Billy Ray Hyden 

Billy Ray Hyden, age 83, Warsaw, passed away Friday, April 21, at 3:04 p.m. in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

He was born November 2, 1933 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to Harry and Lucy (Hall) Hyden. On July 5,1956 he was united in marriage in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to Lona Brown. Billy faithfully served his country in the United States Army from January 1954 to January 1956 during the Korean Conflict as a Private First Class.

He was employed by Warsaw Plating works from 1959 to 1965. He then had 30 years of service with RR Donnelley and Sons of Warsaw as forklift operator and hoistman, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Warsaw American Legion Post #49 and the RR Donnelley Club, both of Warsaw.

Survivors include his wife Lona Hyden, Warsaw, son Billy J. Hyden, Warsaw, a sister Barbara Sue Sturgill, Louisville, Kentucky, and two brothers Cecil Hyden and Randall Hyden both, Prestonsburg, Kentucky. He was preceded by Sisters Christian Huff, Juanita Wells and Thelma Music and a brother Charles D. Hyden.

Calling hours are scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bob Brown officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw with Military Honors by American Legion Post #49 and VFW Post # 1126.

Jackie Ann Gilfillian

Jackie Ann Gilfillian (nee Hartman), a childhood resident of Warsaw,  and final resident of Minneapolis, Minn., died Tuesday, April 21, in Minneapolis at the age of 62 from brain cancer

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

Esther Orcutt

Esther J. Orcutt, 91, passed away April 20, in Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw.

Born to Robert Henry and Sylvia (Fawley) Secor on Feb. 10, 1926, in Palestine, Esther was a 1944 graduate of Mentone High School. On May 23, 1946, she became the wife of Robert Grindle until his passing on August 30, 1994. Esther would then marry  Albert Orcutt on August 19, 1998 in Casper, Wyoming. He survives.

A lifetime Kosciusko County resident, she worked at Wolford Cleaners for 13 years. Esther was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Atwood, where she enjoyed singing. She loved to travel and sing.

Survivors include: four step-sons: Michael (Maureen) Orcutt, Boston; Rex (Jean) Orcutt and Wayne (Vicki) Orcutt, Warsaw; Mitchell (Rachael) Orcutt, Dallas; three grandchildren: Krystal (Josh) Smith and Sara Shepherd, Warsaw; Ryan Niccum, Niles; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in passing was: daughter: Annita Willard; son: Greg Grindle; step daughter: Arlene Talladino (Nov 22, 2008); five sisters: Naomi Cain, Eva Landis, Mary Bell Sellers, Margaret Secor and Marie Baugher; and two brothers:  Dale Secor and Orville Secor.

Visitation is from 3-7 p.m. Monday, April 24 at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw; funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 25 in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.  Memorials to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Atwood, Indiana  46502.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the family and friends of Esther J. Orcutt.

Wendy Long

Wendy Widman Long, Warsaw, passed away after a lengthy battle with scleroderma at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, at the age of 62.

She was born on September 2, 1954, in Bremen, to Lorbel (Feverda) and Harold Rex Wildman. On June 16, 1979, in Winona Lake, she was married to Robert “Bob” Wayne Long, who survives in Warsaw.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Wendy’s life at her memorial service which will be conducted at 7 p.m.  Thursday, April 27 at Warsaw Community Church, 2300 Ranch Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Denny Wilson.  Visitation will be held prior to the memorial service from 3-7:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw. Arrangements are entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Memorial donations in Wendy’s name may be gifted directly to the University of Michigan Scleroderma Research Fund, Scleroderma Program, 7C27 NIB, 300 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan  48109 and would be appreciated by the family.

Jackie Ann Gilfillian (nee Hartman), a childhood resident of Warsaw, and final resident of Minneapolis, Minn., died Feb. 21, 2017 in Minneapolis at the age of 62 from brain cancer.

Born July 21,1954 to Dorothy Shenefield (nee Copeland) and Ellis Hartman,

Jackie was united in marriage to George Gilfillian and raised her family in California. Jackie received a Bachelor in Information Technology from San Francisco University and worked for several companies in California before ending her career at Datalink in Minnesota where she moved to be near her grandchildren. Jackie loved quilting, watching hockey, the ocean, going to movies, and had a wonderful smile and twinkle in her eye that could light up a room.

She is survived by her daughter, Vickie S. Gilfillian-Bennett, son-in-law, Mosi Bennett, step-daughter, Teejah S. Gilfillian; grandchildren Graham, Garrick and Niles Bennett; two sisters Pattie S. Laney and husband Michael, Sue Woodcock and husband Russ; one step sister Julie Schilling and husband Rodney; three nephews Jacob and Kaleb Neukam and Sean Woods and a niece Renee Woods and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be held at 11a.m., Friday, April 28, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw with Chaplain Robert Jarboe officiating.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial gifts may be made to Gilda’s Club Twin Cities 10560 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305 or Reins of Life Therapeutic 55200 Quince Rd, South Bend, IN 46619.

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

Joseph James “Joe” Verteramo passed away at 6 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, in Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. He was 87.

Joe was born Oct. 11, 1929 in Springfield, Mass. to James Joseph and Agnes (Brocka) Verteramo.  He earned a BS from Texas A&M College.  On Feb. 27, 1954 and in Harlingen, Texas he chose Gloria Egly to be his bride and life partner.  They would share 63 years.  Twelve of those years would be in Warsaw having come from Plymouth.

Joe entered the United States Air Force Oct. 26, 1951.  He was a 20-year veteran serving during the Korean War and in the Vietnamese Conflict.  During the time he served in Vietnam, Joe was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievements in heroism, two Bronze Stars for heroism, two Air Medals for heroism and meritorious achievement, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (1969) which is the highest award given by the Vietnamese to an American.  Major Joseph James Verteramo was honorably discharged Sept. 30, 1971.

Following his Air Force Career, Joe spent 13 years as an accountant at Culver Military Academy.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He loved gardening, remodeling houses, fixing things and in all, using the gifts God gave him.  Pleasure was found in visiting people in the nursing homes.  He also helped people figure their taxes. Joe was a humble man who loved his country and his family.  He was known as the “rock” of the family.

In addition to his wife, Gloria, those who will miss Joe and treasure memories of him in their lives are two daughters:  Christina Campbell of Fort Wayne; and Teresa Verteramo of Warsaw; one son and daughter-in-law:  John M. and Paula Verteramo of Elkhart; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in passing by a son:  Joseph J. Verteramo on July 29, 2014 and his brother:  Peter Verteramo who passed on June 15, 2005.

The family will receive friends at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26.  A rosary will be said during visitation at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. inside Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Phil DeVolder officiating.  Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass. at a later date.

The family has asked that expressions of sympathy be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison Street, Warsaw, IN 46580.

Titus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Cleora Mae Cauffman, 92, passed away Sunday morning April 23, 2017, peacefully in Kosciusko Community Hospital after a brief Illness.

Cleora was born the second of five children to Clarence Burr Ellenwood and Maggie (Miller) Ellenwood on June 2, 1924 in Wellsville, Kan. As a young girl of 13 her mother died and the family returned to Indiana to be nearer family.

She attended and graduated from Claypool High School with the class of 1942. It was here that she met her future husband Dale E. Cauffman. Cleora and Dale faithfully attended Alumni banquets throughout the following seven decades.

On Nov. 26, 1942 at Claypool Evangelical United Brethren Church Dale and Cleora were married. They shared an enduring loving marriage for over 63 years before Dales’ passing on Feb. 19, 2006.

Cleora is survived by four children: Rebecca (John) Zimmerman of San Antonio, Texas; Rita Cauffman of Warsaw; Randall (Linda) Cauffman of Mountain Home, Idaho; and Rhonda (Jim) Rigney of Mishawaka. There are nine grandchildren who meant the world to Cleora: Marcus(Lisa) Zimmerman of San Antonio; Martha Jane (Rich) Ekstrom of Elkhart; Michael (Melissa) Zimmerman of New Paris; Nathaniel(Katlin) Cauffman, Nicholas Cauffman, and Andrew(Amanda) Cauffman all of Boise, Idaho; Zachary and Dane Rigney of Carmel; and Tyler Rigney of Akron, Ohio. There are thirteen great-grandchildren and much to Cleora’s delight a great-great granddaughter was born this past October.

Cleora is also survived by sisters Mary Patterson of Warsaw and Ida Helvey-Cripe of North Manchester. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Burrlene Harris, and brother Earl Ellenwood.

Cleora was the Wayne Township Assessor for 24 years, retiring in 1992.

Cleora and Dale were inducted into the Republican Hall of Fame in 1987, she was past Woman of the year for the GOP, a long-standing member of the Happy Homemakers Club, was a member of Kosciusko Home Extension for over 70 years and could be found displaying her flowers, vegetables and crocheted works at the fair every year. The spectacular garden you saw driving south of town on 15 belonged to them.

Cleora and Dale took their children on many adventures across the United States from one coast to the other in the family RV. They visited many family members on their travels. In time the grandchildren got to be part of the adventures and loved camping with them.

Cleora was a member of the Winona Grace Brethren church.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday April 26 in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday April 27 at Winona Grace Brethren Church with Pastor Tom Miller officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw

Memorial contributions may be made to: Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church 1200 Kings Highway Winona Lake 46590 

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

Jeanette L. Marsh, 88, Warsaw, passed away at 4:10 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017 in Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Milford.

On July 5, 1928, she was born in Milford to Emory and Helen (Herron) Klopentsteine. She was united in marriage to James Marsh on Jan. 2, 1949 in Collamer, who survives.

A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Jeanette worked as a self-employed beautician, working from her home. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Atwood where she sang in the choir for over forty years. She also was a member of the Home-Ec Club, Atwood and ran the election board for many years. Her biggest enjoyment in her life was spending time with her grandkids.

Jeanette is survived by her husband, James Marsh, Warsaw; two daughters, Linda Marsh Olinger, Warsaw, Sandra (and spouse Bruce) Ferguson, Warsaw; three grandchildren, Heather Ferguson Chiu, Los Angeles, Calif., Jason and Jackie Ferguson, Warsaw and one great granddaughter, Juliet Chiu, Los Angeles, Calif. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Huff.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29 in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw with Pastor Mike Beezley officiating. Burial will be in Stony Point Cemetery, Etna Green, Indiana.

Visitation hours will be from 4–8 p.m. Friday, April 28 in the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Atwood, IN 46502 or to Stony Point Cemetery, Etna Green, Indiana.

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

Cory A. Alvey, 33, passed away at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Richard Rivera, 50, Warsaw, passed away at 11:01 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, at his residence. He was born in New York, N.Y. to Julio and Adalgisa (Buenaventura Santana) Rivera.

He attended public schools in the Bronx, NY and in 1985 he married Peggy Fay Morgan in Perry, NY, they later divorced.  In 2011 he moved to the Warsaw area from New York.  He worked at RR Donnelley in Warsaw and previously worked at ABC Industries in Winona Lake & KGPCo in Warsaw.

He is survived by his father, Julio Rivera, Bronx, N.Y.; two brothers: Julio (Rosa) Rivera, Bronx, N.Y.; and Armando Rivera; sister, Enis Rivera; two step sons: Chad Morgan, Jeremy Morgan, Warsaw; four grandchildren; ex-wife, Peggy Morgan, Warsaw.

He was preceded by his mother and brother, Nelson Rivera

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the New Life Christian Church, 744 S 325 E, Warsaw, IN 46582 with Pastor John Lowe II officiating. Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko, 4356 N St Rd 15, Warsaw, IN 46582.

Memorial bequest may be given the Richard Rivera Funeral Fund, c/o Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N St. Rd 15, Warsaw, IN 46582. To send condolences to the family in Mr. Rivera’s name please visit www.cremationservicesofkc.com

Duane E. Thompson, 62, Mentone, passed away unexpectedly at his residence at 6:13 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

He was born July 7, 1954 in Warsaw. His parents are Earl and Ruby Alderfer Thompson. On Nov. 20, 1976, in Mentone, he married Betty J. Ettinger. He worked at Winner Woodworking, Indianapolis.
He was a 1973 Graduate of Mentone High School. He enjoyed golfing, trips to the Casinos, and his family. The three granddaughters were the “Apple of his eyes.” He also enjoyed watching auto racing.

He is survived by his wife; Betty J. Thompson, Mentone; two sons: Kyle (wife- Kari) Thompson, Akron; Cale (wife-Beth) Thompson, Mentone; three granddaughters: Madison, Rylee and Carter; his parents: Earl and Ruby Thompson, Claypool; his brother, Bill (wife-LaDonna) Thompson, Claypool; sister, Peg Bailey, Bloomington.
Services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 1 at King Memorial Home in Mentone. John Ettinger is officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-7 Monday.

Mary F.  Wagner, of Warsaw, passed away at her residence surrounded by family at 2:52 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the age of 74.

Mary F. Wagner

She was born on June 27, 1942 in Warsaw to Jay Shue and Frances (Shaffer) Shue.  On June 15, 1962 she was married to Robert “Bob” Wagner, who survives in Warsaw.

Mary grew up on Winona Lake for 20 years and was a 1960 graduate of Warsaw High School.  She then attended Ball State University for a few years.  She was a hard and dedicated worker and was employed for 20 years at Central Shoe Store, worked at R.R. Donnelley & Sons of Warsaw for 10 years, even had her own house cleaning service for over 30 years, and she and her husband Bob own Maverick Motorcycle Shop.

After she married Bob in 1962 she moved to the farm where they raised three children.  Mary enjoyed farm life especially experiencing everything with her children like delivering calves, pigs and sheep and always having chickens.  She had stated that she would not have changed it for anything, she enjoyed it all.  She was very proud of her children or as she would say “wonderful children” and that they were all doing well in their lives and careers.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She enjoyed all the activities they enjoyed such as motorcycles and sports.  Mary loved to watch her grandkids when they participated in motocross racing, and she loved to play cards with her friends.  She was on the Kosciusko County Fair Board, a member of Tri Kappa, enjoyed hunting mushrooms in the spring and going for walks.  Mary was full of life and enjoyed sharing her time with friends and family. She will be forever loved and dearly missed.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Bob Wagner, Warsaw; two sons Robert “Bobby” and wife Lisa Wagner, Niles, Mich.; Jay and wife Angie Wagner, Warsaw; and her daughter Pam and husband Roger Brower, Akron.  Mary also leaves behind six grandchildren Brett (Kelli) and Austin Wagner, Niles, Mich.; Hannah and Chase Brower, Akron; Jacob and Sidney Wagner, Warsaw; and her beloved dog Molly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters Reene Alley and Jean Lynch.

Her funeral service will be conducted at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2 and officiated by Chaplain Bob Jarboe.  Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 5 to 7 p.m.

Memorial donations may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, P. O. Box 1196, Warsaw, Indiana  46581-1196 and would be appreciated by the family.

Diane Kay Martin, 71, Greenwood, passed away at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2017 at St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis.

On Aug. 14, 1945, she was born in Warsaw to Everette and Mildred (Hamman) Dunkleberger. She was united in marriage to Grover Martin who preceded her in death.

Diane lived most of her life in the Warsaw area. She attended Warsaw Community High School and also worked for Warsaw Collection Agency. In retirement, she moved to Leesburg Florida and enjoyed her family, friends, beloved dog BoBo and the sunshine. In October 2015 she moved back to Central Indiana to be closer to family.

She is survived by her son, Lee A. Dunkleberger, Franklin; two grandchildren, Troy A. Dunkleberger, Franklin and Ema R. Dunkleberger, Fort Wayne; two honorary grandchildren Kathryn M. Shaffner, Indianapolis and Christopher E. Shaffner, Greenwood; A nephew, James (Debb) Ebersole, Indianapolis; and a niece, Cynthia (Chad) Shaffner, Greenwood. 

She was also preceded in death by a sister Mary Rose Ebersole,

Visitation hours will be from 4–6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral home, Warsaw.

Memorial Service immediately following visitation at 6 p.m. with Chaplain Bob Jarboe officiating.

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

Mary D. Ettinger, 88, Warsaw, passed away at 10:10 p.m. Sunday April 30, 2017, at Millers Merry Manor, Warsaw.

Arrangements are pending McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

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

Joseph Andrew “Andy” Arnold, passed away at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in his Warsaw home. He was 69.

Andy was born Dec. 24, 1947 in Warsaw. He was the son of Joseph Aaron and Doris (Vaughn) Arnold. He graduated from Warsaw Community High School with the class of 1966 and attended nearby Manchester College.

On April 4, 1971, Andy was united in marriage to Brenda Burgher in Warsaw. Together they shared 46 years, making many happy memories, and started a family which includes two daughters, Amy and Julie. 

Andy faithfully served his country, entering active duty with the United States Marine Corps on February 21, 1968 in Indianapolis. He served in Vietnam and, on Aug. 18, 1969, Corporal Joseph Andrew Arnold was honorably discharged through Great Lakes Naval Station, Ill.

Having spent most of his lifetime in Warsaw, Andy was employed by United Telephone for 21 years. He retired in 1990 as a manager of the access service department. He was a faithful member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, Warsaw Lodge No. 73 F. & A.M., and American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.

Those who survive Andy with precious memories to cherish include his wife, Brenda; two daughters, Amy (Matt) Weaver of Greenwood, and Julie (Doug) Ruckman of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren: Naomi and Moses Weaver and Rileigh and Grayson Ruckman; sister, Linda Arnold of Warsaw and brother, Thomas (Kacy) Arnold of Silver Lake, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends to share memories and for a time of visitation on Tuesday, May 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw.

A funeral service celebrating Andy’s life will take place on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, with additional visitation one hour prior. Walnut Creek’s Pastor Greg Hiatt will officiate the service.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Graveside military honors will be conducted by members of North Webster American Legion, Post ^#253.

Memorial gifts may be made to Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 2033 South 150 West, Warsaw, IN 46580 or to Goshen Home Care and Hospice, 200 High Park Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Andy Arnold.

Harold ‘Deen’ Shepherd, 72, Warsaw, died at 6 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2017, in his Sellers Lake home. Arrangements are pending at Titus Funeral Home.

John E. Nelson, 99, Indianapolis, passed away on April 30, 2017.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1917 in Marion to Earl and Hallie Nelson. John graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis.

He was drafted into the US Army in 1943. He landed in Europe on D-Day. He called in artillery fire from ahead of the lines; participated in the Battle of the Bulge, and helped to liberate several refugee camps in Czechoslovakia. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

John was a salesman for many different companies. He was also a land developer. In his later years, he worked in the bakery at Marsh, and at the Photo Shop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for many years, before officially retiring.

John is survived by his children: Linda Nelson Welling, Dawn Nelson (Fred) Andrews, Drew Nelson, and Dana (Lauren) Nelson; grandchildren: Brian (Debra) Welling, Julia Nelson, Jude Nelson, George Andrews, and MacKenzie Andrews; and great grandchildren, Melanna Welling, Brynnah Welling, Kayla Allison, and Halle Allison. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Armstrong Nelson; and former spouses, Maynel Anderson Nelson and Dixie Jean Williams Nelson; his son, Kenneth Nelson; and grandson, Duane C. Welling.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3 at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W Moore Chapel, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. John will be laid to rest at the Estates of Serenity in Marion, IN following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Legion Post 500, 1926 N. Georgetown Road, Speedway; FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, 1505 Mass Ave, Indpls, IN; or Indy Honor Flights (www.indyhonorflights.org).