Obituaries

Josephine Bailey Wireman Denton

June 7, 1948 to May 15, 2021

MEDARYVILLE - Josephine “Jo” Bailey Wireman Denton, 72, of Medaryville, passed away Saturday, May 15.

She was born June 7, 1948 in Rensselaer, to the late Clifford and Lorena Stone Bailey. She attended Medaryville High School. She was raised and baptized at Bailey’s Corner Church. On Jan. 8, 1966, she married her first husband, John Wireman Jr. at Bailey’s Corner Church. They raised four children. He passed away Feb. 1, 1983. On Sept. 7, 1985, she married Danny Denton at Bailey’s Corner Church. They had one daughter. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Dawn (Johnny) Conley, North Judson, Daughter
Adriene’ Wells, Knox, Daughter
Johnie Scott (Jennifer) Wireman, Sullivan, Son
Angel (Gordon Jr.) Burger, North Judson, Daughter
Cherish (Scott) Shafer, Knox, Daughter
17 Grandchildren
14 Great-Grandchildren
Kenneth (Denise) Bailey, Brother
Sandra Harris, Sister
Vivian (Gordon) Marlin, Sister
Marlene (Bob) Bellemey, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Ronald Wells, Son-in-law
Daniel Harris, Brother-in-law
Rob Bellemey Jr., Nephew
Mike Shidler, Nephew
Crystal Harris, Niece

In 1998, at the age of 50, Mrs. Denton received her high school diploma from North Judson-San Pierre High School. She was a proud homemaker, but held numerous jobs over the years. She enjoyed working at Head Start in Winamac. She always worked hard to care for her family. She was a longtime member of the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. She taught Sunday school and children’s church for many years. Her calling to teach was evident to all. She enjoyed working in the church and praising the Lord through song. She was the leader of Faith, a gospel singing group. She loved to read the Bible and was faithful to pray for others. She will be remembered for her devotion and love for the Lord. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a loving and caring person who always put others first. Her life was a true testament and example of how a relationship with the Lord should be.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 12 noon, Thursday, May 20, at Medaryville Assembly of God Church with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at Sutton Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Assembly of God Church.

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

Sarah L. Baker

April 7, 1924 to May 14, 2021

WINAMAC - Sarah Lavon Baker, 97, passed away peacefully, at 9:27 a.m., Friday, May 14, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. She was a life-long resident of Harrison Township in Pulaski County, and lived her entire life in the same house on the family farm which was awarded the 100-year Hoosier Homestead Award in 2005.

She was born April 7, 1924 in rural Winamac to the late Herman and Cleda Annetta Tuttle Davidson. On Aug. 12, 1939, she married Chester Richard Baker in Winamac. He died March 18, 2009.

She is survived by:
Dennis (Ena) Baker, Glendale, CA, Son
Sue Baker, Kewanna, Daughter-in-law
Michael (Traci) Martin, Grandson
Trent (Amy) Baker, Grandson
Chad (Samantha) Baker, Grandson
Kristy Kay (Wyatt) Showley, Granddaughter
Danielle Baker, Granddaughter
Brittany Baker, Granddaughter
Great-grandchildren: Andy Baker, Jaqualyn Baker, Makenzie Martin, Malakaih Martin, Maleah Martin, Micah Martin, Maverick Martin, Ethan Showley, Joel Showley, Aiden Showley, Wynter Baker, Willow Baker, Brady Baker, and Bryce Baker.
David (Phyllis) Baker, Davenport, FL Nephew
John (Jackie) Baker, Winamac, IN Nephew
Michael Tuttle, Cousin
Rochelle (John) Ortman, Honorary Family

Preceded in death by:
Lucinda “Cindy” (Robert) Martin, Daughter
Paul C. Baker, Son
Annetta Mae (Clayton) Baker, Sister
Charles Chester Martin, GrandsonFrom 1958-1984, Mrs. Baker served as the administrator of Pulaski County Public Library (formerly Winamac-Monroe Township Public Library). She was instrumental in the health and well-being of the local library. She attended Winamac High School, Manchester College, and Indiana University. She was a member of the Indiana Library Federation, a former member of Beta Beta Latreian Sorority, and was a Mu Epsilon Toastmistress.

A few years after their marriage, Sarah’s sister Annetta married Chester’s brother, Clayton. Sarah and Chester raised three children who grew up very close with their double cousins. The Bakers enjoyed winters spent in Lake Okeechobee, FL until Mr. Baker’s death. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Winamac, joining in 1954. She loved her church and served many years as an elder and organist. She enjoyed music, especially singing with her sister at weddings and listening to Christian music. She also enjoyed bird watching and gardening. She always had a beautiful flower garden. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, June 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., at the funeral home with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 14, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski County Public Library, or Winamac Presbyterian Church, or the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Ronny Rushing

November 18, 1947 to May 12, 2021

WINAMAC - Ronny “Ron” Rushing, 73, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, May 12, at his home.

He was born Nov. 18, 1947 in Sardis, MS to the late William Charlie and Tishie Pauline Ladd Rushing. He graduated in 1967 from Emerson High School in Gary. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967 and served during the Vietnam War. On Jan. 1, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen Gorby. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Michael Rushing, Winamac, Son
Shawn Roetman, Indianapolis, Daughter
Steven Rushing, Muskegon, MI, Son
Teah Rushing, Indianapolis, Daughter                             
Katlynn “Kiki” Rushing, Indianapolis, Daughter
Griffin Rushing, Muskegon, MI, Grandson
Paulette Wagner, Valparaiso, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
William “Larry” Rushing, Brother
Glenda McBryer, Sister

Mr. Rushing and his wife raised three children. Later in life, they traveled to China and adopted Teah and Kiki. Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family. He enjoyed traveling, fine dining, movies, and shopping. He will be dearly missed.

The family will host a private celebration of life event at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or Memorial Swinging Bridge Project.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Jerri-Ann Woodley

October 17, 1952 to May 9, 2021

WINAMAC - Jerri Woodley, 68, of Winamac passed away Mother’s Day, May 9, at her home after a long struggle with COPD.

She was born Oct. 17, 1952 in Neptune, NJ on the Jersey Shore to Earnest and Marguerite Miller. She grew up in Wall Twp. NJ and graduated from high school in that town. In high school, she was a gifted athlete, specializing in field hockey.

She is survived by:
Pastor Thomas Woodley, Winamac, husband
Mason Thomas Woodley, Mays Landing, NJ, son
James Miller, Old Bridge, NJ, brother
Julie Hamlin, Haberhill, Mass, sister
John Miller, San Antonio, TX, brother
David Miller, Vista, CA, brother
Charles Ferris, Decatur, AL, brother
Barbara Ferris, Burton, MI, sister

Preceded in death by:
Robert Ferris, father
Marguerite Ferris, mother
Jack Miller, brother
Earnest Miller, biological father

While in high school, Mrs. Woodley worked as a legal secretary and this became her profession for the next 30 years. In 1972, she met her future husband, and they were married in 1974. At the time of her death, they had celebrated 46 years of marriage. In 1977 she gave birth to her beloved son Mason whom she loved so dearly and has spoiled his entire life. She was a gifted needlepoint artist doing museum quality work until her health caused her to stop. In the past 10 years she operated a successful EBay store selling crochet, knitting and canvas art work patterns and books with customers in every state in the Union. In 2004 her husband entered the ministry as a Lutheran pastor and Jerri became a pastor’s wife. She was active and supported the ministry until her health began to diminish. In 2010, she moved to Winamac after her husband accepted a call to St Luke Lutheran. At home on Mother’s Day, with her husband and son by her side, she passed peacefully into the Lord’s care.

Mrs. Woodley was a very private person and did not wish for a public funeral. Her desire was to be cremated and have a private family service. This will occur at a future time to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to St Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Shelby L. Watts Anderson

September 12, 1990 to May 8, 2021

WINAMAC - Shelby Lynne Watts Anderson, 30, of Winamac, passed away Saturday, May 8, at her home. 

She was born Sept. 12, 1990 in Logansport, to John Watts and Patricia Lynne Smith Todd.  She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 2010.

She is survived by:
John (Melissa) Watts, Winamac, Father
Madysen Hoover, Winamac, Daughter
Hunter Hoover, Winamac, Son
Shawn Burns, Tulsa, OK, Brother
Derrick Burns, Tulsa, OK, Brother
Stephanie Burns, Winamac, Sister
Amber Watts, Winamac, Sister
Nikki Watts, Winamac, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
William “Bill” Watts, Winamac, Grandfather
Ronnie Shidler, Winamac, Grandfather
Mona Shidler, Anderson, Grandmother
Tammy Brown, Winamac, Aunt
Anna (William) Wheatcraft, Anderson, Aunt
Misty (Jeff Jacobsen) Shidler, Pulaski, Aunt
Kreigh Hook, Winamac, Uncle
Many Cousins
Patricia, Birth Mother
Catherine, Sister
Ashley, Sister
Nina, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Vicki A. Watts, Mother
Rosemary C. Watts, Grandmother
Kelly Hook-Shidler, Grandmother
Jean Smith, Grandmother
Khloe Shidler, Niece

Shelby was employed at Sanders Grocery in Winamac. She loved her work family and her friends. More than anything, she loved her family, especially her children.  She will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, May 14, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Butch Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be at Riverbank Cemetery in Winamac.

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

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

Jerald J. Reutebuch

May 30, 1947 to December 30, 2020

WINAMAC – Word has been received of the death of Jerald Jay “Popcorn” Reutebuch, 73, of Tombstone, AZ, who passed away Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.

He was born May 30, 1947 to the late John William and Cora Martha Link Reutebuch.

He is survived by:
Brent Reutebuch, Son
Bradley (Tricia) Reutebuch, Son
Broderick, Grandson
Betty DeSabatine, Sister
Sharon (Jerry) Cloud, Sister
Kay (Tom) Derheimer, Sister
Marlene (Ron) Roth, Sister
Marsha (Rich) Lehman, Sister
Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Georgette Kotalik Reutebuch, Wife
Bill (Babe) Reutebuch, Brother
Junior (Evelyn) Reutebuch, Brother
Richard Reutebuch, Brother
Chiz (Chester) Hanus, Sister
John (Janet) Reutebuch, Brother
Dottie (Bud) Linback, Sister
Paul DeSabatine, Brother-in-law

Mr. Reutebuch loved his very large family of 12 siblings, of which he was the baby. He also enjoyed playing cards and drinking adult beverages with his friends and business associates. He thoroughly loved watching NASCAR, especially watching Justin Haley Racing win several races. He also loved watching the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in his lifetime. He frequented the local gaming industry and liked going to the casinos nationwide with his friend, Gina Williams. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and earned a Purple Heart. He worked at Whallon Machinery and ABlock Inc. He was proud to be a longtime business owner. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 22, at St. Joseph Cemetery West in Pulaski, with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. Burial will follow. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.