Obituaries
Anne A. Jones
January 2, 1953 to January 13, 2022
GRAND ISLAND, NEB. - Anne A. Jones, 69, of Winamac, died Thursday, Jan. 13, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne.
She was born Jan. 2, 1953, in Roswell, NM, the daughter of Richard and Alice Yvonne LaMoore Williams. She married Gary Jones in 1977 in Las Vegas. They lived in Nebraska and Michigan before settling in Indiana. Her husband survives.
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Anne Jones |
She is also survived by: Son Gary Jones II of Winamac Daughter, Kendra Jones of Peoria, IL Grandson, Jammie White Siblings, Alice Williams of Winamac, Richie Williams of Waterloo, NY, Lucille (Tom) Gorman of Oklahoma City, OK, Mary Williams Sherlock of Winamac, Jessie (Teddy) Williamson of Winamac and Katie (Bill) Williamson of Winamac.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers William Williams and John Williams.
Mrs. Jones’ childhood family settled in Phillips, NE where they enjoyed country life. Her mother died in 1975, and she became the mother figure to her siblings, loving and nurturing them from a young age. She was skilled with animals and this showed in her training of thoroughbred horses. She raced throughout Nebraska winning numerous races at Fonner Park in Grand Island and Agricultural Park in Columbus. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved crafts, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and keeping a beautiful yard. She was most at home when with her family, who meant the world to her.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, at Curran Funeral Chapel, Grand Island. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 21, at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Island. The Rev. Kevin Geurink will officiate. Interment will be at Grand Island City Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, 2103 W . Anna St., Grand Island, NE 68801. Friends and family are encouraged to sign Anne’s guestbook and view her video at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under her obituary.
Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Kent M. Laubhan
January 14, 1957 to January 12, 2022
WINAMAC - Kent M. Laubhan, 64, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.
He was born Jan. 14, 1957, in Chicago, and raised by his foster parents, Maurice and Elizabeth Shield. He served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge. On Aug. 21, 1981, he married Marzenna Glod. She survives.
He is also survived by: Amanda (Calvin) Sutton, Daughter 2 Grandchildren
Preceded in death by: Maurice and Elizabeth Shield, Foster Parents Debra Kasten, Sister
No services will be held.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Stephina Watkins
Auguts 23, 1924 to January 11, 2022
WINAMAC - Stephina Watkins, 97, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.
She was born Aug. 23, 1924 in Stickney, IL to the late Albert and Agnes Pavlak Mroczek. She was the last of nine siblings. She attended Catholic school in San Pierre and North Judson. On May 29, 1944, she married William “Bill” Watkins in Winamac. He passed away on Nov. 26, 1987.
She is survived by: Joyce (Mark C.) Faulstich, Plymouth, Daughter Josephine (David) Ramp, Columbia City, Daughter Jacqualine Owens Terry, Winamac, Daughter Emzie (Kathy) Watkins, Nappanee, Son Grandchildren: Jason (Angie) Faulstich, Mark J. (Kara) Faulstich, Jeffrey (Dr. Valerie Lake) Faulstich, Wayne (Patsy) Watkins, Nicklos Watkins, Paul Ramp, Sheila Jackson, Billy Owens, Michael (Shelley) Owens, Lisa (Dominic) Ricci, Jenny (Tony) Schmucker, Jaime Watkins, and Debra Jo (Jason) Harmon. Many Great-Grandchildren 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren Many Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by: James Faulstich, Grandson 3 Brothers and 5 Sisters
Mrs. Watkins worked at a factory in downtown Winamac for many years, where she sewed zippers into blue jeans. She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She crocheted many afghans, scarfs, and hats for her family and friends. She enjoyed playing Pinochle at the Bass Lake Community Center as well as at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Knox. She was the “Queen of Scrabble” in her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Monday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at the funeral home with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic School in Plymouth.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Rocky D. Gourley
October 3, 1953 to January 11, 2022
WINAMAC - Rocky David Gourley, 68, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 11, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born Oct. 3, 1953 in Winamac, at Carneal Hospital to the late Robert W. and Phyllis E. Nice Gourley. He was a 1971 graduate of Kankakee Valley High School in Wheatfield; the first graduating class from the new school after consolidation. He married Laurie Ann Lewis, on June 20, 1987 in Wheatfield at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church by the late Rev. Roger Sculley. She survives.
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Rocky Gourley |
He is also survived by: Daisy (Don) Hahn, Star City, Sister Connie (Stan) Myers, Monterey, Sister J. Douglas Gourley, Sr., Winamac, Brother R. Clyde (Lena) Gourley, Winamac, Brother Vickie Pence, Anderson, Sister-in-law Dennis (Carole) Lewis, Hobart, Brother-in-law Karen Lewis, Lake Station, Sister-in-law Kathy (David, Sr.) Davis, Schererville, Sister-in-law Tom (Carolyn) Lewis, Wanatah, Brother-in-law Patty (Matt) Fancher, Brazelton, GA, Sister-in-law Mike (Mary) Lewis, Hebron, Brother-in-law Many Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by: Ellwood and Bonnie [Rusk] Lewis, Sr., In-laws Beulah Gourley, Sister-in-law Joel Pence, Brother-in-law Ellwood Lewis Jr., Brother-in-law Curtis Ellwood Lewis, Brother-in-law
Mr. Gourley retired from North White High School after 28 years where he worked as a custodian. In his younger years, he served as Deputy Town Marshal in Wheatfield; working under his dad. He was a dedicated member of Tippecanoe Christian Church in Winamac where he taught adult Sunday school and served as a deacon and trustee. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, Boone and Crockett Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Future Farmers of America. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He held the unofficial title of “Champion Noodler.” He was an avid Indiana University basketball fan and strong supporter of North White High School athletics. He was always proud of the fact that he scored a three-pointer for the Pulaski Yellow Jackets team in the Memory Lane Basketball Tournament. He was a loving husband, brother, and uncle. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, at the funeral home with Pastor Ed Clark officiating. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to Tippecanoe Christian Church, North White Athletic Department, or Guardian Angel Hospice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Dean D. Pelsy
October 13, 1946 to January 8, 2022
FRANCESVILLE - Dean Devon Pelsy, 75 of Francesville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 8, at Franciscan Alliance Hospital in Crown Point.
He was born Oct. 13, 1946 in Francesville, and graduated from Francesville High School in 1964. He served in the Indiana National Guard. In September 2012 he married Dianna Hunter. She preceded him in death.
He is survived by three step-children: Necola Kidwell, Gary Hunter and Tonja Hunter, along with his brother Allen Pelsy, and his sister Barbara Pelsy Little.
Mr. Pelsy was a farmer in Francesville for more than 50 years.
A private graveside service will be conducted at Roselawn Cemetary in Francesville.
Darlene K. Rock Harwood
October 18, 1998 to January 7, 2022
MEDARYVILLE - Darlene Kay Rock Harwood, 23, of Medaryville, passed away Friday, Jan. 7, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, IN.
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Darlene Harwood |
She was born Oct. 18, 1998 in Merrillville, to Paul and Judy Harwood. She was a 2017 graduate of West Central High School. She received an associate’s degree in accounting from Purdue University.
She is survived by: Judy Harwood, Medaryville, Mother Paul Harwood, Francesville, Father Many Aunts, Uncles and cousins
Preceded in death by: Kimberly J. Harwood Sister
Ms. Harwood was employed as a greeter at Wal-Mart in Monticello. She enjoyed social media and sharing time with her friends and family.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 13, Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral with Rev. Rick Prater officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. Masks will be available at the funeral home if needed.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Daniel C. Vanaman
May 8, 1952 to January 5, 2022
WINAMAC - Daniel C. “Dan” Vanaman, 69, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly at home Wednesday, Jan. 5.
He was born May 8, 1952 in Knox, to the late Claude E. and Mildred Sims Vanaman. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1970. On July 4, 1982, he married Connie L. Fritz Kistler in Winamac. She survives.
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Daniel Vanaman |
He is also survived by: Dana K. (Darrin) Field, Winamac, Daughter Daniel H. (Doug DeCleene) Vanaman, South Bend, Son Dawn M. Vanaman, Daughter Jeff W. (Trina) Kistler, Winamac, Step-Son Daniel R. (Aida) Kistler, Knox, Step-Son Brian J. (Amanda) Kistler, Winamac, Step-Son 12 Grandchildren: Dustin, Emily, Valerie, Eric, Aiden, Aaron, Breanna, Devin, Danica, Santiago, Clay, and Caleb. 5 Great-Grandchildren: Aiden, Amelia, Axel, Noah, and Beckham Donna (Bud) Cowger, Half-Sister Betty Good, Half-Sister Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by: Leon Depoy, Half-Brother Tom Depoy, Half-Brother Katherine Shidler, Half-Sister
Following high school graduation, Mr. Vanaman took a job with Indiana Department of Transportation that turned into a career spanning 38 years, during which time he also farmed with Darrel Gudeman for 18 years. Most recently, he was the proud owner and operator of Dan’s Mowing; a mowing and snow removal business he started in 2008. He attended the Winamac Church of the Heartland. He was a longtime member of FOE Lodge #2580 in Winamac and Pulaski County React. He served eight years on the Winamac Town Board and two years on the Winamac Cemetery Committee. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed gardening and mowing. He also enjoyed visiting with friends and strangers. He was kind, friendly, and most of all very hardworking. He loved his family very much and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 10, at the funeral home with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
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