Waters Funeral Homes

11/21/2025

11/20/2025

Today is Children’s Grief Awareness Day — a reminder that kids grieve deeply, even if they don’t always have the words to say it. If you’re supporting a grieving child, you’re not alone. In parthernship with Dr. Troyer, we are offering a free booklet filled with practical tips to help children and teens as they grieve.

No registration and no email required.
https://bit.ly/48jpQZc

11/18/2025

MARION, IN –
Karen F. Bilbrey 64, passed away early Saturday morning, November 15, 2025 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Born in Dunkirk on February 11, 1961 to Ross and Norma Jean Valentine, she was adopted by Ernest and Virginia Bell of Eaton.
Karen enjoyed family time, especially with her grandkids.

She leaves behind her husband, Hollis Bilbrey, Jr.; three daughters: Heather (Jason) Monroe, Holly Pullum and Jennifer Bilbrey. Twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving include her brothers: Allen (Lisa) Valentine, Bill Bell, Phil Bell and Larry Bell, and her sister, Andrea Johnson.

She is preceded in death by both biological parents and adopted parents; a son-in-law, Aaron Pullum and two sisters: Tammy Valentine and Penny Johnson and brother, Tommy Bell.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, Nov.21st in the Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City. Rev. Steve Rogers will officiate and burial immediately follows at Eaton Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Visit: www.WatersFunerals.com to leave condolences to her family.

11/18/2025

A unique life deserves a one-of-a-kind celebration.

11/14/2025

Dessie C. (Jones) Holiday, 87, long-time resident of Hartford City, passed away Wednesday evening, in Hartford City, with her family at her side.

Born in Lebanon, Missouri, she was the daughter of the now late Johnny and Velma (nee Southard) Jones.

Dessie married Thomas F. Holiday on June 14, 1957. They celebrated over 56 years of marriage, before his passing on Nov. 17, 2013.

Dessie enjoyed playing bingo and fishing. She especially enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s sports and watching them play.
She leaves behind her children: Thomas “Tommy” Holiday, Rita (Lloyd) Litchfield, Stephen Holiday, Teresa (Christopher) Matney and Christopher (Michelle) Holiday. One sister, Helen Vaught; 17 grandchildren; several great- grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she also is preceded into the Lord’s presence by her daughter: Dessie Frances in 1961; one grandson, Thomas S. Holiday; brothers Dennis and Ellis Jones; three sisters: Vivian Berry and twin infant sisters; and her brother-in-law, Charles Berry.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17th at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City. Pastor Troy Kaufman will officiate and burial immediately follows at the Marion National Cemetery, with graveside rites commencing at 1:00 p.m.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov, 16th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home and after 10:00 a.m. on Monday.

Online condolences may be sent to Dessie’s family at www.WatersFunerals.com

11/13/2025

Nancy M. Nettleton, 70, formerly of Hartford City, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 in Indianapolis, following a short battle with cancer.

She was born and raised in Blackford County, the daughter of the now late Richard M. and E. Mae (Riggs) McIlwain. Nancy attended Roll and Montpelier schools, in her formative years. She was the first freshmen class, in 1970 of the newly built Blackford High School, graduating in 1973. She also was active with her daughter’s participation with 4-H. She especially had a fondness for goats and horses and was also a big fan of NASCAR.

Nancy worked for Joe’s South Grocery in Hartford City many years, before employment for the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles. Nancy was a familiar face at Montpelier, Marion and Hartford City branches of the BMV, as her position of assistant manager, had her traveling to various locations, to train new employees.

Nancy married Charles A. “Chuck” Nettleton on April 22, 2006 in Hartford City.

Nancy loved yard work…to the extent she wouldn’t let her husband mow. She enjoyed planting flowers around the house and camping in Brown County.

In addition to her husband Chuck, she leaves behind her daughter, Angie (Linn) Sands [and Carl Hatfield]; step-son Chase Nettleton; Step-grandsons: Austin (Lydia) Sands and Kaine Nettleton, as well as three step-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Nancy’s Life will be announced at a future date.
Memorial contributions/donations, instead of flowers, may be sent to: The family of Nancy Nettleton, P.O. Box 21, Linton, IN 47441. www.WatersFunerals.com to leave condolences.