Obituaries

Ruby M. Toosley DeWeese

August 11, 1953 to July 6, 2023

WINAMAC - Ruby May DeWeese, 69, of Monticello, passed away at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafatette, Thursday, July 6.

She was born Aug. 11, 1953 in Rensselaer to Jerry and Virginia Davis Thompson.

She is survived by:
Bobbie Jo Fleming, Fair Oaks, Daughter
Brian Mathew Toosley, Lafayette, Son
Jerry Thompson, Fair Oaks, Father
Kimberly Humphrey, Remington, Sister
Betty Rusk, Monticello, Aunt
15 Grandchildren
Several Great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Virginia Davis Thompson, Mother
William O’Neil Toosley, Son
Billie Jo Matthews, Daughter
William M. Toosley, First Husband
Larry J. De Weese, Second Husband
Elwin O’Neil Davis, Grandfather
Bessie Davis, Grandmother
Tracey Bednar, Brother

Mrs. DeWeese had worked as a CNA and QMA at nursing homes, hospitals and in home health care. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a hard worker. She was kind and generous. She would take in any stray human or animal. She liked to be needed. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her dogs. .

Burial will take place at a later date.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Norma Jean Miller

March 15 1936 to July 5, 2023

Norma Jean Miller, 87, of Lucerne passed away at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Born March 15, 1936 in McLean County, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Donald and Laura (Phillips) Cohagan. She was a Grass Creek High School graduate. On Sept. 4, 1955 she married Walter “Bus” Miller.  He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1993.

Norma Jean Miller

Survivors include her daughters, Pamela (Sammy) Jones of Star City and Susan K. (Kevin Stolze) Loftain of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Josh Jones of Star City, Christy (Craig) Coon of Kewanna, Kipp (Ashley) Long of Winamac, Evan (Megan) Long of Lucerne, Ryan (Leah) Jones of New Palestine and Amy Jo Jones of Indianapolis; and great-grandchildren, Kamden Long, Kane Long, Avery Long, Lindsey Coon, Lucas Coon, Katelyn Coon, Reagan Coon, Tucker Long, Teagan Long, Callie Long, Ralph Jones, Lucille Jones, James Jones and Walter Jones.

Known as a hard worker, Mrs. Miller worked alongside her husband on the farm for many years and was formerly employed at Community State Bank in Royal Center.  She also worked in the cafeteria at Caston High School and as a mail carrier. She was an active member of multiple churches throughout her life, and a loving dog owner. She also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and square dancing. She will be remembered most for her active involvement and love for her family, serving as an enthusiastic supporter and frequent sports spectator.  

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 9, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, July 10, at the funeral home with Pastor Dirk Raderstorf officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fulton County Vet Clinic, 1634 N. US 31, Rochester, Indiana 46975 and/or the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Miller’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

William E. Hattabaugh

August 27, 1940 to July 4, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - William E. “Bill” Hattabaugh, 82, of Rensselaer (formerly of Francesville), passed away at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer.

He was born Aug. 27, 1940 in Lafayette, to the late William N. and Esther [Ballard] Hattabaugh.

Bill Hattabaugh

He is survived by:
Karen (Marvin) Hartley, Rensselaer, Sister
Carol (Robert) Inman, Wolcott, Sister
Audrey Tinkle, Idaville, ISister
Numerous Nieces and Nephews as well as their families

Preceded in death by:
Paul Hattabaugh, Brother
Mary Hattabaugh, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Mr. Hattabaugh worked as a farmhand for Wuethrich farms for many years and also worked a short time at Talberts. He enjoyed participating in local festivals and parades as well as local car and truck shows. People loved his funny cars. He also enjoyed attending stock car races and building model cars. He was an avid reader of Hot Rod magazine. The later years of Bill’s life were spent at Rensselaer Care Center where he played the mandolin and loved singing. He enjoyed being social with the residents and staff there. He will be remembered as a terrific story teller who also enjoyed making people laugh.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Private burial will be at Osborne Cemetery in Rensselaer.

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

Roger A. Querry

October 8, 1943 to July 3, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Roger A. Querry, 79, of Francesville, passed away Monday, July 3, at his home.

He was born Oct. 8, 1943 in Lafayette, to the late Harry G. and Rachel E. [McGee] Querry. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1961. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and a master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. On June 16, 1968, he married Patricia A. Wright in Francesville. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Jason T. (Rebecca) Querry, Springfield, MO, Son
Casey B. Neidlinger, Culver, Son-in-law
4 Grandchildren: Noah, Rachel (Ethan), Kelly, and Elijah
1 Great-Grandson: John
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Angela E. Neidlinger, Daughter
Norman (Sue) Querry, Brother
1 Infant Brother
Julie Querry, Niece

Mr. Querry and his wife lived in Oklahoma for 30 years where he worked for American Fidelity Assurance Co. - retiring to Indiana in 2004. He most enjoyed serving the Lord for over 30 years through the Billy Graham Association and Samaritan’s Purse, especially Operation Christmas Child. He loved spending time with family. He loved his dogs, Dachshunds and Pyrenees. He was an avid reader of the Bible and historical autobiographies. He enjoyed living quietly in the country amongst family and friends.

Private services will be held at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

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

Dolores E. Synak

May 31, 1926 to June 30, 2023

WINAMAC - Dolores E. Synak, 97, of Aiken, SC passed away peacefully Friday, June 30, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born May 31, 1926 in Chicago to Martin and Agnes [Mikoda] Zahorsky. On Nov. 28, 1944, she married Frank C. Synak in El Cerrito, CA, and she began her journey as an Army wife. He preceded her in death.

Dolores Synak

She is survived by:
Charla (John) Ebenroth, Aiken, SC, Daughter
Rhana Synak, Aiken, SC, Daughter
Franki (George) Chabalewski, Richmond, VA, Daughter
Grandchildren: Eric (Lisa) Ebenroth, Aaron (Connie) Ebenroth, Frank (Lysa) Ebenroth, Joe (Tracey) Ebenroth, John (Michelle) Ebenroth, Jane Ebenroth, Rachel (Fran) Lenahan, Sara (Billy) Crum, and Sam Chabalewski.
18 Great-Grandchildren
8 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Martin Zahorsky, Father
Agnes Vicek, Mother
Dorothy Vanac, Sister
Bernice Fisher, Sister
Violet Hoffman, Sister

Mrs. Synak was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, as well as St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Aiken, SC. She was an avid quilter and talented seamstress. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was especially fond of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family who loved her so much.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, July 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. A funeral mass will follow at 12 noon (Saturday), July 8, 2023 at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Alberta S. Baker

April 8, 1929 to June 28, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Alberta S. Baker, 94, of Medaryville, passed away Wednesday, June 28, at Northwest Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born April 8, 1929 at home in rural Rich Grove Township to the late Alfred H. and Amanda A. [Luebbe] Rhode. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1947. On June 19, 1948, she married Ora R. Baker at St. John’s Church in Medaryville. He passed away Aug. 7, 2014.

Alberta Baker

She is survived by:
Rebecca S. (Richard) Burianek, North Judson, Daughter
Alan G. Burianek, Indianapolis, Grandson
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
David L. Rhode, Foster Son
Jennifer R. Baker, Daughter
Melanie L. Holder, Granddaughter
Genevieve Correll, Sister
H. Vivian Hibbs, Sister

Mrs. Baker was a seamstress at the Medaryville garment factory for many years until it closed. She and her husband raised two wonderful daughters, as well as a beloved foster son. Daughter Jennifer passed away unexpectedly Feb. 15, 1999. After Ora retired, his wife was his faithful caretaker until he passed away. She was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening and canning. Her favorite crop was tomatoes. She always kept a very clean and tidy home. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She especially loved her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 11:a.m. (Wednesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association

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