Obituaries

Cara L. Prater-Botarf

November 17, 1944 to January 8, 2013

WINAMAC - Cara Lynn Prater-Botarf, 68, of Wheatfield, passed away at 2:25 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso, after a long illness. 

She was born Nov. 17, 1944 in Winamac, to the late Albert Samuel and Marilee Sheetz Bridegroom. She was married to Erwin Prater for 21 years. He preceded her in death. On Aug. 1, 1987, she married Daniel Botarf in San Pierre. He survives.

Survivors include:
Erwin "Willy" Prater, North Judson, Son
Randy Bridegroom, New Mexico, Son
Eddie (Peggy) Prater, San Pierre, Son
Several Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
Alberta Jones, Marshall, MI, Sister
Margaret Prater, Logansport, Daughter-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Donald Prater, Son

Mrs. Botarf had worked as a QMA at Little Company of Mary in San Pierre, before her disability. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be given to the family.

Anna M. Dennis

October 29, 1918 to January 7, 2013

WINAMAC -  Anna Marie Dennis, 94, Winamac, passed away at 2:28 p.m., Monday, Jan. 7, at  Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born Oct. 29, 1918, in Star City, to the late Harry and Pearl DeWitt Kochel. She married Gilbert W. Dennis on Aug. 12, 1940 in Royal Center. He died on Oct. 20, 1994. 

Survivors include: 
Kaye (E. Allen) Olson, Winamac, Daughter 
Sharon Criswell, Winamac, Daughter 
Pamela Dennis, Winamac, Daughter-in-law 
9 Grandchildren 
17 Great Grandchilren 
2 Great Great Grandchildren 
Paul Kochel, Logansport, Brother 
Sam Kochel, Winamac, Brother 
Audley Kochel, Winamac, Brother 

Preceded in death by: 
Carol Hayes, Daughter 
Thomas G. Dennis, Son 
Betty Henderson, Sister 
Jack Kochel, Brother 
Bob Kochel, Brother 
Jim Kochel, Brother 

Mrs. Dennis was a member of the First Christian Church in Winamac. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and playing bingo at the Senior Center. 

Friends may call after 1 p.m., Sunday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., (Sunday, Jan. 13), at the funeral home with David Broad officiating. Burial will be in Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the Pulaski Health Care Center activities fund. 

Rachel White Heishman

March 6, 1980 to January 5, 2013

WINAMAC - Rachel White Heishman, 32, Winamac, passed away at 3:55 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5,  in Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

She was born March 6, 1980, in Winamac to Garry W. and Rhonda L. Smeltzer White.

Survivors include her son Caden W. Heishman, Logansport; her parents of Winamac; her sister Nicole M. (Marcus) Slifer, West Lafayette; one nephew Keegan Slifer, West Lafayette; two grandmothers Dolores Smeltzer and Velma White, both of Winamac; and grandfather Elmer White, Monterey.

She was preceded in death by Roland Smeltzer, grandfather, Ralph and Pearl Shrader, great grandparents, and Raymond and Eunice Smeltzer,great grandparents

Mrs. Heishman was a lifetime resident of Winamac and a 1998 graduate of Winamac Community High School. She received her associate's degree in the medical field. While in high school she was a cheerleader for many years. She also loved dancing. She attended the Winamac Church of the Nazarene and was very active in her church youth group in her younger years. She was a wonderful caregiver which was her life's passion. She loved her son and her family.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Frain Mortuary; and one hour before the service Wednesday in the church. The funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday (Jan. 9), at the Winamac Church of the Nazarene, Winamac, with Pastor Denny Wilson officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to a fund being established for Caden's educational expenses.

 

Ronald A. Metcalf

March 7, 1943 to January 4, 2013

WINAMAC - Ronald A. Metcalf, 69, of Winamac, died at 4:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 4.

He was born March 7, 1943 in LaPorte, to the late Arthur and Louis Metcalf.

He is survived by his daughter, Rondeana Metcalf, Tiffin, OH.

Mr. Metcalf was a retired factory worker.

No services will be held. Burial will be in Union Mills Cemetery, Union Mills, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.
   

Ronald W. Planck

November 19, 1942 to January 2, 2013

WINAMAC - Ronald Wayne Planck, 70, of Lucerne, died at 1:55 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis.

He was born Nov. 19, 1942 in Star City, to Wayne A. and Marie Abbott Planck.

Survivors include
Angela R.(Brian) Bixler , Burnettsville, Daughter
Ronald E. Planck, Lucerne, Son
Duane (Chris) Fritz, Logansport, Step-son
Edward Fritz, Florida, Step-son
12 grandchildren
Marie Abbott Planck, Winamac, Mother
Judy (Larry) Bonnell, St. Charles, IL, Sister
Sandy Kissinger, Lucerne, Fiancee

He was preceded in death by:
Wayne A. Planck, Father
Dale Planck, Brother
James Planck, Brother

Mr. Planck had worked as a farmer and truck driver for most of his life. He was a member of the Mooose Lodge and VFW Auxillary. He enjoyed camping and horseback riding. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday (Jan. 7), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery, Burnettsville.

Memorial donations may be given to:the family.

Lucille Miller

September 9, 1924 to January 2, 2013

FRANCESVILLE - Lucille Miller, 88, of Francesville, (formerly of LaCrosse) passed away at 8:57 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac. 

She was born Sept. 9, 1924 in Lafayette, to the late Martin and Emma Zabel McCormick. She married Raymond Miller on Aug. 10, 1949 in Valparaiso. He survives.

Also surviving are:
Cheryl Kay Miller, Wooster, OH, Daughter
Connie Maxine McMeans, Wooster, OH, Daughter
Ronald Alan (Shelley) Miller, Topeka, KS, Son & Daughter-in-law
Rex Elliot Miller, Wooster, OH, Son
2 Grandchildren
4 Great Grandchildren
Patricia (Herb) McKay, Columbus, OH, Sister & Brother-in-law
Charlotte (Norm) Winner, Gwinn, MI, Sister & Brother-in-law
Donna (Ed) Redwine, Augusta, KS, Sister & Brother-in-law
Glen (Chris) McCormick, South Chicago Heights, IL, Brother & Sister-in-law
Kenny (Barbara) McCormick, Francesville, Brother & Sister-in-law
Carl (Phyllis) McCormick, Homer Glen, IL, Brother & Sister-in-law
Bob (Marilyn) McCormick, Kentucky, Brother & Sister-in-law
Joe McCormick, LaCrosse, Brother
Wilmer Altman, Ambia, Brother-in-law

Preceded in death by:
1 Great Granddaughter
Francis McCormick, Sister
Mary Alice Altman, Sister
Tom McCormick, Brother
Margie McCormick, Sister-in-law

Mrs. Miller graduated from Monon High School. She and her husband raised their family on a farm in LaCrosse. She was a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in LaCrosse. She served as clerk-treasurer of the Alter Rosary Society. She was a proud farmwife and also served as treasurer of Dewey Townswhip in LaPorte County. The Millers toured the U. S. on their Harley Davidson Motorcycles throughout their lives together.

No services will be held. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to the family for funeral expenses.