Obituaries

John M. Lebo

February 6, 1933 to February 5, 2023

RICHMOND, Ind. – John Marshall Lebo, 90, of Richmond, died Sunday, Feb. 5, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 6, 1933, in Winamac, to Vernal Alfred and Thelma Estelle Clements Lebo. He earned a Bachelor of Science, and two Masters of Arts, and Education degrees at Ball State University. He played on both the baseball and basketball teams at Ball State, and lettered each year in both sports. He also served in the Third Armored Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1961. In 2008, the U.S. Congress made him a member of The American Legion.

John Lebo

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Diane Lebo; daughter, Ronna (Chip Bunker) Lebo of Plainfield, NJ and daughter Amy (Kevin) Booth of Indianapolis; and son John Todd Lebo of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Dustyn Kim, Robert Bunker, Megan Lebo, Abigail Lebo, Zack Lebo, Mazzy Booth, Macsen Booth, Cody Lebo, and Kelcey Reece; great-grandchildren, Mason Kim, Lyla Kim, and Peter Bunker; brother, Ernest Robert (Betty) Lebo; sisters, Sherry (Ron) Sumrak, Georgia (Jeff) Swartzell, Beverly Hubbs, and Judy Ash; sisters-in-law, Jimmie Shows Lebo and, Ann Richards Lebo; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Clarke Lebo; parents; and brothers, Ronald Lebo and James Lebo.

Mr. Lebo worked as a business teacher and coach at Richmond High School before becoming the first dean of students there. He went on to become principal at RHS, retiring in 1996, after 28 years. Besides being a schoolteacher and administrator, he was a beloved coach and mentor in various sports. He coached baseball at RHS for 12 years, and Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team for eight years. Under his leadership, the RHS team won three conference championships, nine sectional championships, four regional championships, one semi-state championship, and one state final championship. Richmond Post 65 Legion baseball team highlights include seven district championships, four regional championships and four state final championships. He loved his Richmond community and was always motivated to help others around him. Before he came to Richmond, he taught and coached baseball, basketball, football, and track at both Monterey, Ind. and Kendallville, Ind. high schools.

After his retirement, he served on the board of the Wayne County Health Department for 20 years. He also helped to form the Wellcare Community Health Center, and served on that board as chairman until recently. He was also a hearing officer for middle and elementary schools in the Richmond Community school system. Mr. Lebo helped to found the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and was the first executive director of that organization. He coordinated legendary fundraisers for the Football Hall of Fame, including WWF “Big Time Wrestling” bouts and Harlem Globetrotter shows, held at the Richmond High School gymnasium. He served on Congressman Phil Sharp’s Academy Steering Committee for 12 years. He was awarded “Educator of the Year” in 1994 by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and The Palladium Item. In 1995, Gov. Evan Bayh awarded him membership in the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash, the highest award a civilian can receive from an Indiana governor.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, Richmond. A time of sharing will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home, followed by military honors by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to: Richmond High School for the John Marshall Lebo Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Attn: Sally Porter, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Brenda Elston

November 25, 1963 to February 4, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Brenda “Bren” Elston, 59, of Medaryville, passed away surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, Feb. 4, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Nov. 25, 1963 to Ernest D. and Krystal K. [Critser] Woodard, in Gary. She graduated from West Central High School in 1981. She married Brad Elston on Oct. 3, 1987 in Medaryville. They affectionately referred to one another as “baby” for over 37 years. He survives.

Brenda Elston

She is also survived by:
Heather (Mike) Ross, Medaryville, Daughter
Bradley “Heck” (Rachel) Elston, Francesville, Son
Skyler Elston, Medaryville, Daughter
Kristin Wall Hunt, the one Bren called her adopted daughter
Trinity Ross, Granddaughter
Lyric Ross, Granddaughter
Briar Ross, Grandson
Easton Elston, Grandson
Bryntlee Elston, Granddaughter
Krystal Woodard, Medaryville, Mother
Lavon (Sidney) Dulin, Medaryville, Sister
Tammy (Doug) Mason, Monon, Sister
Ruth (Rick) Critser, Elk Horn, NE, Foster Sister and Cousin
Gabby, Beloved Dog
Steve (Remi) Elston, Cheyenne, WY, Brother-in-law
Scott (Claudia) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Bob (Cathy) Elston, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews and Great-Nieces and Nephews
Delores Miller, Medaryville, Aunt
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ernest Woodard, Father
Raymond and Beatrice Kors, Grandparents

Mrs. Elston enjoyed crafting and flower gardening. In her younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she would turn the house into the North Pole. Some of the best family memories were made while camping, fishing, and spending time at the pool. Her grandchildren will always remember their “nanna” singing You Are My Sunshine and the many ways in which she reminded them that they were her sunshine. She had worked at Federal Mogul and most recently at the Pulaski County Surveyor’s Office. While she enjoyed her time at these jobs, her true passion was being a devoted wife, mother, and “nanna.” She loved her family very much. She could light up a room with her personality and was never shy to tell you like it was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at the funeral hoe with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Dwayne M. Terry

November 16, 1943 to February 1, 2023

WINAMAC  - Dwayne Milo Terry, 79, of Winamac, passed away at 4:55 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

He was born Nov. 16, 1943 in Winamac, to the late Gerald Milo “Red” Terry and Myrna Louise Poss Terry. He married Della Lorraine Dilts on Dec. 21, 1963 in Winamac. She died Aug. 22, 1997. He married Beverly K. Beauchamp on June 28, 2003 in Winamac. She died March 23, 2014.

Dwayne Terry

He is survived by:
Wesley (Lynn) Terry, Winamac, Son
Robert (Marsha) Terry, Winamac, Son
Theresa (Steve) McKinley, Westfield, Daughter
Christina (Josh) Girton, Winamac, Daughter
Sarah (Grant) Selking, Granddaughter
Markus (Amanda) Terry, Grandson
Michael (Emma) McKinley, Grandson
McKenzie Terry, Grandaughter
John Terry, Grandson
6 Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Della, Caroline, Henry, Olivia and Karlie
Marlene (Fran) Fox, Winamac, Sister
Pam Weaver, Winamac, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Cynthia E. Terry, Daughter
Darrell Terry, Brother
Linnea Lloyd, Sister
David Terry, Brother
Donald Terry, Brother

Mr. Terry was a farmer and truck driver. He loved his time working the land. He drove a Citgo Gas truck for many years. He was a very social person who touched many lives. He enjoyed participating in tractor pulls and drag racing. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He loved spending time with his family especially the little ones. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW Auxiliary and First United Methodist Church in Winamac.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. FOE Services will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. The funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home with Pastor Butch Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to VFW 1728 in Winamac or the Winamac Eagles Lodge.

Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Betty J. Shorter

May 26, 1942 to January 30, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Betty J. Shorter, 80, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 6:45 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

Born on May 26, 1942 in Monticello, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Wanetta (Allen) Ezra. She was a 1960 Winamac High School graduate. On Nov. 5, 1960 she married James “Jim” Shorter.  He preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 2020.

Betty Shorter

Survivors include her sons Gregory (Tracey) Shorter of Winamac and Steven (Chris) Shorter of Winamac, and daughter Amy (David) Bailey of Star City. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Ashley  (Tommy Coop) Stemm of Osceola, Brittni (Steve Kasten) Bailey of Winamac, Emily Campbell of Winamac, Andrea (Kenny) Sanson of Star City, Trent Shorter of Star City, Jamie (Brandon) Sells of Lakeville, Tiffani Shorter of Winamac; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one due in April; sister Carolyn Knebel of Indianapolis; grandson-in-law Tim Hoffa and granddaughter-in-law Brandi Shorter of Winamac.

She was preceded in death by brothers Benny Ezra and Larry Ezra, sister Shirley Peters, grandson Michael Shorter and granddaughter Christi Hoffa.

Many knew Mrs. Shorter best for the sewing and alterations she provided as the owner and seamstress of Betty’s Snip & Sew Barn. She was self-taught in her trade and provided sewing classes to the community over the years, including local 4-H clubs. She enjoyed spending many summers teaching her granddaughters to sew as well. She attended the First Christian Church in Winamac. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cross-stitch, reading, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, completing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Instilled from her parents at a young age, she was an avid card player. She never turned down the chance to play cards or board games, passing this love on to her kids and grandkids. It would not be a family-get-together without gathering around the table playing multiple, high-spirited games with many laughs shared.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home in Royal Center. The funeral service will follow directly after with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating.

 It was Betty’s wish to celebrate and honor the life of her late husband, Jim, in conjunction with her service. The family was unable to hold services at the time of his passing due to COVID.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church, 106 Market St., Winamac.

Mrs. Shorter’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Lawrence H. Juniper

September 1, 1935 to January 23, 2023

WINAMAC - Lawrence Henry “Larry” Juniper, 87, of Winamac, passed away at 8:50 p.m., Monday, Jan. 23, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. 

He was born Sept. 1, 1935 in West Swanzey, NH to the late William Henry and Elizabeth May “Bessie” [Hazard] Juniper.  He married Mavis Jean Felker on Dec. 17, 1966 in Monticello.  She survives.

Larry Juniper

He is also survived by:
Linda Greenidge, Daughter
Larry Juniper Jr., Son
Mike (Candy) Juniper, Son
George Randall Juniper, Son
David (Brenda Paul) Juniper, Son
Roger Metz, Son-in-law
Many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Charlie Juniper, Brother
Ruthie Warren, Sister
Georgia Juniper, Sister-in-law
Numerous Niece and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeannie Metz, Daughter
Laureene Buffum, Daughter
Natasha Juniper, Daughter-in-law
James Juniper, Brother
Elizabeth Walker, Sister
William David Juniper, Brother

Mr. Juniper served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean War. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves and the U.S. Army National Guard. He retired from the military on Oct. 27, 1997 after 25½ years of service. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #71 and a lifetime member VFW Post #1728 in Winamac. He proudly served on the local Honor Guard for many years. He was especially honored to receive a Quilt of Valor several years ago. He worked hard his entire life retiring from Eaton Corporation in Winamac where he had worked for over 30 years. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing in the local Merchant’s Softball League as well as coaching Little League Baseball for his sons. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 3, at the funeral home with Pastor Martin Burns officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 6, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Church of the Nazarene, Winamac American Legion or Winamac VFW.

Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

John Klein

January 30, 1938 to January 18, 2023

WINAMAC - John Klein, 84, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Panama City Beach, FL.

He was born Jan. 30, 1938 in Romania to John and Maria [Gross] Klein Sr. He married Theresia Plach on Nov. 7, 1967 in Germany. She survives.

John Klein

He is survived by:
Franziska (Ricardo) Mancha, Chicago, Daughter
Manuela (Keith) Marvin, Westville, Daughter
Monika Braun, Brookfield, IL, Daughter
Hannelore (Mike) Bachmann, Hobart, Daughter
Roy (Nicole) Klein, Montgomery, IL, Son
10 Grandchildren
6 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Parents

Mr. Klein and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Florida. He enjoyed gardening. In his younger years, he enjoyed snow skiing and swimming in the pool. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, Jan. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, Saturday, at the funeral home with Pastor David Norris officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McFarland Addition) in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.