Obituaries
Dorothy M. Callahan
October 2, 1934 to February 28, 2025
WINAMAC - Dorothy Margaret Callahan, 90 of Winamac passed at 5:37 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at Logansport Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family after a brief, recent illness.
She was born Oct. 2, 1934 to the late Leo and Marie (Kreusch) Weisenburger at home in a little area known as Indian Creek. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1952 and then attended South Bend College of Commerce. She began her secretarial career at the St. Joe Valley Dairy Company while living with her sister, Donna. She married John Callahan on June 25, 1955. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2004.
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| Dorothy Callahan |
Survivors include her children Debra (Dennis) Johnston of Portage, Timothy (Laura) Callahan of Winamac, Patrick Callahan of Star City and Heather (John) Wheeler of Winamac; grandchildren Jennifer Johnston, Erin Roell, Ryan Damron, Tyler Callahan, Jamie Callahan, Nicole Johnston, Lexi Callahan, Wyatt Wheeler and Cody Wheeler; and great-grandchildren Samantha, Ryker, Will, Dawson and Zayden.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Bud, Richard, Marjorie, Jean, Donna, Virginia, Betty and infant Bobby and granddaughter Angela, and many in-laws.
Although Dorothy met her future husband and soul mate John when they were 13, they started dating in 1951 and became engaged in 1953 while he was stationed in Germany. She started working at the Kingsbury Ammunition Plant in LaPorte where she was employed for five years. She was a stay-at-home mom for several years before returning to work in 1969 at the Singer Control Plant (later known as Eaton) where she served as the employment manager in human resources for 28 years. She retired in 1998 to spend time with her husband. They enjoyed some years of travel, before his health failed, on bus trips and wandering Indiana together. After John’s death, she kept busy volunteering at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Good Samaritan Store, babysitting, playing cards, Bunco club, baking and reading. She was famous for her wonderful pies which she shared with many and won many ribbons at the county fairs.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 6, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel, 110 N. Sally Dr., Winamac where there will also be a rosary service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, March 7, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association and/or Tunnels to Towers.
Mrs. Callahan’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the Callahan family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Darlene K. Mellon
March 30, 1949 to February 25, 2025
FRANCESVILLE - Darlene K. (Rich) Mellon, 75, of Francesville, passed away at 8:57p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, with her husband, son, and daughter by her side.
She was born March 30, 1949 in Decatur, to the late Harold and Marjorie (Roe) Rich. She graduated from Adams Central High School with the class of 1967, completed her undergraduate studies at Purdue University, and earned a Master’s of Education from Purdue in 1975. On November 24, 1972, Darlene married Charles R. “Chuck” Mellon Jr. in Monroe (IN). He survives.
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| Darlene Mellon |
She is also survived by:
Tyson (Jennifer) Mellon, Francesville, Son
Tiffany (Michael) Holle, Francesville, Daughter
Brooklynn Mellon, Granddaughter
Sydney Mellon, Granddaughter
Carson Mellon, Grandson
Makylah Holle, Granddaughter
Teagen Holle, Grandson
Tait Holle, Grandson
Larry (Pam) Rich, Carmel, Brother
Cynthia Strahammer, Monroe, Sister
Karla () Davis, Leesburg, VA, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Josef Strahammer, Brother-in-law
Mrs. Mellon was a lifelong educator with a career that spanned 36½ years. She taught Kindergarten at Clinton Central for 3½ years and was instrumental in starting the Kindergarten program at North White, where she taught for four years. She retired from West Central in 2012 after teaching and inspiring elementary students for 29 years. She was a devoted wife and mother, but the best part of life was being a grandma. She supported her kids and grandkids in all of their sports and activities. She enjoyed decorating her home for the various holidays. She also enjoyed cooking and baking (especially cheesecakes). She loved encouraging others with cards and notes. She served on numerous local boards and committees and volunteered countless hours of her time for the betterment of others. She had a servant heart for her community but most of all, she was a servant of the Lord.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the First Christian Church of Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 3, at the church with Elder Kyle Zarse officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.
Memorial donations may be made to LifeWise Academy – West Central, or West Central Schools Educational Foundation.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
Charlotte Ward Tillett
March 18, 1934 to February 23, 2025
LAFAYETTE - Charlotte A. Ruch Ward Tillett, 90, of Chalmers, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, at Franciscan Health East, Lafayette. She served as Pulaski County Sheriff in the 1980s.
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| Charlotte Ward Tillett |
She was born March 18, 1934, in Lafayette, to the late H. Willis and Alma (Wein) Ruch. She graduated from Linden High School in 1952. She was married to W. Bayne Ward who preceded her in death on Oct 1, 1983. She later married Donald Tillett who also preceded her in death.
Surviving are her sons Gary B. (Dian) Ward of Chalmers and Kerry W. (Susan Runnels) Ward of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren Kristy Morgan (Jake Witkus) and their sons Callen and Cruze, David Green Jr., Steve and Misty Richard, Misty's son Blake Watts (Shianne Holsclaw) and their children Sebastian and Finnick Holsclaw. Also surviving are her siblings Cheryl Blickenstaff, Connie Ruch, Bill (Roberta) Ruch, Josephine (Wayne) Buck and Mary (Larry) Payton.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca J. Morgan, grandson Benjamin Mathew Ward and sister Pat Cox.
Mrs. Tillett served as sheriff of Pulaski County for seven years and retired in 1990. She was appointed sheriff in 1983 following the sudden death of her husband Sheriff Bayne Ward. She was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church and the Indiana Sheriffs Association and the Red Hat Society. She was an animal lover, especially her constant companion for many years Abby her pet cockapoo. She enjoyed nature, quilting, Indiana history and farm life in general.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m., Monday, March 3, at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3305 Longlois Dr. Lafayette. Rev. Kevin Bowers will officiate. Interment will be at Winamac Cemetery, at 3 p.m. Monday.
Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Presbyterian Church in Charlotte's memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel.
Mary Beth Howat
December 24, 1941 to February 21, 2025
FRANCESVILLE - Mary Beth Howat, 83, of Francesville, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.
She was born Dec. 24, 1941 in Monon, to the late Farrell and Elizabeth (Ward) Bailey. She graduated from Monon High School in 1959 and briefly attended Indiana State College. On May 26, 1961, she married William Joseph Howat in Medaryville. He passed away Dec. 21, 2010.
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| Mary Beth Howat |
She is survived by:
Edward (Kim) Howat, Lafayette, Son
Corey (Chelsea) Howat, Francesville, Grandson
Ryan (Amber) Howat, Francesville, Grandson
Evan (Lindsay Reinholt) Howat, Star City, Grandson
J. Tyler (fiancée: Sara Lewandowski) Howat, Lafayette, Grandson
Drew Howat, Lafayette, Grandson
9 Great-Grandchildren (1 on the way)
Farrell Douglas Bailey, Francesville, Brother
John (Sandra) Bailey, Warrenton, VA, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
James Howat, Son
Marsha Bailey, Sister-in-law
Mrs. Howat retired from West Central Schools where she had worked as the corporation treasurer for many years. She also held various other jobs and worked hard throughout her life. She was an avid Purdue men’s basketball fan. Years ago, she enjoyed bowling and playing cards. Most of all, she cherished being a Granny/GiGi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. The family thanks the staff at Parkview Haven for their tender care of Mary Beth: We take comfort in knowing that she is now pain free and at peace.
A graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
Patricia L. Clapp
December 30, 1947 to February 21, 2025
MEDARYVILLE - Patricia L. “Pat” Clapp, 77, of Medaryville, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 21, at her home.
She was born Dec. 30, 1947 in Rensselaer to the late Roy L. and Charlene (Salyer) Hall. She graduated from Medaryville High School with the class of 1967. She married Steven Clapp on Jan. 6, 1978, at St. Luke United Church in San Pierre. He survives.
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| Pat Clapp |
She is survived by:
Gary (Yvette Weiland) Hendershot, Geneva, IN, Son
Doug Clapp, Medaryville, Son
Karlene Clapp, Twisp, WA, Daughter
Emily Clapp, Granddaughter
Hanalee Weiland, Granddaughter
Sherry Paulsen, Lake Bruce, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Wilma Bradley, North Judson, Aunt
Preceded in death by:
Lee and Edna Salyer, Maternal Grandparents
Charles R. and Vesta Hall, Paternal Grandparents
Robert “Bob” Paulsen, Brother-in-law
Virgil Salyer, Uncle
Several Other Aunts and Uncles
In her youth, Mrs. Clapp was a US National Drag Racer at the US 30 Drag Strip in Hobart. She was a proud and devoted homemaker, as well as an avid gardener and talented cook/baker. She enjoyed canning and tending to her flowers. She could make a delicious peach cobbler and potato salad. When her kids were in school, she took a job as custodian to ensure she was always there for them. She was a dedicated West Central sports fan who never missed her kids’ games and continued to support the Trojans even after they had graduated. She was well-known for her incredible annual Christmas light display. She had an incredible sense of humor and a beautiful laugh. She always lived life to the fullest. Most of all she loved her family dearly and will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Saturday), at the funeral home. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville.
Memorial donations may be made to West Central Athletic Boosters.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Timothy Voreis
January 15, 1966 to February 19, 2025
WINAMAC - Timothy “Tim” Voreis, 59, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, at his home with his family at his side.
He was born Jan. 15, 1966 in Knox, to Kenneth L. and Gaynelle (Collins) Voreis. He was a graduate of John Adams High School in South Bend. He married Mary E. Heying on Dec. 28, 1985, in South Bend. They shared 39 years of marriage. She survives.
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| Tim Voreis |
He is also survived by:
Timothy J. Voreis, South Bend, Son
Aubrey P. Voreis, Holland, MI, Daughter
Kathryn A. (Randy Sheaks) Voreis, Bremen, Daughter
Kenneth C. (Kali) Voreis, Plymouth, Son
Samuel H. (Mandy) Voreis, North Liberty, Son
7 Grandchildren: Reece, Hudson, Ava, Emmy, Georgia, Theo, and Joan (on-the-way)
Kenneth and Gaynelle Voreis, Culver, Parents
Robin (Scott) Sommers, Culver, Sister
Glenn (Brigid) Voreis, Vermilion, OH, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Snoop, Beloved Dog
Preceded in death by:
Christopher Sommers, Nephew
Mr. Voreis was a proud truck driver with many safety awards. He had a hazmat endorsement and a doubles and triples endorsement. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, as well as camping with his wife. He cherished lifelong friendships and time spent with family.
The family will host a celebration of life event at a later date. Private burial will take place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak, IN.
Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Volunteer Fire Department or Haven Hospice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Darrell L. Boehning
August 21, 1958 to February 19, 2025
FRANCESVILLE - Darrell L. Boehning, 66, of Indianapolis, passed away at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Majestic Care in Lafayette, where he had been in recovery since being injured in a work-related incident in August.
He was born Aug. 21, 1958 to Stanley G. and Maxine J. (Boze) Boehning. He was raised (and worked) on the family farm in rural Francesville. He graduated from West Central High School in 1976 and completed diesel mechanic courses at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis.
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| Darrell Boehning |
He is survived by:
Alison J. (Andrew) Marquis, Lafayette, Daughter
Danny J. (Laura) Boehning, Plantsville, CT, Son
Theodore Marquis, Grandson
Klaus Marquis, Grandson
Jasper Marquis, Grandson
Beatrix Marquis, Granddaughter
Olivia Boehning, Granddaughter
Evan Boehning, Grandson
Maxine Boehning, Francesville, Mother
Kimberly A. Davidson, Indianapolis, Sister
Rae J. Boehning French, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Shanna (Brandon Schultheis) Davidson, Niece
Erin (Jordan) Bruno, Niece
Emily (Patrick) Armstrong, Niece
Several Great-Nieces and -Nephews
Myron G. Boze, Monon, Uncle
Eileen R. Boehning, Francesville, Aunt
Numerous Cousins (and their families)
Preceded in death by:
Stanley Boehning, Father
Brian A. Boehning, Brother
Glen A. Boehning, Uncle
Bob Boze, Uncle
Kenneth Boze, Uncle
Dorothy Boze, Aunt
Helen June Hoover, Aunt
Lori A. Huber-Boehning, Former Wife
Mr. Boehning had a 48-year-long career at UPS in Indianapolis and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union Local #135. Throughout his adolescence, he took an interest in everything that propelled man forward in the journey of life faster than by just their feet alone. Whether it was tractors on the farm, race cars on the track, or rockets soaring into space - he was captivated by machines that pushed the limits of speed, adventure, and innovation. As a small-town farm kid in the 1960s, he was drawn to the news of advancements in aviation and the Space Race, the roar of engines at the Indy 500, muscle car magazines, and the sounds of rock music emanating from the radio. These passions shaped him into a hardworking, fun-loving young man eager to carve out his own path beyond the farm. He held a private pilot license and was a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed flying and collecting RC planes, drones, and anything aviation related. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, dad and grandpa who will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services Friday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at the funeral home with Chad French officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.
Memorial donations may be made to Air Charity Network at www.aircharitynetwork.org.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
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