Obituaries

Mary E. Swartzell

July 9, 1939 to February 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Mary E. Swartzell, 84, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born July 9, 1939 in Winamac to the late Joseph J. Sr. and Agnes G. [Braun] Nicolas. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1958, and married Donald R. Swartzell on July 5, 1958. He passed away Dec. 31, 2012.

Mary Swartzell

She is survived by:
Steven (Bonnie) Swartzell, Monterey, Son
Constance (Kevin) Roe, Winamac, Daughter
James (Cletha) Swartzell, Winamac, Son
Donna (Dale) Lindstrom, Winamac, Daughter
8 Grandchildren
11 Great-Grandchildren
Paul Nicolas, Indianapolis, Brother
Steve (Linda) Nicolas, Winamac, Brother
Several nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Matthew R. Lindstrom, Infant Grandson
Joseph J. Nicolas Jr., Brother

Mrs. Swartzell was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Ladies of Charity. She enjoyed gardening and making crafts. She sold Stanley Home Products and made woven rugs for many years. Most of all, she was a devoted wife and mother who doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private graveside service will be held at Reed Cemetery in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church or Reed Cemetery.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Barbara A. Hurlburt

November 21, 1955 to February 16, 2024

WINAMAC - Barbara Ann Hurlburt, 68, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Feb. 16, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Nov. 21, 1955 in Hobart, to the late William F. and Virginia P. [Nolan] Mills. She grew up in Hobart and graduated from River Forest High School. She married Lester Alvin Hurlburt Sr. on June 23, 1984 in Winamac. He passed away May 14, 2012.

Barbara Hurlburt

She is survived by:
Betty (Jon) Crissinger, Winamac, Daughter
Rex Hurlburt, Winamac, Son
Jennifer (Mitchell) DeFord, Logansport, Daughter
Caroline Calvert, Kentland, Step-Daughter
Benjamin Hurlburt, Winamac, Step-Son
Melissa Hurlburt, Winamac, Step-Daughter-in-law
6 Grandchildren: Jonathan, Austin, Andrew, Zach, Gloria, and Matthew
Several Step-Grandchildren
Kenny (Sherry) Greenhill, Ft. Worth, TX, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lester Alvin Hurlburt Jr., Step-Son
5 Siblings: Debbie, Robin, Linda, Raymond, and Roy

Mrs. Hurlburt was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church, and was formerly a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was faithful to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and prayerful that it would lead others to the Lord. She served in various local ministries. She was a youth leader for the church Awana group and was dedicated to clowning and puppeteering. She enjoyed crocheting, completing a variety of projects which were always for the benefit of others. She encouraged others through positive notes she wrote, specifically the staff and residents of the nursing home. Most of all, she loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (Thursday), at the funeral home with Pastor Ryan Eaton officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (Town Addition) in Winamac.

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

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

Harry L. Cannon

July 1, 1946 to February 9, 2024

WINAMAC - Harry Lee Cannon, 77, of Winamac, lost his eight-year battle with cancer Friday, Feb. 9. He passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side.

He was born July 1, 1946 in Monterey to the late Harry Ward and Blanche Bertha [Forsythe] Cannon. He married Linda F. Spurlock on July 6, 1990, in Powell County, KY. She survives.

Harry Cannon

He is also survived by:
Ace Lee Cannon, Homosassa, FL. Son
Mike Caudill, Winamac, Step-Son
Dee (Phil) Dilley, Kewanna, Step-Daughter
Fay (Jim) Finke, Macy, Step-Daughter
Debbie Fitz, Ripley, Step-Daughter
Doug Caudill, Winamac, Step-Son
14 Grandchildren
Numerous Great-Grandchildren
Linda Biddle, Winamac, Sister
Carol Kellenburger, Winamac, Half-Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Evelyn J. Weaver, Half-Sister
Charles H. Cannon, Half-Brother
Delores A. “Dee” Clark, Half-Sister
Donald R. “Bud” Smith, Half-Brother
Leroy A. Smith, Half-Brother
James A. “Jim” Smith, Half-Brother

Mr. Cannon grew up in Monterey where he attended Monterey High School before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served almost two years in Augsberg, Germany where he successfully completed a cook’s course conducted by the 7th Army Support Command. He received an honorable discharge in 1967 with the rank of SP4(T) and was transferred to the USAR. In 1976, he reenlisted and served one year in the Indiana Army National Guard. In 1969, he began working at Thermo Products in North Judson where he mastered many jobs over his 38-year career. He had many hobbies, which included drawing cartoons and sketching as well as painting his various works of art. If he was not working on his art, he could be found tinkering on his car. He had a great sense of humor and loved bringing laughter to others. He was kind-hearted and always willing to help those in need. He dearly enjoyed the annual family reunion at the Winamac Park. He liked taking drives through the park around the horseshoe to check out the river. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the funeral home with Rev. Jarrel Hartle officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Town of Winamac: Park Fund.

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

Marlene M. Fox

March 30, 1955 to February 7, 2024

WINAMAC - Marlene May Fox, 68, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Northwest Health Hospital in LaPorte.

She was born March 30, 1955 in Winamac to the late Gerald M. “Red” and Myrna L. [Poss] Terry. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1973. On Sept. 18, 2004, she married Fran Fox at their home. He survives.

Marlene Fox

Survivors also include:
Brandon Noyer, Winamac, Son
Travis Noyer, Winamac, Son
Darrell Fox, Pulaski, Son
Angie (Jay) Thompson, Ora, Daughter
Matt (Andrea) Fox, Pulaski, Son
Monica (Jason) Pothoff, Winamac, Daughter
Cody Fox, Winamac, Son
Andrew Fox, Pulaski, Son
Caroline (Adam) Coonrod, Buffalo, Daughter
12 Grandchildren
Several Great-Grandchildren
Jackie Terry, Sister-in-law
Sandy Terry, Sister-in-law
Teri (Ron) Terry-Shidler, Sister-in-law
Nancy (Dave) Hitchens, Sister-in-law
Marian (Tony) Reinhold, Sister-in-law
Paul (Sue) Fox, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Joe and Noan Fox, In-laws
Jason Fox, Son
Haley Fox, Granddaughter
Linnea Lloyd, Sister
Darrel Terry, Brother
David Terry, Brother
Donald Terry, Brother
Dwayne Terry, Brother
Shorty Terry, Sister-in-law
Della Terry, Sister-in-law
Bev Terry, Sister-in-law
Harold Fox, Infant Brother-in-law

Mrs. Fox had previously worked at Paragon and Winamac Coil Spring. For the past 14 years, she proudly taught Silver Sneakers at the Community Wellness Center. She was an active member of the Winamac VFW Auxiliary Post #1728 and Winamac FOE #2580. She enjoyed gardening and canning. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the funeral home with Pastor Butch Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Fran Fox.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Josephine L. Ramp

February 17, 1948 to February 6, 2024

COLUMBIA CITY - Josephine L. Ramp, 75, of Columbia City, died at 3:09 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at her home.

Josephine Ramp

Born Feb. 17, 1948, in Winamac, she was a daughter of the late William and Stephina (Mrozcek) Watkins. She attended St. Peters Catholic Elementary School and then Monterey High School. On May 16, 1981, she married David R. Ramp. They made their home in Columbia City.  He died Oct. 1, 2022.

Surviving are her sons, Wayne (Patsy) Watkins of Winamac, Nicklos Watkins of West Lafayette; step-daughter, Sheila Jackson of Columbia City; step-son Paul Ramp of Kendallville; sisters, Joyce (Mark) Faulstich of Plymouth and Jacqueline Terry of Winamac; a brother, Emzie (Kathy) Watkins of Nappanee; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

From 1972 to 2006, Mrs. Ramp worked for United Telephone/Sprint as an operator and keeping plant records. She enjoyed following all of the grandchildren’s sports, and rarely missed a game. She also liked to collect and shop for antiques. She was very sociable and friendly and enjoyed meeting new people. 

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at Eberhard Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorials in Josephine’s honor may be made to Anthony Wayne Area Council or the Columbia Township Volunteer Fire Department.

An online guestbook for Mrs. Ramp is available at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Alice L. Crist McCrackin

October 15, 1934 to February 5, 2024

CARSON CITY, MI - Alice Louise (Crist) McCrackin, 89, of Carson City, Mich., passed away Monday, Feb. 5, at Country Friends Assisted Living in Sumner, Mich., surrounded by love.

She was born Oct. 15, 1934, in Monterey, the daughter of the late Isadore and Helen (Perry) Crist. The family later moved to Kewanna. She graduated from Winamac High School with the class of 1952 and then received additional training as a medical technologist. She began working for the Belding Hospital, in Belding, Mich. where she was later introduced to her future husband by Ella and Jerry Keiffer. Alice and John “Jack” McCrackin were married May 25, 1963, and made their home in Carson City where they raised their children on the family farm. He survives.

Alice McCrackin

She is also survived by four children Tim (Patricia) McCrackin of Ionia, Mich., Perry McCrackin (Jeanne Strickland) of Carson City, Jenny (Ben) Upham of Big Rapids, Mich., and Paul McCrackin of Lansing, Mich.; grandchildren Justine (Ryan) Bouman, Kaitlynn (Brann) Schmitt, Megan (Ryan) Willis, Ellen (Erik) Piper, Elizabeth McCrackin, Michael McCrackin, Andy Upham, Lauren McCrackin, Sarah McCrackin, and John McCrackin; and three great-grandchildren Rhett, Warren and Jansen, and baby Piper on the way; siblings Barbara (Francis) Hendrickson, Joe (Dorothy) Crist, Jim (Carol) Crist, Patricia (Jerry) Girton, and Marsha Gearhart. Also brothers- and sisters-in-law Kate (Ron) Brown, Florence Kavanagh, Jean Richardson, Larry (Becky) McCrackin, Margie Hyde, Connie (Barry) Sacks, Sue (Alan) Goldstein, and Judy McCrackin.

She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Michelle McCrackin; sister Delores Miller; brother John Crist; brothers-in-law Larry Richardson, Larry Kavanagh, Gib Hyde, and Michael McCrackin; and sister-in-law, Beverly McCrackin.

Mrs. McCrackin was a devoted mother, always putting her love in all she did for her family. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake cookies, pies and cakes, and she enjoyed testing out new recipes. Her role was to make sure her family sat down together and to eat three “square” meals a day. One never left the table hungry as she knew everyone's favorite foods and stayed away from the ones they disliked. She worked around the farming schedule of planting and harvesting and everything else in between; she was a committed farmer's wife. Her proudest moments were enjoying her 10 grandchildren and their visits. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and early on in her life had considered entering the religious life. She continued to be loyal and faithful to God and lived a life of prayer, mass and encouraged the family to offer their problems to God. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s Altar Society in Carson City. She enjoyed socializing, giggling with her sisters and having good conversations. Each of these conversations she would later reflect on and enjoy as a gift from others. She used her talent of easy conversation to volunteer for the Crisis Pregnancy Hotline Services where she advocated for the unborn but also assisted the women going through difficult times.

The family thanks Country Friends Assisted Living and the many caregivers Mrs. McCrackin had for the past six years for their care and love, and treatment as family. In addition, the family thanks The Care Team Home Health & Hospice of Gratiot County who gave her additional care and attention.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, with a rosary service at 4 p.m., at the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Carson City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carson City with Fr. Lou Anderson celebrating. Interment will follow in Maryknoll Cemetery, Carson City.

Memorials may be made to Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, or to the wishes of the family. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.