Obituaries

Elizabeth "Betty" Cowgill

Elizabeth "Betty" Cowgill

Aug 20, 2024

Elizabeth "Betty" Cowgill passed on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of strength and prayer.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Leon Cowgill; her daughters, Julie Crick and Cheryl Cowgill; granddaughter, Carissa Crick; her parents; and siblings.

Betty's surviving family members include sons, Howard C. Cowgill, Michael (Donna) Cowgill, and Kevin Cowgill;...

Robert "Bob" J. Smith

Robert "Bob" J. Smith

Aug 16, 2024

Robert "Bob" J. Smith, Sr., 95, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, passed away on August 16, 2024 at Millers Merry Manor-New Carlisle.

Bob was born on September 21, 1928 in Chicago, IL, to Eugene and Margaret (Crowley) Smith.

On May 4, 1958 in La Porte, IN, he married Jane Ann Fisher, who preceded him in death. Surviving Bob are his 2 sons, Thomas...

Dennis Jay Francis

Dennis Jay Francis

Aug 15, 2024

Dennis Jay Francis, 82, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at this home, surrounded by his family.

Dennis was born on September 29, 1941, in La Porte, IN, to George and Dorothy Chadderton Francis.

On March 16, 1962 in Jacksonville, NC, he married Sue Cornelius who survives. Also surviving are his children, Dennis (Terri) James Francis, April Armstrong, and Kevin Francis,...

Carolyn Louise Tibbs

Carolyn Louise Tibbs

Aug 14, 2024

Carolyn Louise Tibbs, 73, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Carolyn was born on June 30, 1951 in La Porte, IN, to Delmar Price and Marilyn Antisdel.

Surviving Carolyn are her 3 daughters, Jennifer (Jim) Johnson of La Porte, Jamie (Michael) Hay of La Porte, and Stacy (Brian) Watts of TX; 8 grandchildren, Skyler,...

Lyle Dean Francis, Jr.

Lyle Dean Francis, Jr.

Aug 13, 2024

Lyle Dean Francis Jr., 35, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, following a tragic motorcycle accident.

Lyle was born on January 25, 1989, in Gwinnet County, GA to Lyle and Jennifer (Utes) Francis.

Surviving Lyle are his 4 children, Hailey, Brooke, Nostalgia, and an unborn baby; father, Lyle D. Francis, Sr. of Hamlet; brother, Justin (Amber) Francis of La Porte; uncle,...

Laura Hill

Laura Hill

Aug 9, 2024

Laura Louise Hill, 76, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Laura was born in La Porte, IN, on August 30, 1947 to Paul and Eleanora (Frye) Johnson.

On April 15, 1972, she married Dennis P. Hill, who preceded her in death. Surviving are her 3 children, Jeff S....

Donna Marie Tremblay

Donna Marie Tremblay

Aug 8, 2024

Donna Marie Tremblay, 96, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Hamilton Communities in New Carlisle.

Donna was born on July 24, 1928 in Chicago, IL to John and Florence (Smithers) Robinson.

On February 16, 1952 in Chicago, IL, she married Robert George Tremblay, beloved husband of 72 years, who survives. Also surviving are her 4 children, Terry Tremblay of Lake...

D'Andrea Garritano

D'Andrea Garritano

Aug 6, 2024

Retired steel mill worker and part-time farmer D'Andrea Garritano's love of life didn't end with his death. De passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Born on March 31, 1954, in Gary, IN,...

Larry Wayne Groves

Larry Wayne Groves

Jul 31, 2024

Larry Wayne Groves, 73, of La Porte, IN, passed away on July 31, 2024 at his home, where he was surrounded by loved ones.

Larry was born on January 13, 1951 in South Bend, IN, to John L. and June K (Calhoon) Groves.

On April 2, 1972 in Walkerton, IN, he married Darlene P. Weller, who survives. Also surviving are his beloved...

Rebecca L. McCarthy

Rebecca L. McCarthy

Jul 30, 2024

Rebecca L. McCarthy, 80, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Brickyard Healthcare-Terrace Care Center.

Rebecca was born in La Porte, IN, on August 10, 1943 to Charles and Lorella (Freese) Schafer.

Surviving Rebecca are her 2 daughters, Lisa Newlon and Amy B. (Paul Schultz) Bluhm, both of La Porte; 4 grandchildren, Shane McCarthy of La Porte,...

Frank Dean Hutchinson

Frank Dean Hutchinson

Jul 29, 2024

Frank Dean Hutchinson, 88, of La Porte, IN, passed away on July 29, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in La Porte, IN, on January 27, 1936 to Edward and Dorothy (Reed) Hutchinson.

On November 1, 2003 in Michigan City, IN, he married Janet Hutchinson who survives. Also surviving are his children, Dee A. Hutchinson of...

James "Zeke" Vosmeier

James "Zeke" Vosmeier

Jul 28, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James "Zeke" Zekiel Vosmeier. Zeke left this life on July 28, 2024, in Valparaiso, Indiana. He was 35.

Zeke entered this world to Selma Anne Esarey and Ned Clifford Vosmeier on February 2, 1989, in grand fashion, as only he could. In the words of his best...

Judith D. Richter

Judith D. Richter

Jul 28, 2024

With a heavy heart, we share the passing of Judith D. (Stephens) Richter. Judy, as she was known to everyone, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 3:29 p.m. at Brickyard Healthcare--Terrace Care Center. She bravely battled numerous illnesses that she had been dealing with since birth. Judy was a true fighter.

Born to Wilbur and Rena (Boody) Stephens on...

Hildegard Hanna Backer

Hildegard Hanna Backer

Jul 26, 2024

Hildegard Hanna Backer, 85, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Miller's Health and Rehab.

Hildegard was born in Chicago, IL, on May 25, 1939 to Alfred and Herta (Stern) Reising.

Surviving Hildegard are her son, Phillip Backer of Des Plaines, IL; sister, Edith Schaefer of Wheatland, WI; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded...

Daniel Charles Foster

Daniel Charles Foster

Jul 22, 2024

Daniel Charles Foster, 76, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Northwest Health-La Porte.

Daniel was born on September 15, 1947, in La Porte, IN, to Eugene and Dorothy (Flickenger) Foster.

On January 31, 1970 in La Porte, he married Karla Carnes who survives. Also surviving are his 2 sons, Daniel Scott (Rachel Diggs) Foster of Elkhart and Brian (Kristen) Foster...

Beverly Ann Myers

Beverly Ann Myers

Jul 22, 2024

Beverly Ann Myers, 85, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away on July 22, 2024 at her home, surrounded by family.

Beverly was born in Michigan City, IN, on September 10, 1938 to Raymond and Leona (Mollott) Rozinski

In La Porte, IN, she married Eugene Myers who preceded her in death. Surviving Beverly are her 5 children, Juli Moore of La Porte, Wanda...

Kasey Blue Moon

Kasey Blue Moon

Jul 20, 2024

Kasey Blue Moon, 41, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Kasey was born on September 5, 1982 in Whittier, CA to Timothy Lee and Debra (Rochin) Moon.

On December 23, 2008, in La Porte, IN, he married Tony Lynn Tibbs, who survives. Also surviving are his 2 children, Kenton Lee and Farrow Lynn Moon...

Loretta Ione Fanselow

Loretta Ione Fanselow

Jul 19, 2024

Loretta Ione Fanselow, 79, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Lakewood Hospital, Long Beach, CA.

Loretta was born in Vancouver, WA, on October 31, 1944 to William and Charlotte (Klatt) Gray.

On May 25, 1963 in First Church of God, La Porte, she married James Robert Fanselow, Sr. Surviving Loretta are her 3 children, Bob (Tami)...

Sharon "Dianne" Cornett

Sharon "Dianne" Cornett

Jul 18, 2024

Sharon "Dianne" Fuller Cornett, age 88, passed away at home on July 18, 2024. She was born January 15, 1936 in Phenix City, Alabama, also at home.

Dianne had a natural gift of singing and by age 13, had her own radio show which showcased her voice and her darling personality. She would later attend Wesleyan College in Macon, GA to...

Lori Ann VanDierendonck

Lori Ann VanDierendonck

Jul 11, 2024

Lori Ann VanDierendonck, 65, passed away on July 11, 2024, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on May 27, 1959, in La Crosse, WI, Lori was the daughter of Artis and Doris (Lillethun) Yandt.

She is survived by her children, Alison (Nick) Johnson, Miranda (Kyle) Kitchell-Butts, and Melissa (Cameron) Smith; her grandchildren, Chloe, Emmitt, Nathan, and...