Obituaries

Phyllis Lowry Knapp

April 12, 1928 to November 24, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Phyllis [Lowry] Knapp, 96, of Greentown (formerly of Francesville), passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, at Century Fields in Greentown.

She was born April 12, 1928 in Francesville to the late Hugh H. and Anna I. [Hall] Lowry. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1946.

Phyllis Knapp

She is survived by:
Annie (Donn) Larrison, Converse, Daughter
Misha (Clay) Watkins, Lafayette, Granddaughter

Preceded in death by:
Adam R. Pfledderer, Annie’s Father
Fermin L. Cox, Husband
Irvin A. Knapp, Husband
Stanley D. Lowry, Brother
Billie E. Lowry, Brother

Mrs. Knapp attended the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville for many years. She worked hard throughout her life, retiring from Parkview Haven as the activity director. For many years, she owned and operated her own beauty shop in Sweetser (IN). She was a talented seamstress, making dresses for her granddaughter, Misha. She also crafted Cabbage Patch Dolls, including their outfits. The family wishes to thank the staff at Century Fields and Gentiva Hospice for their tender loving care of Phyllis.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Dec. 2), at the funeral home with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville.

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

Jan McIlvain

December 3, 1959 to November 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Jan McIlvain, 64, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Dec. 3, 1959 in Hobart, to the late Jim and Janet [Strong] Hansell. She married Rich McIlvain Sr. on Nov. 19, 1999 in Crown Point. He passed away Nov. 24,  2023.

She is survived by:
Zack Norris, Winamac, Son
Andy Norris, Aurora, IL, Son
Sam Norris, Melbourne, Australia, Son
Rich (Kay) McIlvain Jr., Medaryville, Step-Son
Ron (Lori) McIlvain, Medaryville, Step-Son
Travis McIlvain, Winamac, Step-Son
Grandchildren: Justin (Tiffany) Shepperd, Tyler Shepperd, Tim Shepperd, Quinton (Alyssa) McIlvain, Wyatt (Brittany) McIlvain, Griffin (Trina) McIlvain, Shelby (Will Planck) McIlvain, Sidney McIlvain, Trace McIlvain and Ryker McIlvain.
9 Great-Grandchildren: Emma, Mayleigh, Pae, Riley, Emberlynn, Leeland, Callahan, Montana and Rhett.
Jill Kloppenburg, Sister
Heidi Kloppenburg, Niece
Rob Kloppenburg, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Autumn McIlvain, Step-Daughter

Mrs. McIlvain liked spending time outdoors, especially floating the river and camping with her husband. They spent a lot of time antiquing together as well. She enjoyed reading books and listening to music. She also enjoyed doing Indian crafts and attending the Feast of the Hunters Moon and Trail of Courage events. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will host a celebration of life event from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Winamac Eagle’s #2580. There will be a dinner buffet open to guests in attendance.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center or Pulaski County Public Library.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Randy T. Miller

April 22, 1966 to November 11, 2024

WINAMAC – Word has been received of the sudden passing of Randy T. Miller, 58, of Naples, FL, on Monday, Nov.11, due to health-related issues.

He was born April 22, 1966 in Winamac. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1984 where he was a stand-out high school athlete and an avid golfer. He attended Valparaiso University, later passing the CPA exam. He also received a master’s degree from Indiana University. He was previously married to Leslie (Straw) Coatie with whom he shared five children and a partnership for 23 years.

Randy Miller

He is survived by four daughters, Ashley [Rob] Rosenberger of Indianapolis, Jamee Miller of Denver, CO, Abbey Miller of Elkhart, and Julee Miller of Elkhart; a son, Joel [Elizabeth] Miller of South Bend; a brother, Greg [Lorna] Miller of Winamac; his former spouse, Leslie [Will] Coatie of Elkhart; an aunt, Evonne Robertson of Clinton Twp., MI; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Miller and Norma [Leslin] Miller; as well as two aunts, Irene Leslin and Gloria Rife, and an uncle, Cliff Robertson.

Mr. Miller was an enthusiastic sports fan, including the Indianapolis Colts and IU basketball, and he enjoyed attending different sporting events, especially his kids’. He  was a loving father, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories created with his children through traveling and shared joy in activities such as mini golf, going to the movies, enjoying a nice steak dinner, visiting amusement parks, and appreciating a beautiful sunset. He valued time spent with his friends and family and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Thoughts and love, always and forever. x 5

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac.

Instead of a traditional funeral, the family will honor Randy’s spirit with a celebration of life event from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Winamac VFW (1066 S Monticello St, Winamac, IN 46996).

Memorial donations may be made to Conservation International to honor Mr. Miller’s birthday which fell on Earth Day.

Frain Mortuary, Winamac, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

MSG Larry C. Utterback

May 19, 1938 to November 9, 2024

WINAMAC - MSG Larry Core Utterback, U.S. Army, Ret., 86, of Charlotte, NC passed away Saturday, Nov. 9.

He was born May 19, 1938 in Bargersville (IN), the son of (former Indiana state senator) Earl Morris Utterback and Dorothy Edel [Core] Utterback. He grew up in Kokomo, and graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. He received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and earned a master’s degree from Indiana State University. On Jan. 1, 1960, he married Marian Bartlett. She passed away in 2012 after 52 years of marriage.

Larry Utterback

He is survived by:
Mary Olive [Boardman] Swayze, Star City, Second Wife
Neal Allen Utterback, State College, PA, Son
Lee Ann (Mario) James, Charlotte, NC, Daughter
2 Grandchildren: Lili James and Nate James
E. Lennis (Janis) Utterback, Stuart, FL, Brother
Michael D. (Susie) Utterback, Nashville, TN, Brother
Jo Ellen (Patrick) Cain, Greentown, Sister
Larry Campbell, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins and Friends

Preceded in death by:
Earl Utterback, Father
Dorothy [Core] Utterback Paddack, Mother
Maurice Deer Paddack, Step-Father
Nancy (Don) Babb, Sister
Barbara Campbell, Sister

The Utterbacks raised their children in Monticello. He had an illustrious military career spanning 30 years with service in the U.S. Army, Indiana National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves. He was a lifelong educator, having taught school for four decades. His teaching career began at Twin Lakes High School in Monticello and continued there almost 20 years. In 1990, he moved to Darlington, SC where he taught for a number of years before finishing his career in North Carolina. Over the years, he taught social studies, media, and driver’s education. He was an avid runner and enjoyed coaching the track team. He competed in numerous races - but was most proud of his 10K time of 38:20 at a race in Logansport. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast and loved talking about the numerous cars and motorcycles he owned. Following the death of his wife, Marian, Larry found companionship with Mary Swayze. He and Mary were married March 3, 2017. Together, they enjoyed life with friends and family as they split their time between Star City and Dunnellon, FL. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. (Dec. 13), at the funeral home with Jon Frain officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 2 p.m., Dec. 13, at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or Pulaski County Human Services Food Pantry. Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Esther M. Collins Davis

June 11, 1936 to November 1, 2024

WINAMAC - Esther Mae Collins Davis, 88, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 1, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

She was born June 11, 1936 in Dayton, OH and was the fifth child of the late Thomas J. and Dora [Weaver] Collins Sr. She moved to Franklin (IN) in her youth and graduated from Franklin High School. She attended Franklin College where she earned an associate’s degree. She then took a job at the State Hospital in Logansport, working as an aide. It was during that time she met her future husband, Jack E. Davis. The couple wed on Aug. 14, 1964 in Logansport. He passed away May 14, 2000.

Esther Davis

She is survived by:
Jacalyn (Jim) Galbreath, Winamac, Daughter
Raymond Davis, Winamac, Son
Rodger Davis, Son
6 Grandchildren: Damen, Devon, Dakota, Raychel, Canaan and Malibubarbie
2 Great-Grandchildren: Leah and Alivia
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Randall E. Davis, Son
Mary Thompson, Sister
Ruth Hackler, Sister
Helen Hoover, Sister
Sarah Hymer, Sister
Thomas J. Collins II, Brother
Joseph Collins, Brother

Mrs. Davis worked 21 years at Federal Mogul in Leiter’s Ford where she worked as a hand assembler. After retirement, she earned a bachelor’s degree from a small Bible college. She had a thirst for knowledge and truth and dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She was a devoted church lady who enjoyed worship as well as teaching Sunday School and VBS. She cherished the fellowship of God’s people both at church and in the community. For many years, she attended the Von Tobel Senior Center at Pulaski County Human Services in Winamac where she made many precious friendships. She was a lady of many talents including being a gifted poet who could capture even the smallest moment with vivid clarity and truth. Her many poems bring comfort and joy to her friends and family. Without a doubt, her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an amazing grandma and a loving wife and mother. Most of all, she was a steadfast servant to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With faith, we believe she has joined her beloved parents and siblings in Heaven. Even though they divorced, Esther considered Jack as the true love of her life. Esther and Jack have been reunited again.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Nov. 4), at the funeral home with Rev. William Guerin officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to the Von Tobel Senior Center at Pulaski County Human Services in Winamac.

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

Debra K. Good

September 17, 1958 to October 30, 2024

WINAMAC - Debra “Debbie” K. Good, 66, of Winamac, formerly Monterey, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, due to complications of ALS.

Born Sept. 17, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Donald O. and Mary Margaret (Sparks) Good. She attended school in Monterey, and was a graduate of Culver Community High School. She attended and graduated from Manchester College. She married Pat Machamer, and together they had four daughters.

Debra Good

She is survived by:
Holly (Ulric Huang) Machamer, Daughter
Alyssa Machamer, Daughter
Lindsey Machamer, Daughter
Caitlin Machamer, Daughter
David Appel, Partner
Maverick Huang, Grandson
Maren Huang, Granddaughter
Dixie (David Campbell) Good, Sister
Don (Margaret) Good, Brother
Dean (Gwen) Good, Brother
Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews

Ms. Good retired from Pulaski Memorial Hospital where she worked many years in Nursing Administration. She was a member of Monterey United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, visiting state parks and local nurseries with her partner David. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she cared for and supported tirelessly. She was accepting, loving and kind to all.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday Nov. 4, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel, 110 N Sally Dr., Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to the Don O. and Mary M. Good Memorial Scholarship c/o the Pulaski County Community Foundation, the Pulaski County Public Library, Pulaski County Animal Shelter, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.