Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Patricia M. Miller, 87, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Monday, October 15, 2018.

Patricia was born May 4, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Ignatius “Enock” and Helen A. (Palicke) Pekofske.

On June 5, 1954, in LaPorte, Indiana, Patricia married Walter J. Miller, who preceded her in death on June 13, 2017.

Patricia worked as a secretary at First Christian Church and at the LaPorte Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and St. Joan of Arc Circle at St. Peter Parish.  She enjoyed gardening, her family, and playing cards, bridge and other games.

Patricia leaves behind a son, Jon P. Miller of LaPorte, Indiana; two sisters, Helen Ann Kempf of New Carlisle, Indiana, and Alice Zubowicz of Orland Park, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by a son, Jason L. Miller; two sisters, Virginia Wrobleski and Margaret McCorkle; and a brother, Richard Pekofske.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1104 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Alice LaPage, 80, of Walkerton, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Alice was born January 13, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Joseph and Lillian Mateycak.

On October 24, 1959, Alice married Ron LaPage, who preceded her in death on January 1, 1992.

Alice worked at Hamilton Communities for 29 years. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, walking, sewing, and cooking.

Alice leaves behind two daughters, JoAnn LaPage-Smith of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Debra (Dale) Boyan of Walkerton; a son, Ron (Patty) LaPage Jr. of Westville, Indiana; four grandchildren, Shari Hastings, Jennifer LaPage, Dale Boyan Jr. and Shane Smith; two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Jayden LaPage; two step-grandchildren, Danielle and Ashley Boyan; and a brother, Kenneth Mateycak. 

She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Mateycak.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, October 22, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. 

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Carol Ann Rudolph, nee Beaver, nee Yasko, 73, who passed away peacefully while with family on the morning of October 23, 2018, after a continued battle with leukemia.

Carol was born on December 24, 1944, in Michigan City, Indiana, St. Anthony Hospital to Antoinette “Toni” and William “Bill” Yasko, while her dad, Bill, was in Europe fighting in World War II. As an adult, many identified her as “Carol, the Christmas Eve baby, with a last name of Rudolph.” She loved Christmas and all holidays, at times dressing up her home and yard for all to enjoy. She was generally a happy person who friended easily. Though born in Michigan City, she grew up in New Buffalo, Michigan. Her roots are there where even a road named after her grandparents, Yasko Road, remains.

After high school, Carol married Ronald “Ron” Beaver of LaPorte, IN.  At one point they lived in San Francisco, CA, while he was stationed there during the Vietnam War. Afterward, they returned to LaPorte and raised a family with daughter, Rachelle, and son, Ronnie. After 21 years they divorced, but remained close friends. Later, Carol married Richard “Dick” Rudolph. Carol and Dick were married for 26 years but together for over 30. They had many great years together filled with lots of adventures, family and friends.

Friends said Carol had a contagious smile and warm personality. It attracted many friends, neighbors and even strangers who would walk away from a conversation with her feeling they had known her. She also developed lifelong friendships at the places she worked. Her employment through the years ended with a retirement from The Whirlpool Corporation in LaPorte but her favorite “job” after that was being Grandma Carol. She loved being with her grandsons, going for walks, taking them fishing, having campfires, playing games, and mostly watching them grow into young adults. Carol’s favorite things to do included not only holiday celebrating, but gatherings with friends and family. She loved traveling and vacationing, although spending time in the luxury of the hotel room was not to go unused. Carol loved her pets and seeing the wildlife in her backyard, even feeding raccoons from her porch and watching the great many birds from the many bird feeders surrounding her home. She was one to go tromping through the woods and mushroom hunting, just exploring the outdoors. Gardening and flower shopping were a passion.  She also greatly enjoyed occasional casino trips with her cousins and friends, followed by crab leg dinners. Caring for people was another thing she loved to do, be it friends or family. She also cared endlessly for her mother, Toni, and spent many years watching over her grandsons in Illinois.

Carol is survived by her husband, Dick; daughter, Rachelle (Joe) Frosch; stepdaughter, Gerri (Jim) Geiger; five grandsons, Jared, Jonah, Jacob, Eric and Owen; brothers, Andrew “Andy” and Walter “Wally” Yasko; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald “Ronnie” Beaver II; ex-husband, Ronald “Ron” Beaver; mother and father, Toni and Bill Yasko; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and a niece.  

Carol was a fun person to be around. She will be missed by all who knew her. The heavens are brighter by one more star.

A service will be held at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, on Friday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., with visitation preceding from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Although Carol loved her flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either: Rush University Medical Center (for leukemia research), 1201 W. Harrison St. Suite 300, Chicago IL 60607, or at http://rush.convio.net/crudolph; or to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Debra Ann Kopach, 55, of Greenwood, Indiana, who passed away unexpectedly in her sleep September 1, 2018.

Visitation and a service will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, IN, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. A dinner in honor of Debra’s life will be held at 2 p.m. in the Cabernet Room at T-Bones restaurant in LaPorte.

Debra was born May 11, 1963, in St. Joseph County, Indiana. She grew up in La Porte, Indiana. Debra graduated from LaPorte High School in 1981. Upon taking a job with ATA Airlines, she moved to Indianapolis.  While Indianapolis was her new home, Debra’s heart remained in LaPorte. Debra was most recently a Senior Case Manager with One America Financial Partners of Indianapolis. Debra loved helping those around her and did what she could to make their day better. She also had an affinity for literature. Nothing was better in Debra’s eyes than a good, old-fashioned book.

Debra is survived by her sisters, Sandra Kopach of Saint Joseph, Michigan, and Mary Loeffler of LaPorte; half-brother, George Levy of Corpus Christi, Texas; sisters Karen Moore and Donna Kopach; brother Donald Kopach; half-brother Doug Levy; niece Aubree Loeffler and nephew Nathan Loeffler of LaPorte; niece Karissa Gapanski; and other family and friends.

Debra was preceded in death by her loving mother, Evelyn Rosemary Thielka Kopach, her father Donald Kopach, and both sets of grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Friends of Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143, Attention: Jane Weisenbach. (Please note: Memorial – Debra Kopach).

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

“Literature seems to offer lessons in human nature that helps us decode the world around us and be better friends.” – Nicholas Kristof

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Matthew T. Kelly, 86, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Saturday, November 3, 2018, at his residence. 

He was born in LaPorte County, Indiana, to James T. and Mary C. Kelly. 

On February 14, 1953, at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Michigan City, Indiana, he married Joann H. Wozniak.

Matthew served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1953-55 and was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 1542 in LaPorte. He worked as an outside salesman for 30 years prior to retirement, selling building materials primarily in the agricultural field.  

He is survived by his wife, Joann; three daughters, Janet (Jim) Zotti, Carol (Thomas) Cummings and Judith (Dr. Stephen) Burns; one son, Dr. Neil (Dr. Betsy) Kelly; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Matt was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters, Mary (James) Christiansen, Eileen (Edward) Gourley, Alice (Gerald) Gourley, John (Marie) Kelly, and Joseph (Genevieve) Kelly; and a grandson, Chris Cummings.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 7, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana 4-H Foundation Inc., 615 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907; or Gibault Inc., 6401 S. U.S. 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802-9917.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Sula Foss, 91, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Monday, November 5, 2018.

Sula was born March 14, 1927, in DeSota, Missouri, to the late Carrdington and L. LuVa (Grant) East.

On September 6, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, Sula married Francesco Zoppe, who preceded her in death in 1965.  On October 8, 1966, in Chicago, Sula married John Foss, who preceded her in death on November 14, 2015.

Sula is survived by a daughter, Franchesca Zoppe Walker of Thousand Oaks, California; two sons, Brian Francesco Zoppe of Pasadena, Texas, and Steven Foss of LaPorte, Indiana; five grandchildren, and three nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; a daughter, Laura Foss Wozniak; and a sister, Betty Lou Mis.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 9, at the Greenwood Cemetery Chapel, Michigan City, Indiana. Reverend Kevin Huber will officiate.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Nancy Snyder, 62, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Monday, November 5, 2018.

Nancy was born February 2, 1956, in Hammond, Indiana, to Harold A. and Vivian (Schmitt) Bond.

On February 14, 1976, Nancy married James Snyder, who survives.

Nancy graduated from Indiana University South Bend in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.  She was the office manager at Fitness Plus and Quick’s Towing, and a member of The LaPorte Little Theatre Club.

Nancy is survived by her husband, James; three daughters, Erin E. Goodrich of Shawnee, Kansas, Kelly “K.C.” (Adam) Buell of LaPorte, Indiana, and Kathryn (Paul Jr.) Tigerstrom of Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren, Colin, Vincent, Alexander, Benjamen and Lexus; her father, Harold A. Bond; two sisters, Christine (Richard) Dusk of Belleville, Wisconsin, and Marilynn Hartman of Rensselaer, Indiana; and a brother, Eric Bond of LaPorte, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Bond.

A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, at The LaPorte Little Theatre Club, 218 A St., LaPorte, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The LaPorte Little Theatre Club, 218 A St., LaPorte, IN 46350.         

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Robert J. Wedow, 80, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Bob was born April 4, 1938, in LaPorte, Indiana, to the late Robert and Ann (Cygan) Wedow.

On April 26, 1958, Bob married LuAnn Lenard, who survives.

Bob served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a firefighter for the City of LaPorte, where he served as the Chief from 1981 to 1983.  He was again chosen to assume the role of Fire Chief in 1985 to 1986.

Bob is survived by a daughter, Susan A. Lestinsky of New Carlisle, and a son, Robert S. Wedow of St. Joseph, Michigan.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 9, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 10, at the funeral home with Reverend Ian Williams officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the funeral service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C  St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, Indiana, is handling the arrangements for Ronald Lee Corsbie 73, of Wilmington, OH, who passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 15. 2018, at H.B. Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton, OH.

Ron was born on August 31, 1945, in LaPorte. IN, the son of Robert Lee and Frances C. (Goodson) Corsbie. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Ron will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are: sons: Timothy (Marilyn) Corsbie and Donald (Becky Flint) Corsbie; sister: Pauletta (Roger) Schuster; brother: Richard (Joy) Corsbie; grandson: Kade Corsbie; granddaughter: Amara Corsbie; special friend: Carol St. Clair; and two beagles: Kookie and Marley.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Robert L. Corsbie.

A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 11 a.m. on November 26 at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be given to Wreaths Across America, wreathsacrossamerica.org, c/o Veterans Office, Sara Toris, 8444 W. St. Rt. 163, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.

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

(Click to enlarge)

The family of Dr. Tamara O’Neal, who was killed Nov. 19, 2018, in a domestic situation outside the Chicago hospital where she worked as an ER physician, has released information on services as well as donation opportunities in her memory.

Tamara was a 1998 LaPorte High School graduate and still resided part of the time in LaPorte.

Turrell O’Neal, Tamara’s cousin, posted this on Facebook Nov. 24:

“On behalf of my great-uncle Thomas, great-aunt Glenda, cousins Shawn & Sharita, and my entire family we appreciate all the tremendous amount of love shown towards us during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements for Dr. O’Neal have been finalized and are listed on the flyer (right).

“There is a memorial scholarship fund that her med school colleagues have started to help minority students at UIC College of Medicine: https://www.gofundme.com/TamaraEOnealMemorialFund.

“There are two other memorial funds by Mercy Hospital and the AFFIRM Research Corporation.

“These are the only three memorial funds our family has been made aware of, and that have been authorized.

“To make arrangements to send cards, resolutions, flowers, etc., please contact myself or another family member (aside from the immediate family) to receive information on how to do so.

“I am still lost for words, but am grateful I get to honor my cousin during her services through the common bond of music that we shared.”

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Ruth Beverly Ogle, 92, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Monday, November 26, 2018.

Ruth was born February 16, 1926, in LaPorte to the late Ralph and Irene (Raymond) Terry.

On January 12, 1944, in LaPorte, Ruth married Cloyd “Jake” Ogle, who preceded her in death in 1984.

Ruth was a homemaker, ceramics instructor, the owner of Ogle’s Inn, a member of the nine-hole golf league at Beechwood Golf Course, and a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Randall (Glada) Ogle of LaPorte and Richard (Barbara) Ogle of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Rodney Ogle, Bruce Ogle, Stephanie (Ken) Akselsen, Amy (John) Eason and Katherine (Chris) Pollock; and ten great-grandchildren, Kenneth, Karissa, Ketty, Kristina, Kaleb, Simone, Mia, Mara, Zach, and Rylee.

She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey M. Ogle; a great-grandson, Jake; a sister, Evelyn Fontanna; and a brother, Stuart Terry.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, November 30, with a funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

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

WNLP photos by Mike Kellems and Bob Wellinski

While a heartbreaking event, it became a uniting community event. Nearly 500 family members, friends and complete strangers gathered at LaPorte’s First Church of God Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, to honor the life of Dr. Tamara O’Neal. In what can best described as a grand celebration of Dr. O’Neal’s life, the service included beautiful music as well as several people who spoke about their lost friend and family member in glowing terms and described the 1998 LaPorte High School graduate as a devoted follower of Christ who “loved helping people” and “had a heart of gold.” The tragic events that took Dr. O’Neal’s life drew nationwide attention, and that continued at the funeral service: Nearly a dozen media trucks representing news outlets from Chicago and South Bend took the first row of parking at the church. The two-hour service was followed by a procession that led from the church on East Lincolnway along the county roads to Pine Lake Cemetery. Police officers blocked off Severs Road between Ind. 39 and U.S. 35 so that the nearly 100 vehicles could park and easily access the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Fellowship Worship Center, 2468 N. Ind. 39, LaPorte, IN 46350; and https://www.gofundme.com/TamaraEOnealMemorialFund. 

(3 photos above:) Some of those who loved Dr. O’Neal grieve at the church and at the cemetery. (Wellinski)

The casket leaves the church after the moving service. (Wellinski)

The procession, led by the Haverstock’s funeral vehicle, arrives at Pine Lake Cemetery on Severs Road. Local police closed the road so funeral goers could more easily park and access the cemetery. (Kellems)

First Church of God Pastor Jeff Ziegler greets Dr. O’Neal’s mother and father as the family arrives at the church. (Kellems)

A tear is gently wiped away from a young funeral goer’s face outside the church. (Kellems)

Pallbearers move Dr. O’Neal’s casket to the funeral coach following the service. (Kellems)

Denise O’Neal, Tamara’s aunt, sings with the choir during the service. (Wellinski)

Pallbearers carry the casket to the gravesite. (Wellinski)

The gravesite procession. (Kellems)

A view from the back of the packed church. (Wellinski)

James E. Bentley, 70, of LaPorte, passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at Millers Merry Manor-New Carlisle, IN.

He was born Nov. 16, 1948, in LaPorte, the son of Ralph E. Bentley and Jean (McKibben) Bentley.

James retired in 2004 as an LPN in the emergency room at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV. He served in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974. He enjoyed collecting and watching sci-fi movies and spending time with his son Matthew and granddaughter Rachel.

He is survived by his son, Mathew (Karen) Walker of Reno, NV; grandchild, Rachel Walker of Reno, NV; and two brothers, Robert Bentley and Mike Bentley, both of LaPorte, IN.

James was preceded in death by both his parents.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte. 

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

Mae Lonie Tubbs-Cooper, 75, of Indianapolis, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, departed this life on Nov. 30, 2018, at St. Vincent Hospice Care, Indianapolis. Our Father saw that Mae was painfully tired, and He knew the time had come to call her to her heavenly home; to have rest and peace. The Lord gave her eternal rest with her loving family by her side.

Mae was born in Marion, AL, on Nov. 11, 1943, to Alonzo and Nettie Bell Peoples-Tubbs. She and her family moved to Lawley, AL, when she was very young, then to Burstall, AL, where she attended Carver Junior High School and Dunbar High School. In latter years they moved to Kingsford Heights, IN. Mae lived there for many years and moved to LaPorte after she got married.

Mae was an excellent cook and a caregiver to many children who were homeless over the years. She willingly shared with others who were less fortunate, although she had seven children of her own. Mae cooked large dinners and barbecued on holidays/birthdays to invite her family and friends to her feast. She was ambitious, loved her children/family, was very outgoing, a great dancer, had many devoted friends, and loved fishing, camping and all kinds of music.

Mae Lonie Tubbs-Cooper leaves to cherish her precious memories seven children: Cynthia (Virgil) Smith, Wanda Tubbs-Ashford, Timothy A. Cooper, Deanna Cooper-O’Brien, Terrance A. Cooper, Tania Taylor, and Joe L. Cooper Jr.; two sisters: Bobbie L. Tubbs-Luckett and Frances Shaw-Smith; and 14 grandchildren, Anthony Morris, Ayana Tubbs, Latonya Tubbs, Virgil Smith, Brittany Smith, Tierra Taylor, Karina Ashford, Angelina Cooper, Alexandra Cooper, Brandon Hawkins, Brienna O’Brien, Emerson Cooper, Sidney Cooper and Astoria Cooper. Mae also had 20 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Preceding Mae in transition were her father, mother, a brother, a grandson, an aunt, and her grandparents.

Her Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, Dec 8, at 2:30 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, IN. Visitation will start at 1 p.m. and be held until time of service at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Margaret Hunt will be officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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

John F. Ott, 76, formerly of Michigan City, IN, passed away Nov. 10, 2018, at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL, after a lengthy illness.

John was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Michigan City to Florence (Weiler) and Philip Ott.

Prior to attending college full time, John served as a police officer with the Chicago Police Department. He graduated from Loyola University in 1967 with a degree in Business Administration and retired as a Commodity Broker with the Chicago Board of Trade.

He was the husband of the late Mary Jo (Devine) Ott, father of Jori (Phil) Greybill and Steven (Reina) Ott, and grandfather to Owen and Savannah Greybill. He is survived by sisters Mary Helen (late Jack) Kellems and Kathryn (Robert) Bellamy.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Florence Ott, and by his sister and caretaker, Margaret Ann (late Raymond) Sassetti.

Hoy D. Howard Jr., 65, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN.

He was born April 28, 1953, in Knox, IN, the son of Hoy Howard Sr. and Josephine (Collins) Born.

Hoy retired from Bruce Built Construction as a carpenter. He loved woodworking and spending quality time with his family and friends.

On Aug. 30, 1980, in LaPorte, he married Lenore (Shaw) Howard, who survives in LaPorte.

He is also survived by his three sons, Adam (Emily) Howard of Mill Creek, IN, Scott (Dianna) Howard of Culver, IN, and Thomas (Ann) Howard of Winamac, IN; daughter, Ashley (Bobby) Bom of Hamlet, IN; sister, Glenda (Ronald) Warner of Knox, IN; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Hoy was preceded in death by his brother, Darrell Howard; stepfather, Raymond Born; sister, Donna Howard; and brother-in-law, Clyde Howard.

A life celebration will be held at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1480 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1180, South Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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

Jean Greybar, 91, of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully at 8:05 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, at Brentwood Assisted Living Home in LaPorte.

She was born July 17, 1927, in Herrin, IL, to David Pinkston and Myrtle (Rigsby) Pinkston. Jean married Fred Greybar II on May 1, 1948, in Chicago.

Jean spent her childhood in Herrin, moving with her family to Chicago in 1942. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago in 1944. While in high school, Jean “forged” her work permit before she was 16 to work in factories during World War II. Following high school, Jean entered the currency exchange business, working at several locations in the Chicago Loop. Jean also started her own women’s and children’s clothing store and entered the real estate business.

Jean and Fred fulfilled a longtime dream of moving to the Western United States, relocating to Albuquerque in 1972 when she obtained the position of Administrator of Operations for Great Western Cities Land Development Corporation. This proved to be a fabulous time in their lives both professionally and personally, enjoying the ‘land of enchantment’ and developing a deep appreciation for Southwestern culture. Fred’s family was primarily located in Fort Collins, CO, where they spent a great deal of time together over the years.

In Jean’s post-retirement years she became an independent jewelry wholesaler, traveling throughout the country. Besides her work, she loved her role as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, homemaker, volunteer, neighbor, and good friend.

Jean loved piano music, Native American art, theater, the companionship and entertainment of animals (particularly German shepherds and Miss Daisy the cat), traveling with friends and family, and beautiful gardens. She loved meeting people from all walks of life and cultures. She was a competitive spirit, lifelong learner and avid bingo player.

Jean welcomed many into her home over the years with kindness and warmth. She was always ready to lend a hand and be of service to others. She was well thought of, appreciated for her kind and gentle spirit, and frequently sought out for her wisdom and advice. She was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her son, Fred (Linda) Greybar III of LaPorte, IN; and her sister, Donna (John) Flowers of Calumet City, IL. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Shannon (Douglas) Greybar-Milliken, Stefanie Greybar and Sthele Greybar; as well as her great-grandson, Roman Milliken; her brothers-in-law Robert Greybar and Raymond Greybar; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 8, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Virginia Loeb of Scottsdale, AZ, and brother, David Pinkston Jr. of El Toro, CA.

The family would like to express special gratitude to Brentwood of LaPorte, Alicks Home Medical Equipment, her trusted friends and caretakers (Anastasia, Janice and Rose), and Dunes Hospice.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. (CST) on Friday, Dec. 14, at Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte. Visitation with the family will begin at 2 p.m. (CST) with light appetizers. A reception with heavy appetizers will follow the service in the chapel of the funeral home. A video of the memorial service will be available. Friends and family who are unable to attend the memorial may email grandson Sthele at sthele03@yahoo.com to request the link to a recording.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Jean may be made to Semper Fi Fund (https://semperfifund.org) or Reigning Cat and Dogs Rescue (www.reigningcatanddogsrescue.org).

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