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Hite Funeral Home, 403 S Main Street, Kendallville, IN (2026)

05/28/2026

Richard Allen Kuhn, age 79, of Kendallville, died May 26, 2026, at Kendallville Manor. Richard was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on December 13, 1946, to the late Harold Denny Kuhn and Roberta Mae (Marshall) Kuhn. He married June Ellen Schumm on May 19, 1994, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Richard was employed in the past with Harold Demare and Leatherman Construction. Survivors include his wife, June, of Kendallville, and a sister, Janice Kuhn of Albion. There are no services scheduled. Burial will take place later at Orange Cemetery.

05/27/2026

Barbara Ann Cutler passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, at The Crossings at Covington Commons in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born in Columbiana, Alabama on July 16, 1933, to the late Albert C. Walton and Gladys Inez (Gill) Walton. Barbara was a medical insurance specialist for pediatricians, Dr. E. Wade Adams, Dr. David Steigmeyer and later for general practitioner Dr. J. Paul Gentile. Later in life she and close friend and neighbor, Barbara Chandler started a cleaning business where they cleaned for doctors, lawyers and churches. She was a faithful member of Forest Park United Methodist Church for 54 plus years serving in many areas. She loved her family and enjoyed family and friends gathering together. Barbara was an excellent cook and baker, where you could always count on a new recipe and something sweet. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was always first for her. Barbara also enjoyed music, reading and laughter.

Barbara leaves behind:
Daughter, Lisa and Mark Leffler of Fort Wayne.
Grandchildren; William E. (Catanna) Roberson III, Kandace (Tyler) Romine and Alicia Steller.
Nine great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, William Harold Cutler; three brothers, Morris Walton, James Walton and Robert “Emery” Walton; and a sister, Ruby Walton Harper.

A Home Going Celebration will be on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Faith United Methodist Church, 207 E. DeWald Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46803.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Parkview Hospice or Faith United Methodist Food Pantry.

05/22/2026

Kara Lee Wilhelm-Stevens passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on May 20, 2026. She was born on June 7, 1972, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Frank and Mary (Hamrick) Wilhelm. She graduated from Garrett High School in 1990. She married Christopher Stevens on June 1, 2013. Kara worked for United States Postal Service since February 2008.

She is survived by her husband, Chris; sons, Gabriel (Corinne) Wilhelm, Richard Kester, and Luca Stevens; granddaughter, Michelle Wilhelm; six siblings, sisters, Kelli Turner, Kim Thompson, Kathy (Ronald) Garman, and brothers, Tony (Becky) Wilhelm, Tom Wilhelm, and Nick (Trisha) Wilhelm; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Wilhelm.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Kara's life at a later date.

05/20/2026

Janet (Scott) Arnold, age 72, of Avilla, passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2026, at her home. Janet was born in Martin, Kentucky, on December 17, 1952, to the late Arthur Scott and Ethel Mae (Gibson) Scott. She was employed in the past by Group Dekko, Garrett and L.S.C. Communications, Kendallville.

She was the kind of person who could turn a stranger into a friend within minutes. A lover of music and casual conversation, she filled every room with warmth, laughter, and love. She loved her children unconditionally and had a childlike nature, a quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor that made people feel comfortable in her presence.

She loved telling stories, making people laugh, and speaking her mind. She was real, genuine, compassionate, and unapologetically herself. She always rooted for the underdog and had a deep compassion for others. An avid fan of Grateful Dead, music was woven into the fabric of who she was and brought her endless joy. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her free spirit, and the laughter she shared so freely with those around her.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Lisa and Gregory Shuman of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Lenora and Lloyd Sawyer of Albion.
Daughter, Melissa and Johnny Thompson of North Webster.
11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Sister, Judy and Dennis Peoples of Wolcottville.
Brother, Jimmy and Vickie Scott of Kendallville.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ethel Scott; great granddaughter, Lenora Alleshouse; sister, Vonda Collins; and three brothers, Jerome Scott, James Scott, and Toney McKinney.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 22nd from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Hite Funeral Home with Rev. Willie Collins officiating the service. There will be visitation at 11:00 AM prior to the funeral service.
Burial will follow at Woodruff Cemetery in LaGrange County.
Memorial donations may be made to the family.

05/18/2026

Sandra Kay (Landrum) Bartolin, age 74, of Corunna, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn. Sandy was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on November 25, 1951, to the late James Wallace Landrum and Bertha Faye (Bailey) Landrum. She graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1969. She was veteran of the Air National Guard in Texas. Sandra married David Wayne Bartolin on August 3, 1979, in Dallas, Texas. He preceded her in death on May 31, 2013. In 2003, Sandy obtained a master's degree from Indiana Tech and was employed for a short time as an Adjunct Professor with Indiana Wesleyan University. Sandy was employed many years with International Wire, and she also worked as a salesclerk with Walmart. She retired after a stroke in 2023. Sandy was a devoted Christian and active member of Zion Lutheran Church near Corunna. She participated in the Joyful Noise Bell Choir, mixed choir, Sunday school, Altar Guild. Sandy and her late husband Dave were very active with the youth group at Zion - taking them on tobogganing trips, bowling and sharing their faith. She also belonged to the Naughty Knitters Club and Lion's Club in Ashley. She loved to ride her ATV, working in her garden, sew, and create beautiful stained glass.

Survivors include:
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Russell and Rebecca Ray of Catawissa, Missouri.
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Diana Bartolin of Farmington, Missouri.
Close friend, Ron and Lori Grate and family of Corunna.
Close friend, Melinda Carter of Avilla.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bertha Landrum; her husband, David Bartolin; two sons, David Jeremy Bartolin and Gregory E. Roach.

Visitation and funeral services will take place Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 389 County Road 12, Corunna, Indiana. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

05/18/2026

Hite Funeral Home has been a fixture in Noble County since 1949. Kendallville native Brian DeCamp continues a long legacy of passionate and caring service since he assumed ownership in 2006. Brian and his staff are committed to exceeding the expectations of every family they serve.

05/16/2026

Grover Cleveland Bailey, 77, of Altona, Indiana, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, in Auburn, Indiana. He was born May 31, 1948, in Magoffin County, Kentucky, in the small community of Gunlock, to Bertle and Dosie (Hale) Bailey.

He had four brothers and two sisters. He served as proud member of the United Stated Army from 1968 -1970. On October 14, 1972, he married Becky Jean Wallace of Butler Indiana. They later settled in Garrett, Indiana, where they raised their three children, Annie, Cory and Noel.

Grover loved classic cars, guitars, bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, but most of all he loved his family; recently becoming a Great-grandfather for the second time.

He is survived by his sons, Cory Bailey of Garrett, In, and Noel (Cyra) Bailey of Butler; granddaughter, Keanu Bailey and her partner Tyger Messer; and two great-grandchildren, Eden and Tucker Messer of Auburn. Sister, Nancy Handshoe of Waterloo; brother, Bill Bailey of Garrett; brother, Virgil Bailey of Hueysville, Kentucky; brother, Owen Bailey of Hueysville, Kentucky; brother, Rodger Bailey of Hueysville, Kentucky. Many nieces and nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Becky, daughter Annie, Sister Betty, and brother Robert.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

05/14/2026

David L. Hubley, 87, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, surrounded by his entire family. Born on October 16, 1938, in Huntington, Indiana, he was the son of Vaughn and Viola (Davison) Hubley. David served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Following his military service, he worked at International Harvester for nearly 20 years before founding his own business, Hubley’s Home Improvements. He retired in 2007 and later concluded his working years at the Indiana Auto Auction.

On October 22, 1966, David married Judy Saeger, and together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage. He found great joy in fishing at the family’s lake cottage, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and serving faithfully as an active member of Aboite Missionary Church and later Avalon Missionary Church.

David is survived by his loving wife, Judy Hubley; his children, Shannon (Rob) Freon, Ryan Hubley, and Steve (Jess) Hubley; his sister, Janet (Bob) Coy; 12 cherished grandchildren: Kaylee (Andrew) Dickel, Brandon (Melanie) Keesler, Jacob (Cece) Keesler, Jacey Hancock. Hannah, Micah, Luca, and Jonas Hubley. Andrew, Ethan, Charlotte, and Hazel Hubley; and 6 beloved great-grandchildren: Mattis and Rhea Dickel, Adrienne, Kane and Blake Keesler, and Wava Rose Keesler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Viola Hubley, and his sisters, Loretta Hethcote and Marcella Bechtold.

David will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, his faithful service, and the quiet joy he found in life’s simple blessings. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the many lives he touched through kindness, dedication, and faith.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17th, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Avalon Missionary Church, 1500 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Visitation will also be held Monday at 10:00 AM prior to the service.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Avalon Missionary Church, with Pastor K. Paul Maurer officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.
Memorial donations may be made to Avalon Missionary Church.

05/14/2026

Lori LaVenia Lindsey
July 25, 1980 - May 13, 2026

On May 13th, 2026, the Lord called Lori LaVenia Lindsey home unexpectedly in Columbia City, Indiana at the age of 45.

Lori was truly beautiful inside and out, with a gentle voice, a tender heart, and a spirit that left an impression on everyone who knew her. Artistic, creative, eccentric and full of life, she found beauty everywhere: in art, in butterflies, in fairies, birds, flowers, music, nature and color. She brought softness, warmth and light wherever she went.

She had a giving heart unlike any other. Even during the difficult times in her life, her instinct was kindness and generosity. Though she endured many hardships, they never dampened the flame of her gentle soul, nor the deep love and compassion she had for her friends and family. She carried her pain quietly, while offering tenderness to others whenever she could.

She is survived by her mother Donna Jones; her sisters, Stephanie and Laura Michelle; her brother, Brent; her daughters; Olivia 28, Acacia, 23; her sons, Atticus 20; David 18; twin boys, 16, and her grandson, 8.

Though her passing was sudden, she will be remembered for her free spirit, her kindness, and the deep love and affection she showed others. Her memory lives on in wildflowers and tiger-lilies, birdsong, vivid colors and the countless small acts of kindness she gave throughout her life.

Her memorial mass will be announced at a later date.

“She was a wildflower garden: colorful, untamed, delicate, full of beauty and loveliness- and what is lovely never dies, but passes into another loveliness.”

05/12/2026

Aldine Marie Benecke, age 93, of Fort Wayne, passed away May 10, 2026, at Golden Years Homestead. Mrs. Benecke was born in Decatur, Indiana, on March 21, 1933, to the late August and Lucille (Bohnke) Macke. She graduated from Hoagland High School and Ravenscroft Beauty College where she became an instructor at the beauty college. She married Harry Lee Benecke on July 12, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Bingen. Harry preceded her in death on July 20, 2015. For many years, Aldine was a foster mother for new-born babies for Lutheran Social Services and before her children were born, she was employed with International Harvester. She dearly loved her family and spending time together with them. She loved gardening, with a green thumb that was the envy of all her neighbors. She will be deeply missed. The Benecke family extends a sincere thank you to all the wonderful caregivers at Golden Years Homestead who treated our Mom like family for so many years.

Survivors include:
Son, Tim Benecke of Crossville, Tennessee.
Daughter, Linda Toirac of Trenton, Ohio.
Daughter, Shari Schnurr of Grand Lake, Colorado.
Nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.
Sister, Verna Roberson of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Aldine was preceded by her parents, August and Lucille Macke; brother, Donald Macke; and daughter-in-law, Diane Benecke.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 7710 East State Blvd. in Fort Wayne.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, with visitation at 10:00 AM prior to the service.
Burial will follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church

Hite Funeral Home

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