Stephen B. “Diff” Diffendarfer, 69, Leesburg, passed away at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Mason Health & Rehab in Warsaw.

He was born May 11, 1947 in Wolf Lake to David B. and Garnet E. (Walker) Diffendarfer.

He grew up in Columbia City, graduated in 1965 from Columbia City High School and was a United States Vietnam Army veteran. He was married Sept. 9, 1999 in Sevierville, Tenn. to Karen F. Sittler who survives and lived in the Warsaw/Leesburg area for the past 40 years. He retired in 2008 from Biomet in Warsaw after 25 years and formerly worked for the State of Indiana Excise Police for 17 years.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his son Jason Byers Diffendarfer, Columbia City; and his father, David.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and sister, Lisa Bowers.

No public services will be held at this time. Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd 15, Warsaw. Owen Family Funeral Home, St. Rd. 13 & 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 of Stephen Diffendarfer, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Marjorie E. Morgan, 97, Warsaw, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw.

Born April 8, 1919 in Eaton, Ohio, Marjorie was the daughter of Lester and Elsie (Clark) Martz.

Between 1941 and 1943, Marjorie had worked for the US War Department in the Pentagon. She even had the opportunity to meet Eleanor Roosevelt. She was proud of her service to our country and fond of the memories she made during this time – in her later years she enjoyed recanting many accompanying stories.

On May 14, 1943, Marjorie would marry Edward R. Morgan in Eaton. Together the two spent 44 years and, after moving from Ohio, they made their home in Argos. Eventually they settled in Warsaw where they had resided since 1964.

Marjorie was a member of Warsaw’s First Christian Church for many years. She enjoyed cooking and baking, puzzles, coloring, and reading. She was an avid Euchre player and enjoyed crossword puzzles. She enjoyed staying active and had volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She always helped to run the family farm and was caring for her own home and driving until very recently. Above all, Marjorie was a mother and grandmother who loved time spent with her family.

Those left to cherish memories of the vibrant life Marjorie lived are two sons: Jeff (wife, Margaretha) Morgan, Warsaw; and Dennis (wife, Barb) Morgan, Huntington; daughter, Jane Eash (Jon Borton), Argos; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and a brother, Albert (wife, Barbara Bishop, Peru.

Those who preceded Marjorie in passing include her husband, Edward, who died July 10, 1987; her parents Albert and Elsie Bishop; father, Lester Martz, who died when Marjorie was very young; a sister, Pauline Jeanes and her loyal friend, Buster the dog.

Friends may join the family to share memories in a time of visitation from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Boschain of First Christian Church will officiate.

Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery, 130 Camden Road, Eaton, Ohio, on Thursday with a final committal beginning at 1 p.m.

Gifts in her memory may be made to the Animal Welfare League, PO Box 1906, Warsaw, IN 46581, or to K21 Health Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund, PO Box 1810, Warsaw, IN 46581.

Titus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jan Garen Haase, 65, passed away at 10 p.m. Dec. 11, 2016 in her residence.

On Oct. 18, 1951 she was born in Peru to Gene and Grace Elizabeth Wrenn Shoemaker.

She was a lifetime resident of Northern Indiana. She earned an A.A. Degree in Interior Decorating from I.P.F.W. On Nov. 18, 1986 in Warsaw she was united in marriage to Gregory Haase. She worked as a Medical Office Manager for local physicians including Dr. Ashton and Haase & Coates Internal Medicine.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Greg Haase, Warsaw; sons: Gabriel Plew, North Webster; Geoffrey Haase, Warsaw; and Graeme Haase, Indianapolis. She is also survived by her father, Gene Shoemaker, Warsaw; and brother, Jason (and spouse Cynthia) Shoemaker, Cromwell.

She was preceded in death by her mother Feb. 1, 1998.

A visitation will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.

McHatton –Sadler Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with all arrangements.

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

Elzin Albert Kipker, 86, Warsaw, passed away at 4:09 p.m., Dec. 11, 2016, in Kosciusko Community Hospital.

He was born Oct. 16, 1930 in Warsaw to Riley and Eva Viola (Neer) Kipker. He was a lifetime resident of Warsaw. On April 8, 1955 in Warsaw he married Dorcas McConnell.

He worked for Arnolt Corporation as Maintenance and a Welder with 40 years of service and he was also a self-employed farmer. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1950–1954 as a Metalsmith/Fireman. He was lifetime member of the American Legion Post #49 in Warsaw.

He is survived by his wife, Dorcas Kipker, Warsaw; sons: Edward Allen (Tylynna) Kipker, Warsaw; Jerald Andrew (Lisa J.) Kipker, Akron; a daughter, Lisa (Kevin Keats) Kipker, Fort Wayne. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lynzy (Paul) Finnegan, Bloomington; Austin (Ashley) Caudill, Warsaw; Nicole Caudill, Warsaw; and four great grandchildren: Grayla Finnegan, Chandler Caudill, Brynly Caudill and Isaiah Valdez.

He was preceded in death by his sister; Hazel Marie Kipker.

A funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with Pastor Steve Rahn officiating. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors by the Warsaw American Legion Post 49 and the VFW Post 1126. Visitation will be at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #49, 301 N. Buffalo Street, Warsaw, IN. 46580 or The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko, 3489 E. 100 South, Pierceton, IN. 46562.

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

Elena Lopez, 39, Warsaw, passed away at 11:56 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

She was born May 19, 1977 to Tomas and Maria (Hernandez) Lopez in Apan, Mexico.

She married Shawn Ruegner on Aug. 26, 2015 in Warsaw.

Elena is survived by her husband, Shawn Ruegner, Warsaw; her children, Javier Lagunas, Adamary Lopez and Jesus Jacome, all of Warsaw; her brothers and sisters: Rafael, Martin, Tomas, Horacio, Claudia and Esperanza Lopez, all of Apan, Hidalgo and her parents.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents.

She was a member of the Warsaw Church of God, Warsaw.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 17 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tim Kumfer officiating.

Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Betty A. Olinger, 89, Warsaw, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at Kosciusko County Hospital, Warsaw.

Arrangements are pending McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

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

Betty Alice Olinger, 89, Warsaw, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 with her husband, of 71 years holding her hand at Kosciusko County Hospital, Warsaw.

On Oct. 12, 1927, she was born to Rex and Nellie (Evans) Krichbaum in Warsaw.  On May 5, 1945, she was married to Robert E. Olinger in Warsaw, Indiana who survives.

Betty grew up in Claypool and graduated from Claypool High School.  Later moving to Warsaw, she was a loving Mother and Wife.  When her children were young, they attended Claypool United Methodist Church.

Betty is survived by her husband, Robert E. Olinger, Warsaw; her sister, Marge LaGarde, Silver Lake and her brother, Norman Krichbaum, Warsaw. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, David Olinger, her daughter, Lynne Olinger and her sister Phyllis Scott, Claypool.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw with Chaplain Bob Jarboe officiating.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Visitation will be from 10–11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 in the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, designated to the Jimmy Baker Diabetes Fund for local diabetes, 102 East Market Street, Warsaw, IN 46580.

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

Kathryn “Katie” Irene Bouse, 91, Warsaw, died at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 at her home.

Arrangements are pending at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw

Kathryn “Katy” Irene Bouse, 91, Warsaw, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at home.

She was bron July 6, 1925 in Warsaw to Robert L. Chinworth and Lillie (McSherry) Chinworth. She graduated in 1943 from Warsaw High School and married Forrest W. Bouse Sept. 22, 1946. They were married for 58 years until his death, June 8, 2005.

A lifetime resident of Warsaw, she worked at the Kosciusko County Assessors office for 20 years. She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist church and a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 50 years.

She is survived by her sisters: Dora Jane Engle, Warsaw; and Elizabeth Ann Holt, Marion; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in beath by her husband, Forrest; her son: Rodney Bouse; her brothers: John Chinworth, Robert Chinworth, and Wallace Chinworth; as well as a sister, Margaret Garman.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 21 at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw. The service will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Terry Bradford from First Free Baptist Church of Kosciusko County will officiate. Burial will occur at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 306 E. Main Street, Atwood, IN 46502 or the Kosciusko Historical Society, 121 N. Indiana St., Warsaw.

Titus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donnabelle Zimmer, 89, Warsaw, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor Assisted Living, Warsaw.

She was born July 13, 1927 in Warsaw, to Samuel S. and Ethel L. (Godfrey) Smith. A 1945 graduate of Fort Wayne South Side High School, she married Richard A. Zimmer June 4, 1949, in Fort Wayne. They were married for 55 years until his death July 8, 2004.

She was a lifetime resident of Warsaw and was an antique dealer for more than 50 years. She also volunteered at KCH for more than 40 years and had volunteered at the American Red Cross. In the 1950s and 1960s she served as a 4H leader. She loved animals, especially dogs.

She is survived by her son, Bill (Marcia) Zimmer, Winona Lake; her daughters: Janet Zimmer, Warsaw; and Debbie Swihart, Warsaw; two granddaughters, Summer Zimmer, Winona Lake; and Satin (Ryan) Lemon, Huntington; a great granddaughter, Landree Lemon, Huntington, also survives.

She was preceded by her husband.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Titus Funeral Home and the funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the funeral home. Pastor Bob Jarboe of Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice Chaplain, Warsaw, will officiate. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, 1515 Provident Dr., Warsaw

Titus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Summy, 63, Warsaw, passed away at 8:43 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 at Kosciusko County Hospital, Warsaw.

Arrangements are pending McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

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

Jay M. Berkey, 67, Minster, Ohio, and formerly of Warsaw, passed away at 3:42 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, at his home.

He was born Sept. 22, 1949 in Warsaw to John R. and Esther L (Matthews) Berkey.

He graduated in 1968 from Warsaw High School, received a degree in welding, and was a United States Army veteran. On Dec. 31, 1981 in Milford, he married Deborah A. (Howard) who survives. He was a farmer, retired from Sprint in Sidney, Ohio after 20 years and formerly worked at Ply Gem in Sidney, Ohio as a forklift driver for five years. He grew up in Warsaw and moved to Ohio 19 years ago from Warsaw.

He was a member of the Faith Alliance in New Bremen, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; two daughters: Rebecca (James) Kuether, Minster, Ohio; and Jaianne (Todd) Unrast, Caseella, Ohio; a son, John Berkey, Fort Loramie, Ohio; and nine grandchildren:  Adam, Grace, Ashlee, Emilee, and Kylee Kuether; Rylee, Colten, and Wyatt Unrast; and Gavin Berkey

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 with Pastor Trent Fledderjohann officiating. Burial will follow in the Milford Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be given to Wilson Hospice, 1083 Fairington Dr, Sidney, OH 45365. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

To send condolences to the family in Mr. Berkey’s memory please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Robert D. “Bob” Blakeley, 78, Winona Lake, passed away at 5:24 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in Grace Village Healthcare Center, Winona Lake.

On Feb. 8, 1938, he was born in Newark, Ohio to C. Dell and Florence (Bonham) Blakeley. A fifty year resident of Warsaw, Bob was former manager of Kline’s Department Store, retiring in 1986.  He then purchased Kosko Manufacturing where he retired in 2006.

Bob was a former member of Warsaw Exchange Club, Rozella Ford Golf Club and Gilliam Lanes Men’s Bowling League.  He was also a member of the Breading’s Cigar Store.

He is survived by four daughters: Carol (John) Sloan, Warsaw; Patty (Craig) Shull, Warsaw; Tammy (Robert) Sands, Valparaiso; and Vickie (fiancé Bob Salimi) Jenney, Carmel; his sister, Diane (William) Koman, Newark, Ohio; and nine grandchildren: Ryan (Kristi) Sloan, Fort Wayne; Justin (Alicia) Mort, Warsaw; Kaylee Shull, Warsaw; Brandon Sands, Valparaiso; Claire Sands, Valparaiso; Meredith Sands, Valparaiso; Katelyn Jenney, Carmel; Lauren Jenney, Carmel; and Eva Salimi, Carmel. 

Bob was preceded in death by his longtime companion of sixteen years, Beverly Ann Blood, who passed away on Jan. 5, 2008.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with Chaplain Bryan Benjamin officiating. Burial will be privately held.

Visitation hours will be from 1–3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 in the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, C/o K21 Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1810, Warsaw, Indiana  46581-1810.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Chandra Damon, Warsaw, passed away after a lengthy illness at 4:33 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, at the age of 45.

She was born Sept. 10, 1971 in Warsaw, to Cinda (Stouder) and Terry Julian, who both survive in Warsaw.  On Nov. 16, 1996 she was married to Stephen Damon and they shared 20 wonderful years together.

Chandra spent her entire life in Kosciusko County where she was a 1989 graduate of Warsaw High School and then Ball State University.  She attended Warsaw Community Church and was very active with the church women’s groups and M.O.M.S.  She was very involved with many congenital heart groups on Facebook, and was a steadfast encourager.  In her short but very fulfilled life she will always be remembered as a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother, and most of all she was The Boss.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Stephen Damon. Warsaw; son:  Ben Damon, Warsaw; daughter:  Kristen Damon, Pearl, Miss.; her two brothers: Cord (wife Alycia) Julian, Warsaw; Jason (wife Tera) Julian, Etna Green; and her parents: Cinda and Terry Julian, Warsaw.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Chandra’s life will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 at Warsaw Community Church, 2300 Ranch Road, Warsaw and officiated by Pastor Denny Wilson. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.

There will be time for visitation prior to the service from 9:30 – 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 at Warsaw Community Church.  Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.

Memorial donations in Chandra’s name may be directed to the Bailey R. Moore Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1882, Warsaw, Indiana  46580 and would be very much appreciated by the family.  This fund was established for scholarships for students who attend Warsaw District Schools.   You may donate online through the foundation website at www.bmoore-foundation.com

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

Hazel L. McKenzie, 58, Claypool, passed away at 6:35 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 in IU Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana.

On Dec. 2, 1958, she was born in Warsaw to Edward and Faye (Minnix) Owens.  She was united in marriage to Tony McKenzie on May 24, 1987 in Warsaw, who survives.

A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Hazel attended and graduated from Wayne University of Cosmetology.  She was as a licensed beautician for ten years, and then worked for Walmart for ten years.  Hazel was a member of Warsaw Family Worship Center, Warsaw.  She was heavily involved with Sarcoidosis Women’s Support Group.  Hazel loved to crochet and doing adult coloring books.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Hazel is survived by her husband, Tony McKenzie, Claypool; three children, A.J. McKenzie and his fiancé Kayla Young, Claypool; Austin McKenzie, Claypool; Michaela McKenzie, Claypool; and one granddaughter, Emma McKenzie, Claypool. 

She is preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23 in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton with Pastor William Whitaker officiating.  Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

Visitation hours will be from 2–4 and 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 in the Pierceton funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hazel McKenzie Funeral Fund, C/o McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, Indiana  46580.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com