Obituaries

Maurice H. McKinney

January 4, 1934 to June 29, 2020

WINAMAC - Maurice Harold McKinney, 86, a lifelong farmer from Pulaski, passed away at 8:42 p.m., Monday, June 29, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Logansport. 

He was born Jan. 4, 1934 in Monon, to the late Harold and Hazel Morris McKinney. He graduated from Royal Center High School in 1952.  He married Margene Louise Benson on Oct. 25, 1953, at White Oak Methodist Church in Headlee. She passed away Feb. 27, 2014. 

He is survived by:
Gary McKinney, Pulaski, Son
Mike (Sue) McKinney, Rochester, Son
Steve (Sherry) McKinney, Winamac, Son
Tim (Sharon) McKinney, Star City, Son
Grandchildren: Kyle McKinney, Molly (Michael) Wardell, Brittany (Clayton) Smith, Bryan McKinney, Amy Stewart, and Josh (Jessica) Polstra.
Great-Grandchildren: Amelia Louise Smith, Michael Theodore Wardell, Allister Moore, Julian Polstra, and Jenna Polstra.
Phyllis Benge, Sister
Loren (Rosie) McKinney, Brother
Leon McKinney, Brother
Jerry (Darlene) McKinney, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Mr. McKinney served in the Indiana National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves. He was a longtime member of White Oak United Methodist Church in Headlee. After retiring from farming, he drove a school bus for Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation. He served many years on the Pulaski-White Rural Telephone Co. (PWRTC) Board and Pulaski County 4-H Fair Board. He was a member of the (former) Winamac IOOF Lodge #168. He loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing.  He took pride in keeping up his farm. He enjoyed playing Euchre and was very competitive. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities. He was a good father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed.  

Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, private services will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.  

Memorial donations may be made to White Oak United Methodist Church or  Pulaski County 4-H Program.

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

Melvin A. Garling

January 8, 1936 to June 22, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Melvin A. Garling, 84, of Monticello (formerly of Francesville and Monon), passed away Monday, June 22, at his home.

He was born Jan. 8, 1936 in rural Pulaski County to the late Robert H. and Ruth V. Chamness Garling. He was a 1955 graduate of Monon High School and served in the Indiana National Guard for nine years. On June 14, 1956, he married Loretta J. Elston, in Indianapolis. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

He is also survived by:
Angela (Mark) Dickerson, Murfreesboro, TN, Daughter
Brandy (Rick) Hunt, Granddaughter
Brooke (Clark) Curry, Granddaughter
5 Great-Grandchildren
Devon Garling, Francesville, Brother
4 Nephews and 4 Nieces

Preceded in death by:
Phyllis “Phid” (Carl) McCormick, Sister
Richard Garling, Brother

Mr. Garling was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski and White counties. He was also a school bus driver for West Central School Corporation for 20 years. He was a longtime member of St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville. He loved farming and spending time with family. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. He enjoyed traveling and seeing new places as well as listening to country music. He enjoyed going to Florida and sitting on the beach. He cherished trips to Branson, MO with his wife. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the safety of all concerned, a private service and burial will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

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

Helen L. Scheffer

July 20, 1923 to June 23, 2020

WINAMAC - Helen L. Scheffer, 96, of Pulaski, passed away peacefully at 1:55 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac, with her family by her side.

She was born July 20, 1923 in Pulaski, to the late Hubert and Rose Russell Ortman. She graduated from Pulaski High School and attended Beauty College in Logansport. On Nov. 30, 1945, she married Paul M. “Pudge” Scheffer at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. He passed away Aug. 13, 2006.

She is survived by:
Ronald Scheffer, Son
Donald (Kathy) Scheffer, Son
Linda (Tom) Hoffman, Daughter
Lynn Nufer, Daughter
Gary (Jean) Scheffer, Son
Kathleen Schroeder, Daughter
Douglas Scheffer, Son
Vicki (Gary) Funkhouser, Daughter
Steve Scheffer, Son
George (Melinda) Scheffer, Son
Shelley Krider, Daughter
Many Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great-Grandchildren
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

She is preceded in death by:
Randall Scheffer, Infant Son
Bradley Scheffer, Son
6 Brothers: George, Paul, Julius, Robert, Frank, and Bill
3 Sisters: Mary, Katherine, and Rosanna

Mrs. Scheffer was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was also an active member of the Christian Mothers. She was a devoted farm wife and the proud mother of 13 children. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, canning, and cooking. She was hard-working and raised chickens which she sold as frozen fryers. She also sold farm fresh eggs. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

A scriptural wake service will be at 4 p.m., Thursday, June 25, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The rosary will be recited following the wake service. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

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

Walter Wallace

October 22, 1937 to June 20, 2020

WINAMAC - Walter “Walt” Wallace, 82, of Winamac, passed away at 5:40 a.m., Saturday, June 20, at his home.

He was born Oct. 22, 1937 in Mishawaka to the late Frank and Bessie Burkett Wallace. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1956 and served in the U.S. Army. On Sept. 18, 1982, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Braun at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She survives.

Survivors also include:
Diana (Tom) Thompson, Winamac, Daughter
Elaine (Dave) Crissinger, Winamac, Daughter
Vickie (Herb) Purtee, Winamac, Daughter
Michael (Alisha) Wright, Winamac, Son
Many Beloved Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Phyllis Cowsert, Hammond, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Donald Wright, Infant Son
Amber Wible, Infant Granddaughter
Wayne (Evelyn) Wallace, Brother
George (Juanita) Wallace, Brother
Linda (Joe) Cowsert, Sister
Jack Cowsert, Brother-in-law

Mr. Wallace was retired from Plymouth Tube, but in his younger years he had worked at Studebaker and RCA. He was the last living charter member of the Winamac FOE #2580. He was a fan of all sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, and IU Basketball. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed doing puzzles. He loved his family very much. He especially adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. An Eagles service will follow at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 27, at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Clara M. Gentry

October 14, 1960 to Friday, June 19

FRANCESVILLE - Clara Marie Gentry, 59, of Medaryville (formerly of Merrillville) passed away peacefully at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 19, at Franciscan Health Hospital East in Lafayette, with her husband by her side.

She was born Oct. 14, 1960, in Hammond to the late George F. and Mary L. Spanier Lair. She grew up in Hammond where she met her husband, Michael G. Gentry. They were married Jan. 9, 1978, at Cedar Lake. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Kristie M. (Scott) Wellestat, Crown Point, Daughter
Michelle L. (John) Pena, DeMotte, Daughter
Audrey Wellestat, Granddaughter
Lauren Wellestat, Granddaughter
Cora Pena, Granddaughter
Jessa Pena, Granddaughter
Donald Lair, Hammond, IN Brother
Ronald Lair, Hammond, IN Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Dorothy (Ray) Ballenger, Cousin

Preceded in death by:
Laura Lair Bigger, Niece

Mrs. Gentry worked at Calumet Auto Recyclers in Hammond for many years before becoming the manager at Family Express in Medaryville. In 2007, she went to work for Metro Auto Recyclers in Valparaiso. She was a member of the Ladies of Harley Kankakee Valley Chapter in North Judson. She enjoyed the many bike trips taken with her husband and friends. She loved fishing, especially with the grandkids at the pond. She is remembered for her infectious smile, and as a kind-hearted woman who was always caring for others. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. The family notes that “although she is no longer with us, her love will always be our guide.”

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, with Pastor Mark Promnitz officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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

Matthew F. Boos

August 3, 1966 to June 19, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Matthew Floyd Boos, 53, of Winamac passed away peacefully Friday, June 19, at his home with his wife and daughters by his side after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 3, 1966 in Winamac to parents Allen and Carolyn Smith Boos. He was a 1984 Winamac Community High School graduate. On Sept. 15, 1990, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynndy L. Colgrove.

With his wife, survivors include his daughters: Stefanie (Dalton) Grandstaff of Winamac and Courtney (Hunter) Holliday of Carmel; mother, Carolyn Boos of Winamac;  sisters: Gale (Jay) Spry of Reynolds; Kathryn Cochran of O’Fallon, Mo.; and Elaine (Steve) Voltz of Winamac. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces/nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Boos, paternal grandparents Louis and Marie Boos, maternal grandparents Floyd and Alene Smith, and in-laws Garry and Betty Colgrove.

Mr. Boos was a employed at Plymouth Tube for 21 years, and most recently was a team leader at the Braun Corporation for the past 10-plus years. However, being a husband and father brought him the most joy in life. He always believed that his greatest accomplishments were being married to the love of his life and best friend for 30-plus years as well as watching his two beautiful daughters grow up. Second only to the love of his family, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, spending weekends at his niece’s lake house, golfing, watching the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Cardinals, going on vacations, and relaxing in the pool with a beer in his hand surrounded by friends and family. A wonderfully kind and charming man, he never met a stranger and always enjoyed life to the fullest. “Floyd” should be remembered for his infectious smile, blue eyes, kind heart and selfless personality.

Visitation will be from 1to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 27, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. A private family service will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Cancer Network or the Winamac VFW Post 1728.