Obituaries

Constance L. Haniford

August 15, 1947 to July 5, 2016

WINAMAC - Constance Lee "Connie" Haniford, 68, of Winamac, passed away at 6:22  p.m., Tuesday, July 5, at home. 

She was born Aug. 15, 1947 in South Bend, to the late Max Welton and Vivian Marie Buzzbee Hile. She married Roger Alan Haniford. He survives.

Also surviving are:
Kimberly (Chris) Schramm, Winamac, Daughter 
Heather (Doug) McCurdy, Winamac, Daughter 
Andrea (Todd) Keller, Monterey, Daughter 
Mathew Schramm, Grandson 
Justin Schramm, Grandson
Jessica Schramm, Granddaughter 
Jaina Smith, Granddaughter 
Max Keller, Grandson
Maggie Keller, Granddaughter
Jane (John) Sinar, Rensselaer, Sister
Randy (Ellen) Hile, Lowell, Brother 

Preceded in death by:
Susan Hile, Sister
Joe Hile, Brother 
Stephen Hile, Brother 

Mrs. Haniford received her master's degrees in fine arts from Indiana University in 1974 and a master's degree in elementary education in 1976. She received her master's degree in administration and supervision from Purdue University in 1986. She taught in the Bloomington, Cedar Lake, Gary, and Knox school districts. She worked at Knox as an elementary school principal from 1990-2005. She was a gifted artist who also loved fishing, gardening, and time spent with family.

As per Mrs. Haniford’s wishes there will be no services.

Memorial donations may be given to Pulaski Animal Center.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

William J. Braun

November 21, 1946 to June 29, 2016

WINAMAC - William J. "Bill" Braun, 69, of Winamac, passed away at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, surrounded by his family at home. 

He was born Nov. 21, 1946 to Herman and Marjorie Braun. On Nov. 21, 1970, he married Deborah A. Von Tobel. She survives.

Survivors include:
David (Nancy) Braun, Kokomo, Son

Susan (Brian) Brothers, Columbus, OH, Daughter
Sarah (Shaun) Kasten, Winamac, Daughter
Alex Braun, Grandson
Nicholas Braun, Grandson
Alexandra Glenn, Granddaughter
Samantha Glenn, Granddaugther
Adam Brothers, Grandson
Elizabeth Wiess, Grandaughter
Austin Kasten, Grandson
Madyson Kasten, Granddaughter
Marjorie A. Clark Braun, Winamac, Mother
Carol Shafer, Plymouth, Sister
Kay (Jim) DeWitt, Royal Center, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Herman J. Braun, Father

Jerry Braun, Infant Brother

Mr. Braun graduated from Star City High School in 1964 and served six years in the Indiana Army National Guard.He was a lifelong farmer and active member of the community. He had served on the Pulaski County Fair Board, Pulaski County 4-H Council, and the Fulton County REMC Board. He was a member of the Pulaski County Pork Producers and Star City Lion's Club as well as a former Pulaski County 4-H Leader. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 5, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A Lion’s Club memorial service will be at 8 p.m., at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 6, at the funeral home with Rev. Tom Dewlen officiating. Private burial will take place in Reed Cemetery, Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to Pulaski County Quilts of Valor or Star City Lion's Club.

 

 

Emogene Hooker

August 29, 1929 to June 25, 2016

FRANCESVILLE - Emogene "Jean" Hooker, 86, of Francesville, passed away at 6:25 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home, Francesville.

She was born at the family home in Francesville on Aug. 29, 1929 to the late John Herman and Alvena Tiede Stamer. She married Lamoine Hooker on Aug. 14, 1949. He passed away on Jan. 1, 2016.

Survivors include: Steve (Robin) Hooker, Monticello, Son; Lori (Dewayne) Skalon, Francesville, Daughter; Anita (Brandon) Burns, Chicago, Daughter; Kelly (John) Schmicker, Granddaughter; Cody (Angie) Hooker, Grandson; Nikki (Kory) Scurlock, Granddaughter; Brandy (Kris) Aschbrenner, Granddaughter; Wyatt (Sonia) Hooker, Grandson; Amy (Jeff) Van Wheeldon, Granddaughter; Matt Whitaker, Grandson; Abby Whitaker, Granddaughter; Thomas (Amber) Skalon, Grandson; Kylie Skalon, Granddaughter; Macyn Burns, Granddaughter; Kendall Burns, Granddaughter; 15 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Granddaughter, Several Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by: Alvena Tiede Stamer Kruger, Mother; Larry Hooker,  Son; Greg Hooker, Grandson; Rosemary Busch, Sister.

Mrs. Hooker graduated from Francesville High School in 1947. After high school, she worked as a telephone operator in Valparaiso, until returning to Francesville in 1949. She and her husband raised their family on the farm, working side-by-side. She was a lifelong member of St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville where she had been active in the Ladies Guild. She enjoyed her flowers, hummingbirds and reading as well as playing Rook and Euchre. She and her husband also enjoyed square dancing many years ago.She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 28, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel-Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ, Francesville, with Rev. Judith Doll officiating. Burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Kenneth R. McFarland

October 1, 1936 to June 25, 2016

WINAMAC - Kenneth Raymond McFarland, 79, of Winamac, passed away at 6:53 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at his residence in Winamac, surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 1, 1936, in Star City, to the late Raymond L. and Garnett Fry McFarland. He married Alma Worley Moody on Aug. 30, 1974 in Logansport. She survives.

Survivors include:

Cheryle (Alan) Hack, Edwardsburg, MI, Daughter
Crystal (Brian) Scruggs, Greenfield,
Daughter
Colleen (Louis) Schulz, Fishers,
Daughter
Mickey McFarland, Greenfield, 
Son
Pamela (Darrell) Scott, Lafayette,
Daughter
Bill Moody, New Albany,
Son
13 grandchildren
12 great grandchildren
Janet Covert, Lake Orion, MI,
Sister
Melody (Tom) Kruger, Plymouth,
Sister
Bonnie (Maurice) Kopka, Francesville, 
Sister
Mark (Beth) McFarland, Winamac,
Brother
Joyce (Dave) McFarland Bales, Sister-in-law

 

Preceded in death by:

Karen Lowry Sister
Michael McFarland Brother

 

Mr. McFarland graduated from Star City High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and served for four years. He became a radio relay repairman. He served two years in Japan. He loved his country and the town of Winamac and was a very patriotic man. He returned to the Winamac area following his release from the Air Force. He was employed as a typesetter by the Pulaski County Democrat/Journal. After 12 years at the newspaper he became an electrician/lineman for the Town of Winamac. After 19 years as lineman he became town manager. He served in that capacity for 10 years. He was a volunteer fireman for many years. He was later elected to the Winamac Town Board (Council) and served as board president. He was a member of the VFW Post 1728 and American Legion Post 71 in Winamac. He enjoyed taking walks in the town park, playing golf and playing cards at the American Legion post. He also enjoyed meeting his friends for early morning coffee. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by all.

 

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 30, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, July 1, at the funeral home with Austin Putt officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

 

Memorial donations may be given to American Cancer Society.

Madonna Jack

July 22, 1915 to June 18, 2016

ELWOOD - Madonna Jack, age 101 of Winamac and former lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away Saturday, June 18, at Pulaski Healthcare Center, Winamac after a long, well-lived life.

She was born July 22, 1914 in northern Madison County to the late Edward and Rosie (Wardwell) Riegel. In her long life, she married Benjamin Walsh in 1934, John Petro in 1955, and later Ralph Jack in 1984. All preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughter, Elizabeth DeLong of Winamac; step-daughter, Annabelle Kaiser of Rochester; 5 grandchildren, Scott (wife Susie) Walsh, Eric (wife Jayne) Walsh, Michelle (husband Harold) Twellman, Mike DeLong, and Bart (wife Michelle) DeLong; 12 great-grandchildren, James, Nick, Kailee, Jasmine, Sierra, Ben, Fred, Madonna, Nyoka, Travis, Devin, and Ethan; great-great-grandson, Cayden; daughter-in-law, Karen Walsh; niece, Sandy Tucker; nephew, Richard Gordon; and foreign exchange student and adopted granddaughter, Elia Fernandez.

She was preceded in death by son, Bill Walsh; sister, Betty Gordon; son-in-law, James Michael DeLong; granddaughter-in-law, Valerie DeLong; and 2 step-sons, Jay Petro and Max Petro.

Mrs. Jack was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife all of her life. She was a 1933 graduate of Elwood High School. She formerly attended Bethany Christian Church in Anderson and Curtisville Christian Church. She had many hobbies including photography, dancing, working in her yard, and vegetable gardening. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed sewing, and was an avid Indiana Pacers basketball fan. She was also very devoted to attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 25 prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, Elwood. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Marty and Harold Twellman officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at: copherfeslermay.com.

Adrian G. Ralstin

January 2, 1923 to June 10, 2016

KEWANNA - Adrian G. Ralstin, 93 of Mooresville, formerly of Rochester and Kokomo, passed away at 2:50 p.m., Friday, June 10, at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis.

Born Jan. 2, 1923 in Peru, he was the son of the late Guy V. and Hettie L. (Lunsford) Ralstin.  On July 29, 1944, he married Beverly J. Russell in Gainesville, GA. She preceded him in death in 1998.

Survivors are one son, David M. Ralstin (Catherine), grandchildren, David Andrew Ralstin (Amber) and Arin Lindsay Lindauer (Tony), great grandchildren, Lindsay Diane Ralstin, Natalie Kay Ralstin and Baby Boy Lindauer, sister-in-law, Judy Russell, niece, Jennifer Hoover (Steve), nephew, Jimmy Russell (Misty), nieces, Barbara Williams (Dr. James) and Jackie Jarrard, great nephews, Tyler Hoover, Mitchell Hoover, Zachary Russell and Isaac Russell and several cousins.

He was also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Janet Tower and brother-in-law, James M. Russell.

Mr. Ralstin was a 1941 Peru High School graduate and he also attended Purdue University, Indiana University and the University of Houston. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radar technician and was attached to VS-25 Air Anti-Submarine Squadron. He was a fireman on the C & O and Wabash railroads. He was also a production supervisor for Delco Electronics, Kokomo for 35 years. He was a member of First Christian Church, Winamac and First Christian Church in Rochester.  He most recently attended Nashville Christian Church in Nashville, Ind. He was also a member of the BPO Elks, American Legion Post 14 in Peru, Bruce Family International of North America, Society of Indiana Pioneers and the Fulton County Historical Society. He enjoyed fishing and traveling.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 17, at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 18, at the First Christian Church, 106 S. Market St., Winamac, with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Pastor L. D. Campbell will officiate. A graveside service and military rites will follow at 2 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Peru.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church in Winamac.

Sign the online guest book or leave condolence for Ralstin family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Lucille L. Wilson

November 16, 1918 to June 17, 2016

WINAMAC - Lucille Love Wilson, 97, of Winamac, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Friday, June 17. 

She was born Nov. 16, 1918 in Francesville, to the late John "JC" and Augusta Grieger Werner. She married her Francesville sweetheart Lester Wilson on Nov. 26, 1943, in New York City, while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy.  After 69 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 2012.

Survivors include:

Jeffrey L. (Nancy) Wilson, Sarasota, FL, Son
Judy L. (David) Ross, DeLand, FL, Daughter
Gary B. (Cate) Wilson, Circero, Son
Sheila Wilson, Warsaw, Daughter-in-law
22 Grandchildren
19 Great Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews


Preceded in death by:

Fredrick J. Wilson, Son
Mabel Werner, Sister
Lewis Werner, Twin Brother
Clarence "Jake" Werner, Brother
Marjory Warnell, Sister
Mildred "Mid" Hardy, Sister
Melba Sprinkle, Sister

Mrs. Wilson graduated from Francesville High School in 1936 and attended Purdue University. She was known for her strong work ethic which began in early childhood and continued throughout her life. As a young girl growing up in the Depression, she could be seen pulling a milk wagon throughout Francesville, often contributing her earnings for family needs. After high school, she worked in the Medaryville Garment Factory, saving money for college. As a married couple, the Wilsons settled in Winamac and raised their four children. At age 50, she learned to drive, making it possible for her to attend Kokomo Business College. Upon completing her degree, she began a second career in accounting, working first at St. Joseph Hospital and then Winamac Steel. She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac as well as the Tri Chi Literary Club. She was an excelent seamstress, and also enjoyed flower gardening, volunteer work, and visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 23 at the funeral home with a graveside service to follow at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac,