Mary Helen Meyers, 94, of LaPorte, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.

She was born Feb. 18, 1920, in Belvidere, IL, to Clarence and Mary (Leonard) McMakin.

On March 17, 1951, in LaPorte, she married Christian W. Meyers, who preceded her in death Aug. 11, 1990.

Surviving are her children, Mary (Arkie) Pisello Sr. of LaPorte, Nancy (Robert) Madaras of Springville, IN, and Ivan Lant of LaPorte; a stepson, Christian Meyers Jr. of Washington, D.C.; and grandchildren, Tina, Arkie Jr., Debbie, Sherrie, Lori, and Tammy.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Frances Rosemary Schuck, 78, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, after a valiant three-year battle with cancer.

She was born in Michigan City, IN, on May 14, 1936, to Frank and Edna Mae (Kitchenmaster) Jeschke.

In 1957, Frances and her husband Arthur were instrumental in developing Sun Acre Fruit Farm, a local orchard that remained in business for over 60 years. Like so many Midwestern farmers’ wives, Frances was an equal partner in building and running the farm and its daily operations. Although listed on many of her legal documents as “homemaker,” Frances was a great deal more than just that simple title. Frances balanced books, hauled fruit, and made sure the business ran on a daily basis. She also found time to raise two adoring children. Frances was known for her kindness and generosity. In retirement, Frances enjoyed traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and dedicating her time to Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, where she was an active member.

On Oct. 19, 1957, she married Arthur Frederick Schuck Jr., who survives.

Also surviving are her beloved children, Art F. (Karyn) Schuck III of Rolling Prairie and Carol (Mark) Schuck Dillon of Randleman, NC, as well as grandchildren, Haley and August Schuck of Rolling Prairie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church with Pastor Deb Beason officiating. Visitation will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Rolling Prairie Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, 3444 E. U.S. 20, P.O. Box 187, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Deanna Juanita Schult, 76, of LaPorte and formerly of Elkhart, IN, died peacefully at 11:23 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Michigan City, IN.

She was born April 12, 1938, in Elkhart to Charles and Ethel (Plummer) Wolf.

Deanna was an accomplished classical pianist and enjoyed playing acoustic guitar. She was also a well-known, award-winning potter, creating authentic North American Indian design pottery with her gifted hands. She loved creating other pieces of art with her talents in oil painting and other ceramic work. She was an instructor of the arts at her own studio known as Clay Women Pottery Studio. She awaits the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On Feb. 14, 1964, in Elkhart, she married Walter Schult, who preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Judy Wolf Gerhardstein; and great-grandson, Henry John Behma Schult.

Surviving are three children, Kip (Tricia) Schult and Michelle (Schult) Mark, both of Michigan City, and Bob (Lynn) Schult of LaPorte; eight grandchildren, Mark Schult, Megan Beach, Ian Schult, Natalee Mark, Alex Mark, Carly Mark, and Walter and Jonny Schult; four great-grandchildren, Liam, Alice and Nolan Schult and Lincoln Beach; and one special friend; Sue O’Leary of LaPorte.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Independent Cat Society, 4061 S. County Line Rd., Westville, IN 46391.

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

Michael R. Barthel, of LaPorte, died at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in his home.

He was born Jan. 31, 1938, in LaPorte to Raymond and Della (Jones) Barthel.

Michael graduated from Union Mills High School in 1956. He honorably served in the United States Army, stationed in Korea for about two years. Michael graduated from Murray State College with a master’s degree and was a member of the Murray State College track team. Michael was a teacher at LaPorte High School for 37 years, where he was also head coach for basketball, cross country and track. Michael also taught at Bethel College part time upon his retirement. He was a member of LaPorte Missionary Church and a former deacon. Michael was the co-founder of City of Lakes Builders and former commissioner of LaPorte City Police.

On Dec. 22, 1990, in Otis, IN, he married Gina (Kouttoulas) Barthel, who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Michael (Kimberly) Barthel of Noblesvillem IN; two sisters, Joyce Anderson of Plymouth, IN, and Joan Freeman of Mishawaka, IN; and four grandchildren, David, Samuel, Brandon and Lauren.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one son, David Barthel.

A private graveside service will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, with Rev. Carl Galloway officiating. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to LaPorte Missionary Church, 104 E. 18th St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

“My dear husband, our love will endure forever. Not even death shall separate our souls.”

Terry Porter Warnke, professional engineer and former owner of Piano Source, died after a brief but courageous battle with leukemia on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

He was born Sept. 20, 1938, in Michigan City, IN, to Vera and Larry Warnke and grew up on a rural farm in LaPorte.

Terry graduated salutatorian from LaPorte High School in 1956. He continued his education at Purdue University and received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering. He played clarinet in the Purdue marching band throughout college, and the band played each year at the Indianapolis 500 opening ceremonies. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Cumerford. Following graduation they moved to Albuquerque, NM, and Terry worked at Sandia National Laboratories. From there he worked at Kodak in Rochester, NY, on the lunar orbiter program plotting Apollo landing sites on the moon. Terry and Cheryl returned to New Mexico, where he joined Public Service Company of New Mexico in 1969 as a special project engineer. Terry was an exceptional engineer, rising to District Vice President of PNM, owning two engineering firms and traveling the world. He served as PNM’s division manager in Deming, NM, from 1971 to 1974, then moved to Farmington to oversee the construction and operation of San Juan Generating station as plant manager and then District Vice President. He continued his interest in power plant operations, managing a power plant in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Upon return to New Mexico he worked as Manager of Electrical Engineering at Bridgers & Paxton, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience in electrical design and management. After retirement, he continued to do consulting and design for various projects with other engineers. He was a devoted member of Sandia Baptist Church and was an integral part of the electrical design and installation of the adult ministries renovation project. Unfortunately, his premature death did not allow him to see the completion of his dedication and service to this project.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Cheryl.

He is survived by his three children, daughters Julie Leitner (John) and Laurie Gilliland, son Scott Warnke (Leanne Potts); six grandchildren, Lauren Matheny, Logan Matheny, Elizabeth Gilliland, Christopher Gilliland, Lucinda Warnke, and Jackson Warnke; one sister, Marcia Camp (Tom – deceased); two brothers, Bruce Warnke (Marye) and Paul Warnke (Sue); nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family and friends.

Visitation will be at French Funerals, Albuquerque, NM, on Friday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. MDT. A funeral service will be held at Sandia Baptist Church, Albuquerque, on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. MDT. Private interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Albuquerque, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Adult Facility Ministry Fund at Sandia Baptist Church, 9429 Constitution Ave., Albuquerque, NM 87112.

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

Ruth Cantley, 97, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 1:55 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at Miller’s Merry Manor at IU Health LaPorte Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born Jan. 13, 1917, in Francesville, IN, to Joseph and Flora Koebcke.

Ruth led a very active life as a mother and Avon distributor and later as a Dairy Queen owner/operator. After retiring in 1972, she and her husband traveled extensively throughout the United States, spending many winters at their home in Mesa, Arizona. Ruth and Homer played golf nearly year round and played over 100 different courses in their travels. They were proud of the fact that they had both achieved a hole in one. She was also a talented artist, with many oil paintings to pass down. Ruth was very family oriented, a loving mother and immensely enjoyed the presence and time she spent with all of her grandchildren. She was a tremendous influence on her family and will be missed beyond words.

On Dec. 14, 1968, in Indianapolis at Fort Harrison, Ruth married Homer Cantley, who survives.

She is also survived by her two children, James B. (Julie) Antrim and stepdaughter Barbara (Wally) Hartman; two sisters, Marie (Bill) Kneble and Sylvia (Harold) Dodge; two brothers, Sam (Rachel) and Willard Koebcke; eight grandchildren, Trudy (Brian) Menke, James R. (Cindy) Antrim, Collette Strickland, Tammy (Bruce) Webber, Kirk (Kristen) Hartman, Marye-Therese Whitla, Robert Cantley, and Steven Cantley; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; first husband of 25 years, James B. Antrim; four brothers, Clarence, Russell, Joseph and Daniel; one sister, Clara; and her stepson, Roger Cantley.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Oak Woods Manor, LaPorte, with Pastor John Marron officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 p.m. until the service at Oak Woods Manor. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie, P.O. Box 8, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Cynthia Ethel Rodgers, 48, of Kingsford Heights, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 5:36 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital, LaPorte.

She was born July 9, 1966, in LaPorte to Eugene Elza and Vivian (Goodson) Martin.

Cynthia attended Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in LaPorte. She enjoyed drawing and loved her grandchildren very much. Cynthia was a good wife and mother.

On Dec. 24, 2005, in LaPorte, she married Richard Glen Rodgers, who survives.

Also surviving are four children, Aron (James) Mangold and Mellissa Miller, both of LaPorte, Timothy (Haley Richards) Miller of Kingsford Heights, and Matthew (Kasi Lloyd) Miller of LaPorte; six stepchildren, Richard (Lori) Rodgers, Shawn W. (Stephanie) Rodgers, Jason (Tammy) Rodgers, Jacob A. (Cyndi) Rodgers, Curtis Rodgers, and Autumn Rodgers; one sister, Kimberly Largen of Westville. IN; one brother, Kevin (Carol) Martin of Westville; two aunts, Jennett Sullivan of Cookeville, TN, and Laura May Day of LaPorte; sister-in-law, Rosemary Martin of Hobart, IN; 12 grandchildren, Jayden, Landen, Taylor, Krystian, Bryce, Brady, Emily, Austyn, Deven, Jonathen, Jonah, and Hoyt; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one brother, Thomas Martin.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, LaPorte, with Pastor Royce Ford officiating. Luncheon will follow. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 1604 First St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Charles Fugate, 61, of Michigan City, IN, died Sept. 11, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Feb. 12, 1953, in Clayhole, KY, to Alfred and Essie (Francis) Fugate.

Charles was a self-employed painter.

Surviving are his daughter, Christi Irene (Richard) Adams of Sassafras, KY; three grandchildren, Brayden, Jayden and Ava; his mother, Essie Fugate of Pinetop, KY; and sisters and brothers, Bessie (Elbert) Drake of West Virginia, Chester Fugate of Pinetop, KY, Anna (Estel) Osborn of Michigan City, Madge (Ronnie) Adams of Pinetop, and Arnold (Annie) Fugate of Westville, IN.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Fugate, and his brother, A.C. Fugate.

Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Hindman Funeral Services, Hindman, KY, with burial in Carr Fork Memorial Cemetery.

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

Mrs. Ruth Alice Kraus, 81, of LaPorte, died Sept. 10, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Feb. 25, 1933, in Peoria, IL, to Martin and Josephine (Bainbridge) Strischek and came here in 1960 from Calumet City, IL.

Ruth retired after 10 years of service with the Indiana Department of Highways as a general office employee. Ruth loved to attend her grandchildren’s activities. She coached volleyball at St. Peter, bowled with her husband, made crafts and ceramics, and was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Madonna Circle.

On Oct. 24, 1953, in Chicago, she married James A. Kraus, who preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 2000.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Karl Kraus, on Oct. 26, 2001; sisters, Caroline Flood, Harriet Vodicka and Katherine Micienco; and brothers, Martin and John Strischek.

Surviving are her daughters, Donna (Mark) Pettis of LaPorte and Karyn (David) Campos of Kingsford Heights, IN; sons, Kenneth (Barbara) Kraus of LaPorte, Steven Kraus of LaPorte and Thomas (Doreen) Kraus of North Judson, IN; 20 grandchildren, Amanda, Sara, Kathryn, Cory, Jason, Ryan, Angela, Michael, William, Toby, Jennifer, Melissa, Alanna, Josephine, Karley, Rebecca, James, Allison, Chloe, and Melissa; six great-grandchildren, Nathan, Andrew, Samantha, Brayden, Kiele and Mahana; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Joseph Angotti officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until the service. The Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation at www.diabetes.org, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Mrs. Bernice Richie, 71, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview in LaPorte.

She was born July 31, 1943, in LaPorte to Richard and Louise (Schoof) Lancaster.

Bernice worked as a paper carrier for the LaPorte Herald-Argus.

On March 3, 1963, in Knox, IN, she married Ordway Richie, who survives.

She is also survived by her brother, Marshal Lancaster of LaPorte.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Margaret Hunt officiating. Cremation will take place.

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

Mr. Jeffrey M. Ogle, 58, of LaPorte, died Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at his home.

He was born July 9, 1956, in LaPorte to Cloyd “Jake” and Ruth (Terry) Ogle.

Jeffrey worked at ArcelorMittal for 37 years. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and its Men’s Club. He was a LaPorte High School graduate and played on the LaPorte Slicers tennis team. He enjoyed golfing and bowling, and enjoyed listening to music from the ‘50s as well as today’s music.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth Ogle of LaPorte; two brothers, Randall (Glada) Ogle and Richard (Barbara) Ogle, both of LaPorte; two nephews, Rodney Ogle of LaPorte and Bruce Ogle of Chicago; three nieces, Stephanie (Ken) Akselsen of Wall, NJ, and Amy (John) Eason and Katherine (Chris) Pollock, both of LaPorte.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Cloyd “Jake” Ogle; grandfather, Clyde “Tuffy” Ogle; grandmother, Almetta Million; and grandparents, Ralph and Irene Terry.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Ronald A. Brauer officiating. Burial of ashes will take place at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Linda J. Marshall, 60, of LaPorte, died Sept. 12, 2014, at home.

She was born May 26, 1954, in LaPorte to Robert Warren Kuhn and Virginia Helen (Gangwer) Kuhn.

Linda held a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and worked in sales and sales training for many years. For the past 15-plus years Linda has been an extremely dedicated caregiver for her mother, enabling her to stay at home.

Survivors include her mother, Virginia Kuhn of LaPorte; two sisters, Barbara Burkett of Farmington, MO, and Donna Shumard of Lafayette, IN; a niece, Bridget Smith of Farmington; and two nephews, Bret (GG) Burkett of Texas and Christopher (Sonia) Shumard of Port Arthur, TX.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Warren Kuhn, and a sister, Susan Kuhn.

A cremation committal will take place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association, Attn: Memorial/Tribute Processing Center, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

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

Mr. Nicholas J. Pezzuto, 62, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor-New Carlisle, IN.

He was born March 27, 1952, in LaPorte to Charles P. and Regina (Sadeck) Pezzuto.

Nicholas worked at Gateway for eight years. He loved music, karate and animals. Nicholas especially loved spending time with his wife, family and friends.

He was married to Kathy (Kuta) Pezzuto, who survives.

He is also survived by his stepson, Jimmy Lee Kuta of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Kaylee, Abby and Karter; sister, Patricia Ann Pezzuto of Michigan City, IN; and brother, David C. (Susan) Pezzuto of Michigan City.

Nicholas was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation will take place. A private family service will be conducted at a later date. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kathy Pezzuto, 911 E. Lincolnway, Apt. 3, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Kevin James Beauchamp, 53, of LaPorte, died Sept. 10, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at Millers Health and Rehabilitation in LaPorte.

He was born Jan. 8, 1961, in Michigan City, IN, to Clarence and Betty L. (Marker) Beauchamp.

Kevin attended Indiana State University and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Surviving are his parents, of LaPorte; brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Wilma Beauchamp; and three nephews, John Greely and Trace and Jacob Beauchamp.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Scott Beauchamp officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the service. A cremation committal has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to LaPorte VNA Hospice, 1007 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

David Allen Palen, 50, of LaPorte, died Sept. 14, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born April 7, 1964, in South Bend, IN, to Robert and Sandy (Nulf) Palen.

David worked at Teledyne in LaPorte. He was a 10-year member of 4-H, raising rabbits. He enjoyed target practice, bicycling and hunting.

Surviving are his parents, Robert and Sandy Palen of LaPorte; sister, Deb (Dan) Layman of North Liberty, IN; two nephews, Paul (Brittany) Layman of Leavenworth, KS, and Seth Layman of Milwaukee, WI; great-niece and great-nephew, Kyndra and Parker Layman; and his dog, Bandit, his great companion that went everywhere with David.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Pansy Nulf, and Roland and Lillian Palen.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Carl Galloway officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 p.m. until the service. Cremation will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to LaPorte Missionary Church, 104 E. 18th St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Gordon D. Snyder Jr., 75, of LaPorte, died at 9:22 p.m. Sept. 14, 2014, at Golden Living-Fountainview nursing home in LaPorte.

He was born April 19, 1939, in Paxton, IN (Sullivan County) to Gordon Denzil Snyder Sr. and Helen Mildred (Smith) Snyder.

Gordon served in the U.S. Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve, with an honorable discharge from both. He retired from Thanhardt-Burger in LaPorte after 45 years. He enjoyed art in general, prints and oil paintings, and framing them. He loved his wife, sons and grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren. Gordon liked being around people and immensely enjoyed visiting his in-law family and made them his own, routinely stopping in for coffee and a chat. He enjoyed woodworking projects, construction and crafts, as well as going to the movies, antique shows and dining out. He was a member of Salem Chapel United Methodist Church.

On May 31, 1975, at First United Methodist Church in LaPorte, he married Susane “Sue” K. Moore, who survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Blaine (Jennifer) Snyder of New Carlisle, IN, Dennis Snyder of Bahama, NC, Todd (Yvette) Snyder of New Carlisle and Robert Moore of LaPorte; seven grandchildren, Andrew Snyder, Jessica (Eric) Collins, Adam (Jackie) Snyder, Jackie Snyder (Robert Lantero), Ashlan Moore, Lucas Moore, and Jacob Moore; two great-grandchildren, Bridgette Snyder (Andrew Snyder) and Liam Lantero (Jackie Snyder and Robert Lantero); one brother, Robert (Zina) Snyder of Oklahoma City, OK; his loving family by marriage, Millie Gillen, Jeanne Galloway, Lester and Patricia Moore, Patricia Maitland, Diane and Don Conrad, and Dallis and Becky Moore; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Snyder.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Robert Raschka officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Salem Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Foundation, c/o Lucas Moore, 302 Ridgefield Court, Asheville, NC 28806; or the American Diabetes Association, 55 E. Monroe St., Suite 3420, Chicago, IL 60603.

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

Paula M. (Aldrich) Scott, 64, of Paradise, MI, and formerly of LaPorte, died after a short, unexpected illness at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in her home with her loving husband and family by her side.

She was born Aug. 9, 1950, in South Bend, IN, to Paul and Madeline (Gardner) Aldrich.

Paula attended school in North Liberty, IN, and graduated from Purdue North Central with a bachelor’s degree in child psychology. In August 2013, she retired from Brown Mackie College as a Career Development Counselor. Prior to Brown Mackie College, Paula was a librarian in North Liberty for 13 years, a position she dearly loved. She was always proud to have had some type of influence in a young person’s life, from the children who visited the library, to inspiring kids to read, to her adult students on their paths to a better future.

Paula and her husband had just moved to their retirement home in Paradise on Lake Superior earlier this year. She loved sitting in the back yard on the beach, overlooking the lake, listening to the crashing waves roll in, watching the freighter ships pass by, and waking to many beautiful sunrises over the lake.

Paula had many passions in life. She was an avid reader, put off by any type of reading technology, often saying nothing was better than the feel of the paper and the smell of ink in a good book. She had a great love of lighthouses. She and her husband visited many lighthouses across the country. She enjoyed doing all types of crafts and quilting, both of which were passions passed down from her mother. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her husband, family, friends and beloved pets, Heidi and Maya and Bonnie.

On Aug. 2, 2008, at Big Bay Lighthouse in Marquette, MI, she married the love of her life, James “Mike” Scott, who survives.

Also surviving are her brother, Ed (Deb) Aldrich; brother-in-law, Raymond (Donna) Searles; nieces, Stephanie (Brent) Hudspeth, Stacie (Adam) Marshman and Camryn Pursley; nephews, Matthew (Teyama) Wilhelm, Ryan (Alicia) Wilhelm and John Pursley II; and her very special cousin, Valerie Stewart.

Her parents preceded her in death.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Tim Stewart officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Frank Edward Maerz Jr., 84, of New Buffalo, MI, and formerly of LaPorte, died peacefully at 9:05 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2014, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, MI.

He was born Feb. 10, 1930, in LaPorte to Frank and Florence (Hedrick) Maerz.

Frank served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He loved fixing things and woodworking.

On Sept. 23, 1949, in LaPorte, he married Shirley (Hancock) Maerz, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Judi (Eldon) Seal of New Buffalo, Rodney (Sonyo) Maerz of Texas and Brian (Jennifer) Maerz of Galien, MI; two sisters, Mary (Dennis) Carroll of Michigan City, IN, and Barbara (Raymond) Frye of Benton Harbor, MI; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, John Maerz; sister; Dorothy Pickford; and infant son, Hollie Maerz.

Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Mr. Charles “Ron” Brown, 72, of New Carlisle, IN, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, at Hamilton Communities, New Carlisle.

He was born Jan. 3, 1942, in LaPorte County to Paul and Mable Irene (Bennitt) Brown.

Charles worked as a heavy-equipment operator for United Pavers and Midwest Operating Engineers Local 150. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, was involved with local tractor clubs, and loved animals. Charles was a farmer at heart and helped local farmers in the area after retirement. He was very active in 4-H and had a grand champion and champion steer at the age of 17.

On Oct. 2, 1999, in Bowling Green, KY, he married Donna (Hoffer) Brown, who survives.

In November of 1962 in LaPorte, he married Sheila (Terry) Brown, who preceded him in death.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Kelly Brown and Amy Brown, both of South Bend, IN; two grandchildren, Shaun and Kaitlin McClain; and one sister, Glory Brewer of Surprise, AR.

Besides his first wife, Charles was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leroy Brown and Jim Brown.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Richard G. Blair officiating. Burial of ashes will take place at Olive Chapel Cemetery, New Carlisle.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michiana Humane Society, 722 Highway 212, Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Mr. Robert C. Reed, 67, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Michigan City, IN.

A memorial service will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. A full obituary will follow at a later date.