Vicki Vuittonet, 58, of Rochester, passed away at 2:55 AM on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Woodlawn Hospital.

On February 3, 1966, Vicki Kay was born in Bunker Hill to Jay and Agnes York Murray.

Vicki and Homero Vuittonet were married on March 2, 1999 in Rochester. They have shared nearly 25 years of life’s adventures.

As a seamstress, Vicki worked at Hart Schaffner & Marx of Rochester. She had also worked for DW Wall Covering and WEN Product.

Left to cherish the memories of Vicki are her husband, Homero; daughter Monique Lundie of Rochester; son Farris Edward Rayn JR of Bremen; six grandchildren, Aidan Rayn, Lena Rayn, Brayden Lilley,  Kaylei Lundie, Austin Lundie, Kylei Lundie; three siblings, Larry Murray of Harlan KY,  Harold “Andy” Murray of Rochester, Donna Murray of Gulfport, MS; three canine companions, Pepe, Kayann and Lupe and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Vicki in death are her parents, infant son Justin Murray, two sisters, Paula Gifford, Debbie Biddle and a brother Gary Murray.

Private family service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Margie A. “Skip” Powell, 92, of Warsaw, and formerly of Burket, passed peacefully Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw.
 Skip was born on Jan. 3, 1932 in Wabash, Indiana to the late Russell C. and Averilla M. (Robinson) Carter.  She was a 1950 graduate of Wabash High School. She married on June 17, 1951 in Wabash to Robert F. Powell, who preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 1997.
She had owned and operated Powell’s Market and Snack Bar of Burket for 28 years. She had many regulars over the years that stopped in to socialize. Skip was known for her jumbo sandwich, that people still talk about to this day. She enjoyed making quilts and was in a Quilting Club at the Burket Church, where they made baby blankets and dresses for Haiti. She was a longtime member of the Moose Lodge #1423 of Warsaw. In earlier years, her and her husband enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, and Arizona trips. She also enjoyed flowers and tending to her yard as well as spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Cheryl Murphy of Silver Lake, Greg A. and wife Marita Powell of Taylorsville, Kentucky, and J.R. Powell and companion Addie of Warsaw; grandchildren Ashley, Kristin, Weston, and Dillon; great grandchildren Ian, Gabe, Lailynn, Elijah, Bowie, and Sawyer; and sister Rosalie Neilsen of Wabash.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters Elsie Rish and Janet Titus, and son-in-law Mike Murphy.
 The funeral service will take place at 12:00 noon, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana.
 The interment will take place following the service at the Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery 8632 IN-13 Wabash, Indiana.
 Visitation hours will be held from 10 am to 12:00 noon, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana.
 Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Burket Bible Church or the Burket Fire Dept.

Gordon R. Potter, 81, of rural Rochester, passed at 6:45 pm, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 
Gordon was born on Oct. 14, 1942 in Montgomery, Indiana to the late Bert and May (Woods) Potter. He was a 1960 graduate of Washington High School. He then furthered his education at Vincennes University and attained his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna S. Eagle, on Jan. 26, 1963 in Washington, Indiana.
Gordon was an accountant for 30 years, lastly doing accounting for Moore Business Forms. He also did soil testing for many local farmers. In earlier years, he had attended the Waco Church of Christ and later the Rochester Church of Christ. Gordon had been a longtime Akron Lions Club member as well as a past president of the former Kiwanis of Mentone and also attended meetings at Rochester.
 He loved being outdoors. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, gardening, making apple cider with family, and spending quality time with his family. He also was an IU Basketball fan and enjoyed watching various other sports. He dearly loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Donna Potter of Rochester; daughter Lisa Seitz of Warsaw and Lori and husband Don Studebaker of Warsaw; son Roby Potter of Rochester; grandchildren Kayla Seitz, Karlie Seitz, Tara Koebcke, Zane Studebaker, Blane Potter, Shane Potter, Jalen Potter, Jace Potter, and Payton Potter; 5 Great Grandchildren; brother Brian and wife Debra Potter of Akron; and a sister Diane Alexander of Monticello, Ill.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janet Langford and Pauline Butler, and step father Ralph Edwards.
Following his wishes, no services will be held at this time. A memorial service/celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Akron Lions Club or the Hope’s Harbor Family Hospitality 7922 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

Bernard Phillip “Phil” Bickle, 75, Lafayette, and formerly of Rochester, passed away at 11:45 P.M. Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at his residence.

He was born January 6, 1949 in Lorain, Ohio, the first-born child of Bernard Phillip Bickle and Ann Marie (Queen) Bickle. His family came to Rochester in early 1960s when his father was transferred from Ohio to manage a local hardware store.

Phil’s first marriage was to Liz (Walsh) Kelsey and they later divorced. In 1973, he married Kathryn “Kathy” Everdon and she survives.  He graduated from Rochester High School in 1967, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington.  He had worked for Wilson Foods in Logansport, Indiana and retired from Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette, Indiana.

Phil was an accomplished guitarist, having performed in his own band “The Highwaymen” during his high school years.  He was a Corvette enthusiast, and a Dallas Cowboys fan.  Growing up on Lake Manitou in Rochester, he enjoying water skiing. In his retirement years, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time at the beach. 

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Everdon) Bickle, Argos, Indiana, three children, son with his first wife,  Rodney “Rod” Bickle, Rochester, Indiana, daughters, Stacy Cox, Logansport, Indiana, Hayley (wife Sarah) Bickle-Wiser, Lafayette, Indiana, four grandchildren, Allie Bickle, Bloomington, Indiana, Brock Bickle, Rochester, Indiana,  Ashlyn Cox and Alayna Cox, both of Logansport, Indiana, brother, Allen (LuAnne) Bickle, Pueblo, Colorado, two sisters, Cathy (Bickle) See Drake and companion Don, Florida and Kandi (Bickle) Waltz Sausaman and husband Dave, Rochester, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Bernie and Ann Bickle.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 A.M. Friday March 1, 2024 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 29, 2024 and one hour prior to service Friday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Samuel Alva, 72, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024 at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette. 

He was born on June 3, 1951 in Rensselaer, IN to the late Benjamin and Naomi [Villalobos] Alva. 

Sam graduated from West Central High School in 1969.  On June 15, 1974, he married the love of his life, Vicky Koekenberg at the Medaryville Christian Church.  They were looking forward to celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary in June.                       

Sam was a member of the Medaryville Christian Church.  He was retired from Talbert Manufacturing after being a welder for 38 years.  Sam was an avid Miami Dolphins and IU Basketball fan.  He proudly supported his daughters throughout their athletic careers.  He was a proud Papa to Aria and Emma. Sam will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by:

Vicky [Koekenberg] Alva, Medaryville, IN Wife

Stephanie (Kevin) Miller, Francesville, IN Daughter

Tiffany (Chad) Jones, Ft. Wayne, IN Daughter

2 Granddaughters: Aria and Emma

Moses (Colleen) Alva, North Judson, IN Brother

Rick Koekenberg, Monticello, IN Brother-in-law

Phil Byers, Wanatah, IN Brother-in-law

Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:

Benjamin and Naomi [Villalobos] Alva, Parents

Nathan Samuel Alva, Infant Son

Eliza V. Alva, Infant Sister

Febe Byers, Sister

Rachel (Ron) Tanner, Sister

Ofelia Alva, Sister

Jesse Alva, Brother

Bernard and Juanita [Ellison] Koekenberg, In-laws

Visitation will be from 10 AM – 2 PM EST Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Medaryville Christian Church (112 S. Jefferson St. Medaryville, IN 47957). 

Services will be held at 2 PM EST Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Medaryville Christian Church with Ministers Wes Raley and Tony Schabel officiating.

Burial will take place at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Medaryville Christian Church.

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

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

Paul John Kindig, 86, rural Akron, died on February 17, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. at his residence.

He was born on August 8, 1937 in Akron, Indiana to Byron and Mildred (Steininger) Kindig in the home where he presently lived.

Paul graduated from Akron High School in 1955 and entered into the United States Army serving from September 1960 to August 1962.  He then married Rosemary Perkins on  December 14, 1963 in Lebanon, Indiana.  He has lived his complete life in the Akron area.

He made a living as being a farmer, growing crops of grain and raising cows and hogs.  He enjoyed gardening and was very generous, sharing his produce with his neighbors and friends.

Paul had attended Olive Bethel Church of God and then the Akron Church of God.  He was very active in helping with United We Stand Ministries of Akron, Indiana.  Besides gardening, he enjoyed fishing and fox hunting.

Surviving Paul is his wife: Rosemary of Akron; (1) daughter: Marla Jane Kindig of Akron, IN; (1) son: Tim Michael Kindig of Bluffton, IN; (1) grandson: Austin Michael (spouse Emily) Kindig of Ossian, IN; (6) great grandchildren: Giovanni, Isabella, Therese, Basil, Aurelia and Oswald.

Preceding Paul was his parents, (2) brothers: Clifford and Larry Kindig, and a daughter-in-law, DeVona Kindig.

Paul’s funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at the Akron Church of God, 301 S. West Street, Akron, Indiana. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with the service following officiated by Pastor Mandy Nellans.

A committal service and burial will be in the Athens Mount Hope (Hoover) Cemetery, Athens, Indiana.

Memorial contributions can be made to United We Stand Ministries.

P.O. Box 173, 107 E. Walnut Street, Akron, Indiana  46910

(and/or)  the Akron Church of God, P.O. Box 66, Akron, Indiana  46910

The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Paul Kindig.

Online condolences may be sent to earllovefuneralhome.com

Rosie Lee Prater, 97, of Akron, went home to be with the Lord at 6:13 am, Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at her residence. 

Rosie was born on March 30, 1926 in Galdia, Kentucky to the late William and Amanda (Howard) Slone.  She married Berrell C. Marshall, who passed on May 23, 1942. She later married Burl Prater, he preceded her in April 24, 1985. 

In years past, she worked for General Tire of Wabash and was a nurse’s aid at Woodlawn Hospital of Rochester. Also she looked after many people at her home.  She always enjoyed sewing, gardening, woodworking, traveling all over, and painting. She loved her dog Faith.  

She is survived by her nieces Connie Fairchild of North Judson and Stella Day of Ft. Wayne; and nephews Gene “Jerry” Manns of Silver Lake, Danny Slone of Wabash, and Wiley Bailey; great nieces and nephews.  

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Berrell and Burl, son Laymon Marshall, grandson Marvin Marshall and Jimmy Marshall, sister Josephine Slone, half sister Bertha Bolen, and half brothers Dorton Manns, Mitchel Manns, and James Arnold Slone. 

The funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana. 

The interment will take place in the Rochester I.O.O.F. Cemetery alongside her son and grandson. 

Visitation hours will be held from 1 pm to 2 pm, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana.

Gregory Charles Tann, 68, of Warsaw, and formerly of Beaver Dam Lake, passed at 11:41 am, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 at his residence. 
Greg was born on Oct. 4, 1955 in Marion, Indiana to the late Charles J. and Betty (Reeve) Tann. He was a 1973 graduate of Marion High School. He worked for over 14 years for Beer House of Vincennes and then for Biomet for 10 years. 
Greg was a longtime member of the VFW and Moose of Vincennes. He loved living on the lake. He enjoyed hanging out with all of the lake families. He also was an IU and Cubs fan and enjoyed cars over the years. 
He was survived by numerous lake friends. Greg was preceded in death by his parents. 
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street, Akron, Indiana with Pastor Butch Troke officiating.

Friends may gather an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Private burial will be in Grant Memorial Park, 1606 West 26th Street Marion, Indiana next to his parents.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Beaver Dam Community Church for Wheels on Fire to assist the community members who are fighting cancer .

Brent Alan Graham, 56 of rural Atwood, passed away February 15, 2024, at 6:05 a.m. at the Warsaw Meadows Care Center.

On January 14, 1968, in Naha-Okinawa, Japan he was born to William R. Graham and Sharon G. (Howell) Button. 

He has lived in the Atwood community since 2007, having lived in Mesa, Arizona prior.

He married Laura Louise Ryman on November 27, 1998. She preceded him on September 9, 2018.

Brent worked at Union Tool, in Warsaw, Indiana and was a graduate of Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona with the class of 1986.

Brent is survived by his Daughters – Kristi Hollopeter and Ben of Sedalia, Missouri; Alicia Schmidt and Brayden of Warsaw, Indiana; Erinn Graham of Atwood, Indiana.

Son – Reece Graham of Sedalia, Missouri

2 Grandsons – Atlas and Liam

Mother – Sharon Button of Pheonix, Arizona

Sister – Brenda Vasko and Scott of Henderson, Texas

and his Fur Kid Penelope the cat

He is preceded in death by his Father – William Graham

No Services are planned currently.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, Argos, Indiana

Nickolai Eugene Ringer, infant son of Madison Jeane Stearns and Tyler Randall Ringer, passed away on Monday February 12, 2024, at 10:10 a.m. at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

Nickolai is survived by his mother and father; brother - Edmund Stearns all of Argos, Indiana

Maternal Grandparents – Paul and Susan Stearns of Argos, Indiana

Paternal Grandmother – Randy and Michelle Ringer of Argos, Indiana.

Great Grandparents – Sam Fugate of Argos, Indiana; Gene Ringer of Culver, Indiana; and Helen Crow of Argos, Indiana

Uncles – Andy Stearns of Plymouth, Indiana and Alex Stearns of Floridia

Aunts – Tara Ringer of Valparaiso, Indiana; Samantha Sizelove; and Maci Ringer of Argos, Indiana

He is preceded in death by his Great Grandparents – Hugh Stearns; Patricia Lawson; George and Judy Stinemetz; Jeane Stinemetz; and Juanita Fugate

No services are planned currently.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, Argos, Indiana

Raymond Lee Sparks, “Sparky,” 82, went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN. 

Raymond was born on July 18,1941, to Waymon and Irene (Whitaker) Sparks in Cookeville, TN. He was a hard worker and loved his family very much. He retired from Lear Corp. in 2002. Raymond never knew a stranger, and his wife would tease him that he could talk for twenty minutes to the wrong number. Raymond loved the Lord and all of His creatures, especially the stray cats he fed and loved dearly. 

Raymond came from a big family. He was one of eleven children: Dean, Martha, and Francis all survive, and preceding in death are David, Geneva, Riley, Roseanell, Hollis, Mary, and Johnny.
Raymond had five children, Geneva (Scott) Monroe, Denver, Kenneth Sparks, Sacramento, CA), Pamela Sparks-deceased, Daniel Sparks (Cookeville, TN), Micheal Sparks (Peru). He had six grandchildren, Beth-Ann (deceased,) Amy, Christopher Sparks, Patrick Grubbs, Amber Sparks, and Geniva Sparks; and three great-grandchildren.

In 1987, Raymond married Karin (Settles) Sparks and welcomed three step-children, Greg (Joan) Hill (Peru,) Deborah (Brian) Thompson (Unionville, IN,) and Lisa (Rodney) Easterday (Bunker Hill). He also gained three step-grandchildren whom he treated as his own, Erica (Joshua) Walker (Bunker Hill,) Zachary Schmith (Bunker Hill,) and Chloe Hentgen (Amboy,) and one step great-grandchild. 

Raymond was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.  

The family will celebrate his life without any formal services.  McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  

Kent A.  Enyart, 69, of South Bend,  passed away at 2:55 PM  on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Cardinal Nursing Home and Rehabilitation of South Bend.

On September 20, 1954, Kent Allen was born in South Bend to Carl V. and Patricia Ann Young Enyart. He is a lifetime resident of South Bend. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister, Susan and a brother, Michael.  Kent was a loving son, a great brother and an uncle who adored his nieces and nephews.

Kent is lovingly remembered by his mother, Patricia Enyart of South Bend; a sister, Susan Elaine Enyart Kish and husband Ken of Lafayette; brother Michael Paul Enyart and wife Katherine of Austin, TX;  five nieces and nephews:  Genevieve Faulkner, Amarin Enyart, Jason Richardson and wife Erica, Lisa Williams and husband Rob, Justin Waggoner and wife Jessica; five great-nieces and nephews: Alexandria, Dace, Kelli, Karen and Vivian; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding Kent in death is his father, Carl Enyart on September 4, 2022.

A celebration of the life of Kent Allen Enyart will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.

Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the service in the funeral home.  

Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Ocelia Marie Bailey- Conklin 100, Rochester, passed away at 6:30 P.M. Monday, February 5, 2024 at her residence.

She was born on February 6, 1923 in Tracy, Indiana, the daughter of Ocel and Cecile (Smith) Emigh. On June 10, 1939 in Monticello, Indiana, she married Carl Hostetler. He preceded her in death on September 10, 1972. On June 21, 1975 in Donaldson, Indiana, she married Ralph F. Bailey and spent many wonderful years with him before he passed away on January 18, 1998. She later married LeRoy Conklin on August 23, 2003 and he preceded her in death on March 2, 2008.

Ocelia was a beautician, who for many years owned and operated her own beauty salon. She had been active in First Presbyterian Church, now Community Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and Moderator as well as belonging to the Presbyterians Women’s Association. She had been an active member of R.S.V.P and enjoyed attending the Senior Center where she won the title of “Queen” for the Senior Prom. In her leisure time, she enjoyed camping, playing cards with her family, crocheting, especially making blankets and slippers for everyone, and was someone who never knew a stranger.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and a goddaughter. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Huber, brother, Eugene Emigh and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 12, 2024 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Friends may visit from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, Walkerton, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Presbyterian Church or to R.S.V.P.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Scott Anthony Combs, 48, of Akron, passed at 5:42 am, Monday, February 5, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital of Ft. Wayne after complications of a massive heart attack. 
Scott was born on Oct. 25, 1975 in Wabash, Indiana to James A. and Janie (Lester) Combs.  Scott was a 1994 graduate of North Manchester High School. He married on Oct. 7, 2017 in Roann, Indiana, on the covered bridge, to April Ray Gunnels, she survives.
Most recently he worked for Rettig’s Industrial Supply of Wabash as a salesman. Over the years he had many jobs, which included, maintenance, heating/cool, plumbing, and a truck driver. Scott could fix anything. He enjoyed working on cars and was currently building a golf cart from scratch. He always had a project. 
Scott and April together took on projects, as a couple, like remodeling the kitchen, deck, and setting up the pool. When April asked, nothing was too big. He took wonderful care of her and spoiled her endlessly. He was a man of few words, but loved talking cars. His favorite car is his silver 1998 Corvette. But most of all he loved spending time with his granddaughter Nora. 
He is survived by his wife April Combs of Akron; children Trey Combs of Akron, Layne Combs of Ft. Wayne, and Mia Gunnels of Akron; a granddaughter Nora; parents Jim and Janie Combs of Silver Lake; siblings James Combs of Laketon, Robert Combs of Ft. Wayne, Shane and wife Erin Combs of Warsaw, and Anna and husband Dave Lamson of Wabash; and mother-in-law Rose Mary Price of Warsaw.
Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents Lawrence and Okie Lester. 
The funeral service will take place at 12:00 noon, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Jerry Creekmore officiating. 
The interment will take place in the Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, Indiana.
Visitation hours will be from 4 pm to 8 pm, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana.