Betty Lavon Sanders, 99 and a resident of Warsaw, passed away quietly at 11:50 p.m. in Paddock Springs Senior Living Center on Friday, July 19, 2019.

She was born on Dec. 5, 1919, in Silver Lake. She was the daughter of Joseph S. Parker and Bertha B. (Metzger) Parker – both of whom preceded her in passing. The only girl of four children, she was raised in the family home with her brothers, Rex, Karl and Jay Parker.

On July 12, 1941, Miss Parker was united in marriage to Frank Sanders, Jr. The pair moved to Warsaw in 1946. They also lived in Hammond for 15 years before making their home in Claypool. They enjoyed spending winters in Florida in the 80s and 90s and retired to Warsaw in the early 2000s. On Jan. 4, 2008, Frank preceded Betty in passing.

Professionally, she had been a teacher and a homemaker. She worked in several towns, having taught locally at both Jefferson and Washington Schools. She was a member of P.E.O. (a Women’s philanthropic organization), Kosciusko County Retired Teachers, Happy Homemaker’s Club, and Linden Reading Club. She was also a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, having attended there for more than fifty years. Betty’s family was most important to her; and she was sure they knew it, relaying the message to them many times.

She was especially fond of time spent with her grandchildren who cherish memories of trips to Florida and time spent on the farm simply having fun. She also loved to play games of all kinds. She had a smile and kind word for all who knew her and possessed a great strength even in difficult times though she generally had a playful spirit.

She will be remembered by her beloved family and many friends including daughter, Sandra (Roger) Kunce of Cromwell; son, Tom (Joanne) Sanders of Columbus; and six grandchildren: Colleen (Jef) Bafford, Joe Sanders, Bridget Sanders, Steve (Meredith) Sanders, Gretchen (Josh) Bailey and Gwen (Nathan) Fuller; and eleven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Betty Sanders was preceded in passing by her brothers and a son, Stephen Sanders.

Friends may join the family for a time of visitation at Trinity United Methodist Church, 832 East Center Street, Warsaw, on Wednesday, July 24, from 11 to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow with burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake. Pastor Ernie Troxell will officiate. Her Life Celebration is entrusted to Titus Funeral Home.

Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com

Alice Marie Bartman, 81, Warsaw, formerly of North Webster, passed away at 5:13 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2019, at Warsaw Meadows Care Center in Warsaw. She was born on Oct. 28, 1937, in Westmont, Ill. to Louis Arthur and Ruth Wilhelmina (Erickson) Pease.

She grew up in Illinois and graduated from High School there. She was married on July 19, 1975, in Brookfield, Ill. to Earl Edmond Bartman Jr. who preceded her on Jan. 15, 1994. She was a homemaker and previously worked at factories in Brookfield, Ill. and McHenry, Ill., and at the 76 Gas Station in North Webster. She moved to the North Webster area in 1995 from McHenry, Ill.

She is survived by her daughter: Michele (Charles) Farr of North Webster; two sons: Michael Guill of Brookhaven, Miss.; and Mark (Angi) Bartman of McHenry, Ill.; two step-daughters: Debbie (Ross) Anderson of Illinois; and Karen Prise of Mich.; a step-son: Mike (Shelby) Carnes of Fennville, Mich.; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter: Alicia Heather Bartman, grandson: Justin Carnes, step-daughter: Tammy Grayson, and 11 siblings.

Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw. No public services will be held. Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster is in charge of arrangements.

Preferred memorials may be given to the donor’s choice. To send condolences to the family in memory of Alice Bartman, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Dennis “Dennie” Eugene Fritcher, 68, Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly at 4:08 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at his residence.

He was born on March 8, 1951, in Gladwin, Mich. to Patricia Margaret (Rice) Fritcher and Eugene Sherman Fritcher.  On Dec. 30, 1972, he was married to Colleen Denise (Burich) Fritcher.

He was a 1968 graduate of Gladwin High School in Gladwin, Mich. He attended Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Mich., graduating in 1972. He moved to Warsaw, in 1973 and started working at Dalton Foundry as a lab metallurgist, retiring in 2017. He was a proud member of the NRA, enjoyed hunting and the outdoors. One of his favorite hobbies was flying remote control planes.  Dennie loved spending time with his family and will be dearly missed.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Colleen Denise Fritcher, Warsaw; son:  Jesse (Amanda) Fritcher, Crown Point; daughter: Angelique (Ben) Durham, Warsaw; five grandchildren: Aurora, Orion, Michael, Emily and Sarah; and his great-granddaughter: Annabel Lee. He also leaves behind his mother, Patricia Fritcher and his brother: Kip (Darlene) Fritcher, both in Gladwin, Mich.  He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene.

Dennie Fritcher’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service to be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at Christ’s Covenant Church, 2090 E. Pierceton Road, Winona Lake, and will be officiated by Pastor Rod Valentine. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to  Missionaries supported by Christ’s Covenant Church, 2090 E. Pierceton Road, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590.

Arrangements are entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Yoder, 92, Warsaw, passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at Kosciusko Community Hospital of Warsaw.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1926, in Mishawaka, to Velma Grace (Hill) Shipley and Carl Wendell Shipley. On Jan. 31, 1947, she was married to John Robert Yoder. They shared 44 years of marriage together before he passed away on May 14, 1991.

She was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana and a longtime member of West Eel River Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed.

She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons: Eric Yoder, Silver Lake; Dirk (Debra) Yoder, Vincennes; five grandchildren: Dr. Danica (Dr. Kevin) Wilking, Newburgh; Damien Yoder, Carmel; Dayna (Daniel) Kolanowski, Warsaw; Alison Yoder Mirzayans, Huntington Beach, Calif.; Brady (Jody) Yoder, New Palestine; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Vickie Yoder on Jan. 13, 2001, three brothers, Jack, Robert and Richard Shipley, and two sisters, Peggy Parker and Bonnie Metzger.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m., Saturday, July 27, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. and officiated by Pastor David Lawrenz. Burial will follow with a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Memorial donations may be directed to Salvation Army, 501 Arthur Street, Warsaw, IN 46580; or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 7030 Pointe Inverness Way #230, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 and would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com

Stephen Boyd Poe, a lifetime area resident, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2019. He was 55 years old and the son of Boyd and Shirley (Hite) Poe.

Steve, as many knew him, was a 1982 graduate of Warsaw Community High School who went on to earn an associate degree from Ball State University. He was employed by Pepsi at one time and had been a machine operator for Zimmer Biomet.

He enjoyed the outdoors, liked to fish and lived to mushroom hunt. He also enjoyed playing pool and was a member of Sons of American Legion Post 49. He was a fan of all kinds of music and, though he liked most classic rock, he enjoyed songs from many genres.

On Saturday, June 4, 2011, Steve was married to Regina Gayheart at Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Warsaw. Sadly, she preceded him in passing on September 14, 2014. Both sets of grandparents and a sister, Sheila Poe, also preceded him.

Stephen was blessed to discover love again however and is survived by his fiancée, Leila Andrew. Also surviving are his parents, Boyd and Shirley Poe of Claypool; brother, Bill Poe (spouse, Michael VanOsdol) of Leesburg; three stepchildren: Arthur Martin of Warsaw, Zachary Blackburn of Nappanee and Kayla Shepherd-Palmer; three step grandchildren; several aunts, several uncles and a large extended family.

A Life Celebration will be held at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10 a.m. – 12 o’clock. Beginning at 12, Pastor William Whitaker of Warsaw Family Worship Center will officiate Stephen’s funeral service. Immediately following, Stephen will be interred beside Regina in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given toward Stephen’s final expenses at Titus Funeral Home and would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be left on their website at www.TitusFuneralHome.com

Paul N. Wagner, 66, Warsaw, passed away at 9:02 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at his home. He was born on December 20, 1952 in Bremen, to Stuart and Marcia V. (Hetznecker) Wagner.

He grew up in Bremen, graduated from Bremen High School, and Indiana University in Bloomington. He was married on May 14, 1993, in Speedway to Laura B. (Hunt) Keeling, who survives and moved to the Warsaw area. He was employed at Lippert Components (formerly Seating Technologies) in Goshen and was the former owner and operator of Bornemann Products for 20+ years in Bremen.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters: Wendy Abshier, Springfield, Ill; Amanda Keeling and Kelly Keeling, both of Warsaw; two sons: Jackson (Brandi) Wagner, College Station, Texas; Stuart Wagner, Indianapolis; four grandchildren; brother, James (Rita) Wagner, Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother – Mark Wagner.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Wagner home, 3352 N. Old Farm Rd. E, Warsaw. Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County, 102 West Lincoln Ave, Goshen, IN 46526. To send condolences to the family in memory of Paul Wagner, please visit www.cremationserviceskc.com

Larry Mauzy was born in Warsaw, Aug. 11, 1941 to Leonard and Lillian (Shroyer) Mauzy. Growing up on a farm in rural Indiana, Larry and his brothers, along with father Leonard and neighboring friends, spent many hours in the barn playing the “state game”- basketball. 

After being chased by the cutest girl at North Webster High School, Larry Mauzy married Brenda Lee Richard May 28, 1959. He attended Indian Central College. In 1963, Larry, Brenda, Lynne and Leeanda moved from Indiana to Tulsa, Okla., and made Tulsa their home. Laura was born in Tulsa. 

Throughout his career in Tulsa, Larry worked for Amax Aluminum Mill Products (1970-72), Skyline Corporation (1972-73), T.K. International (1973-1981), and RDS/Solar Turbines (1981-2016). 

After 34 years of faithful service, he retired as Vice President/Sales Manager from RDS Manufacturing in 2016.  Larry met and maintained many lifelong friends during his career.

Larry was preceded in death by both parents, sister Lorene Mauzy Weimer (husband John), and brother Terry Mauzy (wife Maureen).

Larry Mauzy is survived by loving wife Brenda, Tulsa; and brother, Leonard Ellis Mauzy (wife Norma), Fort Wayne; daughters: Lynne Mauzy Rudy, Broken Arrow; and Leeanda Mauzy Rudy (husband Phil), Broken Arrow; Laura Mauzy Bunch (husband Blaine), of Owasso. He also has ten beautiful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Bridget Jean Castle, 60, Warsaw, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019, at her home. Arrangements are pending at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw.

Bridget Jean “Moo Moo” Castle, 60, Warsaw, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019, at her home. She was born on Sept. 12, 1958, in St. Joseph County to Leonard and Mary K. (Murphy) Wolford.

She lifetime Warsaw area resident, graduated from Warsaw High School and attended Grace College in Winona Lake & Ivy Tech in Warsaw. She was formerly employed at R.R. Donnelley in Warsaw, Smokercraft in New Paris, and United Telephone in Plymouth.

She is survived by her son, Dustin Allen Sloan, Westfield; three grandchildren: Conrad Helton, Kayden and Faith Sloan; half brother, Fred Wolford, Warsaw; former spouse: Robert Castle, Warsaw; mother of grandchildren, Corrie Cowger, Etna Green.

She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter – Jamie Sloan

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw. Private burial will take place in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Pierceton.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Bridget Castle Funeral Fund, c/o Cremation Services, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw, IN 46582. To send condolences to the family in memory of Bridget Castle, please visit www.cremationserviceskc.com

Richard Schmucker, 75, of Warsaw, IN (Barbee) passed away at 4:38 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, St. Rd 13 & CR 500N, North Webster, IN.

Paul D Grossnickle passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at 2:45 p.m. in Millers Merry Manor in Warsaw.  He was born June 22, 1924, in North Manchester, to Gorman and Lena Grossnickle.  He was the 7th of 7 children.  

In 1944 he married Mary Jane Stuckey.  He and Jane had 2 sons:  Steve, living in Traverse City, Mich., and Bruce, living in Sanibel, Fla. Paul’s wife, Jane, passed away in 2013.

The day after Paul graduated from North Manchester High School in 1942, he joined the US Navy.  He was a Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter pilot in the Pacific throughout WW2. He served 20 years in the Navy as a pilot, Optometrist, and in the Reserves. He graduated from Manchester College and received his Doctor of Optometry from Northern Illinois College of Optometry.   He and Jane moved to Warsaw in 1957 where he practiced Optometry for 48 years.  Along with Steve and Bruce he formed the Grossnickle Eye Center in 1982.

He was a member of the American Optometric Association, Indiana Optometric Association, and North Central Indiana Optometric Society.  He was a past board member of the United Way and the Kosciusko County YMCA and was a long-term member of the Warsaw Aviation Board.

He is survived by Steve and his wife, Lori, who have three children: Brian, Eric, and Katie, and by Bruce and his wife, Jeanne, who have three children:  David, Mark, and Jaimie.  He has four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his companion of the last several years, Chris Bidwell.

Paul loved his job as an optometrist, but he also loved flying airplanes and playing golf. He was always ready to try something new, like the time he went sky-diving for his 90th birthday. He will be missed by everyone who was ever lucky enough to know him.

No services are planned at this time but a celebration of life will be held in the future. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw is entrusted with arrangements.

Donations in Paul’s memory may be given to: American Legion Post #49 301 N. Buffalo St. Warsaw, IN 46580 or United Way of Kosciusko County 119 E. Center St. A5 Warsaw, IN 46580

To sign the register book or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Gaylynn “Gayle” J. Harris, 51, Warsaw, passed away at 12:57 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

She was born on Dec. 25, 1967, in Warsaw, to Judith (Sutton) Monroe and James Perkins. On April 8, 1991, she was married to Michael Harris.

She lived in Oceanside, Calif. until the age of 13 before moving to Kosciusko County. She was a homemaker and attended Warsaw Community Church. Throughout her life she always enjoyed the beach, cook-outs and camping. Most of all she especially loved her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 28 years, Michael “Mike” Harris, Warsaw; two sons: Teric (Aleea) Kelly, Charleston, W. Va.; Travis Harris, Warsaw; daughter: Amanda Fountain, Warsaw; five grandchildren; and her brother: David Perkins, Sikeston, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents.

No visitation is planned and family will celebrate Gayle’s life at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com

Richard A. “Smokey” Schmucker, 75, Warsaw, passed away at 4:38 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at his home. He was born on Feb. 24, 1944, in Warsaw, to Jauncy and Thelma (Ogle) Schmucker.

He was lifetime Kosciusko County area resident and attended Atwood High School. He was married on July 3, 1965, in Etna Green, to Kandace M. “Kandy” Madden who survives. He retired in 2003 from Heckaman Homes in Nappanee after 40+ years.

He is survived by his wife, Kandy Schmucker, Warsaw; daughter, Amanda (Chuck) Foreman, Warsaw; son: Richard ‘Rick’ (Jennifer) Schmucker, North Webster; five grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Inez) Schmucker, New Paris

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister – Helen Elliott, and two brothers, Harold and Ronald Schmucker.

Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. SR 15, Warsaw. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581. To send condolences to the family in memory of Smokey Schmucker, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Darcy J. Julian, 49, of rural Akron, passed at 4:01 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Parkview Regional Medical Center of Fort Wayne.

She was born on May 6, 1970, in Warsaw, to Dennis E. and Dorinda (Hesler) Miller.

She married on April 29, 1989, in Columbia City, to Michael D. Julian, he survives.

She was a homemaker.

She was a graduate of Warsaw High School in 1989. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and taking care of the farm. She was an avid Cubs fan and was an amazing artist. She collected all things Peanuts and had a Snoopy Christmas Tree up all year round. She was a giver to all and did not accept money from anyone. She gave the greatest gift she could give by being an organ donor to help others.

She is survived by her husband; sons: Aaron (Hannah) Julian, Warsaw; Jeremy Julian, Akron; daughter, Brittany Julian, Akron; mother, Dorinda (Ron) Shelton, Warsaw; father, Dennis (Terry) Miller, Palestine; brother, David (Maggie) Miller; step-siblings: Ronnie Dean (Lisa) Shelton; Donna (Rod) Utter; nephew, Niklas Miller. She was preceded in death by her infant brother, Doug.

At her request a private family celebration is being held at her home.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or the Special Olympics Attn: Donor Development 1133 19th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20036

David J. Harris, 70, Mentone, Indiana passed at 2:18 am, Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Parkview Randallia Hospital of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on Feb. 10, 1949, in Prestonsburg, Ky. to David Kelse and Anna Mae (Hackworth) Harris.

He married on May 20, 1967, in Prestonsburg, Ky. to Barbara S. Prater, she preceded him on Nov. 23, 2001.

He been a painter and worked in several factories.

He was a member of God’s Highway to Heaven Church of Warsaw. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and listening to Gospel Music.

He is survived by his daughter, Tina (David) Beliles, Mentone; son, David W. Harris, Warsaw; grandchildren: Voilet Lucille Harris, Abigail Beliles, Hannah Beliles and Shane Beliles; sister, Virginia “Genny” Mulldune, Hohenwald, Tenn.; brothers: Bruce Harris, Warsaw; Kelse (Mazie) Harris, Warsaw; Dean Harris, Hohenwald, Tenn.; Glen (Loretta) Harris, London, Ky.

He was preceded by his wife, parents and a sister.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Mentone Cemetery, Mentone, with Pastor Robert Brown officiating.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2019 at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Todd Franklin Landry, Sr., 57, Bremen, died at 8:15 a.m., Monday, July 29, 2019, surrounded by his family, at his residence.  He was born Feb. 7, 1962, in Blue Island, Ill. to Wayne LeRoy Sr. and Sandra Lee (Hill) Landry.   

He has moved in and out of the area since a teenager. He was a Culver High School graduate and attended Industrial Maintenance School. He had worked in the RV Industry and Construction.  On April 1, 2016, he married Rosemarie Harding in Culver. He enjoyed traveling the United States.  He also enjoyed being with his family and time on the lake.  He was a very loving person with a very big heart.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Landry, Bremen; children, Todd Franklin Jr. (Nickie) Landry, Warsaw; Krystalrae (Chad) Landry-Freeman, Pierceton; Steven Joseph (Jamie) Landry, Warsaw; mother of the children, Laurie Ann Landry, Pierceton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, June (Jeff) MacDonald, Culver, Wayne (Sandy) Landry, Knox, Lorrie (Todd) Golden, Cromwell, Jason Long, Decator; brother-in-law, John Thomas “Pepi” Harding, Bremen; nephew, Brandon Landry, Syracuse; to my baby girl Mellisa my niece. I loved you very much; and had many wayward children. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Susan Lamb and Candy Landry-Biddle; and a brother, Steven Landry.

Family and friends may call from 2-3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, followed by a 3 p.m. Memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be given to Marshall County Human Society.

The family would like to thank the Center for Hospice Care for all they have done for them.

Janice Ann Hughes

Janice Ann Hughes, 74, Warsaw, passed away at 12:25 a.m. Friday Aug. 2, 2019, in her residence.

Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

Carole Sue Shepherd of Warsaw,  entered into Heaven at 8:03 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, at the age of 76.

She was born on May 21, 1943 in Portland, Ore., to Nadyne Doris (Chandler) Deisch and Virgil Chester Deisch.

Carole was a graduate of Leesburg, High School in Leesburg, and attended Warsaw Community Church. She worked for a number of years and retired from Cardinal Services in Warsaw and she had also worked at the old National City Bank. Carole will always be remembered as being sweet, kind and generous. She had a big heart and was always helping others. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons: Craig (Kristi) Shepherd, Bluffton, Ohio; Clark (Mary Kay) Shepherd, Warsaw; two daughters: Tangee (Dan) Stevens, Warsaw; Monique (Dave) Lewis, Warsaw; and nine grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Brenda Hard.

No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Martha P. Paxton, 75, Warsaw, passed away at 12:25 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.  She was born on April 5, 1944, to Harold and Martha R. Bender in Pennsylvania. She was united in marriage on June 27, 1964, to Terry L. Paxton in Newville, Penn.

She was a former bus driver for Warsaw Community School and was formerly employed as a cashier for Walmart. She was a member of Pathways Church in Warsaw and formerly attended Silver Lake Wesleyan Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Christine A. (Dennis) Hench of Warsaw; son, Thomas (Melissa A.) Paxton of New Bloomfield, Penn.; sisters, Donna Bender of Chambersburg, Penn.; Elma Christine Byers of Newburg, Penn.; brothers, Marshall Bender of Graham, N.C.; Herman Bender of Cross Lanes, W. Va.; Joseph Bender of Altoona, Penn.; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.                                   

She was preceded in death by husband, Terry Paxton in 2014; daughter Linda Sue Sanchez; and granddaughter, Amanda Hench.

A memorial service for Martha will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in Pathways Church, 2402 W. Old Rd. 30, Warsaw, with Pastor Anthony Cottrell officiating.  Interment will be private in Oakwood, Cemetery, Warsaw.

All arrangements are entrusted to McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

 To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com