Marcia A. Fullerton, 74, of LaPorte, died Thursday, April 24, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born May 18, 1939, in LaPorte to Harold Salzer and Hilda (Murphy) Salzer Heiden.

Marcia worked for 12 years as a surgical secretary for LaPorte Hospital and then later for CareGivers. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She was an avid dog lover. Marcia’s family was most important to her.

On Jan. 10, 1987, in LaPorte, she married Kendall L. Fullerton, who preceded her in death Aug. 17, 2003.

Her parents also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her three sons, Richard (Christine) Wiltfong of LaPorte and Thomas (Debbie) Wiltfong, both of LaPorte, and Robert (Tracey) Wiltfong of Michigan City, IN; six grandchildren, Stephanie Lindsley, Steven (Ashley) Wiltfong, Ashley Wiltfong, Kaitlyn (Eric) Donahue, Ryan Wiltfong, and Shelby Wiltfong; five great-grandchildren, Savannah Wiltfong, Logan Donahue, Mason Donahue, Raegan Donahue and Madilynn Wiltfong; sister, Roberta (William) Flatt of LaPorte; and half sister, Barb Walker of LaPorte.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating. Cremation will take place. Burial of ashes will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LaPorte County Meals on Wheels, 301 E. 8th St., Suite 110, Michigan City, IN 46360.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Olive Frances Mankowski, 99, of Walkerton, IN, passed peacefully into the hands of God on Sunday, April 27, 2014, the Feast of Divine Mercy.

She was born Feb. 24, 1915, in Walkerton.

Mrs. Mankowski was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fish Lake, IN.

She is survived by two sons, Larry L. Heimer Sr. and Father Michael G. Heimer; one grandson, Larry L. Heimer Jr.; one great-granddaughter, Nicole Alvarez; and three great-grandsons, Ivan, Kraig and Gabriel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Mankowski.

At her request, services will be private. Committal will be at St. Stanislaus Diocesan Cemetery in Michigan City, IN. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Anthony Church through Essling Funeral Home.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Dean Raymond “Popsicle” Grannell Sr., 67, of Union Mills, IN, died peacefully at 5 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2014, in his home.

He was born April 19, 1947, in Benton Harbor, MI, to Raymond Francis and Helen (Grimes) Grannell.

Dean was retired after having worked as a truck driver for Marquette Fabricators in Michigan City, IN. He honorably served in the United State Marines from 1965 to 1969. Dean was a member of Beautiful Savior Church in LaPorte. He loved his dog, Angel, and enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

On May 21, 1994, in Stevensville, MI, he married Patricia “Pat” (Reed) Grannell, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Wendy (Mike) Whitney of Benton Harbor and Dean R. (Kim) Grannell II of Cincinnati, OH; two stepsons, Douglas (Vicki) Howard Jr. of Dowagiac, MI, and David (Jenna) Howard of Watervliet, MI; two sisters, Alva Mae (Leroy) Weber of Hartford, MI, and Emily Grannell of Green Bay, WI; one brother, Jim Grannell of Benton Harbor; and seven grandchildren, Jalyn, Felicity, Tristan, Connor, Zoey, Wyatt and Maecy.

His parents preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Kevin Boushek officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.

Esther M. Bowen, 95, of LaPorte, died April 27, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Feb. 20, 1919, in Martinsville, IL, to Grant and Ethel (Melton) Elliott.

Esther retired after working for 25 years at Indiana Molding and Frame Company. She was a member of Door Village Church.

On Nov. 23, 1938, in St. Louis, MO, she married Alvin Bowen, who preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 1984.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Janice Lawrence; sister, Ruth Stephens; and two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Zachary.

Surviving are her son, Marvin (Gail) Bowen of LaPorte; grandchildren, Deryl (Anna) Veach of Iowa, Eric (Catherine) Veach of LaPorte, Donald (Jennifer) Bowen of Wabash, IN, Shari (Leon) Mullins of LaPorte, and Anthony Bowen of LaPorte; great-grandchildren, Shayne, Tyler, Ashlyn, Joshua, Donald Jr., Bethany, Maxwell, Alexis, Nathan, Justin, Samuel, and Kaitlyn; one great-great-granddaughter, Audrey Bowen; sister, Loretta (Jim) Bournay of LaPorte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Door Village United Methodist Church with Rev. Billy Nickrand officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, May 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, and at the church on Friday from 1 p.m. until the service. Interment will follow the service at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Contributions may be made to Door Village United Methodist Church, 3502 Joliet Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.

Gregg Landes Jr., 20, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 12:33 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2014, in his home.

He was born July 17, 1993, in LaPorte to Gregg Landes Sr. and Vicky (Stegall) Landes.

Gregg was employed as a machine operator at OTech Industries in Rolling Prairie, IN. He was a very funny, outgoing, polite and loving person. His wonderful smile and charm would light up a room and was noticed by everyone. He enjoyed doing different things and was always willing to give it his best try. His idea of fun was riding anything with a motor on it, spending time with his family and friends, and anything to do with the beach.

Surviving are his parents; one sister, LeAnn Benedict of LaPorte; one brother, Alan (Dorothy) Tanksley of LaPorte; grandmother, Bernadette Nizinski of Michigan City, IN; grandparents, Linda and Terry Brainerd of LaPorte; five nieces and one nephew, all of LaPorte; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

His grandfather, Norbert Nizinski, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.

Mr. Norman “Jake” W. Jacobs, 84, of Kingsford Heights, IN, died Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview in LaPorte.

He was born Jan. 14, 1930, in French Lick, IN, to Charles Elliott Jacobs and Jessie Lee (Noe) Jacobs.

Norman worked as a welder fabricator for New York Blower, retiring in 1994. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served as a drill master assistant during the Korean War from 1949-1952. Norman was an avid gardener and loved to cook.

On June 24, 1950, in Washington, IN, he married Patricia A. (Cockerham) Jacobs, who survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Steve (Rosalie) Jacobs of Kingsford Heights and Norman “Bruce” (Kim) Jacobs of Walkerton, IN; daughter, Erika (Cecil) Cochran of Winamac, IN; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and an extended family.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Edward Jacobs; and sister, Mary Laverne Fair.

A private service will take place Wednesday, April 30, with Charles Gerber officiating. Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Norma Lynn Kaminski, 88, of LaPorte, died Friday, April 25, 2014, at 11:15 a.m. at her home.

She was born July 22, 1925, in Wabash, IN, to William D. and Hazel (Deeter) Lynn, and had lived in LaPorte since 1950.

Norma was a graduate of Wabash High School, attended Western College for Women and graduated with honors from Indiana University. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She attended Indiana University School of Law and attended Indiana University School of Library Science for masters level studies. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and was president of the St. Peter Home and School Association, president of the St. Peter Parish Council, member of the St. Peter Joan of Arc Circle and a member of the Gary Diocese Education Commission. She was also a member of AAUW and LaPorte Service League, president of the Community Concert Association, and a member of the American Needlepoint Guild.

On Oct. 28, 1950, in Wabash, IN, she married Leon R. Kaminski, who survives.

Norma is also survived by her daughters, Anne (Donald) Barnes of Metairie, LA, and Lynn (Connor) Flahive of Arlington, TX, and sons, Daniel D. (Kathryn) Kaminski of LaPorte, Paul E. Kaminski (Rich Bonin) of Minneapolis, MN; James W. (Lizabeth) Kaminski of LaPorte, and William S. (Constance) Kaminski of LaPorte; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia McSpadden of Wabash, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents preceded her in death.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Friday, May 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, 115 E. 4th St., Michigan City, IN 46360; St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or the Foundation in support of IU Health LaPorte Hospital, P.O. Box 250, LaPorte, IN 46352.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Rosalia E. Keller, 73, of LaPorte, died Monday, April 28, 2014, at her home.

She was born March 31, 1941, in Michigan City, IN, to Herman L. Sr. and Helen Teresa (Sack) Carter.

Rosalia was a member of First Church of God in LaPorte.

On Feb. 2, 2000, in LaPorte, she married Jack L. Keller, who preceded her in death Nov. 29, 2008.

Rosalia was also preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Velmer Pace; second husband, Walter Thrasher; three sisters and five brothers.

She is survived by two daughters, Helen T. Sookradge and Donna M. Pace, both of Michigan City; son, Joseph F. Pace of LaPorte; four grandchildren, Jacqueline H. Sookradge, Joseph E. Sookradge, Jessica H. Sookradge and Joshua E. Sookradge; great-grandchild, Julianna H. Sookradge; and four sisters, Doris Resteau of Valparaiso, IN, Katherine Marciniak of Plano, IL, and Ruth Ann Leeds and Nancy L. Willis, both of Michigan City.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, May 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, May 2, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Roderick Hoffman officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Rosalia E. Keller, c/o Haverstock Funeral Home.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Michael G. Pedzinski Jr., 47, of LaPorte, died Saturday, April 26, 2014, at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City, IN.

He was born Jan. 20, 1967, in Michigan City to Michael G. Pedzinski and Georgia C. (Hibner) Pedzinski Garwick.

Michael worked for Sanduski Abrasive. He enjoyed fishing and family functions. Michael had a very kind heart and was always helping friends and family.

He is survived by his mother, Georgia C. Garwick, and stepfather, Jack F. Garwick Sr., of LaPorte; grandmother, Shirley Hibner of Michigan City; two brothers, Jack (Noelle) Garwick Jr. of Kingsford Heights, IN, and Don (Crystal) Garwick of Portage, IN; sister, Michelle (Robert) Pajor of LaPorte; and many nieces and nephews.

Michael was preceded in death by his father and three grandparents.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, May 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jo Ellyn Chadwick officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Family of Michael G. Pedzinski Jr. c/o Haverstock Funeral Home.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Arica Briggs, 34, of Michigan City, IN, and formerly of Westville, IN, died peacefully at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2014, in her home.

She was born Oct. 18, 1979, in Littleton, NH, to Eric Briggs and Laurette (Beck) Barfield.

Arica was very gifted, prideful and giving. She had a sense of humor. Arica loved fashion, art and music.

Surviving are her parents; one daughter, Cyleina Briggs of Michigan City; five siblings; Chasity (Thomas) Jackson of Westville, and Isaiah (Amanda) Briggs, Eric Briggs Jr., Caleb Briggs and Anna Briggs, all of Whitefield, NH; one grandchild, Dharin Briggs; grandparents, Marilyn (John) Peterich of LaPorte and John (Ruth) Beck of Wanatah, IN; one uncle, William West of Georgia; beloved companion, Ralph Murray and his daughter, Precious, both of Michigan City; two nieces and one nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Father Jerry Schweitzer officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 4 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.

Candace Kay Doty, 65, of LaPorte, and formerly of Kokomo, IN, died peacefully at 1:32 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Sept. 1, 1948, in Kokomo to Danny V. and Wilma R. (Coy) Myers.

Candace retired from Kokomo School Corporation as a paraprofessional. She attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church while living in Kokomo. Candace loved her children and grandchildren; they were her whole life. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

On Aug. 1, 1970, in Kokomo, she married Michael W. Doty, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Andrew (Kristen) Doty of LaPorte and Michael Doty of Kokomo; one brother, Roger (Linda) Myers of Mesa, AZ; six grandchildren, Ian, Lily, August and Sage Doty, all of Kokomo, and Jack and Kate Doty, both of LaPorte.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until the service.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.

Mrs. Maxine I. Hawkins, 96, of LaPorte, died May 4, 2014, at 3 a.m. at Settlers Place, LaPorte.

She was born March 19, 1918, in Muskegon, MI, to Emil and Esther (Carlson) Segelstrom.

Maxine worked at Northside Pharmacy, LaPorte, as a clerk. She played volleyball for many years at the YMCA and loved swimming. She loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her entire family.

In 1936 she married William H. Sommers. On Oct. 20, 1951, in LaPorte, she married Harry T. Hawkins, who preceded her in death July 31, 2000.

Maxine was also preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Sincek, and three brothers, Clarence, Russell and Clifford Segelstrom.

She is survived by two daughters, Sandra (Sommers) Karnavas of LaPorte and Kay Lynn (Sommers) Cochran of Bethlehem, PA; five grandchildren, Theodore Karnavas of Noblesville, IN, Julie (Terry) Kelly of St. Augustine, FL, Lori (Scott) Keller of LaPorte, Kristin (Mark) Schadler of Douglassville, PA, and Lindsay Cochran of Bethlehem, PA; five great-grandchildren, Tyler and Dana Karnavas, Alexandra and Chase Keller and Cameron Kelly; one sister, Marian Grumm of Spring Lake, MI; sister-in-law, Pauline Segelstrom of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 6, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Father Lev officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Settlers Place, 3304 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 7396 W. Johnson Rd., Michigan City, IN 46360.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

John D. Phillips, 89, died at his home on Friday, May 2, 2014.

He was born June 30, 1924, in Terre Haute, IN, to Ardith Lowell (Pete) and Elaine (Draper) Phillips.

John taught in public schools for over 40 years and was a park ranger at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son Sean (Tony); and brother David of Pueblo, CO.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, following the service.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Joel A. Wiltfong, 53, of Rolling Prairie, IN, and formerly of Mill Creek, IN, died May 3, 2014.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma research.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Gloria Ann “Carter” Fitzgerald died Friday, May 2, 2014, at her home in LaPorte.

Carter, as she liked to be known, was born Feb. 3, 1948, and raised in Portsmouth, VA. She earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, and her Master of Social Welfare degree from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. She lived in the Tidewater area until she met and married her husband, Douglas, in 1980. Since then she lived briefly in Chicago, eight years in Lakeland, FL, and for the last 25 years in LaPorte. In her early career, she was a human resource manager in the healthcare industry, working at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, FL, and Holy Cross Care Services in South Bend, IN. In 1995, she started The Carter Group, a human resource consulting firm, which she has run for the last 19 years.

Carter was an exceptionally hard worker and was dedicated to her clients and business. She was also a generous and giving person who had great love and compassion for animals. Over the years she owned five dogs and numerous cats. Feeding time at home was a sight to be seen. Carter was active in Rotary International and the local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Carter was predeceased by her father, Herbert E. Carter Jr. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Fitzgerald, and her mother, Virginia Carter.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern time at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth, VA. A graveside service will be held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Suffolk, VA, on Friday, May 9, at 11 a.m. Eastern time.

Locally, a remembrance for Carter will be held at the LaSalle Grill, 115 W. Colfax, South Bend, on Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Wilbur R. Deiters, 84, of LaPorte, died at 3:16 p.m. on May 5, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born April 28, 1930, in LaPorte to Henry and Minnie (Rott) Deiters and lived in the LaPorte area for 24 years, coming from Oak Park, IL.

Mr. Deiters worked at National Casting in Cicero, IL, as a metallurgist. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

He is survived by five cousins in Germany. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 12, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Pastor Aaron Kretzschmar officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, LaPorte, following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or LaPorte County Historical Society, 2405 Indiana Ave, LaPorte, IN 46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Earnest E. Truex, 60, of Mill Creek, IN, died Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor-New Carlisle, IN.

He was born April 22, 1954, in LaPorte to Melvin and Ernestine (Baker) Truex.

Earnest worked on the family farm and was a mechanic and a truck driver for Howard & Hannon for 15 years. He attended Tippecanoe Primitive Baptist Church. Earnest was a former member of FFA and was a nine-year 4-H member. He enjoyed fishing and loved spending time at his childhood cabin in Michigan.

He is survived by his brother, Wayne (Joyce) Truex of Mishawaka, IN; sister, Cheryl Truex of Mill Creek; nephew, Michael (Michelle) Truex; niece, Amy (Trevor) Prince; great-nieces and great-nephews, Kaitlyn Elise, Riley Alexander and Lilyana Grace; and aunt, Deloris Senff.

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Elder Danny Wisner officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Ronald K. Schultz, 63, of Kingsford Heights, IN, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born March 27, 1951, in LaPorte to Victor P. and Loretta (Hensell) Schultz.

Ronald worked as a welder for Harrison Engine Service for over 10 years. He was a member of Church of the Nazarene of LaPorte. He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed taking care of people.

On June 11, 1983, in LaPorte, he married Ardona K. (King) Schultz, who survives.

He is also survived by a son, Terry (Shelly) Ralston of Lake Station, IN; daughter, Donna (Skip) Schultz of Walkerton, IN; five grandchildren, Maggie, Brianna, Ellie, Emilee and Jordan; and four sisters, Jacqueline Cannon of Indianapolis and Alice Proud, Patricia Bell and June Wood, all of LaPorte.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and 10 brothers and sisters, Barb Struss, Robert Schultz, Richard Schultz, Alberta Naegele, Victor Schultz, Wilberta Wood, Judith Harradon, James Schultz, Gerald Schultz, and Betty Reese.

There will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Riley Children’s Hospital, 702 Barnhill Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Eva L. Williamson, 88, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 7:18 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, at her home.

She was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Chicago to Frank and Eva (Collier) Bush.

Eva retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a receptionist. She assisted in many USDA farming programs during her 12-year tenure. Eva also worked as a garden manager for 25 years at Willson Nursery. She was both a board member and deaconess at the LaPorte Seventh Day Adventist Church, of which she was a member for 68 years. In her spare time, Eva loved reading, especially the Bible, as well as shopping, collecting books, antiquing, going to garage sales, and attending auctions. She had a particular passion for roses. Eva’s love of talking was well known and she was lovingly known as “Gab” among friends and family. Eva was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were everything to her, and she enjoyed having them stay over in the summertime and taking them swimming. Eva enjoyed traveling and had an especially memorable trip to Spain. She lovingly cared for her husband, “Grandpa Willie.”

On Feb. 2, 1974, she married Wilbur Williamson, who survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Delbert (Diane) Willson Jr. of Savannah, GA, Darrell (Karen) Willson of Manassas, VA, and Donald Willson of Rolling Prairie; one daughter, Deborah (Doug) Hilliard of Nashville, TN; two brothers, Barry Bush of LaPorte and Frank (Joann) Bush of Chesterton, IN; four sisters, Barbara (Frank) Hall, Bonnie Brainard and Betty (Richard) McIntyre, all of LaPorte, and Jeanie Newland of Plymouth, IN; three stepchildren, Diane Castro and Becky Lawson, both of Indiana, and Scott Williamson of California; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a foster daughter, Barbara York.

Preceding her in death were one sister, Lou Ann Rogers; four brothers, Merideth Bush, Cyrill Bush, Lester Bush and Sam Bush; her parents; and her first husband, Delbert Willson Sr.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at LaPorte Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1480 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date in Rolling Prairie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1480 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.

Mr. Gregory B. Staples, 57, of Michigan City, IN, died Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at his home.

He was born Jan. 18, 1957, in Michigan City to Neville Ray and BettyAnn (Burton) Staples.

Gregory graduated from LaPorte High School and has been employed with Sullair Corporation in Michigan City for 35 years. He has been extremely involved in his church fellowships since childhood and has made so many friendships throughout the years. Gregory took every opportunity to volunteer to serve the Lord. He is a member of Granger Community Church, Granger, IN, and its LaPorte Branch.

He is survived by his father, Neville Ray Staples of LaPorte; two brothers, Harold (Lori) Staples of Dallas, TX, and Larry (Karen) Staples of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Mary (Jim) Hodges of Westville, IN; 10 nieces and nephews; four great-nieces and great-nephews, who affectionately call him “Uncle Greggy B”; 13 aunts and uncles; and several cousins.

Gregory was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Sunday, May 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday, May 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jack Andrews officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., STE 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830; or Granger Community Church, 630 E. University Dr., Granger, IN 46530.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.