Desari (King) Burnham

 

Desari J. (King) Burnham, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 11:42 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born on June 18, 1982, to Donald King and Julia May Dyer in Wabash, Indiana.

Desari was a 2000 graduate of North Miami High School. She married Todd Burnham on March 13, 2026. Desari was currently working at Bob Evans in Wabash, Indiana. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and sitting around a campfire. She also enjoyed Fall and Halloween. Most of all she enjoyed her family and was very protective of them. She was a true Gemini. 

Desari is survived by her husband, Todd Burnham of Wabash, Indiana; her father, Donald (Marsha) King of Wabash, Indiana; her step-father, Michael Ihnen of Wabash, Indiana; one son, James (Cheyenne) Gault of Lafayette, Indiana; one daughter, Alison (Cole) Fritz of Lafayette, Indiana; two brothers, Nick King of Bourbon, Indiana, Ronald Ihnen of Wabash, Indiana; two sisters, Angela Bailey of North Manchester, Indiana, Liz Drudge of North Manchester, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her mother.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Alex Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to the family to help offset funeral expenses.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with the final arrangements for Desari Burnham

Amy L. Lauer

 

Amy L. Lauer, 89, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 1:28 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at her residence in Wabash, Indiana. She was born on March 18, 1937, to Harold M. and Jessie M. (Taylor) Nelson in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Amy was a 1955 graduate of Manuel High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. She married Samuel J. Butterbaugh in 1957, he passed away in 1973. She then married Harry Lutkenhaus in 1978, he passed away in 1980. She then married Larry Lauer in 1985, he passed away in 2007. Amy was a member of Richvalley Church in Wabash, Indiana. Amy's work over the years was comprised of secretarial work for numerous attorney's offices, along with the Wabash County Courthouse and also the Wabash Christian Church.

Amy is survived by two sons, Andrew Butterbaugh of Wabash, Indiana, and Joe (Caroline) Butterbaugh of Roann, Indiana; one stepson, Michael (Jean Ann) Lauer of North Manchester, Indiana; three daughters, Amanda (Michael) Mulheren of Red Bank, New Jersey, Casey (David) Sausaman of Wabash, Indiana, and Toni (Michael) Young of Punta Gorda, Florida; one step daughter, Deborah Tait of Roann, Indiana; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rick Nelson of Carmel, Indiana, Stephen Nelson of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her parents and one son, Peter Butterbaugh. 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Jack Suits officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be two hours prior to the service on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to FISH of Wabash, 123 W. Canal St., Wabash, Indiana 46992.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with the final arrangements for Amy Lauer.

Phillip Shafer

 

Phillip J. Shafer, 68, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his sister's residence in Wabash, Indiana. He was born on April 14, 1958, to John W. and Maxine C. (Tasch) Shafer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Phillip was a graduate of Manuel High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was married to Sheila Woolwine. She passed away on November 5, 2017. Phillip worked for Wilhelm Construction in Indianapolis for many years before retiring. He enjoyed spending time at the family lake house at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana. 

Phillip is survived by one son, Christian K. Shafer of Indianapolis, Indiana; one granddaughter, Lilly Shafer of Indianapolis, Indiana; one brother, Christopher Shafer of Genoa, Ohio; two sisters, Kathleen Hults of Wabash, Indiana and Jill (Bill) Cox of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. 

A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Culver Masonic Cemetery, S. Main Street, Culver, Indiana 46511 with Rev. Mary Beth Scheibel officiating. 

Preferred memorials can be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

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

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

Winfred Ray "Winnie" Duncan

 

Winfred Ray "Winnie" Duncan, 88, of Fort Wayne, formerly of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 7:18 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to Paul and Ruth (Ross) Duncan on September 22, 1938, in Wabash, Indiana.

Ray graduated from Wabash High School and received his bachelor's degree from the International College of Business in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He married Doris Jane Anderson on July 23, 1960. She passed away on December 25, 2015. Ray worked as a terminal manager for multiple different trucking companies. He and his wife were also the owner and operators of Hilltop Motel in Muncie, Indiana. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. Ray was a NASCAR fan and liked attending the Indianapolis 500.

Ray is survived by one son, Michael (Ronda) Duncan of Savannah, Georgia; two daughters, Lisa (Paul) Edsall of Muncie, Indiana, Patti (Jerry) Case of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one daughter, Barbara Duncan, and one granddaughter, Jennifer Barnell, one brother, and three sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be two hours prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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

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

Loretta L. Eltzroth

 

Loretta L. Eltzroth, 83, of Urbana, Indiana passed away at 1:33 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1019 Belle's Place of Wabash. She was born on October 11, 1943, to Chester and Marie (Cooper) Lawson in Wabash, Indiana.

Loretta married Larry Joe Eltzroth on May 28, 1966, he passed away on May 11, 2024. She worked a Peabody Retirement Community as a CNA before retiring.  Loretta attended Abundant Life Church in Wabash, Indiana. She was a member of Wabash Moose Lodge 1195 and the American Legion Post 15 Auxiliary. Loretta enjoyed dancing and tending to her flower garden. She also enjoyed going to the Moose Lodge with her husband Larry. 

Loretta is survived by two sons, Clary (Candi) Eltzroth of Urbana, Indiana, Todd (Melessa) Eltzroth of Roann, Indiana; three daughters, Rebecca Coldren of Wabash, Indiana, Amanda (Ben) Grawcock of Kendallville, Indiana, Stacy Eltzroth of Warsaw, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Lyle and Lester Lawson, two sisters, Linda Conley and Laura Lawson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Dustin Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mississinewa Cemetery in Somerset, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be two hours prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department, 55 North Washington Street, Urbana, Indiana 46990 in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

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

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

Cheryl A. Petro

 

Cheryl A. Petro, 83, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 7:19 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1019 Belle's Place of Wabash. She was born on July 27, 1943, to Wilbur and Anna (Manning) Pinkerton in Wabash, Indiana.

Cheryl was a 1961 graduate of Wabash High School. She married her husband Joseph Petro, on April 3, 1968. Cheryl grew up in the Wabash Church of the Brethren. She was a member of Lincolnville Community Church in Lincolnville, Indiana. Cheryl was an LPN working at Millers Merry Manor in Wabash for 18 years along with being a social services director before her retiring. She then became the executive director of Cheer till its closing. Then she volunteered for Hospice of Wabash.

Cheryl is survived by two sons, Joseph Michael (Megan) Petro of LaFontaine, Indiana, Joe (Patti) Grant of Bloomington, Indiana; one daughter, Amy (Randall) Bass of Waynesboro, Virginia; four grandchildren, Briana Bass, Grant Petro, Bailey Petro, and Madison Petro; one brother, Gary (Wendy) Pinkerton of Champaign, Illinois; one sister, Karen (Larry) Tatro of North Hampton, Massachusetts. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor Elesha Stuckey of Eleos Hospice officiating. Burial will follow at Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery in Somerset, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be one hour prior to the funeral service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to Eleos Hospice Care, 6255 Topsfield Lane, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

The family of Cheryl Petro would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of 1019 Belle's Place of Wabash and to Eleos Hospice Care of Fort Wayne for their special care.

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

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

George W. "J.R." Bentley Jr.

 

George W. "J.R." Bentley Jr., 84, of Warren, Indiana, formerly of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 11:29 a.m., on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Parkview Huntington Hospital in Huntington, Indiana. He was born on October 12, 1941, to George W. and Helen (Amsden) Bentley in Grant County, Indiana.

J.R. graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. He married Carol Jean Keiffer on June 17, 1960, at the Banquo Christian Church. J.R. retired from farming and from being a school bus driver for MSD for 30 years where he also drove the Southwood Knights to many sporting events. He was a member of Banquo Christian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon for many years. J.R. was a former 4-H leader in Wabash and Huntington County.

J.R. is survived by his wife, Jean Bentley of Warren, Indiana; four daughters, Jody (Greg) Friermood of Marion, Indiana, Jill (Denny) Owen of Cromwell, Indiana, Joni (Tim) Michael of Whitestown, Indiana, Jani (Jim) Brinson of Kokomo, Indiana; five grandchildren, Heidi (Kevin) Gusa of McKinney, Texas, Kyle (Caitlynn) Friermood of Pittsboro, Indiana, Kevin Friermood of Madison, Wisconsin, Ethan Michael, Evan Michael, both of Whitestown, Indiana; two great grandchildren, Grayson Friermood and Wrenley Friermood; one sister, Betty Zimmerman of Warren, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Margaret Bentley of Warren, Indiana; one brother-in-law Robert Keiffer of LaFontaine, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack Bentley, one sister, Mary "Bee" Ulrich.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor Harold Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Etna Cemetery in Mount Etna, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Preferred memorials can be directed to the Banquo Christian Church, 8924 S. 900 W35, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with George W. "J.R." Bentley Jr.'s final arrangements.

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

James Coldren

James W. Coldren, 91, passed away at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at his home in El Cajon, California. He was born on May 11, 1935, to James D. and Florence (Bright) Coldren in Richvalley, Indiana.

Fresh out of Linlawn High School, Jim enlisted in the Navy and embarked on his career and newly found travels. He quickly met his wife, Claudia Frazer, while stationed in California and raised 3 daughters in their 52 years together before her passing in 2009.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1974. Upon retirement, he and his family left Groton, Connecticut and settled in El Cajon to begin civilian life. He became an iconic fixture while employed at the San Diego Yacht Club and the Del Mar Fair.

He enjoyed traveling by van across the country with annual pilgrimages “back home to Indiana” to visit various statewide businesses, festivals, events, as well as family and many friends. Family members fondly recall that he never met a stranger. His last solo journey was in June, 2026.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Sheila Petticord, Idaho, and Susan Baldwin, California; grandsons, Douglas Winter and Brandon Baldwin, California; William and Corey Winter, Arkansas; proxy son, Frank Baldwin, California; sisters, Anita Scott, California, and Rachel Buzbee, Indiana; Robin Inman, New York; brothers, Rex Coldren, Montana, and Michael Coldren, New York; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews from New York to California.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Claudia; daughter, Sharon; brothers, Joseph (Joe), Paul, and Bruce.

Upcoming services will be at Riverside National Cemetery, California on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the American Legion or V.F.W. of Wabash.

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

 

Jerry Lee Watson, 75, of rural Wabash County, Indiana, passed away at 8:45 a.m., on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on December 19, 1950, to Paul and Martha (Rose) Watson in Randolph County, Indiana.

Jerry graduated from Randolph Southern High School in 1969. A machinist by trade, Jerry worked at Maul Brothers in Winchester, Indiana, before working at General Motors in Marion, Indiana. He married Peggy J. Williams on November 25, 1987; she died February 14, 2022. Jerry was an avid fan of NASCAR, the Indianapolis Colts, and Indiana Hoosiers. He enjoyed watching western movies, The Andy Griffith Show, and taking trips to Tennessee to visit his extended family.  Above all, Jerry loved his family and the time he spent with them.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Joe (Dinese) Watson of Lynn, Indiana, and Shawn Watson of Converse, Indiana; daughter, Jena (Robert) Sellers of Indianapolis, Indiana; adoptive daughter, Rose Watson of Indianapolis, Indiana; two grandchildren, Grace Watson and Tarissa Watson, both of Lynn, Indiana; and sister, Shirley Thurston of Richmond, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Peggy Watson, two brothers, Riley Watson and Dick Watson, and brother-in-law, Ivan Thurston. 

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F. Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Jerry Lee Watson's final arrangements.

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

 

Phyllis Madelene (Betten) France, 93, a resident of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 3:13 a.m., on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Waters of Wabash East in Wabash, Indiana. She was born on October 30, 1932, to Harry and Edna Lucile Betten, in North Manchester, Indiana.

Phyllis was a graduate of Central High School. She worked at and retired from Kroger egg. She married Jack D. France on August 19, 1950; he died April 16, 2005. Phyllis was a member of Wabash Christian Church. She loved traveling out West, camping, and making homemade noodles and apple dumplings. Above all, Phyllis loved her family and grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Sue Ann (Tom) Brainard of Wabash, Indiana; 6 grandchildren, Scott (Tammy) France of Wabash, Indiana, Brandon (Emily) France of Wabash, Indiana, Heather Brainard of Wabash, Indiana, Christopher Brainard of Wabash, Indiana, Candace (Chad) Montgomery of Decatur, Indiana, and Jared Oldenkamp (Tim Brown) of Indianapolis, Indiana; and 10 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons, Terry Dean (Karen) France and Gary Duane France, daughter, Sandra Whitmer, great granddaughter, Alyson Coburn, brothers Herman (Pat) Betten, Harry (Norman) Betten, and Omer (Violet) Betten, and sisters, Maxine (Earl) Harvey and Arleane (Bob) Pattee.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue., Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawns in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to the Wabash County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

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

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

 

 

Jacqueline A. Moomau, 69, of Wabash, Indiana, formerly of Livermore, California, passed away at 7:54 p.m., on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Autumn Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Wabash, Indiana. She was born on December 10, 1956, to Walter and Nancy (Larson) Brown in Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Jacqueline married Edward Allen Moomau on August 12, 1982; he died on February 10, 2018. She loved gambling, bingo, bowling, word searches, and collecting angels. Above all, she loved her family. 

Jacqueline is survived by her son, Raymond (Samantha) Moomau of Bourbon, Indiana; daughters, Lisa (John) Tuell of Wabash, Indiana, and Amanda (Daceion) Hire of Sturgis, Michigan; 11 grandchildren, Autumn Housman (Austin Caudill), Dale Cassidy, Violet Cassidy, Tyler Housman, Abigail Degroff, Noah Degroff, Gracie Tuell, Jaxon Tuell, Collin Degroff, Madilyn Hire, and Dalton Hire; and 2 great grandchildren, Mia Hostetler and Oaklynn Caudill. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Edward Allen Moomau, and brother, Steven Brown.

Per the wishes of the family there will be a private celebration of life at a later date.

Preferred memorials can be made to Encephalitis International. 

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

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

Beverly Jean (Staats) Urschel, 70, of Akron, Indiana, passed away at 11:25 a.m., on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at her residence. She was born on May 25, 1956, to Roy William and Beatrice "Betty" (Haaff) Staats in Vincennes, Indiana.

Beverly married Michael E. Urschel on October 15, 2010; he died August 4, 2024. She was a member of Dora Christian Church, loved gardening, and especially loved hummingbirds. 

Beverly is survived by her brothers, Douglas (Rose) Staats of Wabash, Indiana, Bill Staats, Darin (Carla) Staats, and Gary Staats, all of Fort Worth, Texas, and William Staats of Kentucky; sister, Melissa (Coy) Hawkins of Fort Worth, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Michael E. Urschel, son, Andy Spurgin, sister, Shirley Frank, and brothers, Larry and Albert Staats.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Mark Wisniewski officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F. Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Beverly Jean (Staats) Urschel's final arrangements.

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