Obituaries

Dorothy J. Ailes Owens

June 7, 1933 to June 18, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - Dorothy Jane Ailes Owens, 89, of Francesville, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, June 18.

She was born June 7, 1933 in Medaryville, to the late Marion and Milda Foust Poisel. She attended Wheatfield High School. In 1971, she received a GED from West Central High School in Francesville. On Oct. 27, 1951, she married Carl D. Ailes in Medaryville. He passed away Feb. 8, 1993. On June 27, 1998, she married Richard Owens. He passed away Dec. 26, 2010.

Dorothy Ailes Owens

She is survived by:
Milda “Micki” Clouse, Francesville, Daughter
Gene Hauptli, Indianapolis, Son-in-law
Joshua Boersma, Doylestown, OH, Grandson
Staci (Marty) Noblett, Wadsworth, OH, Granddaughter
Marcia Johnson, Francesville, Granddaughter
Danielle Hauptli, Indianapolis, Granddaughter
6 Great-Grandchildren
Several Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Laura Hauptli, Daughter
Richard Clouse, Son-in-law
Nicholas Hauptli, Grandson
Edwin Poisel, Brother
Zelda Tetzloff, Sister
Alladene Archer, Sister
Walter Poisel, Brother
Elmer Poisel, Brother
Bill Poisel, Brother
Betty Ailes, Sister

Mrs. Ailes Owens was a proud and devoted homemaker. She was a member of the Francesville First Christian Church She and husband Carl had two daughters whom they raised in the Medaryville Christian Church. They lived many different places during Carl’s 22 years in the U.S. Army and enjoyed traveling far and wide after he retired from the service. She especially enjoyed feeding the birds and overseeing all of God’s creation. She loved her family and Jesus with all of her heart.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, June 23, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Thursday), at the funeral home with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church.

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

Marsha Bailey

August 9, 1939 to June 14, 2022

WINGATE - Marsha Bailey, 83, passed away Tuesday, June 14 after a long illness.

She was born Aug. 9, 1939, in Francesville to Edgar and Georgia Maude Byrd, the oldest of seven siblings. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1957, and from Ft. Wayne International Business College. She later completed a paralegal certification course. On Jan. 4, 1959, she married Douglas Bailey in Medaryville.

Marsha Bailey

She is survived by her husband, a daughter Lori (Steve) Pugh, and son Matthew (Jessica) Bailey. She also has five grandsons Christopher, Kyle, Nicholas, Nathaniel and Alexander. Survivors also include her sister, Rebecca (Richard) Rude, brothers Jim (Shirley) Byrd, Tom (Linda) Byrd, and Steven (Julie) Byrd.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Greg and Lawson, and infant daughter, Traci.

Mrs. Bailey worked for law firms in Winamac, served a term as court reporter for the Pulaski County Circuit Court, and managed her own deposition business. She was very active in her church, the First Christian Church of Francesville.  For several years she taught children’s Sunday School classes, led a ladies Bible study group, and managed the church’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.  She also introduced and directed the Toys for Tots missionary program. She loved and was loved by her family.  Every October, she hosted a family reunion that included hay rides, pumpkin carving, or apple bobbing.  Everyone enjoyed the day immensely.

Visitation hours will be 12 noon to 2 p.m., Monday, June 20, at the First Christian Church of Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Interment will be at Tippecanoe Cemetery. 

Memorial donations are preferred to the First Christian Church of Francesville.

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting the family. Visit at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.

Jay Chamness

December 15, 1943 to June 14, 2022

WINAMAC - Jay Chamness, 78, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, June 14, following a brave, year- long battle with dementia.

He was born Dec. 15, 1943 in Winamac to the late Kenneth and Pauline Passmore Chamness. He was a member of the Winamac Class of 1961. In November 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in November 1968, having received a Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the Winamac American Legion Post #71. He was a proud recipient of a Quilt of Valor in 2011. On June 13, 1965, he married Helen Stump in Winamac. She survives.

Jay Chamness

He is also survived by:
Missie (Scott) Brogdon, Winamac, Daughter
Jeff (Jennifer) Chamness, Bloomington, Son
Bethany Brogdon, Cedar Park, TX, Granddaughter
Erika Brogdon, Monticello, Granddaughter
Katelin Chamness, Bloomington, Granddaughter
Kyle Chamness, Bloomington, Grandson
Patty (Donald) Heims, Winamac, Sister
Anita (John) Gehlhausen, Loogootee, Sister-in-law
John Brookman, Erie, CO, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Carolyn Brookman, Sister
Joan (Glenn) Snyder, Sister
Kay (Oley) Schneider, Twin Sister
Bud and Midge Stump, In-Laws
Mike Stump, Brother-in-law
Susan Brookman, Niece
Derek Gilman, Nephew
Scott Brookman, Nephew
Buck and Homie, Favorite Furry Friends

Mr. Chamness was a very hard worker, and worked many years at Tee-Pak, Wallace’s Chicken Farm, farming, and finally retired in 2005 from Pulaski White Rural Telephone Co-Op after 27 years of service. He was a juror on Ford Pinto Trial in 1980 in Winamac. He was locally famous for selling the best homegrown sweetcorn for nearly 50 years. Dementia ended the era of Jay’s Sweetcorn before the 2021 season. His favorite hobbies were growing sweetcorn and veggies, mushroom hunting, playing cards, fishing, and bowling.

Helen always said that Jay was her oldest kid because he was always outside playing dodgeball, kickball, and basketball with the neighborhood kids. In winters, he enjoyed pulling Missie and Jeff (when they were kids) and their friends on sleds behind the three-wheeler. Jay was a diehard Winamac Warriors fan and never missed a game of Bethany or Erika’s. He was a proud supporter Katelin and Kyle’s bowling endeavors. He loved the Indiana Hoosiers, NCAA Men’s Basketball, and NCAA Women’s Softball. He always rooted for the Hoosiers and anyone playing Purdue. The family notes - Jay was the sweetest fella, whose smiley, silly, and loving nature left lasting impressions on many. He would want to thank his faithful corn people for the laughs and support over the years. Whenever you eat sweetcorn and have it all over your face, think of Jay. The family wishes to thank the staff of White Oak Health Campus in Monticello, for taking such good care of Jay the last several months of his life.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.  Military graveside services will be conducted by the Winamac VFW and American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Swinging Bridge Project or Pulaski Animal Center. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

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

Mary E. Miller

March 14, 1925 to June 12, 2022

WINAMAC - Mary E. Miller, 97, of Star City, passed away Sunday, June 12, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

She was born March 14, 1925 in Star City to the late Adolph and Mollie Huff Tack. She graduated from Star City High School in 1943 and went on to become a licensed beauty operator. On Feb. 14, 1950, she married Walter F. Miller in Crown Point. He passed away Dec. 11, 1989.

Mary Miller

Survivors include:
Steven F. (Paula) Miller, Star City, Son
JoAnn Miller, Monticello, Daughter
Myreta Wainscott, Speedway, Daughter
John (Marcia) Miller, Star City, Son
Brian (Kaitlynn) Miller, Grandson
Andy (Rachel) Wainscott, Grandson
Eric (Samantha) Miller, Grandson
Kaitlyn (Ryan Wilson) Wainscott, Granddaughter
Travis Miller, Grandson
Tyler Miller, Grandson
4 Great-Grandchildren: Maxwell, Adelaide, Maurine, and Henry

Preceded in death by:
Alma May Tack, Sister

Mrs. Miller was a dedicated farm wife and mother. She enjoyed gardening and canning as well as making delicious food for her family. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and playing cards.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 16, at Star City West Cemetery in Star City, with Pastor David Norris officiating. Burial follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Star City West Cemetery, Pulaski Animal Center, Riley Hospital for Children, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Wayne D. Mayhew Jr.

November 19, 1951 to June 10, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - Wayne D. Mayhew Jr., 80, of Medaryville, passed away Friday, June 10, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born Nov. 19, 1941 in Logansport, to the late Wayne D. and Maralyn M Heater Mayhew. He graduated from Medaryville High School and attended Indiana University in Bloomington. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On Oct. 14, 1972, he married Evelyn M. “Dottie” Molden in Cedar Lake, IN. She survives.

Wayne Mayhew Jr.

He is survived by:
Robert L. (Jennifer) Mayhew, Lowell, Son
Julie A. Mayhew, Wheatfield, Daughter
Ashley A. (fiancé: Austin Townsend) Mayhew, Twelve Mile, Daughter
Garrett Mayhew, Grandson
Courtney (Dillan) Rehn, Granddaughter
Jaxon Mayhew, Grandson
Drake Mayhew, Grandson
Lincoln Mayhew, Great-Granddaughter
Maryann (Jack) Williams, Sister
Jean Nettles, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Christine M. Mayhew, Daughter
Dal Mayhew, Uncle

Mr. Mayhew spent most of his life installing new flooring. He had a tremendous work ethic; retiring in his late seventies. He was an avid HAM Radio Operator - K9KFT Foxtrot Tango. He enjoyed building and flying RC planes as well as fishing. He cherished the many family fishing trips to Minnesota. He was an Indiana Hoosiers Basketball fan. He loved his family and always worked hard to take care of them.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 22, at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

Clifford V. Fritz

December 15, 1943 to June 14, 2022

WHEATFIELD - Clifford V. Fritz, 94, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, June 7.

Cliff Fritz

He was born July 11, 1927, to Leslie and Hazel Earhart Fritz in rural (Jefferson Township) Winamac. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II, from 1945 until 1946. He married Phyllis Nelson, on Nov. 13, 1948, in Buffalo/Monticello.

He is survived by his children Barbara (Ed) Clark, Pattie (Eddie) Egbert, Fred (Sheryl) Fritz, Doug (Brenda) Fritz, Tom (Lila) Fritz, Sandy (Doug) Bathke, Tim (Paige) Fritz; 20 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 1+ great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, grandson Alex Bathke, great-grandson Cooper Ryser, brothers Harold, Lewis, Robert, and sister Thelma Wantola.

Mr. Fritz was member of the Bethel Bible Church. He enjoyed playing his guitar, harmonica, and piano in his spare time. He was a Sunday School teacher, church bus driver, deacon, and song leader. He loved serving the Lord.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. (ET), Sunday, June 12, at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m., at the church with Pastor Tom Hopewell and Ron DeGraaff officiating.  A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 13, at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested for the church.

Boersma Funeral Home, Wheatfield, has been entrusted with the arrangements.