Obituaries

Anna M. Podell

January 17, 1928 to April 28, 2024

WINAMAC - Anna Marie Podell, 96, of Tavares, FL (formerly of Winamac and Akron), passed away April 28.

She was born Jan. 17, 1928, in Wabash, to the late Lee and Sarah [King] Porter. Known as “Ann” by her family and friends, she graduated from Huntington High School in 1946. Two years later she moved to North Judson and was employed in Dr. Matthew’s office as his receptionist and assistant. On Nov. 24, 1951, she married Robert “Bob” Podell. He preceded her in death.

Ann Podell

Survivors include:
Robert M. (Mollie) Podell Jr., Tavares, FL, Son and Daughter-in-law
Gregory L. (Betty) Podell, Myrtle Beach, SC, Son and Daughter-in-law
Douglas J. (Cheryl) Podell, Ponte Vedra, FL, Son and Daughter-in-law
Brian E. (Amy) Housinger, Hendersonville, NC, Grandson
Emily A. (Andy) Kruger, Blythewood, SC, Granddaughter
Kyle G. Podell, Myrtle Beach, SC, Grandson
Nicholas P. (Ashtin) Podell, Mount Dora, FL, Grandson
Annie E. (Beck) Serles, Wanatah, Granddaughter
Jacob L. (Kaitlyn) Podell, DeMotte, Grandson
10 Great-Granddaughters
4 Great-Grandsons
1 Great-Great-Grandson
Mike Porter, Akron, Brother
Jim (Ann) Podell, Elgin, SC, Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law
Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
William Porter, Brother
Robert Porter, Brother
Patricia (Dave) Davis, Sister and Brother-in-law
Betty (J.C.) Carl, Sister and Brother-in-law
Patsy Porter, Sister-in-law
Laverne (“Fritz”) Bertucci, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law

Mrs. Podell accompanied her husband when he moved to the U.S. Army Base in Anchorage, AK in 1952. In 1953, they made their home in Winamac on the Podell Family Farm. She was a homemaker who kept the farm books, ran errands, and delivered meals to the fields while raising three boys. In 2000, Ann and Bob built a home in Tavares where they later took up permanent residence. Bob preceded her in death in 2008 after 57 years of marriage. She was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac, was a former Sunday School Teacher for many years, and held office in the St. Luke’s Women’s Guild. In addition, she attended Woodlands Lutheran Church in Montverde, FL. Throughout her life, she was also a member of the Rock Lake Conservation Club, Jefferson/Rich Grove Home Ec Club, Pulaski County Democratic Ladies, and the John Purdue Club. She enjoyed making memories at their summer home on Rock Lake in Akron, attending summer plays at the Wagon Wheel Playhouse in Warsaw, socializing with other snowbird friends in Central Florida, entertaining, keeping up with her Facebook friends, tailgating at the Purdue football games, and visiting with her neighbors, family and friends.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. The funeral service will be follow at 2 p.m. (Thursday), at the church with Pastor Thomas Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac or Woodlands Lutheran Church in Montverde.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Gerald T. Cushing

April 14, 1940 to April 26, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Cushing, 83, passed away Friday April 26, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City.

He was born April 14, 1940 in Rock Island, IL to Margaret Pauline (Seaton) and Leo Edward Cushing. He graduated from Spaulding Institute in 1958. He moved from Peoria, IL to Chicago in 1958 and worked on the railroad for a few years. It was during this time that he met Arlos Marlene Selmer, and they married on Jan. 2, 1965.

Jerry Cushing

He is survived by:
Arlos Cushing,  Medaryville, Wife
Gerald (Ellen) Cushing Jr, Mokena, IL, Son
Brian (Julia) Cushing, Countryside, IL, Son
Christiane (Christopher) Hileman, North Judson, Daughter
10 grandchildren: Jonathon (Ellie), Caroline, Andrew, Anna-Rose, Fiona, Savannah, Gerald III, Sean, Eleanora and Colin.
John Tribbey , Sacramento, CA, Brother-in-law

He was preceded in death by:
Margaret and Leo Cushing, Parents
 Leo Cushing, Brother
 David (Dixie) Cushing, Brother
 Rosanne (John) Poremba, Sister
Marilyn  Tribbey, Sister

Mr. Cushing joined the Chicago Police Department in 1961 and was promoted to sergeant in 1971. He retired in 1995 after proudly serving for 34 years. After his retirement from the force, he served the City of Chicago for another 10 years as a police supervisor at the 911 Center. He never knew a stranger; he was a friend to everyone and loved to strike up a conversation. A devoted husband and father, he was a hard worker and did whatever he needed to provide for his family. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades, working as a semi -truck driver, snowplow driver, fencing and gate fabricator, and owned two businesses: Cushing Carpet Cleaners and J& J Excavating. He also worked for the Sheehy Funeral Home in Chicago. Additionally, he happily farmed alongside his father-in-law and worked diligently with his family to remodel their beloved farmhouse. In his spare time, he also coached both football and softball. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre, and the Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago. He was also a member of the Police Sergeant’s Association in Chicago, the Knights of Columbus and the Elk’s Club of Chicago.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. (EDT) Friday, May 3, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. (EDT), Saturday, May 4, at All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

Willard L. Graham

August 12, 1939 to April 24, 2024

DENVER, IN - Willard Leon “Ink” Graham, 84, Winamac (formerly of Macy), passed away at 3:24 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

Born Aug. 12, 1939, in Richland Township, Miami County, he was the son of Kenneth Walter and Lillie L. (Zartman) Graham.  On June 27, 1959, at the Mexico (IN) Church of the Brethren, he was married to Mary Donna Hunt. She survives.

Ink Graham

Survivors also include one daughter, Beth Ann (Scott) Taylor, Lafayette; son, Mark (Diana) Graham, Macy; grandchildren, Ben (Allison) Taylor, Ft. Wayne, Breanna Taylor, Lafayette, Cody (Kayla) Graham, Bloomfield and Kevin (Corey) Graham, Rochester; two step-great-grandchildren; brother, Joe (Donna) Graham, Denver; sisters-in-law, Elsie Graham, Logansport, Dorothy Hunt, New York and Laura Henderson, Michigan City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth V. “Kenny” Graham and Thomas M. Graham Sr.; two sisters, Bonnie Jean Hillman and Delores Graham; and two brothers-in-law, Paul Hunt and James Hunt.

Mr. Graham attended Chili High School and was a member of the Army National Guard.  He was a longtime member of the Mexico Church of the Brethren before moving to Winamac where he attended the Winamac First United Methodist Church. He retired from Sealed Power in Rochester where he worked for over 30 years. A small hobby-farmer himself, he also helped his father-in-law, Marvin Hunt, farm for many years. He enjoyed Chevy trucks, John Deere tractors, boating, watching Westerns, tinkering in the shop, and watching basketball - especially Purdue, and football. An annual tradition, he and his wife headed to New Port Richey, FL, where they spent 12 winters in the Florida sun in one of their many campers they owned over the years. In the most recent years, he was a passenger on many trips around the countryside where he enjoyed looking at all of God’s creation with his loving wife behind the wheel. When the grandchildren were growing up, a special time for him was being a spectator at their many events.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Todd Graham officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday, at the funeral home. 

Memorial donations may be made to Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, IN, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.

Gene Schramm

August 26, 1944 to April 22, 2024

WINAMAC - Gene Schramm, 79, of Winamac, passed away Monday, April 22, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 26, 1944 in Monterey, to the late Lloyd Eugene and Vonda Zoe [Vanscoyk] Fisher. She was a graduate of Monterey High School. On July 12, 1973, she married Ray Schramm in Chicago. He passed away May 18, 1995.

Gene Schramm

She is survived by:
Kathy (Ray) Franko, Winamac, Daughter
Chris (Kim) Schramm, Winamac, Son
Barry (Li Han) Fostvelt, Winamac, Son
Laura (J.T.) Mays, Winamac, Daughter
Kyle (Angelina) Schramm, North Pole, AK, Son
23 Grandchildren
25 Great-Grandchildren
Carol Schmidt, Culver, Sister
Bill Fisher, Winamac, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeremy, Stillborn Grandson
Jerad Mays, Grandson
Kevin Wang, Grandson

Mrs. Schramm was retired from Budd Insurance Agency in Winamac. She was an active member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church before she moved to Hickory Creek. Through the years, she was involved with the Red Hat Society, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and Home-Ec Club. She was an avid reader and enjoyed bowling and crafting. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, April 24, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon {Wednesday), at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Herron officiating. A private graveside service and burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition), Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center, Winamac First United Methodist Church, or Habitat for Humanity.

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

Martha A. Clark

May 12, 1932 to April 20, 2024

KEWANNA - Martha Ann Clark, 91, of Lake Bruce passed away Saturday, April 20, at Pulaski Healthcare Center under hospice care.

She was born May 12, 1932 in Earl Park, IN to the late Kenneth and Marie (Sennett) McEwan. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1950 and attended Purdue University. She married Omer Ray Clark on Aug. 5, 1951, at the Medaryville Christian Church. He preceded her in death.

Martha Ann Clark

She is survived by children Larry Clark of Noblesville, Linda Clark of Sturgis, Mich., Terry (Debbie) Clark of Lebanon and Debby Litke of Indianapolis; grandchildren Matthew (Jainie) Clark, Melinda (Jake) Hite, Aaron (Jennifer) Clark, Amanda (Mike) Crussel, Allison (Jason) Blunk, Levi (Brittney) Clark, Erica (DJ) Reinfeld, Brooke Towns, Evan (Brenda) Litke; and great-grandchildren Ethan, Noah, Cooper, Paxton, Theo, Molly, Caleb, Wyatt, Elise, Micah, Cara, Titus, Liam, Mekayla, Gavin, Logan, Emilee, Jackson and Landon.

She was preceded in death by brothers Fred McEwan and Rich McEwan and great-granddaughter Lauren Clark.

Mrs. Clark lived most of her life in Pulaski County on the farm and then at the lake. She worked for the county Extension office in the nutrition/commodities programs. She also worked as a substitute teacher and spent many years as a teacher’s assistant at West Central High School retiring in 1994. She volunteered as a 4-H leader, adult sponsor for SAAD, served on the Governor Council for Drug Prevention and was an active member of Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She loved her work with the auxiliary and served her last day at the hospital on April 1. She was so blessed to live in her home at Lake Bruce and go to her job at the hospital right up to her admittance into the hospital on April 6. Her service to the community was driven by her love for the Lord. She attended Medaryville Christian Church for many years and served as high school Sunday School teacher, VBS director and was involved in many youth activities and women’s ministry. After they moved to the lake, she attended Kewanna Church of Christ where she was active in women’s Bible study and women’s ministry and loved her church families very much. She had three great loves, the Lord, Omer Ray and her family. She is now home with two of them.

A celebration of life service will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 5, at the Kewanna Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kewanna Church of Christ and/or the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Mrs. Clark’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory.

Willie Miller

January 31, 1928 to April 20, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Willie Miller, 96, of Francesville (formerly of Bailey’s Corner), passed away at 4:10 a.m., Saturday, April 20, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home, Francesville.

He was born Jan. 31, 1928 in Arthur Mable, KY to the late Will and Dovie [Howard] Miller.

Willie Miller

He is survived by:
Radie (Corleen) Miller, Medaryville, Son
Wilma (Kenneth) Saylor, Florida/Michigan, Daughter
Marcus (Rhodora) Miller, West Lafayette, Son
Willie Miller Jr., Francesville, Son
Sally (Marion) Landrum, Knox, Daughter
John (René) Miller, Freemont, Son
Bonda (Richard) Wetmore, Pleasant Lake, MI, Daughter
Christine (Scott) Donovan, Delphi, Daughter
Josh Hale, Indianapolis, Son
Mitchell Bailey, Medaryville, Son-in-law
Danny Wireman, Wheatfield, Son-in-law
Joe Dean Hopkins, Rensselaer, Son-in-law
25 Grandchildren
58 Great-Grandchildren”
12 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Mildred Bailey, Former Spouse
Ruthene Bailey, Daughter
Joyce Wireman, Daughter
Ethel Miller, Daughter
Rodney Miller, Grandson
Marlana Miller, Granddaughter
Maverik Garcia, Great-Great-Grandson
Pairott Wireman, Sister
Sam Miller, Brother
Lana Shepherd, Sister
Victoria West, Sister
Mitchell Miller, Brother
Arnold Miller, Brother

Mr. Miller worked as a lumberjack in Kentucky before moving to Indiana in 1968 and going to work for the Monon Railroad (now CSX). He retired from the railroad after 23 years of service. He was a member of the United Baptist Church of Bailey’s Comer. He was an animal lover and especially enjoyed raising horses and mules. He loved his family very much and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 25, at Frain Mortuary Querry­Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 26, at the funeral home with Pastor Alvin Allen officiating. A graveside Service will be at 2:30 p.m., Friday, April 26, at Kingsbury Cemetery in Kingsbury.

Memorial donations may be made to Little Dove Baptist Church or Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

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