Obituaries

Gene R. Reinholt

Deceber 19 1932 to February 10, 2023

KEWANNA - Gene Richard Reinholt, 90, of Kewanna, passed away at 7:48 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport.

Born on Dec. 19, 1932 in Monterey, he was the son of the late Roy and Lottie (Hoover) Reinholt. He graduated from Kewanna High School, class of 1951, before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1961. While in the Army, he was awarded with a National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Ribbon, a United Nations Service Medal and the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation. He married Georgia “Joan” Collins. She survives.

Gene Reinholt

He is also survived by step-daughters, Vickie Foudray of Winchester, Lisa Reidy of Lithia, FL. and Kim (Garry) Foerg of Winamac; step-son, Eric (Carol) Colvin of Kewanna; sisters, Wilma Lytle of Logansport and Ruth Ann (Keith) Holcomb of Griffith, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five sisters, three brothers, two sons-in-law and one granddaughter.

After serving his country in the Army, Mr. Reinholt moved to Chicago while attending mechanic school. He was an A1 mechanic for International Harvester in Rochester until it closed, and then opened his own shop at his home. In addition to being a mechanic, he was a farmer for most of his life. He loved nothing more than sharing his love of the farm with his kids and grandkids, taking them along in the tractor and teaching them to care for the animals over the years. He was also an avid beekeeper, maintaining his own beehives for years and selling his own honey. He was a master at playing Euchre and always remembered who had played each card. He was usually the winner of every hand. He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed.

A private family service with full military rites will be held at a later date.

Mr. Reinholt’s online guest book is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Simia L. Robinson

February 28, 1936 to February 10, 2023

NORTON SHORES, Mich. – Simia Lea Robinson, 86, Norton Shores, passed away Friday, Feb. 10.

She was born Feb. 28, 1936 and raised in Medaryville, to parents Virgil and Hannah Holl. She attended Medaryville High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree in 1957 from Indiana State University, graduating near the top of her class. While at Indiana State she met and married Blake Delane Robinson, a fellow Indiana native.

Simia Robinson

She is survived by two children, Dan (Lynn) Robinson (Walnut Creek, CA /Norton Shores) and Sheri Sander (Norton Shores). She also leaves behind three grandchildren; Chelsea Robinson who recently relocated from California to live in Norton Shores, and Colin Sander and Cory (Shayna) Sander, both of whom remain in the western Michigan area.

She was preceded in death by husband Blake, her brother, David, her parents, and her son-in-law, Jeff Sander.

Upon graduating from college, Mrs. Robinson and her husband migrated north to Michigan, first to the north shore of Muskegon Lake, before finally settling in Roosevelt Park where they lived out their lives. She was a teacher at heart and by trade, working at Mona Shores High School from which she retired after more than 40 years of service. She loved animals and music, and played the piano and sang when she thought no one was listening. She underestimated the beauty of the harmonies and the notes she voiced.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Unity Reformed Church with Pastor David Celeskey officiating. VIisitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

n lieu of flowers, Mrs. Robinson requested that those who wish make donations to one of her favorite charities: The American Cancer Society; American Diabetes Association; or the Noah Project.

Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com 

Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, Norton Shores, MI.

John M. Lebo

February 6, 1933 to February 5, 2023

RICHMOND, Ind. – John Marshall Lebo, 90, of Richmond, died Sunday, Feb. 5, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 6, 1933, in Winamac, to Vernal Alfred and Thelma Estelle Clements Lebo. He earned a Bachelor of Science, and two Masters of Arts, and Education degrees at Ball State University. He played on both the baseball and basketball teams at Ball State, and lettered each year in both sports. He also served in the Third Armored Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1961. In 2008, the U.S. Congress made him a member of The American Legion.

John Lebo

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Diane Lebo; daughter, Ronna (Chip Bunker) Lebo of Plainfield, NJ and daughter Amy (Kevin) Booth of Indianapolis; and son John Todd Lebo of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Dustyn Kim, Robert Bunker, Megan Lebo, Abigail Lebo, Zack Lebo, Mazzy Booth, Macsen Booth, Cody Lebo, and Kelcey Reece; great-grandchildren, Mason Kim, Lyla Kim, and Peter Bunker; brother, Ernest Robert (Betty) Lebo; sisters, Sherry (Ron) Sumrak, Georgia (Jeff) Swartzell, Beverly Hubbs, and Judy Ash; sisters-in-law, Jimmie Shows Lebo and, Ann Richards Lebo; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Clarke Lebo; parents; and brothers, Ronald Lebo and James Lebo.

Mr. Lebo worked as a business teacher and coach at Richmond High School before becoming the first dean of students there. He went on to become principal at RHS, retiring in 1996, after 28 years. Besides being a schoolteacher and administrator, he was a beloved coach and mentor in various sports. He coached baseball at RHS for 12 years, and Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team for eight years. Under his leadership, the RHS team won three conference championships, nine sectional championships, four regional championships, one semi-state championship, and one state final championship. Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team highlights include seven district championships, four regional championships and four state final championships. He loved his Richmond community and was always motivated to help others around him. Before he came to Richmond, he taught and coached baseball, basketball, football, and track at both Monterey, Ind. and Kendallville, Ind. high schools.

After his retirement, he served on the board of the Wayne County Health Department for 20 years. He also helped to form the Wellcare Community Health Center, and served on that board as chairman until recently. He was also a hearing officer for middle and elementary schools in the Richmond Community school system. Mr. Lebo helped to found the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and was the first executive director of that organization. He coordinated legendary fundraisers for the Football Hall of Fame, including WWF “Big Time Wrestling” bouts and Harlem Globetrotter shows, held at the Richmond High School gymnasium. He served on Congressman Phil Sharp’s Academy Steering Committee for 12 years. He was awarded “Educator of the Year” in 1994 by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and The Palladium Item. In 1995, Gov. Evan Bayh awarded him membership in the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash, the highest award a civilian can receive from an Indiana governor.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, Richmond. A time of sharing will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home, followed by military honors by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to: Richmond High School for the John Marshall Lebo Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Attn: Sally Porter, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Brenda Elston

November 25, 1963 to February 4, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Brenda “Bren” Elston, 59, of Medaryville, passed away surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, Feb. 4, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Nov. 25, 1963 to Ernest D. and Krystal K. [Critser] Woodard, in Gary. She graduated from West Central High School in 1981. She married Brad Elston on Oct. 3, 1987 in Medaryville. They affectionately referred to one another as “baby” for over 37 years. He survives.

Brenda Elston

She is also survived by:
Heather (Mike) Ross, Medaryville, Daughter
Bradley “Heck” (Rachel) Elston, Francesville, Son
Skyler Elston, Medaryville, Daughter
Kristin Wall Hunt, the one Bren called her adopted daughter
Trinity Ross, Granddaughter
Lyric Ross, Granddaughter
Briar Ross, Grandson
Easton Elston, Grandson
Bryntlee Elston, Granddaughter
Krystal Woodard, Medaryville, Mother
Lavon (Sidney) Dulin, Medaryville, Sister
Tammy (Doug) Mason, Monon, Sister
Ruth (Rick) Critser, Elk Horn, NE, Foster Sister and Cousin
Gabby, Beloved Dog
Steve (Remi) Elston, Cheyenne, WY, Brother-in-law
Scott (Claudia) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Bob (Cathy) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews and Great-Nieces and Nephews
Delores Miller, Medaryville, Aunt
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ernest Woodard, Father
Raymond and Beatrice Kors, Grandparents

Mrs. Elston enjoyed crafting and flower gardening. In her younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she would turn the house into the North Pole. Some of the best family memories were made while camping, fishing, and spending time at the pool. Her grandchildren will always remember their “nanna” singing You Are My Sunshine and the many ways in which she reminded them that they were her sunshine. She had worked at Federal Mogul and most recently at the Pulaski County Surveyor’s Office. While she enjoyed her time at these jobs, her true passion was being a devoted wife, mother, and “nanna.” She loved her family very much. She could light up a room with her personality and was never shy to tell you like it was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at the funeral hoe with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Dwayne M. Terry

November 16, 1943 to February 1, 2023

WINAMAC  - Dwayne Milo Terry, 79, of Winamac, passed away at 4:55 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

He was born Nov. 16, 1943 in Winamac, to the late Gerald Milo “Red” Terry and Myrna Louise Poss Terry. He married Della Lorraine Dilts on Dec. 21, 1963 in Winamac. She died Aug. 22, 1997. He married Beverly K. Beauchamp on June 28, 2003 in Winamac. She died March 23, 2014.

Dwayne Terry

He is survived by:
Wesley (Lynn) Terry, Winamac, Son
Robert (Marsha) Terry, Winamac, Son
Theresa (Steve) McKinley, Westfield, Daughter
Christina (Josh) Girton, Winamac, Daughter
Sarah (Grant) Selking, Granddaughter
Markus (Amanda) Terry, Grandson
Michael (Emma) McKinley, Grandson
McKenzie Terry, Grandaughter
John Terry, Grandson
6 Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Della, Caroline, Henry, Olivia and Karlie
Marlene (Fran) Fox, Winamac, Sister
Pam Weaver, Winamac, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Cynthia E. Terry, Daughter
Darrell Terry, Brother
Linnea Lloyd, Sister
David Terry, Brother
Donald Terry, Brother

Mr. Terry was a farmer and truck driver. He loved his time working the land. He drove a Citgo Gas truck for many years. He was a very social person who touched many lives. He enjoyed participating in tractor pulls and drag racing. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He loved spending time with his family especially the little ones. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW Auxiliary and First United Methodist Church in Winamac.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. FOE Services will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. The funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home with Pastor Butch Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to VFW 1728 in Winamac or the Winamac Eagles Lodge.

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

Betty J. Shorter

May 26, 1942 to January 30, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Betty J. Shorter, 80, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 6:45 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

Born on May 26, 1942 in Monticello, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Wanetta (Allen) Ezra. She was a 1960 Winamac High School graduate. On Nov. 5, 1960 she married James “Jim” Shorter.  He preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 2020.

Betty Shorter

Survivors include her sons Gregory (Tracey) Shorter of Winamac and Steven (Chris) Shorter of Winamac, and daughter Amy (David) Bailey of Star City. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Ashley  (Tommy Coop) Stemm of Osceola, Brittni (Steve Kasten) Bailey of Winamac, Emily Campbell of Winamac, Andrea (Kenny) Sanson of Star City, Trent Shorter of Star City, Jamie (Brandon) Sells of Lakeville, Tiffani Shorter of Winamac; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one due in April; sister Carolyn Knebel of Indianapolis; grandson-in-law Tim Hoffa and granddaughter-in-law Brandi Shorter of Winamac.

She was preceded in death by brothers Benny Ezra and Larry Ezra, sister Shirley Peters, grandson Michael Shorter and granddaughter Christi Hoffa.

Many knew Mrs. Shorter best for the sewing and alterations she provided as the owner and seamstress of Betty’s Snip & Sew Barn. She was self-taught in her trade and provided sewing classes to the community over the years, including local 4-H clubs. She enjoyed spending many summers teaching her granddaughters to sew as well. She attended the First Christian Church in Winamac. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cross-stitch, reading, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, completing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Instilled from her parents at a young age, she was an avid card player. She never turned down the chance to play cards or board games, passing this love on to her kids and grandkids. It would not be a family-get-together without gathering around the table playing multiple, high-spirited games with many laughs shared.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home in Royal Center. The funeral service will follow directly after with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating.

 It was Betty’s wish to celebrate and honor the life of her late husband, Jim, in conjunction with her service. The family was unable to hold services at the time of his passing due to COVID.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church, 106 Market St., Winamac.

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