Obituaries

Roberta DeGraaff

July 1, 1941 to October 15, 2021

KOKOMO - Roberta DeGraaff, 80, Kokomo, passed away Friday evening, Oct 15, at Franciscan Hospital in Lafayette.

Roberta DeGraaff

She was born July 1, 1941, to Edward and Ruth Leman in Francesville, where she attended and graduated from school in 1959. In 1960 she attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO where she met and married Ron DeGraaff, a farm boy from Idaho. They were married in Remington, on June 30, 1961. He survives.

She is also survived by son Scott DeGraaff with wife Tracy in Huntsville, AL, daughter Lynda Cleveland with husband Gary in Jefferson, GA, son Timothy DeGraaff with wife Cynthia in New Albany, and son Rick DeGraaff with wife Jennifer in Kokomo; and by nine grandchildren, five boys and four girls. Survivors also include siblings Gary (Ruth) Leman, David (Elaine) Leman, Daniel (Linda) Leman, Steven (Wanda) Leman, and Sharon (Garry) Cotner.

Two sets of stillborn twins (two girls and two boys), and three brothers have preceded her in death.

As a farm girl, Mrs. DeGraaff had many responsibilities related to the household and younger siblings. She took her first job at VonTobel Hardware in Francesville. After marriage, the couple filled various pastorates in Ohio, Idaho, and Indiana, including Russiaville where they served over 19 years. In addition to raising four children, she worked various secretarial and receptionist positions that included medical and financial offices, but also Evangelical Baptist Missions offices in Kokomo and Indianapolis.
Her family affectionately acknowledges her excellence as wife, mother, housekeeper, and cook (the best cheesy potatoes around). She invited many into her home and delivered many meals to those physically unable. Her love, sacrifice, and prayers will be deeply missed. She left an indelible mark on her family that they will always cherish.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo; and one hour prior to the service Wednesday. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the funeral home, with Pastor Toph Elkins officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan Care Givers.

Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Richard W. Lehman

May 14, 1944 to October 15, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Richard W. Lehman, 77, of Carmel (formerly of Pulaski), passed away at 6:44 a.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at home.

Richard Lehman

Born on May 14, 1944 in Logansport, he was the son of the late Gerald and Donna (Zeider) Lehman. He was a 1962 Star City High School graduate and then served his country in the U.S. Navy. On Aug. 17, 1968 he married Marcia M. Reutebuch. She survives.

Survivors also include son Richard (Pamela) Lehman of Indianapolis, daughter Pamela (Dennis) Leavell of Westfield and grandchildren Megan, Max and Hunter. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn (Ray) Brown of Evansville and step-brothers Fred (Janice) Minnick Jr., Tim (Sandi) Minnick and Brad (Kathy) Minnick.

He was also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law Terry and Priscella Lehman, step-father Fred Minnick Sr. and step-brothers Ed (Marty) Minnick and Dave Minnick.

Mr. Lehman retired from Allison’s Transmission in Indianapolis. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Amvets. He enjoyed fishing, Nascar, playing golf in his younger years, mushroom hunting, playing cards and traveling.

Graveside services with military rites will be performed at 11  a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, at St. Joseph West Catholic Cemetery in Pulaski.

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

Mr. Lehman’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Alexander J. Ranus

July 15, 1988 to October 14, 2021

WINAMAC- Alexander J. “Alex” Ranus, 33, of New Paris, OH passed away Thursday, Oct. 14, in Richmond, IN.

He was born July 15, 1988 in Indianapolis, to Donald Allen and Suzanne Herrington Ranus.

Alexander Ranus

He is survived by:
Donald Allen Ranus, Grand Junction, CO, Father
Suzanne (Mitch) Cooke, Blue Ash, OH, Mother
Jennifer (Sam) Pinegar, Denver, CO, Sister
Emmett and Conner, Nephews
Lydia Cooke, Half-Sister
Lucy Cooke, Half-Sister
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
John and Faye Frain Ranus, Paternal Grandparents
Fred and Martha Herrington, Maternal Grandparents

Alex enjoyed watching movies and listening to music.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Seger officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

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

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

Herbert M. Cook

May 24, 1929 to October 9, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Herbert M. “Herb” Cook, 92, of Francesville, passed away peacefully at 4:10 a.m., Saturday, October 9, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born May 24, 1929 in Rensselaer, to the late Robert and Merle R. Mooney Cook. He graduated from Rensselaer High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Suzanne “Suz” Gutwein on Dec.27, 1952 in Francesville. She survives.

Herb Cook

Survivors also include:
Dale (Debb) Cook, Rensselaer, Son
Miriam “Mim” (David) Wuethrich, Francesville, Daughter
Salli (Ray) Morris, Benton, LA, Daughter
Melissa (Tim) Bender, Winona Lake, Daughter
Brad (Michelle) Cook, Fishers, Son
Bryan (Jenny) Cook, Zionsville, Son
Deborah “Debbie” Cook, Francesville, Daughter-in-law
21 Grandchildren
23 Great-Grandchildren
Stella Cook, Sister-in-law
Patricia K. “Pat” Cook, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Robert Lynn “Bob” Cook, Son
Washington Wallace Cook, Brother
Joseph John “Joe” Cook, Brother
Lois Marguerite Gibbs, Sister
2LT Robert Richard “Dick” Cook USAAF KIA, Brother
Philip Gilbert “Phil” Cook, Brother
Jean Timmons, Sister
Thomas Douglas “Tom” Cook, Brother

Mr. Cook was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. He was a man of faith and true convictions. He was passionate about helping others. He was outgoing, friendly, and had a great sense of humor. He was active in the local Republican Party. He served many years on the merit board for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. He was very patriotic and was honored to be a member of a Gold Star Family (having lost his brother, Dick, during World War II). In 2018, He had the privilege to participate with fellow veterans in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to LifeWise Academy at West Central Schools, Humanitarian Distribution Center, or HarvestCall.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Carolyn S. Zeider

April 14, 1936 to October 7, 2021

WiNAMAC - Carolyn S. Zeider, 85, of Star City, passed away at 12:03 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born April 14, 1936 in Star City to the late Willard McMillen and Myrtle Belle Spears Berkshire. She graduated from Star City High School in 1954. On Nov. 18, 1955, she married Wayne D. Zeider in Star City. He passed away Oct. 2, 1992.

Carolyn Zeider

She is survived by:
Rob Zeider, Star City, Son
Richard (Elaine) Zeider, Star City, Son
Shelley (Lee) Jennings, Winamac, Daughter
Jenna Zeider, Granddaughter
Parker Zeider, Grandson
Conner Jennings, Grandson
Taylor Jennings, Granddaughter
Ashlynn Jennings, Granddaughter
Margaret Berkshire, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Ronald Zeider, Son
Lois (Muck) Hines, Sister
Gerald “Tim” Berkshire, Brother
Elizabeth “Lib” Berkshire, Sister
John Berkshire, Infant Brother
Myra “Jo” (Al) Foster, Sister
Robert “Bob” (Evelyn) Berkshire, Brother
Charles Bruce Berkshire, Brother
Everett Berkshire, Half-Brother
William Insley Berkshire, Half-Brother
Wayne Berkshire, Half-Brother
Donald Berkshire, Half-Brother

Mrs. Zeider was a devoted homemaker and worked as the bookkeeper and office manager for Zeider farms for many years. She was active in numerous clubs in her younger years and was a proud member of the Democratic Party. She was always very supportive of her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, at the funeral home with Rev. David Broad officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation.

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

Jerrald W. White

November 23, 1944 to October 6, 2021

MONTICELLO - Jerrald Wayne White, 76, of Winamac, passed away at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6, at his residence.

He was born Nov. 23, 1944 in Logansport to the late Dale and Mary Fisher White. He was a graduate of Star City High School.

Jerrald White

He is survived by four children, Cary White of Monticello, Gina (Bob) Guy, of Monticello, Jenny Hanes (Pedro Perez) of Mesa, Ariz. and Christy (Nathan) Harding of Goldsboro, N.C., plus grandchildren Kole Young, Jonni Goodman, CJ White, Austin White, Brooke White, Faith Rodriguez, Nathan Rodriguez, Preston Hanes, Luke Hanes, Addy Hanes, Natalie Perez, Reese Harding, Zachary Harding, and Ellie Grace Young. He is also survived by a sister, Donna (Otto) Ruff of Star City, and his brother, John White of Winamac.

Mr. White had worked for the Indiana State Highway in the paint crew, but his passion was working as a farmer. He raised livestock and was a life member of 4-H where he showed beef. He was a hard-working man who loved cutting wood for his wood burning stove. He was a member of the Odd Fellows in Winamac. He proudly donated blood on a regular basis to the American Red Cross and received the top blood donation award. He was a foster parent to a few lucky children while his own children were growing up. He loved playing cards every day. He was a life-long member of the former Pulaski Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir. He also attended the Tippecanoe Christian Church.

Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m., at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello with Pastor Ed Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Pulaski Presbyterian Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello or the Tippecanoe Christian Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or a message of condolence at www.springerfuneralhome.com