Obituaries

Sandra Kay Weldy

May 16, 1947 to April 29, 2022

WINAMAC – Sandra Kay Weldy, 74, of Winamac, passed away Friday, April 29, at her home.

She was born May 16, 1947 in Logansport, to the late Joseph D. and Dorothy F. Morrison Ross. On June 28, 1996 she married Robert C. Weldy in New Orleans, LA. He survives.

Sandra Weldy

Also surviving are:
Kenan L. (Tom Weida) Mayhew, Pinellas Park, Fl, Daughter
Lisa (Rusty) Long, Pond Creek, OK, Daughter
5 Grandchildren: Paige (Ty), Lainie, Lillie, Isabella, Makaela
1 Great-grandson: Link
Carolyn (Michael) Teyner, Largo, FL, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Donna Ross, Sister

Mrs. Weldy had worked as a travel agent. She had owned travel agencies in Winamac and Logansport. She was known for the handmade and decorated cards she frequently sent to family and friends. She was a great baker, especially her pies. She enjoyed walks in the woods and spending time at the family cabin by the river. She will be remembered for her one-of-a-kind, spunky attitude.

A celebration of life event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at the Winamac VFW. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered www.frainmortuary.com.

William A. Garten

October 17, 1947 to April 25, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - William A. “Bill” Garten, 74, of Francesville, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s Disease Monday, April 25, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, surrounded by his wife and two longtime friends.

He was born Oct. 17, 1947 in Shelbyville, to the late William L. and Mary Andrews Garten. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1965 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana State University. On Aug. 31, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer J. “Jenni” Meyer in Columbus. She survives.

Bill Garten

He is survived by:
Jaina Jade Garten, Burlington, Granddaughter
Mariah Inomata, Japan, Granddaughter
Don (Debbie) Meyer, Florida, Brother-in-law
Many Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ashley N. Garten, Infant Daughter
Jeffrey A. Garten, Son
Frank and Mary Mobley Meyer, In-Laws

Mr. Garten began his 18-year career in education as an elementary teacher at Francesville Elementary School in 1970 and spent most of his career teaching history at West Central Middle/High School. In addition to teaching, he was a student council sponsor and coached baseball, basketball, football, as well as track & field. He also coached several championship Babe Ruth teams. After retirement, he owned and operated PT Monograms in Francesville for many years. He was an avid sports fan and proud supporter of West Central Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Purdue football/basketball. He enjoyed traveling the world with Jenni. He was a beloved grandfather. He enjoyed people and had a witty sense of humor.

No services will be held. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or West Central Athletic Department.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Robert Galbreath

April 8, 1952 to April 24, 2022

Robert Galbreath

ROYAL CENTER - Robert “Bob” Galbreath, 70, of Star City passed away at 2:23 p.m., Sunday, April 24, at his home. 

Born April 8, 1952 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Lorraine Hulverson Galbreath.  He was a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. 

Survivors include his wife, Marcia Caron Galbreath of Star City; and sons, Christopher Caron of Indianapolis and Jeffrey Galbreath of Lafayette.

He was preceded in death by brother, Larry Galbreath. 

Per Mr. Galbreath’s wishes, there will be no services. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. 

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

Raye Anne Miller Absher

January 5, 1955 to April 20, 2022

WINAMAC - Raye Anne Absher, 67, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, April 20.

She was born Jan. 5, 1955 in Owensboro, KY to the late William B. and Verna J. Schertzinger Miller. She graduated from South Spencer High School in Rockport, Ind. in 1973. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, and a master’s degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette. She married David L. Absher on Oct. 1, 1977 in Rockport. In 1986, they welcomed a baby boy into the world, John, to whom she was a loving and devoted mother.

Raye Anne Absher

She is survived by:
John Absher, DeKalb, IL, Son
Susan (Ken) Wallach, Indianapolis, Sister
Beverly Miller, Rockport, Sister
Charlie (Margaret) Schertzinger, Owensboro, KY, Uncle
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Extended Family

Preceded in death by:
David L. Absher, Husband

In the fall of 1977, Mrs. Absher began her celebrated 37-year career in education at Winamac Community High School teaching home economics (later known as family and consumer science). She taught many years alongside her good friend and colleague, Pam Burger. Together, they encouraged and inspired students both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. Mrs. Absher was a proud co-sponsor of Sunshine Society and volunteer scorekeeper at track meets. She was a beloved educator and was known to teach from the heart; not just from the book. She cherished befriending her former students when they returned to the community as young adults.

After retiring in 2014, she chose to remain in Winamac and spend time enjoying life. Her newly remodeled home, beautiful gardens, and the “Abshack” were a source of great pride to her. She was active with numerous hobbies and interests including gardening, cycling, hiking, and line dancing, as well as volunteering for numerous community events. She was a member of the Iris Elm Garden Club (current vice president), Friends of the Panhandle Pathway (current secretary), Tri-County Kickers and Winamac Rock N Country Rebels, and Pulaski County Retired Teachers’ Association. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, former students, and colleagues, as well as the entire Winamac community. Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. 

A celebration of life event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 15, at the Winamac VFW.

The family recommends that in lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations be made to the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway for the purchase of a bench in Raye Anne’s memory and to further the efforts of trail expansion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

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

Sybil O. Sutton

April 5, 1941 to April 19, 2022

WINAMAC - Sybil O. Sutton, 81, of Monterey, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 19, at home.

She was born April 5, 1941 in Logansport, to the late Howard H. and Grace Viola Weidner Craigmile. She lived her entire life on the family farm. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1959 and Illinois Masonic Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. On April 29, 1962, she married H. Arthur Sutton in Winamac. He passed away April 11, 2008.

Sybil Sutton

She is survived by:
Jim (Karrie) Sutton, Star City, Son
Reis Sutton, Grandson
Olivia Sutton, Granddaughter

Mrs. Sutton began her long and successful career in nursing at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, after which she spent many years as the industrial nurse and personnel manager at Winamac Steel. When the plant closed she shifted gears to work at local nursing homes. She proudly completed her nursing career at Culver Military Academies, retiring in 2007. She was a lifelong member of the Winamac Presbyterian Church, but most importantly had a strong faith in Christ. She had a passion for the outdoors including spending time in the family woods. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed her membership in the Iris-Elm Garden Club.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to Iris Elm-Garden Club.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered www.frainmortuary.com.

Richard Lee Dilts

January 17, 1951 to April 8, 2022

WINAMAC - Richard Lee Dilts, 71, of Winamac, passed away Friday, April 8.

He was born Jan. 17, 1951 to the late Richard Lewis and Clara Jane Ballard Dilts of Winamac. “Ricky Lee” met the love of his life, Becky Kuszmaul, at the age of 14. He pedaled her home from cheerleading practice between his handlebars, and they never looked back. Through Winamac High School (1969) and Purdue University (1973) the two of them traveled this life together, hand-in-hand. From their marriage as young college juniors in 1971 to their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family in 2021 - they had a love for the ages.

Rick Dilts

He is survived by wife, Becky Dilts of Winamac; sons, Jason (Jen) Dilts of Liberty, MO, Jeremy Dilts of Winamac, and Derrick (Emily) Dilts, of West Lafayette, and his many grandchildren. He is also survived by his big sisters, Mary Ann (Daryl) Carey of Plymouth, MI and Carolyn (Larry) Hays of Odessa, FL; sister-in-law Rita (Ken) Layton of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Dilts was active in the community and in his church. He was a 49-year and fourth generation Master Mason and Past Master of Winamac Lodge #262 F&AM. He so dearly loved his brothers in lodge. He was a lifetime member of Winamac First United Methodist Church, where he sang (he would argue not beautifully) in the choir. He also served as a church trustee and in numerous other positions. For 40-plus years, he could be heard playing Taps at the Pulaski County Courthouse on Memorial Day and Veterans Day as well as at countless military graveside services in the surrounding area. He did it because it needed done, and he was able to do it. It is why he did so many things. Through his life he was active in Kiwanis Club, United Way, Pulaski County Historical Society, and other community endeavors. He would tell you he played trumpet for the Purdue Marching Band, followed by sub-par backup trumpet for the Tuxedo Junction, followed by 30 years playing trumpet and percussion for BandOver. Those BandOver Sunday afternoon practices were so very precious to him. Ricky Lee secretly rocked.

Mr. Dilts had different jobs throughout his working life - all done well - but none defining him as a man. His life’s greatest work can be found north of Winamac in a meadow in a small woods. It was there that he spent 35 years, steadily working alongside his wife. Together they turned his vision of a place of joy for future grandkids into reality. What began as a few scrub-filled acres was slowly and methodically transformed into a park, complete with a renovated old migrant shack, then a barn and windmill, relocated and improved piece by piece, and finally with the crown jewel, a handmade log cabin for all to enjoy. Rick Dilts, a man of few words, steadfastly went about creating a kid-kingdom of happiness for his grandchildren (each of whom was loved by their doting Pop). It was important to Poppa Rick that they know they were loved and know it they do. It was at the woods retreat that he watched them play, laugh, and grow. It is his greatest personal legacy, and it very much survives him. It will survive us all.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 10, at Winamac First United Methodist Church and one hour prior to services at the church Monday. Masonic services will be at 3:30 p.m., at the church Sunday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 11, at the church with Rev. Michelle White officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Winamac Cemetery.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac First United Methodist Church or by honoring Rick’s memory with kindness to others. Be nice to each other and respect each other - even if you don’t agree with each other. Tolerate your fellow man. Love your spouse, love your kids, then love their kids, and always love your God. It’s the greatest memorial you can pay to a man who embodied all of these things in a life lived so exceedingly well.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.