Obituaries

Dorothy E. Nice

November 2, 1921 to December 19, 2020

WINAMAC - Dorothy E. Nice, 99, of Asheboro, NC (formerly of Winamac) passed away at 6:53 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at her daughter’s home in Asheboro where she had been living since 2014.

She was born Nov. 2, 1921 in Knox, to the late Alfred and Ione Cottrell Fritz. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1939. She met Fredrick “Fred” Schultz of Star City, and married him on Feb. 16, 1941. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1957, after 16 years of marriage. After Fred’s death, she began working as a teller at First Union Bank & Trust in Winamac. Several years later, while working at the bank, she met Jacob “Jake” Nice who was a widower. They began dating and were married in September 1968. He preceded her in death in September 1985, after 17 years of marriage.

She is survived by:
Douglas (Patty) Schultz, Granger, Son
Michael (Cindy) Schultz, Winamac, Son
Peggy (Gary) Yeary, Asheboro, NC, Daughter
Darlene (Jim) Fritz, Step-Daughter
William (Becky) Nice, Step-Son
Robert (Janet) Nice, Step-Son
9 Grandchildren
15 Great-Grandchildren
3 Great-Great-Grandchildren
10 Step-Grandchildren
16 Step-Great-Grandchildren

She was preceded in death by:
Timothy (Becky) Schultz, Son and Daughter-in-law
Mary Newell, Step-Daughter
Dale (Marjorie) Fritz, Brother and Sister-in-law

Mrs. Nice and her first husband lived on a 160-acre farm in Star City and were blessed with four children. Later, she welcomed her second husband’s children like they were her own. In 1971, Jake and Dorothy bought a cabin on Lower McKenzie Lake in Spooner, WI where they would go to fish and relax. Many family members and friends would visit them at the cabin. She was a great hostess, always welcoming everyone who entered her door. She loved to bake pies and cinnamon rolls and to serve big meals at family gatherings. She was a skilled painter of landscapes and displayed her art work in both her home and at the 4-H Fair. She was a good sport and liked to have fun. Dorothy and Jake loved to dance. Every Sunday morning they would dance in their living room to Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody, Sometime.” She would also dance with her granddaughters to “Old Time Rock and Roll.” She relished playing board games and watching movies from the library with the grandchildren. After Jake retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1977, they were able to travel more. Following Christmas each year, they spent a couple of months at a condo on the beach in Cocoa Beach, FL. Many family members came down to visit them. Everyone would relax, walk on the beach, and go out to “Early Bird” dinners. Jake and Dorothy always knew the best places to eat. She loved the Lord and was a member of the Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. Following her example, her children, grandchildren, step-children and step-grandchildren have made a positive impact in their communities and throughout the world. She has touched so many lives, and she has blessed us all with her presence. God’s speed, Dorothy, until we meet again.

A private graveside service will be held at Star City West Cemetery in Star City with Pastor Don Whipple officiating. Private burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Summer Reading program at the Pulaski County Public Library (121 N. Riverside Dr. Winamac, IN 46996).

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Linda Thomas

March 14, 1950 to December 17, 2020

MEDARYVILLE - Linda Thomas, 70, of Rensselaer, passed away at 8:34 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born March 14, 1950 to John and Christine Stone Conley.

She is survived by:
Christina Hartley, Rensselaer, Daughter
Robert (Peggy) Campbell, Logansport, Son
Kimberly Campbell, Logansport, Daughter
Kevin (Elizabeth) Campbell, Rensselaer, Son
Dianna Warran, Hobart, Adopted Daughter
10 Grandchildren: Michael, Ashly, Tiffany, Alex, Colton, Austin, Shania, Christen, Sabastian, and Ashton.
6 Great-Grandchildren: Brayden, Jayce, Addy, Joslynn, Kayden, and Nevaeh.
John “Junior” (Patricia) Conley, Phoenix, AZ, Brother
Kenneth “Kenny” (Crystal) Walker, Francesville, Brother
David (Linda) Walker, Rensselaer, Brother
Ray (Trisha) Conley, Remington, Brother
Donald Conley, Winamac, Brother
Jack Conley, Winamac, Brother
Vinia (Jr.) Carter, Wheatfield, Sister
Joanne (Larry) Whitaker, Florida, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Loretta Conley, Step-Mother

Preceded in death by:
John Conley, Father
Christine Stone Conley Walker, Mother
Richard “Ronnie” Walker, Step Father
James “Jimmy” Walker, Brother
Jim Conley, Brother
Charles Conley, Brother
Margie Terry, Sister
Loise Ann Conley, Sister
Bonnie J. Allen, Sister
Gilbert Thomas, Former Spouse

Mrs. Thomas enjoyed cooking dinners for her family and friends as well as going to the casino. She loved her family dearly and will be sadly missed.

A graveside service will be at 12 noon (CST) Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

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

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

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

James A. Shorter

January 26, 1939 to December 16, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - James “Jim” A. Shorter, 81, of Winamac passed away at 1:35 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

Born Jan. 26, 1939, he was the son of the late George and Alvina Shedrow Shorter of Winamac. He married Betty J. Ezra on Nov. 5, 1960. She survives.

Also surviving are a daughter Amy (David) Bailey of Star City; sons Gregory (Tracey) Shorter and Steven (Chris) Shorter, both of Winamac; and brother Gerald (Pat) Shorter of Winamac. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Shorter; grandson Michael Shorter and granddaughter Christi Hoffa.

Mr. Shorter retired from Plymouth Tube, Winamac in 1999 as a foreman after 38 years of working there. He attended First Christian Church in Winamac. He enjoyed bass fishing and spending time with family and friends. His grandkids meant the world to him. He often enjoyed meeting up with his McDonald's friends.  He was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Private family services will be held.

Memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church in Winamac.

Condolences may be shared at the online guestbook at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

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

Birdena D. Pearce

October 30, 1949 to December 15, 2020

WINAMAC - Birdena D. “Wendy” Pearce, 71, of Monterey, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15.

She was born Oct. 30, 1949 in Monterey, to the late Earl I. and Clara V. Gilsinger Walters. She was a 1968 graduate of Monterey High School. On Jan. 11, 1978 she married William E. “Bill” Pearce in Sacramento, CA. He passed away Dec. 7, 2001.

She is survived by:
Jennifer Cain (Hugo) Mercado, Elk Grove, CA, Step-Daughter
Sophia Mercado, Step-Granddaughter
Nicholas Mercado, Step-Grandson
Loretta Nester, Falls Church, VA, Sister
Elnora Girton, Monterey, Sister
JoAnn (Grant) Hero, Monterey, Sister
Sharon Walters, Fair Oaks, Sister-in-law
Robert Rosenau, North Judson, Brother-in-law
Beverly Walters, Koontz Lake, Sister-in-law
Carol Anderson, Winamac, Former Sister-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Timothy Pearce, Son
Jean Napierkowski White, Sister
Lorraine Rosenau, Sister
John Walters, Brother
Ralph Walters, Brother
Jerry Walters, Brother
Karen Floyd, Sister
Donald Walters, Brother
Stanley Walters, Infant Brother
Mary Walters, Infant Sister
Billy Walters, Infant Brother

Mrs. Pearce worked for the Social Security Administration her entire life. She worked in Virginia and California before returning home to Indiana. She was a lifelong member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Monterey. She enjoyed spending time with her friends at Community Services of Starke County. She also enjoyed her cats, playing BINGO, and going to the boat. Most of all, she loved her family and friends very much. She cherished her trips to California to visit her family.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac, with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Monterey, or the American Diabetes’s Association.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Mary Lea Sass

December 5, 1939 to December 12, 2020

WINAMAC - Mary Lea Roth Sass, 81, of Pulaski, passed away at 10:25 p.m., Saturday, Dec.12,at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born Dec.5,1939 in Pulaski to the late Harry Joseph and Iva Lucile Degner Roth. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1957.

She is survived by:
Michael (Annette) Sass, Pulaski, Son
Shellee (John) Alexander, Winamac, Daughter
Sherree (David) Miller, LaPorte, Daughter
Karen Shidler, Winamac, Daughter
Karla (Alan) Dague, Grass Creek, Daughter
19 Grandchildren
15 Great-Grandchildren
Harold “Sonny” (Patty) Roth, Pulaski, Brother
Margaret “Peggy” Burzinski, Arlington Heights, IL, Sister
Carolyn Witham, Pulaski, Sister
Richard “Bub” (Sandy) Roth, Winamac, Brother
Robert (Kathy) Roth, The Villages, FL, Brother
Rebecca (Chuck) Zellers, Winamac, Sister
Patricia J. “Peach” Roth, Pulaski, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Patsy Ann Shoemaker, Sister
William R. “Bill” Roth, Brother
James Witham, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Sass was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski and sang in the church choir. She was also a member of the Christian Mothers.She started her career at Logansport State Hospital, but most will remember her as the sweet x-ray technician at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac where she worked for 30years. She enjoyed gardening, BINGO, and bird watching.She was a loving and nurturing woman who dedicated her life to raising her children, caring for her parents and siblings, and being an awesome grandma.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m.,Thursday, Dec.17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. The rosary will be led by Mary Lea’s family at 10:30 a.m.,at the church and everyone is welcome.All guests are required to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing. Private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of thedonor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Ruth E. Wuethrich

December 13, 1934 to December 12, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Ruth E. Wuethrich, 85, of Francesville, passed awayat 9:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12,at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville, just before her 86th birthday.

She was born Dec.13, 1934 to the late Clyde and Clara Sinn Stoller from Latty,Ohio. After the death of her father, Ruth moved with her family at the ageof 14 to New Haven, Ind. She graduated from New Haven High School in 1952. She gave her life to the Lord in 1954 and was a memberof the Apostolic Christian Church. On Oct. 2, 1955 she married Chris Lee Wuethrich. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by:
Ken (Lyn) Wuethrich, Indianapolis, Son
Kitty (Dennis) Gutwein, Francesville, Daughter
Kevin (Connie) Wuethrich, Francesville, Son
Chris (Carla) Wuethrich, Troy, IL, Son
Kelly (Mark) Ramseyer, Livonia, MI, Daughter
Kirby (April) Wuethrich, Zionsville, Son
33 grandchildren: Heather (Michael) Rowe, Seth (Jenny) Wuethrich, Sean (Julie) Wuethrich, Jacob (Michelle)Gutwein, Jonathan (Jessica) Gutwein, Lydia (Jardon) Koebcke, Kara (Jason) Bohlinger, Kristy (Jason) Carlile,Kaitlyn (Jake) Podell, Levi (Kyann) Wuethrich, Meagan (Brad) Frank, Landon (Hannah) Wuethrich, MarissaWuethrich, Cambria Wuethrich, Carrie Ramseyer, Caleb (Autumn) Ramseyer, Grace Ramseyer, GrantRamseyer, Abigail Wuethrich, and Cale Wuethrich.
31 great-grandchildren
Marian Yoder, Sister
Richard (Arlene) Stoller, Brother
Marcia Stoller, Sister-in-law
Robert (Phyllis) Wuethrich, Brother-in-law
Nola Wuethrich, Sister-in-law
Many nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lester Stoller, Brother
Eugene Yoder, Brother-in-law
Theresa (Paul) Von Tobel, Sister-in-law
Wilma (Jack) Stewart, Sister-in-law
Velda (Lee) Overmyer, Sister-in-law
Mildred (Eugene) Huber, Sister-in-law
Elizabeth (John) Schambach, Sister-in-law
Glendoris (Lester) Huber, Sister-in-law
Genevieve (Ed) Schambach, Sister-in-law
Willis (Marjean) Wuethrich, Brother-in-law
David (Barb) Wuethrich, Brother-in-law
Barbara Ellen Wuethrich, Sister-in-law
Richard Wuethrich, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Wuethrich and her husband were blessed with six children and 63 years of marriage. She blessed many hearts by her beautiful alto voice, having the ability to harmonize by ear. Along with being an outstanding cook, she had a passion for reading, which sparked a special connection to her grandchildren. She was an exceptional wife and partner on the farm. She didn’t just take sandwiches to the field; it was a four-course meal - tablecloth and all! Her kids had a hot breakfast every morning before school which included at least two pounds of bacon. Her granddaughters loved her sense of style and cute displays of knick-knacks.She was a loving mom, patient grandma, and gentle great-grandma.

Private visitation will be held at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Private funeral services will be held at Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. The church will broadcast the funeral service at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17, on its Facebook page and on the AC Central App. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

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