Everett E. "Gene" Davis

Everett E. “Gene” Davis, 83, of Wabash, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at his residence.  He was born on April 16, 1937, in Indianapolis, to the late Albertus and Ethel Davis.  

Gene graduated from Bedford High School in 1955.  He married Norma Jean Viers on November 13, 1959.  He then married Anna McKillip; she passed away December of 2013.  He served in the United States Army and the United States Air Force.  Gene retired as foreman from PSI, currently Duke Energy.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 15, Wabash. 

Gene is survived by two sons, Bradley Davis and Michael (Amy) Davis, both of Wabash; daughter, Stephanie (Randall) Frye, of Wabash; seven grandchildren, Zachariah Davis, of Louisville, Kentucky, Jordan (Sephie) Frye, of New Haven, Seth (Lauren) Frye, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Austin (Haley) Frye, of Wabash, Peyton Frye, of Wabash, Isaak Davis, of Wabash and Isabel Davis, of Wabash, and one great-grandchild, Kallie Davis, of Louisville; sister Shirley (Harry) Brewer, of Marion.  He is preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. 

A private family memorial service will be held at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Preferred memorials are to the Parkinsons Foundation, 14350 Mundy Drive, Suite 800 #181, Noblesville, Indiana 46060, www.indianaparkinson.org. 

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

  

Donna I. Burchick

Donna I. Burchick, 77, of Amboy, passed away at 1:45 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021 at her residence with her loving husband, Michael, by her side.  

Donna was born on July 15, 1943 in Peru, Indiana to the late Lester and Edna May (Snyder) Johnston.  She was the oldest of five children: Johnny (Peggy) Johnston of Fort Wayne, Mary Johnston of Marion, Tom (Esther) Johnston of Texas and Sherry (Dave) Mossburg of Marion.

Donna was a graduate of Marion High School. She was employed at RCA in Marion and then retired from Bell Fibre Packaging, where she managed the design and purchase of wooden pallets. 

Donna attended St. Paul's Catholic Church.  She helped form a pro-life counseling group called, Alternatives to Abortion.  Donna used her home as an office to counsel pregnant women, do pregnancy test and show slides of growth stages of the fetus.  She helped save over 100 children from being aborted.  One day in a grocery store a woman with a toddler in hand came up to her and exclaimed to her child, "That's the woman who saved your life."

Donna married Michael Burchick in 1992.  They bought a log cabin in Amboy that was big enough to accommodate gatherings of family and friends for meals, card games, gardening, canning, music and a large Christmas village with hand-crafted buildings.  

She has twice survived cancer surgery, leaving her unable to bear more children.  Her love of children led her to become known as "Aunt Donna", whether or not there was a genetic relationship.  

Donna is survived by her husband Michael Burchick; son, Scott (Amy) Roark, of Florida and one granddaughter, Adysen Roark and step-grandson, Cameron Osborne.  She was preceded in death by one brother, Tom Johnston. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating.  Graveside internment will be at Gardens of Memory in Marion.  

Calling will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

Preferred memorials are to St. Bernard Catholic Elementary School, 191 N. Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  

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

Patricia A. Schipper

Patricia A. "Patty" Schipper, 84, of Wabash, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021 at her residence.  Patty was born on February 12, 1937, in Arkansas, to the late Homer and Bernice Snow. 

Patty was a Peru High School graduate.  She married James G. Schipper on July 27, 1956; he passed away on February 3, 2003.  Patty attended Faith Baptist Church in Wabash.  She loved shopping at Goodwill, but most importantly, Patty loved her family and especially her grandchildren. 

Patty is survived by her two daughters, Monica (Kevin) Coon, of Wabash and Stacy Jamerson, of Peru; four grandsons, Joshua (Nicole) Coon, Dustin Schipper, Blake Jamerson and Matthew Jamerson; three granddaughters, Jamie Coon, Linda Johnson and Michelle Johnson and four great-grandchildren, Trey Coon, Allie Coon, James Schipper and Makala Schipper.  She is preceded in death by one brother, Carl Snow and two sisters, Clara Siegfred and Erlene Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Burial will follow at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash. 

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. 

Preferred memorials are to Lighthouse Mission of Wabash County, 806 N Cass St, Wabash, IN, 46992. 

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

Orlin L. Miller

Orlin L. Miller, 96, of LaFontaine, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Heritage Point of Huntington.  Orlin was born in Wabash County on February 4, 1925 to the late Otto and Elsa (Ridgeway) Miller.  Orlin married Lavada Miller on May 14, 1948.  They were married for 72 years. 

Orlin graduated from LaFontaine High School and served during World War II in the United States Army.  Orlin worked as a grain and dairy farmer and an electrician.  He served on the Board of Directors for Wabash County REMC for 21 years.  

Orlin attended Lincolnville United Methodist Church. He had attended there since he was 8 years old and taught Sunday school for over 20 years. Orlin enjoyed country gospel music and played the guitar.  As a family, they played various instruments and traveled around to different nursing homes and festivals in the Wabash, LaFontaine and Marion communities.  He and his wife Lavada enjoyed going to the Bob Evans Festival and to dulcimer festivals.  

Orlin's family expressed "What a great loss for us all, but what an inspiration he has been."

Orlin is survived by his wife, Lavada; son, Dennis (Patricia) Miller, of LaFontaine; daughter, Linda (David) Habegger, of Fort Wayne; granddaughter, Christi (Steve) Pieper, of North Carolina; step-grandson, Mark Habegger, of Fort Wayne and two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Aly Pieper. 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will have a private family funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor Bill Rapp officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Lincolnville United Methodist Church, 5847 E. 500 S., Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

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

Ronald Lee Garlits

Ronald Lee Garlits, 78, of Wabash, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. 

Ron was born on April 13, 1942, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to the late Rueben and Helen (Bunner) Garlits. He married Dolores Patterson, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash, on November 17, 1962.

Ron served in the United States Air Force.  He retired as a loan officer from Beacon Credit Union. Ron also worked as a sales manager for Homier Distributing and as a regional manager for World's Finest Chocolates. His most recent business venture was as co-owner of Geezer's Old and New Furniture Store in Wabash. 

Ron graduated from Piketon High School in Ohio and later in life he earned a degree from Indiana University of Kokomo.  Ron played in a band called God's Country.  He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus in Wabash and DeMolay in Waverly, Ohio. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Dolores; two sons, Robert Garlits and James (Tawnya) Garlits, both of Wabash; one brother, Robert (Lenna) Garlits, of Waverly, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Aaron (Britni) Garlits, Sierra Garlits, Megan Garlits, Steven Garlits and Jacob Garlits.  He is preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Kevin Garlits.

Mass of Christian Burial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating.  Graveside internment will follow at Falls Cemetery in Wabash. 

Calling hours will be on Thursday, February 18, 2021, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Recitation of the Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 or to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

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

Lulu M. Baker

Lulu M. Baker, 78, of Wabash, passed away at 3:32 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Miller's Merry Manor, East in Wabash.  She was born on February 4, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Warren L. and Francis L. (Pierce) Hammack.

Lulu married William M. Baker on July 29, 1961; he passed away on July 8, 2011. Lulu retired as a medical office manager in Marion.

Lulu is survived by her daughters, Kelly Baker of Wabash and Chris Bruss; grandchildren, Cassie (Nathan) Fletcher, William Miller, Nickolas (Sara) Bruss, Brandon (Kala) Miller and Angel (Levi) Staats and eight great-grandchildren.

Per Lulu's request, there will be no services.  A priviate graveside service will take place at Friends Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Preferred memorials are to 85 Hope Clinic, P.O. Box 27, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

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

Russell E. Ross

Russell E. Ross, 89, of Wabash, passed away at 2:29 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Parkview Wabash Hospital.  He was born in Wabash on February 1, 1932 to the late William and Ladema (Bowman) Ross, Sr.

Russell served in the United States Army serving in Korea from 1952 to 1954.  He married Joan C. Vogt on September 8, 1961 in Elkton, Maryland.  Russell retired as an electrician for IBEW in Chicago and he was a member of the Local 134 IBEW. 

Russell is survived by his wife, Joan; one daughter, Shirley (Tom) Staniford of Wabash; one son, Russell (Cynthia) Ross, Jr. of Wabash; one sister, Laura Wilburn of Andrews; two grandchildren, Christopher Ross and Jonathan Ross and three great-grandchildren, Leila Ross, Conner Ross and Savannah Ross.  He was preceded in death by four brothers and nine sisters.

Per Russell's wishes, there will be no public services.  The family is having a private celebration of life at their home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

Preferred memorials are to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

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

Raymond T. Daniels

Raymond T. Daniels, 74, of Wabash, passed away at 6:04 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Parkview Wabash Hospital.  He was born on March 8, 1946, in Majestic, Kentucky, to the late Raymond and Bessie (O'Quinn) Daniels.

Raymond spent many years working in the coal mines in Kentucky and West Virginia.  After moving to Wabash, he worked as a janitorial supervisor at MJV in Wabash.  Raymond was a member at Southside Freewill Baptist Church and of the NRA.  

Raymond is survived by two daughters, Leona Grier of Wabash and Selena Daniels of Huntingdon, Tennessee; one sister, Josie Spangler of Bee, Virginia; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. 

Per Raymond's request, there will be no services at this time.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

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

Irene M. Schaaf

Irene M. Schaaf, 97, of Wabash, passed away at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Parkview Wabash Hospital.  

Irene married Lewis H. Schaaf on April 7, 1952; he passed away on December 19, 1990.  She was a member of the Washington Street Wesleyan Church in Wabash.

Irene is survived by three sons, Gary Schaaf of Freemont, Indiana, Dennis Schaaf of Warsaw, and Ron Schaaf of Laketon; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by three sons, Jim Schaaf, Ken Schaaf and Steven Schaaf; one brother and one sister.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Burial will follow at Half Acre Cemetery in Urbana. 

There will be calling for family and friends one hour prior to the funeral service, starting at 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. 

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