Obituaries

Jennie L. Vaught

June 26, 1952 to April 18, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Jennie L. Vaught, 67, of Winamac passed away at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 18, surrounded by her family.

Born June 26, 1952 in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of the late Vernal Lee and Stacey Evelyn Bundy Gipson. She was a 1970 Danville High School graduate.

Survivors include her children, John Russell II of Winamac, Leston Vaught II of Winamac, Stacey (Jose) Real of Logansport, Lisa (Aaron) Koons of Royal Center and Mary Botello of Winamac; brothers, Vern (Carmen) Gipson of Danville and Jeff (Teresa) Gipson of Logansport; and sisters, Debbie (Richard) Fannin  of Tennessee, Linda Gipson of Logansport and Sandy (Marc) Davidson of Florida. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Vaught was formerly employed at Kewanna Metal Specialties. She enjoyed watching the Colts and rooting for Ryan Newman in Nascar. She also enjoyed floating in her pool, traveling to see lighthouses and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the Winamac Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

Annamarie Fagner

August 2, 1953 to April 21, 2020

WINAMAC - Annamarie “Annie” Fagner, 66, of Winamac, passed away at 4:41 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born Aug. 2, 1953 in East Gary, to the late Otto E. Jr. and Marie Ann Burden Ritter. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1971. On July 28, 1973, she married Marshall R. Fagner at the Ripley Gospel Chapel in Ripley. He passed away July 7, 2008.

Survivors include:
Brian Fagner, Winamac, Son
Jeremy (Michelle) Fagner, Kokomo, Son
Chance (Cybil Kemp) Fagner, Winamac, Son
Zebbie (Molly Hounchel) Fagner, Winamac, Son
Korben Fagner, Grandson
Allison Fagner, Granddaughter
Rae Fagner, Granddaughter
Cash Fagner, Grandson
Liam Kemp, Grandson
Veda Fagner, Granddaughter
Otto E. (Cindy Anderson) Ritter III, Winamac, Brother
Cindy (Terry) Pratt, Winamac, Sister
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Mrs. Fagner was a devoted member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. She served on the missions committee and went on several mission trips. She also served the youth ministry and was instrumental in Wednesday night Simple Suppers. She was a founding member of the Pulaski County Quilts of Valor and found joy in making quilts for local veterans. She actively supported Riley Children’s Hospital by making pillow cases. Most recently, she had been making face masks for local residents in need.

Mrs. Fagner retired from Eastern Pulaski Elementary School as head cook of the cafeteria. Following retirement, she fulfilled a lifelong dream when she opened Just Plain Annie’s Quilt and Fabric Shop in Winamac. She enjoyed quilting, kayaking, and bike riding. More than anything, she loved her family. She supported her sons in all that they did and adored her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Public viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests will be limited to groups of 10, and signup may be done at www.frainmortuary.com or by calling the funeral home at 574-946-3222).

A public funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at Bethel Bible Church with Pastor Don Whipple officiating. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this will be a drive-in service where guests will remain in their vehicles and tune their radios to listen to the service.)

Public Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests are asked to remain in their vehicles).

Memorial donaions may be made to Pulaski County Quilts of Valor or ALS Research Foundation.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac,

Rochelle D. Austin

October 12, 1960 to April 16, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Rochelle Diane Austin, 59, of Indianapolis (formerly of Monon and Chicago) passed away at 6:46 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at her home.

She was born Oct. 12, 1960 in Monticello, to Gene L. and Charlotte Ann Weilhammer Austin. She graduated from North White High School in 1979 and was a flute player in the marching band. After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1983.

Survivors include:
Elizabeth Ann (Al) Zalam, Fairfax, VA, Daughter
Keaton James (Baylea) Lyons, Lafayette, Son
Gene L. Austin, Monon, Father
Keith Andrew (Gloria) Austin, Lafayette, Brother
Five Cousins and their Families

Preceded in death by:
Charlotte Ann Weilhammer Austin, Mother
Angela Rena Austin, Sister
Dr. James D. “Bud” Weilhammer, Uncle
Joseph Michael Weilhammer, Cousin

Ms. Austin was a woman with many accomplishments, having worked for years in pharmaceutical sales as well as for Indiana Business College and Burkhardt Advertising. She was fond of time spent living in Vermont. She was an avid Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed weekend trips to Brown County. She was well known for her holiday decorating which included multiple Christmas trees throughout her house. Celebrating holidays together with family and friends was very important to her. She also enjoyed socializing at the Rusty Bucket with her good friends, Jack and Don. She was fondly known to many as “Rink”. She was a beloved mother, daughter, and sister. She will be dearly missed.

Private visitation will be at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A private graveside service will be held at Chapel Cemetery in Monon. Burial will take place at the cemetery.

A public memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brown County Humane Society in Nashville, IN.

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

Timothy D. Girton

May 2, 1955 to April 6, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Timothy D. Girton, 64, of Winamac passed away unexpectedly at 2:55 p.m., Monday, April 6, at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Born on May 2, 1955 in Logansport. he was the son of the late Donald D. and E. Virginia (Earhart) Girton. He was raised in Winamac and graduated with the Class of 1973 from Winamac Community High School. On Oct. 25, 1980, he married Debora A. “Debbie” Ingram. She survives.

Survivors also include his daughter Christina M. Harper of Plymouth, son Jeffrey A. Girton of Indianapolis, brother Douglas A. (Deidre) Girton of Francesville, sister Debra L. Budd of Winamac and grandchildren, Alexander Timothy Harper and Mallory Rene` Harper both of Plymouth. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Stephen Girton, and brother-in-law Alfred “Pete” Budd.

Mr. Girton worked at McNabney farms in Medaryville for the past 32 years. He was amazing at his job as a farmer and had a passion for working the ground, being a master mechanic, and raising livestock. He was an avid life-long Chicago Cubs fan and American history buff. He had a keen eye and would often coach others on the hobbies he was passionate about including golf, bowling and fishing. Later in life, he focused on family and his grandchildren to create additional memories for them to treasure. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was a very proud of all their accomplishments in life. There was not one single thing he wouldn’t do for his family and those who he loved dearly. If you could absorb something from his life it would be this: Be kind. Be honest. Work Hard. Live life to the fullest and spend time with the ones you love. 

Due to current government restrictions on large gatherings, a celebration of Mr. Girton’s life will be postponed until a later date.

Condolences may be left for the Girton family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

Dorothy A. Kruger

August 4, 1933 to April 12, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Dorothy A. “Dot” Kruger, 86, of Ft. Wayne (formerly of Lafayette), passed away peacefully, at 3:43 a.m., Easter Sunday, April 12 at the Hearth at Sycamore Village in Ft. Wayne.

She was born Aug. 4, 1933 in Francesville, to the late Herman W. and Matha C. Popp Kruger. She graduated from Francesville High School.

She is survived by:
Martha Mae Williams, Columbia City, Sister
Della Kruse, Adrian, MI, Sister
Trelma Kruger, Kokomo, Sister-in-law
14 Nieces and Nephews
24 Great-Nieces and Nephews
15 Great-Great-Nieces and Nephews
2 Great-Great-Great Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Paul and Trellie Kruger, Brother and Sister-in-law
Max Kruger, Brother
Lloyd Williams, Brother-in-law
Ronald Kruse, Brother-in-law

Ms. Kruger was a retired presser, having spent her life working for several dry cleaning companies. In her younger years, she was an active member of Pulaski County 4-H and the Rural Youth Club. She was confirmed at St. James Church and was a longtime member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Lafayette. She dedicated her life to compiling her family’s genealogy. She was a loving sister and aunt. She will be sadly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Sycamore Village for their kindness and care.

Private services will be held at St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville, with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. Private burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery in Francesville. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ or St. James Salem United Church of Christ or the Genealogy Department of Pulaski County Public Library.

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

Gilbert L. Stepp

August 16, 1943 to April 8, 2020

WINAMAC - Gilbert Leroy “Gibby” Stepp, 76, of Star City, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 16, 1943 in Lafayette, to the late Roy G. and Martha Blessing Stepp. He was a 1962 graduate of Star City High School. On Jan. 4, 1963, he married Mary Ellen Weaver at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. She survives.

Survivors also include:
Joe (Enid) Stepp, Rochester, Son
Phil (Traci) Stepp, Monticello, Son
Theresa Anderson, Star City, Daughter
Becky (Emily) McLeroy, Star City, Daughter
13 Grandchildren
10 Great-Grandchildren
Alma Cunningham, Florida, Sister
Kathy Rhodenbaugh, Logansport, Sister
Georgia (Ron) Browning, Star City, Sister
Ed Stepp, Logansport, Brother
Rod Stepp, La Paz, Brother
Shirley Kujawa, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Josh Stepp, Grandson
Alan Stepp, Brother
Kenny Stepp, Brother
Jeanette Stepp, Infant Sister

Mr. Stepp worked at RCA in Monticello, and Wilsons in Logansport for many years. He retired from the Pulaski County Maintenance Department several years ago. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a dedicated fan of Bitterling Racing (#225 and #X225). He was a loyal patron of Oak Grove Restaurant in Star City. He loved his family very much and will be sadly missed.

Private family services will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A private family burial will take place at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

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

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