Obituaries

Alvin H. Zellers

July 16, 1951 to March 1, 2020

WINAMAC - Alvin Herman Zellers, 68, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, at his home.

He was born on July 16, 1951 in Winamac to the late Alvin B. and Emma E. Sahlhoff Zellers. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1972. On July 5, 1980, he married Wendy J. Pietrzak in Greenwich, CT. She survives.

Survivors also include:
Zachary A. Zellers, Winamac, Son
David W. Zellers, Sullivan, Son
Bertha A. Kelsey, South Bend, Sister
Glen A. (Kathy) Zellers, Winamac, Brother
Emma Lou (Chris) Nielsen, Winamac, Sister
Jean Pietrzak, Greenwich, CT, Mother-in-law
Sandy (Chris) Burns, Syracuse, NY, Sister-in-law
Heidi (Timmy) Hupal, Greenwich, CT, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ben E. (Celia) Zellers, Brother
Jacque and Penny, Half-Sisters

Mr. Zellers was a faithful member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac where he had served as an Elder and Trustee. He was also very involved with the local Boy Scout Troop #229 and Cub Scout Pack #3230. He enjoyed chaperoning scout camping trips and outings. He was especially proud that both of his sons obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Zellers was a retired production worker, having worked nearly 20 years at Winamac Steel and nearly 20 years at Winamac Coil Spring in Kewanna, until he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. He enjoyed doing yardwork; and not just his, but also for many friends and neighbors around town. He was a talented handyman and woodworker. He liked gardening and canning, as well as cooking and baking. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and Notre Dame Women’s Basketball fan. He was a genealogist and enjoyed gathering and collecting Zellers family history. He was always faithful to attend the Zellers family reunion in the Winamac Town Park, and the Sahlhoff reunions in Bremen. He was a very kind man who willingly gave of himself to others. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, brother and godfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, March 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 16, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or Boy Scout Troop #229.

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

Denise L. Payne

July 20, 1974 to March 2, 2020

WINAMAC – Denise L. Payne, 45, of Winamac, passed away Monday, March 2.

She was born July 20, 1974 in Knox. On Oct. 31, 2014, she married Rodney S. Payne in Plymouth. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Alyshia (Karl) Rebeck, Winamac, Daughter
Alexis Wireman, Hamlet, Daughter
Josh Wireman, Winamac, Son
Raelynn Payne, Plymouth, Step-Daughter
One beloved foster daughter
Madison “Maddy” Carter, Granddaughter
Ziya Wireman, Granddaughter
Zander Wireman, Grandson
One grandson on the way
Rev. Samuel and Debra Clemons Humphries, Carrollton, GA, Parents
Keith Dollahan, Knox, Biological Father
Carey (Mark) Acord, Mt. Zion, GA, Sister
Amanda (Brooks) Proctor, Carrollton, GA, Sister
7 Nieces and Nephews: Jacob, Samuel, Jordan, Uriah, Paris, Briylee, and Kynlee Cleary Clemons, Knox, Maternal Grandma
Rick and Rita Payne, Winamac, Dad-in-law and Mom-in-law
Rick (Heather) Payne, Gallatin, TN, Brother-in-law
Randy (Kim) Payne, Winamac, Brother-in-law
7 Nieces-in-law and Nephews-in-law: Sydney, Kane, Jacob, Kaleigh, Shae, Ebyn, and Jaydin
Monna Lou Luttrell, Winamac, Grandma-in-law

Preceded in death by:
JR Dollahan, Brother
 Emily McGee, Niece
Phyllis Dollahan, Paternal Grandmother
Dean Dollahan, Uncle

Mrs. Payne was fondly known to family and friends at “Nikki” or “One East Denise.” She was extremely active at New Beginnings Church in Winamac where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school. She dedicated her life to serving the Lord and others. She had a contagious smile and laugh that lit up the room. She never met a stranger and was full of kindness. She worked as a CNA at Pulaski Memorial Hospital and was a loving caregiver to her patients. She never sat down during a shift. She had a great sense of humor and loved a good practical joke (just ask her co-workers!). The most important part of her life was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom, foster mom, and grandma. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 7, at New Beginnings Family Fellowship Church in Winamac with Rev. Brent Smith and Rev. Samuel Humphries officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to New Beginnings Family Fellowship Church in Winamac.

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

Barbara J. Hero

December 27, 1940 to February 27, 2020

WINAMAC - Barbara J. Hero, 79, of rural Winamac, died at home Thursday, Feb.  27.

She was born Dec. 27, 1940 in Hornersville, MO to the late Ira C. and Mary E. Martin Duncan. She married Ronald L. Hero on May 12, 1962,  in Dowagiac, MI. He survives. They shared 57 years of marriage.

She is also survived by:
Linda (Clifford, Jr.) Minter, Winamac, Daughter
Darryl (Berronica) Hero, Winamac, Son
John Hero, Kokomo, Son
9 Grandchildren
11 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandchild
David (Penny) Duncan, Dowagiac, MI, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Freeda O’Neal, Sister
Coy Duncan, Brother
Mozelle Smith, Sister
Trudie Edwards, Sister

Mrs. Hero was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and dedicated most of her life to talking to people about the Bible. She loved her family and will be dearly missed

A private family graveside service will be held at the Winamac Cemetery, Winamac. Burial will be at the cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Paul E. Smith Sr.

November 17, 1940 to February 8, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Paul E. Smith Sr., 79, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 7 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, at his residence.

Born on Nov. 17, 1940 in Logansport, he was the son of the late Walter and Hazel Oatess Smith. On Nov. 19, 1977, he married Janet A. Stoll. She survives.

Survivors also include daughter Carol (Todd) Hartle of Warsaw, son Mark (Hiroko) Heiny of Indianapolis, son Scott (Tracey Parish) Heiny of Royal Center, daughter Debbie (Ken) DeHaven of Logansport, Kelly (Fred) Fabian of LaGrange Park, Ill., son Kevin (Louise) Heiny of Star City, and one daughter and four sons; brothers Walter (Nadine) Smith of Walton and Jerry (Linda) Smith of Winamac; sisters Agnes (Frances) Small of Royal Center, Linda (Bill) Stillwell of Logansport and Billene (Russell) Fry of Noblesville. Grandchildren are Brittany (Derek) Adamson, Brandi (Zach) Fulton, Braxton (Kalista) Hartle, Sara Heiny, Amanda Brooks, Jodie Muckenfuss, Sheena Heiny Tolson, Cougar Heiny, Shelby Heiny, Raelyn Howard, Corey Howard, Karli (Ty) Buttice, Kyle DeHaven, Connor Fabian, Morgan Fabian, Rachel Fabian and Kristie (Brian) Doty. Great-grandchildren are Parker, Brock and Kinzie Adamson, Reagan and Roree Fulton, Jaron Kidd, Isiah and Madison Hardy, Derek Napier, Ivan Muckenfuss, Courtney Apple Muckenfuss, Kwinton Heiny, Addilee Stover, McKayla Wingard, Payton West, Braxton Doty and Taylor Hoover.

He was also preceded in death by brothers Gerald Herald, Glen Herald, Frank Herald, David Smith and Billy Joe Smith; sisters Florence Cotterman, Lucile Boose, Martha Smaltz, Ruth Beckley and Jo Ann Smith; grandson Christopher Johnson and grandson-in-law Joe Robison.

Mr. Smith was formerly employed at Winamac Steel, Federal Mogul in Leiters Ford, S & S Precast in Winamac and APW Products in Monon. He was a member of First Christian Church in Winamac and the Royal Center Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed cross stitching, woodworking, working in the yard and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m.., Monday, Feb. 10, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center, where there will also be a Masonic service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, McKinley section.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church and/or the Royal Center Masonic Lodge.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth A. Weldon

September 12, 1950 to February 10, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Elizabeth A. Weldon, 69, of Winamac passed away at 10:15 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10, at her residence, surrounded by family.

Born on Sept. 12, 1950 in Downingtown, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Catherine Stringer Bauer. On May 14, 1983, she married Richard A. Weldon at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Logansport. He survives.

She is also survived by her children Lisa, Genevieve, David, Emmy, Jacob, and Lukas, and by her 7 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by 2 brothers.

In the years following her marriage, she became a member of St. Peters Catholic Church, Winamac, and enthusiastically tended her vegetable garden, colored the farm with many beautiful flowers, learned to make wine, spent the evenings with her crocheting, and raised her children with a happy, generous heart.

A rosary service will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Winamac, followed by a memorial mass at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the family to help cover funeral costs and/or to the Red Cross.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

Jo E. Russell

April 21, 1945 to February 12, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Jo Ellen Russell, 74, of Winamac passed away at 10:22 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, at Kindred Hospital in Indianapolis.

Born on April 21, 1945 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Mercedes Nufer Roberts. She was a 1963 Winamac High School graduate. On April 16, 1966 in St. Peters Catholic Church she married Darwin “Doc” Russell. He survives.

Survivors also include daughters, Steph Shank of Winamac and Chris (PJ) Brucker of Winamac; son, Kevin (Jody) Russell of Plymouth; grandchildren, Lindsey (Ryan) Kolish, Bryant Larkin, Lauren Shank and Alisyn Larkin; and great-grandchildren, Jackson Russell Kolish and Sawyer Diane Kolish. She is also survived by brothers, John (Louise) Roberts of South Carolina and Jeff (Brenda) Roberts of Culver; sisters, Jeannine (Steve) George of Middlebury and Rusty (Carl) Federer of Francesville; brother-in-law, Ron (Carol) Shrader  of Rochester and sister-in-law, Rita Roberts of Crown Point.

She was preceded in death by brother, James Roberts, and sisters, Janet Brown, Judy Shrader and Jennifer Terry.

Mrs. Russell was a lifelong homemaker. She was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church, Ladies of Charity and the Christian Mothers. She was an avid Cubs fan who loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

A rosary service will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial mass at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 29, at St. Peters Catholic Church, Winamac, with Father Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center (PAC), 13 E. Indian Hills Road, PO Box 156, Winamac, IN 46996.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Russell family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel,  Royal Center.