Obituaries

Elnora L. Jordan

June 21, 1927 to February 18, 2023

WINAMAC - Elnora Louise Jordan, 95 (but “forever 59”), formerly of Winamac, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, at Franciscan Hospital East in Lafayette, after suffering multiple strokes.

Elnora Jordan

She was born June 21, 1927, in Jasper County, to Burvie Alvin and Dorothy Fay (White) Rife. She was the last surviving graduate of Pulaski High School’s Class of 1945. She married George M Jordan on Christmas Eve, 1945, during one of the worst snowstorms of the year. Although cars were sliding off the icy roads all around, his love was so strong that George managed to drive them from her home in Pulaski County to the minister’s home in White County without incident. His effort was rewarded many times over as the two enjoyed a happy marriage for over 48 years. He died in 1993.

She is survived by:
Jerry Jordan, Queenstown, MD, Son
Cynthia (Jim Brady) Jordan, Battle Ground, Daughter
Grandchildren: Casey (Lori) Fisher, Alex Jordan, Becca (Jake) Claflin, Jessie Jordan, and Ryan (Amanda) Salesman.
Great-grandchildren: Cooper and Collins Fisher, Elnora Claflin, and Riley and Jack Salesman.
Nancy Jordan, Safety Harbor, FL, Daughter-in-law
Shirley Beckner, Winamac, Sister

Preceded in death by:
George Michael Jordan, Son
Libby Jordan, Daughter-in-law
Orville Rife, Brother
Gerald Rife, Brother
J.B. Rife, Brother
Calvin Rife, Brother

Mrs. Jordan worked in a variety of jobs over the course of her long life, from cook at the schools to factory work. Her most rewarding job was as a bookkeeper in the loan department of the First Union Bank and Trust Company, from which she retired in the early 1990s. A member of the First Christian Church in Winamac since 1951, she treasured the continued connection as her addresses changed. She enjoyed being involved in the Women’s Christian Fellowship and Happy Homemakers Extension club; and excelled in her hobbies of sewing, crafting and needlework. She loved to travel and see the country, first with her family and later in life with her good friends. She had resided at the Indiana Veterans’ Home since 2016.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home  with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Indiana Veteran’s Home Activities Department (recreation) or to the Winamac First Christian Church.

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

Barbara F. Olson

April 27, 1938 to February 14, 2023

RENSSELAER - Barbara F. Olson, 84, of Rensselaer, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 27, 1938, in Monon, the daughter of Paul D. and Mary (Goble) Cooley. She graduated from Francesville High School with the Class of 1956. She also attended business school. On Sept. 1, 1957, she married Marvin Olson, who survives.

Barbara Olson

She is also survived by children, Cathy (Christopher) Grow of Crown Point, and Sherry (Michael) Staudt of Rensselaer; grandchildren, Lindsey (Ryan) Preston, Katie Staudt, Chad Staudt, Tyler Hitchings, Justin (Kaylyn) Staudt; and great-grandson, Anson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Betty Wheeldon.

Mrs. Olson and her husband shared a wonderful 65 years together and both enjoyed wintering in Arcadia, Fla. for 30 years. She worked as a switchboard operator for the Lafayette Journal & Courier newspaper for a year, at Winamac Cleaners, and owned and managed True Value Hardware in Monon, for several years. She was a farmer’s wife, who helped on the farm, even operating all of the farm equipment. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist and taught children’s ministries within the church. She was a member of the Milroy Home-Ec Club and loved gardening. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, traveling, and camping. She loved babies, all animals, and spending time outdoors. Above all, she really enjoyed being with her family and was especially devoted to her grandchildren.

Friends may call on the family at Trinity United Methodist Church of Rensselaer from 10 a.m. to 12 noon (CT), Friday, Feb. 17. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon, at the church with Pastor Andy Martin officiating. Internment at Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church of Rensselaer or Southern Care Hospice of Lafayette.

Arrangements entrusted to Jackson Funeral Chapels, Rensselaer.

Gene R. Reinholt

Deceber 19 1932 to February 10, 2023

KEWANNA - Gene Richard Reinholt, 90, of Kewanna, passed away at 7:48 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport.

Born on Dec. 19, 1932 in Monterey, he was the son of the late Roy and Lottie (Hoover) Reinholt. He graduated from Kewanna High School, class of 1951, before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1961. While in the Army, he was awarded with a National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Ribbon, a United Nations Service Medal and the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation. He married Georgia “Joan” Collins. She survives.

Gene Reinholt

He is also survived by step-daughters, Vickie Foudray of Winchester, Lisa Reidy of Lithia, FL. and Kim (Garry) Foerg of Winamac; step-son, Eric (Carol) Colvin of Kewanna; sisters, Wilma Lytle of Logansport and Ruth Ann (Keith) Holcomb of Griffith, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five sisters, three brothers, two sons-in-law and one granddaughter.

After serving his country in the Army, Mr. Reinholt moved to Chicago while attending mechanic school. He was an A1 mechanic for International Harvester in Rochester until it closed, and then opened his own shop at his home. In addition to being a mechanic, he was a farmer for most of his life. He loved nothing more than sharing his love of the farm with his kids and grandkids, taking them along in the tractor and teaching them to care for the animals over the years. He was also an avid beekeeper, maintaining his own beehives for years and selling his own honey. He was a master at playing Euchre and always remembered who had played each card. He was usually the winner of every hand. He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed.

A private family service with full military rites will be held at a later date.

Mr. Reinholt’s online guest book is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Simia L. Robinson

February 28, 1936 to February 10, 2023

NORTON SHORES, Mich. – Simia Lea Robinson, 86, Norton Shores, passed away Friday, Feb. 10.

She was born Feb. 28, 1936 and raised in Medaryville, to parents Virgil and Hannah Holl. She attended Medaryville High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree in 1957 from Indiana State University, graduating near the top of her class. While at Indiana State she met and married Blake Delane Robinson, a fellow Indiana native.

Simia Robinson

She is survived by two children, Dan (Lynn) Robinson (Walnut Creek, CA /Norton Shores) and Sheri Sander (Norton Shores). She also leaves behind three grandchildren; Chelsea Robinson who recently relocated from California to live in Norton Shores, and Colin Sander and Cory (Shayna) Sander, both of whom remain in the western Michigan area.

She was preceded in death by husband Blake, her brother, David, her parents, and her son-in-law, Jeff Sander.

Upon graduating from college, Mrs. Robinson and her husband migrated north to Michigan, first to the north shore of Muskegon Lake, before finally settling in Roosevelt Park where they lived out their lives. She was a teacher at heart and by trade, working at Mona Shores High School from which she retired after more than 40 years of service. She loved animals and music, and played the piano and sang when she thought no one was listening. She underestimated the beauty of the harmonies and the notes she voiced.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Unity Reformed Church with Pastor David Celeskey officiating. VIisitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

n lieu of flowers, Mrs. Robinson requested that those who wish make donations to one of her favorite charities: The American Cancer Society; American Diabetes Association; or the Noah Project.

Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com 

Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, Norton Shores, MI.

John M. Lebo

February 6, 1933 to February 5, 2023

RICHMOND, Ind. – John Marshall Lebo, 90, of Richmond, died Sunday, Feb. 5, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 6, 1933, in Winamac, to Vernal Alfred and Thelma Estelle Clements Lebo. He earned a Bachelor of Science, and two Masters of Arts, and Education degrees at Ball State University. He played on both the baseball and basketball teams at Ball State, and lettered each year in both sports. He also served in the Third Armored Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1961. In 2008, the U.S. Congress made him a member of The American Legion.

John Lebo

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Diane Lebo; daughter, Ronna (Chip Bunker) Lebo of Plainfield, NJ and daughter Amy (Kevin) Booth of Indianapolis; and son John Todd Lebo of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Dustyn Kim, Robert Bunker, Megan Lebo, Abigail Lebo, Zack Lebo, Mazzy Booth, Macsen Booth, Cody Lebo, and Kelcey Reece; great-grandchildren, Mason Kim, Lyla Kim, and Peter Bunker; brother, Ernest Robert (Betty) Lebo; sisters, Sherry (Ron) Sumrak, Georgia (Jeff) Swartzell, Beverly Hubbs, and Judy Ash; sisters-in-law, Jimmie Shows Lebo and, Ann Richards Lebo; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Clarke Lebo; parents; and brothers, Ronald Lebo and James Lebo.

Mr. Lebo worked as a business teacher and coach at Richmond High School before becoming the first dean of students there. He went on to become principal at RHS, retiring in 1996, after 28 years. Besides being a schoolteacher and administrator, he was a beloved coach and mentor in various sports. He coached baseball at RHS for 12 years, and Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team for eight years. Under his leadership, the RHS team won three conference championships, nine sectional championships, four regional championships, one semi-state championship, and one state final championship. Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team highlights include seven district championships, four regional championships and four state final championships. He loved his Richmond community and was always motivated to help others around him. Before he came to Richmond, he taught and coached baseball, basketball, football, and track at both Monterey, Ind. and Kendallville, Ind. high schools.

After his retirement, he served on the board of the Wayne County Health Department for 20 years. He also helped to form the Wellcare Community Health Center, and served on that board as chairman until recently. He was also a hearing officer for middle and elementary schools in the Richmond Community school system. Mr. Lebo helped to found the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and was the first executive director of that organization. He coordinated legendary fundraisers for the Football Hall of Fame, including WWF “Big Time Wrestling” bouts and Harlem Globetrotter shows, held at the Richmond High School gymnasium. He served on Congressman Phil Sharp’s Academy Steering Committee for 12 years. He was awarded “Educator of the Year” in 1994 by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and The Palladium Item. In 1995, Gov. Evan Bayh awarded him membership in the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash, the highest award a civilian can receive from an Indiana governor.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, Richmond. A time of sharing will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home, followed by military honors by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to: Richmond High School for the John Marshall Lebo Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Attn: Sally Porter, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Brenda Elston

November 25, 1963 to February 4, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Brenda “Bren” Elston, 59, of Medaryville, passed away surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, Feb. 4, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Nov. 25, 1963 to Ernest D. and Krystal K. [Critser] Woodard, in Gary. She graduated from West Central High School in 1981. She married Brad Elston on Oct. 3, 1987 in Medaryville. They affectionately referred to one another as “baby” for over 37 years. He survives.

Brenda Elston

She is also survived by:
Heather (Mike) Ross, Medaryville, Daughter
Bradley “Heck” (Rachel) Elston, Francesville, Son
Skyler Elston, Medaryville, Daughter
Kristin Wall Hunt, the one Bren called her adopted daughter
Trinity Ross, Granddaughter
Lyric Ross, Granddaughter
Briar Ross, Grandson
Easton Elston, Grandson
Bryntlee Elston, Granddaughter
Krystal Woodard, Medaryville, Mother
Lavon (Sidney) Dulin, Medaryville, Sister
Tammy (Doug) Mason, Monon, Sister
Ruth (Rick) Critser, Elk Horn, NE, Foster Sister and Cousin
Gabby, Beloved Dog
Steve (Remi) Elston, Cheyenne, WY, Brother-in-law
Scott (Claudia) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Bob (Cathy) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews and Great-Nieces and Nephews
Delores Miller, Medaryville, Aunt
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ernest Woodard, Father
Raymond and Beatrice Kors, Grandparents

Mrs. Elston enjoyed crafting and flower gardening. In her younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she would turn the house into the North Pole. Some of the best family memories were made while camping, fishing, and spending time at the pool. Her grandchildren will always remember their “nanna” singing You Are My Sunshine and the many ways in which she reminded them that they were her sunshine. She had worked at Federal Mogul and most recently at the Pulaski County Surveyor’s Office. While she enjoyed her time at these jobs, her true passion was being a devoted wife, mother, and “nanna.” She loved her family very much. She could light up a room with her personality and was never shy to tell you like it was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at the funeral hoe with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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