Obituaries

Sherry M. Byfield Williams

October 16, 1936 to June 22, 2024

WINAMAC - Sherry M. [Byfield] Williams, 87, of Crown Point, passed away Saturday, June 22, at her home.

She was born Oct. 16, 1936 in Winamac, to the late Charles L. and Wilma M. [Horton] Byfield. She graduated from Winamac High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the Jordan School of Music at Butler University.

Sherry Williams

She is survived by:
Kelly Funkey, Crown Point, Daughter
Deanna (Steve) Brinkman, Naperville, IL, Daughter
Lily Brinkman, Granddaughter
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Wilma C. Murphy, Sister
Leaine B. Gibson, Sister
Charles F. Byfield, Brother
Beulah B. Wattam, Special Aunt

Mrs. Williams worked at a daycare in Crown Point for nearly 25 years before retiring. She was always cheery and sweet with a genuine joy for life. She had a passion for music, which was instilled at a young age, and flourished throughout adulthood. She also enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, going to the movies, and playing games. Family was paramount to Sherry - with her daughters and granddaughter holding an extra special place in her heart. She made the world a better place for those who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Private entombment of cremated remains will take place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The family will host a memorial gathering at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dementia Association or Winamac Music Boosters.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Judith A. Berger

November 10, 1941 to June 21, 2024

WINAMAC - Judith A. “Judy” Berger, 82, of Winamac, passed away Friday, June 21, at her home.

She was born Nov.10, 1941 in Kokomo, to the late Obie and Thelma [Rice] Ellison. As a child, she participated in ballet and tap dancing. She graduated in 1959 from Winamac High School and attended Olivet Nazarene University. On Sept. 14, 1963, she married Marvin E. Berger at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. He survives.

Judy Berger

She is also survived by:
Eric (Dawn) Berger, Mitchell, Son
Amy (Billy) Bope, North Judson, Daughter
Rachael Carr, Rochester, Daughter
Grandchildren: Christopher Berger, Kasey Berger, Brad Berger, Caleb (Kenzi) Bope, Hannah (Nathan) Annis, Cody Feuquay, Cortney Putt, Chelsea Saltsman, Bret Cummins and Sarah Cummins.
4 Great-Grandchildren: Abel, Hazel, Ryder and Emryn
Chiquita (Paul) Kuntz, Kokomo, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Larry (Vicki) Ellison, Brother
Russell and Olive Leach, Aunt and Uncle

Mrs. Berger retired from Eastern Pulaski Elementary School where she worked 34 years as a library aide. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where she served on the Parish Council and as a VBS Leader. She served many years as treasurer for both the Winamac Boy Scout Troop #229 and the Winamac Band Boosters. She also coached youth softball for several years and kept the scorebook for the Lady Warriors basketball and volleyball teams. She enjoyed reading, painting and cross-stitching, as well as making acrylics and doing puzzles. She especially enjoyed attending a variety of school events for her children and grandchildren. She liked going to local bluegrass jamborees and often sang along to her favorite hymns. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.

A scriptural wake service will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Visitation will follow from 4 to 8 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at the funeral home and will be followed by the Prayers at the Closing of the Casket. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, (June 29), at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac with Rev. Anthony Rowland officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop #229 or Winamac Band Boosters. Envelopes for memorial donations and Mass Intentions will be available at the funeral home.

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

John F. Downing

February 1, 1939 to June 19, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - John F. Downing, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, at Northwest Health in LaPorte.

Born Feb. 1, 1939, in Star City, he was the son of the late Harold and Margaret (Weaver) Downing.  He was a 1957 Pulaski High School graduate. He was U.S. Army veteran.  On July 17, 1965, he married Susan J. (Reutebuch) Downing. She preceded him in death on Oct. 5, 2020.

John Downing

Survivors include his brother Ken (Dianne) Downing of Burrows; children Gina (Steve) Baker of Winamac, Mitch (Robin) Downing of Winamac, Barb (Dave) Thompson of Winamac and John J. (Denise) Downing of Winamac; grandchildren Levi Baker, Le Baker, Keith Thompson, John R. Downing, Kurt Thompson, Bradon Downing, Anna Downing, Emily Downing and Cy Thompson; and great-grandchildren Madison Baker, Katilyn Baker, Coltin Downing, Michael Baker and Kyle Thompson.

He was also preceded in death by grandson Kyle Downing; sister Rosanna Doyle; and brother Robert Downing.

Mr. Downing was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. He was a lifelong farmer and worked for Rose Acre Farms. He enjoyed driving to and through farm fields, going out to eat, driving to check up on family, and trips to visit somewhere old to new with the intent of good conversation to follow. He also enjoyed a nice warm sunny day, watching birds and squirrels, playing basketball with his kids and grandchildren, watching a good basketball or football game, and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was known for his warmth and glow to those he met and knew which were special gifts to those who loved him.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 23, at Rans Funeral Homes, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center where there will also be a scripture service at 12:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 24, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski.  Burial with military rites will follow at St. Joseph West Catholic Cemetery.

 Memorial donations can be made to the church in Mr. Downing’s memory.

An online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Alyssa B. Powers

August 21, 1995 to June 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Alyssa Breanne Powers, 28, of North Judson, passed away Wednesday, June 19.

She was born Aug. 21, 1995 in Winamac where she spent her youth, graduating from Winamac Community High School.

Alyssa Powers

She is survived by:
Sophia Grace Powers, Winamac, Daughter
Stephanie M. [Postma] Crawford, Winamac, Mom
Kevin E. Powers, Knox, Biological Father
Florence Kelsey (Justin Schramm) Crawford, Winamac, Sister
Ed “Butch” and Sherry [Jordan] Postma, North Judson, Maternal Grandparents
Ronald Powers, Winamac, Paternal Grandpa
Bethanie (Jeremy) Bridegroom, North Judson, Aunt
Linda E. Nunez, Winamac, Aunt
Keith A. (Daun) Powers, Winamac, Uncle
Jesse D. (Cindy) Stacy, Mansfield, TX, Uncle
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Dr. Bradley N. Crawford, Step-Dad
Judy [Wegner] Powers, Paternal Grandma

Ms. Powers was blessed on Sept. 5, 2018, with her beautiful baby girl, Sophia Grace. She enjoyed shopping and tanning, as well as spending time with friends and family. Most of all, she loved being Sophia’s mom. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. (June 28), at the funeral homewith Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with final expenses.

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

Nyla F. Eiler Loomis

November 28, 1946 to June 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Nyla Fran [Eiler] Loomis, 77, of North Judson, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, June 19, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on Nov. 28, 1946 in Winamac, she was the daughter of Frank Joseph and Dorothy Clara [Krohn] Eiler. She graduated from North Judson High School with the class of 1964. On Aug. 6, 1988, she married Neal Alan Loomis in North Judson. He survives.

Nyla Loomis

She is also survived by:
Shayla (Chris) Brown, Wanatah, Daughter
Cory (Jamie) Busse, Winamac, Son
Blaine Busse, Grandson
Brandt Busse, Grandson
Beth Pettengill, Caregiver

Mrs. Loomis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and protector who leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. Her protective nature enveloped those she held dear, creating a haven of warmth and safety. She selflessly cared for her parents until their final days. Strong and beautiful, she embodied resilience. Her children, Shayla and Cory, were her pride and joy, and there were no limits to what she would do for them. She reveled in being “Gram” to her boys, Blaine and Brandt. Her nurturing spirit knew no bounds, and their home became a sanctuary of love and so much laughter. Nyla’s life blossomed like the flowers she tended in her beloved garden, and her nurturing spirit extended beyond the soil, as she fiercely loved her family. Family gatherings were her delight. Whether sharing meals, laughter or stories, she relished every moment spent with her loved ones. Her eyes sparkled as she watched her grandsons play sports, cheering them on with unwavering pride. Everything tasted better at Nyla’s house. From her famous sweet tea to her monkey bread on Christmas morning, she turned ordinary meals into cherished memories. As she reunites with her parents in eternity, we honor Nyla’s legacy – a legacy of strength, beauty, and unwavering devotion. May her memory continue to bloom in our hearts, just like the flowers she lovingly tended. Rest in peace, dear Nyla. You were so loved.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, June 24, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Monday), at the funeral home with John Locke officiating. Burial will be at the Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to North Judson Baseball / Softball Program.

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

Grant H. Hero

February 9, 1950 to June 18, 2024

WINAMAC - Grant Henry Hero, 74, of Monterey, passed away Tuesday, June 18, at Northwest Health Hospital in La Porte.

He was born Feb. 9, 1950 in Winamac, to the late Chester and Adeline [Brook] Hero. On Nov. 16, 1974, he married JoAnn Paula Walters in Monterey. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Jayme Earl Hero, Streamwood, IL, Son
Crystal LeAnn Lehman, Goshen, Daughter
Leisel LeAnn Lehman, Granddaughter
Joan Shidler, Temple, TX, Sister
Albert Hero, Sebring, FL, Brother
Ronald Hero, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Virgil Hero, Brother

Mr. Hero worked at Eaton Controls until they closed, and retired from BraunAbility in 2013. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening, arrowhead hunting, and caring for the birds. Most of all, he loved his family very much and will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Children’s Foundation online at https://rileykids.org/ways-to-give. Envelopes for memorial donations and Mass Intentions will be available at the funeral home.

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