Indiana Marriages, 1780-1992
Doris Lavern McFarland
Doris Lavern McFarland, 71, a Plymouth resident all of her life, died at her home, 1018 W. Monroe St., Plymouth, under the loving care of her family and hospice, at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2001. Doris was born in Plymouth on January 15, 1930, the daughter of Samuel and Alma Pike Hite. She attended Plymouth schools. On May 3, 1996, in Plymouth, she and Terry L. McFarland were married. An industrious lady, Doris cleaned churches, offices and homes. Everyone was a part of her family and she was known as Grandma Doris. She loved to crochet and baby-sit. An avid church-goer, Doris was dedicated to God. She was a member of the Bethel Tabernacle at Argos, Ind. She is survived by her husband, Terry, of Plymouth, a daughter, Nancy and her husband Jim Rogers of Oklahoma City, Okla., and a son, Ken and Carol Landrie, Plymouth. Two step-daughters, Tonya and Michael White of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Dawn and Dave Birkey of Lewisville, Tenn., and three step-sons, Patrick and Brenda McFarland, Fairbanks, Alaska, Jerry Lee Morris, Louisville, Ky., and Grover and Gay Morris, Plymouth, Ind., also survive. Eight grandchildren, thirteen step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren survive as well. A brother, Chester and Helen Wilcox, two sisters, Sharon and Ray Bope and Marie Masterson, all of Plymouth, also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and seven brothers. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, June 28, 2001, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, and for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Doris’ funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2001, at the Bethel Tabernacle, 17809 S. Michigan Rd., Argos. The Rev. J. R. Pippenger will officiate. Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial gifts in Doris’ memory may be made to the Bethel Tabernacle.
Ronnie Lee “Bucky” Mellott, Sr.
Ronnie Lee “Bucky” Mellott, Sr., 46, died at 4:01 p.m. on Friday, October 12, 2001, from injuries sustained in an industrial accident at Pioneer Hybrid International, 7900 Pine Rd., Plymouth. Bucky lived at 2403 N. Michigan Rd., Plymouth, a resident here for three years, coming from Texas. Born in Austin, Texas, on September 9, 1955, Bucky was the son of Sam Edward and Margaret Anna Burrell Mellott. He earned his high school diploma through the United States Army in the state of Washington. A Vietnam veteran, Bucky had served one tour of duty in both the United States Marines and the United States Army. On February 21, 1989, in San Antonio, Texas, Bucky and Sheri Y. Craig were married. He had worked at Pioneer Hybrid International for the past six months and before that, was employed at Dean Pickles and Pactiv. An avid baseball fan, Bucky also liked to fish and spend time with his family. He is survived by his wife and by five sons and four daughters. The sons are: Brian, Michael and Sam Mellott, all at home in Plymouth, and Ronnie Lee Jr., and Jimmy Mellott, both in Texas. His daughters, all in Texas, are Nancy, Edna Mae, Maria and Beatrice Mellott. His mother, Margaret Anna Mellott, Texas, together with his father and stepmother-in-law, Dave and Mary Craig, Plymouth, and several aunts, uncles and cousins, also survive. Bucky was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Cecilia Collins. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2001, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services for Bucky will be at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, October, 17, 2001, in the funeral home with Pastor Rustin Krapfl of the Sunrise Chapel officiating. Military graveside rites by the Plymouth V.F.W. #1162 will be held in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Zelma R. Mercer
Zelma R. Mercer, 89, formerly of 619 E. LaPorte St., where she made her home with her devoted son, Michael, died of natural causes at 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11. 2001. Zelma died in the Walnut Creek Nursing Home where she had lived for the past two and a half years. Born January 26, 1912, in Huntington, West Virginia. After her high school graduation in 1928, she attended the South Bend College of Commerce and worked for the Westinghouse Corp. When Westinghouse left South Bend, Zelma became the secretary of the First Christian Church of which she was a member. She worked with its’ beloved pastor, Dr. Elmer Ward Cole. Throughout her life, she remained a faithful and active member of First Christian, serving in many capacities. The church was the central focus of her life and the life of her family. On Nov. 19, 1933, in the First Christian Church, Zelma became the bride of Harold A.. Mercer. She devoted the next 17 years to being a full-time wife and mother. For 27 years, from 1950 until her retirement in 1977, and part-time until 1982, Zelma was a teller, then head teller for the St. Joseph Bank and Trust in South Bend. It was work she dearly loved. Zelma was known for her sense of humor, her quick intelligence and her strength of character. She is survived by a son and daughter: Michael K. Mercer, Plymouth and Marilee A. MercerWead, and son-in-law, Gordon R. Wead of Wilmette, Ill. A sister-in-law, Helen Mercer, Plymouth, also survives as well as a niece, Betty Howard, of Lakeland, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold who died on Nov. 2, 1988, a sister, Edith Gunter and twin brothers, Harold and Gerald Runyon. Visitation with Zelma’s family will be on Saturday, July 14, 2001, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the First Christian Church, 1101 E. Jefferson Blvd., at Eddy Street, South Bend. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. Bert Handwork, an Elder of the church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Zelma’s memory may be sent to First Christian Church, 1101 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN., 46617.
Sr. Lourdes Meyer, PHJC
Sr. Lourdes Meyer, PHJC, 88, died at 11:50 p.m., on the millennium eve of Christ’s birth, Monday, December 24, 2001, in the Catherine Kasper Home, at the Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Donaldson, Indiana. The daughter of William Joseph and Wilhelmine Kahroff Meyer, Sister Lourdes was born in Beckemeyer, Illinois, on January 22, 1913. She first entered the community on October 15, 1933, the same year she graduated from the School of Nursing. In March of the following year she completed her State Board exams and embarked on a 50 year career of service as a nurse. Sr. Lourdes worked in nearly every hospital department, including teaching in schools of nursing as well as State University. In 1965, Sister left the Community of the Poor Handmaids, then nearly twenty years later she rededicated her life to Christ and re-entered the novitiate on June 9, 1984 and again professed her vows on June 8, 1986. She continued her service to Christ, her Community and the people through her volunteer work at St. Joseph Hospital, Ft. Wayne until her retirement in May of 1996. Survivors include one sister, Mary Nerger of Park Ridge, Ill. along with dear nieces and nephews Friends may call at the Catherine Kasper Home to celebrate the life of Sr. Lourdes on Wednesday, December 26, 2001, from 4:30 – 9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2001 at the Catherine Kasper Chapel. Fr. Edward Konerman, S.J. and Fr. Anthony Gillespie will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Donaldson, Indiana.
Charlotte V. Miller
Eighty-seven year old Charlotte V. Miller, died of natural causes at 4:55 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2001, in the Ironwood Health and Rehabilitation Center, South Bend, Ind., where she had been a resident since Monday. Charlotte was a former resident at 234 E. Lake St. Plymouth and, most recently, of the Walnut Creek Care Center, Plymouth. Charlotte was born October 26, 1913, in Jacksonville, Fla., to Ralph Charles Miller and Vesta Snowdrop Knowles Miller-Sherman. She attended high school in Chicago, Ill., and moved to Plymouth with her family in 1930. Never married, from 1940 to 1952, Charlotte worked at the Ball Band company in Mishawaka, often working 12 hours a day. For the next 2 years she worked at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant, 1953-55. She next worked at American Optical Company in Plymouth before retiring twenty years later, in 1975. She loved nature. Her favorite hobby was watching and feeding the birds and raccoons who visited her yard in the evening. She kept pretty close to home and enjoyed cats and dogs, particularly, “Baby, ” her last and most favored cat. Charlotte is survived by several nieces and nephews. They are: David and Cheryl Lee, New Carlisle, Ind., Richard and Peggy Lee and Ron and Virginia Sischo, all of Austin, Texas, and Walter and Mary Jane DeBates, Mishawaka. Also surviving are William and Sharon Lee and Stephen and Terry Lee, all of Plymouth and Barbara “Sharlene” Blackwood, Las Vegas, NV. Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, a sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Omer Lee. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 8, 2001, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the New Oakhill Chapel, Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. James Pippenger, pastor of the Argos Bethel Tabernacle, will follow visitation in the chapel at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Oakhill Cemetery. The Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth is in charge of arrangements. Memorial gifts in Charlotte’s memory may be made to the Marshall County Humane Society.
Anna Marie Montague
Anna Marie Montague, 78, formerly of Bourbon, Ind., died at 9:55 p.m. on Monday, July 16, 2001. Anna who lived at 719 37th. St. W; Bradenton, Fla., for the past 15 years, died in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Carmel, Indiana, following an illness. She was born in Plymouth, the daughter of Harry Wallace and Fay McCollough King. Anna graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1940. On March 10, 1943, in Columbia, S.C., Anna and Winston G. Montague, who was in the service at the time, were married. Anna will be remembered as a caring and loving mother and homemaker. Her greatest joy was watching her family grow and, later, traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Bourbon, and a Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star in Bourbon. Anna is survived by her husband, Winston, Bradenton, Fla., and by their eleven surviving children. One son, Jimmy Montague, preceded her in death. Their sons and daughters and their spouses are: Sally and Roger McPeak, Pittsburgh, Texas, Jeanene and Troy McGuire, Bothell, Wash., Tom and Valentina Montague, Englewood, CO., Aleta Montague, Warsaw, Ind., Karen and Randy Horoho, Kokomo, Ind., Elaine and Bud Wetzel, Pierre, S.D., Richard and Becki Montague, Westfield, Ind., Debra and Marvin Eberly, Warsaw, Ind., Michael and Karen Montague, Downers Grove, Ill., Cheryl and Richard McDonald, Warsaw, Ind., and Nancy Rockhill, Westfield, Ind. Thirty-seven grandchildren and thirty-eight great- and great-great-grandchildren also survive. Four sisters and two brothers survive as well. They are: Phyllis and Roscoe Markwith, Reelsville, Ind., Charles W. and Virginia King, Lakeville, Ind., Carol and Larry Verrill, Carmel, Ind., Doris and Harold Barnett, Lost Creek, Ky., Sara and Rudy Grumbacher, Carmel, Ind., and Glen M. and Wanda King, Kokomo, Ind. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Jimmy, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a brother, Malcolm King, and a sister, Rowena Kemery. Friends may call on the family from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2001 at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services for Anna will be in the funeral home on Friday, July 20, 2001, at 11 a.m. Brother-in-law Harold Barnett, pastor of the Brethren church in Lost Creek, Ky., will officiate. Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial gifts in Anna’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Esther M. Montgomery
Esther M. Montgomery, a lifetime Marshall County resident, living at Garden Courts East, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., Plymouth, for the past 2 1/2 years, has died. Esther, 72, died, following an illness, at 5:05 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2001, in Hospice House of St. Joseph County, South Bend. Esther was born in St. Joseph County on October 31, 1928. She was the daughter of Paul O. and Elizabeth M. Grieger Gunther. She graduated from LaPaz High School with the class of 1946. On May 17, 1947, in Plymouth, Esther and Baxter L. Montgomery were married. Baxter died on July 10, 1977. Esther was first employed at Montgomery Ward. She later worked at Krogers, J.C. Penny’s and Yoders. For 22 years she was a sales clerk and then manager at Dorothy’s Hallmark Store, retiring in 1993. She was adept at all kinds of handiwork, especially quilting and crocheting. She made Raggedy Ann dolls for all of her grandchildren and quilts for most every member of the family. Esther enjoyed playing euchre, Cubs baseball and her two son’s softball games. She took a particular interest in her grandchildren and their activities. She attended the Pretty Lake Trinity United Methodist Church, Plymouth. Esther is survived by two daughters, two sons, a step-daughter and step-son. Her daughters are Linda D. and Jim Manring and Deborah A. Van Blaricom, all of Plymouth. Her sons are: Steven W. and Mary Montgomery, South Bend and Todd L. and Bethany Montgomery, Plymouth, and step daughter Toni L. and Larry Morris, Mishawaka, and step-son, Delbert W. and Stephane Montgomery, South Bend. Surviving, in addition to her 12 grandchildren, she has 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Gunther Heflick, Plymouth, and Maude Gunther, Titusville, Fla. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse and by two brothers, Fred and Oscar “Pete” Gunther. Visitation with the family will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2001, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Paul McBride, will follow visitation at 4 p.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice House of St. Joseph County.
