Norma Jean Bechtold

 

Norma Jean Bechtold, 93, of rural Wabash, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 8:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Wellbrooke of Wabash, surrounded by her family. She was born December 23, 1932 in Wabash, Indiana, to Arthur Glenn and Osie L. (Brane) Cox.

She was a 1951 graduate of Linlawn High School. Norma Jean married her sweetheart Max Dewayne Bechtold at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Wabash, on June 30, 1954. Together they were farmers and raised Chester White pigs. They shared 57 beautiful years together before he preceded her in death on December 1, 2011.

She was a member of Wabash County Farm Bureau, Good Neighbors Home Extension Club and a dedicated lifelong member of Asbury Country Church. Norma Jean was well known around town as “The Avon Lady,” proudly selling Avon for 60 years! She lovingly supplied Avon chapstick and her famously delicious “Grandma’s corn pops” to everyone she knew! She enjoyed riding on her Gator, hosting family and friends at the ponds, tending to her garden, and relaxing on her porch swing with a cup of coffee. She’s not only famously known for her corn pops, but also as a TV Personality during her 2021 debut on America’s Funniest Home Video (Episode #3116) where you’re sure to get a laugh out of her grandkids scaring her. Tackling life with unwavering strength and grace, she was a proud 12-year breast cancer survivor. Norma Jean’s sweet, cheerful demeanor will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. Norma Jean and Max were an incredible example of genuine love for family and the Lord. She adored spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “Grandma NJ” was always present at their school, sporting, and life events as well as the “everyday” moments. She had a way of making everything special and focused on creating countless memories for her loved ones.

Norma Jean is the mother of Denise (Alan) Siepker and Brian (Teresa) Bechtold; Grandma of Kyndra (Adam) Baldwin, Kimberly (Eric) Lundmark, Cedric (Lauren) Bechtold and expected great-granddaughter Bechtold, Kelli (Devin) Dale, Devin (Allyson) Bechtold, and Makayla Bechtold; and great-grandmother of Bailey (Levi) Winget, Cole Lundmark, Haley Jean Dale, all of Wabash. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Cox.

Funeral services will be held at Asbury Country Church, corner of Dora Road and 200 E, Wabash, on Thursday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. with Alan Siepker, Mike Bullick, and Bob Pefley officiating, with one hour visitation prior to service. Burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery, Lincolnville. Friends may call 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20th at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honor the memory of Norma Jean, memorial contributions may be made to the Asbury Country Church. The family would like to sincerely thank Parkview Hospice and Wellbrooke of Wabash staff for their loving care.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Norma Jean Bechtold's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Karen S. Guenin, 79, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 8:35 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Autumn Ridge Rehabilitation Centre in Wabash, Indiana. She was born on August 22, 1946, to Elmer C. Schaper and Ellen (Sroufe) Schaper in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Karen was a 1964 graduate of Marion High School. She married Jon W. Guenin on November 26, 1964; he died on February 16, 2020. Karen received her nursing degree from Indiana University Kokomo and worked at Vernon Manor in Wabash until her retirement. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Marion, where she was involved with Awana, teaching children's bible school. Karen enjoyed reading, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. She was also very active in the LaFontaine community. 

Karen is survived by her sons, Jon E. Guenin of Lafayette, Indiana, and Ethan W. Guenin of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter, Michelle E. (Guadalupe) Sanchez of Marion, Indiana; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Terry (Phyllis) Schaper of Demotte, Indiana; and two sisters, Pamela (Doyle) Young of Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Debbie (Phil) Bennett of Edwardsburg, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Heiddii K. Guenin, grandson, Guadalupe Sanchez, and sister Janet Schaper. 

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion, Indiana 46952 with Pastor Frederick Hearn officiating. Burial will follow at Marion I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 2225 S. Lincoln Blvd., Marion, Indiana 46953. 

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church.

Preferred memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Karen S. Guenin's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

 

Eva Mae Garrett, 92, of Marion, Indiana passed away at 2:35 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at her residence. She was born to Herbert L. and Garnet (Sharp) Enyeart on March 8, 1934, in Treaty, Indiana.

Eva was a 1952 graduate of LaFontaine High School. She married David Harrison on July 15, 1966; he died on December 17, 1980. Eva then married Lawrence (Larry) Garrett on July 8, 1996. She worked at General Tire for 17 years and Wagner for 18 years. Eva also worked at Dana for 6 1/2 years, Wabash Marion Sears for 12 years, and volunteered at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana for 29 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 15, VFW, and the Wabash County Genealogical Society. 

Eva is survived by her husband, Lawrence Garrett of Marion, Indiana; two sons, Mark W. Anderson of Wabash, Indiana and Gary S. Anderson of Urbana, Indiana; three stepdaughters, Tina (Myron) Sites of North Manchester, Indiana, Diana (Daren) Maierle of Warsaw, Indiana, and Robyn (Bob) Treska of Huntington, Indiana; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lamoine Enyeart of Marion, Indiana, and Estel (Linda) Enyeart of Treaty, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Herman Enyeart and Larry Enyeart, and sister, Shirley Barlow.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940. Burial will follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Eva Mae Garrett's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

 

Junior Ansel, 75, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Parkview Randallia in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to Bud Delbert and Dussie (Perry) Ansel on July 22, 1950, in Garrett, Kentucky.

Junior is survived by three brothers, Ray (Janet) Jacobs of Wabash, Indiana, Dennis (Ruthann) Ansel of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Charles Chaffin of Wabash, Indiana; two sisters, Shirley (Carl) Johnson of Dema, Kentucky, and Aileen (Fred) Click Wishman of Huntington, Indiana; four sons, James (Kem) Crager of Urbana, Indiana, Dennis (Stacey) Crager, Michael Crager, and Terry (Poteet) Crager, all of Kentucky; two daughters, Shelley Rhoades and Christy Swango, both of Wabash, Indiana. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barbara (Clupper) Ansel; she died on June 6, 2019, sisters Ethel Faye Howard and Loraine Watkins, and brothers, Carl Ansel and Walter Ansel.

Per Junior's request there will be no services.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Junior Ansel's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

 

Gary D. Wood, 84, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 11:01 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Autumn Ridge Healthcare Center in Wabash, Indiana. He was born to Russell C. and Nedra (Siders) Wood on April 19, 1941, in Marion, Indiana.

Gary was a 1959 graduate of Marion High School. He married his high school sweetheart of 66 years, Cece M. Boxell, on October 2, 1959, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Marion, Indiana. Gary worked as a print pressman at Prototype in Marion, Indiana. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Lodge #533 in LaFontaine, Indiana, and Grace Community Church in Marion, Indiana. He served on the Wabash County Alcohol Board and was a past member of the LaFontaine Town Board. Gary enjoyed woodworking, tending to his garden, a good joke, and fishing. He loved doing things for the people in his community, always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved to attend his kids, and grandkids, sporting events and school activities. Most of all, Gary loved his family and was deeply proud of them.

Gary is survived by his wife, Cece M. Wood of LaFontaine, Indiana; two sons, Gregg (Denise) Wood of LaFontaine, Indiana and Mark (Mary) Wood of Wabash, Indiana; four grandchildren, Evan Wood of Wabash, Indiana; Megan (Chris) Anderson of Columbia City, Indiana; Nate (Randa) Wood of Wabash, Indiana, and Michael (Lauren) Wood of Van Buren, Indiana; and nine great-grandchildren, Khloye Wood, Khyla Wood, Shaylee Jacobs, Khyndal Wood, Easton Korporal, Kori Korporal, Lainey Wood, Brigham Anderson, and Brecken Anderson. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Janene Leaming.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Tim Mansbarger officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to Grace Community Church, 1810 E. Bradford Pike, Marion, Indiana 46952 or Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Gary D. Wood's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

 

Kathy Jean Bowman, 78, of Somerset, Indiana, passed away at 4:30 a.m., on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born on February 9, 1948, to Harold and Ruth (McPheeter) Dirrim. 

Kathy graduated from Wabash High School.  She worked at Markhon in Wabash but retired from Village Pantry after working there for many years. She was a member of Christian Heritage Church in Wabash, Indiana. Kathy enjoyed cooking and never met a stranger. Most of all she loved her family and the time spent with them. 

Kathy is survived by her son, Brad (Debra) Green of New Haven, Indiana; daughters, Angela Brown of Warsaw, Indiana, and Janelle (Will) Foust of Roann, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Sue Ann Irwin. 

Visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, IN 46992.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Kathy Jean Bowman's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

 

Pamela "Pam" K. Little, 83, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 8:12 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Wabash in Wabash, Indiana. She was born on January 30, 1943, to Ammond and Helen (Stafford) Clark in North Manchester, Indiana. 

Pam married Henry E. Little in 1992; he died on April 7, 2000. She worked at General Tire, United Technology, and retired from Wabash County Hospital in 2008. Pam enjoyed crocheting, going out to eat dinner, and playing cards. She loved her dogs immensely and was the biggest prankster, ever. She was a member of the Wabash Church of the Brethren and the Eagles Lodge of Wabash, Indiana. 

Pam is survived by her two daughters, Brenda (Bryan) Easterday of Wabash, Indiana, and Barbara (Joe Purnell) Brown of Peru, Indiana; five grandchildren, Andrea Weitzel, Erica (Jarrid Baldwin) Barlow, Angel (Bill) Miller, Zach (Jasmine Whitmer) Bever, and Levi (Christina Lehman) Barlow; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Roberta Eubank of Wabash, Indiana, and Deborah Mills of North Manchester, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

Visitation for friends and family will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Private graveside service to follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery with Pastor Lisa Fike officiating. 

Preferred memorials can be made to the Wabash Church of the Brethren, 645 Bond St., Wabash, Indiana 46992 or the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Pamela "Pam" K. Little's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com