Obituaries

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,

Lucille B. Downs

March 8, 1919 to June 14, 2016

FRANCESVILLE - Lucille B. Downs, 97, of Francesville, passed away at 4:37 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, at Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa. She was a longtime resident of Francesville and Kokomo before recently moving to Wakarusa. 

Shle was born March 8, 1919 in Rensselaer, to the late William B. and Dora E. McMurray Walter. On April 3, 1937, she married Walter John Downs. He preceded her in death on May 7, 1983.

Survivors include:
Wayne Downs, Fallon, NV, Son
Donna Powers, Goshen, Daughter
John "Jack" (Louise) Downs, Kokomo, Son
Joseph (Vicki) Downs, Ft. Wayne, Son
Linda Herod, Valparaiso, Daughter
Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Harry Powers, Son-in-law
Debbie Powers, Granddaughter
Dora Baranowski, Sister
Isabel Nelson, Sister
Bernard Walter, Brother
Edward Walter, Brother
Robert Walter, Brother

Mrs. Downs was a 1936 graduate of Rensselaer High School. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary in Francesville. She was a proud homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and gardening. She was an avid card player. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She especially enjoyed family outings and gatherings. 

The family wishes to thank the staff of Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa for their loving care of Lucille.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 12 noon Friday, June 17, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Francesville. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 noon, Friday, at the church  with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Francis Catholic Church.

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

William E. Fites

November 26, 1926 to June 14, 2016

WINAMAC - William E. "Bill" Fites, 89, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 14

He was born Nov. 26, 1926 in Winamac to the late Dwight "Ike" and Blanche Baker Fites. 

Survivors include:

Lois (George) Reynolds, Winamac, Daughter
Carolyn (Chuck) Redlin, Winamac, Daughter
Marilyn Rose, Marion,  Daughter
Steven (Minner) Fites, Winamac, Son
Nancy (Mike) Abraham, Wanatah, Daughter
10 Grandchildren
7 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: 
Don Fites, Brother
Jeanette Ginder, Sister
Lois Mae James, Sister

Mr. Fites was a graduate of Winamac High School. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea during World War II. He was a life member of the VFW. He was retired from Galbreath, Inc., and had previously worked at Shepard's Chevrolet and Jim Dobson Ford as a parts manager. He was the former owner of the B & B Inn in Beardstown and had also been a part-time rural mail carrier. He served on the Winamac Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He enjoyed fishing and watching NASCAR. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, June 17, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.  The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to Pulaski Animal Center or American Heart Association.

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

Melvin Miller

November 28, 1934 to June 16, 2016

WINAMAC - MSgt. Melvin Clark Miller USAF (Ret.), 81, of Esparto, Calif., passed away at 4:03 a.m., Thursday, June 16, at his residence. He was a native of Indiana and Illinois ,and recently relocated to California for the warmer weather. 

He was born Nov. 28, 1934 in Monon to the late Paul R. and Alice R. Clark Miller.

Survivors include:
Julie Anne (Daniel) Kramer, Esparto, CA, Daughter
John B. (Dora Hyson) Thatcher, Campbell, CA, Step Son
Linda L. (Ronald) Ruff, Mangum, OK, Step Daughter
Janet M. (Nathan) Holden, St. George, UT, Step Daughter
Carole J. (Dan) Little, Cameron Park, CA, Step Daughter
Don, Ted, Joe, and Marc Kirby, Step Sons
Numerous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren
Wan da Luxton, Sister
Mary Edwards, Sister
Twylla (Russell) Selmer, Sister

Preceded in death by: 
Joan M. Redmond Miller, First Wife
Nancy J. Bowers Miller, Second Wife
Susan Hein, Step Daughter 

Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years and was a retired flight engineer. He was a lifetime member of the D.A.V. as well as the VFW and the Retired Enlisted Man's Association. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked as a truck driver for 17 years. He enjoyed gardening, wood working, and living on the Tippecanoe River. Most recently, he enjoyed the California sunshine. He was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church and had been a former Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a kind and caring man who will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 24, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 25, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at Osborne Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Memorial donations may be given to Winamac First United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.

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

Jack Stevens

April 15, 1934 to June 12, 2016

FRANCESVILLE - Jack D. Stevens, 82, of Medaryville, passed away at 10:08 p.m., Sunday, June 12, at Franciscan Health Rensselaer. 

He was born on April 15, 1934 in Glendale, KY. On March 24, 1957, he married Judy Myers in Francesville. She survives. 

Also surviving are:
Craig L. (Joanne) Stevens, Medaryville, Son 
Lyn M. Stevens, New Carlisle, Daughter 
Shelly B. (Joseph) Sierzputowski, Mishawaka, Daughter
Justin Stevens, Grandson 
Jordan Stevens, Grandson 
Jake Stevens, Grandson 
Tiffani Sierzputowski, Granddaughter 
Trevor Sierzputowski, Grandson 
Lois Pless, Indianapolis, Sister

Preceded in death by: 
Wallace L. Stevens, Father 
Paula Jean Flora Stevens, Mother 
Dalton & Dillon Sierzputowski, Twin Grandsons 
Ruth Hooker, Sister  

Mr. Stevens was a 1952 graduate of Medaryville High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifelong farmer in Gillam Township, Jasper County where he lived and worked the land for 78 years. Aside from farming, he enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. He had been a bus driver for West Central Schools from 1959-1976 and served on the West Central School Board from 1976-1988. He was a member of the United Methodist Church as well as the American Legion in Francesville. He enjoyed golfing and was a member at Moss Creek Country Club. He was an avid Purdue and West Central basketball fan. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's various activities. He was a caring man who loved his wife and family very much. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 16,  at the funeral home with Pastor Hal Cohn officiating. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery, Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to Riley Hospital for Children or American Heart Association.

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