Obituaries

Ronald D. Hooker

December 27, 1930 to September 13, 2020

WINGATE - Ronald Dean Hooker, 89 of Francesville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in his home at 6:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13.

The youngest of eight children, he was born Dec. 27, 1930 to Otto and Julia Grock Hooker. He spent most of his life in the Francesville/Medaryville communities, outside of his time in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-1954. He was a 1948 graduate of Francesville High School.

He married Ruth (born Lillian Ruth Bartley) Stevens on Feb. 10, 1952 in Independence Methodist Church in rural Gillam Township in Jasper County. They were married 53 years and had three children: Wallace “Wally,” Michael and Julie. Ruth passed away March 22, 2005 and son Michael died Nov. 26, 2018.  

Following Mr. Hooker’s discharge from the Marines, he began farming with his father, later taking over and farming for nearly 50 years. He had been a member of the former Independence Methodist Church, The Francesville UMC, and belonged to St. James United Church of Christ.

He married Lois Vollmer on Feb. 26, 2006, in St. James UCC and was blessed with a second wonderful marriage and gained an incredible “bonus family.”

Surviving along with his wife Lois are his son, Wallace (Janet) Hooker of rural Attica, daughter Julie Soplanda of Avon, and daughter-in-law Stephanie Hooker of Shelburn.  Also stepsons Scott (Cathy) Vollmer of Francesville and Joe Vollmer of Rochester; grandchildren Emily (Tim) Myers, Kyle (Stacey) Hooker, Seth (Brandi) Hooker, Kirk (Amberlee) Hooker, Chelsey (Chandler) Manns, Tyler Soplanda, Tate Hooker, Summer Pellegrino and Madison Hooker; bonus grandchildren Nick (Adrienne) Vollmer, Lindley (Adam) Laposi and Caity (James) Robinson; 17 great-grandchildren; and one ornery brother Harold. 

He was also preceded by his parents, brothers Lamoine, Raymond, Paul and sisters Blanche, Opal and Annabelle, and step-granddaughter “Little Lois.”

Following retirement Mr. Hooker enjoyed ‘road farming’ with Lois, keeping an eye on how the boys were doing farming, while listening to Eddie Arnold and The Statler Brothers. He liked tinkering in his garden, garage and spending time ‘whistling’ while cheering on his grandchildren at their various activities. There was never a more fierce protector of his family, especially his granddaughters than Ron. He loved family gatherings, going to ‘the boat’ gambling and eating at the Whistle Stop. He liked joking … with anyone, including complete strangers, which lead to many interesting situations.  His heart was huge, and if you knew him, you probably knew exactly how you stood with him. The world lost a loveable, colorful rascal.   

Please note: For safety and convenience, services will be held at Meadow Springs, located at 8631 US 421 Francesville, IN  47946 (Intersection of US 421 and SR 114). Visitation hours are 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, and 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Friday with Pastor Dennis Gutwein (a long time friend and neighbor) and Pastor Nelda Seger officiating. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery. Guests are reminded to follow the COVID-19 recommendations of the Indiana State Board of Health.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may best be directed to the St. James UCC or the Indiana Education Foundation of The Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Envelopes will be available at the services.

To sign the guest book or share a memory, visit www.familyandfriendsfh.com  

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, and colleagues of Wally, are entrusted with arrangements.

Carol A. Nowak

January 15, 1939 to September 10, 2020

WINAMAC - Carol A. Nowak, 81, of Chicago passed away at 8:05 p.m.,Thursday, Sept. 10, at Prairie Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation in Chicago Heights, IL.

She was born Jan. 15, 1939 in North Judson to the late Frank and Jean Newman Shields. On March 23, 1957, she married Paul Nowak Jr. He passed away Dec. 15, 1982.

Survivors include:
Paul (fiancé: Kathleen Hutson) Nowak III, Winamac, Son
Robert Nowak, Whiting, Son
Rick Nowak, Coshocton, OH, Son
Many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Kay Shields, Winamac, Sister

Preceded in death by:
William Nowak, Son
Richard Shields, Brother

Carol was a homemaker and factory worker.

A private graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery in North Judson with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

James M. Sewell

December 1, 1930 to September 11, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - James Martin “Jim” Sewell, 89, of Quanah, TX (formerly of Francesville) passed away Friday, Sept. 11.

He was born Dec. 1, 1930 in Pampa, TX to the late Joe Orene and Alice Jerene Prim Sewell. On Feb. 14, 1954 he married Connie Jean Eakright. She passed away Jan. 12, 2010.

He is survived by:
Glenn M. (Tammy) Sewell, Son
Scott A. (David Graves) Sewell, Son
Steven D. (Carla) Sewell, Son
9 Grandchildren
Several Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
James E. Sewell, Son
1 Grandson
William Joe “Bill” Sewell, Brother
Alice Aleta McIlree, Sister
Betty Lou “Babe” Mitchell, Sister

Mr. Sewell served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Richard B. Anderson. He served three combat tours in Korea, earning the Korean Service Ribbon (1 star), the United Nations Service Medal, the China Service Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal. He was a member of the Francesville American Legion Post #228. He worked as a deputy sheriff in Lake County for many years and also worked as a diesel mechanic. He enjoyed spending time with his family in both Texas and Indiana. He was a proud veteran and loved to share his stories of past days. He will be dearly missed.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Private burial be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville American Legion Post #228.

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

Peggy A. Yeoman

October 2, 1945 to September 9, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Peggy Ann “Peg” Yeoman, 74, of Francesville, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

She was born Oct. 2, 1945 in Bloomingdale, IN to the late Herman D. and Ruby P. Robinson Bumbalough. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1963 and completed beauty school in Lafayette. She married Charles R. “Chuck” Yeoman on Aug. 26, 1967 in Francesville.  He survives. They recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

Survivors also include:
Charles Troy (Kristina) Yeoman, Brookston, Son
Jeremy Scott “Yo” Yeoman, Francesville, Son
Charles Chandler Yeoman, Grandson
Nicole Peggy Yeoman, Granddaughter
Emily Ruby Yeoman, Granddaughter
Phoebe Hazel Yeoman, Granddaughter
Sam (Bonnie) Bumbalough, Lafayette, Brother
Darlene (Rich) Tanner, Francesville, Sister
Kay Hill, Knox, Sister-in-law
Ann Holloway, Mesa, AZ, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Jennifer Leigh Yeoman, Infant Daughter
Amber Ann Yeoman, Infant Daughter

Mrs. Yeoman spent her entire life as a beautician in Francesville, and through her work, she touched the lives of everyone she served. She was kind and caring. She was a good Christian woman who had a heart of gold, especially for animals and children. She loved the Lord and was an active member of the Francesville First Christian Church where she served as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher, and VBS volunteer. She cherished the 12 times she participated in the Show Low mission trip. She loved the Francesville community. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, and aunt. She was an advocate for her family, especially her grandkids. She will be dearly missed by so many.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at the funeral home with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Private entombment will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church or Riley Hospital for Children.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Thomas E. Reutebuch

July 2, 1938 to September 8, 2020

WINAMAC - Thomas E. “Tink” Reutebuch, 82, of Pulaski passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Lafayette.

He was born July 2, 1938 to the late Joseph and Marie Roth Reutebuch in Pulaski. He graduated from Pulaski High School where he played on the famed Yellow Jacket basketball team. He married Marilyn K. Cloud, on Oct. 26, 1963 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Beth A. Reutebuch, Lafayette, Daughter
Thomas J. Reutebuch, Elyria, OH, Son
James D. (Angela) Reutebuch, Auburn, Son
Robert D. “Bob” Reutebuch, Winamac, Son
April M. (Jason) Holajter, West Lafayette, Daughter
Grandchildren: Jennifer (Devin) Winters, Marissa Reutebuch, John Reutebuch, Amanda Reutebuch, Jessica Reutebuch, Jared Reutebuch, Lillian Holajter, Jackson Holajter, and Sawyer Holajter.
Great-Grandchildren Ryker Winters and Miley Dahn.
Kenneth (Mary) Reutebuch, Altoona, FL, Brother
Margaret Ann (John) Woodward, Lafayette, ISister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ronald John Reutebuch, Son
Vance Michael Reutebuch, Infant Grandson
Marcella Silver, Sister
William Joseph “Joey” Reutebuch, Brother

Mr. Reutebuch, along with his father and uncle, owned and operated the Reutebuch Brothers Garage for many years. It was the oldest Sinclair service station in Indiana. He was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling, as well as telling stories and bad jokes. He was a true outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, trap and float the river. He never met a stranger. God was holding Tink’s hand when he passed away.

A private funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. Private burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery West in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in the form of Mass Intentions.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Lindy L. Richee

November 12, 1936 to September 3, 2020

WINAMAC - Lindy L. Richee, 83, of Winamac (formerly of Chicago), passed away at 2:35 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 3, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac. 

She was born Nov. 12, 1936 in Dresden, TN.

She is survived by:
Julie (Dan) Falletti, Daughter
Kerry (Laura) Richee Sr., Son
Christopher Richee, Son
Regina (Gary) Evans, Daughter
8 Grandchildren
8 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
AJ and Mavis Wright Dunlap, Parents
Charles Richee, Husband
Bill Vervoort, Companion

Mrs. Richee was a retired waitress and spent many years working at Marconi’s in “Little Italy.” She was active with the Red Hat Society when she lived in Illinois. She spent a number of years residing in Burbank, IL before moving to Winamac in 2005. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.