ALBION — Ronald "Ron" E. Smith, 86, of Skinner Lake near Albion, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Sacred Heart Village in Avilla.  He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 13, 1935, to Kenneth and Elouise (Linn) Smith. Ron was employed at Essex for 25 years, working in Tool & Die.  He was a member of the Albion Eagles and former school board member at Zion Lutheran School in Fort Wayne. On May 3, 1957, in Corunna, Indiana, he married...

Howard Eicher, 73, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. He was born on May 29, 1948, in Woodburn, Indiana, to David and Emma (Gerig) Eicher. Howard enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandkids. He worked at Wolf Tin Shop with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law, and retired from Courier in 2015. Even in retirement, Howard kept busy as the town handyman — always willing to lend a hand or help a neighbor in...

Albion - George A. Broom, 79, of Albion, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne.  He was born on June 1, 1942, in Huntington, Indiana to Harvey and Clarice (Staples) Broom.  George retired from G.E. after 34 years of service.  George loved fishing in his free time, and could always be found helping out on the farm.  On July 1, 1962, in Huntington, he married Marilyn Harris.  She survives in Albion.  Also...

ERIC MICHAEL BAKER, 45, of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born on April 23, 1976 in Fort Wayne, he was a son of Michael and Connie Sue (Combs) Baker of Avilla, who survive.  Eric graduated from New Haven High School in 1995 and worked at D&W Fine Pack for 11 years. He loved being outdoors - fishing, camping, and sitting around the bonfire. He also enjoyed watching football. Most of all, he loved spending time with his kids. On...

Floetta M. Rhodes, 81, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.  She was born on Dec. 29, 1939, in Parken, Arkansas, to Jack Bright and Zola (Tatum) Farmer.  Floetta worked at Sacred Heart Home in Avilla, as a nurse's aide for many years, retiring in 1999.  On April 23, 1963, she married Joe Rhodes.  She enjoyed old country music and loved taking trips to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She loved time with her family and would always be up for bingo...

Ligonier - Rebecca Lynn (Shurtz) Foss, 41, of Ligonier, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  She was born on November 24, 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri to Terry and Deena (Cooper) Shurtz.  Rebecca enjoyed traveling, watching KU Basketball, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs.  She especially loved her cats and was known to take in strays and rescues and give them a loving home.  On October 4, 2005, in...

Mary E. Bish age 90 of Albion, IN died Friday, October 29, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born May 3, 1931 in Cuzco, IN to Roscoe Edward and Gladys (Winegare) Tredway. Mary married Don Arthur Bish on August 4, 1956 in Goshen, IN and he died December 31, 2013. She worked in production at Johnson Controls and as a clerk at Walmart Pharmacy and Dollar General, retiring in 2010. She attended Trinity United Methodist Church – Albion, IN. Mary is survived by 2 sons: Michael...

AVILLA — Giles E. Ley, 66, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at his home in Avilla. He was born on July 12, 1955, in Garrett, Indiana, to John and Margaret (Marti) Ley. Giles took pride in owning and operating his excavation business for more than 40 years. He enjoyed time at the shooting range, as well as target practice at the shop. He also took pride in providing pyrotechnic displays for his family and friends. In his former years, he thoroughly enjoyed...

ALBION — Donald L. Bortner, 93, of Albion, Indiana, died on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville. He was born as the only son of George Dewey Bortner and Sylvia Ruth (Mills) Bortner, on the family farm, three miles east of Albion on March 14, 1928. He grew up on the farm and attended one room schools. His first four grades were at Jefferson Center School and the next four grades were at Rehoboth School. He attended High School at Albion Jefferson and...

AVILLA —LaDena S. Weaver, 57, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at her home in Avilla. She was born on April 10, 1964, in Kendallville, Indiana, to Robert Leatherman and Shirley (Carter) Garrison. They preceded her in death. LaDena held a Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana State University. She collected antique teddy bears for most of her life, and collected other "functional" antiques. She was a very loving and giving person. On Nov. 21,...