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, Thursday, at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Grace on Wings or SouthernCare Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Chester E. Hintz

May 7, 1939 to January 13, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - Chester Eugene “Chet” Hintz, 82, of Medaryville (formerly of Fortine, MT), passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, at his home.

He was born May 7, 1939 in McLeansboro, IL to the late Edward Stanley and Frieda Geraldine Ledbetter Hintz. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forrestal from 1956-1960. On Oct. 31, 1996, he married Diane Susan Matthies in Las Vegas. She survives.

Chester Hintz

He is also survived by:
Eugene (Kacy) Hintz, Son
Ronald Hintz, Son
William Stephenson, Step-Son
Jason Pennington, Step-Son
2 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Diane Awe Hintz, Former Spouse

After receiving an honorable military discharge, Mr. Hintz went to work as a union pipefitter. He was a proud member of the Medaryville American Legion Post #96 and Chicago Pipe Fitters Union Local #597. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as being outdoors.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home. The American Legion will conduct military honors at the funeral home following services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com