Obituaries

Linda T. Stotler

August 18, 1944 to June 29, 2024

WINAMAC - Linda Thelma Stotler, 79, of Winamac (formerly of Monterey), passed away Saturday, June 29, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 18, 1944 in Arlington, MA to the late Randolph C. and Thelma J. [Davis] Wills. She married Harold Gene Stotler on Aug. 23, 1993 in Las Vegas. He passed away Nov. 6, 2022.

Linda Stotler

She is survived by:
Claudia T. Stefanski, Sister
Kenneth E. Stotler, Brother-in-law
Ronald E. Stotler, Brother-in-law
Richard K. (Sharon) Stotler, Brother-in-law
Donald M. (Betty) Stotler, Brother-in-law
Lester L. (Donna) Stotler, Brother-in-law
Lois I. (Merv) Lemeron, Sister-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Calvin A. (Valera) Wills, Brother
Gardner R. (Niki) Wills, Brother
Garry S. (Janice) Stotler, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Stotler was retired from General Motors where she worked as a customer service representative. She was a member of the Pulaski County Extension Chords. She enjoyed beading, quilting, and crafting.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey with Merv Lemeron officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donaions may be made to the Monterey-Tippecanoe Township Public Library.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Donna M. Pugh

Donna Pugh

May 27, 1960 to June 28, 2024

ROYAL CENTER – Donna M. Pugh, 64, Winamac, passed away Friday, June 28 at home.

Born May 27, 1960, in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late John and Joann Schwemin. She married Robert W. Pugh, who preceded her in death.

Survivors include her children Robert A. (Nicole) Pugh of Winamac and Renee (Rocco) Calabrese of Winamac; sister Kathy (Gary) Wenning of Elkhart; brother William (Michele) Ostendorf of Lemont, Ill.; and grandchildren Ian Calabrese, Oliver Calabrese, Eevie Calabrese and Lorelei Pugh.

Mrs. Pugh was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Winamac. She was a very social person and loved meeting new people on her mail route, socializing with her friends, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed caring for her dogs, crocheting and reading.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, July 8, at Rans Funeral Home, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, McKinley Addition.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Sherry M. Byfield Williams

October 16, 1936 to June 22, 2024

WINAMAC - Sherry M. [Byfield] Williams, 87, of Crown Point, passed away Saturday, June 22, at her home.

She was born Oct. 16, 1936 in Winamac, to the late Charles L. and Wilma M. [Horton] Byfield. She graduated from Winamac High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the Jordan School of Music at Butler University.

Sherry Williams

She is survived by:
Kelly Funkey, Crown Point, Daughter
Deanna (Steve) Brinkman, Naperville, IL, Daughter
Lily Brinkman, Granddaughter
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Wilma C. Murphy, Sister
Leaine B. Gibson, Sister
Charles F. Byfield, Brother
Beulah B. Wattam, Special Aunt

Mrs. Williams worked at a daycare in Crown Point for nearly 25 years before retiring. She was always cheery and sweet with a genuine joy for life. She had a passion for music, which was instilled at a young age, and flourished throughout adulthood. She also enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, going to the movies, and playing games. Family was paramount to Sherry - with her daughters and granddaughter holding an extra special place in her heart. She made the world a better place for those who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Private entombment of cremated remains will take place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The family will host a memorial gathering at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dementia Association or Winamac Music Boosters.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Judith A. Berger

November 10, 1941 to June 21, 2024

WINAMAC - Judith A. “Judy” Berger, 82, of Winamac, passed away Friday, June 21, at her home.

She was born Nov.10, 1941 in Kokomo, to the late Obie and Thelma [Rice] Ellison. As a child, she participated in ballet and tap dancing. She graduated in 1959 from Winamac High School and attended Olivet Nazarene University. On Sept. 14, 1963, she married Marvin E. Berger at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. He survives.

Judy Berger

She is also survived by:
Eric (Dawn) Berger, Mitchell, Son
Amy (Billy) Bope, North Judson, Daughter
Rachael Carr, Rochester, Daughter
Grandchildren: Christopher Berger, Kasey Berger, Brad Berger, Caleb (Kenzi) Bope, Hannah (Nathan) Annis, Cody Feuquay, Cortney Putt, Chelsea Saltsman, Bret Cummins and Sarah Cummins.
4 Great-Grandchildren: Abel, Hazel, Ryder and Emryn
Chiquita (Paul) Kuntz, Kokomo, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Larry (Vicki) Ellison, Brother
Russell and Olive Leach, Aunt and Uncle

Mrs. Berger retired from Eastern Pulaski Elementary School where she worked 34 years as a library aide. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where she served on the Parish Council and as a VBS Leader. She served many years as treasurer for both the Winamac Boy Scout Troop #229 and the Winamac Band Boosters. She also coached youth softball for several years and kept the scorebook for the Lady Warriors basketball and volleyball teams. She enjoyed reading, painting and cross-stitching, as well as making acrylics and doing puzzles. She especially enjoyed attending a variety of school events for her children and grandchildren. She liked going to local bluegrass jamborees and often sang along to her favorite hymns. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.

A scriptural wake service will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Visitation will follow from 4 to 8 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at the funeral home and will be followed by the Prayers at the Closing of the Casket. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, (June 29), at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac with Rev. Anthony Rowland officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop #229 or Winamac Band Boosters. Envelopes for memorial donations and Mass Intentions will be available at the funeral home.

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

John F. Downing

February 1, 1939 to June 19, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - John F. Downing, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, at Northwest Health in LaPorte.

Born Feb. 1, 1939, in Star City, he was the son of the late Harold and Margaret (Weaver) Downing.  He was a 1957 Pulaski High School graduate. He was U.S. Army veteran.  On July 17, 1965, he married Susan J. (Reutebuch) Downing. She preceded him in death on Oct. 5, 2020.

John Downing

Survivors include his brother Ken (Dianne) Downing of Burrows; children Gina (Steve) Baker of Winamac, Mitch (Robin) Downing of Winamac, Barb (Dave) Thompson of Winamac and John J. (Denise) Downing of Winamac; grandchildren Levi Baker, Le Baker, Keith Thompson, John R. Downing, Kurt Thompson, Bradon Downing, Anna Downing, Emily Downing and Cy Thompson; and great-grandchildren Madison Baker, Katilyn Baker, Coltin Downing, Michael Baker and Kyle Thompson.

He was also preceded in death by grandson Kyle Downing; sister Rosanna Doyle; and brother Robert Downing.

Mr. Downing was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. He was a lifelong farmer and worked for Rose Acre Farms. He enjoyed driving to and through farm fields, going out to eat, driving to check up on family, and trips to visit somewhere old to new with the intent of good conversation to follow. He also enjoyed a nice warm sunny day, watching birds and squirrels, playing basketball with his kids and grandchildren, watching a good basketball or football game, and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was known for his warmth and glow to those he met and knew which were special gifts to those who loved him.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 23, at Rans Funeral Homes, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center where there will also be a scripture service at 12:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 24, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski.  Burial with military rites will follow at St. Joseph West Catholic Cemetery.

 Memorial donations can be made to the church in Mr. Downing’s memory.

An online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Alyssa B. Powers

August 21, 1995 to June 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Alyssa Breanne Powers, 28, of North Judson, passed away Wednesday, June 19.

She was born Aug. 21, 1995 in Winamac where she spent her youth, graduating from Winamac Community High School.

Alyssa Powers

She is survived by:
Sophia Grace Powers, Winamac, Daughter
Stephanie M. [Postma] Crawford, Winamac, Mom
Kevin E. Powers, Knox, Biological Father
Florence Kelsey (Justin Schramm) Crawford, Winamac, Sister
Ed “Butch” and Sherry [Jordan] Postma, North Judson, Maternal Grandparents
Ronald Powers, Winamac, Paternal Grandpa
Bethanie (Jeremy) Bridegroom, North Judson, Aunt
Linda E. Nunez, Winamac, Aunt
Keith A. (Daun) Powers, Winamac, Uncle
Jesse D. (Cindy) Stacy, Mansfield, TX, Uncle
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Dr. Bradley N. Crawford, Step-Dad
Judy [Wegner] Powers, Paternal Grandma

Ms. Powers was blessed on Sept. 5, 2018, with her beautiful baby girl, Sophia Grace. She enjoyed shopping and tanning, as well as spending time with friends and family. Most of all, she loved being Sophia’s mom. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. (June 28), at the funeral homewith Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating.

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

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